THE HOLY LAND. AND BIBLICAL JORDAN With the Reverend Jeffrey Miller CONNOISSEURS TOURS

Transcription

1 THE HOLY LAND AND BIBLICAL JORDAN With the Reverend Jeffrey Miller May 7-19, 2017

2 Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures? -- Luke 24:32 Dear Friends, These were the words spoken by the Emmaus disciples on that first Easter so long ago, when the resurrected Jesus appeared to them in the midst of their grief and despair. As they trudged the dusty Palestinian roads, the Lord came alongside and transformed their sorrow into overflowing joy! With each step and each word from the Scriptures and the lips of Jesus, their hearts burned with hope! Today, pilgrims to the Holy Land travel those same Palestinian roads and experience the same joy and hope, as they too listen to the Scriptures and hear the voice of the Risen Christ. In the spring of 2017, I invite you to join me as we travel to the land of the Holy One! Come with me as we: Break bread by the Sea of Galilee Read the Beatitudes on the very site where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Walk along the very route our Lord took as he entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Pray at the site of His crucifixion and resurrection! Yes, come with me to the Holy Land, and as we discover anew these sites of faith and promise you will find that, like those Emmaus disciples so long ago, your heart and your soul will burn within you! With Warmest Regards, The Reverend Jeffrey Miller

3 SUN. MAY. 7: DEPART YOUR HOME CITY This is your departure date from the United States to Tel Aviv. Connoisseurs Tours will assist each traveler with airline tickets from his or her home city to and from Tel Aviv. There is no charge for this. MON. MAY 8: ARRIVAL & TRANSFER Upon arrival at Tel Aviv s Ben Gurion airport you will be met by your local Christian guide. We will then transfer to the Seasons Hotel in Netanya for rest, a welcome reception, dinner and overnight. The Seasons Hotel is located on the Mediterranean Sea, with breathtaking views of the coastline. (D) District of Israel situated on top of an isolated rock plateau on the eastern edge of the Judaean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea. Herod the Great built palaces for himself on the mountain and fortified Masada between 37 and 31 BCE. According to Josephus, the Siege of Masada by troops of the Roman Empire towards the end of the First Jewish Roman War ended in the mass suicide of 960 people the Sicarii rebels and their families hiding there. We will make our way to the Seasons for dinner and overnight. WED. MAY 10: BEIT SHE AN, NAZARETH/ CANA/GALLILEE We begin our day with a drive to Beit She an, one of the oldest cities in Israel. King David was able to capture Beit Shea an in a series of brilliant military campaigns TUES. MAY 9: CAESAREA MARITIMA/ MASADA This morning, we will arise and go to Caesarea Maritima, a completely man made harbor city of Roman times. The city is a beautiful and amazing excavated site where Paul argued his defense against Agrippa. Next we will travel to Masada. Masada, which means fortress, is an ancient fortification in the Southern that expelled the Philistines from the area, pushing them back to their southern coastal strongholds of Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath, Gaza, and Ashdod. During the Iron Age II period, the town became a part of the larger Israelite kingdom under the rule of the Biblical kings David and Solomon (1 Kings 4:12 refers to Beit She an as a part of the district of Solomon). Today the main attraction in Beit Shean is the Archaeological National

4 Park where tourists can see the history of Israel through archaeological remains from each historic period. Visitors to the park can see the ancient wall that surrounded the city, public baths, a Roman temple, stores, artisan workshops and other well preserved structures. The central Palladius street runs for 24 meters and is lined by colonnades. Historians uncovered an inscription that established the street was named after a 4th century Roman governor. There are rare mosaics and a Roman amphitheater which is still in use today. Next, we proceed to Jesus home town of Nazareth, where we visit Nazareth Village and the Basilica of the Annunciation, together with other nearby buildings and excavations from the first-century village (Luke 2:39-40, 4:14-34). Then we travel to Galilee via Cana, where we will have an opportunity for a short renewal of marriage vows at the church in Cana- the site of our Lord s changing of water into wine at a wedding (John 2:1-10). This evening we will have dinner and overnight at our hotel in Tiberius- The Ron Beach Hotel, our home for the next 2 nights. (B, L, D) THURS. MAY 11: -LAKESIDE/ CAESAREA PHILIPPI/GALILEE Today we will be visiting several Gospel sites in and around Capernaum (the base for Jesus public ministry): Peter s home, Capernaum s remarkable synagogue; a natural amphitheater, where Jesus taught from a boat (Mark 4:1); the Mount of Beatitudes; and Tabgha (the place of seven springs), where we remember the feeding of the 5000 and especially Jesus Resurrection appearance (John 21). In the afternoon we drive northwards to Caesarea Philippi (or Banias), a source of the Jordan River; near here Peter confessed Jesus as the Messiah (Mark 8:27-29). The day concludes with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. (B,L,D) FRI. MAY 12: JERUSALEM Today, as we leave Galilee and travel southwards past Beth Shean, we follow the route which Jesus took on his final journey up to Jerusalem along the Jordan Valley, Passing the ruins of Herod s Palace, we enjoy some peace in the desert, overlooking the Wadi Qelt and the monastery of St. George of Khosiba before ascending to Jerusalem. Our first panoramic views of the city are at sunset from the Mount of Olives. We enjoy dinner and stay for 4 nights at the Notre Dame Hotel. (B,L,D) SAT. MAY 13: BETHLEHEM /EIN KAREM Today, as we drive a few miles south, we pause to enjoy the spectacular views of Jerusalem from the Talpiot Promenade and then go into Bethlehem, the city of David. We visit the Shepherds Fields and the traditional birthplace of Jesus in the Church of the Nativity (Luke 2:1-20). There are opportunities for buying local crafts and for meeting some of the local

5 Christian community over lunch at Bethlehem Bible College. We then drive northwest to Ein Karem, a charming village in the Judean hills and the birthplace of John the Baptist (Luke 1:39-80). The bus will continue on to our hotel and, for those who wish, we will continue on to the Israel Museum to see the Model of Ancient Jerusalem, and the Shrine of the Book (containing the Dead Sea Scrolls). (B,L,D) SUN. MAY 14: MOUNT OF OLIVES We start very early with an optional visit and Ecumenical Service at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher the with a highlight: visiting the excavations beneath the Temple, and walking on the very steps which Joseph, Mary, Jesus and his disciples would have regularly used (Luke 2:22-38; Mark 13:1-2). This afternoon you have free time to rest or explore on your own. (B,L,D) MON. MAY 15: JERUSALEM-THE OLD CITY Today we explore the Old City in more detail: starting with the Western Wall and the area below the Temple, we then go up to Haram Esh Sharif to see the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aksa Mosque and finally visit St. Anne s Church and the Pool of Bethesda. After lunch at the Ecce Homo Convent (on the site of the Antonia fortress in Jesus day), we walk along the Via Dolorosa towards the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Our final visit is to the Garden Tomb, close to our hotel. (B,L,D) ideal way to appreciate the traditional site of Jesus Crucifixion and Resurrection, visited by thousands each day. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, we go up to the Mount of Olives where, walking down to the olive groves of Gethsemane, we will see various sites associated with Palm Sunday, with Jesus Apocalyptic Discourse, and the Ascension, (Luke 19:28-48; 22:39-53; 24:50-53). We finish the morning TUES. MAY 16 : ACROSS TO JERASH & JORDAN We say farewell to Jerusalem, driving down past Jericho to the Allenby Bridge Crossing, going over into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. We then drive to the impressive remains of Jerash (ancient Gerasa), with its triumphal arch, forum, theater, and impressive main street (Cardo Maximus). Founded in 300 BC by the soldiers of Alexander the Great, this is one of the best preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. We

6 continue to our hotel on the Dead Sea, the Marriott, where we stay for 2 nights. (B,L,D) WED. MAY 17: MOUNT NEBO/ TEL AL-KHARRAR Today we visit Tel Al-Kharrar, a site of natural beauty the River Jordan on the Allenby Bridge. We will travel through to Jericho. There we are entertained to an early evening farewell dinner in before we go to Tel Aviv airport for a late evening departure (Please coordinate your return flight to depart Tel Aviv after 10:30 p.m.). (B,L,D) recently set aside as a National Park, which many believe was Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John baptized Jesus (John 1:28; Mark 1:9-11). Archeological remains suggest Christians may have come here to worship since the second century, and we too will pray here and renew our baptismal vows. We then drive up to Mount Nebo, from where Moses looked over the promised land (Deut. 34:1-4). Weather permitting, there can be great views in the morning light. After lunch in Madaba we see the famous mosaic map of the Byzantine Holy Land on the floor of the church of St. George. We return in the mid-afternoon to enjoy the facilities of our hotel or even to float on the Dead Sea! (B,L,D) FRI. MAY 19: ARRIVE HOME We arrive back in the United States THURS. MAY 18: ISRAEL/JERICO/ TRANSFER TO AIRPORT Today we return to the Holy Land, crossing over

7 GENERAL INFORMATION, TERMS & CONDITIONS Please read the Terms & Conditions in their entirety prior to making any payment for this tour. Any payment made towards a tour booking shall constitute a confirmation by the Guest on behalf of themselves and all other persons named on their booking that he or she has read, understood, accepted and agreed to the Terms & Conditions of this tour, the terms of which will apply to the Guest and all other persons named on their booking. DEPOSIT & FINAL PAYMENT $ per person. Deposits and payments can be paid by check or any major credit card. Final payment is due February 7, PRICE OF TOUR Prices begin at $3, per person double occupancy depending on the cabin selected. Single supplement is $ Excursions in each location are in addition to the cost of the tour. Tour cost does not include items of a personal nature. The Travel Insured Group Deluxe travel insurance protection plan is strongly recommended. Please call us for more information, and for single supplement insurance prices. CONNOISSEURS TOURS PROTECTION PLAN PROVIDED BY TRAVEL INSURED Traveling is a big investment. It pays to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that can result in trip cancellation and additional expenses such as costs related to medical emergencies. This Travel Insured Protection Plan is specifically designed to provide you with peace of mind knowing you are protected against the financial impact of unexpected events while on your trip. Additional insurance is available to include the cost of your airfare. Please contact Connoisseurs Tours if you would like to insure the cost of your airline tickets after your have purchased your airline tickets. See below for the Schedule of Coverage: Trip Cancellation* (not applicable if $0 trip cost) Trip Cost* Trip Interruption** ($500 return air only if $0 trip cost) 150% of Trip Cost* Cancel for Work Reasons Trip Cost* Trip Delay 6 hours $750 ($150/day) Baggage/Personal Effects $1,500 Baggage Delay 24 hours $400 Accident & Sickness Medical Expense $50,000 Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation $250,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment $25,000 Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services Included *Up to the lesser of the Trip Cost paid or the limit of Coverage for which benefits are requested and the appropriate plan cost has been paid. Maximum limit of $10,000 **150% of Trip Cost paid up to a maximum of $10,000 for the unused portion of Your Trip and the transportation cost to re-join the Trip or return home. CANCELLATION FEES $ is non-refundable after deposit. $ per person is non-refundable from 180 to 120 days before departure. $ per person is non-refundable from 119 to 90 days prior to departure. 50% of the total cost is non-refundable from 89 to 60 days prior to departure. 100% of the total cost is non-refundable from 59 days prior to the day of departure. All cancellations must be in writing. RESPONSIBILITY Connoisseurs Tours acts only as an agent for the traveler with respect to transportation, accommodations and other services offered on the tour. Connoisseurs Tours and their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident or delay or irregularity that may be caused by any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus or other carrier or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party. The passage contract in use by the carriers when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the traveler. Connoisseurs Tours and/or their agents will not be responsible for loss, injury, damages or expenses to person or property, due to illness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature or other such causes in connection with the tour for anything beyond their reasonable control. Connoisseurs Tours is not responsible for transportation or other delays or changes in the tour program beyond their control, nor any additional expenses or loss of time that may be incurred by the traveler. It may be necessary or advisable for the well-being of all travelers to alter the itinerary at any time, without notice to the travelers, and such alterations will be made without penalty to Connoisseurs Tours. Connoisseurs Tours reserves the right to decline or not to retain any person as a member of any tour or to change or withdraw a tour as circumstances demand. All rates quoted are based on tariffs in effect at the time the tour was planned and are subject to change in the event of adjustment therein. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk and baggage insurance is recommended. Connoisseurs Tours reserves the right to substitute hotels of equal or superior quality. The proposals of this section are governed by Georgia law, and final payment by the traveler to Connoisseurs Tours shall be deemed to be consent to the above provisions. VALIDITY May 31, 2016 through November 20, 2017

8 RESERVATION FORM THE HOLY LAND & BIBLICAL JORDAN MAY 7-22, 2017 Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Telephone: Rooming With: Please Reserve place(s) for this tour A deposit in the amount of $ per person (plus optional insurance) is required for a reservation OPTIONAL INSURANCE PREFERENCE: Insurance premiums must be paid with your deposit Double Occupancy: $ per person Cancel for any reason: $ per person Single Occupancy : $ per person, Cancel for any reason: $ per person I/We prefer 1 bed 2 beds I wish to purchase single accommodations Please contact me about airline reservations Enclosed is a deposit of for people Payment options: Check (Checks should be made payable to Connoisseurs Tours) Credit Card: Visa Mastercard Amex Discover Card# Exp. Date: / Sec. Code: I have read and understand the Terms and Conditions of this tour Signature: Please mail your reservation form and deposit to: Connoisseurs Tours 110 McIntosh Drive Savannah, GA (912)