Best of Israel "First Class"

Slower Paced Itinerary for the Mobility Challenged

10 Day Inspirational Tour

May 1-10, October 23 – November 1, 2012













Day 1: Departure
Today we embark on our Journey to the Holy Land. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…tomorrow you will be where Jesus walked! 

Day 2: Arrive Israel
Arrive in Israel at Ben Gurion Airport where we will be met by our transfer agent. We travel northward to our hotel for one night in the coastal area near Tel Aviv. The remainder of the day is free to walk along the Mediterranean, relax, and have dinner. The time is right for a personal devotional with the sunset over the “Great Sea.”  Meet your Israeli guide, enjoy a time of prayer of thanks for safety and the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of the "Promised Land," and a good night’s rest.

Day 3: Caesarea, Megiddo & Nazareth
After breakfast, we travel by private motor coach along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. We’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre and aqueduct, and then journey on to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Next we travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, the Armageddon Battlefield, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization. We drive through the area of Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next two nights in the Tiberias area on the Sea of Galilee.

Day 4: Capernaum, Caesarea Philippi & Mount of BeatitudesFollowing breakfast, our morning travels take us to Caesarea Philippi, a place of pagan sacrifice, the site of Peter’s Confession and likely to be where Jesus commissioned the disciples.  In Capernaum we will visit the ruins of an ancient synagogue and Peter’s home. Then we travel on to the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes and the Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea. After viewing the ancient Fisherman Boat at an operating Kibbutz, we enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Sea of Galilee (dependant on the water level at time of cruise).  A brief scripture reading and devotional on board brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples concluding a wonderful day.

Day 5: Jordan River Baptism Site, Beth Shean & Dead Sea
We begin our day with a visit to the Jordan River Baptismal site. Next we travel southward to Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, the most magnificent archeological site in Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys. Like Jericho, it has been almost continuously occupied throughout history. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the Philistines hanged their bodies on the walls of Beit-Shean. During the intertestamental period, the city was renamed the "Scythopolis."  Archaeologists have uncovered a huge number of ruins of the Roman/Byzantine Scythopolis. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis - a league of ten cities sharing Greek culture and government. Following the fertile Jordan Valley southward, your guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey,” the Kibbutz system and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho, view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world, before coming to our lodging for the evening at the Dead Sea – the lowest place on earth. Spend time in the special spa before dinner.

Day 6: Masada, Ein Gedi, Abraham's Tent 
Our day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top fortress of Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous zealot stand. Afterwards we proceed to an overlook of Ein Gedi, "Spring of the Goat," an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is where King David hid from Saul, and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. This afternoon we will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent, where we enjoy a trip back in time: a reliving of life in the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, and authentic food. Our lodging for the next four nights will be in Jerusalem.

Day 7: Around Jerusalem, Bible Times, Holocaust Museum
A detailed circle driving tour including many sights in the various sections of Jerusalem will provide insight into the history, industry, cultural diversity, and daily challenges of this great city.  An interesting and educational time awaits us at the Israeli Museum. Enjoy collections of centuries old Israeli artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls and a then a guided overview of an accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem will help to prepare you for what you will experience in the following days. We conclude the day with a visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum, for a needed reminder of what the Jews have suffered as a people.

Day 8: Jesus' Steps, the Last Days - Messianic Lecture
Today we are where Jesus walked; beginning the day with a panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from atop the Mount of Olives and then the Garden of Gethsemane. How many have wished to be whisked back in time to get a glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? To be among the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and take time for personal reflection is important here. We see from a distance the Judgment Hall of Pilate, hear of those who conspired against Him and are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation.  From here we will also be able to see the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen's Gate and St. Ann’s Church. This evening we enjoy a special lecture by a local believer prior to dinner, giving us a perspective of Messianic life in Israel.

Day 9: Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb, Pentecost
While passing along parts of the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering along with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.  Our guide will explain the differing opinions on the route that Christ was led. The actual place of crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study. Our climax of the day is the area of Golgotha (place of the skull) and the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise. This afternoon we view the Southern Wall Excavations. This southern side of The Temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs, which led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard have been unearthed along with the purification pools. From here Jesus entered the Temple Mount and drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploiting the people. It is also likely that this is the place that Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. We will enjoy a challenge from God’s Word and a song before an optional time this afternoon.  Free time will be allowed for last minute shopping this afternoon.

Important Note: Although the itinerary above obviously emphasizes the spiritual aspect of this marvelous country, our guides are also experts in and passionate about the miracle of the return of the Jews and the restoration of the state of Israel. This fact, along with many modern day topics (military, politics, education, and other cultural aspects), will be woven into the commentary in order to give you well rounded information.

When visiting sites that have a more difficult terrain, our guide will provide commentary from an overview position followed by free time.

Day 10: Home
A very early morning departure for the Tel Aviv Airport for our flight homeward will allow for arrival home by early afternoon.


 

Price Per Person Double Occupancy

Dates

Land Only
No Transfers

May, October         

$1785

Single Supplement:


$587.00

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Price Includes: Smaller group size (15-25 persons), 4 star lodging, expert Biblical guides, admissions, sightseeing, buffet breakfast and dinner daily.

Due to a lack of accessibility at many sites, this is not a tour for persons in wheelchairs. It is required that each physically challenged person must travel with someone who is capable of assisting with his/her specific needs. Physical assistance cannot be provided by our staff in Israel.

Not Included: Flight departures (low cost fares available nationwide), most lunches, gratuities.

Please Note: Israel gratuities will be paid in advance ($80 per person will be added to your final invoice for gratuities to be paid to driver, guide, and hotel staff while in Israel).

Deposit Required: $300 per person will reserve your place.  A $100 service fee will be charged for cancellation at any time in addition to our normal payment and cancellation policy. 



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Yes, we are operating our tours!

All of our tours over the past 21 years have returned without a hitch, every person was blessed, they were stirred in their commitment to Christ and not once did anyone feel threatened or in danger.

If you are praying for peace in Israel, we do believe that to be Biblical, although we do not expect the situation there to improve until the Messiah's return. Please, do not make a reservation with us based on the hopes of a calm future. If you are interested in the special blessings only available in Israel, we will take you there and back and probably without a hint of trouble. Our expert drivers and guides will keep you from public areas that could present a problem and treat you to the riches of Israel as a special guest.

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