An amazing tour – a journey of a lifetime!
Check out the details & itinerary below:
Welcome to our very special tour to Eretz Israel, the Holy and Promised Land.
We believe that visiting Israel as followers of Yeshua serves two distinct purposes:
- we have an opportunity to see the Bible come alive, and
- Christians can use this occasion to learn about the Jewish people who gave us the Bible so the world may come into a living relationship with the TRUE and ONLY Creator God.
It is our hope that this tour will give you the unique opportunity not only to see the ‘Promised Land’ – Eretz Israel, but to experience that unique place as fully as possible through the people, the culture and its deep spiritual significance. You will see and hear things that you will enable you to return with a much richer appreciation of your Bible.
Therefore, we also pray that this tour will assist in deepening your faith in God and your relationship with Him. However, we also pray that you will come away with a deeper and more positive understanding of Israel and the Jewish people after having been in their midst during one of the most important festivals on the Biblical calendar.
Full Itinerary
Day 1 & 2:
We will leave Brisbane on Friday, September 30, 2011 at 0825 hrs on Korean Airlines for Tel Aviv with an overnight stop at Seoul, Korea. You will need to be at the International Terminal of Brisbane Airport, Level 4, between 05:15 – 05:30 at the latest. Group check-in is frequently wrought with some difficulties, which can accelerate to big problems if anyone is missing from the group at check-in time. So, in order to facilitate a smooth operation – which is beneficial to all – we insist on an early arrival of all our guests. PLEASE NOTE:those who are flying from Sydney direct to Seoul you will need to make your own arrangements to ensure that you do not miss your flight in order to connect with the tour in Seoul! Please check your luggage direct to Tel Aviv – except any carry-ons of course. Please ensure that you pack adequate clothing, etc for yourovernight stay in Korea in your carry-on! You will need to make sure that all liquids, etc your need for your overnight stay are below the 100 ml permitted in your carry-on bags. Medication of course is exempt provided you have your doctor’s verification that what you are carrying belongs to you.
In Seoul we will be accommodated most likely at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, which is close to the Airport. Although we have an almost 24-hr stopover, there may not be sufficient time to go to Seoul proper (except by taxi) as the Incheon Airport is quite a ways from Seoul. However, there is swimming pool at the hotel that you may use as well as a gymnasium if you are so inclined. You do not need any Korean money as all meals (dinner, b/fast and lunch the next day) are provided for by the airline and anything beyond that you may pay for with your credit card. The Hotel will ask you for your credit card in any case when you check in as a security measure. After a relaxing day we will be transferred to the Airport in mid-afternoon for our flight to Israel, where we’ll arrive at Ben Gurion Airport at about 2200 hours. There we’ll be met by our coach for the transfer to our hotel in Tel Aviv.
Day 3 Sunday:
Yafo – Sderot: At breakfast we’ll be met by our guide who will accompany us for the remainder of our tour through this special land — in Hebrew Eretz Israel. From Tel Aviv we drive south to visit Yafo (Jaffa). Yafo is famous for SIMON THE TANNER’S HOUSE (Acts 9:43), but here we will learn that there is more to the story than is commonly known. After our visit and a brief tour of the area we continue on to TEL ASHKELONto learn on-site about Samson and his battles with the Philistines. From there we continue to SDEROT for lunch and a highly informative presentation on the QASSAM PERIOD (which is still continuing) after Israel’s disengagement.
Return to Tel Aviv for personal exploration and meeting with local followers of Yeshua, Dinner and o/nite Tel Aviv
Day 4 Monday:
Ceasarea - Akko: Today we head north to visit the spectacular archeological site of Ceasarea. You will marvel at the excavations of this magnificent, Roman harbor city. From there we continue a short distance for a brief visit to Atlit, the notorious British detention camp, just south of Haifa.
The Atlit detainee camp was a detention camp established by the British at the end of the 1930s on Israel's northern coast 20 kilometers (12 mi) south of Haifa. The camp was established to prevent Jewish refugees, mainly Holocaust survivors, from entering then-Palestine. Today the camp is a museum.
From there we will continue north to visit the splendidly preserved Crusader Capital Acco (Acre). The city was a Crusader stronghold for almost 200 years, and today Acre is the holiest city of the Bahá'í Faith.However, from as far back as Thutmose III (17th c. B.C.E.) the city has had great significance to many rulers until today.
From Acco we head north to see the cliffs of Rosh HaNiqra – Israel’s most northern coastal point on the Lebanese border. RoshHaNiqra played an important role in Israel’s struggle for independence against the British.
After our visit to Rosh HaNiqra we’ll turn south again to our beautiful hotel in Nahariya for dinner and overnight
Day 5 Tuesday:
Mt Carmel – Sea of Galilee: After our breakfast we will visit Mount Carmel and visit the biblical site whereElijah battled with prophets of Jezebel (Baal) and a most splendid view of the Jezreel Valley before descending to our visit at the Tel of Har Megiddo — the focal point of the ‘last wars’ at Armageddon. The word Armageddon stems from the Hebrew term for the site and is actually a poor transliteration and fusion of two words into Greek and Latin: Ar (Har) Mageddon (Megiddo). From there we pass through the fertileJezreel Valley, that was a swamp during the Turkish period before being drained by the early Zionists with help from Australian eucalyptus trees. You’ll be inclined to think you are in the Australian bush— such is the abundance of gum trees throughout Israel. On the way we are passing Mt Tabor where Barak and Deborah defeated the Canaanite army under Sisera to Nazareth, the town of Yeshua’s youth.
Time permitting we will visit Nazareth Village — a working village, modelled on a New Testament village from the time of Yeshua (Jesus). The Galilee is a virtual treasure trove of history and although it is not possible to make direct visits to all places that played a part in history, a running commentary will be provided- including unscheduled stops - time and conditions permitting as we pass sites of historical significance.Dinner and o/nite Tiberias.
Day 6 Wednesday:
Capernaum - Zippori: This morning we are provided with the opportunity of a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee from Tiberias to Capernaum (Kfar Naḥum) and ascend to the Mount of Beatitudes to reflect on the teachings of Yeshua that changed the world. NOTE: Depending on the level of the lake, a direct crossing may not be possible (pray for heavy rains on the Galilee)— we may not have boat access to Capernaum and will have to transfer by bus from another location to Capernaum. From there we will visit Tabgha, the site of Peter’s breakfast experience with the risen Yeshua. After a brief stop we drive to Beit Igal Alon on Kibbutz Ginnosar to learn about the history of Galilee over the last 2000 years before moving on to Zippori, the Roman capital of Galilee at the time of Yeshua. Dinner and o/nite Tiberias.
Day 7 Thursday:
Golan Heights - Banias: After an early breakfast, we will ascend to the Golan Heights to learn about their historical significance until this day. Conditions permitting we will visit the base of an Israeli Tank battalion, after stopping off in Katzrin – the capital of the Golan - we drive to see Mount Bental on the Syrian border, which is the site of the site of one of the largest tank battles in history on our way to the Banias (Caeasara Philippi in the NT). We have an opportunity here to taste some of the fish that is being farmed here. You will learn here the real significance of the discourse between Yeshua and Peter in Matthew 16:13-20 and marvel at the archeological discoveries from the Roman period.
We will also walk among the ruins of Tel Dan, Ahab’s city and the place already used by Jeroboam to divide the Kingdom. Discover the true significance of the division brought about by Jeroboam and why he is regarded as the epitome of evil among all of Israel’s ancient kings. From there we will return to Tiberias via the beautiful and historic Hula Valley. You will learn to appreciate from the topography of the area why security is a major issue for Israel. Dinner and o/nite Tiberias.
Day 8 Friday:
Beit Shean - Jerusalem: Another early start and drive to Beit Shean the ancient site where the bodies of King Saul and his son Jonathan were displayed after their defeat on Mt Gilboa. Modern Beit Shean (Scytholopis) was built along the ancient Tel and the city’s former splendor is clearly visible from its ruins. After lunch we head for Jerusalem, through the Jordan Valley, for a brief tour of the city before checking into our hotel to prepare for Yom Kippur. Dinner and o/nite in Jerusalem
Day 9 Saturday
YOM KIPPUR. This is the only day of the entire year when the entire city is at rest and opportunity is given to everyone to extend and receive forgiveness with God and man— it is a day when all wrongs can be righted. Today is a free day and a wonderful opportunity to experience a glimpse into Jewish spirituality — especially in the Old city. As no cars are permitted on the streets of Jerusalem today (even Arab cars are banned from the city streets, but there are always some Jewish Israelis and Israeli Arabs who break the law anyway), 7 you will see many people and entire families dressed in white walking to the Old City. From our hotel it is about a 45 min walk to the Western Wall and we will be taking a group, i.e. anyone who is able to walk the distance (there and back), to experience the Old City on this special day. If you want to wear white for that occasion you are free to do so. Dinner and o/nite Jerusalem
DAY 10 Sunday:
HEBRON – SAMARIA: This morning we head south from Jerusalem to visit ancient Biblical Hebron and the Cave of the Patriarchs. Hebron is one of the oldest continually inhabited city on earth with a continuous Jewish presence since the days of King David. On the way back we will ascend to the Herodion, the remarkable man-made mountain built by Herod, to explore the remains of the magnificient hidden palace and the amazing tunnels from the times of the Zealots.
From there we will head north into Samaria for a visit to Shiloh, the site of the first tabernacle at the time of Samuel and afterward to Ma’aleh Levonah, which guards an ancient mountain pass — noteworthy as the site of the first Maccabeean victory against the Seleucids. The ‘Levonah Valley’ is probably named for the frankincense grown there in biblical days for the incense used in the Tabernacle at near-by Shiloh. We will meet there with local people who will provide us with insights into Israel’s struggle to resettle the land that was given to their ancestors forever. This will enable us to become better informed concerning the so-called ‘Settler’ issue. Return to Jerusalem via the University town of Ariel. Dinner and o/nite in Jerusalem
Day 11 Monday:
Ein Kerem – Beer Sheva: Today we set out to explore Judea after a brief visit to Ein Kerem the birthplace of John the Baptist. From there we descend to Beit Shemesh, passing Ayalon where the sun stood still for Joshua (Josh.10:12-13). After a brief reflection we will have an opportunity to pick up some stones in the valley of Elah, where David killed the giant Goliath. From there we proceed to Beit Guvrin, a cave complex of major significance in the Maccabean period until well into the Christian era. After refreshments and a relatively short drive we arrive in BeerSheve the city made famous through Abraham 4000 years ago — and more recently by the Australian Light Horse Brigade during WW I — to explore the ancient ruins and wells. Time permitting we will also pay our respects to the Aussies who contributed so much to the liberation of Israel from the Turks. Dinner and o/nite in Beer Sheva.
Day 12 Tuesday:
Massada – Dead Sea : Making an early start we will drive further south today into the Negev to view more Biblical sites, as well as one of the largest and most spectacular craters on the earth (time permitting). From there we turn north toward the Dead Sea past Sodom — the city of Lot, to En Gedi Nature Reserve. After our visit we will have opportunity to experience the unusual quality of the water in the Dead Sea - floating on the mineral rich waters at the lowest point of the Earth’s surface (- 400m). Dinner and o/nite at Ein Gedi
Day 13
Wednesday:
This morning we will ascend to the most famous of Herod’s fortresses — Massada — by Cable Car to explore this extraordinary place, after our descent we’ll continue in our journey to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found over 60 years ago, which have influenced Biblical scholarship ever since. From there we turn our faces toward Jerusalem once more; passing by Jericho - one of the oldest cities of the world on the lowest point on earth. After a brief stop to ponder the initial entrance of the Children of Israel into the Promised Land 3500 years ago quite likely in that location - we will then ascend via the spectacularWadi Kelt from 400 m below sea-level to 800 m above, back to the City of David — Jerusalem for EREV SUKKOTH. Dinner and o/nite in Jerusalem
Day 14 Thursday:
FIRST DAY OF SUCCOTH; Half-day walking tour in the Old City of Jerusalem. Today our bus will take us very early to the top of the Mount of Olives. From there we will descend on foot via Dominus Flavitwhere Yeshua is thought to have delivered the prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, to theGarden of Gethsemane (marvel at ancient Olive Trees; some are said to be almost 2000 years old) and enter the Old city via the Lion’s Gate (also referred to as the Paratrooper’s Gate). Visit the Kotel and explore some of the many NT sites in adjacent areas — time and strength permitting. Rest of the time free for exploring and returning to the hotel at own pace. Dinner and o/nite in Jerusalem
Day 15 Friday:
Half-day sightseeing – Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Israel Museum with Shrine of the Book — The Yad Vashem (lit. the hand and the name) is the most important Museum/Memorial in relation to Jewish suffering during the Nazi Era. After lunch we proceed to the Israel Museum and the Shrine of the book The rest of the day is free. Depending on time constraints, a visit to the Museum may be rescheduled to the following Wednesday, which is currently a free day! Dinner and o/nite in Jerusalem
NOTE: This evening exists an opportunity to participate at the ICEJ Feast of Tabernacles evening celebrations at the Dead Sea. Over the next few days opportunities exist also to be part of evening sessions in Jerusalem during Festival period. Extra costs are a personal responsibility – prior booking is essential.Please advise!
Day 16
SHABBAT: This morning we will transfer by taxis to the Garden tomb for a worship and thanksgiving service; the Garden Tomb is an alternate site to where the resurrection is said to have taken place. The remainder of day is at leisure and you are free to return to the hotel at will; Dinner and o/nite in Jerusalem
Day 17 Sunday:
Early start for City of David excavations, David’s citadel, Jewish Quarter including the Cardo – Kotel Tunnel (day of tunnel visit may change depending on availability); Dinner and o/nite in Jerusalem
Day 18 Monday:
Visit to Christian Friends of Israel; then Archeological Garden with Southern Steps of the Temple Mount and ‘Virtual Jerusalem’ at the Davidson Centre; Dinner and o/nite in Jerusalem
Morning visit at Efrat – lecture; PM visit to Jewish home, Dinner and o/nite in Jerusalem
Day 20 Wednesday:
FREE DAY in Jerusalem – final opportunity for shopping or additional exploration of Jerusalem; *** see also above re Israel Museum. Dinner and o/nite in Jerusalem
Day 21 Thursday:
Simchat Torah - morning visit to the Kotel for Birkat HaKohanim (priestly blessing); check out your luggage before mid-day, free day to explore. Dinner in Abu Gosh and transfer to the airport for Evening departure @ 22:30 hrs
Day 22:
In flight and short stop-off in Seoul, Korea
Day 23:
Arrive Brisbane Saturday, Oct 22 @ 0645 hours
We reserve the right to amend this itinerary if specific circumstances warrant such changes. However, you will be notified prior to departure of any such change and the reason for doing so.
Don’t forget your Bible!
Climate: October is generally still quite warm in Israel. However, we encourage you to make some provision for cooler weather. Generally it is still dry, but rain often begins to fall at the end of the Succoth Festival. So, some lightweight rain protection is advisable together with good, comfortable, closed in walking shoes— sturdy sandals are OK.
Baggage:
Overall, we suggest that you consider to travel as light as possible. You are permitted to take 20 kg checked baggage and 12 kg cabin baggage, plus handbag (or similar) and camera (or similar). No liquid above 100 ml is permitted in your cabin baggage and any checked-in aerosols must be capped (we will supply you with all the Korean Air-specific baggage regulations well before you travel). Please bear in mind that we will be changing hotels frequently in the early stages of the tour, so less is best as it makes getting on and off buses a lot easier. However, we will be stationary in Jerusalem for the last eleven days.
Insurance:
As indicated on the brochure (email info@the olivetreeconnection.com for a copy or phone 0437 441720), we recommend Vero Insurance. We have secured a group deal and feel confident that you will not get a better deal. Although you are free to take out insurance or not, we strongly insist that you do. The cost is minimal, but it can save you many complications should a need arise— be it your baggage, your teeth or your general health. However, you are free to source a better deal for yourself— if you so desire.
MEDICAL NEEDS:
It is your personal responsibility to ensure the provision of ALL your medical needs for the duration of the tour. Medical attention in Israel can be quite expensive for tourist and you may not be able to obtain medication specific to your needs! If you depend on medication may we encourage you to obtain adequate insurance that covers you for any eventuality! It may cost you a little more here, but it will end up A LOT cheaper if you have any needs overseas.
Sun protection:
We recommend that you bring good quality sun-protection; i.e. sunscreen and hats.. Places like the Negev, Massada and the Dead Sea produce a lot of glare with very high temperatures, so it is a MUST.
Clothing:
Much of Israel is very much like most Western countries as most Israelis are quite secular in lifestyle. However, modesty in attire is still a very important issue in many places and IS a requirement at all holy sites throughout Israel— particularly in Jerusalem. We will be encountering Ultra Orthodox Jewish people and Muslims— all of which adhere to a very high level of modesty in dress. So, why not embrace the concept of modesty for the entire tour so no offence is caused to anyone— irrespective of location. Dress requirements for the tour:
Men:
· no shorts (above knees), tank-tops or singlets
· short-sleeve or poloshirts are acceptable
· preferably long pants, jeans or ••• shorts
· modest swim wear
Women:
· no bare midriffs, string-tops or low-cut dresses or tops that expose any part of the bust
· if you bring sleeveless dresses you will be asked to wear a T-shirt or blouse over the top or beneath your garment
· no short or skirts above the knees;
· jeans, slacks or ••• pants are acceptable
· modest swim wear
In order that you will never be in a place of embarrassment, we suggest that the only clothing you bring is such that it will never cause offence to anyone. In practical terms this means no shorts for men at any time – except to swim in at the Dead Sea/Sea of Galilee, etc. For women we recommend that you do not bring any sleeveless garments or any that expose parts of your anatomy below the neck or above your knees. You may wish to share in the spirit of Yom Kippur by bringing a white garment for that day.
Food:
Israeli diet is generally a Mediterranean cuisine and they tend to eat a lot of salads, eggs, olives and falafel. Red meat is becoming more popular, but chicken and fish are very popular. Hotel meals are generally of a Western standard, but changes from what you are used to must be expected. Some places may not provide you with the type of food you are used to like toast and Vegemite. So, if you are Vegemite addict – BRING YOUR OWN as you will not find it in Israel. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: Please inform us of any special dietary needs PRIOR to departure so we can make the necessary arrangements with the airline as well.
PERSONAL SAFETY:
Eretz Israel is a very safe place. However, you will see security personnel everywhere you go and it is for that reason that Israel is a safe place. It is an unusual – and initially maybe even unnerving – sight to see fully armed soldiers wherever one goes; even at the Western Wall. It is important to acknowledge that all cities of the world have security issues in certain places. With this in mind we assure you that you will not be in position to feel concern for your overall safety as we will not take you – or allow you to be in places – where you would be in danger.
Should you go for walks in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv or any other place, be aware that traffic moves in the opposite direction Australia; i.e. cars drive on the right hand side.
PLEASE NOTE:
all private excursions — incl. those booked/undertaken with other Christian organizations for the Feast of Tabernacles, will need to be recorded with the tour management and strictly adhered to in order to avoid complications for the individual (espec.) but also collectively for the group.
Money:
Israel’s currency is the Shekel and the Aussie $$$ is worth approx. 3.5-3.8 Shekel — or NIS for short. You do not need to obtain shekels here, as they are cheaper in Israel and can be obtained at Ben Gurion Airport direct from your Aussie dollars. You do NOT need to get US $$ for this tour; Cash, Travellers Cheques or Debit Card will give you access to local currency and all Credit Cards are accepted in stores throughout. Cash may be obtained via selected ATMs and your regular password – provided you have notified your bank that you are in Israel; ditto for Credit Card. Cash provides you with the best exchange rates.
Language:
The common language of Israel is Hebrew, however, many Israelis speak very good English. Should you travel on Jerusalem buses, however, English is almost totally absent. You need to be aware of that and you need to carry Israeli money with you wherever you go as many places will not accept foreign currency— especially bus-drivers. A single bus-trip costs about 7 NIS and the ticket is valid for as long as the trip takes and for a little over 1••• hours from the start of the initial trip, thus making (even) multiple transfers possible during that time period.
The most common greeting everywhere in Israel is SHALOM! 4
Non-Queensland guests:
a set of specific instructions re your flight arrangements will be mailed to you at least 1 month before departure.
Tour briefing: a tour specific briefing and familiarization meeting will be held in Seoul during our stopover to give people a chance of becoming acquainted and to ask any question you may have that are not addressed here.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
Frank and Karen Selch
Tour Managers
The Olivetree Connection
www.theolivetreeconnection.com
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