together in israel
$3,941 CAD | 11 days
Tab 1
Day
Location
Details
November 13
DEPART CANADA
5:30am Meet in the departure hall at Edmonton airport to check in for the 8am Air Canada flight to Toronto, arriving at 1:40pm. Continue on your direct, nonstop, overnight flight to Tel Aviv, Israel at 4:50pm. Meals served on board.
November 14
ARRIVE IN ISRAEL
10:15am Arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport, clear immigration and customs and meet with your guide. Travel north to visit Caesarea, the Roman port and capital. Here Pontius Pilate had his seat; Cornelius lived and was baptized (Acts 10); Paul embarked to Tarsus (Acts 9:30) and Philip preached (Acts 8:40). Tour the historical site and enjoy an audio visual presentation. Continue North, stop at the Muhraka on the summit of Mt Carmel where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. Then proceed to your hotel on the Sea of Galilee. 4 nights: Nof Ginnosar Village ~ Sea of Galilee [Dinner]
November 15
CARMEL / GALILEE
Proceed across the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo to visit one of King Solomon’s fortified city kingdoms (1 Kings 9:15; 10:26), with impressive ruins of 21 levels of civilization. From here the Books of Daniel and Revelation will come alive, as you read about the final Battle of Armageddon, while viewing the fertile plains of the Jezreel. Continue to Zippori (Sephorris) possibly the home of Anna and Joachim parents to Mary. Visit this fascinating site starting at the impressive Cisterns, the many colourful mosaic floors and Roman ruins. Time permitting – stop on Mt Arbel for a unique view of the area of Jesus’ ministry, the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. [Breakfast/dinner]
November 16
GALILEE
Start the day on the Mt. of Beatitudes. Weather permitting walk down the mountain through the valley where Jesus delivered “The Sermon On the Mount” (Matt.5) to Tabgha. Visit the shore of the Sea of Galilee at the Church of the Primacy of Peter. Continue to Kfar Nahum ~ Capernaum, to visit the centre of Jesus’ Ministry in the Galilee and the site of many of his miracles (Mark 2:4; Matt.8:5; 14-7; 9; 1-7; 17: 18). See the remains of St Peter’s house and the ancient synagogue where Jesus taught and worshipped (Mark 1:21; Luke 4:31). Travel to Yardenit baptism centre on the Jordan River. Time permitting visit Hippos, site of Sussita of the Decapolis on the “other side” (quite a severe climb). [Breakfast/dinner]
November 17
GALILEE
Travel along the Jordan Valley to Dan. Visit this ancient biblical site, including: the mud brick gate that Abraham might have used to enter the city. Continue to Banias one of the sources of the Jordan River to visit Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus asked, “Who do men say I am?” Drive onto and across the Golan Heights to learn about its modern history. Proceed to Chorazin, one of the towns Jesus pronounced judgment on for rejecting Him and His ministry (Matthew 11:20-24). Stop at Kursi one of the largest ancient Byzantine monasteries in the Galilee, near the site of the miracle of the Demonic Man and the swine. Then following the tradition of the “fishermen” disciples sail on the Sea of Galilee. End the day at the famous ancient boat from Jesus’ time at Gennosar (Genesareth). [Breakfast/dinner]
November 18
GALILEE ~ DEAD SEA
Travel down the Jordan Valley, stop to visit Beit Shean – the largest archaeological excavation in Israel, where the bodies of King Saul and his sons where placed upon the city walls by the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:10), and walk through the impressive ruins of the Roman/Byzantine/Omayyad cities. Follow the pilgrimage route that Jesus & the Galileans took down the Jordan Valley through the homeland of Prophet Elisha, where the desert now blooms with flowers and vegetation of every description (Isaiah 35:1-2). Descend via the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth (417 meters below sea level). Visit Qumran home of the Cult of the Judean Desert, where a shepherd boy discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls (1947) in a nearby cave. Continue south along the shore of the Dead Sea to visit Masada. Take the cable car up to tour ruins of King Herod the Great’s remote mountaintop fortress, late the last stronghold of the Jewish revolt against Rome (73 A.C.E). 1 night: David hotel & spa ~ Dead Sea [Breakfast/dinner]
November 19
DEAD SEA ~ JERUSALEM
Enjoy the hotel facilities and the unique experience “float” in the Dead Sea geothermal pools, you cannot sink! Leave a little before noon travelling north and stop to visit the oasis at Ein Gedi – famous from David fleeing the wrath of King Saul (1 Sam 24). Ascend through the Judean Desert, stop to view Wadi Kelt then proceed to Genesis Land, where you ride camels to Abraham’s tent and enjoy typical Biblical (Bedouin) hospitality with an unusual lunch. Continue on the pilgrimage route that Jesus and the Galileans took via the Judean Desert en route to Jerusalem – the holy city. End the day in Bethlehem. Circumstances permitting visit the Church of the Nativity which marks the birthplace of Jesus, Shepherds’ Field and stop at an Olivewood Factory. 4 nights: Prima Kings hotel ~ Jerusalem [Breakfast/lunch/dinner]
November 20
JERUSALEM
Explore the fascinating ongoing excavations in David’s City including, Warren’s shaft, the Canaanite tunnel and the pool of Siloam. Walk through a section of tunnel to the Southern wall Archaeological Park where one can stand on the original ancient steps which Jesus might have walked on when entering the Holy Temple. Proceed to the Western Wall, stop for reflection and Prayer. Walk back in time under the city through the fascinating Western Wall tunnels. Drive across the modern City to Yad Vashem, National Memorial and Museum of the Shoah (Holocaust), where you pay respect to the victims of the Shoah, including the Valley of the Righteous Among the Nations, the Museum and the Children’s Memorial. Continue to the Israel Museum to visit the Model of Jerusalem, describing the city from the time of Jesus and the adjacent Shrine of the Book, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls. End the day at the Garden Tomb with time for contemplation and communion. [Breakfast/dinner]
November 21
JERUSALEM
Start the day on the Mount of Olives with a majestic view of the Old and New Cities. Following the route of Palm Sunday walk down to Gethsemane, visit the church marking the site of the betrayal of Jesus with time for prayer and reflection in an adjacent Olive Grove. Continue through the Valley of Jehoshaphat and enter the Old City through St Stephen’s or the Lions Gate. Visit the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the paralytic man. Continue along the Via Dolorosa, through the Suk (colourful market). Stop to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, site of the crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Continue through the ancient alleyways of the Old City via the Cardo (Roman Main Street) to the Jewish quarter, visit the Herodian Mansions. Walk through the Jewish and Armenian quarters and exit through Zion Gate to Mt Zion. Visit St Peter in Gallicantu built on the site of Caiaphas’ home and Jesus’ prison, where Simon Peter denied Jesus. Proceed to the Church of the Last Supper, site of the Pentecost and visit King David’s Tomb. [Breakfast/dinner]
November 22
JERUSALEM
Spend the day at leisure in this fascinating city. With time to re-visit the Old City to shop in the bazaars or walk through the new city for shopping along Jaffa Road and Ben Yehuda Street. Visit one of the many Museums that Jerusalem has to offer. Or simply relax at the hotel you might want to go to the Western Wall at sunset to witness the blessing of the Sabbath Bride. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the hotel. [Breakfast/dinner]
November 23
RETURN TO CANADA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Canada. Leave Tel Aviv for Toronto at 11:55am, meals served on board. Arrive in Toronto at 5pm, continue on your Air Canada flight to Edmonton at 6:45pm arriving at 9pm.
What is the deadline for registration?
There is no deadline. We accept registration on a “first-come-first serve” basis. There is always a limited number of spaces available and as soon as we sell them – the group is completed. To avoid disappointment please register as soon as you decide.
When is the final payment?
Usually it is 60 days before departure, but there are some exceptions for non-standard tours. Your invoice will indicate clearly when your payments are due.
What happens with my deposit when you cancel a group?
In a very unlike situation when we have to cancel a group for reasons out of our control, your deposit is protected and fully refundable. When you cancel on your own please make sure that your non-refundable deposit is protected by your own insurance.
Can I request a specific seat on a flight?
For the group reservations the airlines don't give us an option of selecting specific seats. When your ticket is issued your seat is guaranteed, but usually not printed on the e-ticket. However, you can always check-in online 24 hours before departure and change your seat based on availability.
Tell me which hotels we will be staying?
We always book best, first-class hotels. We frequently check them for best quality. Hotels are confirmed about two months before departure and we will give you all details in the final itinerary
I'm traveling alone & don't have a roommate. What should I do?
Please register ASAP. We will take a note of your request and will try to match you with another passenger willing to share. Other options are single room (with a supplement) or forming a triple room if you know another two people willing to share.
I have several food allergies. Can I request a special menu?
Please let us know about your food restrictions. We will order special meals for your flights, if available. All breakfasts and some dinners at the destinations are buffets, so you can select food by yourself. The restaurants at the destinations will do their best to offer you individual alternate to standard set menus for the group. You will need to communicate your needs through tour leaders.
What is eTA? Does it apply to me?
If you are Canadian or US citizen – no need to worry. It applies to citizens of other countries. They will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Be prepared: Apply for an eTA before you book your flight to Canada. Most applicants get approved within minutes. However, some applications can take several days to process so don’t wait until the last minute. Apply and get help at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta-start-int.asp
**THE ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY VARY IN THE ORDER YOU VISIT**