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Bible Lands Tour Israel & Jordan

with Dr. Janet Trout

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NOTE: Sequence of sites visited may be adjusted to accommodate local openings and/or closing time limitations. Jordan Tourist Agency reserves the right to change the Itinerary or hotels and/or omit sites based on schedule requirements or local conditions.​

Bible Lands Tour

Israel & Jordan

with

Dr. Janet Trout  

A 15-Day, 2 Nation

Spiritual & Educational Journey

that will change your life!

Day 1 –Saturday

Today, we board our flight for the land of the Bible, Israel and Jordan!

United Airlines #84 4:35 PM   Non-Stop to Tel Aviv   Dinner will be served in the evening as we move across the north Atlantic toward Europe and the Middle East.

 

Day 2 – Sunday

After deplaning, all passengers will follow instructions to proceed to Immigration. Then, they will proceed to the Baggage Claim beltway to retrieve luggage, double checking that all luggage is in their possession. Continue to the Exit and the Epic Tours staff will greet you and lead the group to the coach. This process could take an hour or more, depending on long/short lines. The interesting journey to the hotel through Tel Aviv takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

 

Arriving the hotel in Netanya early afternoon, the group will be checked in by the Epic Tours staff. Passengers will be given stickers with their name and room number. Place it on your checked bag that the porters have unloaded from the coach and lined up on the sidewalk. 

 

Go to your assigned room and relax! Your bag will be delivered to your door shortly. Unpack for two nights in the hotel. Get some rest from your journey and prepare for dinner around 6:30-7 p.m. Tables are reserved with the Epic Tours cards in full view. You are on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea! Walk to the beach. Open your Bible and let your mind drink in the Biblical history you are about to personally experience. You are in the Holy Land! We rest from the long journey to prepare for your first day of touring.

Dinner and overnight Netanya

 

Day 3 -Monday

We awake in the Holy Land to a sumptuous Israeli breakfast buffet, then board the deluxe motor coach and journey to Jaffa. Jaffa, a municipality in the south of Tel Aviv, Israel, has one of the world’s oldest ports. Once known as the “Bride of the Sea” because of its location along the Mediterranean, it’s been in constant use for several thousand years.

 

Jaffa is a natural harbor that has held great military and monetary significance since its inception, with a broad view of the coastline that allowed for easy departure and defense. The Egyptians even controlled the area for quite some time.

 

The Bible speaks of Jaffa many times, first in Joshua 19:46. It was the port used by Solomon to build the Temple (2 Chronicles 2:16) and where Jonah left for Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). In the New Testament, Tabitha (Dorcas) was brought back to life by Peter in Joppa (Acts 9:36). Soon after, God gave Peter the vision of the unclean animals and commanded him to preach the Gospel to Gentiles and Jews alike (Acts 11:4-17).

After lunch on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, we return to the hotel to continue to recover from jet lag and enjoy the incredible Israeli dinner buffet. If time and traffic allow, the guide will choose another site in the Tel Aviv area before returning to the hotel. There will be an opportunity to meet, get acquainted, pray, reflect and anticipate the next day. Details about the next day will be provided at dinner, i.e., wake-up call, breakfast time and coach departure time.

Overnight in Netanya

 

Day 4 -Tuesday - Caesarea/Mt. Carmel/Tel-Megido/Nazareth Village/Mt. Precipice/Tiberias

We awake in the Holy Land to a sumptuous Israeli breakfast buffet, then transfer by deluxe motor coach to head north on the Coastal road to view the stately, ancient ruins of Caesarea, visiting the Roman amphitheater where Paul stood trial. It was here that the Holy Spirit first fell on the Gentiles as Cornelius, the first Gentile of the Church-age, met Peter. Next, we drive up the Mediterranean Coast to Mount Carmel, Elijah’s Cave, the place where the Prophet Elijah defeated the false prophets of Ba’al and where God answered by fire.  We continue today by driving through the Valley of Jezreel - the prophetic future site of the battle of Armageddon. The archaeological site of Megiddo is one of Solomon’s chariot cities where twenty civilizations can be observed stacked up in the ruins.  Driving toward Nazareth, we stop to visit an extraordinary site called Nazareth Village, where we step back in time to see a day in the life of the first century Jews who lived in Nazareth as in the days of Jesus. We will visit Mt. Precipice.(Luke 4:29-30) which is located south of Nazareth, on the cliffs of Mt Kedumim (397M), overlooking the Yizrael Valley and Mount Tabor. (Optional Taxi to Mount Tabor: no cost/included.) This is considered by some to be the place where angry Jewish worshippers drove Jesus away from the Synagogue and attempted to throw him off the cliff. He disappeared before their eyes "in the midst of them”. Descending from the Nazareth hill country, arrive the Galilee. Check in to the hotel and prepare for dinner.

Dinner and overnight - Nazareth

 

Day 5 –Wednesday - Explore the Galilee- Lake Kinerret/ Mr. Arbel/Magdala/Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee/St. Peter’s Fish Lunch/Capernaum/Mount of the Beatitudes/Tabgha/Bethseda/Kurazim/Kursi (Pig Jump)

After another great Israeli breakfast, we start our day with a service on the Galilee. Stepping aboard a Galilee boat for a calm cruise on the sea, we enjoy an incredible worship service, which will be life changing. For many pilgrims to the Holy Land, this is one of the most memorable. Later, we disembark at Ginosar for a short trip to Capernaum, where we visit the home of the Apostle Peter where Jesus healed his mother-in-law. Visit Tabgha where Jesus multiplied the fishes and loaves. We lunch on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and enjoy a special feast of St. Peter’s Fish. We will visit the recently discovered archaeological site of Magdala. A short bus ride takes us to the Mount of Beatitudes where we hear the words of Jesus on the mount where the greatest sermon ever was preached. At the end of our touring day, we proceed to our baptismal site located on the Jordan River, Yardenit, for those who wish to be baptized. After baptism, we return to the hotel where another Israeli buffet presents an amazing variety of food for our dinner.

Dinner and overnight - Nazareth

 

Day 6 –Thursday - The Jordan Valley

After breakfast, we travel to Beit Shean to visit one of the best-preserved Roman Amphitheaters in Israel. Extensive excavations have uncovered eighteen layers of civilizations. Ancient Beit Shean is also where King Saul’s body was retrieved by the brave men of Jabesh Gilead. We travel south toward Jericho, the “City of Palms” spreading out on the west side of the Jordan River at 825 feet below sea level. The Bible site of Tell es-Sultan is in the distance and is the city Joshua destroyed.  In Jesus’ day a new center had been constructed on the wadi banks by the Hasmonean rulers and Herod the Great. Continuing south, we see Qumran, where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a little shepherd boy and Ein Gedi where David fled from Saul. Continuing south through the wilderness of Judea, we will ascend by cable car to Masada, the fortress built by King Herod the Great. Step back in time to 66 CE when a group of Jewish rebels overcame the Roman garrison of Masada and settled on the top of Masada until 73 CE when the Roman governor laid siege. The view of the Roman camps can still be seen from atop Masada, as well as a spectacular view of the country of Jordan and the Dead Sea. Visit the remains of Herod’s Palace, the Apartments, Baths, Storehouses and Cisterns. It was here the Jewish Zealots made their last stand against the Roman Legions from 70-73 AD. Descend from Masada with a stunning view of the Dead Sea. Then, we leave the lowest point on earth which is 1360 feet below sea level. Ending our day, journey up the wilderness of Judea where Jesus spent 40 days after his baptism by John, near Jericho, to arrive in Jerusalem, hopefully before sunset, and to feast our souls and eyes on the most sacred place on earth. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, lift your voice and sing, Hosanna to our King! 

Dinner and Overnight: Jerusalem 

 

Day 7 – Friday, 

Jerusalem/Temple Mount/Mt Olives/Garden of Gethsemene/Hulda Gates/Southern Steps excavations 

First thing in the morning, we arrive on the Mount of Olives for a breathtaking view of the Temple Mount (Mt. Moriah Genesis 22:2) is seen. The Mount of Olives is where Jesus will return, and the Temple Mount is where the 3rd Temple will be rebuilt prior to His appearing. After enjoying the view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, we visit the Church of All Nations and pray in the Garden of Gethsemane with a grand view of the Eastern Gate and the Kidron Valley. Here, we read the Scriptures of Jesus’ prayer and take time for personal reflection where we literally walk where Jesus walked. Crossing the Kidron Valley, we begin a tour of the old city of Jerusalem. As we begin the tour of old Jerusalem, we visit St. Ann’s Church and hear the marvelous acoustics as we sing. Visit the Pool of Bethesda where the angel stirred the waters for healing. Following the path from Pilate’s Judgement Hall through the old city, we experience the sights and sounds of old Jerusalem as we journey toward the Western Wall. We walk the Via Dolorosa, the route that Jesus took between his condemnation by Pilate and his crucifixion and burial.  Just below the Temple Mount, on the western side we will pray at the Western Wall (Kotel) which is the closest wall to where the Holy of Holies was located when the Temple was in use during the 1st Century. Visit the Western Wall Tunnel which will take you underground. A large portion of the Western Wall is inaccessible, otherwise. You will see stones, models and actual structures which provide clues as to how the Second Temple was constructed. In addition, these artifacts help explain the history of this area through the eyes of all the great empires that once ruled Jerusalem. In the afternoon, journey to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity and the Shepherd’s Fields. Before returning to the hotel, enjoy a great shopping opportunity in Bethlehem.

Dinner and overnight – Jerusalem

 

Day 8 – Saturday - Jerusalem, Old City

We will arise early to visit one of the most incredible sites in all of Judaism: the Temple Mount, assuming entrance is permitted. It is here where the Temple era came to an abrupt halt as it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.  Leaving the Temple Mount, we drive to the City of David, at the Gihon Spring, where we learn of how the original city of Jerusalem was established by King David, overtaking from the Jebusites. We will visit Hezekiah’s Tunnel: A 1750-foot tunnel carved during the reign of Hezekiah to bring water from one side of the city to the other, Hezekiah’s Tunnel together with the 6th century tunnel of Euphalios in Greece is considered the greatest works of water engineering technology in the pre-Classical period. The Pool of Siloam is a rock-cut pool on the southern slope of the City of David, the original site of Jerusalem, located outside the walls of the Old City to the southeast. The pool was fed by the waters of the Gihon Spring, carried there by two aqueducts. An ancient 2000-year-old road leading from the City of David to the Temple Mount has recently been excavated. In the afternoon, we arrive at the Clal Building, at the Epic Tours office for an afternoon service in the International Biblical College of Jerusalem overlooking the city of Jerusalem - a spectacular view and an awesome spiritual experience as we contemplate our journey thus far. After service, stroll through the fruit and vegetable market near the College. Mahane Yehuda Market known as the Jerusalem’s Shuk. Leaving the Yehuda Market, we ride the light-rail train to Ben Yehuda Street to enjoy the sights and sounds of Jerusalem. Great shopping opportunities are on this pedestrian mall. Return to the hotel.

Dinner and overnight – Jerusalem

 

Day 9 – Sunday – Jerusalem

Begin the day at the Garden Tomb where we view the Hill of the Skull and walk into the empty tomb. A communion service provides an opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and His victory over death. Ministers from our group will lead the service. After visiting the room of the Last Supper, also known as the site of the Upper Room, and the traditional site of the Tomb of King David, we take a short walk through the Jewish Quarter to visit the Temple Institute. The Temple Institute's ultimate goal is to see Israel rebuild the Holy Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, in accord with the Biblical commandments.

Over the past six months the Temple Institute has greatly expanded its efforts to raise a red heifer in Israel whose ashes can be used to achieve the highest level of biblical purity which will enable kohanim and ordinary Jews to enter into the areas on the Temple Mount where the inner Temple courtyards and the Temple Sanctuary are located, a prerequisite for the renewal of the Divine service in the Holy Temple.

More details cannot currently be disclosed for operational reasons. Suffice it to say that the current efforts are international in scope. They hope to be able to share more information in the near future as progress is made. Judith Abrahams is a master weaver who was commissioned by the Temple Institute to weave the me'il techelet - all blue tunic of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest), which can be seen at the Institute's Jerusalem exhibition. Judith now sets her sights on weaving the Parochet, the massive curtain which separated the Temple Sanctuary (Kodesh) from the Kodesh HaKodeshim (the Holy of Holies) "And all the skilled (chochmat lev) women spun with their own hands, and brought what they had spun, in blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and in fine linen. And all the women who excelled in that skill spun the goats’ hair." Exodus 35:25-26)

 

The Temple Institute's Holy Temple Museum includes a highly advanced, state-of-the-art presentation of the Temple-ready sacred vessels created by the Institute, garments of the High Priest, oil-paintings depicting aspects of the Divine service of the Holy Temple and a model of the Holy Temple Complex. Visitors will also be able to see a scaled-down stone altar, made in accordance with Torah law, transportable and completely ready for use on the Temple Mount. (https://templeinstitute.org/holy-temple-museum)

 

Finally, a short walk through the Roman Cardo. Visit the House of Caiaphas where Jesus spent the night after his arrest in Gethsemane. Traveling to the Israeli Museum we will visit the 2nd Temple model of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea scrolls (discovered in the caves of Qumran) among other antiquities. We’ll view the Knesset Menorah which is a bronze Menorah weighing 4 tons. It is located opposite the Knesset. It was presented to the Knesset as a gift from the Parliament of the United Kingdom on April 15, 1956, in honor of the eighth anniversary of Israeli independence. Return to the hotel.

Dinner and overnight – Jerusalem

 

LUXURY VIP JORDANIAN EXPERIENCE

 

Day 10 –Monday - The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and journey to the Allenby Bridge. Process out of Israel Immigration and say Shalom to Israel, then, Marhabah to Jordan. After clearing the Jordanian Immigration and Customs, our first stop is Mt. Nebo as we will stand where Moses saw the Promised Land before he died. Traveling south on the desert highway, we arrive at Petra for dinner and overnight.

Overnight - Petra

 

Day 11 – Tuesday - PETRA. Rise early and prepare for a four-hour experience in Petra. Wear cool, casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes!

PETRA ... More Than A Wonder!! 

The city of Petra, capital of the Nabataean Arabs, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, it is Located 240 km south of the capital Amman and 120 km north of the red sea town of Aqaba, Petra the world wonder is undoubtedly Jordan's most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction, and it is visited by tourists from all over the world. It is not known precisely when Petra was built, but the city began to prosper as the capital of the Nabataean Empire from the 1st century BC, which grew rich through trade in frankincense, myrrh, and spices. Petra was later annexed to the Roman Empire and continued to thrive until a large earthquake in 363 AD destroyed much of the city in the 4th century AD. The earthquake combined with changes in trade routes, eventually led to the downfall of the city which was ultimately abandoned. By the middle of the 7th century Petra appears to have been largely deserted and it was then lost to all except local Bedouin from the area. In 1812 a Swiss explorer named Johannes Burckhardt set out to ‘rediscover’ Petra; he dressed up as an Arab and convinced his Bedouin guide to take him to the lost city, after this, Petra became increasingly known in the West as a fascinating and beautiful ancient city, and it began attracting visitors and continues to do so today. Petra is also known as the rose-red city, a name it gets from the wonderful color of the rock from which many of the city’s structures were carved. The Nabataeans buried their dead in intricate tombs that were cut out of the mountain sides and the city also had temples, a theater, and following the Roman annexation and later the Byzantine influence, a colonnaded street and churches. In addition to the magnificent remains of the Nabataean city, human settlement and land use for over 10,000 years can be traced in Petra, where great natural, cultural, archaeological and geological features merge. On December 6, 1985, Petra was designated a World Heritage Site, also Petra was chosen by the Smithsonian Magazine as one of the 28 places you should visit before you die. 

 

After lunch in Petra, we journey toward the Luxury Bedouin Tent Village in Wadi Rum. Upon arriving, we leave the coach and ride open-back jeeps to the camp. Retreat to your private Bedouin style tent with its surrounding expanse of silken sand and luxurious accommodation. Wadi Rum Night camp consist of twenty-five fully equipped luxury tents, each spacious guest tent is luxuriously furnished complete with comfortable king-size, twin, or triple beds, Bedouin sofa, mirrors, lamps, and the finest bed linens. All the furniture is hand-made. There is cozy relaxation area outside the tent to watch the stars at night and drink tea with the Bedouin host.  Electricity is provided in the guest tents in the evenings via solar power. Each tent has a private terrace with a fantastic view over the Wadi Rum Mountains. Dinner awaits you in this unique landscape in the Wadi Rum (Valley of the Moon). It lies in the far south of Jordan, set on a high plateau at the western edge of the Arabian desert. Gargantuan rock formations, rippled sand dunes, and clear night skies create an almost fairy-tale setting across an unpopulated area the size of New York City. This is truly the “reddest” part of Jordan, colored by iron oxide, and by far the most dramatic in terms of landscape.

Overnight in the desert village of Wadi Rum Luxury Camp Bubble Tent.

 

Day 12 –Wednesday

After breakfast, we take a Jeep Desert Safari and then an optional camel ride (cost included). Afterward, we board the coach for a four-hour ride to the shores of the Dead Sea. Arrive our hotel and check in for the experience of a lifetime. This is where you can float in the sea and cover yourself with the healing properties of the black mud. The Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa can't wait to exceed your wildest expectations. Showcasing a picture-perfect location on the sandy shores of the enthralling Dead Sea, the hotel welcomes you with five-star resort lodging and a remarkable assortment of luxury perks. The spacious, stylishly appointed hotel rooms and suites provide sensational views of the Dead Sea, deluxe bedding, a flat-screen TV, and much more. You'll be thrilled with the wide selection of food in the dining room, their multiple heated pools and their cutting-edge signature spa (spa cost not included). Dinner will be waiting!

Overnight: Jordan Valley Marriott Resort and Spa on the shores of the Dead Sea

 

Day 13 – Thursday

Finally, this is a day of leisure and relaxation at the Resort. It is time to float in the sea, cover yourself with the black mud once again, visit the Spa (cost not included), swim in one of the pools, or just stroll the beautiful grounds. This is the day to unpack and repack all those goodies you bought along the way and get ready to head westward. Breakfast and dinner are the only two things on the schedule. Enjoy! 

Overnight: Jordan Valley Marriott Resort and Spa on the shores of the Dead Sea

 

Day 14 –Friday, Check-out and process back into Israel - Evening departure

After breakfast, there will be a late check out of the resort and journey to the border to re-enter Israel. Crossing into Israel we will journey toward Tel Aviv, stopping for a Farewell Dinner along the way. We will depart Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv at 11:25 PM. The evening check in is a minimum of three hours prior to departure.  There are several security check- points and baggage x ray machines to clear before arriving at the United Airlines check-in counter. Relax and process patiently! In my opinion, Ben Gurion is the safest airport in the world.

 

Day 15 - Arrive USA 

United Airlines #91 will arrive EWR at 4:20 AM. 

Process into America at Immigration, claim baggage and process out of Customs. Immediately after exiting Customs, re-check your bag to continue to your final destination.

 

When making your return reservations from EWR to your destination, allow a minimum of 1-2 hours to process into the country. Then, allow sufficient time to ride the Air train to your departure terminal and arrive minimum of two hours before departure. More time allowed is better than running to make your flight! Just say’n.

This was an amazing life changing tour. From start to finish everything was first class. The tour guides were professional, the accommodations were great. I walked where Jesus walked. The tomb was empty. Janet Trout and her team were great. I enjoyed seeing what was happening at the school there. I will recommend this trip to anyone that is interested in learning more about our savior and Lord.

Mittie Kelley, USA

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