Epic TOURS LLC

Bishop John Michael Villarreal 

with Dr. Janet Trout 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fourteen-Day Tour

Israel – The Holy Land

with a

Luxury VIP Jordanian Experience 

April 2 – 14, 2024

(April 15-if flight departs Israel after midnight) 

 

Estimated cost, subject to change

based on airline expense, is

$4995. +/- 

            

Day 1 Tuesday, April 2

Today, we board our flight for the land of the Bible, Israel and Jordan!

 

Day 2 – Wednesday, April 3 - Arrive in Israel

Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, Israel where we are greeted, assisted and transferred to our hotel by the EpicTOURS staff. Overnight on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea! Open your Bible and let your mind drink in the Biblical history you are about to personally experience. You are in the Holy Land! We rest from the long journey to prepare us for our first day of touring.

Overnight in Netanya – Suburb of Tel Aviv

 

Day 3 -Thursday April 4 - Caesarea/Mt. Carmel/Tel-Megido/Nazareth Village/Mt. Precipice/Tiberias

We awake in the Holy Land to a sumptuous Israeli breakfast buffet, then transfer by deluxe motor coach to head north on the Coastal road to view the stately, ancient ruins of Caesarea, visiting the Roman amphitheater where Paul stood trial. It was here that the Holy Spirit first fell on the Gentiles as Cornelius, the first Gentile of the Church-age, met Peter. Click here for more information on Caesarea Next, we drive up the Mediterranean Coast to Mount Carmel, Elijah’s Cave, the place where the Prophet Elijah defeated the false prophets of Ba’al and where God answered by fire.  We continue today by driving through the Valley of Jezreel Click here for more information on Jezreel - the prophetic future site of the battle of Armageddon. The archaeological site of Megiddo is one of Solomon’s chariot cities where twenty civilizations can be observed stacked up in the ruins.  Driving toward Nazareth, we stop to visit an extraordinary site called Nazareth Village, where we step back in time to see a day in the life of the first century Jews who lived in Nazareth as in the days of Jesus. We will visit Mt. Precipice. Click here for more information on Mt. Precipice (Luke 4:29-30) which is located south of Nazareth, on the cliffs of Mt Kedumim (397M), overlooking the Yizrael Valley and Mount Tabor. This is considered by some to be the place where angry Jewish worshippers drove Jesus away from the Synagogue and attempted to throw him off the cliff. He disappeared before their eyes "in the midst of them”.

Dinner and overnight - Caesar Tiberias Hotel on the Sea of Galilee

 

Day 4 – Friday, April 5 : Explore The Galilee- Lake Kinerret/ Mr. Arbel/Magdala/Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee/St. Peter’s Fish Lunch/Capernaum/Mount of the Beatitudes/Tabgha/Bethseda/Kurazim/Kursi (Pig Jump)

After another great Israeli breakfast, we start our day with a service on the Sea of Galilee. Stepping aboard a Galilee boat for a calm cruise on the sea, we enjoy an incredible worship service, which will be life changing. For many pilgrims to the Holy Land, this is one of the most memorable. Later, we disembark at Ginosar for a short trip to Capernaum, where we visit the home of the Apostle Peter where Jesus healed his mother-in-law. Visit Tabgha where Jesus multiplied the fishes and loaves. We lunch on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and enjoy a special feast of St. Peter’s Fish. A short bus ride takes us to the Mount of Beatitudes where we hear the words of Jesus on the mount where the greatest sermon ever was preached. At the end of our touring day, we proceed to our baptismal site located on the Jordan River, Yardenit, for those who wish to be baptized. After baptism, we return to the hotel where another Israeli buffet presents an amazing variety of food for our dinner.

Dinner and overnight Tiberias - Hotel on the Sea of Galilee

 

Day 5 – Saturday, April 6 - – The Jordan Valley

After breakfast, we travel to Beit Shean  (8 am) Click here for more information on Beit Sheanto visit one of the best preserved Roman Amphitheaters in Israel. Extensive excavations have uncovered eighteen layers of civilizations. Ancient Beit Shean is also where King Saul’s body was retrieved by the brave men of Jabesh Gilead. We travel south toward Jericho, the “City of Palms” spreading out on the west side of the Jordan River at 825 feet below sea level. The Bible site of Tell es-Sultan is in the distance and is the city Joshua destroyed.  In Jesus’ day a new center had been constructed on the wadi banks by the Hasmonean rulers and Herod the Great. Continuing south, we see Qumran, Click here for more information on Qumran where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a little shepherd boy and Ein Gedi where David fled from Saul. Continuing south through the wilderness of Judea, we will ascend by cable car to Masada (by 11:30 am) the fortress built by King Herod the Great. Step back in time to 66 CE when a group of Jewish rebels overcame the Roman garrison of Masada Click here for more information on Masada and settled on the top of Masada until 73 CE when the Roman governor laid siege. The view of the Roman camps can still be seen from atop Masada, as well as a spectacular view of the country of Jordan and the Dead Sea. Visit the remains of Herod’s Palace, the Apartments, Baths, Storehouses and Cisterns. It was here the Jewish Zealots made their last stand against the Roman Legions from 70-73 AD. Descend from Masada with a stunning view of the Dead Sea. Leaving the lowest place on earth, we ascend to Jerusalem, the Holy City.

Dinner and Overnight in Jerusalem

 

Day 6 – Sunday, April 7 –Jerusalem/Temple Mount 8 am/Western Wall Tunnel 10 am /Western Wall/Hulda Gates/Southern Steps excavations Click here for more information on Jerusalem

Arriving at 8 am, we will visit one of the most incredible sites in all of Judaism, the Temple Mount. It is here where the Temple era came to an abrupt halt as it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. On this site, Soloman built the Temple and subsequently, the Divine Presence still abides on this site.

 

Just below the Temple Mount, on the western side, we will pray at the Western Wall (Kotel) which is the closest wall to where the Holy of Holies was located when the Temple was in use during the 1st Century. We will visit the Western Wall Tunnel (10 am)which will takesyou underground. A large portion of the Western Wall is inaccessible, otherwise. You will see stones, models and actual structures which provide clues as to how the Second Temple was constructed. In addition, these artifacts help explain the history of this area through the eyes of all the great empires that once ruled Jerusalem.  In the afternoon, journey to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity and the Shepherd’s Fields. Before returning to the hotel, enjoy a great shopping opportunity in Bethlehem.

Dinner and Overnight –Jerusalem

 

Day 7 – Monday, April 8 - Jerusalem, Old City

First thing in the morning, we arrive on the Mount of Olives ( 8 am) for a breathtaking view of the Temple Mount (Mt. Moriah Genesis 22:2) is seen. The Mount of Olives is where Jesus will return, and the Temple Mount is where the 3rd Temple will be rebuilt prior to His appearing.

Walking the pathway from the Mt. of Olives, we pray in the Garden of Gethsemane (10 am) with a grand view of the Eastern Gate and the Kidron Valley. Here, we After enjoying the view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, we visit the Church of All Nations and read the Scriptures of Jesus’ prayer and take time for personal reflection where we literally walk where Jesus walked. Crossing the Kidron Valley, we begin a tour of the city of Jerusalem. As we begin the tour of old Jerusalem, we visit the room of the Last Supper, also known as the site of the Upper Room, and the traditional site of the Tomb of King David, we take a short walk through the Jewish Quarter to visit the Temple Institute (1 pm) The Temple Institute's ultimate goal is to see Israel rebuild the Holy Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, in accord with the Biblical commandments. Finally, a short walk through the Roman Cardo. We visit St. Ann’s Church and hear the marvelous acoustics as we sing. Visit the Pool of Bethesda where the angel stirred the waters for healing. Following the path from Pilate’s Judgement Hall through the old city, we experience the sights and sounds of old Jerusalem. We walk the Via Dolorosa, the route that Jesus took between his condemnation by Pilate and his crucifixion and burial. Exit at Lions Gate to shop at the Jerusalem Gates store. 

Dinner and Overnight - Jerusalem

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Day 8 – Tuesday, April 9   City of David/House of Caiaphas/Israel Museum/Jerusalem Model, Dead Sea Scrolls, Menorah, Garden Tomb and Communion at 2:30 pm.

We drive to the City of David (9 am), at the Gihon Spring, where we learn of how the original city of Jerusalem was established by King David, overtaking the Jebusites. We will visit Hezekiah’s Tunnel: A 1750-foot tunnel carved during the reign of Hezekiah to bring water from one side of the city to the other, Hezekiah’s Tunnel together with the 6th century tunnel of Euphalios in Greece is considered the greatest works of water engineering technology in the pre-Classical period. The Pool of Siloam is a rock-cut pool on the southern slope of the City of David, the original site of Jerusalem, located outside the walls of the Old City to the southeast. The pool was fed by the waters of the Gihon Spring, carried there by two aqueducts. An ancient 2000-year-old road leading from the City of David to the Temple Mount has recently been excavated.  Visit the House of Caiaphas where Jesus spent the night after his arrest in Gethsemane. Traveling to the Israeli Museum, we will visit the 2nd Temple model of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea scrolls (discovered in the caves of Qumran) among other antiquities. We’ll view the  Knesset Menorah which is a bronze Menorah weighing 4 tons. It is located opposite the Knesset. It was presented to the Knesset as a gift from the Parliament of the United Kingdom on April 15, 1956 in honor of the eighth anniversary of Israeli independence.

Arrive at the Garden Tomb (2:30)where we view the Hill of the Skull and walk into the empty tomb. A communion service provides an opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and His victory over death. Ministers from your group will lead the service.

Return to the hotel.

Dinner and Overnight - Jerusalem

 

LUXURY VIP JORDANIAN EXPERIENCE

 

Day 9 – Wednesday, April 10 – The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and journey to Allenby Bridge. Process out of Israel Immigration and say Shalom to Israel, then, Marhabah to Jordan. After clearing the Jordanian Immigration and Customs, our first stop is in Madaba to view the fifth century mosaic map in a church, then experience the unique craft of hand-maid mosaics in a factory/shop. Click to learn more about Madaba

Continuing toward Mt. Nebo we stand where Moses saw the Promised Land before he died. Traveling south on the desert highway, we arrive at Petra.

Dinner and overnight at the Petra Moon Luxury Hotel across from the entrance to Petra.

 

Day10 – Thursday, April 11  – PETRA

Rise early and prepare for a four-hour experience in Petra. Wear cool, casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes!

 

PETRA ... More Than A Wonder!! Click here for more information on Petra

The city of Petra, capital of the Nabataean Arabs, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, it is Located 240 km south of the capital Amman and 120 km north of the red sea town of Aqaba, Petra the world wonder is undoubtedly Jordan's most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction, and it is visited by tourists from all over the world. It is not known precisely when Petra was built, but the city began to prosper as the capital of the Nabataean Empire from the 1st century BC, which grew rich through trade in frankincense, myrrh, and spices. Petra was later annexed to the Roman Empire and continued to thrive until a large earthquake in 363 AD destroyed much of the city in the 4th century AD. The earthquake combined with changes in trade routes, eventually led to the downfall of the city which was ultimately abandoned. By the middle of the 7th century Petra appears to have been largely deserted and it was then lost to all except local Bedouin from the area. In 1812 a Swiss explorer named Johannes Burckhardt set out to ‘rediscover’ Petra; he dressed up as an Arab and convinced his Bedouin guide to take him to the lost city, After this, Petra became increasingly known in the West as a fascinating and beautiful ancient city, and it began attracting visitors and continues to do so today. Petra is also known as the rose-red city, a name it gets from the wonderful color of the rock from which many of the city’s structures were carved. The Nabataeans buried their dead in intricate tombs that were cut out of the mountain sides and the city also had temples, a theater, and following the Roman annexation and later the Byzantine influence, a colonnaded street and churches. In addition to the magnificent remains of the Nabataean city, human settlement and land use for over 10,000 years can be traced in Petra, where great natural, cultural, archaeological and geological features merge. On December 6, 1985, Petra was designated a World Heritage Site, also Petra was chosen by the Smithsonian Magazine as one of the 28 places you should visit before you die. 

After lunch in Petra, we journey toward the Luxury Bedouin Tent Village in Wadi Rum. Upon arriving, we leave the coach and ride open-back jeeps to the camp. Retreat to your private Bedouin style tent with its surrounding expanse of silken sand and luxurious accommodation. Wadi Rum Night camp consist of twenty-five fully equipped luxury tents, each spacious guest tent is luxuriously furnished complete with comfortable king-size, twin, or triple beds, Bedouin sofa, mirrors, lamps, and the finest bed linens. All the furniture is hand-made. There is cozy relaxation area outside the tent to watch the stars at night and drink tea with the Bedouin host.  Electricity is provided in the guest tents in the evenings via solar power. Each tent has a private terrace with a fantastic view over the Wadi Rum Mountains. Dinner awaits you in this unique landscape in the Wadi Rum (Valley of the Moon). It lies in the far south of Jordan, set on a high plateau at the western edge of the Arabian desert. Gargantuan rock formations, rippled sand dunes, and clear night skies create an almost fairy-tale setting across an unpopulated area the size of New York City. This is truly the “reddest” part of Jordan, colored by iron oxide, and by far the most dramatic in terms of landscape.

Overnight in the desert village of Oasis Wadi Rum Luxury Tents 

 

Day 11 Friday, April 12

After breakfast, our guide takes us across the desert for an optional camel ride (cost isincluded). Afterward, we board the coach for a four-hour ride to the shores of the Dead Sea. Arrive at our hotel and check in for the experience of a lifetime. This is where you can float in the sea and cover yourself with the healing properties of the black mud. The Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa can't wait to exceed your wildest expectations. Showcasing a picture-perfect location on the sandy shores of the enthralling Dead Sea, the hotel welcomes you with five-star resort lodging and a remarkable assortment of luxury perks. The spacious, stylishly appointed hotel rooms and suites provide sensational views of the Dead Sea, deluxe bedding, a flat-screen TV, and much more. You'll be thrilled with the wide selection of food in the dining room, their multiple heated pools and their cutting-edge signature spa (spa cost not included). Dinner will be waiting!

Overnight: Jordan Valley Marriott Resort and Spa on the shores of the Dead Sea Click here

 

Day 12 – Saturday, April 13 - RELAX!

Finally, this is a day of leisure and relaxation at the Resort. It is time to float in the sea, cover yourself with the black mud once again, visit the Spa (cost not included), swim in one of the pools, or just stroll the beautiful grounds. This is the day to unpack and repack all those goodies you bought along the way and get ready to head westward. Breakfast and dinner are the only two things on the schedule. Enjoy! 

Overnight: Jordan Valley Marriott Resort and Spa on the shores of the Dead Sea

 

Day 13 – Sunday, April 14 – CHECK OUT

After breakfast, check out of the Resort and transfer to begin the journey home. Next year in Jerusalem!

 

NOTE: Sequence of sites visited may be adjusted to accommodate local openings and/or closing time limitations. Epic Tours reserves the right to change the Itinerary or hotels and/or omit sites based on schedule requirements or local conditions.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Epic Tours LLC

Dr. Janet Trout

256 Blue Heron Road

Dover, DE 19904

302-670-1183

www.myepictours.com

 

Tour cost to be announced around August 20, 2023 and is per person/double occupancy (Single room if requested and available - additional cost of Single Supplement) – Includes round-trip air fare from Chicago, double occupancy hotels throughout tour, breakfast and dinner after departure from USA and prior to check-out at hotel on the day of return to USA, coach/driver and guide, entrance fees to all attractions listed in Itinerary and all tips throughout -  baggage porterage, hotel front desk, dining room service, housekeeping, the bus driver and guide at the end of the tour. Whisper head sets are provided for clarity during the lectures by the guide. It also includes THE CAMEL RIDE IN THE DESERT (personal tip to camel owner is not included),

 

TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

 

• LUNCHES (approximate cost per lunch in Israel and Jordan is $18 USD),

• PASSPORTS, VISAS, LAUNDRY, WINES, LIQUORS, MINERAL WATER, AFTER-DINNER COFFEE, SODA, TEA/DRINKS, (some hotels require the purchase of bottled water),

• OR ITEMS THAT DO NOT APPEAR ON THE MENU.

• PERSONAL ITEMS, HOTEL SPAS, EXCESSIVE BAGGAGE EXPENSES, OR ANYTHING NOT MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE.

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Arrival at the airport four hours prior to flight time is required. Flight times to be announced no later than January 1, 2024

 

NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOST TO REGISTER AND SECURE AIRLINE SEAT AND HOTEL RESERVATIONS:  $400 per person. 

 

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION FOR THIS TOUR IS DECEMBER 2, 2023. AFTER THAT DATE, A LATE REGISTRATION FEE WILL BE CHARGED( $100)! and registration will be accepted only if space and airline seats are available at that time. 

 

***ENTIRE BALANCE MUST BE PAID IN FULL NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 2, 2023

REGISTER AT: www.myepictours.com

 

A valid Passport that does not expire within six months of departure is required.

 

Electronic payment can be made at myepictours.com. However, if PayPal is used, add 3% of the amount you are charging to cover the PayPal fee. To avoid the 3% charge, checks can be made payable to Epic Tours LLCand mailed to: Dr. Janet Trout, Epic Tours LLC, 256 Blue Heron Rd. Dover, DE 19904

PLEASE SEND BY FED EX, UPS OR POSTAL SERVICE THAT PROVIDES A TRACKING NUMBER.

 

PLEASE READ ALL TOUR CONDITIONS

YOUR DEPOSIT IS YOUR CONSENT TO ALL TOUR CONDITIONS

 

TOUR PRICE IS PER PERSON AND INCLUDES:

1. Roundtrip economy airfare departing from Chicago.

2. Baggage limited to one normal size suitcase which does not exceed airline regulations in weight and size.     Personal bags (carry-on and purse or backpack) is allowed.

3. Arrival and departure group transfer escorted by guides and host.

4. Superior First-Class hotel accommodations – Two persons sharing a twin bedroom/bath.

5. Touring Biblical sites via deluxe motor coach, English speaking guide with hosts Dr. Janet Trout and Bishop Villareal.

6. Israeli and Jordanian buffet breakfast and dinners daily on tour days; **Lunches not included.

7. Entrance Fees per Itinerary

8.TIPS which includes portage at the airport and hotels (gratuities for dining room meals, hotel front desk service), and for guide and bus driver at the end of the tour. As the tour progresses, tipping will be managed by your tour host.

 

RESERVATIONS AND CONDITIONS. A non-refundable deposit of $400 paid immediately upon registration. Final payment of balance due no later than January 15, 2024.

 

CANCELLATIONS. In the event an individual cancels their participation in the tour, cancellation must be submitted in writing to Epic Tours LLC. Cancellations received 60 days or less prior to departure will have to pay 80% of the total tour cost from Chicago. Cancellations received 30 days or less prior to departure will have to pay 100% of the tour cost from Chicago. (*In the event the tour is cancelled for circumstances in the Middle East,  Epic Tours will request a refund from airlines and hotels, however there is no guarantee of a refund after 30 days prior to the tour departure. In any event, 20% of the total will be retained for administrative costs and overseas wire transfer fees.)

 

ACCOMMODATIONS. Price is based on double occupancy. Single rooms are available on a limited basis for an additional fee. Roommates will be assigned if not personally chosen by the passenger. EpicTOURS LLC will give their best effort to match roommates but cannot guarantee that one will be available. Roommates may be assigned as late as 35 days prior from departure, and if one is not available the single charge will apply.

 

NO SHOW. If medical reasons require cancellation, certification must be presented by a hospital and accepted by the airlines and suppliers. Refunds will only be made as available from suppliers less a $400.00 administrative fee. Cancellation Insurance is highly recommended. There will be no refund for services or sightseeing rendered and not used by a tour member. In the event a required number of minimum tour members is not reached prior to departure, EpicTOURS LLC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, withdraw or change the tour in part or in whole at any time should EpicTOURS LLC and its Associates deem it to be necessary. Epic Tours declares that its sole obligation is to refund payments, excluding deposit, made and received in connection to this tour.

 

RESPONSIBILITY. The passenger has the responsibility to obtain a valid passport from their country of origin and/or citizenship. A copy of the photo/dates pages shall be sent to the EpicTOURS LLC office immediately upon registration or as soon as it is acquired. In any case, the copy must be in the EpicTOURS file following registration or as soon as a new passport arrives.

INSURANCE. Travel and Medical Insurance is highly recommended. Travel Guard Insurance is recommended for quotes. 

 

EpicTOURS and their Agents assume no liability or responsibility for any injuries or loss of property, accident, delay, changes in schedule or itinerary or incidental damages, occasioned by circumstances beyond the control of EpicTOURS LLC, or by any person or reason whatsoever, including but not limited to default or omission of and by any third party providing services or facilities related to or included in this tour or any part thereof or in arranging for same. The carriers and any other transportation companies whose services are featured in these tours are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board their respective conveyance.

 

The passage contract in use by these companies, when issued, shall constitute the contract between the companies and the purchaser of these tours and/or passenger and EpicTOURS LLC assumes no liability or responsibility in connection therewith.

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

An active email account is required for Registration, Invoicing & Correspondence Updates and Newsletters. A deposit must accompany the Registration to activate the process. A valid Passport that does not expire within six months of departure is required.

 

• Register by going to:   www.myepictours.com

 

• Click on TOURS – Access the Itinerary for “Villareal Holy Land and Jordan. April 2024”

 

• Click on REGISTRATION to register for the tour. One registration form per person is required.