| May 26, 2012 | to | June 11, 2012 |
THE HOLY LAND TOUR
with JON SCHMIDT
May 26 – June 11, 2012
Director: Clark Anderson
Guest Artist: Jon Schmidt
PRINT THE TOUR REGISTRATION PACKET
DAY 1-2 (Sat & Sun May 26-27th): FLY USA TEL AVIV, ISRAEL / JON SCHMIDT CONCERT
Today we fly from the USA to Tel Aviv, Israel. When we arrive we will go directly to the Mount of Olives for a view of ‘the Golden City’. We will check into our hotel and enjoy a musical evening with Jon Schmidt at the BYU Jerusalem Center with the locals who will attend. We overnight in Jerusalem. Our hotel is only steps away from the Old City.
Day 3 (Mon May 28th): THE LAST WEEK OF THE SAVIORS LIFE WALKING TOUR!
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’ and retrace the events and sites of the last week of the Saviors Life! We begin in the Upper Room where the Savior held the Last Supper. From here we travel over to the traditional site of the Garden of Gethsemane (Church of all Nations). Following lunch we will visit Caiaphas’ Palace (St. Peter of Gallicantu) where Jesus went before the Sanhedrin and where Peter allegedly denied Christ thrice. We will next enter Lions Gate and enjoy a stop at St. Anne’s Cathedral (Pool of Bethesda) and the Antonio Fortress (Jesus before Pilate). From here we will be on the Via Dolorosa (or Path of Suffering. This is the path Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha). 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]. 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 have an opportunity to 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 May 29th): Mt. CARMEL / Mt. TABOR / MEGIDDO / NAZARETH / GALILEE
This morning we will make our way north following an early morning visit to 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. On our way up north we will make a brief stop near Caesarea where we will view the ancient amphi-theater 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). From this vantage point we will discuss Armageddon, the 2nd Coming and the future of this Holy Land. Following lunch, near Carmel, we will drive to Mount Precipice where there is a view of where Jesus spent most of His life, Nazareth. From here we also have a great view of Mt. Tabor (Mount of Transfiguration) and 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 May 30th): SEA OF GALILEE / CAPERNAUM / BEATITUDES / 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 where those interested can enjoy St. Peter’s Fish. This evening we will enjoy an informal and fun performance by the one and only Jon Schmidt. We have another relaxing evening enjoying the Sea of Galilee at night.
Day 6 (Thurs May 31st): 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. Our next stop is a very unique experience taking a float in the Dead Sea. You cannot sink! Following lunch and 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 those that are interested having the unique opportunity to walk through the flowing water in Hezekiah’s Tunnel. This evening we enjoy a relaxing evening in Jerusalem where we overnight.
Day 7 (Fri June 1st): 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 cross through ‘The Wall’ (20’ cement wall that separates Israel and Palestinian controlled land) and enjoy lunch. We will next visit 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 day will conclude with a stop in the Shepherds’ Fields where we will enjoy Christmas in May. We will reflect on the story of Jesus’ birth and the concept of “Sheep”. With any luck Jon Schmidt will also favor us with a few of his Christmas songs on site in the Shepherds Fields overlooking the city of Bethlehem. 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 June 2nd): GETHSEMANE / CHURCH / MT. OLIVES / GARDEN TOMB / CONCERT
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]. This evening we will enjoy our final concert with Jon Schmidt at the BYU Jerusalem Center. Following this memorable event those not opting to continue with the Petra and Egypt Option will travel to the airport and begin their journey back to the USA. Those continuing on will follow the program below and overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 9 (Sun June 3rd): FLY HOME OR PETRA & EGYPT OPTION!
Those flying home will return to their homes where they will be reunited with their loved ones! [Those continuing on will follow the program below].
EGYPT & PETRA OPTION: $1,595
Day 9 (Sun June 3rd): QUMRAN / 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 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/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 June 4th: 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”. This evening we will review the scriptural account of Moses and the Children of Israel in preparation for our climb up the ancient temple….Mt Sinai.
Day 11 (Tue June 5th): MT. SINAI / RED SEA / 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. Once off the mountain we will bus our way to one of the very best locations for snorkeling and deep sea diving in the world…Sharm El Sheikh (Ras Mohammed). Arriving at this luxurious resort is a very welcomed experience following our early morning hike. We will enjoy all the amenities and comfort of this 5-star resort for the next day and a half. There will time for deep sea diving, snorkeling, swimming, reading, relaxing, etc.
Day 12 (Wed June 6th): SNORKELING & DIVING AT RED SEA
This morning we will continue to enjoy the Red Sea. Those who desire 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 several beautiful pools, a lazy river, spa options, etc. This evening those interested in visiting Naama Bay can do so. It can be fun to see the exciting night life and shopping of this popular resort city before retiring. We once again overnight in Sharm.
Day 13 (Thurs June 7th): LUXOR: KARNAK & LUXOR TEMPLES
This morning we take a short flight from Sharm to Luxor. Over 60% of the world’s ancient ruins are located in the city of Luxor. Today we will explore the sites on the East bank of the river Nile. Our first site is one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World and is also one of the largest temple structures in the world; the Karnak Temple. You will truly be amazed at this 64 acre temple. Following lunch we will enjoy a relaxing afternoon at our hotel. 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 June 8th): LUXOR: VALLEY OF KINGS / RAMSES III / PIT TOMB #33
This morning we will explore the sites 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. Alabaster is mined near Luxor and we will visit a shop that specializes in hand carving alabaster items. ABU SIMBEL OPTION ($425): Those interested can participate in an extra excursion today. Abu Simbel is arguably one of the very most impressive sites in all of Egypt. It is a Temple carved out of a mountain and can only be accessed by airplane. Those who visit report that it well worth the trip. This evening we will all fly to Cairo and overnight.
Day 15 (Sat June 9th): CAIRO: PYRAMIDS / SPHINX / EGYPTIAN MUSEUM, etc
Today we enjoy a full day touring the sites in Cairo! 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). This afternoon 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 begin our journey home.
Day 16 (Sun June 10-11th): FLY HOME
Today we will all make our way to the airport and begin our journey back to the USA to be reunited with our loved ones!
TOUR COST AND DETAILS
PRICE for Israel only Portion Including Airfare to and from the USA: $4,185 per person double occupancy
ADD EGYPT and PETRA: additional $1,595 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 $200 for tips]
DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $500 per person.
CURRENT PASSPORT REQUIRED FOR THIS TOUR
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 #287
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.
