THE BIBLE
IN
14 DAYS
October 31 ~ November 13, 2010 *
FROM ABRAHAM TO PAUL CAIRO TO C AESAREA * With Optional Extension to Athens Returning Home November 17, 2010
Invitation Come study the Bible in the Land of the Bible! Lake Grove Presbyterian Church has teamed with Master’s Tours to offer a unique journey that is both inspirational and educational. You will become acquainted with the history and geography of the Bible and get to know MiddleEastern brothers and sisters in the faith, Israeli and Palestinian as well as Egyptian and Jordanian.
Why travel to the Holy Land? Because nowhere else can you walk on the ancient rocks of a winding path or ascend the steps of the Temple Mount and know with absolute certainty that Jesus Himself also walked here. Nowhere else in the world can you run trembling fingers along the soot-covered ruins of the cities of Canaan, cities that Joshua and his army burned to the ground as they conquered the Promised Land. No where else can you gaze upon what were once the “high places” of worship and remember with conviction the dangers of placing religion ritual above a relationship with the living God. Nowhere else can you touch the Bible, breathe in its stories, drink in its colors, its sights and its sounds.
Why travel now? Many of us just finished reading “The Bible in 90 Days”. There may never be a better time to travel through the lands of the Old and New Testaments. This tour is custom-designed to travel the lands of the Bible chronologically, from the Old Testament through the New. We will begin in Egypt, where Abraham and Moses walked, move across the Sinai of the Exodus, north through Jordan to enter the Promised Land at Jericho as Joshua did, and then follow the life of Jesus from Bethlehem to Nazareth to Galilee, and finally to Jerusalem where we will focus on the Passion of the Lord. The Israel portion of the trip will end at Caesarea, from which Paul took the Gospel to Turkey and Greece and finally to Rome. An optional trip extension will let us follow Paul to Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens and Corinth. For Christians, visiting Israel is not merely a tourism experience; it is a journey of faith. Former travelers have stated how dramatically their visits to Israel have transformed their understanding of Scripture and how visiting Jerusalem and Galilee transformed their understanding of the earthly life of Jesus of Nazareth.
Israel’s department of tourism exclaims, “You’ll never be the same!”
Is it safe? Master’s Tours Inc. has been taking travelers to the Holy Land for 25 years. Safety of our travelers is their utmost concern. They monitor the situation constantly, and we rely on their experience. Tourism is an important industry for these countries and they have a vested interest in keeping visitors safe . August 14, 2009—The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, and about threats to themselves and to U.S. interests in those locations. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to remain mindful of security factors when planning travel to Israel and the West Bank and to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip.
Would I go again? Absolutely! “ Where else can I see the same sights Abraham, Moses, Joshua, King David, and all the prophets saw? Where else can I walk where Jesus walked? Where else can I view the terrain where the apostles experienced the events that transformed their lives and caused them to ‘turn the world upside down’ (Acts 17:6)? There is only place where you can do that and so much more . . .The Holy Land. So would I go again? All the shekels in the world couldn’t keep me away.” Page 1
Trip Costs 14 Day Tour ~ October 31 - November 13, 2010 $3,795 per person 5-Day Extension to Athens - November 13-17, 2010 Additional $1,449 per person Not including taxes, extra fees, tips and service charges. See page 9 for detailed explanation.
Pace of Itinerary Pace Scale
Leisurely
Moderate
On the Go
The unique nature of this expansive chronological journey means that we will be changing hotels frequently. But our hotels are comfortable, as are our buses. Travelers do not have to do everything scheduled each day and can make adjustments according to their physical needs. Petra will most likely be the hardest feature on the agenda, however, a horse cart can be hired as transport to the "Treasury," the most important feature of Petra. Arrangements can be made daily for tired travelers to rest in the bus and meet the more eager walkers “at the other side� of a site. One elderly couple stated, "It's true that we won't be able to see everything but we'll certainly see far more than if we stayed at home!" They did!
Bible Teacher Reverend Dr. Graig Flach Philippi
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Tour Hosts
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Corinth
USA USA/Istanbul/Cairo
Doug & Pam Fogg Caesarea Petra
Sinai
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Trip Itinerary Day 1, Sunday, October 31 Portland/Cairo This morning we meet at Portland International Airport for our connecting flights to Cairo. It will be a long journey but God will accompany us as we anticipate the exciting days ahead.
Day 2, Monday, November 1 Cairo, Egypt Late this afternoon we arrive in Cairo and are met and transferred to our hotel for check in. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3, Tuesday, November 2 Cairo Today we start our Old Testament focus, immersing ourselves in the culture in which Israel became a nation and the beginnings of the Bible were written. This morning we visit the famous pyramids of Giza which were already old when Abraham visited here. Included in our visit is a camel ride and a view of the Sphinx, thought to represent Pharoah Chephren who lived about 500 years before Abraham. Much of this day will be centered on Joseph and Moses as we visit the famed Egyptian Museum this afternoon and view artifacts of dynasties of Pharoahs, including the treasures of King Tut who is believed to have lived shortly after the Children of Israel left for the Promised Land. Traveling by bus to Old Cairo we will see two ancient Coptic churches and the venerable Ben Ezra synagogue. Tradition says that this is the place Joseph, Mary and young Jesus attended when they were here in Egypt. Our day will include a lovely, quiet felucca (sailboat) ride on the Nile. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 4, Wednesday, November 3 Cairo/Suez Canal/Sinai
Suez Canal
Today, we will roughly parallel the route of the Exodus. Starting from Cairo, we board our bus and drive toward the Sinai crossing over the Suez Canal. We continue our drive through the Sinai Peninsula enjoying the desert landscape, retelling the story of the Exodus and the delivery of the Israelites from the Pharaoh of Egypt. From Suez we head southeast to the towering red granite mountains of the high range where both St. Catherine’s monastery and the traditional site of Mt. Sinai are located. We check into our hotel for our evening meal and overnight.
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Day 5, Thursday, November 4 Sinai/Eilat For those who are physically able and would like to climb, in the very early morning hours we begin our ascent up Mt Sinai. Imagine walking in the steps of Moses and the devout pilgrims who have trodden this same route throughout the centuries! We should reach the summit just before dawn, in time to witness its incredible sunrise and splendid views. Descending the mountain we return to the hotel to rejoin the rest of the group for breakfast. We spend the latter part of the morning touring St Catherine’s Monastery, taking in the fascinating sights and exceptional history.
Mt. Sinai
After lunch we board our bus and head toward the resort town of Eilat to relax before our entry into Jordan tomorrow morning.
Day 6, Friday, November 5 Eilat/Petra, Jordan We rise early this morning to meet our English-speaking guide, who helps us acquire a collective visa and finish our border procedures. Then we drive north for about two hours to the Nabatean city of Petra. Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. Today’s visit will concentrate on the ancient “Rose City” of Petra. The area is that of the Mount Seir of the Bible. Esau and his family settled in this area and it became known as the Land of Edom. Later the Israelites stopped near here on their journey and it was near here that Moses’ brother Aaron died and was buried. Petra reached its zenith with the conquest by the Nabateans in about 300 BC. A vast city was carved literally in the face of the beautiful red rock and this became a fortress city as well as a trading center. In the First Century AD, the Romans moved in and further construction took place. Later it was abandoned and “rediscovered” by Western scholars in the 19th Century. Petra is an unbelievable experience! Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Petra.
Day 7, Saturday, November 6 Petra/Mt. Nebo/Dead Sea/Jericho Early this morning we head North through the Lands of the Edomites, Moabites and Ammonites as we follow the path of the Israelites to the Promised Land. Along the way, we make a brief stop at Mt. Nebo where Moses viewed the Promised Land. Crossing into the Land of Israel via the Allenby (King Hussein) Bridge, we visit Masada this afternoon and head to the hotel to enjoy the spa. On our way, we pass the oasis of Ein Gedi where David hid from King Saul.Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Petra
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Day 8, Sunday, November 7 Qumran/Jericho/Bethlehem This morning our first stop will be at Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Some of these scrolls date back hundreds of years before Jesus. Heading further north, we visit Jericho, the “world’s oldest city” and talk about the settling of the Land by the Israelites. By lunch time, we will have reached the fields of Boaz and Ruth, as we enter the not-so-little town of Bethlehem. Here we visit the Church of the Nativity, originally constructed in 325 AD over the traditional site of the birth of Jesus. We also visit the adjoining cave where St. Jerome made one of the first translations of the Bible. To end the day, we visit the Three Arches gift shop, where a delightful assortment of Bible Land treasures and other Holy Land gifts may be purchased. This is the time for Christmas shopping! Dinner and overnight in the “Little Town of Bethlehem.”
Day 9, Monday, November 8 Nazareth/Sea of Galilee We’ve been to Egypt. We’ve talked about the Holy Family’s visit there. We’ve been to Bethlehem, the home of David, where his descendant, our Lord was born. Now we head for Nazareth where our Lord grew up. Our journey takes us back down the “Jericho Road” to the Jordan Valley. If there is time, we will make a brief stop at Beit Shean (pictured on cover of brochure) taking a panoramic look at what has been called the “Disneyland of archeology.” Also, if time permits, we will stop at Harod spring where God sorted out the men who would help Gideon defeat the Midianites. After lunch our touring begins with a visit to Nazareth Village a re-creation of the Nazareth of Jesus’ time. We will then visit briefly the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation to see Mary’s spring where she drew water for her family. It is here, tradition says, that the angel appeared to her with the message of the fact that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of God. Our final treat of the day is a sunset boat ride on the beautiful Sea of Galilee to Magdala where we see the remains of a New Testament boat that spent centuries under the muddy shore of the Sea of Galilee. From here we head to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 10, Tuesday, November 9 Tiberias/Jerusalem The highlight of our day is a worship service on the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. From here we have a spectacular view of the Sea of Galilee. We then head down the mountain to Bethsaida, the home of several of the disciples, and Capernaum from where Jesus carried on much of his itinerant ministry. Last stop this morning is the Jordan River baptismal site where those who choose may either be baptized or renew their baptismal vows. Arriving in Jerusalem, we will stop for a panoramic view of the city from the Mount of Olives, then head to the Israel Museum, we view a large model which shows us the Jerusalem of Jesus’ day. Here we also visit the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept secure. We check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. Page 5
Day 11, Wednesday, November 10 Jerusalem Our day begins with a visit to the Temple Mount upon which the temples of both Solomon and Herod stood. Our bus then picks us up at St Stephen’s Gate and takes us to the Zion Gate, where we enter the Jewish Quarter of the Old City to see the Wohl Archeological Museum displaying the newly restored Herodian Quarter, which dates back to the time of Jesus. If the usually balmy weather holds out, we will have the opportunity to have our lunch al fresco at one of the many little cafes in the Jewish Quarter. While in the Jewish Quarter, we visit the newly uncovered remains of the Roman Cardo (main street) and a portion of the wall built by King Hezekiah to ward off the Assyrians. We descend many steps to conclude our day at the Western Wall and (hopefully) with a visit to the “Rabbi Tunnels” at the foot of the Temple’s Western Wall. If the “Rabbi Tunnels” are not available at that time, we will have an opportunity to spend some free time in the Old City. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 12, Thursday, November 11 Jerusalem This day is devoted to the Passion of our Lord. We begin with a visit to the Pater Noster (Lord’s Prayer) Church on the Mount of Olives. Tradition tells us that somewhere in this area, the Lord Jesus taught this prayer to the disciples. We descend the Mount of Olives on foot, stopping at the Chapel of Dominus Flevit (Our Lord Wept) and continue to the Garden of Gethsemane. Across the alley from the main garden is another, quieter garden where we will have a short worship service. From here we head back to St Stephen’s Gate where we begin our Pilgrimage on the Via Dolorosa (The Way of the Cross), culminating in our visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, one of the possible sites where the crucifixion, entombment and resurrection of our Lord may have taken place. After lunch in the Old City, we will head for the Jaffa Gate where our bus will pick us up and take us to the Garden Tomb for worship, reflection and communion. The rest of the day will be available to rest or explore Jerusalem on your own. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Garden Tomb
Chapel, Dominus Flevit
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Day 13, Friday, November 12 Jerusalem/Joppa/Caesarea/Tel Aviv There is an “extra” treat this morning. As we head on our way, we make a brief stop at Nebi Samwel, the traditional burial place of Samuel the Prophet. We know he is not buried here but this is a very important site for two reasons. First, we believe it is the place that David located the Tabernacle after moving the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem for safe keeping. And we believe it was here, on this spot, where Solomon had his famous conversation with God and asked God for wisdom. The Crusaders, led by Richard the Lionhearted, called this spot The Mount of Joy because this was the first place they could actually see the city of Jerusalem. So here on this historic spot, ringed by the Israeli military forces, we say a tearful “Goodbye” to wonderful Jerusalem and echo the cry, “Next year in Jerusalem.” Who among us does not want to come back?! As we proceed toward the coast, we remember that after the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, His followers, led by the Holy Spirit, began spreading the Gospel throughout the Land. However, it remained a Jewish Gospel until Peter received a special message from the Lord on the housetop of Simon the Tanner in Joppa. So in Joppa we follow the progress of that Gospel, receiving Peter’s message and then following his footsteps to Caesarea where the message was given to Cornelius. He and his household were the first recorded Gentile Christians. Later Paul was imprisoned here before taking the Gospel from this port to Rome. Some of us will end our biblical journey here at this Roman city on the Mediterranean Sea, from which the Gospel spread to the entire world. After our visit to Caesarea, we return to Tel Aviv for dinner and a quick nap at our hotel, then to the airport where we go through thorough security for our very early flight either back home or on to Istanbul.
Day 14, Saturday, November 13 Tel Aviv/Home (for some travelers) We’ve had a fabulous time tracing the Bible from its earliest roots to its revelation in Jesus Christ. We head home knowing that we have walked in the footsteps of the Patriarchs, the Savior, the Disciples and the Early Christians. What a memorable experience.
- OR (for extension travelers) Day 14, Saturday, November 13 Tel Aviv/Istanbul/Kavala We follow the Gospel in its application as we trace the Steps of Paul on his Second Missionary Journey in Greece. Arriving first in Istanbul, we take a brief “sweep” of the city and then head for the Greek border. There we are met by our guide and driver and taken to Kavala, the same port where Paul entered Greece. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Joppa
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Day 15, Sunday, November 14 Kavala/Philippi/Thessalonica/Kalambaka Our first stop this morning is at Philippi. Probably Paul’s favorite church in the whole world was located here. The Philippian jailer and his family were some of the first converts and here Lydia was also baptized. On to Thessalonica for a brief tour because not much of the ancient city remains. The teaching to the church located here, however, was profound. We continue through the beautiful Greek countryside, taking a slight detour to Vergina to visit the massive underground tomb of King Philip II of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. Then on for a brief stop in Veria, the Berea of the Bible.
Philippi
From here, Paul took to the ocean, but we’re staying on land, proceeding to Kalambaka, a city surrounded by monasteries built on natural rock pillars jutting up from the floor of the valley. Dinner and overnight.
Day 16, Monday, November 15 Kalambaka/Delphi/Athens Preparing for what Paul would face in Greece and elsewhere in the First Century, we pay a visit to Delphi, viewing the remains of the Temple and visiting the museum in the city where the celebrated Oracle of Delphi was located. We end our day arriving at Athens in time for dinner and overnight.
Day 17, Tuesday, November 16 Athens/Corinth
Corinth
This morning we start our tour of Athens by visiting the important modern and archeological sites: the Acropolis, Mars Hill and neighboring monuments. Our emphasis here is Paul in Acts 17, discussing “the unknown God.” While driving through the streets of Athens we have the opportunity to see other places of interest such as the University, the Olympic Stadium, the National Library, the Temple of Zeus and the Royal Palace. In the afternoon we drive along the coastal road to Corinth, including a drive along the wonderful beach of Kinetta We make a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, then on to ancient Corinth to visit the museum, the Bema of St. Paul, the Doric Temple of Apollo, the Askeleion, and the Agora. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 18, Wednesday, November 17 Athens/Home This morning we head back home with unforgettable memories to cherish always. Knowing that we have walked in the footsteps of the Old Testament Hebrews, the Prophets, the Lord Jesus, the Apostles and early Christians on such a memorable tour will bring new meaning to our Bible reading from now on. Thanks be to God! Page 8
Terms and Conditions ACCOMMODATIONS: Nice comfortable hotels with bath, twin occupancy. Single-room supplement $55 per night. MEALS: Breakfast and dinner daily throughout the tour. TIPS: Those normally appearing on hotel restaurant bills as “service” are included. SIGHTSEEING: By modern motor coach with English-speaking guides and entrance fees to places included in the itinerary. NOT INCLUDED: US & foreign airport taxes (estimate $360 basic tour plus $48 for the extension), passport fees, visa fees, laundry, alcoholic beverages, mineral waters, meals (lunches) and coffee or tea not included in the itinerary, sightseeing or services other than those specifically mentioned, tips to guides/drivers/porters (approximately $14.50 per day), items of a personal nature, excess baggage and airport service charges. TOUR PRICE: Based on tariffs and rates in effect on January 15, 2010, and subject to change without notice should there be a revision in rates prior to departure of tour. DEPOSIT AND CANCELLATION: A deposit of $250 per person is required to secure reservations, which sum will be applied to the price of the tour, balance to be paid in full not later than 8 weeks prior to departure of the tour. Reservations made within 30 days of departure are subject to a late reservation charge. In event of cancellation, refund in full will be made up to 90 days of departure, excluding a $100 administrative fee. For cancellations received 89 to 45 days prior to departure, refund in full will be made excluding a $100 airline cancellation fee plus a $100 administration fee. If cancellation is not received at this time, refund will be subject to a minimum 25 percent cancellation fee or an amount equal to the expenses to the tour operator, whichever is greater. All cancellations must be in writing to Master’s Tours and will be effective on the date of receipt by Master’s Tours. Any exceptions must be in writing from Master’s Tours, Inc. AIR TRANSPORTATION: Round-trip economy class jet via Turkish Airlines or any other IATA member. Full payment due 60 days prior to commencement of travel. If cancellation is effected by passenger within 45 days of departure or after air tickets are written, whichever comes sooner, 100 percent of airfare will be forfeited by passenger. In the event 15 passengers do not book the tour within 60 days of departure, the agent reserves the right to cancel the tour. All airfares subject to government approval and change without notice. RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY: Land arrangements including surface transportation: Master’s Tours, Inc., and the participating Tour Operators operate the land tours offered under this program only as agents of the hotels, bus operators, sightseeing contractors and others which provide the actual land arrangements and are not liable for any act, omission, delay, injury, loss or damage or non-performance occurring in connection with these land arrangements. Turkish Airlines and other IATA carriers, and 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 passengers are not on board their conveyance. The passage contract in use by these companies when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the companies and the purchaser of these tours and/or passage. CHANGE FEE: All changes not received in writing 30 days prior to departure will incur a $50 change fee per revision. LAND ARRANGEMENTS: The tour operator reserves the right to change the itinerary due to emergencies. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Master’s Tours, INC. PO Box 288 Brush Prairie, WA 98606-0288 Phone: (360) 253-5949 Fax (360) 892-1902 Registered Seller of Travel Washington State #601 388 878 Page 9
Copy or Clip this Form REGISTRATION FORM SEND TO: MASTER’S TOURS, INC. PO Box 288, Brush Prairie, WA 98606-0288
Enclosed is my/our $________________deposit ($250 per person). Please reserve _____ seats on this trip. Name (s): _________________________________________________________________________________________ Street: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ City: _________________________________________ State: __________ Zip: _________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Email Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________ I/we will go on the Athens Post Extension (additional $1,449 per person). I want a single room (extra $55 per night). Domestic flights from: ________________________________________________________________________________ (other than Portland or Seattle)
October 31, 2010—Lake Grove Presbyterian Church
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Instructions for Reservations Please fill out the form on page 10 of this brochure. Mail it with your deposit check to Master’s Tours (address on form). If you would like to be added to an information list regarding this tour, please contact Sheri Brown by phone 503-636-5656 or by email sheri@lakegrovepres.org. Being added to this list does not constitute a reservation.
Informational Meetings and Classes at Lake Grove Presbyterian Church Sunday, February 28, 12:15 PM, in the Courtyard Room Sunday, March 7, 12:15 PM, in the Courtyard Room Wednesday, March 10, 7 PM, in the Courtyard Room Wednesday, March 17, 7 PM, in the Courtyard Room Join Pastor Graig and trip host Doug Fogg for a visual foretaste of the upcoming Israel trip. Join us for: Holy Land Pictures and Testimonials from Previous Trips • A Preview of the Trip • Details, including Costs and Requirements • Questions and Answers •
If you have questions, please call Sheri 503-636-5656 or Doug Fogg 503-492-3773.
The Bible in 14 Days ~ Prep Course Taught by Pastor Graig Flach and Doug Fogg Wednesdays, September 22—October 27 (6 weeks) 7-8:30 PM, CY Room, Lake Grove Presbyterian Church Study the Bible and the Holy Land at the same time. For Israel travelers, this will be a review or preview. For others, it will be a Bible study with illustrations from the places the Bible stories occurred. The Bible comes alive with maps, photographs, and videos. As we study holy people and holy places, God grows us in our own holiness. Travelers won’t want to miss this preparation course prior to the trip.
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4040 Sunset Drive, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035
Master’s Tours Inc. PO Box 288, Brush Prairie, WA 98606-0288