December 7-16, 2014
What better way to close your year and prepare your heart for an exciting celebration of Christ’s birth than December in Israel! Travel to Israel with us and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.This trip is the absolute lowest price you’ll find for an all-inclusive trip to the Holy Land…and nothing is left out! Imagine, for only $2,950 you get all of this, and more—
- Airfare from Houston (other cities available, price may differ)
- Great hotels with double accommodation
- Three meals daily
- Luxury chartered bus exclusive to our group
- A great English speaking guide who knows Israel and the Scriptures like an expert
- Biblical Christian teaching from Randy White each stop along the journey
- All entrance fees to all activities
- Water bottles on the bus
- All taxes and tips included
What’s not included? Souvenirs are not included, of course. Soda, ice-cream bars, and other snacks are not included. There is always a chance that the airline can raise fuel charges, which would affect the price (but you would know that before you were ‘beyond the point of no return.’ Travel insurance is recommended, but not included (a policy will be offered, or you can shop for your own).Due to seasonal discounts and the relationships with vendors we have established, this is an unbeatable price. Don’t miss it!
Where will we go?Our group departs Houston on Sunday night, December 7, and arrives in Tel Aviv late on December 8. Touring begins December 9.
Tuesday, December 9 – We will get a late start (around 10 AM) to allow you time to sleep in, leisurely eat breakfast, and be refreshed for the day. Our tour will begin just minutes from our hotel, when we step foot into the amphitheater at Caesarea. This spectacular theater was used 2,000 years ago and is still used today. Here we will learn about Paul’s trial before Agrippa, Peter’s work with Cornelius, and more. The ancient city of Caesarea is filled with history from the days of Herod through the days of the Crusaders to modern times. From Caesarea, we will travel through Druze villages to the top of Mt. Carmel, where the unbelievable overlook onto the Valley of Jezreel will be the perfect setting to be reminded of the showdown with Elijah and the Prophets of Baal. Our final site of the day will be Megiddo, from which the “Valley of Armageddon” is named. This city is also rich in history, from days before the conquest of Joshua and throughout history until today, and into the future at the battle to end all battles. The day will close as we travel to the Sea of Galilee for a great night of rest.
Wednesday, December 10- There is no better way to begin our journey around Galilee than with a boat ride on the Sea. This will certainly be a highlight of the trip as we “float where Jesus walked!” Our time of worship on the Sea of Galilee will be remembered forever. After the boat ride, we will see the ancient boat at Ginosar, and see first-hand how the disciples must have travelled. Today we will also visit Capernaum, the “headquarters” of Jesus’ ministry, and will literally stand in the synagogue in which Jesus taught, performed miracles, and astonished the crowd. The overlook of the sea from the Mount of Beatitudes will be beautiful. Lunch today will be St. Peter’s Fish…always a memorable experience.
Thursday, December 11 – No trip to Israel would be complete without a day in the Golan Heights. You will not only enjoy the beauty of this area, with its beautiful valleys, lush vegetation, and towering Mt. Hermon, but you’ll enjoy the history of the area as well. Today we will learn about the modern needs of Israel as we come to the edge of her borders and peer into Lebanon and Syria. In addition, we will have the joy of a tour of Caesarea Philippi, a site of ancient pagan shrines where Jesus asked, “who do you say that I am?” As a special expedition, we will also stop at Nimrod’s Fortress, the largest Crusader castle in Israel.
Friday, December 12 – Today we leave the Galilee area and travel south, leaving the green hills of Galilee and entering the desert hills of Judea. Our first stop will be Ein-herod, better known as “Gideon’s Spring.” Here we will see the Hill of Moreh where the Philistines camped against Gideon’s army, selected at the spring. Next, we will travel to the impressive ruins of Bet Shean, the most spectacular Roman-era city in Israel. You’ll be amazed with the amazing structures found at this city of the Decapolis which was also the city where King Saul’s dead body was hung on the gates. Continuing our journey south, we will stop at a fabulous overlook of the Judean hills and experience the sights 23
rd Psalm right before our eyes. Finally, we will make our way
up to Jerusalem and will have an unforgettable stop overlooking the Holy City.
Saturday, December 13 – Today is the Sabbath! While Jerusalem will lay silent with very little traffic, we will make our way to the Dead Sea, making our first stop at Masada. You may not know the story of Masada today, but after this experience, you’ll never forget it. One of the most inspiring stories of all history, the “never again” cry of Masada will come alive as we hear the story on Masada itself. The tram ride is spectacular and the sites are awe-inspiring. From Masada, we will travel along the Dead Sea to Ein Gedi, the oasis in the desert. It was at Ein Gedi that David had the opportunity to kill Saul, but would not touch “God’s anointed.” Here we have opportunity to see beautiful waterfalls as well as exotic wildlife. We will also visit Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and learn about their fabulous history, as well as that of the Essenes. Our day will finish with a soothing dip in the Dead Sea, so bring your swim suit for an experience you can get nowhere else on earth!
Sunday, December 14 – Today is our
Old City day in Jerusalem. We will visit the Western Wall, tour the Western Wall tunnels, and stand on the southern steps of Temple Mount. Hezekiah’s tunnel and the newly discovered ruins of David’s palace will also be on today’s tour, and give you a fresh understanding of Old Testament history. Walking along the streets of Jerusalem, you’ll see the Old City in its ancient charm, and experience the modern miracle of the
bones coming to life.
Monday, December 15 – We begin our last day of touring at the top of the Mount of Olives, where we will see another spectacular view of Jerusalem. Working our way down, we’ll stop along the way for some teaching before making our way to the Garden of Gethsemane at the foot of the mount. From here, we’ll make our way to the Pool of Bethesda and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. From here, we will go to the Garden Tomb, for a celebration of the resurrection. Departing the Old City, we journey to Bethlehem, where we will conclude our trip with Christmas carols in the Shepherd’s fields!
Tuesday, December 16 – Our flights home depart at 9:50 AM for an arrival in Houston at 6:15 PM. It’s a long flight home, but will be filled with great joy and life-long memories.
Optional Petra Extension:Note: a minimum of 10 participants is required for this extension. Price: $875.Tuesday, December 16 – As the others depart for the airport, we will make our way through the Judean desert on a five-hour journey to Eilat, where we will enjoy the beauty of the Red Sea and a relaxing evening.
Several options are available for your enjoyment, and may have an additional entry fee.Wednesday, December 17 – Today is a long day! We will depart the hotel about 8AM and go to the Jordanian border. After crossing, our Jordanian bus and guide will take us the two hour journey to Petra. At Petra, you’ll be amazed at this “lost city” in the mountains of Nebo. We will journey through the mountains back to our hotel in Eilat.
Thursday, December 18 – Today you will experience the Wilderness. The beauty of the desert will inspire you, and you will see some of the very places mentioned in the Old Testament wilderness experience. We will have a relaxing supper in Jaffa (ancient Joppa) before taking our night flight home (arriving Friday, December 19).
Ready to register? Click here! After you submit your registration form, we will contact you with payment information.Payment information:
- Deposit of $500 due 15 days from registration.
- Payment of additional $500 due October 1
- Balance due November 15.
- Ask about payment plans if needed
- Refunds: All funds are reimbursable until the airline ticket is actually ticketed. You will be notified in advance of this date. After ticketing, airline funds are non-reimbursable. Within 30 days of travel, all funds are non-reimbursable without insurance. Optional insuranc