Take a Vacation with a Purpose.

ISRAEL – EGYPT 11-DAY TOUR
 
October 11–21, 2010

DAN SAMPSON Tour Leader Sampson Resources Dallas, TX

NEAL JEFFREY Guest Host Associate Pastor Prestonwood, Dallas, TX

DR. WILLIAM B. TOLAR Renowned Scholar of Bible History Fort Worth, TX

Itinerary

Day 1: Departure
Today we embark on our Journey to the Holy Land. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…Tomorrow you will be walking where Jesus walked!

Day 2: Arrive Israel
We arrive in Tel Aviv at Ben Gurion Airport where we will be met by our Israeli guide who will accompany us during our entire stay in Israel. We travel northward to our hotel for one night in the coastal area near Tel Aviv. The remainder of the day is free to walk along the shores of the Mediterranean, relax, and have dinner. The time is right for a personal devotional with the sunset over the “Great Sea.” Enjoy a time of prayer of thanks for safety and the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of this land, and a good night’s rest.

Day 3: Capernaum, Dan, Caesarea Philippi & Mount of Beatitudes
Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable northern sites emphasizing the loss of God's blessing on Israel. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of pagan worship and Caesarea Philippi which is also the site of Peter’s Confession. In order to save valuable time, a box lunch will be provided. In Capernaum we will visit the ruins of an ancient synagogue and Peter’s home. Then we travel on to the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes and the Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea. After viewing the ancient Fisherman Boat at an operating Kibbutz, we enjoy 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 concluding a wonderful day.

Day 4: Jordan River Baptism Site, Beth Shean & Jerusalem
We begin our day with a visit to 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 intertestamental period, the city was renamed the "Scythopolis". Archaeologists have uncovered a huge number of ruins of the Roman/Byzantine Scythopolis. 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. 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 three nights will be in Jerusalem.

Day 5: Jesus' Steps, the Last Days - Messianic Lecture
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. 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. On our way into the city 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 evening we enjoy a special lecture by a local believer prior to dinner, giving us a perspective of Messianic life in Israel.

Day 6: Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb, Pentecost, Bethlehem
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. 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. We will enjoy a challenge from God’s word and a song before an optional time this afternoon. 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.

Day 7: Qumran Caves, Massada, Red Sea & Mt. Sinai
This morning we depart Jerusalem and stop at Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, then make the 1,300-foot climb to the top of Massada by cablecar. Next we drive by Ein Gedi, an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Stop at the Red Sea resort city of Eilat for lunch (on your own). This afternoon we retrace the route of the Exodus, the land of the Pharaohs, Jacob, Joseph and Israel during the famine. We cross into Egypt and learn of the terrain and the history of this region en-route. Arriving in the late afternoon to the hotel situated below the St Catherine Monastery at Mt. Sinai (Mt. Horeb), we have dinner and rest for our early morning activity.

Day 8: Sinai, Suez Canal, Cairo
Just into the new day, those who desire and are physically capable will depart for a memorable early morning walk up Mt. Moses. You may choose to ride a camel part way, stop at one of the stations to take in scenery along the climb to the summit (750 steps) for a sunrise to remember. Once at the top, enjoy a time of praise and then depart down the mountain for breakfast. A visit to St. Catherine's Monastery, claimed to be built around the area of Moses' Burning Bush, is a highlight today. We learn of the terrain and the history of this region en-route as we travel through the Wilderness of Shur, Marah (Springs of Moses) and further to the north, the oasis of Elim. Pass through the southern edge of the "Land of Goshen" we arrive in Cairo, our place of lodging for the next two nights.

Day 9: Cairo- Pyramids and Museum
An entire day of exploring the ancient treasures of Egypt awaits us today. We spend time at one of the seven wonders of the world- the pyramids. Cheops, with an original height of 496 feet. It is the most colossal pyramid ever built. Today, we will also see the Sphinx and tour the Egyptian Museum, location of Tutankhamen’s treasures and ancient remains.

Day 10: Luxor- Valley of the Kings
Early this morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Luxor. We are off to visit the Valley of the Kings (where many ancient pharaohs were buried) and the famous Temple of Hatshepsut, the princess who perhaps pulled baby Moses out of the Nile River. We visit a courtyard that was likely to be frequented by Moses during his days of princely training. If time allows, we will tour of the famous Temple of Luxor, which was founded in the reign of Amenhotep III, grandson of the pharaoh of the Exodus. Take an evening flight back to Cairo.

Day 11: Homeward
Early today we depart the Cairo Airport for our flight home.

      You will have now experienced what is truly a "vacation with a purpose," taking with you a better understanding of and appreciation for the Bible you have loved and followed throughout life. You have visited the land of the Bible – where Jesus walked and taught – and have also seen in person the unforgettable sights of Old Testament history and the Land of the Pharoahs. And what is really special is – You will have experienced it with a bunch of great people!