Zion’s BridgeApril Tour
“Meet Me inthe Galilee”(Matthew 28:10)
Itinerary
April 18 – Tuesday – 2023
Flight from Atlanta – Air France – 5:00 pm.
Arrive 3 hours before, at 2 pm. We will alert you to any changes made by the airline beyond our control. Proceed to check-in and then security. We’ll meet at the Gate for our flight.
April 19, Wed. – Arrive at Ben Gurion.
Relax the first evening near the Mediterranean.
April 20, Thu. – Up the Coast to the Galilee
After breakfast, we will visit the ancient Herodian port of Caesarea where Paul was kept as a prisoner for his faith in Christ. Next, visit the fortress city of Megiddo and explore 25 levels of ancient civilization, one of which belonged to the Israelites. View the Valley of Armageddon and consider its future event (Rev. 16:16). Closer to Tiberias, we’lltop Mt. Precipice in Nazareth, Jesus’ childhood home, and then Cana, where Jesus performed the first recorded miracle. If time permits, we will end this day at Yardinit for baptism.
April 21, Fri. – Northern Heights of Israel
Travel north toward Mount Hermon to Tel Dan. We’ll remember Abraham’s faith to go to the land of his future inheritance. See the place of his victory over five Canaanite kings at Dan (Gen. 14), an ancient Canaanite Gate, Jeroboam’s altar, andan inscription that proves Israel’s history. Look across the mountains to Lebanon. Next, we’ll stop at Tel Hai for a closer view of Syria. This historic site commemorates the faith and courage of Jewish settlers who gave their lives to settle theland early 1900s. Next, Katzrin, the Jewish capital of the Golan, with its olive oil factory. As the sun is setting, we will beon the Sea of Galilee for a special time of worship.
April 22, Sat. – Jesus’ Ministry in the Galilee
Welcome the morning on the summit of Mount Arbel for an astonishing overview of the Galilee before visiting Capernaum, where Jesus often ministered. Next, we’ll stop at Mary Magdele’s hometown, Migdol, which is rich in history and culture for Jews and Christians. Proceed to Bethsaida, the hometown of 4 disciples, as well as Corazim—both cursed by Jesus for their lack of faith. Mount of Beatitudes and Tabga will remind us of His miraculous power. *Possible time of baptism at Yardenit. If time does not permit, we’ll baptize at Qasr El Yahud the next day.
April 23, Sun. – Up to Jerusalem
We’ll cross the Jordan Valley to Qasr El Yahud, where Jesus was baptized. Here Joshua brought the Israelites to cross theJordan, and Elijah vanished to Heaven. Next, visit Qumran, where the Essenes lived, and many scroll fragments havebeen found. A visit to Masada, one of Herod’s palaces and the place of the Roman siege against the Jews, for first-timers is a must. If security and time permit, we’ll go to where Jesus often stayed with friends–Bethany. Complete the afternoon on the Mount of Olives for a majestic overview of Jerusalem and prayer
April 24, Mon. – Temple and Old City
Today, we’ll explore the Old City: Western Wall, Southern Steps, City of David and the Pilgrim Road (just opened to thepublic), The Temple Mount, Pool of Bethesda, and St. Anne. We’ll exit through the Damascus Gate to the Garden Tomb for a special time of communion. This is a busy day with lots of walking. Rest the night before is very important.
April 25, Tues. – Way of the Patriarchs
Board the bus toward the Elah Valley to Hebron, home to many of the Patriarchs. Visit the Tomb of the Patriarchs. David ruled from here for his first seven years (*Alternate: Shiloh). We’ll visit King David’s hometown, which is also Jesus’ birthplace—Bethlehem. If time permits, we’ll stop at the Herodian near Jerusalem. Enjoy an evening on Ben Yehuda Street or the Mahane Yehuda Market (the Shuke).
April 26, Wed. – Old City
Explore the Israel Museum. Then, head to Zion Gate in the Old City to visit the Upper Room, and the Jewish and Christian Quarters along with various sites in the area. Time for shopping will be given along the way. This is the final night. Pack for home.
April 27, Thur. – Departure
Early departure around 3am for a 7:50 takeoff.
WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO KEEP TO SCHEDULE BUT MAY CHANGE SCHEDULE TO MAKE THE MOSTOF YOUR TIME. KEEP WITH THE GROUP. IN THE EVENINGS, EXPLORING IS FINE WITH A BUDDY BUT LET YOUR GROUP LEADER KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND WHEN YOU WILL RETURN.
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Things I Need to Know
Passport: Make sure your Passport is up to date and will not expire six months past the 27th of April.
Your Passport should be with you at all times. Make a copy of your Passport and put it inside your carry-on
for safe keeping (this is very important in case your Passport is lost). Also, when we arrive in Tel Aviv, Customs will place an Israeli visa inside your Passport—keep this inside the Passport, which you will carry with you every day as we tour.
Money: Keep money in a safe place and not all of it in the same place. Most Israeli vendors accept Master
Card and Visa—credit and debit. Moneychangers are available at various locations, including the airport and your hotels. Many places accept U.S. dollars, but most prefer shekels. We do not recommend traveler checks. The amount you take is up to you—plan extra for lunch, drinks, and snacks, plus what you plan to spend on souvenirs.
Luggage: Zion’s Bridge Travelers are allowed one carry-on, one personal item, and one check-on, which is included in your ticket price. It will be your responsibility to pay for any extra luggage overage. Keep in mind that you will be able to purchase items you may forget. Packing light, at least 10 pounds underweight, is advisable to allow for purchased items while in Israel.
1 CHECK IN LUGGAGE (No more than 50 pound and 62 inches in circumference including wheels).
1 PERSONAL ITEM (i.e. pocket book, computer bag, backpack).
1 CARRY ON (not oversized! And not over 25 pounds).
We will be allowed to leave items on the bus, which will be locked and attended to. Consider clothes with pockets or a pocketed travel vest. The lighter your load, the better.
Water: The water in Israel is safe to drink. (I prefer bottled water.) Keeping hydrated is necessary to keep you healthy and feeling at your best. Our custom is to have the bus driver provide bottled water at a small fee.
Yes, there are clean bathrooms at every stop!
Lunch: Lunch is on your own. If you want to experience the local food, plan on around $15 to $20 per person. Feel free to take along a simple snack instead. Breakfast and dinner are included in the tour price and will be served at the hotel. Keep in mind that soft drinks are per glass with no free refills. Coffee and tea are usually complimentary with your hotel meals. For lunch, Robbie and I typically order tap water, which is clean and free.
How to Dress: Dress comfortably. Jeans, knee shorts, or athletic wear are acceptable. Dress modestly as many of the areas we visit are religious. We will update you on the weather as we get closer to the tour.
Some Aprils require a jacket; other times, we have been in short sleeves. Jerusalem can fluctuate 30 degrees on the same day, so layer your clothing for optimal comfort. We could get a few showers. The Galilee area tends to be warmer than Jerusalem. Two pairs of comfortable shoes are sufficient, with “comfort” being the key word.
Electronics: You will need an adapter for your electronics. An adapter will be required for your iPhone charger and other items that convert automatically from 110V to 220V. Hairdryers, curling irons (unless made for travel and convert) will need a voltage converter that can handle high wattage. Some devices, such as travel blow-dryers, have a voltage converter built in. Check all of your devices. If they can handle up to 240 volts, you will only need an adapterto accommodate Israel’s type of sockets. A suitable voltage converter and several adapters are a wise purchase. (Our hotels provide hairdryers in the room and iron upon request.)
Cell Phones: Most cell providers have international rates. Contact your carrier to understand your options. For example, Verizon (U.S.) offers a global unlimited plan for $10 per day or a per minute/text/data rate. T Mobile has free text and data. Wi-Fi is available in the rooms and the motor coach, which should help spare your data. (Be aware that it is not always at the desired speed.) Police: 100 • Emergency Medical Services: 101 • Fire and Rescue: 102 • Dialing 112 from a mobile phone will connect you to the emergency services
Medical Insurance: Contact your provider to let them know you will be out of the country.
Please note that Medicare does not provide coverage in Israel. Some supplemental policies become the primary. Check your policy and call your agent so that you will know for sure. You can purchase a travel insurance plan that includesemergency medical. Faith Ventures is the least expensive I’ve found. You can call 800-876- 4994. For basic, it’s a $30fee, which includes emergency evacuation and medical up to 25K.
Call the number listed for more details or go to their website: https://http://www.faithventures.com/basic-plan/ -See Description of Coverage-
Required by Israel? https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/border_closing_coronavirus_14062020
Cancellation Insurance:
Travel insurance is not part of your tour package. Faith Ventures/Brotherhood is highly recommended and is reasonablypriced compared to other’s I’ve investigated. If you choose trip cancellation and Interruption, please read theguidelines well (approximately $175).
https://www.faithventures.com/tcti/
***special note: In Paris, we arrive and depart at Terminal 2-E but will route through another security check. We will need every minute of the 2-hour layover. A guide will help us navigate to the security line as quickly as possible (30 minutes to exit the plane, 20 minutes to walk to the security line, 30 – 50 minutes to get 40 people through security, and then board about the time we get to the gate). It will be helpful for you to take your potty break before we land and hopefully have enough time for a quick bathroom visit before we board to Tel Aviv!
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