QUAIL LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH / STOCKTON CA
PASTOR marc maffucci
OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 9, 2023
There is nothing like going to Israel and Jordan
where God revealed Himself in time and space. The early church father, Jerome, once described Israel as “The Fifth Gospel,”
and once you’ve been there, you’ll know why.
You will never read the Bible the same again.
itinerary
We depart San Francisco International for Tel Aviv, Israel. We must be at the airport at least three hours before the flight. Enjoy our on-board transatlantic experience.
ENROUTE TRANSATLANTIC
NOVEMBER 1, WEDNESDAY ISTANBUL / TEL AVIV / NETANYA
On arrival in Tel Aviv we are met and assisted by our guide. Our coach is waiting, and we are transferred to our hotel in the coastal town of Netanya for a good night’s rest.
OVERNIGHT: LEONARDO PLAZA HOTEL, NETANYA
https://www.leonardo-hotels.com/netanya/leonardo-plaza-netanya
NOVEMBER 2, THURSDAY CAESAREA MARITIME / MT. CARMEL / MEGIDDO / MOUNT ARBEL / GALILEE
After a full Israeli breakfast, we travel along the Mediterranean coast to the ruins of Caesarea where Paul was imprisoned before being sent to Rome. Toward Haifa, we see the location of Elijah's altar where he slew the prophets of Baal and the magnificent panoramic view from Mount Carmel. We’ll tour the excavation of Tel Megiddo overlooking the Valley of Armageddon. The ruins of Megiddo are 30 civilizations deep going all the way back to the Canaanites. Continuing toward the Sea of Galilee, we enjoy a magnificent view of Galilee from Mount Arbel before reaching our lodging.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: RON BEACH HOTEL OR SIMILAR
NOVEMBER 3, FRIDAY MAGDALA / JESUS BOAT / GALILEE BOAT RIDE
MOUNT OF BEATITUDES / TABGHA / PRIMACY OF PETER / CAPERNAUM
After breakfast, we visit the ruins of Magdala on the western shore. It is the home town of Mary Magdalene.
Continuing along the shore, we see the ancient boat from Jesus’ time which was recently recovered from the lake. We board another Galilean boat for a sail on the Sea of Galilee and a time of worship. Afterwards, we visit the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount followed by a stop along the Galilee shore and a visit to Tabgha where Jesus fed 5000 with the fish and loaves of a small boy. Almost adjacent is the site where, after the resurrection, Jesus cooked breakfast for some disciples and exhorted Peter to "feed my sheep." Capernaum is another short distance down the shore. This town of Jesus was central to Jesus ministry and is referred to often in Scripture. The ruins of Peter’s house are still seen and the ruins of the ancient synagogue where Jesus spoke.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: RON BEACH HOTEL OR SIMILAR
NOVEMBER 4, SATURDAY NAZARETH / NAZARETH VILLAGE / TEL DAN
CAESAREA PHILIPPI / GOLAN HEIGHTS / BETHSAIDA / KURSI
Early this morning we travel to Jesus’ boyhood home of Nazareth and visit the outdoor recreated Nazareth Village where you can see what life was like in Jesus' time. Next, we head northward to ancient Tel Dan, where the Dan Tribe emigrated. Here are the unearthed city gates, a paved road, and remains of fortifications. We also see Banias Springs, the source of the Jordan River and visit Caesarea Philippi where Peter confessed Christ as Messiah. Returning to the Sea of Galilee via the Golan Heights, we see Bethsaida where Jesus healed the blind man. Bethsaida was the hometown of Peter, Philip and Andrew. We also stop along the road for an overlook near Kursi, the site of the miracle of the swine and where Jesus fed the 4000.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: RON BEACH HOTEL OR SIMILAR
NOVEMBER 5, SUNDAY BETH SHE'AN / JORDAN VALLEY / QSAR AL YAHUD BAPTISMAL SITE
LUNCH IN ABRAHAM'S TENT / BETHLEHEM
This morning on our way to Jerusalem, we visit the Decapolis city of Beth She’an. The ancient city on the Tel above is where Saul and his sons were hung after their defeat at Gilboa. Beth She'an is one of the best preserved of all the Roman Decapolis cities. We next drive south through the Jordan River valley to Qsar al Yahud where we can be baptized in the Jordan River in the vicinity of where Jesus was baptized by John. Afterward, we ascend the Judean Hills to make our reservation for lunch in Abraham's tent. We are greeted by Eleazar and Abraham and enjoy delicious food and Bedouin hospitality.
Bethlehem is our late afternoon stop. We visit the Church of the Nativity and the grotto where it is believed that Jesus was born. We have a time for shopping before entering Jerusalem and checking into our hotel.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: OLIVE TREE HOTEL, JERUSALEM
NOVEMBER 6, MONDAY MOUNT OF OLIVES / GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE
SOUTHERN STEPS / WESTERN WALL / KOTEL TUNNEL / VIA DOLOROSA / MOUNT ZION
Drive to the Mount of Olives for an outstanding view of the city and surrounding area. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane, and Church of All Nations. See the Kidron Valley and the Tomb of Absalom, Zachariah and James. Our morning walking tour begins in the temple area on Mt. Moriah where we visit the excavated archeological site near the southern wall of Temple Mount. Afterwards, if circumstances allow, we visit the Temple Mount where we see the Dome of the Rock. We visit the Western Wall, and walk through the Kotel Tunnel. Emerging from the tunnel, we also visit the Golden Gate, the Pinnacle, St. Stephen’s Gate, the Pool of Bethesda, the Chapel of the Flagellation and the Ecce Homo Arch. We continue on the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We continue through the Bazaar to Mount Zion where we visit the Room of the Last Supper.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: OLIVE TREE HOTEL, JERUSALEM
NOVEMBER 7, TUESDAY DAVID CITY / CAIAPHAS' HOUSE / GALLICANTU / GARDEN TOMB
Here we see the excavated fortresses and passageways from David's conquest of the Jebusite's city as described in the 2nd book of Samuel. The City of David is where Jerusalem started. Visit the new excavations and walk into the Herodian or Pilgrim tunnel that runs from the Pool of Siloam to the Robinson's Arch at the southern wall in the old city. Afterward, we go up to Mount Zion to visit Caiaphas' House and Gallicantu where Peter denied Christ three times. The highlight of the day is a visit to the Garden Tomb of Jesus. There we have an orientation beside Calvary with a time for worship and communion.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: OLIVE TREE HOTEL, JERUSALEM
NOVEMBER 8, WEDNESDAY MASADA / EIN GEDI / QUMRAN / DEAD SEA
We leave Jerusalem for the Shore of the Dead Sea -the deepest point on earth (1200 feet below sea level) driving again through the Judean Wilderness to the Dead Sea. At the southern most point of today's journey we ascend Masada by cable car to visit the fortress where from 70-73 AD Jewish Zealots made a last desperate stand against the Roman Empire. We drive to the Nature Reserve Ein Gedi, where King David found shelter from the rage of King Saul. We visit the ruins of an ancient Essene community of Qumran where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. On our way back to Jerusalem we can enjoy a short float on the Dead Sea if time and weather allow.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: OLIVE TREE HOTEL, JERUSALEM
NOVEMBER 9, THURSDAY TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT / USA This morning we leave Jerusalem for Ben Gurion airport for our journey home.
terms and conditions
cancellation and refund policy
The following fees will be assessed for all cancellations; from deposit to 120 days prior to departure $100** per person (see note below); 120 days to 46 days prior to departure $300** per person (see note below) plus all non-refundable expenses incurred by International Christian Journeys/Hadar Travel and Tours and it's marketing representatives on the group's behalf; 45 days or less prior to departure the full cost of the trip is non-refundable.
**NOTE: If you are not vaccinated for COVID-19 and are cancelling because the country or countries you are scheduled to visit will not allow unvaccinated persons to enter, the $100 or $300 fees mentioned above will be issued in the form of a credit voucher for any of our future domestic or international group tours. All fees we have paid which cannot be recovered from our suppliers will not be refunded unless they are refunded us.
responsibilities and limitation of liability
International Christian Journeys/Hadar Travel and Tours is acting as intermediary in selling services and making bookings and reservations for airlines, hotels, land and water transportation, meals, tours, etc. This agency, therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless action or omission on the part of such suppliers that results in any loss, damage, delay or injury to you or group members. International Christian Journeys/Hadar Travel and Tours is further not responsible for acts of God, fire, breakdown in machinery, acts of governments or other authorities, acts of war whether declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, customs regulations, delays or cancellation or change of itinerary or schedule or for any loss beyond their control. This agency is not responsible for loss or damage resulting from improper or insufficient passports, visas or other documents. International Christian Journeys/Hadar Travel and Tours is not liable or responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained or incurred by the client as a result of any of the foregoing clauses.The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of any tour as circumstances may demand it. Baggage is carried at the owner's risk and baggage insurance is recommended. No refunds for tour portions or unused services can be made unless agreed to prior to departure of the tour from North America.Your retention of tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute a consent to the above and agreement on your part to convey the current price and exchange rates and may be subject to change without notice prior to departure. The price is a special group rate based upon all passengers following the same itinerary. There will be a $200.00 per person charge to any individual who wishes to deviate from the tour plus any difference in the airfare. Note: Special non-refundable airfares will be used and have special restrictions. T
DUE TO THE WORLD WIDE UNCERTAINTIES REGARDING COVID-19 WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE.
PASSPORTS MUST BE VALID FOR SIX MONTHS AFTER RETURN
All notices of cancellation must be in writing