Marisa Garcia Group

with

Dr. Janet Trout 

 

Israel – The Holy Land

APRIL  15 – 24, 2024

$4295.00

  per person/double occupancy

 

Day 1 - Monday – April 15

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

 

Day 2 – Tuesday – 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 Epic TOURS 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 -Wednesday – 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 - Tiberias

 

Day 4 – Thursday – 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 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 

 

Day 5 - Friday – April 19   The Jordan Valley

After breakfast, we travel to Beit Shean (8 am) 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 (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 – Saturday – April 20   

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. 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. 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.  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 in Jerusalem

 

Day 7 – Sunday – April 21   Jerusalem, Old City

Jerusalem/Temple Mount 8 am/Western Wall Tunnel 10 am / Western Wall/Hulda Gates/Southern Steps excavations/Jewish Quarter/Temple Institute

 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. Visit the archaeological explorations at the Southern Steps and Huldah’s gate.

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 take 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. we begin a tour of the city of Jerusalem. As we tour 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. End the day with another shopping opportunity at Jerusalem Gates Shop.

Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

 

Day 8 – Monday – April 22   City of David/Hezekiah’s Tunnel/Pool of Siloam/House of Caiaphas/Israeli Museum/Knesset Menorah/Garden Tomb/Calvary/Communion Service

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 for dinner and overnight.

 

Day 9 – Tuesday – April 23

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel to have a final worship service at the International Biblical College and fellowship with our UPCI representatives in Israel and Palestine, Tammy and Shawn Turner. The afternoon will be spent on Ben Yahuda Street. At the end of the day, we’ll enjoy a Farewell dinner, courtesy of Epic Tours. After dinner, we depart for Tel Aviv and check in four hours prior to our flight to the USA. Next year, in Jerusalem!

 

Day 10 – Wednesday April 24

Depart Tel Aviv at 4:50 am. To Frankfurt to depart at 10:30 am to Los Angeles. Arrive Los Angeles at 1 pm.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Janet Trout

256 Blue Heron Road

Dover, DE 19904

janet@myepictours.com

​

TOUR  CONDITIONS

 

Your all-inclusive cost will provide:

• It is the passenger’s responsibility to make their travel arrangements to the departure city and to arrive four hours prior to announced check in time. 

• Round trip airfare from departure city.

• Epic Tours Rep and the guide will meet your group and escort them throughout the entire tour beginning at Ben Gurion airport upon arrival and departure.

• Escorted group transfers from/to Ben Gurion airport on arrival and departure

• Hotel accommodation - double occupancy. Epic Tours LLC will try to match roommates; however, ET cannot guarantee a roommate will be available. Roommates will be assigned as late as 30 days prior to departure and, if one is not available or you request a single room, the single charge will apply. Single supplement cost $890. 

• Buffet breakfast and dinner in the hotels throughout the tour.

• Sightseeing in deluxe motor coach and English-speaking guide per the Itinerary 

• Porterage at the hotels upon arrival and departure

• Entrance fees at all sites per Itinerary

• Tips throughout for the following: porters, dining room, housekeeping, front desk services, guide and driver prior to departure

 

Rate does not include:

• Meals not mentioned above.

• Lunch not included: average cost if you choose to have lunch is $18.

• After dinner coffee, sodas and/or bottled water at meals. (Bottled water on the bus is provided, complements of Epic Tours.)

• Any insurance.

• Anything that is not mentioned above or listed in the Itinerary.

• Single room

 

Please take note: Additional charges, including those for passports, laundry, beverages during meals, and excess/overweight baggage, are not covered. Baggage allowance includes one checked bag per person, along with one carry-on and one personal item like a purse or backpack – this is the limit! For helpful packing advice, please refer to the Newsletter. Remember, airline baggage weight restrictions apply, and any extra charges are the responsibility of the passenger/owner.

 

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 from departure city.

2. Baggage limited to one normal size suitcase which does not exceed forty-four (44) pounds in weight. Personal bags (carry-on, back-pack or purse) is allowed.

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

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

5. Touring Biblical sites via deluxe motor coach; English speaking guide

6. Israeli buffet breakfast, and dinners daily on tour days; 

7. Entrance Fees per Itinerary

8. TIPS which includes portage at the airport, hotels and gratuities for dining room meals, hotel front desk service, guide and bus driver.

*Lunches, sodas, bottled water and after-dinner coffee are not included.

 

TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

1. PASSPORTS, VISAS, LAUNDRY, WINES, LIQUORS, MINERAL WATER, *LUNCHES AND DINNER COFFEE OR TEA, OR ITEMS THAT DO NOT APPEAR ON THE MENU, PERSONAL ITEMS, AND/OR EXCESSIVE BAGGAGE EXPENSES. (*Lunches: average daily $18/$20 if desired.)

 

BOOKINGS AND TERMS: An initial non-refundable deposit of $400 is required upon making a reservation. The remaining balance must be settled by January 15, 2024. Airline tickets are issued in advance, and hotels need complete payment to secure reservations. Presently, all tourism expenses in Israel have increased and require full payment well ahead of schedules observed a year ago.

 

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 departure city. Cancellations received 30 days or less prior to departure will have to pay 100% of the tour cost from departure city. (*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.)

 

ACCOMMODATION. The pricing is calculated for double occupancy. Limited single rooms are offered for an extra fee of $890. If passengers do not personally select roommates, EpicTOURS LLC will assign them. Although every attempt will be made to pair roommates, a guaranteed match cannot be assured. Roommate assignments could be confirmed as late as 35 days before departure. If a roommate isn't available, the single occupancy sur- charge will apply.

 

NO SHOW. In the case of cancellation due to medical reasons, a hospital-certified document must be presented and approved by the airlines and suppliers. Refunds, as specified in the Cancellation clause, will be processed based on availability from suppliers, minus an administrative fee of $400.00. It is strongly recommended to have Cancellation Insurance. No reimbursement will be provided for unused services or sightseeing by a tour participant. If the minimum required number of tour members isn't met before departure, EpicTOURS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, modify, or partially change the tour, as deemed necessary by EpicTOURS and its partners. It is affirmed that Epic Tours' sole responsibility is to refund payments made and received pertaining to this tour.

 

RESPONSIBILITY. It is the passenger's duty to acquire a valid passport from their country of origin and/or citizenship. A copy of the photo/date pages should be promptly forwarded to the EpicTOURS office upon registration or as soon as it is obtained. In any circumstance, the copy must be received by the EpicTOURS office no later than 90 days before the departure date.

INSURANCE. It is strongly advised to have Travel and Medical Insurance. 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: By enrolling in this tour, you consent to uphold a positive demeanor and collaborative outlook, and to abide by the decisions made by your tour host(s) concerning the tour schedule and the approach taken toward addressing any unfavorable conduct or reactions. All passengers are obliged to adhere to directives concerning departure times, punctuality, and sticking together as a group throughout the tour. A disruptive and/or uncooperative passenger may be requested to depart the tour at their personal expense.

 

A functional email account is necessary for Registration, Invoicing, Communication, Updates, and Newsletters. A deposit is mandatory alongside the Registration to initiate the process.

 

EpicTOURS and their Agents hold no responsibility or liability for any injuries, property loss, accidents, delays, modifications in schedule or itinerary, or incidental damages resulting from circumstances beyond the control of EpicTOURS, or caused by any individual or factor, encompassing but not restricted to the actions or oversights of third-party service providers or entities involved in this tour, whether wholly or in part, or in the arrangement of such services. The carriers and transportation companies featured in these tours are not accountable for any incidents, oversights, or occurrences when passengers are not aboard their respective modes of transport. The contractual agreement utilized by these companies, once issued, constitutes the binding agreement between said companies and purchasers of these tours and/or passengers. EpicTOURS disclaims any liability or responsibility in relation to this contractual agreement.