| July 24, 2010 | to | August 8, 2010 |
THE HOLY LAND, PETRA, EGYPT & ROME TOUR
July 24 – Aug 8, 2010
Director: Clark Anderson and Kylee Anderson
DAY 1-2 (Sat & Sun July 24-25th): FLY USA TO LONDON / TEL AVIV, ISRAEL
Today we fly to London, England where we experience a tube (subway) ride into downtown London and explore the wonders of this famous city. We have most of the day here and you will be free to visit Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, the Tower of London, eat some fish & chips or whatever your heart desires, etc…. This evening we fly to Tel Aviv, Israel.
Day 3 (Mon July 26th): WALKING TOUR OF JERUSALEM!
We begin our day by visiting a money changer to exchange some American dollars into shekels (Israeli Currency). Today is one of our most enjoyable days as we venture through the wonders of the ‘Eternal City’! We begin by entering Herod’s gate and walk through the Old City and view the Temple Mount where we see the Dome of the Rock, the Wailing Wall, etc. We will view the current structures and discuss the past as well as the future of that site. We will next descend and view Lions Gate & the Mount of Olives. From there we are on the Via Dolorosa (or Path of Suffering. It is the path Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha). We’ll stop at St. Anne’s Cathedral (Pool of Bethesda) and the Antonio Fortress (Jesus before Pilate). Lunch will be in the Old City of Jerusalem. Our walking tour continues as we make our way to The Upper Room and then to Caiaphas’ Palace (St. Peter of Gallicantu). As we make our way back to the hotel we will be introduced to the shopkeeper that makes LDS scripture covers, necklaces, etc. Following dinner we will also visit a few shopkeepers near our hotel (olive wood, etc). They have been doing business with “The Mormons” for close to 30 years. We overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 4 (Tue July 27th): Mt. CARMEL, TABOR / NAZARETH / GALILEE
This morning we will make our way north. Our first stop is at Caesarea which is on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. We will view the ancient amphitheater and those desiring to dip their toes in the sea will have that opportunity. Our next stop will be Mount Carmel (Elijah & the Priests of Baal). On Mt. Carmel is a great view of the Jezreel Valley (Valley of Armageddon). Following lunch, near Carmel, we will drive down the valley to the ancient tel of Megiddo where we will discuss Armageddon, the 2nd Coming and the future of this Holy Land. We will then drive to a view of where Jesus spent most of His life, Nazareth. Our final site of the day will be an adventurous taxi ride up Mt. Tabor (Mount of Transfiguration) where we will reflect on the amazing experiences there! We will conclude our day by traveling up and around the Sea of Galilee to our Hotel. Checking into our Hotel this evening is a joy. Every room is only steps away from the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Following dinner at our Hotel, you can enjoy a quiet, relaxing evening strolling on the Sea shores, etc.
Day 5 (Wed July 28th): SEA OF GALILEE / CAPERNAUM / GOLAN HEIGHTS
After breakfast we will load a small fishing boat and cross the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. On our way we cut the engines & have a short discussion. On shore we’ll visit Capernaum and the Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered. Following lunch we will take a short nature hike to the ancient city and alter at Tel Dan. Our next stop will be at Banias, the ancient site of Ceasaria Philippi, where we will view a beautiful waterfall. As we bus our way home we travel on the Golan Heights where we can look over into Syria. Dinner is a unique experience at the St. Peter’s Fish restaurant that will be followed by another relaxing evening enjoying the Sea of Galilee at night.
Day 6 (Thurs July 29th): JORDAN RIVER / JERICHO / DEAD SEA / JERUSALEM / TUNNEL
Our day begins by visiting Yardenit at the Jordan River (Jesus’ traditional baptismal site). From here we will make our way back to Jerusalem. On our way we will visit the modern city and ancient ruins of Jericho. Following lunch we will make our way to the Dead Sea. This is a very unique experience taking a float in the Dead Sea. You cannot sink! As we make our way to Jerusalem we will be traveling on the road from ‘Jerusalem to Jericho’. As we do so we will reflect on a certain parable. We will visit Lazarus’ Tomb and then conclude our day with a walk through the flowing water in Hezekiah’s Tunnel. We will overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 7 (Fri July 30th): MUSEUMS / HOLLOCAUST MUSEUM / BETHLEHEM
Our day begins with a sobering experience at the new and improved Holocaust Museum, Yad Vashem. Our next stop is a very impressive miniature model of the city of Jerusalem in Christ’s day; The Model City. This will be followed up with an experience at the “Time Elevator Jerusalem” (a fun movie experience that recounts the history of Jerusalem). We will enjoy lunch on Ben Yehuda Street where there is some good Jewish shopping. Next we will cross through ‘The Wall’ (20’ cement wall that separates Israel and Palestinian controlled land). Our first afternoon visit is the birthplace of the Savior in Bethlehem (Church of the Nativity). Time permitting we will visit a local Bethlehem Olive Wood shop before crossing back through the wall. Our afternoon will conclude with a stop in the Shepherds’ Fields where we’ll reflect on the story of Jesus’ birth, Ruth, and the concept of “Sheep”. This evening we will view how the Orthodox Jews bring in the Sabbath at the Western Wall. We will again overnight in Jerusalem!
Day 8 (Sat July 31th): GETHSEMANE / CHURCH / MT. OLIVES / GARDEN TOMB
Today just might be the most memorable of all as we begin at the traditional site of the Garden of Gethsemane (Church of all Nations). We will then wander up and across the street to visit the Orson Hyde Memorial Park (Church regulated property) for a discussion and some ponder time. The view of Jerusalem during our Sacrament Service in the BYU Jerusalem Center is inspiring. On our way to lunch we will wander down the Mt. of Olives and pass thousands of Jewish graves, including those of the Biblical Prophets; Haggai & Zechariah. Lunch is a unique place in the Old City. From here we will reflect on the burial & resurrection of the Savior as we visit the two possible sites for Golgotha & Calvary. First we visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher [believed site for many Christians] and then the Garden Tomb [where others feel is the true site]. Tonight will be our last night in Jerusalem.
Day 9 (Sun Aug 1st): QUMRAN / DEAD SEA / MASADA / PETRA, JORDAN
Today we will depart Jerusalem and go ‘down by the borders near the shore of the Red Sea’ (1 Nephi 2:5). On the way we will pass Qumram (discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls). We will next enjoy a picture of the natural spring and waterfall at Ein-Gedi (where David hid from King Saul). From here we will visit the majestic Masada where we will gondola to the top and be in wonder at its fabulous story. On our way to the Israeli/Jordanian border we will enjoy a discussion on Sodom & Gomorrah. We will cross the border and make our way up to fascinating city of Petra, Jordan where we will overnight.
Day 10 (Mon Aug 2nd): PETRA, JORDAN / EGYPT
This morning we explore Petra, the newly voted “Wonder of the World.” We will walk down the narrow canyon to the breathtaking view of the Treasury, Petra’s most famous landmark. You will have time to visit this fascinating city carved from the cliffs of the canyon and experience some of the best ruins found anywhere in the world. Petra was once a great commercial empire with a long history, it is best known today as the lost city in the Indiana Jones Movie, The Last Crusade. This afternoon we will make our way over to St. Catherines in Egypt. Our Hotel (the Morganland Village) is near the base of “Mt. Moses”. We will enjoy a relaxing evening reviewing the scriptural account of Moses and the Children of Israel in preparation for our climb up the ancient temple….Mt Sinai.
Day 11 (Tue Aug 3rd): MT. SINAI / SHARM EL SHEIKH
We arise very early and enjoy a moonlight hike up Mount Sinai (Camels are available for those not able to make the entire hike or who would like the adventure). On top we will enjoy the sunrise and a very special meeting before making our descent. Those not able to make the hike can enjoy sleeping in or other things at the hotel. Following our climb we will bus our way to the Red Sea which is one of the very best locations for snorkeling and deep sea diving in the world (Sharm El Sheikh–Ras Mohammed). This evening those interested in visiting Naama Bay can do so. It can be fun to see the exciting night life of this popular resort city before retiring in our luxurious hotel.
Day 12 (Wed Aug 4th): RED SEA — SNORKELING & DIVING
This morning we will continue to enjoy the Red Seas. Those interested can enjoy some of the world’s best snorkeling & deep sea diving and those who are not interested in getting in the water can relax at the resort hotel which has a beautiful pool, lazy river, spa options, etc. We once again overnight in Sharm.
Day 13 (Thurs Aug 5th): ABU SIMBEL (?) / LUXOR: LUXOR TEMPLE KARNAK
This morning we take a short flight from Sharm and have the privilege of visiting one of the most spectacular sites in all of Egypt…Abu Simbel. We will we fly from Sharm to Luxor and then to Aswan and then to reach Abu Simbel we need to take a short flight to arrive at this spectacular temple built into the mountain. Following this experience we will make our way back to Luxor for a relaxing afternoon. Following dinner we will enjoy an evening visit to the impressive Luxor Temple. These structures are amazing and must be seen to be believed. You might even enjoy these experiences more than the Pyramids in Cairo! We overnight in Luxor.
Day 14 (Fri Aug 6th): LUXOR: VALLEY OF KINGS / KARNAK & LUXOR TEMPLES
Over 60% of the world’s ancient ruins are located in the city of Luxor. We begin on the West Bank where we will visit one of the most intriguing spots in the world; the “Valley of the Kings” and “Valley of the Queens” (burial place for the Egyptian Pharaohs & Queens). You will marvel at the similarities in Egyptian and LDS beliefs and rituals! We will next take pictures of the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Collosi of Memnon & Nobels as well as Pit Tomb #33 where the Book of Abraham was discovered. We will next explore the Temple of Ramses III. Our day will conclude with a visit to one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World which is also one of the largest temple structures in the world; the Karnak Temple. You will truly be amazed at this 64 acre temple. We again overnight in Luxor. (OR FLY TO CAIRO IF POSSIBLE)
Day 15 (Sat Aug 7th): CAIRO: PYRAMIDS / SPHINX / EGYPTIAN MUSEUM, etc
Today we take a short flight to Cairo and then enjoy a full day touring the sites in the area! We begin with the splendor of the famous Pyramids and Sphinx. Those interested can go inside the Pyramid as well as take a camel ride. From here we will make a visit to the Egyptian Museum and explore all the unique items there (including the opportunity to view real live mummies as well as King Tut items). Time permitting we will visit one of the largest mosques in the world; the Mohamed Ali Mosque. With any luck we will also visit Memphis and Sakkara (the oldest pyramid in the world). We will enjoy a short rest in our hotel rooms before making our way to the airport to fly to Rome, Italy.
Day 16 (Sun Aug 8th): ROME, ITALY
Today we enjoy a full day visiting some of the amazing sites in Rome. If you desire to stay in a group we plan to visit St. Peters and Vatican City first, which includes Michaelangelo’s famous Sistene Chapel. We will next make our way over to San Giovanni and then take the walk that leads to the Pantheon, Coliseum, and the Forum. We will also try to take in some Italian Ice Cream (Gelatto) and some tasty Italian food. Tonight we overnight in a Convent near the historic sites.
Day 17 (Mon Aug 9th): FLY HOME
This morning we take a very early flight from Rome to London and then onto the USA where we will be reunited with our loved ones!
COST PER PERSON OPTIONS
Double Occupancy: $4100 per person
Single Occupancy: $4750 per person
Egypt & Rome Option add $550 per person
DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $500 per person.
ROOMMATES: Single people may sign up for accommodations on a share basis and will be assigned roommates as circumstances permit. If a roommate is unavailable, the participant will be notified of the adjusted price prior to departure.
CANCELLATION FEES: A $25 fee will be charged by Anderson Tours, LLC for all cancellations until 60 days prior to departure, at which time the fee will be $100. In addition, all cancellation charges imposed by airlines, hotels, vendors, operators, etc., will be passed on to the participant.
TOUR INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
- First-class, top quality tour with experienced tour directors
- All airline travel mentioned in the program (which is from JFK to London, London to Tel Aviv, Sharm El Sheikh to Rome, Rome to JFK) Because there are so many participants coming from all over the US we only include the airfare from JFK. If you would like us to help you arrange your flights to JFK that is a free service we provide but we will just add the cost of the flight to your total amount due.
- Private, deluxe air-conditioned motor coach
- Hotel Accommodations (5 and 4 star hotels)
- Cold bottled water will be available for purchase on board bus
- Two meals daily (breakfast and lunch or dinner) as indicated in the detailed itinerary.
- All admission fees to sites specified in the itinerary (group tours only)
- Anderson Tours flight bag, visor or hat
- Airport and other departure taxes
- Opportunity to purchase a personalized DVD of our tour experience (not available for all tours).
REGISTRATION, DEPOSIT, PAYMENT, AND CANCELLATION:
Early reservations are strongly recommended, and a deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 60 days prior to departure. Applications received after this date should include full payment. Any payments made after this date should also include also include full payment. Any payments made 30 days prior to departure must be in the form of a money order. Checks should be made payable to Anderson Tours. All cancellation penalties are the responsibility of the participant.
Please send check payment and names of participants to:
Anderson Tours LLC
3155 S Hidden Valley Dr #302
St. George, UT 84790
OTHER ITEMS & DETAILS
Good Health is encouraged for our Israel tours!
Abu Simbel is optional and requires an additional flight to get to. It is a very popular and impressive site. This option costs approximately $160 per person
ITEMS NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE:
Items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs; excess baggage or portage charges; personal, trip, or baggage insurance; room service; laundry; phone charges; food or beverages not part of the group menu; tips (about $200); gratuities for special services; expenses incurred on personal activities not included where group participation is not specified in the itinerary; flight to JFK is not included but we are more than happy to help arrange flights.
