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Israel & Sinai Tour
9 night / 10 day
Nothing brings to life the stories of the Bible, more than a tour of
historical sites that are bounded by the history in Israel Mt. Sinai
(St. Katarina)
Day 1: Arrive Israel
We arrive at Ben Gurion Airport where we will be met by our Israeli
guide who will accompany us during our entire stay in Israel. We travel
to our hotel for one night in Ariel the Modern Capital of Samaria. The
remainder of the day is free to walk along the city, relax, and have
dinner.
Day 2: Samaria Scroll
Tel Shiloh, Mt. Garazim, Alon Moreh, Meeting with Settlers in a New
Settlement, return to Ariel for Overnight
Day 3:In the Footsteps of Jesus in the Galilee: Boat ride on Sea of
Galilee, Ancient Boat at Ginosar, Tabgha, Capernaum, Mt. Beatitudes,
Bethsaida, Kursi
Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to 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 cruise on
the Sea of Galilee. A brief scripture reading and devotional on board
brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples
concluding a wonderful day.
Day 4:The Northern Reaches of the Promised Land: Safed, Tel Dan, Golan
Heights, Katzrin
Today we begin the day at the Safad, the city of the “Mekobalim”, Cabala
rabbis and visit the grave of the great rabbi of mystic at Mirron Mt.
After we visit at Safad. Tour the Golan Heights, at the two valuable
northern sites emphasizing the loss of God's blessing on Israel. Dan is
where the children of Israel fell to the depths of pagan worship and
Caesarea Philippi which is also the site of Peter’s Confession. with
it’s valleys, grazing land and snow capped mountains. Visit Katzrin, new
city at the Golan Heights. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight
Day 5: Jordan Valley & 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.
Overnight at Kibbutz Guesthouse by the Dead Sea
Day 6: The Judean Wilderness: Qumran, Ein Gedi, Masada and climb down
the Old Roman Ramp, Overnight in Eilat
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 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. Next, we visit Qumran Caves where the
Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Overnight will be in Eilat.
Day 7: Egypt: St. Catherine’s Monastery
Today we Cross the Taba border. After crossing the Border at Taba. We
drive along the shores of the Red Sea and then through an ever-changing
area of bizarre Sandstone-Formations to the Sinai High Mountain Range.
Arriving at St. Catherine, we visit the famous St. Catherine’s
Monastery, including the Church, dated back to the 6th Century and never
destroyed since then, “The Burning Bush”, and “Jetro’s Well”. After
lunch in a Tourism Class Restaurant we drive back to Eilat, stopping by
a few interesting sites on the way, according to the remaining time.
Overnight will be in Eilat.
Day 8: Judea: Hebron, Cave of Machpela, Jewish Quarter of Hebron,
Overnight in Jerusalem
Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to Hebron, the city of
the Fathers.
We walk trough the Jewish Quarter to Cave of Machpela, graves of the
Fathers,
Place of Jews and Muslims believers. We will look closely on the life of
Jews and Arab in this sensitive area. Next we travel over wonderful
villages to Jerusalem for overnight.
Day 9: In the Footsteps of Jesus-the Holy City: Mt. of Olives, Palm
Sunday Road, Garden of Gethsemane, Via Dolorosa, Pool of Bethesda,
Jewish Quarter, Cardo, Garden Tomb
Today we walk where Jesus walked; beginning the day with a panoramic
view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from a top 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 walk between the ancient olive trees,
read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and take time for personal
reflection is important here. While walking along 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 and the actual place of crucifixion and burial
is a very interesting study. The climax of the day is the Garden Tomb,
where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise.
This afternoon we visit 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.
Day 10: Home
We enjoy our final meal and continue to the airport for our flight home.
Returning home with unforgettable memories and new friends that are
forever.
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.
* This is subject to local conditions at the time of the tour
Israel & Sinai Tour - *Hotels
Ariel - Eshel Hashomron
Dead Sea - Kibbutz Guesthouse
Galilee - Kibbutz hotel Lavi, Lev wing
Eilat - Crowne Plaza, Dan Panorama
Jerusalem - Grand Court, Leonardo
*Hotels subject to availability
The above program can be extended
and tailor-made for groups and can be run as a private tour
Includes: Transfer from Ben Gurion Airport to Hotel in Tel Aviv and from Hotel in
Jerusalem to Airport,8 Full
day touring with all entrance fees as per above itinerary, 9 nights
accommodation on Half Board Basis  (buffet breakfast and
dinner in hotels).
Not Included: All air transportation arrangements, gratuities to driver/guide,
lunches
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