The “WALKING WITH JESUS” Tour of ISRAEL

March 29–April 6, 2010    *    $2595 USD from New York

DAY 1 -- Monday, March 29 -- NEW YORK / OVER THE ATLANTIC

Tour members are welcomed at JFK International Airport for our departing flight to Istanbul via widebody aircraft arriving the next day.  Meals served on board.

DAY 2 -- Tuesday, March 30 --  TEL AVIV / BAT YAM

This morning we will arrive in our stopover city and transfer for our flight to Tel Aviv.  Upon arrival in Tel Aviv we are met by our guide who will be with us for the entire time we are in the Holy Land. Board our bus and travel through Tel Aviv, the largest city in Israel to Bat Yam, a suburb of Tel Aviv on the Mediterranean, where we will check into our hotel for overnight.

DAY 3 -- Wednesday, March 31 -- CAESAREA / MEGIDDO / NAZARETH / TIBERIAS

This morning we start our day with a stop at Jaffa (Joppa), the city of Jonah, where Peter received the vision of the great sheet and also the home of Simon the Tanner. Proceed to Caesarea, capital of the Roman procurators of Judea.  Visit the Roman port, Crusader's Moat, Roman theater and aqueduct.  Continue to Muhraka on Mount Carmel where Elijah had his contest with the prophets of Baal. 

This afternoon we proceed to Megiddo to visit the excavations that unearthed 20 different civilizations.  Traveling through what will be the Battlefield of Armageddon, we visit Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus.  Then it’s on to our hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight.

DAY 4 -- Thursday, April 1 – SEA OF GALILEE / CAPERNAUM / MT. OF BEATITUDES / BETHSAIDA / JORDAN RIVER

This morning we take a relaxing boat ride on the Sea of Galilee where we will be able to look to the shore where so many miracles occurred.  We’ll stop the boat in the middle of the Galilee for a time in the Word and in worship.  We will see “the Galilee Boat” a boat from the time of Jesus discovered at the bottom of the Sea of Galilee a few years ago.  Then we visit Tabgha and the Mount of Beatitudes.  Continue to Capernaum to visit the ruins of the city Jesus made the headquarters of His Galilean ministry.

In the afternoon we will visit Bethsaida, the city of Peter, Andrew, James and John, and then take a drive around “the other side” of the Sea of Galilee, along the Golan Heights, where Jesus cast the demons out of the Gadarene man and into the swine.  We will stop at the Jordan River before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5 -- Friday, April 2 -- BET SHEAN / JERICHO / JERUSALEM

Today we travel south via the Crusader fortress of Belvoir along the Rift Valley to Bet Shean, where King Saul and his sons were pinned to the walls.  It became the capital of the Decapolis and in Jesus’ day was known as Scythopolis.  See the ancient theater, Circus Maximus and Cardo Maximo.   We head down the Jordan River Valley to Jericho, the Canaanite outpost conquered by Joshua and the Israelites when “the walls came tumbling down.”  We’ll have lunch in Jericho, visit Tel Jericho (the ancient city) and have time to do a bit of shopping before we head to the Judean wilderness on our way up to Jerusalem. We’ll enter the Holy City via the Mount of Olives with the beauty of Jerusalem stretching before us. Continue to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6 -- Saturday, April 3 -- JERUSALEM / MASADA / JERICHO

We begin with a drive to Masada and ascend by cable car to the magnificent ruins of the fortress where, from 70 to 73 AD, Jewish defenders made their last stand in the Judean revolt against Rome.  We see the remains of storehouses, cisterns and a sixth-century Byzantine church.  Continuing alongside the Dead Sea, 1300 ft. below sea level -- the lowest spot on earth -- we proceed to Ein Gedi. Here we will have a stop for lunch and swim in the Dead Sea.  You’ve experienced nothing like it.  The water is about 26% minerals which means you can’t sink.  Take your bathing suit; you’ve got to try it. 

After lunch and a hearty swim we continue to Qumran and the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.  After a full day, we will head up to Jerusalem and return to the hotel for dinner.

DAY 7 -- Sunday, April 4 – EASTER / JERUSALEM / NEW CITY / BETHLEHEM

We will begin our day early with a Sunrise Service on the Mount of Olives that you will never forget.  After this, we’ll return to our hotel for breakfast before we head out to see the New City of Jerusalem, Mount Zion, the Upper Room, and the tomb of King David.  We enter the Jewish Quarter of the Old City to visit the Wohl Archaeological Museum, displaying the newly restored Herodian Quarter with remains dating back to the time of the Herodian Dynasty (37 BC to 70 AD).  Stop at the Western Wall on our way out of the city.  Proceed to the Shrine of the Book where we see the Dead Sea Scrolls on display and the Model City of Jerusalem.  Across the street we can see the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament.

Continue to Bethlehem for lunch and a visit to the Church of the Nativity, the Manger, Crusader's Cloister and the Grotto of St. Jerome.  We then visit the cave in Shepherds' Field for our annual Back to the Bible Journeys Christmas Service.  Imagine celebrating Christmas and Easter on the same day, and in the Holy Land.  We will end our day where Jesus ended His Resurrection day on the road to Emmaus.  This will be a sunset reminder of the perfect day in Jerusalem.

DAY 8 -- Monday, April 5 -- JERUSALEM / MT. OF OLIVES / OLD CITY

Today we drive to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of Jerusalem.  Then proceed down the Palm Sunday Street to Dominus Flevit, the spot where Jesus wept over Jerusalem and continue to the Garden of Gethsemane.  Crossing the Kidron Valley, we pass the tombs of Absalom, Zechariah and St. James, and then visit to the Church of St. Peter of Gallicantu (Caiaphas' House).

We enter the Old City this afternoon to visit the Church of St. Anne, the Pool of Bethesda, Pilate's Judgment Hall, the Chapel of Flagellation, Lithostrotos, and the Arch of Ecce Homo ("Behold the Man").  We follow the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) to end our day with a communion service in the Garden Tomb before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 9 -- Tuesday, April 6 -- JERUSALEM / NEW YORK

We transfer to the airport for our flight home with unforgettable memories to cherish always. Knowing we have walked in the footsteps of Jesus and seeing the places we have read about in our Bibles will mean that we will never read our Bibles the same way again.  Now when we read, we will “see” the places we read about. 

The “WALKING WITH PAUL” Tour of ITALY

April 5–12, 2010   *   $2595 USD from New York

DAY 1 -- Monday, April 5 -- NEW YORK / OVER THE ATLANTIC

Tour members are welcomed at JFK International Airport for our departing flight to Istanbul via widebody aircraft arriving the next day.  Meals served on board.

DAY 2 – Tuesday, April 6 -- ROME / POZZUOLI

Today we arrive in Rome and upon arrival meet our escort and travel south to Pompeii.  Visit this famous ancient city buried under the ash of Mt. Vesuvius. Paul knew the sins of the people and may have had them in mind when he wrote Romans 1.  We board our bus and proceed to Pozzuoli, the seaport city where Paul docked on his journey from Caesarea in Israel to stand trial before Caesar in Rome (Acts 28:13). Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 10 – Wednesday, April 7 -- MINTURNO / FORO APPIO / THREE TABERNS / ROME

Depart Pozzuoli to Minturno to visit the ruins of this well-preserved Roman village. Continue north passing along the sites of Foro Appio and Tres Tabernaes (Three Taverns), where the apostle met with the Christian communities (Acts 28:14) who encouraged him on his way.  We will travel the same route St. Paul did.  Once in Rome we will check into our hotel for dinner and overnight

DAY 11 – Thursday, April 8 -- ROMAN FORUM / MAMERTINE PRISON / COLOSSEUM

Today we will walk through the very core of Roman antiquity as we see Trajan’s Market, Nero’s Golden House, Trajan’s Forum and Columns, and the Arch of Constantine. We’ll also visit the Mamertine Prison, where St. Paul was held prisoner in Rome.  Then it’s on to the Roman Forum, the very heart of the Roman Republic.

Proceed along the Via Fori Imperiali, to see the Arch of Titus. the Emperor who destroyed Jerusalem in A.D. 70. We will also visit St. Peter in Vincoli to see Michelangelo’s Moses and then the famous Colosseum.  After a full day of touring Rome we return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 12 --  Friday, April 9  --  FREE DAY OR OPTIONAL TOUR OF ASSISI ($149)

Today you are given a free day to explore Rome on your own.  Visit sites of interest to you, go shopping for the day, or enjoy the parks of Rome.  Or, take the optional full day tour ($149) to Assisi.  Drive north crossing the Green Umbian Valley, through some of Italy’s most scenic countryside, to Assisi, home to St. Francis of Assisi: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love . . . .“  Meet our local guide to visit the impressive Basilica of St. Francis (with its Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto).

Catch a quick lunch and then drive to the church of St. Mary of the Angels, an incredibly striking basilica constructed between 1569 and 1679, with its Chapel, the “Portiuncola” where young Francis realized his calling and renounced the world to live among the poor, starting the Franciscan movement.  We’ll stroll through the beautiful rose garden with its statue by Rossignoli before we return to our hotel in Rome for dinner and overnight after a full day in the lovely Italian countryside.  

DAY 13 – Saturday, April 10  -- VATICAN MUSEUM  / APPIAN WAY / CATACOMBS /  ABBEY OF THREE FOUNTAINS

This morning we head to the Vatican Museum. Enter the Belvedere Palace and continue to the Apostolic Palace. Walk through the Sistine Chapel, one of the greatest masterpieces of art: the Genesis and the Last Judgment by Michelangelo. Leaving the world famous Sistine Chapel by the Royal Stairway, we will go to the Basilica of St. Peter to see the Pietà by Michelangelo and St. Peter’s Square.

The afternoon we continue to the Appian Way to the Catacombs of San Sebastian where first century Christians hid during Nero’s persecution. There is a lot of “graffiti” in Latin and Aramaic in the catacombs.  We visit the Abbey of the Three Fountains where Paul was martyred by Nero.  Finally, we go to St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Basilica where it is believed the bones of Paul have recently been found. After tracing Paul’s journey to and around Rome, we will head back to our hotel for our final night in Rome.

DAY 14 – Sunday, April 11   -- VILLA D’ESTE / VILLA ADRIANA  / PALESTRINA/ ROME

Today we drive East to famous Tivoli and the Villa d’Este, a living Eden, filled with fountains, statues and breathtaking Baroque gardens.  Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, it is a masterpiece of Italian architecture and especially garden design.  Nearby we visit Villa Adriana, the summer residence of Emperor Hadrian. The well-traveled Emperor sought to reproduce here some of the great buildings of Greece and Egypt. 

In the afternoon we drive to Palestrina to visit the ancient Temple of Fortuna Primigenia which was redeveloped after 82 BC as a spectacular series of terraces, exedras and porticos on four levels down the hillside, linked by monumental stairs and ramps.  This was one of the most important temples of the Mediterranean world, together with Ephesus and Delphi. Finally it’s back to our hotel for our final night in Rome, the Eternal City.

DAY 15 –   Monday , April 12 ROME / NEW YORK

Today we return home filled with excitement at the things we’ve seen and done.  We’ve traced the steps of Jesus and His disciples, the Prophets, and the Apostles.  How much more meaningful and understandable our Bible reading will be.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

ACCOMMODATIONS: First class hotels based on twin occupancy with bath. Hotel category determined through documentation published by O.H.R.G. Single-room supplement $55 per night.

MEALS: American Buffet and (in Israel the famous Israeli breakfast buffet), and dinner daily throughout the tour. Except that no meals are provided in USA. Extra charge for coffee, tea or other beverage not included in the menu of the day. If a passenger chooses not to have a meal, there will be no refund for unused meals.

TIPS AND TAXES: Those normally appearing on hotel and restaurant bills as “service” are included, as are all governmental and local taxes on hotels and meals.

SIGHTSEEING: By modern motor coach including services of English speaking guides and entrance fees to places included in the itinerary.

NOT INCLUDED: US and foreign departure taxes (airport taxes to Europe and the Middle East are usually $400 - $600 and are subject to change until tickets are issued 3-4 weeks prior to your departure day), passport and visa fees, laundry, wines, liquors, mineral waters and after-dinner coffee or tea, meals not included in the itinerary, room service, sightseeing or services other than those specifically mentioned. TRAVEL INSURANCE (optional), Maranatha Tours Inc. will automatically bill all passengers for travel insurance unless it is declined at the time of reservation or in writing by the participant.

Tips to guides, drivers and portage are not included (approximately $12 per day).

PASSPORTS, VISAS: A valid US passport is required for US citizens. If you do not have a passport please contact your local passport office. Passports must be valid 6 months after return date. For all other nationalities please consult the country’s consulate.

TOUR PRICE: Price is based on international tariffs and rates in effect on Date of proposal and is subject to change without notice should there be a revision in AIR or LAND rates prior to departure of tour. Price is based on a minimum of passengers using double occupancy. In the event that a minimum of passengers does not book the tour within 45 days of departure the agent reserves the right to cancel or re-cost the tour. Late booking or changes may result in an additional fee.

LAND ONLY: From time to time a tour may be canceled due to not materializing. If you choose a to purchase a land only package and arrange your own domestic and international flight independently, Maranatha Tours Inc. will not be responsible for domestic, international flights or transfers of any kind. Maranatha Tours is not responsible for any International flight schedule changes. If domestic tickets are purchased by an individual all penalties and fare differences will be paid by the client. 
DEPOSIT AND CANCELLATION: A deposit of $300 per person is required to secure reservations, which  will be applied to the price of the tour. The balance to be paid in full not later than 6 weeks prior to departure of the tour. Thereafter, a $100 late payment fee will be assessed. Reservations made within 30 days of departure are subject to $75 late reservation charge. All cancellations must be in writing by letter, fax or e-mail to Maranatha Tours and will be in effect on the date of receipt by Maranatha Tours. There is no exception to cancellation fee. Any exceptions must be in writing from Maranatha Tours, Inc. Air penalties are not part of the percentages below and vary based on the airline policy at the time of ticket issue.
• 91+ Days Prior: No penalty of deposit 
  (Except for $100.00 per person administration fee plus any airline fees)
• 90-61 Days Prior: 
  ($300 for international tour, $500 for international tour and cruise plus any airline fees)
• 60-46 Days Prior: 40% of tour cost
• 45-31 Days Prior: 65% of tour cost
• 30-16 Days Prior: 85% of tour cost
• 15 Days Prior or less: 100% of tour cost
*Cruise cancellation policies vary.  Please see individual itineraries for details.

 A minimum number of 35 passengers (unless otherwise noted) is required or the tour is subject to cancellation.

AIR TRANSPORTATION: A round-trip economy class jet; via International air carrier or any other IATA member. Full payment is due 45 days prior to commencement of travel. If the passenger cancels within 35 days of departure or after air tickets are written (whichever comes sooner), then 100% of airfare will be forfeited by passenger. In the event 35 passengers do not book the tour within 90 days of departure, the agent reserves the right to cancel the tour. All airfares are subject to government approval and change without notice. AIR--Because the travel dates are more than 6 months away, the costs and schedules could change. Please Note: A New York overnight may be necessary for any groups travelling from the West Coast, either on the outbound or return.

RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY: Land arrangements including surface transportation: Maranatha Tours, Inc., and the participating Tour Operators operate the land tours offered under this program only as agents of the railroads, car rental contractors, steamship lines, 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. International air carriers and other IATA carriers, steamship lines 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. The tour operator reserves the right to change the itinerary, delete or substitute sites when tour operator feels it to be in the best interest of the tour.

CHANGE FEE: All changes not received in writing by Maranatha Tours at least 45 days prior to departure will incur a $75 change fee per person for each revision (that is in addition to any other charges per revision once the basic or pre/post tour package has been confirmed).

LAND ARRANGEMENTS: The tour operator reserves the right to change the itinerary due to emergencies.

DEVIATIONS: Deviations will incur a $125 fee, plus any other additional costs associated with services included in the basic or pre/post tour. Transfers are included in our group round-trip programs, passengers who deviate or purchase land only packages will be responsible for arriving and leaving independently and must transfer at their own expense.