together in israel
$3,697 CAD | 13 days
Tab 1
Day
Location
Details
November 12
DESTINATION ISRAEL
Meet in the departure hall Seattle airport at 5AM to check in for the Alaskan Air flight to JFK or BOS or LAX. Leave Seattle at 7:35AM arrive in JFK or BOS or LAX at 3:50pm. Continue on your overnight, direct, nonstop EL Al flight at 6pm, destination Israel. Meals served on board.
November 13
WELCOME TO ISRAEL
Arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport at 11:20am. Clear passport control and customs then meet your tour guide and driver. Drive north through the Plain of Sharon, along the Mediterranean shore, on the coastal road known in antiquity as the Via Maris, which linked Egypt and Babylon. Stop at Caesarea the largest port in the Mediterranean built by King Herod the Great. 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). Visit the Roman Theatre, the Hippodrome, and the Crusader City. Time permitting stop at the visitors’ center to view the audio visual presentation. Continue to your hotel. 1 night Leonardo Plaza & Bayview hotel ~ Haifa [Dinner]
November 14
GALILEE
View Muhraka, the summit on Mt. Carmel where the prophet Elijah challenged the 400 false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:30) as you travel along the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo. Visit one of King Solomon’s fortified city kingdoms (1 Kings 9:15; 10:26), with impressive ruins of 20 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. Proceed to Nazareth, the boyhood town of Jesus, visit Nazareth Village to relive village life from the time of Jesus. View the Church of the Annunciation and travel via Mt Precipice to the Sea of Galilee. Time permitting stop on Mt Arbel for a stunning view of the area of Jesus’ ministry, the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. Visit the ancient boat from the time of Jesus, then emulating Jesus and the disciples sail on the Sea of Galilee, with time for contemplation and prayer. 2 nights Leonardo Club & Leonardo hotel ~ Tiberias, Sea of Galilee [Breakfast & Dinner]
November 15
JESUS' MINISTRY IN THE GALILEE
Drive north in the Jordan Valley, along the foot of the Golan Heights to Banias. Visit one of the sources of the Jordan River, site of ancient “Caesarea Philippi” and the Northern extent of Jesus’ ministry, where Peter made the confession of faith in Christ (Matt; 16:16). Continue via the Golan Heights to the Mt. of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered “The Sermon On the Mount” (Matt.5). Proceed to Capernaum 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. (Mark 1:21; Luke 4:31). [Breakfast & Dinner]
November 16
GALILEE / JERUSALEM
Travel south to Beit Shean, where the body of King Saul and his sons were placed on the walls by the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:10), known in Jesus’ time as Scythopolis, capital of Decapolis. Visit the extensive site with an opportunity to see Biblical, Roman, Byzantine and Moslem levels of destruction. Drive through the Jordan Valley, where the desert now blooms with flowers and vegetation of every description (Isaiah 35:1-2). Then ascend through the Judean Desert Wilderness as the Galileans did to golden Jerusalem. Stop on Mt Scopus to recite a Psalm of Ascent and enjoy the first view of the Holy City. Travel to Bethlehem to visit the birthplace of Jesus in the Church of the Nativity. 4 nights Prima Park or Prima Palace hotel ~ Jerusalem [Breakfast & Dinner]
November 17
JERUSALEM
Start the day at Yad Vashem, national memorial and Museum of the Shoah (Holocaust), where you pay tribute to the six million victims of the Shoah (Holocaust) in Europe during the Second World War. Visit the new Museum, the Children’s Memorial and walk along the Avenue of the Righteous Amongst the Nations, commemorating those who at great personal risk saved Jewish souls. Continue to the Israel Museum to visit the Shrine of the Book, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest Bible manuscripts and the adjacent model of ancient Jerusalem, describing the city from the time of Jesus. Visit King David’s City including: The G area, the Canaanite tunnel and the Pools of Siloam. Enter the Old city view the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque built on the Temple Mount. Visit the Davidson Centre and the South Western Wall of the Temple Mount, including the very same steps that Jesus and the Galileans might have used to enter and exit the Holy Temple. Stop at the Western Wall (Kotel). [Breakfast & Dinner]
November 18
JERUSALEM
Start the day on the Mount of Olives for a spectacular panoramic view of Jerusalem old and new. Stroll down the Mountain to the Garden of Gethsemane at the Church of All Nations, with time for contemplation and prayer in the adjacent Olive Grove. Continue along the Kidron (the Valley of Jehoshaphat), past the Tombs of Absalom, Zechariah and James to Mt Zion. Visit the Upper Room (the room of the Last Supper), King David’s Tomb and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, built on the site of High Priest Caiaphas’ home. Enter through Zion Gate and walk to the Jewish Quarter to visit the ancient main street known as the “Cardo”. Continue through the “Suk,” the colourful market place to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. End the day at the Garden Tomb. [Breakfast & Dinner]
November 19
MASADA / DEAD SEA
Drive through the Judean desert to the lowest point on earth at the Dead Sea (over 1300 feet below sea level). Stop at 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, view Ein Gedi, an Oasis in the desert en route to Masada. Ascend by cable car to the summit of King Herod the Great’s desert fortress, later the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in the revolt against Rome (73 ace). Stop at a Dead Sea Beach to float on the Dead Sea– you cannot sink! [Breakfast & Dinner]
November 20
JERUSALEM
Spend a day of leisure in this fascinating city. With time to re-visit places of interest or the Old City for shopping in the bazaars or walk through the new city for shopping along Jaffa Road and Ben Yehuda Street. Or visit one of the many Museums that Jerusalem has to offer, or simply relax at the hotel. Late check out is provided. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the hotel then transfer to Ben Gurion airport for the EL AL flight. [Breakfast & Dinner]
November 21
RETURN TO USA
Leave Tel Aviv at 00:30am on the direct non-stop EL AL flight to JFK or BOS or LAX arriving 5:15am, meals served on board. 7am Continue on your Alaskan Air flight to Seattle arriving at 10:40am.
OR JOIN THE UNIQUE OPTIONAL (4 days, 3 nights) JORDAN TOUR EXTENSION
Price per person is $775 based on: 2 people sharing a double room and minimum 25 participants. Not included a) The single room supplement is $268; b) Israel & Jordan Exit Tax & Jordan visa fee +/-US$55 paid at border crossing & c) Gratuity US$50 per person.
November 21
MADABA / UM RASAS
Travel through the Judean desert to the Allenby Bridge, cross into Jordan and meet your guide. Stop at Madaba to visit the oldest known, famous, Byzantine Mosaic map of the ancient world. Continue to Mt. Nebo where emulating Moses you will view the Promised Land Travel south along the Kings way to visit the desert fortress at Mukawir (Machaerus) where Herod Antipas held then killed John the Baptist. 2 nights Old Village hotel ~ Petra [Breakfast & Dinner]
November 22
PETRA
Enjoy a full day in Petra, the Red Rock, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, visiting the magnificent Nabatean necropolis. Start with an easy horseback ride; continue on foot through the “Siq” a narrow immense colourful canyon, which ends at the famous treasury – the Hezna. Visit the many ancient temples, tombs, mosaics and the Roman theater. [Breakfast & Dinner]
November 23
PETRA / JERUSALEM
Travel north along the Kings Way to the border crossing, cross back into Israel at the Allenby Bridge and proceed to Jerusalem. Check into the hotel – remainder of the day is at leisure in Jerusalem. Late check out is provided at the Prima park or Prima Palace hotel ~ Jerusalem [Breakfast & Dinner]
November 24
RETURN TO USA
Leave Tel Aviv at 00:45am flying on the direct non-stop EL AL flight to LAX or BOS arriving at 6am. Continue at 8am on the Alaskan Air flight to Seattle arriving at 11am.
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**