| December 18, 2010 | to | January 2, 2011 |
THE HOLY LAND, PETRA & EGYPT
Christmas in the Holy Land
December 18, 2010 – January 2, 2011
Director: Clark Anderson
DAY 1-2 (Sat & Sun Dec 18—19th): FLY USA TO TEL AVIV, ISRAEL—JERUSALEM!
Today we depart the USA and fly to Tel Aviv, Israel. When we arrive we will drive immediately to Jerusalem for a beautiful view of ‘the Golden City’! We check into our Hotel, just steps away from the Old City walls of Jerusalem and rest.
Day 3 (Mon Dec 20th): 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). 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 Caiaphas’ Palace (St. Peter of Gallicantu) and then to The Upper Room. As we make our way back to the hotel we will have the opportunity to be introduced to the shopkeeper that makes LDS scripture covers, necklaces, etc. Following dinner we will 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 (Tues Dec 21st): Mt. CARMEL, TABOR / NAZARETH / GALILEE
This morning we will make our way north. On the way will make a brief stop near Caesarea where we will view the ancient aqueducts near the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. 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 (Ein Gev). 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 Dec 22nd): 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 Dec 23rd): JORDAN RIVER / JERICHO / DEAD SEA / FREE TIME
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 have the unique experience of taking a float in the Dead Sea. You cannot sink! From here we make our way to Jerusalem and as we do so 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 those that are interested having the unique opportunity to walk through the flowing water in Hezekiah’s Tunnel. This evening we enjoy some free time in Jerusalem where there are countless things to see and do. You could walk the walls of Jerusalem; spend time venturing and shopping in the Old City, etc. We will overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 7 (Fri Dec 24th): BETHLEHEM / MUSEUMS / HOLLOCAUST MUSEUM
Today is Christmas Eve and we will spend it in Bethlehem! What a memorable experience that will be! We will begin our day 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 then cross through ‘The Wall’ (20’ cement wall that separates Israel and Palestinian controlled land) and enjoy some lunch in Bethlehem. What better way to spend Christmas Eve than by paying a visit to the Shepherd’s Fields and birthplace of the Savior in Bethlehem (Church of the Nativity). Following our visits in Bethlehem with time permitting we will visit a local Bethlehem Olive Wood shop before crossing back through the wall. Our day 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. This will prove to be one of the most memorable Christmas Eve’s you have ever experienced! We overnight in Jerusalem!
Day 8 (Sat Dec 25th): GETHSEMANE / CHURCH / MT. OLIVES / GARDEN TOMB / FREE TIME
Merry Christmas! Today just might be the most memorable of all! Today 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]. For the rest of the afternoon and evening we will enjoy some more free time in Jerusalem. We again overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 9 (Sun Dec 26th): QUMRAN / DEAD SEA / MASADA / EGYPT / 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 enjoy a visit to 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/Egyptian 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 Dec 27th): 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. Catherine’s in Egypt. After crossing the border we will bus our way to our Hotel (the Morganland Village) which 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 Dec 28th): 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. We will have lunch at Morganland before we depart. We then bus our way to one of the very best locations for snorkeling and deep sea diving in the world…Sharm El Sheikh (Ras Mohammed). We will enjoy the exciting night life of this popular resort city before retiring in our luxurious hotel.
Day 12 (Wed Dec 29th): SNORKELING AT RAS MOHAMED / EXODUS / CAIRO, EGYPT
This morning we will discover one of the most popular natural reserves in the world; Ras Mohammed. 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 on the sea shore reading, sun bathing, reading, or they can remain in our luxurious hotel which has a beautiful pool, spa options, etc. This evening we will be following the route of the Exodus of the Children of Israel out of Egypt in reverse as we drive to Cairo. We will also cross the Suez Canal. [Those not participating in the Egypt Option will go to the airport in Cairo and begin their journey back to the USA]. Those continuing on will overnight in Cairo.
EGYPT OPTION: $685
Day 13 (Thurs Dec 30th): SAKKARA / MEMPHIS / PYRAMIDS / SPHINX / MOSQUE
Today will be a full day touring Cairo! We begin with Memphis and then take in Sakkara (the oldest pyramid in the world). We then enjoy the splendor of the famous Pyramids and Sphinx. Those interested can go inside the Pyramid as well as take a camel ride. Time permitting we will visit the Muhamed Ali Mosque as well as the local papyrus, and perfume factories to see and experience how these unique Egyptian items are made. This evening we will enjoy an evening dinner cruise on the Nile River before retiring for the night.
Day 14 (Fri Dec 31st): LUXOR: VALLEY OF KINGS / LUXOR TEMPLE
This morning we catch a flight from Cairo to Luxor. Over 60% of the world’s ancient ruins are located in the city of Luxor. We begin our Luxor visits on the West Bank where we will visit the Necropolis of Thebes. Next is 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! Time permitting we have the opportunity of visiting the local alabaster factory to see and experience how these unique Egyptian items are made. We will take pictures of the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Collosi of Memnon & Nobels, as well as Pit Tomb #33 (the Book of Abraham papyrus). This afternoon we will visit the Temple of Ramses III. This evening we will enjoy bringing in the New Year Egyptian style at our luxurious hotel.
Day 15 (Sat Jan 1st): LUXOR: KARNAK / CAIRO: MUSEUM
Today we will visit one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world which is one of the largest temple structures in the world; the Karnak Temple. You will truly be amazed at this 64 acre temple. These structures are amazing and must be seen to be believed. You might even enjoy this experience more than the Pyramids in Cairo! This afternoon we will fly back to Cairo and make a visit to the Egyptian Museum. This will put a perfect capstone to the Egyptian historical sites & artifacts. This evening we will enjoy our last supper together and then make our way to the Cairo airport and begin our journey back home.
Day 16 (Sun Jan 2nd): FLY HOME
Today we arrive into the USA early in the morning and then make our way to our individual homes to be reunited with our loved ones!
TOUR COST AND DETAILS
PRICE for Israel/Petra Portion Including Airfare to and from the USA: $4,485 per person double occupancy
ADD EGYPT : additional $685 per person double occupancy
[These prices include Airfare to and from the USA. All visas, fuel surcharges, 2 meals daily, entrance fees and transportation. Not included would be $120 for tips]
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
- First-class, top quality tour with experienced tour directors
- All airline travel mentioned in the program (which is from 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 domestic 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)
- Airport and other departure taxes
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!
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.
