Israel, Palestine and Jordan – Journey through Past and Present
Tour dates: May 20-31, 2023
With optional extension to Jordan May 31 – June 3, 2023
Hosted by: Prof Phil Quanbeck and Dr. Ruth Johnson
Price: $5,265 Jordan Extension: $,1,050
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You are invited on a Holy Lands journey that will bring the Bible alive and also encounter the lives of people now living in Israel/ Palestine. We will visit places associated with the Old and New Testaments, the life of Je[1]sus and the early church from Galilee to Jerusalem and more. Along with the biblical stories, with close attention to history and archaeology, we will also engage people: Jews, Christians and Muslims, working to find paths to peace in Israel/Palestine. An added distinction in this journey will be spending time in Bethlehem visiting not only the Church of the Nativity but meeting Palestinian Christians and learning about their work and witness to peace and justice. Your leaders are Ruth Johnson, MD, of Mayo Clinic and Phil Quanbeck, Ph.D., religion professor at Augsburg College. Phil’s doctoral studies in Old and New Testaments at Princeton Theological Seminary enrich his ability to deal with the texts and contexts of the Bible. Both Dr. Ruth and Dr. Phil have a love and a passion for these lands of the Bible and for the living witness of the people of faith who live there today. We would like to have you join us for this meaningful and timely journey.
SAT 20 MAY Depart USA
Your meaningful journey to the Holy Land begins today. Depart Minneapolis/St. Paul for an overnight transatlantic flight with Delta Airlines to Tel Aviv. (Meals in-flight)
SUN 21 MAY Arrive Tel Aviv/Netanya
Upon morning arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, you will be met by your guide and driver. Before heading to our hotel in Netaniya, we will drive up the Mediterranean coast tour the site of Caesarea, once the Roman capital of Palestine. See the Crusader fortifications, the Roman amphitheater, aqueduct, and visit the ancient harbor from where the Apostle Paul was taken to Rome. Lunch in Caesarea at the Port Café. Transfer to Hotel for check-in, dinner and overnight. Leonardo Plaza Hotel (Meals in-flight, D)
MON 22 MAY Netanya/Galilee
Today we drive north and visit the City of Haifa including a view of the Bahai Gardens, the Stella Maris Convent on Mt Carmel. Enjoy some time for lunch near the Germany Colony area before heading to next stop in the valley of Megiddo. See the shaft and tunnel made by one of the twenty civilizations that built cities on this land. Drive to your hotel on the Sea of Galilee for dinner and overnight. Leonardo Club Tiberias (B, D)
TUE 23 MAY Galilee
Drive north to Caesarea Philippi (Banias Springs), Mt. Hermon and the Golan Heights. Return to the Sea of Galilee to visit and see the Ancient Synagogue and St. Peter’s House at Capernaum; this is where Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law and others. Drive along the shore to Tabgha for visits to the Church of Multiplication, built on the site of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes; and the Church of the Beatitudes, one of the most beautiful in the Galilee. End the day with a Boat ride along the sea of Galilee. Possible atop at Nof Ginosar to see the Jesus Boat. Leonardo Club Hotel Tiberias (B, D)
WED 24 MAY Galilee
Morning departure for Nazareth. Stop at the precipice overlooking Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth. See the Church of the Annunciation and Mary’s Well. Then tour Nazareth Village, a living history farm and village that presents the life, times and teachings of Jesus. Visit the archaeological site at Bet She’an where excavations have revealed ruins of major archaeological significance; the history of the site goes back into the 4 millennium B.C.E., through King Saul’s time, the Roman era and right up to the 21st Century. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Leonardo Club Hotel Tiberias (B, D)
THU 25 MAY Galilee/Bethlehem
Travel to Bethlehem and tour the region’s only arts college, Dar al-Kalima University of Arts & Culture. Meet with The Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb (subject to his availability), faculty, staff and students to learn how arts and cultural initiatives ensure that today’s Palestinians have abundant life. This university also serves the needs of the broader community through a range of contextual and holistic programs via Dar al-Kalima’s Outreach program for Older Adults, Youth and Families. DAK partners with Bright Stars of Bethlehem in the U.S. Enjoy lunch prepared by the students of the culinary program. The afternoon we will visit the Efrat settlement and meet with a Representative. Upon returning to Bethlehem we will tour the Dheishah refugee with one of the local resident guides. Continue to your hotel for check-in, dinner and overnight . St. Gabriel Hotel (B,L,D)
FRI 26 MAY Jericho / Qumran / Masada
Drive to Jericho and visit the Oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. In Jericho see where Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus as he passed through the town (Luke 19:1-4). Enjoy a view of Mount Temptation. From here, we drive to Qumran and see the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. We continue our drive south along the Dead Sea shores to Masada and take the cable car to the top. On this rocky plateau, the Zealots held their last resistance against the Roman conquerors. Before heading back to Jerusalem, we will stop at the Dead Sea where you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional float in this unique body of water at the Ein Bokek. Finally we will make our way back to Bethlehem for dinner and overnight. St. Gabriel Hotel (B, D)
SAT 27 MAY Hebron /Bethlehem
This morning, drive to Hebron and visit the Ibrahimi Mosque and a local Glass blowing factory. Return to Bethlehem for a walking tour of the Old City, including a visit to the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square. In the afternoon visit Herodion – the hilltop castle and tomb built by Herod the Great. Conclude your day with a relaxing Bedouin-style dinner at a local restaurant in Bethlehem. Return to Hotel for overnight. St. Gabriel Hotel (B,D)
SUN 28 MAY Bethlehem/Jerusalem
View the Separation Wall as you travel through the checkpoint to Jerusalem. Attend the 9:00 am English language worship service at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem followed by fellowship. Visit with the English-speaking pastor at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer and learn about the work of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). Embark on a walking tour of the Old City along the Via Dolorosa to experience the Stations of the Cross, viewing the last few Stations located inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. End the day in the tranquil surroundings of the Garden Tomb. Check in at your hotel for dinner and overnight. Notre Dame Center (B, D)
MON 29 MAY Jerusalem
This morning visit the Temple Mount/Haram al Sharif and see the golden Dome of the Rock, an important symbol of the Muslim faith (inside visits not permitted). Walk through the Jewish quarter to see the Roman cardo and the Western Wall, considered to be one of the holiest sites in Jewish tradition. Late this afternoon or this evening there will be a presentation by a representative of the Parents’ Circle of both Israeli and Palestinian bereaved parents. Notre Dame Center (B, D)
TUE 30 MAY Jerusalem
Ascend to the Mount of Olives for an early visit to Augusta Victoria Hospital and learn about the healing work provided to Palestinians by this arm of Lutheran World Federation. Enjoy a breathtaking view of Jerusalem before walking down the Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane and Church of all Nations. There will free time for individual exploration and some last minute shopping. An optional tour to the Israel Museum is also planned for this afternoon. Gather for a farewell dinner this evening. Rooms will be available until airport departure; those going on the optional extension will remain overnight at the hotel. Notre Dame Center (B, D)
WED 31 MAY Return to USA
Check-out of hotel. Free day for individual exploration in Jerusalem. In the afternoon, transfer to Tel Aviv and Jafa. Takea short walking tour in Jaffa enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant before driving to the airport for final departure. (Meals in-flight)
JORDAN EXTENSION
WED 31 MAY Jerusalem/Petra
This morning transfer to the Allenby Bridge crossing to Jordan and meet your Jordanian guide, driver and coach. Drive to Mount Nebo where Moses viewed the Promised Land and enjoy the dramatic view of the Jordan Valley, Jericho and the Judean hills beyond. Then visit the village of Madeba to see the ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land. Continue through the vast desert to the village of Wadi Musa, which embraces the entrance to Petra – one of the Seven. Modern Wonders of the World. Petra Guesthouse (B, D)
THU 01 JUN Petra
Two thousand years ago the Nabateans carved a city out of rose red rock and it was rediscovered in 1812. Today you will discover the formerly lost city of Petra during a guided tour. Begin by walking through the dramatic “ciq” or canyon that opens upon the Treasury, El Khazneh, one of the most elegant remains of antiquity. Beyond El Khazneh the visitor is surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra’s carved and built structures. Enjoy a full day of touring this amazing, once- hidden world. Petra Guesthouse (B, D)
FRI 02 JUN Petra/Amman/Departure
Depart on a northbound journey to the Jordanian Capital city of Amman. Visit Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan, which has received recognition as the likely site where John baptized Jesus. Nearby visit the new Lutheran chapel. Continue into Jordan’s capital city for a tour; at the bottom of the city’s many hills and overlooked by the magisterial Citadel, it features spectacular Roman ruins, an international-standard museum and the hubbub of mosques, souqs and coffeehouses that are central to Jordanian life. Continue to your hotel in Amman for dinner and overnight (B, D)
SAT 03 JUN Arrive USA
Check out of hotel and drive north to the Roman city of Jerash and visit the Maximus Cardo, the colonnaded street flanked by temples, churches, theaters and endless mosaics. Next we make our way to the Sheikh Hussein land border and cross back into Israel. Before driving to Jaffa and Tel Aviv, we will stop in Apollonia and visit the ancient city first settled by the Phoenicians in the 6th century. Spend the rest of the afternoon in Tel Aviv before enjoying a farewell dinner in Jaffa before heading to the airport for final departure.
Code: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Itinerary subject to change.
Speakers subject to availability.
AIRFARE: Round-trip economy class airfare from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Tel Aviv.
ACCOMMODATION: Fourteen (10) nights’ accommodation in superior tourist class hotels, double occupancy, with private facilities. Hotels as listed or similar.
MEALS: Breakfast and dinner daily with two lunches en-route as indicated in program. Farewell dinner at traditional restaurant in Bethlehem or Jerusalem
GROUND TRANSPORT: Transfers and transportation by deluxe motor coach throughout. (50-55 seats)
SIGHTSEEING: Extensive sightseeing throughout; entrance fees included as per program.
PORTERAGE: Luggage handling of one piece per person.
EXPERT GUIDES: An experienced English-speaking tour guide.
WHISPER SETS: Individual whisper sets throughout the tour (Israel and Palestine only) along with two transmitters (for guide and tour leader) $15 per person.
GRATUITIES: Gratuities to guide, driver, hotel and restaurant staff (for your convenience, $150 per person has been included).
SPEAKER HONORARIUMS: All honorariums for special speakers are included and will be provided to the Tour Leader on arrival ($1,450 allocated from group’s budget).
VISA: Egypt Entry Visa cost and services included.
TAXES: Airport/foreign departure taxes
Items Not Included
- Fuel surcharges and/or tax increases levied since the pricing of this tour.
- Beverages other than coffee/tea at breakfast.
- Any meal or sightseeing item not listed in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Optional Travel Protection: trip cancellation/interruption, baggage delay/loss, emergency accident and sickness medical expense, and emergency evacuation/repatriation. Please refer to the Travel Protection section.
- Passport fees. A passport valid six months beyond date of reentry to the U.S. is required.
- COVID Related Testing: PCR test prior to arrival, upon arrival and prior to departure (estimated at 75 per person. (Might not be applicable by January 2023).
Important Notes:
Main Tour Base price : $ 5,265 per person sharing a double
Single Room Supplement: $925
Jordan Extension : $ 1,050 per person sharing a double room. Single room supplement $ 205
Jordan Extension includes:
- Three nights’ accommodation in first class hotels, double occupancy, with private facilities.
- Petra Guest House , Petra or similar
- Bristol Hotel Amman or similar
- Breakfast and dinner daily as outlined in the itinerary.
- Transfers and transportation by deluxe motorcoach.
- Extensive sightseeing throughout; entrance fees included.
- Luggage handling of one piece per person.
- An experienced English-speaking tour guide from arrival in Jordan to departure from Jordan; local assistance in Israel.
- Gratuities to drivers and guides (for your convenience, $52 per person has been included).
- Border taxes.
- Jordanian Entry Visa.
Costs: The tour cost is per person based on current airfare from Minneapolis / St.Paul, double occupancy, tariffs and currency valuations as of May 2022, a minimum of 25 travelers, and subject to confirmation. While we will do everything possible to maintain the listed price and/or itinerary, they are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. Single room supplements may have limited availability and are on a request basis only
These tour conditions are subject to confirmation of space and may change until contracts applicable to actual dates have been received and accepted by all parties involved.
- PAYMENT SCHEDULE: Your reservation and deposit of $500 per person are requested immediately to fulfill the group deadline requirements. Note that space is limited and reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis. A second payment of $1,000 is due January 20, 2023. Final payment is due no later than March 20, 2023. The fee for late payment is $50 per traveler. For credit cards, STT accepts Visa and MasterCard (1.5% service charge). PayPal is also an options in needed (3% service charge)
- REFUND POLICY: All cancellations must be in writing. There is no refund for partial or unused land arrangements. Note: Airline tickets will be issued well in advance of departure and may be nonrefundable. The following penalties will apply: Up to January 19, 2023 – $100 per person administrative fee plus any unrecoverable deposits; January 20 – April 20, – Deposit plus any unrecoverable payments to hotels, tour operators or airlines; April 21, 2023 or after– No refund.
- CHANGES TO GROUP FLIGHTS: The group airfare contract for this tour may not allow travelers to make any date or itinerary changes. If you are considering other dates or cities, please submit your request in writing well in advance to secure the best rates and schedule, but no later than January 20, 2023. A minimum fee of $100 per person will apply for changes to group flights in addition to a possible airfare increase.
- LATE BOOKINGS: Passengers registering within thirty days of tour departure will be charged a $50 per person fee. Tour payment in full is required before we can request and confirm space. This fee does not cover any additional airline or ground service charges.
Note to Travelers:
Be assured that STT & TRAVEL (STT) continually monitors travel industry developments (strikes, etc.) as well as world events. If any such matters affect your tour, you will be notified. At the time this tour was developed the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory for this destination was Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution); refer to the following website for current information or call STT & Travel. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Travel protection is optional, but we encourage all travelers to purchase a plan. STT offers an extensive and competitively priced plan from Seven Corners Insurance. Travel protection can help provide coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, baggage delay/loss, emergency accident and sickness medical expense, and emergency evacuation/repatriation. If you decline coverage at the time of reservation, you may purchase it later, but the Pre-existing Conditions Waiver is available only if the plan is purchased within 20 days of the initial trip deposit. To review the full plan, get a quote and purchase please visit: https://purchase.sevencorners.com/policygroup/HW7C6WH/HGP5DXM/
You can also contact our Sales Agent at Seven Corners Travel Insurance for further information and assistance before making your decision.
Tiffany Day
Digital Sales Agent – Seven Corners Travel Insurance
Direct Phone: (317) 582 2627
Email: tiffany.day@sevencorners.com
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TRAVEL PROTECTION INCLUSIONS:
Trip Cancellation:
Trip Interruption:
Travel Delay (6 hours):
Missed Connection (3 hours):
Baggage:
Baggage Delay:
Medical Expense:
Emergency Dental Expense
Medical Evacuation $ Repatriation of remains
Political Emergency Evacuation
ID Theft Resolution Services
Assistance Service
Note: If you prefer to purchase your travel insurance from a different company, please make sure that the Policy includes coverage for any COVID related illness as this is now a prerequisite for entry into Israel.
Conditions and Responsibility: Shepherds Tours and Travel (STT) provides customized travel planning services to Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Egypt for group travelers who have a variety of reasons and goals for travel. The goals and/or opinions of these groups do not reflect or imply the position of STT in any matter. Brochure contents may not be duplicated without permission from STT. In offering these travel arrangements, (STT) acts solely as an agent for the sale of air transportation and other travel related services. STT maintains no control over the personnel, equipment or operations of any entity furnishing services, products or accommodations. STT assumes no responsibility or liability for, and shall not be expected, asked or required to pay for any injury, damage, expense, personal injury, property damage, inconvenience or any other loss experienced by reason of: (1) any intentional, wrongful, negligent or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any supplier, its agents or employees; (2) any defect, breakdown or other failure of any vehicle, equipment, service, product or other instrumentality which is owned, operated or otherwise used by a supplier; (3) any intentional, wrongful, negligent, or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any other party not under the direct control of STT; (4) financial problems causing nonperformance by any supplier; or (5) any other cause, condition or event whatsoever beyond the direct control of STT. STT cannot guarantee any rates, bookings or reservations of any supplier. Your retention of tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute a consent to the foregoing provisions. All prices quoted are subject to change if airlines or ground operators increase their prices, the U.S. dollar is devalued significantly against foreign currencies, the group falls below minimum numbers, or a fuel surcharge, government tax or user’s fee is imposed. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. STT reserves the right to withdraw from any tour any tour member whose conduct is incompatible with the interests of the group as a whole. The above Conditions and Responsibility also covers the group leader(s) and their respective organizations.
To register, please complete the following online Registration Form .