Israel, Jordan & Petra
St. Lucas UCC
January 11-25, 2019
15 Days from $4,750
About The Trip
SEE THE STORY OF FAITH FIRST-HAND BY
VISITING THE HISTORIC LAND OF THE BIBLE!
Arrive in Tel Aviv and do extensive exploration of biblical sights from Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, but also historic sights that include modern historical events that have occurred in Palestine/Israel.
A bonus feature will be two days exploring archaeological and historic sites in Jordan, including Amman and Petra.
Enjoy four and five star hotels, great meals, swimming in the Dead Sea and fellowship with fellow travelers.
Day 1 - Depart JFK on Delta Airlines for overnight flight to Israel (Delta #468, departs JFK 11:31 pm; arrive Tel Aviv 5:25 pm, subject to change).
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Day 2 - Arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to hotel on the Mediterranean Sea, dinner, and at leisure for the evening. Accommodations: Herods Herzliyah-Netanya (One night stay).
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Day 3 - Depart Tel Aviv for Jaffa, Caesarea Maritima (by-the-sea) and the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater, Roman naval harbor, and hippodrome; view a Roman aqueduct that delivered fresh water to the coast; Mount Carmel, the Jezreel Valley, and Megiddo; Nazareth and the ancient synagogue. Accommodations: The Scots Hotel -Tiberias (Three night stay).
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Day 4 - Traditional boat tour of the Sea of Galilee, ancient “Jesus boat”, Mount of Beatitudes, Chorazin, Capernaum and the synagogue where Jesus taught, Bethsaida.
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Day 5 - Ancient Hazor then through the Hula Basin and the Dan nature preserve; Caesarea Philippi and the Temple of Pan, Golan Heights and modern war sites, Mt. Hermon, Damascus road, Golan village.
Snapshot of Adventures
Day 6 - The ruins of Beit Shean, cross the Jordan River on the King Hussein Bridge into Jordan; continue to Pella, the ancient Canaanite temple and Jerash. Accommodations: Regency Palace Hotel—Amman (One night stay).
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Day 7 - Drive south to Petra – 6th c. ruins by the Nabataean Arabs, the nomadic tribe who settled in the area and developed a wide-ranging
economic empire. Accommodations: Petra Guest House (One night stay).
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Day 8 - Visit Madaba, city of mosaics known for its stunning 6th c. mosaic of Jerusalem and the Holy Land; Mt. Nebo, the traditional resting place of Moses; cross the Allenby Bridge border, and drive south to Dead Sea; take a swim, enjoy the spa. Accommodations: David Spa Ein Bokek—Dead Sea (One night stay.)
Day 9 - Drive to Masada and take tram to the summit (some may wish to hike); visit ancient oasis Ein Gedi where David hid in the caves in the wilderness; visit Qumran, the Essene community, where Dead Sea scrolls were discovered; visit Jericho (if possible). Accommodations: Mt. Zion Hotel—Jerusalem (Five night stay.)
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Day 10 - Visit Herodium, Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity, Shepherd’s Fields, and the Valley of Elah.
Day 11 - Visit the Old City of Jerusalem, Western Wall and the Temple Mount, Lions’ Gate and the Pools of Bethsaida, the Tower of Antonia, the Praetorium and Pilate’s judgment hall where Jesus was tried, beaten and taken to Golgotha by the Via Dolorosa; Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of Jesus’ burial.
Day 12 - Visit Mt. of Olives, Kidron Valley, the Temple area and the Holy City, descend by foot the path of Jesus’ triumphal entry; into the city to see David’s tomb, the Valley of the Cheesemaker, and the Valley of Hinnom.
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Day 13 - Free day for shopping, additional sight-seeing in Jerusalem (the Old City is a half-mile from our hotel), or for an optional excursion: 4-wheel exploration of the Judean Wilderness day trip (at additional cost TBD)
Day 14—Check out of hotel; visit Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and Museum; Museum of the Book to see the Dead Sea scrolls and a model of the ancient city; Garden Tomb; Knesset; Last night dinner together, drive to airport for overnight flight to JFK (Delta #467, departs Tel Aviv 11:30 pm; arrives JFK 5:12 am, subject to change)
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Day 15—Morning arrival JFK – flights home!
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The Fine Print
Total Cost Includes: R/T air from JFK to Tel Aviv Israel + fuel surcharges/taxes; deluxe coach bus in both Israel & Jordan, 12 nights hotel accommodation on half-board basis - all hotels 4-5 star quality, breakfast/dinner per day with the exception of our last night banquet; all transfers & portage, professional tour guide, all gratuities, all entrance fees to all sights
Single Room: +$1,057
Cost does not include: Travel insurance (recommended – use your own choice or contact www.giltravel.com, our travel agency), daily lunch, departure day dinner Jan. 24, air travel to/from departing airport to JFK
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Payment Schedule:
Initial Deposit due immediately: $300
Second Deposit due 6/1/18: $2,000
Balance due 11/1/18: $2,450
Credit Card: +3% surcharge
Make Checks To: St. Lucas UCC; “Israel Trip” in memo line
Interested?
