Dear potential traveler and friend,
As God leads and provides for you, I welcome you to consider joining us for one of our 2 next Israel tours (sorry, the March tour is filled with 43 people). The itinerary is currently listed for the July,2010 Tour as well as the October/November,2010 Tour. To reserve your spot on either tour, please submit a completed registration form and your deposit of $500. Sign up early, for the last 5 tours were full. Space is limited and is on a first-come, first serve basis.
You can request a colored brochure of the tour as well as other tour information by contacting Pastor John:
Email:
Jsdelancey@comcast.net or PastorJohn@Stoneridgecc.org
Phone:
(412) 999-5697 (cell)
(412) 486-7778 (church)
(412) 486-8111 (home)
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* The Itinerary for the July, 2010 Tour:
July 14-25, 2010
(This summer tour will allow for some unique experiences because of the weather and the longer
days. During our free day in Jerusalem, an optonal archaeological exeperience
is planned - sifting through 1st and 2nd Temple remains from the Temple Mount!
Only 25 seats are available for this tour!)
DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, JULY 14 - DEPART NORTH AMERICA
We meet at the Atlanta Airport for our non-stop flight to Tel Aviv.
DAY 2: THURSDAY, JULY 15 - ARRIVE TEL AVIV
We arrive in Tel Aviv where we are met by our agent who assists us through customs and security. We are then transferred to our hotel in the Tel Aviv area. After dinner at the hotel, we have our first "orientation" group meeting, helping us prepare for the exciting days of touring ahead!
DAY 3: FRIDAY, JULY 16 - THE "LOWLANDS" (SHEPHELAH) OF JUDAH, NEGEV, DEAD SEA
We begin our day by drive to Beit Guvrin to see a few of the famous “bell caves”. From here, we stop briefly at Bethshemesh, where the Ark of the Covenant was returned (I Sam. 6). Next, we travel to the Elah Valley where David fought Goliath and reenact the scene in our imaginations as we listen to I Samuel 17. From Tel Azekah, we see before our very eyes how this famous battle took place! Continuing through the "Shephelah" (lowlands), it's on to the city of Lachish which was conquered by the Assyrians. Here, we see where the famous "Lachish Letters" were discovered. Traveling south to the Negev, we visit Beersheba. Here we see the well and gate structure, the rounded streets, and a typical 4 room Israelite house. We enjoy overnight in a Bedouin Village. From here, we drive down to the lowest place on earth and enjoy a "float" in the Dead Sea after dinner.
DAY 4: SATURDAY, JULY 17 - WILDERNESS OF JUDAH - MASADA, ENGEDI, JERICHO, BETHSHEAN
We begin the day with an early morning ascent by cable car to Masada where the Jewish zealots resisted the Romans for three years after the Jerusalem Temple was destroyed. We then drive to Ein Gedi, hiking into the valley to enjoy the waterfalls. From here it's on to Jericho "where the walls came tumbling down" and look over to the Mount of Temptation where Jesus spent forty days and forty nights being tempted by Satan. We end the day at Bethshean, one of the Decapolis cities of the New Testament. From here’s it’s on to the Sea of Galilee which we make our home for the next three nights. Overnight in Tiberias.
DAY 5: SUNDAY, JULY 18 - THE SEA OF GALILEE AREA - GOLAN HEIGHTS
We start the day by visiting Kursi on the east side of the Sea of Galilee, the place where Jesus met the Geresene demoniac. From here we explore the excavations at Bethsaida, the hometown of Peter, Andrew and Philip. Next, we visit Hazor, a city taken by Joshua. It is the largest site in all of Israel. We continue driving north through the Golan Heights to Dan and its refreshing springs, one of the sources of the River Jordan. Close by, our next stop is Nimrod, a Crusader castle with a great view. Those wanting to hike to the top will be given the opportunity. We end the day by rafting down the Jordan River by driving along the Upper Golan Heights. Overnight in Tiberias.
DAY 6: MONDAY, JULY 19 - THE SEA OF GALILEE AREA - BAPTISM IN JORDAN
We begin the day with a boat ride from Tiberias to Nof Ginnosar, enjoying a quiet and peaceful worship service together. Upon landing, we also see the "Jesus boat" from the first century AD., a vessel found here along the shores of Galilee in 1986. Reading from Matthew 5 and the Sermon on the Mount, we travel to the Mount of Beatitudes. Close by is Capernaum, the home center of ministry for Jesus here in Galilee. Following lunch, we travel to Chorazin where an impressive synagogue stands. We head to the cliffs of Arbel for a spectacular view of the Sea of Galilee. We end the day by renewing baptismal vows in the Jordan River at Yardent. Over night in Tiberias.
DAY 7: TUESDAY, JULY 20 - LOWER GALILEE - MEDITERRANEAN COAST
The day begins by driving to Sepporis, city near Nazareth. The ruins are impressive here, especially the mosaics. Next, we cross the Jezreel Valley and stop at the Springs of Harod, where Gideon fought the Midianites. Nearby is the tel of Jezreel, where Ahab’s wife Jezebel lost here life. Passing by Megiddo we read from Rev. 16 about the "valley of Armageddon." We continue to Acco to the ruins of this Crusader coastal city along the Mediterranean Sea. Driving through Haifa, we continue south to Caesarea further down the coastline, with its Herodion theater, hippodrome, palace, port and aqueduct. Peter, Paul, Philip, Cornelius and Pontius Pilate all journeyed through Caesarea. We drive up to the holy city of Jerusalem. An optional "orientation walk" takes place after dinner. Overnight in Jerusalem.
DAY 8: WEDNESDAY, JULY 21 - JERUSALEM - MT. OF OLIVES - BETHLEHEM - HERODIUM - ISRAEL MUSEUM
Our day begins with a ride to the top of the Mt. of Olives. From here, our first view of the entire city is one to be remembered! Here, we read the Palm Sunday narrative and the prophetic words from Zechariah 14! We walk down the Mt. of Olives. We visit the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations.
Next, we head to Bethlehem. We will pass by Rachel’s tomb on the outskirts of Bethlehem, and visit the Church of the Nativity and Shepherd’s Field. Leaving Bethlehem, we will nearby Herodium, one of Herod’s palaces. It was the place of Herod’s burial. We end the day by heading back to western Jerusalem where you will be fascinated by a visit to the Israel Museum and the model of Jerusalem (1 to 50 scale model of Herodian Jerusalem as it would have appeared in Jesus’ time). Here we will also see the Shrine of the Book where some of the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed. Overnight in Jerusalem, with an optional walk after dinner.
DAY 9: THURSDAY, JULY 22 - JERUSALEM - TEMPLE MOUNT - OLD CITY - CITY OF DAVID EXCAVATIONS
Our day begins with a visit to the Temple Mount. We will enter Jerusalem through the Dung Gate, and walk to the holiest site in the whole Jewish world, the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) of Herod’s temple. Beyond the wall lies the 35-acre temple area purchased by King David (2 Sam. 24:18–25). On this site now stands the magnificent Dome of the Rock (the third holiest shrine in all Islam) and the El-Aksa Mosque. From the temple area, we make our way to St. Stephen’s Gate, St. Anne’s Crusader Church, Pools of Bethesda, the Sister of Zion Convent (to see the Pavement where Jesus stood as he was being tried by Pilate), Ecco Homo Arch, and then follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the ancient Cardo. We visit the Burnt House in the Jewish Quarter, a home destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D. During the noon hour, we will visit the Shoreshim Shop, where Moshe, an Orthodox Jew, will share an informative talk about his Jewish faith.
In the afternoon, we will visit the "South Wall excavations" of the Temple where we see the collapsed massive Herodian stones on the Roman street where Jesus would have walked as well as the original southern steps that led to the Temple. We also will visit the City of David excavations and walk through Hezekiah's Tunnel (II Chr. 32). Overnight in Jerusalem, with another optional walk after dinner.
DAY 10: FRIDAY, JULY 23 - APPROACHES TO JERUSALEM - GARDEN TOMB
The day begins by visiting a few sites outside Jerusalem. First, we visit Bethany, where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Next, we head north to Nebi Samuel, the traditional location for the burial place of Samuel the prophet. The site is located on the ruins of a Crusader fortress. Next, we travel to the western approaches to Jerusalem as we visit the traditional site for Emmaus, recalling the resurrection narrative. From here, it’s on to Radar Hill and Kibbutz Ayalon where we hear amazing stories from the 1948 War of Independence.
We end the day back within Jerusalem for a tour and special communion service at the Garden Tomb. We return for dinner and an optional walk. Overnight in Jerusalem.
DAY 11: SATURDAY, JULY 24 - JERUSALEM - FREE DAY - ARCHAEOLOGICAL "SIFTING" PROJECT OPTION
This is a free day in Jerusalem, giving time to sleep in or explore Jerusalem on your own. Additional sites to explore would be Mt. Zion, the Upper Room, Caiphas’ House, and a unique archaeological sifting project (sifting through 1st and 2nd remains discarded from the Temple Mount). After a farewell dinner, we leave for the airport for our night flight home.
DAY 12: SUNDAY, JULY 25 - FLIGHT BACK TO THE STATES
We arrive back in the States following a wonderful life-changing trip, seeing new sites and old as we re-live the stories of the Bible!
* The Itinerary for the October/November, 2010 Tour:
October 23 - November 4, 2010
DAY 01 – DEPART FOR CAIRO
We depart the U.S. in route to Cairo, Egypt.
DAY 02 – ARRIVE IN CAIRO
We arrive in Cairo this afternoon. We transfer to our hotel over the beautiful Nile River for dinner and overnight in Cairo.
DAY 03 – CAIRO / GREAT PYRAMIDS & SPHINX / SAKKARA Today's sightseeing will include a tour of the great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Today's sightseeing will include a tour of the great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Then a visit to the fantastic Egyptian Museum containing the treasures of King Tutankhamen. The afternoon includes sightseeing of the Necropolis of Sakkara containing the funerary monuments from various periods of Egyptian history. View the Step Pyramid of King Zoser. Optional night walk along Nile River. Overnight in Cairo.
DAY 04 – CAIRO / LUXOR
/ CAIRO
We board an
early flight for a spectacular day in Luxor, 500 miles south of Cairo.
Upon arrival, we will visit the Valley of the Kings and Queens on the
west bank of the Nile River. After lunch, the afternoon excursion to
east bank of the Nile to see the famous Temples of Karnak and Luxor. We
then fly back to Cairo and overnight there.
DAY 05 – CAIRO / NORTHERN SINAI / TABA BORDER / ELAT
We travel by bus and head east towards the Israeli/Egyptian border of Taba. We cross under the Suez Canal and travel along the northern region of the Sinai Desert. We cross the border into Israel. Once in Elat, we will enjoy the Underwater Observatory of the Red Sea. Overnight in Elat.
DAY 06 – SOUTHERN BORDER CROSSING IN JORDAN / DAY TRIP TO PETRA / ELAT
Early in the morning we cross into Jordan. We meet our Jordanian agents and guide there for a wonderful day in Petra, the "rose red city half as old as time." This ancient Edomite and Nabatean capital is an amazing experience to encounter! We'll see the Spectacular "city of the dead," with its famed gorge, ancient streets, Temples, dwelling places and tombs, carved in the solid rock. Then we arrive at El-Ji Post, and continue the one-mile journey on horseback, or walk, passing through the famous Siq (the natural gorge) and arrive at the Treasury. In the afternoon, you wil have the opportunity to visit Roman Temple Ruins of Roman City, Nabatean Judgment Hall, Palace Tombs, famous Urn Temple, and Roman Amphitheater. An optional walk up to the High Place will be made available. At the close of the day, we drive back to the southern border, crossing back into Israel. Overnight once again in Elat.
DAY 07 – MASADA / BETH SHEAN / TIBERIAS
This morning we drive north to Masada, our first stop of the day. At Masada, we take the cable car to the top, visiting Herod’s mountain bunker and the last stronghold of the Jewish revolt against Rome. After we descend back from the top of Masada by cable car we re-board our bus and drive north along the Western shores of the Dead Sea. From here, we continue our drive along the coastline of the Dead Sea. We continue north along the Jordan Valley. We stop at Bethshean, a city mentioned in the Old Testament in regard to King Saul’s death. The largeness of the Roman city of Bethshean will impress you, complete with a columned Roman street, mosaics, and a theater. Overnight in Tiberias.
DAY 08 - SEA OF GALILLE – GOLAN HEIGHTS
We begin the morning with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. We sail to Nof Ginnosar, the location of a 1st century fishing boat similar to what was used in Jesus’ day. We then visit Capernaum where we visit the synagogue. We continue to Tabgha (short for Heptapagon, "seven springs") to view the mosaics in the Church of the Loaves and Fishes. We then ascend the Mt. of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the “Sermon on the Mount,” we take time to reflect upon His kingdom principles. In the afternoon, we head north to the Golan Heights. We travel on an ancient trade route as we pass Hazor and then go on Dan. Here, we walk along the nature preserve path, to the ancient city of Dan. Close by is Caesarea Philippi (Banias), where Peter answered Jesus' question, "Who do you say that I am?" Our route then takes us back on top of the Golan Heights to the east side of the Sea of Galilee. Overnight in Tiberias.
DAY 09 – TIBERIAS / JORDAN RIVER BAPTISM / EIN HAROD / MEGIDDO / CARMEL / CAESAREA / JERUSALEM
This morning we begin with a baptism in the Jordan River. From here we head to Nazareth where we view the city from the “precipice” from which Jesus was almost thrown. We continue into the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo (har meggido in Hebrew), which gave its name to Armageddon. Our day continues as we ascend Mt. Carmel, site of Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal. Descending the mountain, we are on the road again, as we drive toward Caesarea, nestled between the banana groves and the sand-skirted sea. We enter Caesarea Maritima to explore this Roman bridgehead to the East, which became the Christian springboard to the West. We end the day by driving to Jerusalem. We enjoy dinner at our hotel in Jerusalem and an optional “orientation walk” of the Old City. Overnight in Jerusalem.
DAY 10 – JERUSALEM – BETHLEHEM - JERUSALEM
Following an optional morning walk, we start the day with an orientation to Jerusalem from the Mt. Of Olives. We then follow the traditional Palm Sunday route to the church known as the Dominus Flevit ("the Lord weeps"). After viewing the Golden Gate, we walk downhill to Gethsemane, where we take time to meditate on the Gospel text. From here we enter the Old City where we first will visit the Pools of Bethesda and St. Anne’s Church, perfectly preserved from the Crusader period – with remarkable acoustics. We then follow the Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) to the Holy Sepulcher, stopping along the way to consider all what Christ endured on his way to His crucifixion.
In the afternoon, we head into Bethlehem. We pass by Rachel's Tomb on they way to Shepherds’ Field and the Church of the Nativity. From there we drive back out to West Jerusalem were we visit the Jerusalem Model of the 2nd Temple Period. We drive back to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. An optional night walk ends the evening.
DAY 11 – WILDERNESS OF JUDAH / JERUSALEM
We return to the Wilderness of Judah today. Our first stop will be Jericho. Here, we visit the tel of this oldest city and view the traditional mountain of Jesus’ temptation. We’ll also see the area where “the walls came tumblin’ down.” Our next stop will be Engedi. We will walk back to the waterfalls area. Along the way, we hope to see the coney and ibex, animals the reside in this desolate area of Israel. From here it’s on to Qumran and the possible settlement of the first century sect known as the Essenes, the authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Following lunch, we’ll enjoy a nice relaxing float in the Dead Sea. We’ll end the day with a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum. We travel back to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner another optional walk.
DAY 12 – JERUSALEM
Following an optional morning walk, today we enter the Old City through the Dung Gate. We walk up to the Western Wall Judaism’s holiest site, the Temple Mount. We walk through the southern wall excavations where we will stand at the southern entrance to the Herodian Temple. Here, we will see the ancient boulders of the Temple and sit on the steps where Jesus no doubt taught. We then ascend to the Temple Mount, the location of the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque. We then visit the City of David and take an optional adventurous walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel (1,700 feet long). We end the day with a Communion Service at the Garden Tomb. Return to our hotel for dinner. An optional walk ends the evening.
DAY 13 – JERUSALEM
We enjoy a free day in Jerusalem. Pastor DeLancey will help orient you to visit other sites within the Old City, or shop. A tour of The Upper Room, Caiphas’ House, and Oscar Shindler’s grave will be offered. It will be a special day of adventure, rest, and relaxation. After dinner, we board our bus to Tel Aviv for our night flight home.
DAY 14 – JERUSALEM – TEL-AVIV – U.S.A
The close of an unforgettable tour, as we arrive back in the States. Praise be to God for a life-changing experience!
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REASONS TO TRAVEL WITH US:
There are many reasons why traveling with us will offer a wonderful, life-changing Holyland experience. Many, many people comment, “Oh, I wish I would have traveled to and experienced Israel sooner in my life…”
1). Personal Care. You will gain a sense of a personal touch of care when traveling with our tour groups. Serving as your tour leader, I look forward to sharing with you personal friendship, ministry, and my undivided attention in order to strive to make your trip as memorable as possible. From early on from the registration process to the tour itself, we will offer any assistance you need in order to prepare yourself for this journey of a lifetime tour!
2). Experience & Resources! With my own one year archaeological and historical geographical background gained from living in Jerusalem, Israel as well as leading 16 previous Israel tours, you will experience of sense of ease, comfort and great insight into the world of the Bible. Additionally, once you are registered for the tour, I am happy to send you my own resources to help you prepare for the trip. These resources include a 130 page Guide Book that highlights the historical, archaeological, and biblical background of each site. Also, a copy of Regions on the Run will be given to each passenger (or 1/couple). This is simply the VERY BEST historical-geography resource produced today. The unique maps will make Israel "come alive," giving you a good handle of all the "regions" of Israel. Additionally, I also have prepared a 98 page “Interactive” booklet is available for download on the "Resources" page. This booklet will help you “process” each day’s experiences. People who have traveled with me before have also appreciated getting to experience a few extra sites that most tourists don’t get to see.
3). Creative Travel Partners, Inc./Costs Our good friends at Creative Travel Partners are one of the largest tour agencies who focus primarily upon Holyland tours. They have been in business for many years and have offered us an undisputed number of excellent tour packages and prices. In comparing “apples to apples” in relation to tours, nowhere has any other tourist agency been able to offer us the same service and group rates. Our touring day are “full” days, not just partial days. All of our previous tours have been with these wonderful agents, making all the arrangements for us.
4). Guides. We only secure the very best Israeli guides, guides who we know and/or have used before on previous tours. As your tour leader, I will be able to offer you profound and personalized insight to each site we will be traveling to. Our expert guide will only offer us the best of his knowledge. These guides are professional people and this is all they do! But I will also have the opportunity also to serve as your own guide as we walk and talk together on the site, leading in worship, over dinner, or offering insights on the bus itself, sharing our own expertise and insights ourselves. My pleasure comes in seeing you understand and appreciate the land of the Bible!
5). First-class travel. We only secure 4 and 5 star hotels for overnight lodging. 2 excellent meals are provided at all times, with all tips handled by me as you tour leader. This makes your travel hassle free. We also travel in only the finest of motor coaches, providing a safe and comfortable environment for each passenger.
6). The size of our group. The size of the group is limited typically to anywhere between 25-50. By keeping the size of our group manageable, we are able to travel quicker and more efficiently than larger groups of 60 – 75 +. Long-lasting friendships are made on our tours as well.
7). Evangelical/Bible-believing. This is primarily an evangelical, Bible-believing tour which emphasizes the Biblical and historical sites more than the “traditional sites.” I am a born-again pastor who loves the Lord and love sharing His story. I believe in the historicity and accuracy of Scripture, as revealed in the many archaeological sites in which we will see together.
8). Safety. Safety is always a concern for each traveler as well as for us. Despite what people hear on the news, Holyland travel is safe! If what you see on television or in newspapers intimidates you, we only go to areas that are free from potential violence. As we have found, you also will find both Israelis and Palestinians alike to be very friendly people. Having friends still in Israel, they are able to give me personal and accurate updates on the latest of political events.
9). Fun! We are able to offer you a fun and joyous trip. Although one goal of the tour is to help make the Bible come alive for you through the information you will receive, we will have a fun time doing so! You will be making long-lasting friends with other sisters and brothers in the Lord, sharing what we have common in Christ together!
10). Spiritual Inspiration. Through leading you in daily devotional times either in the bus or on site, you will sense a warm pastoral care for you. As we read Scripture together, pray together, and sing songs of worship and communion with guitar as well as accapella, your heart will be blest and changed forever! You will return with memories that will literally affect how you read your Bible the rest of your life! The Bible literally will come alive as you reflect upon the historical stories of Scripture and as you convey your experiences with others!
11). Group Dynamics. One of the marvels of group travel to Israel is the new friendships we will develop together in Christ. We always have enjoyed a wonderful blend of believers from all over the world. We come as strangers, yet conclude the tour as close friends in Christ. Finding commonality in our relationship with Jesus, life-long friendships are developed.
Your
life will be blessed in immeasurable ways as you experience
first-hand the land of the Bible and the life and ministry of Jesus!
“No one can visit Israel without a deeper appreciation and a stronger faith
in the Bible. Israel is more than sightseeing. It is an experience.”
(Rev. Billy Graham)