DAY 1 -       Monday, December 27, 2010 RALEIGH / NEW YORK / AMMAN

Tour members are welcomed at Raleigh Airport for our flight to New York. Transfer to our departing flight to Amman via widebody aircraft arriving the next day.  Meals served on board.

DAY 2 -       Tuesday, December 28, 2010 AMMAN / PETRA

This afternoon we will arrive in Amman. We will be met and loaded on our motor coach for our drive to Petra. We proceed to Petra for dinner and overnight at our hotel.

DAY 3 -       Wednesday, December 29, 2010 PETRA

This morning we awake and look out at Petra, one of the most scenic places in the world. Proceed by foot into this dream-like, unreal world: the "Rose-Red City" of Petra with its incredibly beautiful temples, carved into solid rock and forgotten for 500 years. This is the Mount Seir and the Selah of the Old Testament. We will view the places of sacrifice, the old tombs dating back to 100 B.C., El Deir Monastery, the Tomb of Aaron and the royal palaces.

This afternoon we will board our motorcoach and take a panoramic ride of the outer environs of Petra.

DAY 4 -       Thursday, December 30, 2010 PETRA / MT. NEBO / JORDAN RIVER / TIBERIAS

This morning we will go to Madaba one of the ancient maps of the Middle East and then on to Mount Nebo, from which Moses viewed the Promised Land.

This afternoon we will head north to the traditional site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Continue to King Hussein Crossing where we enter Israel and turn north to Tiberias. Up on arrival we are taken to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5 -       Friday, December 31, 2010 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 6 -       Saturday, January 01, 2011 TIBERIAS / UPPER GALILEE

"The Head of all those Kingdoms" (Joshua 11:10) The Sources of the Jordan

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 King Jabin and then by Solomon as a chariot city to command upper Galilee. We continue to the northern limits of Jesus' travel as we cross the River Hatzbani to Dan, where we combine a nature walk beside the Upper Jordan with views of the ancient ruins, topped by the Israelite high place that supported a golden calf (I Kings 12). Then a short drive to Banias (Caesarea Philippi), dedicated to Pan the Greek god of pastures, flocks and shepherds; here Peter made his great profession of faith, recognition of Christ Jesus (Matthew 16).  Driving along 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 7 -       Sunday, January 02, 2011 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, 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 8 -       Monday, January 03, 2011 JERUSALEM / RABBI TUNNEL / RABBI TUNNEL / YAD VASHEM / SHRINE OF THE BOOK

This morning we will board our bus for our exciting tour to the famous Rabbi Tunnel. Here we will enter by the Western wall plaza and go down to the foundation of the Second Temple. We will see a model that will demonstrate where we are in location to the Temple in the time of Christ. Continue along the tunnel as we proceed to the Gateway of the Priests entry to the Holy of Holies.  We will continue to the Temple Institute where we will see the making of the instruments for the new temple. We will see how they are following the Bible for exact instructions. We will see a film explaining where the Rabbi believes the Ark of the Covenant is found.

This afternoon we will head to Yad Vashem and see the Museum of the Holocaust. Continue to Shrine of the book and the model city of Jerusalem at the time of the Second Temple. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

HOTEL: AMBASSADOR, Israel

DAY 9 -       Tuesday, January 04, 2011 MT OF OLIVES / BETHLEHEM

"If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace" (Luke 19:42)

We start the day with an orientation to Jerusalem from the Mt. of Olives. We then walk the traditional Palm Sunday route to the church known as Dominus Flevit ("Our Lord weeps"). After viewing the Golden Gate, we walk downhill to Gethsemane, where we take time to meditate on the Gospel text. Boarding our bus we drive to the Dung Gate just inside we walk to the Southern Wall excavations. We then examine  the ruins near the south side of the Temple complex, including steps where we may be certain that Jesus and the disciples walked, then to the slopes of Mt. Zion there we will visit the Upper Room and King David's Tomb.

This afternoon driving south, we visit Solomon's Pools, Jerusalem's main source of water for almost 2000 years. Passing the monastery of Hortus Conclusus ("the sealed garden") in Artas, we go to Shepherds' Fields. We conclude the day with a visit in Bethlehem, walking through its alleys and markets to the Church of Nativity before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 10       Wednesday, January 05, 2011 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.

HOTEL: AMBASSADOR, Israel

DAY 11       Thursday, January 06, 2011 OLD CITY / SOUTHERN WALL / UPPER ROOM / GARDEN TOMB

 "He has risen!" (Mark 16:6)

After breakfast we transfer to the Dung Gate, we walk up to the Western Wall Judaism's holiest site. We ascend to the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site of Islam, located on the traditional site of the ancient Temple Mount the al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, it is believed that here the Temple once stood. Just to the north we find the Pools of Bethesda (John 5) and St. Anne's Church, the church is perfectly preserved from the Crusader period – with remarkable acoustics. We then follow the Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) through the bazaars as far as the Holy Sepulcher. From there we walk through the Christian Quarter along the Arab Souks and past the Armenian Quarter.

This afternoon exit the Old City at Mt Zion to the grounds of a church called Peter in Gallicantu, which affords the best view of early Jerusalem from the west. (Here, the Assumptionist Fathers suggest, was the house where the High Priest Caiaphas interrogated Jesus.). From there we board our bus and transfer to the Garden Tomb where we will end our day with a special visit and the possibility of having a private communion on the grounds outside the city walls. Continue to our farewell dinner where we will have our last taste of Israel. Continue on to the airport for our flight to back to the U. S.

DAY 12       Friday, January 07, 2011 USA / HOME

This morning we arrive back in the USA and transfer to our flights 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, 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: 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. 

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.