Holy Lands Sun Tours

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 DISCOVER ISRAEL - 2010

• DISCOVER ISRAEL & BIBLICAL TREASURES •

January 11 - 20, 2010

Escorted By:
Carol Egan
HLST Special Liaison to Ministers

" Awarded Best Tour Operator in the Middle East by Recommend Magazine – 2008 & 2007"

" Awarded Best Tour Operator in Africa and Middle East by Travel Age West Magazine - 2007"

MINISTERIAL FAM 2010 - ITINERARY

DAY 1 MONDAY, JANUARY 11
EN ROUTE TO ISRAEL
Guests depart the U.S. from JFK International Airport at 6:20P en route to Israel. As you leave the U.S. coastline behind, may your spirit soar with anticipation of all that awaits you in the ‘Land of the Bible.’

DAY 2 TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 BEN GURION AIRPORT · VALLEY OF ELAH · BE’ER SHEVA · DEAD SEA SWIM
Upon arrival to Ben Gurion Airport at 11:35A (local time), we meet our guide and driver and get our first glimpse of Israel! We journey south to the Valley of Elah (I Sam. 17:1-4, 32) which is remembered for the contest between a young boy named David and the giant Philistine, Goliath. Continue to Be’er Sheva where Abraham signed an oath with King Abimelech which guaranteed Abraham the unimpeded use of spring which he had dug out (Gen. 21:32). Now Be’er Sheva is a modern town known as the “capital of the Negev” which separates the arable land of the north from the arid grazing land of the south. From here we drive through the lunar-like landscape to our hotel where we can experience a Dead Sea swim. Relax and take time to enjoy the buoyancy of this highly therapeutic Dead Sea water; it's simply indescribable! Dinner and overnight at the Novotel Hotel along the shore of the Dead Sea. (D)

DAY 3 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13 DEAD SEA · MASADA · EIN GEDI OVERVIEW · QUMRAN · EIN HAROD · TIBERIAS
After a hearty breakfast, we visit MASADA, King Herod the Great's fortress/palace built in the midst of the desert. First we’ll learn the story of the Jewish zealots who chose death atop Masada in 73 AD rather than becoming slaves to their Roman conquerors. Then it’s off to the summit by cable car to view the exquisitely restored archeological remains of the palace complex. Next, is an OVERVIEW of EIN GEDI, (I Sam. 23:29) to see the Nature Reserve, David's Waterfall and the myriad of caves that became David's refuge from Saul. Nearby we stop at the excavated ruins of QUMRAN and the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. This afternoon we continue north, around the ancient city of Jericho, to visit BEIT SHE'AN (I Sam. 31:10), an ancient city where King Saul and his sons' bodies were pinned to the city walls and where an extensive archeological reconstruction is currently underway. We arrive at the MORIAH GARDENS HOTEL in TIBERIAS overlooking the Sea of Galilee. (B/D)

DAY 4 FRIDAY, JANUARY 9
MEGIDDO / MOUNT CARMEL / NAZARETH VILLAGE – MARY’S WELL –– SYNAGOGUE CHURCH
After a sumptuous breakfast, this morning begins with a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee (Mat. 14:25). Once we're out on the lake we’ll turn off the engines for a moment to remember the many miracles that Jesus performed on these same waters. Our boat docks at Kibbutz Nof Ginnosar where we'll see the remains of an ancient fishing boat dating from the time of Jesus – aptly referred to as the Jesus Boat. Stop along the water’s edge at Capernaum (John 6:24) ? the center of Jesus’ preaching ? the Church of the Primacy (John 21:15-17) which commemorates the post-resurrection sighting of Jesus when, seeing the disciples fishing, he calls them over to the lake side to have breakfast, at the same time forgiving Peter for his weakness on the night of the trial, and Tabgha (John 6:1) ? the traditional site which commemorates the miracle of the multiplication of the fish and loaves. Ascend to the Mount of the Beatitudes (Mat. 5), where Jesus spoke before the multitudes. This afternoon, continue north to the ancient city of Dan (Judges 18:1-2, 7, 28-29). It is here where in 1993 archaeologists discovered a stone inscription which refers to the "House of David" ? the first ancient reference to King David apart from the Bible. Nearby is ancient Ceasarea Philippi (Mat. 16:13-18) ? today known as Banias. Situated at the foot of Mount Hermon, it’s a source of the Jordan River and also the site where Peter made his ringing confession to Jesus, "Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God!" Enjoy a spectacular view of Mt. Hermon at a nearby Druze Village ? it’s simply breathtaking! Drive south along the strategic Golan Heights past the deserted landmark of Kuneitra ? once the chief Syrian city of the Golan ? to Kfar Charuv, a kibbutz located on the rim of the Golan Heights overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Bring your camera; the view is spectacular! This very special day concludes at Yardenit, a baptismal site built where the Sea of Galilee flows into the Jordan River. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias. (B/D)

DAY 5 FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 TIBERIAS · ACCO · NAZARETH · MARY’S WELL · SYNAGOGUE CHURCH · PRECIPICE · MEGIDDO · TEL-AVIV
Today we cross the Galilean Hills to the Mediterranean port city of Acco (ancient Acre) where we visit the remains of the Crusaders' subterranean complex and browse along the narrow streets of this charming fishing village. From here we travel southeast to Nazareth (Mat. 2:19-23), the boyhood home of Jesus where we visit Mary’s Well. Before leaving Nazareth we’ll walk through the narrow alleyways of the old bustling marketplace to the Synagogue Church believed to be built on the ruins of the former synagogue where Jesus attended. Just outside of town, stop at the traditional Precipice (Luke 4:28-30), believed to be where the mob took Jesus with the intention of throwing Him from the cliff. We conclude our day at Megiddo (I Kings 9:15), the focal point of the Book of Revelation, where excavations have unearthed 26 separate layers of civilization. While here view the lush Jezreel Valleyspread out before us! Shabbat dinner and overnight at the lovely Carlton Hotel along the Mediterranean Sea in Tel-Aviv. (B/D)

DAY 6 SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 JOPPA · CAESAREA MARITIMA · MULTI-MEDIA PRESENTATION · MUHRAKA · LEISURE TIME
This morning we visit ancient Joppa (Jaffa) situated on the Mediterranean Sea – the oldest known port city. It was from here that Jonah sailed away from God’s will and into the belly of the waiting fish (Jonah 1:3) and Peter had his housetop vision at the home of Simon the Tanner (Acts 10:8). Next, we retrace our drive north to Caesarea Maritima (Acts 25:4) – situated on the shore of the Mediterranean – it was built by Herod in 22BC and made the capital of the Roman procurators of Judea. See the Roman Theater where Paul stood before King Agrippa walk, along the newly excavated harbor and hippodrome, and view the new informative multi-media presentation. Also, before leaving view the fortress and another one of Herod's engineering masterpieces ? an aqueduct. Further north we ascend to Muhraka on the summit of Mount Carmel for a 360° panoramic view of the Jezreel Valley and beyond. This is the traditional site where Elijah manifested the Lord’s supremacy against the false prophets of Ba’al (I Kings 18:18). The remainder of the day is leisure time to walk along the Mediterranean, stroll to Rabin Square or simply relax at our deluxe hotel. Dinner and overnight in Tel-Aviv.

DAY 7 SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 TEL-AVIV · UPPER ROOM · JEWISH QUARTER · CARDO · BURNT HOUSE · THIRD TEMPLE INSTITUTE · SOUTHERN EXCAVATIONS · *TEMPLE MOUNT · WESTERN WALL · RABBINIC TUNNEL · JERUSALEM
Our day begins as we ascend to Jerusalem – “The Golden City.”  Our first stop is on Mount Zion to visit the traditional site of the Upper Room (Mark 14:12) where we’ll take time to share in fellowship.  Nearby, we enter the Jewish Quarter of the Old City to visit the Cardo, Jerusalem’s ancient marketplace, and the Burnt House.  Once belonging to a temple priest, this house is a vivid illustration of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD.  From here it's a short walk through the narrow streets to the Third Temple Institute where rabbis, goldsmiths, weavers and artisans are creating authentic Temple utensils based on Biblical, Talmudic and archeological research to be used in the future Third Temple.  After a brief photo-op overlooking the ancient temple compound, we descend to the Southern Excavations where we’ll stand on the ancient stairs that Jesus would have used to ascend to the Temple.  And, subject to availability, we’ll ascend to the Temple Mount.  Though entering the mosques is prohibited, we can enjoy a stellar view the Mt. of Olives and the Eastern Gate.   Next is the Western Wall, the outer wall of the Second Temple.   It’s here that Jews come to lament over the Temple’s destruction and pray for its restoration.   Nearby, subject to reservation, we visit the Rabbinic Tunnel system by which means the priests traveled to the Temple.  Today it’s the nearest we can stand to the ancient Holy of Holies.  Dinner and overnight at the luxurious Sheraton Plaza in the heart of Jerusalem.  (B/D)

DAY 8 MONDAY, JANUARY 18 YAD VASHEM · ISRAEL MUSEUM · SCALE MODEL · SHRINE OF THE BOOK · *BETHLEHEM · CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY · SHEPHERDS’ FIELDS · BEN YEHUDA SREET · ILLUMINATED WALLS OF THE OLD CITY
This morning we visit Yad Vashem – Israel’s memorial to the Holocaust. Spend time touring the new, amazing complex including the Children’s Pavilion, Hall of Remembrance and the Avenue of the Righteous, where trees have been planted to commemorate the many Christians who helped save the lives of Jews during World War II. Nearby, we tour the Israel Museum to see the Scale Model – a depiction of Jerusalem at the time of Christ – and the Shrine of the Book, which houses many original manuscripts and copies of the Dead Sea Scrolls. This afternoon, subject to security conditions, we journey south to *Bethlehem (Micah 5:2 & Luke 2:1) to visit the Church of the Nativity, the holiest site of Christendom, built over the traditional site of Christ's birth. Nearby, we’ll visit Shepherds’ Fields (YMCA site) which overlooks the fields of Boaz. Here we’ll read and reflect on Luke 2 … which relates the joyful announcement of Jesus’ birth. And before leaving the village, we'll be sure to stop at one of the largest olive wood factories and shop in the adjoining store! Tonight after dinner, it's a special night out! Explore more of the city, browse the many shops and enjoy a drink or ice cream at one of the many sidewalk cafes on Ben Yehuda Street, a pedestrian mall in the heart of New Jerusalem. We’ll complete our perfect evening with a drive around the illuminated walls of the Old City. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B/D)

DAY 9 TUESDAY, JANUARY 19 MOUNT OF OLIVES · DOMINUS FLEVIT · GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE · HOUSE OF CAIAPHAS · POOL OF BETHESDA · LITHOSTROTOS · ECCE HOMO ARCH · VIA DOLOROSA · CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE · CALVARY · GARDEN TOMB · LEISURE TIME · FAREWELL DINNER
Our last touring day is full of highlights as we ascend to the summit of the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:8) and enjoy the spectacular view of the Old City before walking down the slope to the tear-shaped church of Dominus Flevit (Luke 19:41-44), commemorating the place where Jesus wept over His beloved Jerusalem. We continue our descent to the Garden of Gethsemane (Mat. 26:36) with its ancient olive trees. The gardener may unlock the gate allowing our group to enter a private part of the olive grove where we can partake in a quiet worship service. Before leaving, each of us may find our own secluded spot to pray in this very special place. Across the Kidron Valley, we visit the House of Caiaphas also known as – The Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu (John 18:12). From here we enter the Old City through St. Stephen's Gate and walk to the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1) and the lovely Crusader Church of St. Anne. We continue our stroll to the Lithostrotos of Antonia Fortress (The Pavement – John 19:1-19). Nearby, we view the Ecce Homo Arch (Behold the Man) and then follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Our last stop today is at Calvary and the Garden Tomb (John 19:38) to enjoy a time of fellowship and celebrate communion. This afternoon, enjoy leisure time to return to your favorite site, buy a last minute gift or simply relax at our hotel. After our farewell dinner we transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for our departing flight at 1A. (B/D)

DAY 10 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20 EN ROUTE
It's time to say “Shalom” to the Land we have all come to love! While en route, reflect on the wonderful fellowship and all that you have seen and learned in the ‘Land of the Bible’!  Memories that will last a lifetime!

Our Deluxe Hotels:

Dead Sea/Novotel

Tiberias/Sheraton Moriah

Tel-Aviv/Carlton

Jerusalem/Sheraton Plaza

 

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State of California Registration #: 2020203-20