Israel June 13-22, 2023

TOUR ITINERARY
 

The meals included on the tour are specified for each date: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L) and Dinner (D).
 

There is a maximum of 20 people on this tour plus guides.

DAY 1 - Tuesday, June 13
Today, we embark on our journey to the Holy Land. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight, because tomorrow you will be walking where Jesus walked! The flight from Washington Dulles airport is included. The land only price is $1,150 less.
 

DAY 2 - Wednesday, June 14 (D)
Arrive in Israel where we meet our guide and travel northward to our hotel for one night in the coastal area near Tel Aviv. Enjoy dinner and retire to your room in preparation for an early departure in the morning.
Lodging: Leonardo Plaza - Netanya - www.fattal-hotels.com/hotels_in_israel/netanya_hotels/leonardo_plaza_netanya/

DAY 3 - Thursday, June 15 (B, D)
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 dinner and overnight lodging for the next two nights in the Tiberias area on the Sea of Galilee.
Lodging: Magdala - Migdal - www.magdalahotel.com

DAY 4 – Friday, June 16 (B, D)

Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable northern sites. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of alternative sacrifice and Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter’s Confession and pagan worship. We visit the possible site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes in Bethsaida and the Mount of the Beatitudes. Next, we visit the ancient Fisherman Boat followed by 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. In Capernaum we view the excavations of the sea-side village and Peter’s home followed by a visit to Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene. The recent excavation of the First Century Synagogue and well-preserved village makes Magdala one of the most interesting Biblical sites in Israel.
Lodging: Magdala - Migdal

DAY 5 –  Saturday, June 17 (B, D)

We begin our day with the opportunity to be baptized at 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 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” and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho and view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world. To the east of Jericho along the Jordan River Valley (Qasr El Yahud) is the Israeli side of Bethany Beyond the Jordan. In this area Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan, as well as where the children of Israel, led by Joshua, entered the Promised Land. Our lodging for the evening is 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.
Lodging: Daniel Dead Sea Hotel - daniel-dead-sea.hotel-rn.com

DAY 6 – Sunday, June 18 (B, L, D)
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. 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 Qumaran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This afternoon we will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent, where we enjoy a trip back in time: a reliving of life in the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, and authentic food. Our lodging for the next four nights will be in Jerusalem.
Lodging: Leonardo Hotel Jerusalem - https://www.fattal-hotels.com/hotels_in_israel/jerusalem_hotels/leonardo_plaza_jerusalem/

DAY 7 –  Monday, June 19 (B, D)
Conditions permitting, we will visit the Temple Mount with commentary on the Temple Periods and the variety of belief systems past and present that make this area so valuable. Next, 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. This afternoon we visit the Southern Wall Excavations. 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. 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.
Lodging: Leonardo Hotel Jerusalem

DAY 8 –  Tuesday, June 20 (B, D)
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. 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 and my God."  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 area of Golgotha (place of the skull) and the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise.
Lodging: Leonardo Hotel Jerusalem

DAY 9 – Wednesday, June 21 (B, D)
An interesting and educational time awaits us today at the Israeli Museum. Walk through collections of centuries old Israeli artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls and then a guided walk through an accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem. This model will help put into perspective all that you have seen over the previous days touring. 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. We finish the day with a visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum, for a needed reminder of what the Jewish people have suffered. 

Lodging: Leonardo Hotel Jerusalem

DAY 10 – Thursday, June 22 (B)
We transfer to the Tel Aviv airport for the flight home. 

While changes to the tour are not likely, please realize that weather, site renovations, or other factors could keep the tour group from any given site or lodging choice.

TOUR COSTS - $4,319 per person based on a double occupancy room; the single supplement is $899

PAYMENTS  

Deposit: $300 will secure your place on this tour. Terms & Conditions can be found at https://internationaltourco.com/important-documents -  you will need to fill out a reservation form and pay the deposit to secure your place on the tour 

Final payment is due 90 days before departure.

BOOK YOUR TOUR

Please make your check payable to International Tour Company and put Israel 2023 Tour in the memo line. 

International Tour Company

P.O. Box 23

Cloverdale, VA 24077-0023

If you want to pay with a credit or debit card, an invoice will be sent to you. Please note that a 3.3% fee is added to all credit/debit card purchases.

Included: 

• Pastor Alan Combs and Tour Director Aaron Garber will be with you the entire trip
• Roundtrip air from Washington Dulles, including current air taxes and fuel surcharges      
• Private airport transfer from Salem to and from Dulles
• 8 nights lodging at 4-star hotels 
• Breakfast and dinner daily; one lunch 
• Full-time English-speaking tour escort 
• Services of air-conditioned deluxe motor coach
• All guides, entrances, touring and transportation as appears on itinerary
• Baggage handling at hotels (one piece per person)
• Tips to driver, guides, and hotel staff 

Not Included: 

• All lunches and drinks with meals except as noted in itinerary
• Travel insurance; contact Aaron Garber at 540-404-1918 for help with insurance. You can get medical and/or cancellation insurance.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation in writing must be received by International Tour Company for appropriate refund minus the following fees and any nonrefundable services purchased. Air penalties are not part of the percentages below and vary based on the airline policy. 

120+ days before departure: $100 processing fee 

90-119 days before departure: Deposit amount is lost 

60-89 days before departure: 65% of tour cost lost 

Under 60 days before departure: 100% of tour cost lost; travel insurance is typically non-refundable after 15 days of purchase