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 or our Greece/Turkey/Rome tour. While the next Israel Tour scheduled for October/November is filled with 70 people, the itineraries currently listed below are for the October/November Egypt/Jordan/Israel 2010 Tour (sorry, this tour is filled, but will be repeated in Oct/Nov, 2011), the January Israel/Jordan 2011 Tour, and the March Greece/Turkey/Rome 2011 Tour. To reserve your spot on any of these next 2 tours, please submit a completed registration form and your deposit of $500. Sign up early, for the last 7 tours were full. Space is limited and is on a first-come, first serve basis.
You can request a colored brochure of any of these tours 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 October/November, 2010 Egypt/Jordan/Israel Tour:
October 23 - November 5, 2010
DAY 01 – OCT 23 - DEPART FOR CAIRO
We depart the U.S. in route to Cairo, Egypt.
DAY 02 – OCT 24 - 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 – OCT 25 - 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 – OCT 26 - 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 – OCT 27 - 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 – OCT 28 - 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 – OCT 29 - 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 - OCT 30 - 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 – OCT 31 - 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 – NOV 1 - 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 – NOV 2 - 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 – NOV 3 - 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 – NOV 4 - 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 – NOV 5 - 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!
* The Itinerary for the January, 2011 Israel/Jordan Tour:
January 10-19, 2011
(This special January tour is economically priced, yet include the very best sites in Israel.
The tour even includes a free day in Jerusalem! 40 seats are reserved for this all-Israel tour.)
DAY 1—JANUARY 10 – MONDAY - DEPART
NORTH AMERICA
Tour members depart on our afternoon
non-stop Continental flight from Newark, NJ
to Tel Aviv. After take-off enroute to the
Holy Land, we will be served dinner.
DAY 2—JANUARY 11– TUESDAY - ARRIVE TEL
-AVIV/JAFFA/CAESAREA
We arrive in Tel Aviv in the morning
(Israeli time) where we are met by our agent
who assists us through customs and security.
A half day of site-seeing begins. Our first
stop will be to Joppa. In the afternoon we
visit Caesarea (Acts 9 & 25). We then drive
to our hotel in Haifa, right on the
beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Dinner is
served, with an orientation meeting and
optional walk to follow.
DAY 3—JANUARY 12 – WEDNESDAY -
CARMEL/MEGIDDO/NAZARETH/ARBEL/TIBERIAS
Today we depart for Galilee, visiting the
following biblical sites Mt. Carmel (1 Kgs.
18), Megiddo (Armageddon; 1 Kgs. 9:15; Rev.
16:16), Nazareth (Luke 1 and 2), Cana (John
2) and Tiberias (John 6:23). We end the day
on top of Mt. Arbel, overlooking the Sea of
Galilee. We drive to our “kibbutz-hotel”
located right on the Sea of Galilee
shoreline. After dinner, we enjoy sitting
together for an optional time of fellowship
and worship.
DAY 4—JANUARY 13 – THURSDAY -
GALILEE/UPPER JORDAN/GOLAN HEIGHTS
There is nothing quite like watching a
sunrise on the Sea of Galilee from your
hotel room. We begin our day as we view the
1st century boat. Today we follow some of
the stories from the bible about the
ministry of Jesus. Our stops include the Mt.
Of Beatitudes where Jesus gave the Sermon o
the Mount. We move on to Capernaum and
marvel at multitudes that were attracted to
the miracles performed by Jesus. We move
into the Golan Heights where we arrive at
the base of Mt. Hermon, Banias, the Caesarea
Phillipi of the Bible, the main water source
for the Jordan River. Here Peter made his
declaration about Jesus (Mt. 16). When we
approach Kuneitra, we are only 36 miles from
Damascus on the same road Saul of Tarsus
used during his encounter with Christ. We
begin our drive back with a stop at Yardenit
for optional baptism service in the waters
of the Jordan River. Our day will conclude
with a memorable boat ride on the Sea of
Galilee and back to our home for dinner and
overnight.
DAY 5—JANUARY 14 - FRIDAY - BETH
SHAN/JERICHO/MT. OF OLIVES/JERUSALEM
Following an optional sunrise service, we
begin our drive down the Jordan Valley as we
head towards Jerusalem. The highway will
take us to many of the following biblical
sites; the incredible ruins of Beth Shan (1
Sam. 31:10)featuring eighteen layers of
civilization where Saul and his sons were
nailed to the city wall. After a stop for
lunch we arrive in Jericho, the ancient city
where the wall came tumbling down (Josh.
2–6; Mark 10:46; Luke 19:1)..The road from
Jericho to Jerusalem is an ascent of 4,000
feet in 13 miles and as we near the city,
our first glimpse of Jerusalem from the Mt.
of Olives, beholding a breath-taking
panorama of the Holy City. We walk down the
“Palm Sunday” route to the Garden of
Gethsemane and the Church of all Nations. We
re-board our bus that will bring us to our
hotel for dinner and overnight. An optional
“orientation walk” to the Old City takes
place following dinner.
DAY 6—DAY 7—JANUARY 16 – SATURDAY –
EIN GEDI/MASADA/QUMRAN/ DEAD SEA
Leaving Jerusalem, we will descend down to
the Dead Sea and the wilderness of Judah.
Our first stop will be Ein Gedi where David
hid from King Saul. We will enjoy a walk
back to the waterfalls, hopefully seeing
ibex and cooneys along the way. Next, we
drive further south along the Dead Sea to
Masada Here we will ascend high upon the
wilderness mountain by way of the cable car
to the fortress built by King Herod. Here we
survey the ruins of the fortifications,
waterworks, synagogue, temples and palaces.
An optional walk down the snake path will be
offered.
DAY 8—JANUARY 17 – MONDAY - THE TEMPLE
MOUNT/SOUTHERN WALL EXCAVATIONS/CITY OF
DAVID/GARDEN TOMB
Our day begins with a visit to the Temple
Mount. We will once again enter the Old City
through the Dung Gate, and walk beyond the
Western Wall to the 35-acre temple area
purchased by King David (2 Sam. 24:18–25).
Temple Mount. On this site now stands the
magnificent Dome of the Rock (the third
holiest shrine in all Islam) and the El-Aksa
Mosque. Next, we visit 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.
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
also visit the City of David, the ancient
part of the city that dates back to the Old
Testament. Here, you will see where Pastor
John excavated back in the 1980’s. After
seeing the excavations, there will be an
optional walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel.
Flashlights and water shoes will be needed.
Hezekiah’s Tunnel (II Chr. 29–32) is a 1,720
foot tunnel that ends at the new excavations
of the Pool of Siloam (John 9). Late in the
afternoon we will visit the Garden Tomb with
an optional communion service, a very
special time of reflecting upon the death
and resurrection of Jesus. Dinner and
overnight in Jerusalem. Our last optional
walk takes place after dinner.
DAY 9—JANUARY 18 – TUESDAY - FREE DAY
IN JERUSALEM
Day without a planned program. Time to visit
other places in and around the Old City, or
revisit the places of most interest. Return
within the walls of the Old City where
bargaining is a must when you shop. Optional
visits to the Upper Room, House of Caiphas,
and Shindler’s tomb, as well as other places
of interest will be offered by Pastor John.
This will be a great day of roaming around
on your own and enjoying Jerusalem. Return
for our hotel, pack and meet for our
farewell dinner. We then depart for the
airport in Tel Aviv for our night flight
back home.
DAY 10—JANUARY 19 – WEDNESDAY -
ARRIVAL BACK HOME
We arrive early in the morning back to
Newark. After customs, we say our goodbyes
to the group as we find our connecting
flights back home. The end of a great trip
and a life-changing “journey of a lifetime!”
* The Itinerary for the Optional Tour to Southern Israel & Petra:
January 19-22, 2011
Red Sea / Petra / Southern Israel
$850 (all inclusive)
DAY 10 – JANUARY 19 - WEDNESDAY - ARAD, TIMNAH, RED SEA, ELAT
We board bus for Elat, with a stop at the biblical city of Arad and the copper mines of Timnah. Here we will also see a full-size scale model of the Tabernacle. We drive further south to the beautiful Red Sea. Dinner & overnight in Elat.
DAY 11 – JANUARY 20 - THURSDAY – A DAY AT PETRA (JORDAN)
We begin early morning with day packs to the Rabin Border between Elat and Jordan. Here we enter Jordan and are met by our Jordanian tour staff. A 2 hour drive takes us from Aqaba to Petra, At the entrance to Petra horses are available (no fee) for the 10 min walk to the Siq Canyon. The imposing and beautiful Siq is in itself one of the main attractions in Petra. The walk through the Siq takes about 1/2 hour before that breathtaking and monumental moment of first stepping foot in Petra is upon you. One of the wonders of the world, Petra is an archaeological, anthropological and geological phenomenon. Your guide will share with you the legends, truths and myths of this astonishing city. The walk through Petra is made easy by the endless sights and fascinating facts. All of which bring to life a history as colorful as the sandstone rock from which it was carved. Having explored the highlights of Petra, an optional walk to the High Place will be offered. We rejoin our vehicle for the return journey to Elat and arrive by evening. Late Dinner & overnight again in Elat.
DAY 12 – JANAURY 21 - FRIDAY - BEERSHEBA, LACHISH, AZEKAH & ELAH VALLEY, BETHSHEMESH
We board our bus for our drive to Tel-Aviv, with a stop at a few biblical stops along the way. We will drive north through Israel’s “Grand Canyon” (the “Maqtesh Ramon”). We continue to the biblical city of Beersheba. We continue north to Israel’s “lowlands” for a stop at the biblical city of Lachish. Next, we stop at Azekah where we see where David fought Goliath (in the Elah Valley, I Samuel 17). On our way to our farewell dinner, we’ll pass by Bethshemesh. Following dinner (included) and a chance to freshen up, we drive at the airport for our return night flight home.
DAY 13 – JANUARY 22 - SATURDAY – HOME
We arrive back in Newark, go through customs, and connect with our domestic flights home.
* The Itinerary for the March, 2011 Greece/Turkey/Rome Tour:
DAY 1 - MARCH 17 -
THURSDAY - DEPART USA
Tour members depart on your overseas flight to Athens. After take-off
dinner will
be served.
DAY 2 - MARCH 18 - FRIDAY - ARRIVAL IN ATHENS / CRUISE EMBARKATION
Early morning arrival at the Athens airport. We will meet our guide and
driver and proceed for our tour of Athens. Visit among other
masterpieces of the “Golden Age” the Acropolis, the agora and the Mars
Hill where Paul taught. From here drive to Piraeus Port and embark your
cruise ship, enjoying the fellowship of other Christians and excellent
teaching.
DAY 3 - MARCH 19 - SATURDAY - THESSALONIKI, VERIA
Visit Vergina where the Royal Tombs of King Philip (Alexander’s father)
were discovered, one of the greatest discoveries of Greece antiquity in
the 20th century. Vergina was the original capital of the ancient
Macedonian Empire. The well preserved tombs include impressive amounts
of silver and gold artifacts, which are now housed in the impressive and
modern Museum. Continue to Veria—ancient Berea—to the memorial
commemorating Paul’s preaching to the local Jews in 54 AD. Still visible
today in Veria is part of the Roman road—the Via Egnatia. It remains a
silent witness to Rome’s greatness. Travel to Thessaloniki, second
largest city in Greece and capital of Macedonia. Paul preached in
Thessaloniki during the winters of 49–50 AD and wrote two epistles to
the ancient Thessalonians. During the City Tour you will see the
ramparts of the city, the triumphal Arch of Galerius starting the Via
Egnatia, once a strategic artery of the Roman Empire and the Roman Agora
where Paul preached. The monastery of Vlatadon was built on the location
where
Jason’s house is believed to have stood and where Paul stayed during his
visit to Thessaloniki. You will also drive to the upper town, which
offers a marvelous view of the city.
DAY 4 - MARCH 20 - SUNDAY - KAVALA / PHILIPPI
This morning you will visit Neapolis (Kavala), one of Greece’s most
picturesque mainland ports. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy
and Silas. You will see the Roman Aqueduct and Acropolis. In Philippi,
Paul was moved to preach his first evangelical sermon in Europe to women
who had gathered at the river. Among them was Lydia, a cloth merchant,
who became the first Christian to be baptized on European soil. Visit
the place where this event is remembered and see a crypt dating from the
Roman period, which is thought to have served as a prison for St. Paul.
You’ll also see the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica and the
Theater. The New Testament books of Philippians are Paul’s
correspondence with the people of this church. Reboard the ship for
dinner and overnight.
DAY 5 - MARCH 21 - MONDAY - ISTANBUL
In the morning we arrive in Istanbul, one of the world’s greatest
historic cities. Formerly Byzantium, the center of the Eastern
Roman Empire, this city is built on seven green hills and situated
astride two continents. East meets west in every way. Visit the
Sultanahmet Mosque, where large groups of pilgrims start their
pilgrimage to Mecca. It is decorated with 21.000 blue Iznik tiles from
where it gets its name, the “Blue Mosque.” Walk to the famous Hagia
Sophia, the Byzantine Church of Divine Wisdom, where you can admire the
superb mosaics and the marble decorations. The tour continues with a
visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the
Ottoman Sultans. See the famous treasury and the “Spoonmaker’s Diamond,”
the 7th biggest diamond in the world. Visit the kitchen buildings,
displaying the third richest collection in the world of Chinese and
Japanese porcelain.
DAY 6 - MARCH 22 - TUESDAY - DIKILI / PERGAMON
Disembark at the port of Dikili and travel to Pergamum. Christianity
reached Pergamum very early. The church was addressed by John the
Revelator (Rev. 2:12–17); as one of the Seven Churches. The inhabitants
of the city were condemned for their doctrines (Rev 2:14–15) and those
who overcame were promised a “white stone” and a “new name” (Rev 2:17).
The first Christian to die at the hands of a Roman state, Antipas, was
put to death in Pergamum. As you enter the Royal Gates, you’ll view the
Temples of Athena and Trajan. You’ll explore the Grand Theater, the
Gymnasium and Health Center. You’ll also view Pergamum’s famous Library,
second only to Alexandria’s. Pergamum introduced the “paged book”
and—when Egypt cut off its supply of papyrus—re-introduced the use of
skins for writing. It is from these “Pergamum pages” that we get the
word “parchment.”
DAY 7 - MARCH 23 -
WEDNESDAY - KUSADASI / EPHESUS / MILETUS
Journey to Ephesus, the marble city where Paul spent three years of his
ministry. It was to this community that Paul may have written his
Epistle to the Ephesians. The ruins of Ephesus have been restored much
like the city was in Paul’s time. You will visit the ancient Agora and
imagine where Demetrius, the silversmith, sold his silver shrines of the
Greek goddess Artemis. You will enter the Great Theater where Paul
witnessed faithfully for Christ. Visit the archaeological site of
Miletus (Acts 20:13–38). Paul and his companions traveled to Miletus via
Mytilene, Chios and Samos. Once in Miletus, Paul delivered his touching
farewell address to the elders of Ephesus and predicted his death.
DAY 8 - MARCH 24 -
THURSDAY - PATMOS
Patmos is known as the “Holy Island” for the Christian faith. This is
the place where the apocalyptic Revelation of John was written during
his exile from the Roman Empire. Depart from the port of Scala and enjoy
a short drive to the village of Chora, where the monastery of St. John
is built within the walls of a strong fortification. As you walk uphill
towards the entrance of the monastery marvel at this magnificent
structure, which was built 900 years ago. View the courtyard, the monks’
dining room and the old bakery before you visit the main church noted
for its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Continue to the
nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of the Apocalypse
above it. Walk down the steps to the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here you
will see the niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a
desk by the author of the Book of the Revelation and the crack in the
rock made by the voice of God honoring the Holy Trinity.
DAY 9 - MARCH 25 -
FRIDAY - DISEMBARKATION / CORINTH
Disembark the cruise ship. Travel to Corinth (Acts 18: 1–18), a city
that inspired St. Paul’s most familiar letter. You will visit the
Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, and Temples. Walk among the
ruins and stand on the Bema where Paul stood. Read Paul’s letter
to the Corinthians and visualize his address to the Gentiles as he began
the task of building Corinth’s church. Imagine where Aquila and
Priscilla lived and where they had their tent making business. We drive
to the Patras Port to embark the ferry to Bari, Italy. We enjoy dinner
and overnight on the ferry.
DAY 10 - MARCH 26 -
SATURDAY - POMPEII / ROME
We meet our guide as we disembark from the ferry, and drive to Pompeii,
where we will visit the spectacular ruins that were covered by the
eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The city remained buried and
undiscovered for almost 1500 years until excavation began in 1748. These
excavations continue today, providing insight into life during the Roman
Empire. Drive to Rome for overnight
DAY 11 - MARCH 27 -
SUNDAY - IMPERIAL ROME
This morning you will discover Imperial Rome. Paul wrote to the
Christians of Rome and he eventually went there where his ministry
continued, although he
was technically a prisoner. You will experience the glory of Imperial
Rome when you visit the Coliseum, famous as a place of spectacle and
death. Gladiators died here as thousands looked on. See the Circus
Maximus, built during the reign of Nero. This huge stadium was able to
seat 250,000 spectators for chariot races and other spectacles. See the
roman forum, an ancient meeting place, and market place, religious and
political center. View the Arch of the Titus that commemorates Titus’
conquest of Judea. You will visit the Mamertina Prison, where it is
believed that both Peter and Paul where imprisoned.
DAY 12 - MARCH 28 - MONDAY - CHRISTIAN ROME
You will discover the Vatican Museum, home to many of the world’s
masterpieces. Enter the Sistine chapel and view Michelangelo’s frescoes,
which have been restored to their full, colorful glory. We tour Saint
Peter’s Basilica. Travel along the famous Appian Way. Walk through the
Catacombs of San Sebastiano. Visit Tre Fontane, where Apostle Paul was
beheaded. Walk through Via del Corso, Piazza de Spagnia, and enjoy the
Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Return to our hotel for
dinner.
DAY 13 - MARCH 29 - TUESDAY - ROME / NEW YORK
Early morning transfer to
the airport for our flights back home, and ending a wonderful teaching
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 17 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)