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We are going to Israel
November 29 - December 9
(extension through Dec. 11)
And we want you to go with us!
So many people tell us they want to go to Israel sometime... well, that time is NOW. Just make a decision to go, and go with us! We will show you all the wonderful sites and sounds of Israel, spend an afternoon with Ari and Shira at Tiferet Yeshua Congregation, and make memories of a lifetime together! Don't decide to wait for the perfect time... it's a great time to visit Israel THIS YEAR!
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Cost for the trip, leaving from Philadelphia, PA
$3,199 for a double occupancy
$575 added for single supplement
Deposit due by August 27, 2010
Full amount is due September 30, 2010
Cost includes round trip airfare from Philadelphia to Tel Aviv, 8 nights accommodations at Deluxe hotels, Israeli style buffet breakfast and dinner, touring by private motor coach with English-speaking guide, entrance fees to all tour sites, boat cruise on the Sea of Galilee, cable car to the top of Massada, hotel taxes and service charges, airport departure taxes.
Cost of extension is $679 per person for a double occupancy
$105 added for single supplement
Call us at 214.677.0560, or email us at ray@maozisrael.org today!
You can SEE DAILY SCHEDULE BELOW or DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE and the REGISTRATION FORM with Tour Details.
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The Best of Israel Tour
November 29 - December 9
Hosted By Ray & Christy Wilkerson
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November 29: Departure
Today we embark on our Journey to the Holy Land. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…Tomorrow you will be walking where Jesus walked! Our flight is scheduled to depart Philadelphia at 9:15 PM. Please make air arrangements to Philadelphia so you can check in no later than 6:15 PM.
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November 30: Arrive in Israel
We arrive at Ben Gurion Airport where we will be met by our Israeli guide who will accompany us during our entire stay in Israel. We travel northward to our hotel for one night in the coastal area near Tel Aviv. The remainder of the day is free to walk along the Mediterranean, relax, and have dinner. The time is right for a personal devotional with the sunset over the “Great Sea.” Enjoy a time of prayer of thanks for safety and the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of this land, and a good night’s rest.
Group is scheduled to arrive Tel Aviv at 3:05 PM on US Air Flight # 796.
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December 1: Caesarea, Megiddo & Nazareth
After breakfast, we travel by private motor coach along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. We’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre and aqueduct, and then journey on to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Next we travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, the Armageddon Battlefield, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization. |
We drive through the area of Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, where we visit the Nazareth Village - a wonderful recreation of Biblical times with costumed guides. We will have lunch at a local restaurant for a meal of St. Peter’s fish. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next two nights in the Tiberias area on the Sea of Galilee.
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December 2: Capernaum, Dan, Caesarea Philippi, St. Peter's Lunch & Mount of Beatitudes
Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable northern sites emphasizing the loss of God's blessing on Israel. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of pagan worship and Caesarea Philippi which is also the site of Peter’s Confession. In order to save valuable time, a box lunch will be provided. In Capernaum we will visit the ruins of an ancient synagogue and Peter’s home.
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Then we travel on to the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes and the Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea. After viewing the ancient Fisherman Boat at an operating Kibbutz, we enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee. A brief scripture reading and devotional on board brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples concluding a wonderful day.
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December 3: Jordan River Baptism Site, Beth Shean & Dead Sea
We begin our day with a visit to the Jordan River Baptismal site. Next we travel southward to Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, the most magnificent archeological site in Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys. Like Jericho, it has been almost continuously occupied throughout history. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the Philistines hanged their bodies on the walls of Beit-Shean. During the intertestamental period, the city was renamed the "Scythopolis". |
Archaeologists have uncovered a huge number of ruins of the Roman/Byzantine Scythopolis. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis -a league of ten cities sharing Greek culture and government. Following the fertile Jordan Valley southward, your guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey,” the Kibbutz system and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho, view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world, before coming to our lodging for the evening at the Dead Sea the lowest place on earth. Spend time in the special spa and enjoy a dip in the Dead Sea for a relaxing float before dinner.
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December 4: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls & Jerusalem
Our day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top fortress of Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous zealot stand. Afterwards we proceed to Ein Gedi, "Spring of the Goat," an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves.
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This is where King David hid from Saul, and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. Next, we visit Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This afternoon we arrive in Jerusalem and check into our hotel where we will stay for the next four nights.
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December 5: Around Jerusalem, Bible Times
Passing by the Protestant Cemetery, we visit the "Upper Room" just outside the Zion Gate where the disciple whom Jesus loved laid his head on His breast and where later Thomas cried, "my Lord & my God." An interesting and educational time awaits us at the Israeli Museum. Walk through collections of centuries old Israeli artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and a then a guided walk through an accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem will help to prepare you for what you will experience in the following days. Next we visit the House of Caiaphas where Jesus was beaten and spit upon. See a pit where he may have been held for the evening and the ancient hillside steps he walked as he was taken to be condemned.
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December 6: Jesus' Steps, the Last Days
Today we walk where Jesus walked; beginning the day with a panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from atop the Mount of Olives and then the Garden of Gethsemane. How many have wished to be whisked back in time to get a glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? To walk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and take time for personal reflection is important here.
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On our way into the city we will visit the Wailing Wall and then the fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the Second Temple era. The tunnel and exhibit give a clear understanding of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giant stones, water supply and Roman street where our Lord was led to judgment. Before exiting the tunnel we see the immense cornerstone rejected by the builders. We move on to the Judgment Hall of Pilate, hear of those who conspired against Him and are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation. From here we will also be able to see the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen's Gate and St. Ann’s Church.
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December 7: Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb, Pentecost, Temple Mount, Bethlehem
While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering along with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Our guide will explain the differing opinions on the route that Christ was led and the actual place of crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study. The climax of the day is the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise. This afternoon we visit the Temple Mount and the Southern Wall Excavations.
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| This southern side of The Temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs, which led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard have been unearthed along with the purification pools. From here Jesus entered the Temple Mount and drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploiting the people. It is also likely that this is the place that Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. We will enjoy a challenge from God’s Word and a song before an optional time this afternoon. Those who wish may stay in the city marketplace for shopping, while others may choose to spend the remainder of the day surrounding the birth of Christ, with a visit to Bethlehem. |
December 8: Free Day in Jerusalem and Evening Flight Home
We enjoy a free day in Jerusalem. We transfer to the Tel Aviv Airport early this evening for our overnight flight back to the U.S.
December 9: Arrive in U.S.
We arrive back in Philadelphia at 5:30 AM. Please make arrangements for connecting flights from Philadelphia after 9:00 AM.
* Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group.
Eilat and Petra 3 Day Extension (+$679.00 per person)
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December 8: Eilat
We depart Jerusalem this morning and travel south to the beautiful Red Sea Resort city of Eilat. Upon our arrival we will enjoy the remainder of the day free for our leisure to visit the Underwater Aquarium, take a glass bottom boat ride, enjoy some water sports or just relax at your hotel..
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December 9: Petra
We depart Eilat early this morning and cross into Jordan and travel north to the amazing city of Petra. Walk through the “Siq,” an immense crack in the Nubian sandstone, to the city of Petra. 2000 years ago the Nabateans carved a city out of the rose red rock and the Treasury, El Khazneh, is one of the most elegant remains of antiquity. Beyond El Khazneh we are surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra’s carved and built structures. We return to Eilat and enjoy our dinner and overnight.
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December 10: Free time in Eilat
We enjoy a free day in Eilat before we travel to the Tel Aviv Airport for our overnight flight homeward.
December 11: Arrive Home
We arrive back in Philadelphia at 5:30 AM. Please make arrangements for connecting flights from Philadelphia after 9:00 AM.
Important Note: Although the itinerary above obviously emphasizes the spiritual aspect of this marvelous country, our guides are also experts in and passionate about the miracle of the return of the Jews and the restoration of the state of Israel. This fact, along with many modern day topics (military, politics, education, and other cultural aspects), will be woven into the commentary in order to give you well rounded information. |
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