PRE-EXTENSION 7 CHURCHES OF REVELATION

$965 PER PERSON

 

DAY 1 -- Monday: - NEW YORK / ISTANBUL

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

 

DAY 2 -- Tuesday: ISTANBUL / IZMIR

This morning we will arrive in Istanbul and transfer to our flight to Izmir.

 

Upon arrival in Izmir our guide will meet and transfer to hotel. The remainder of the day is free. We will have dinner and stay overnight at our hotel.

 

DAY 3 -- Wednesday: IZMIR / PAMMUKALE

Today we drive to Sardis, a Lydian capital, where the largest Roman Synagogue ever discovered is visited.  We will explore the massive scale of the Temple of Artemis and the white marble royal road, the gymnasium and the synagogue.  Then we will take a visit to the Church of Philadelphia (Alasehir - Rev. 3:7-13)   "The City of Brotherly Love” which will always be remembered as the church that kept the faith. In the afternoon we stop at Pamukkale (Hierapolis), a unique, magnificent natural formation, sure to be a highlight of your trip. Over the last fourteen thousand years, calcium rich water from an underground thermal spring has flowed over the mountainside and slowly solidified, creating Shallow White Basins and Twisted Stalagmites. Since antiquity, these thermal pools have been used for their healing powers. Christianity came to Hierapolis via Paul (Colossians 4:13). Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Pamukkale.

 

DAY 4 -- Thursday: HIERAPOLIS / LAODICEA / MILETUS / IZMIR / IZMIR

The day starts with a visit to Laodicea, another one of the Seven Churches (Rev 3:14-22), chastised for being lukewarm. Continue to Miletus where Paul predicted his own death. Next we visit Izmir, site of another one of the Seven Churches where we visit the Church of St. Polycarp, the oldest church in ancient Smyrna.  Continue to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Izmir.

 

DAY 5 -- Friday: IZMIR / EPHESUS / Kusadasi

This morning a short drive takes us to Kusadasi where we explore Ephesus (Rev. 1:11) the crown jewel of the Seven Churches and one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world.  Visit the Odeon, the marble street where Paul held daily discussions, the Library of Celcus, the Temple of Hadrian and the great theater where Paul causes a riot.  Also visit what’s left of the Temple of Diana.  Finally, we’ll visit the House of the Virgin Mary where the Apostle John cared for the mother of Jesus.  Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

 

DAY 6 -- Saturday: PERGAMUM / THYATIRA / BURSA

The sun has risen behind Mount Pagus and the citadel of ancient Smyrna dominates the skyline when we leave this landlocked harbor-city for a day-long excursion. Our first stop is Pergamum, modern Bergama. We visit first its majestic Acropolis and remarkable Græco-Roman theater, steepest in the world; then, its famous Aesculapium, antiquity's nearest equivalent to a modern general hospital. We continue southeast to another city singled out in a letter from John: Thyatira (Akhisar); Paul's first European convert, Lydia, who accepted the Lord at Philippi, was a seller of purple from Thyatira. Continue on to Bursa where we will check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

 

 

DAY 7 -- Sunday: BURSA / ISTANBUL

Departing Bursa we begin our drive to Nicaea, site of two ecumenical councils in the Byzantine period and later for its tiles during the Ottoman Empire.   Continue on to Bursa, currently the fourth largest city in Turkey and the first capital of the Ottoman Empire in the 14th Century, before the Ottomans took Constantinople. Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

 

DAY 8 -- Monday: ISTANBUL / BYZANTINE & OTTOMAN

This morning we see the highlights along Istanbul Drive: the Suleymaniye Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. We go to the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Kariye Mosque and the Archaeological Museum. Continue to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

 

DAY 9 -- Tuesday: ISTANBUL / TEL AVIV / BAT YAM

This morning we will board our bus and transfer to our flight to Tel Aviv.

 

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

 

THE HOLY LAND

$ 2,809 from New York

 

DAY 1 -- Monday, NEW YORK / ISTANBUL

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

 

DAY 2 -- Tuesday, ISTANBUL / TEL AVIV / TEL AVIV / TIBERIAS

Upon arrival in Tel Aviv we are met by our guide who will be with us for the time we are in the Holy Land.  We board our bus and travel through Tel Aviv, the largest city in Israel. We proceed up the coast and go to the famous Sea of Galilee where we check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

 

DAY 3 -- Wednesday, TIBERIAS / UPPER GALILEE

This morning we leave Tiberias and head north via Magdala into the valley of Gennesareth to Ginossar to view the New Testament boat found below the sea and to visit the kibbutz.  Then on to Chorazin, through the Hula Valley to Hazor, ruins of the powerful Canaanite city destroyed by Joshua and rebuilt by Solomon to command upper Galilee.

 

We continue to the northern limits of Jesus' travel as we cross the River Hatzbani to Dan and Banias (Caesarea Philippi), dedicated to Pan, Greek god of pastures, flocks and shepherds; here Peter made his great profession of faith.  Driving to the foot of Mount Hermon, we ascend onto the Golan Plateau for a magnificent view of upper Israel.  Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

 

DAY 4 -- Thursday, TIBERIAS / BET SHEAN / SEA OF GALILEE / TIBERIAS

This morning we follow the Rift Valley running parallel to the Jordan, along the route Jesus most frequently traveled to Jerusalem.  We visit Bet Shean at the foot of Mt. Gilboa, where King Saul was slain, see the evidences of Egyptian, Roman and Byzantine occupations, and view the ancient tel, Roman Theater and church mosaics.

 

In the afternoon we enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, then visit Tabgha and the Mount of Beatitudes.  Our last stop today will be at the River Jordan then transfer to the hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight.

 

DAY 5 – Friday: TIBERIAS / NAZARETH / CAESAREA / JERUSALEM

We leave Tiberias for Jerusalem, on the way visiting Nazareth, boyhood home of Jesus.  We pass through Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle, and then proceed across the Plain of Jezreel to Megiddo to visit the excavations of over 20 different civilizations.  Visit Muhraka on Mount Carmel.

 

In the afternoon we visit Caesarea on the Mediterranean, the Roman aqueduct and port, Crusader's Moat, and the famous Roman Theater.  We pass through Tel Aviv on our way to Jaffa (Joppa), the city of Jonah, where Peter had his housetop experience at the home of Simon the Tanner (Acts 10).  Proceed by way of the Aijalon Valley to Jerusalem for check-in and dinner at our hotel.

 

 

DAY 6 – Saturday: JERUSALEM / MASADA / JERICHO

We begin our day with a stop at Bethany, home of Mary and Martha and Lazarus.  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 or walk the path to see the waterfall in the desert.

 

This afternoon we continue to Qumran and the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. We travel to Jericho, the world's oldest city.  From the excavated tel atop the ruins of ancient Jericho we view the lush green Jordan Valley, Elisha's spring and Qarantal, the Mount of Temptation. We will head up to Jerusalem and return to the hotel for dinner.

 

DAY 7 – Sunday: JERUSALEM / NEW CITY / BETHLEHEM

This morning we visit the New City of Jerusalem, Mount Zion, the Upper Room, the tomb of King David and Dormition Abbey.  We enter the Jewish Quarter of the Old City to visit the Wohl Archaeological Museum, displaying the newly restored Herodian Quarter.  The remains of this area of Jerusalem date back to the time of the Herodian Dynasty (37 BC to 70 AD).  Proceed to the Shrine of the Book where we see the Dead Sea Scrolls on display then view the Knesset (Israeli parliament) building. Continue to visit Yad Vashem, a memorial of the Holocaust then visit the Model City.

 

This afternoon we continue to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, the Manger, Crusader's Cloister and the Grotto of St. Jerome.  We then visit the cave in Shepherds' Field and view the Fields of Boaz.  En route to Jerusalem we see the Tomb of Rachel and other antiquities before returning to the hotel for dinner.

 

DAY 8 – Monday: JERUSALEM / MT. OF OLIVES / OLD CITY

Today we drive to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of Jerusalem, visit the Church of Pater Noster and the Chapel of Ascension, then precede to the Garden of Gethsemane.  Crossing the Kidron Valley, we pass the tombs of Absalom, Zechariah and St. James, and then visit the Pool of Siloam and the Church of St. Peter of Gallicantu (Caiaphas' House).

 

We enter the Old City this afternoon through the Zion Gate and see the Cardo and the remains of Nehemiah's Wall on the way to the Western (Wailing) Wall.  We visit the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount, 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 the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and end our day in the Garden Tomb before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

 

DAY 9 – Tuesday: 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 the early Christians on such a memorable tour will bring new meaning to our Bible reading.

 

POST EXTENSION TO EGYPT & ST. CATHERINES

$614 PER PERSON

 

DAY 16 -- Tuesday: JERUSALEM / TABA / ST. KATHERINE'S

Today we pass through the Valley of Elah, the site of David and Goliath's battle, through the region of Adullom, where David took refuge from Saul, and on to Beersheba, ancient city of Judah, a watering hole and trading post for thousands of years.  It is the center of desert traffic, located on the edge of the vast Negev Desert.  Here we catch a glimpse of Bedouin life.  Then on to Eilat on the Red Sea, and cross into Egypt at Taba.  Continuing through the desert, we come to St. Catherine's Monastery and Mt. Sinai, traditional site of Moses' receiving the 10 Commandments.  We check in to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

 

DAY 17 -- Wednesday: ST. KATHERINE'S / MT. SINAI / CAIRO

Those who desire may climb Mount Sinai for the sunrise. Continue to St. Katherine's Monastery, where we visit the Chapel, then go to the traditional site of the Burning Bush and the Chamber of the Skulls.  We then head north to the Suez Canal and cross it to Ismailia and the desert route to Cairo, where we check into our hotel for dinner.

 

DAY 18 -- Thursday: CAIRO- MUSEUM & PYRAMIDS

This morning we visit the Egyptian Museum with its priceless gems from the tomb of Tutankhamen and other world-famous relics. We tour Old Cairo, including the Coptic church of "El Moallaka", dating from the early fourth century and the Mohamed Ali Mosque. 

 

This afternoon's excursion will include an exciting camel ride to the Pyramids and also a visit to the Sphinx.   Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

 

DAY 19 -- Friday: CAIRO / NEW YORK

This morning we will transfer to the airport for our flight home with unforgettable memories to cherish always. Knowing we have walked in the footsteps of Jesus and the early Christians on such a memorable tour will bring new meaning to our Bible reading.

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), breakfast (Famous Israeli buffet in The Holy Land), 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.