LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCES

In The Lands of The Bible

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Jim & Jody Vanover

with

Dr. Janet Trout 

 

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Fourteen-Day Tour

Israel – The Holy Land

with a

Luxury VIP Jordanian Experience 

April 15-28, 2023

$4995.00

Per Person/Double Occupancy

(Price subject to change in the event of a change in

Fuel Surcharges and/or Taxes. Not anticipated but possible.)

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Day 1 – April 15

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

 

Day 2 – April 16 - 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: Seasons Hotel, Netanya

 

Day 3 - April 17 - 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: Ceasar's Tiberius Hotel

 

Day 4 – April 18 - 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 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: Ceasar's Tiberius Hotel

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Day 5 – April 19 - The Jordan Valley

After breakfast, we travel to Beit Shean  Click here for more information on Beit Shean to 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, 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: Hotel Yehuda, Jerusalem

 

Day 6 – April 20  - Jerusalem/Temple Mount/Western Wall & Tunnel/City of David

Jewish Quarter/Temple Institute

 Click here for more information on Jerusalem

We will arise early to visit one of the most incredible sites in all of Judaism: The Temple Mount. It is here the Temple era came to an abrupt halt when it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.  We arrive through the Dung Gate; this is where the 3rd Temple will be rebuilt prior to His return. As we begin the tour, we will visit the Southern Wall and the Southern Steps.  Leaving the Temple Mount, we walk through the old city and  experience the sights and sounds of old Jerusalem, journeying  toward the Western Wall. 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.  Also, visit the Western Wall Tunnel (time to be determined) which will takes you 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.

Continuing, we arrive in the City of David at 11:30 and at the Gihon Spring, where we learn of how the original city of Jerusalem was established by King David, overtaking from 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. Leaving the City of David, we tour the Jewish Quarter and arrive at the Temple Institute at 3 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. 

If time permits, we will have the bus take us to  the fruit and vegetable market, Mahane Yehuda Market, known as Jerusalem’s Shuk Thursday late afternoon, the market will be bustling with activity as Israelis shop and prepare for Shabbot.    Click here for more information

Return to the hotel.

Dinner and Overnight: Hotel Yehuda, Jerusalem

 

Day 7 – April 21 – Garden Tomb/Israel Museum/Bethlehem

Begin the day at the Garden Tomb at 9 AM. This is 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. 

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. 

 

**In the afternoon, journey to Bethlehem for lunch and to visit the Church of the Nativity and the Shepherd’s Fields. Enjoy a great shopping opportunity in Bethlehem. 

Return to Jerusalem.

Dinner and Overnight: Hotel Yehuda, Jerusalem

 

Day 8 – April 22 –Jerusalem

First thing, in the morning, we arrive on the Mount of Olives for a breathtaking view of the Temple Mount (Mt. Moriah Genesis 22:2) is seen. The Mount of Olives is where ascended and to which he will return. The Temple Mount is where the 3rd Temple will be rebuilt prior to His return. After enjoying the view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, we visit the Church of All Nations and pray in the Garden of Gethsemane at 10 AM in a private garden by reservation, with a grand view of the Eastern Gate and the Kidron Valley. Here, we read the Scriptures of Jesus’ prayer and take time for personal reflection where we literally walk where Jesus walked. Crossing the Kidron Valley, we walk toward the old city of Jerusalem. As we begin the tour of old Jerusalem, 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. Visit the room of the Last Supper, also known as the site of the Upper Room, Then, Caiphas Palace. The House of Caiphas is where Jesus spent the night after his arrest in Gethsemane. The Roman stone road from Gethsemane is still there for you to touch and pray. From that road, one can see the path Jesus took from the Room of the Last Supper to Gethsemane as a free man. Then, after his arrest he walked up that stone pathway to Caiphas palace as a prisoner. 

 

If time permits, we will go to the Clal Building (the Jerusalem office of Epic Tours) for an service in the International Biblical College with saints and students. Overlooking the city of Jerusalem, it is a spectacular view and an awesome spiritual experience as we contemplate our journey thus far. After service, return to the hotel.

Dinner and Overnight: Hotel Yehuda, Jerusalem

 

NOTE:

**Perhaps, one evening after dinner, Epic Tours Staff can arrange transportation for those who want to visit Ben Yahuda Street/Pedestrian Mall to enjoy the sights and sounds of Jerusalem. Great shopping opportunities are there. The cost of transportation will be shared by all who choose to go. 

 

**The schedule in Jerusalem is subject to change should the guide deem it prudent. Epic Tours will make every effort to ensure all sites are visited, even if the day an/or order is changed.

 

LUXURY VIP JORDANIAN EXPERIENCE

 

Day 9 – April 23 - The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and journey to the 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 Mt. Nebo as we will stand where Moses saw the Promised Land before he died. Traveling south on the desert highway, we arrive at Petra. 

Dinner and overnight at Petra Moon Luxury Hotel.

 

Day 10 – April 24 - 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!!

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 (see the Map), 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 and Dinner: Wadi Rum Oasis Camp, Bubble Tents

 

Day 11 –  April 25

After breakfast, the jeeps take us across the desert for an optional camel ride (cost not included). Afterward, we board the coach for a four-hour ride to the shores of the Dead Sea. Arrive 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!

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

 

Day 12 – April 26 - 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! 

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

 

Day 13 April 27

After breakfast, check out and travel to Amman. 

Arriving in time to enjoy the sights and sounds of Jordan’s capitol city. After checking into the Amman International Hotel, you may rest or shop at one of their incredible malls. Dinner will be provided by Epic Tours and our gracious Jordanian host, George Bawab. 

Dinner & Overnight: Amman International Hotel, Amman

 

Day 14 April 28

Very early checkout of the hotel and travel to the airport for our 9:55 am departure.

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Arrive USA

Process into America at Immigration, claim baggage and process out of Customs. Immediately after exiting Customs, re-check your bag to continue to Houston. 

 

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

and/or

Jim & Jody Vanover

337-370-1115

 

Tour cost is per person/double occupancy (Single room if requested and available - additional cost of Single Supplement) – Includes round-trip air fare from Houston, TX, 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 to provide clarity for the lectures by the guide.

 

TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

 

LUNCHES, 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, THE CAMEL RIDE IN THE DESERT, HOTEL SPAS, EXCESSIVE BAGGAGE EXPENSES, OR ANYTHING NOT MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE.

 

Arrival at the airport four hours prior to flight time is required. Flight times to be announced no later than January 1, 2023

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

 

LIFE-Changing Experience Tour plan includes 30 travelers.  Additional travelers may be added only if airline and hotel space can be reserved.  To be sure your space is reserved, registration and deposit should be made as soon as possible. The deadline for this tour is determined by the number of spaces available, up to the registration deadline of Dec 1, 2022. AFTER Dec 1, 2022, LATE REGISTRATION FEE WILL BE CHARGED of $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 January 15, 2023

(If additional time is needed for full payment, contact Epic Tours office at 302-670-1183 or Janet@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 3.5% of the amount you are charging to cover the PayPal fee. To avoid the 3.5% bank charge, checks can be made payable to Epic Tours LLC and mailed to:

 

Janet Trout

 Epic Tours

256 Blue Heron Road

Dover, DE 19904

 

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 Houston, TX

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, Jim and Jody Vanover

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 hosts.

9. Border taxes Jordan and Israel exit taxes

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RESERVATIONS AND CONDITIONS. A non-refundable deposit of $400 paid immediately upon registration. Final payment of balance due no later than January 15, 2023.

 

CANCELLATIONS. 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 tour cost from Houston. Cancellations received 30 days or less prior to departure will have to pay 100% of the tour cost from Houston. If tour is canceled by the passenger, the DEPOSIT remains NON-REFUNDABLE. Under no conditions will EPIC TOURS LLC refund the deposit, even if the letter of cancellation is received more than 60 days prior to the tour.

 

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 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.

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Click on REGISTER HERE to register for the tour. One registration form per person is required.