Holy Land Tour 2008

Holy Land Tour Fall 2008

2007-12-25T23:00:00.000-08:00

Israel has been one of the most important crossroads of the world for 40 centuries and numerous cultures and civilizations have left their mark on this ancient land. But more than that, Israel is the birthplace of faiths that have enveloped the world. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam find their roots in this land. Moreover for us Christians, Israel is the land where our Savior and Lord lived his earthly life.

A trip there is more that just a tour. It can make the pages of the Bible come alive for you as walk the places where Jesus walked, gaze upon the vistas He would have seen, and come into contact with the land that touched His imagination - just as it will touch yours. In addition to seeing some of the greatest historic sites in world history, you will spend time in daily devotions, worship, and communion.

We invite you to join members and friends of First Presbyterian Church of Ellensburg on a once in a lifetime tour of the Holy Land in the Fall of 2008.

Below is a day by day listing of the places we plan to tour. If you have any trouble viewing this site, it's probably because of all the pictures. Try viewing one day at a time by using the links to the right.If you are interested in joining us, please take time to read the "Additional Information" post near the bottom and feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Special thanks to my friend Todd Bolen for some of the pictures on the site. Todd has lots of great stuff at http://www.bibleplaces.com/.

Join us as we visit the crossroads of the world and walk in Jesus footsteps.

Pastor Al Sandalow at St. Catherine's Monastery in the Sinai

PS: If you'd like to download a brochure for this tour, right clip on this like and select "save target as" to download an Adobe PDF file. It's a big file and may take a while to download.

http://webpages.charter.net/sandalow/Brochure%202008%2015%20Day%20Israel-Istanbul.pdf

Day 1 - Seattle to Chicago to Istanbul

2007-12-25T22:00:00.000-08:00

Friday, October 24

Most of us will start the day early, with a flight from SeaTac airport to O'Hare airport in Chicago, where we will board a Turkish Air nonstop evening flight to Istanbul. Others who are not starting the trip in Washington state will meet us at Chicago.

Day 2 - Arrive Istanbul

2007-12-25T21:45:00.000-08:00

Saturday, October 25

After an overnight flight we land in Istanbul and start touring right away. Everyone needs a tourist visa ($20 cash). We'll pick up our luggage and be met by our Istanbul tour guide.

Today we'll visit several sites. First, we visit an amazing church that once was on the outer edge of Byzantine Constantinople, the Chora Church. Here we see beautiful frescos and mosaics that were hidden under plaster for 700 years. We'll visit a section of the old Byzantine city wall near the church

Depending on traffic, out next stop will be the Mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent, the largest mosque in the city.

Next, we'll head to the waterside of the Golden Horn, where ships brought exotic goods from Egypt and visit the market that has been there since the city began – The Egyptian, or Spice Market.

Next, we head up the hill to the Grand (or Covered) Bazaar, a collection of as many as 4000 shops where haggling is the norm and fighting off salesmen is the order of the day.

We travel a short distance to our hotel in the heart of the historic Sultanahmet district for dinner and a well deserved rest

Day 3 - Istanbul Old and New

2007-12-25T21:30:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 6
Istanbul literally sits at the crossroads of continents. The main portion of Istanbul is in Europe. Cross the Bosporus into her eastern suburbs and you’re in Asia.

Inhabited as early was 300BC, the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great moved his capital to this city in 324, and it soon became known as Constantinopolis, or Constantinople. Here he built a magnificent new capital city for the eastern empire. For a thousand years after Rome was sacked by barbarians and fell into ruin, Constantinople continued as the successor of Roman rule, but with the Greek language and culture as the norm.

The attribute that made the city so desirable, its incomparable location for trade and transport between three continents, was also its nemesis. For the next thousand years barbarians, Persians, Arabs, nomadic tribes, and even Venetians of the Fourth Crusade (who were the first to breech the city walls and governed the city for a time) attacked Constantinople. The city was strongly fortified with great walls, but finally fell to the Ottoman Turks on May 29, 1453.

It then became the capital of the Ottoman Turks, who rebuilt many parts of the city. The great ruler Suleiman the Magnificent (1520–1566) built the Topkapi palace on the same site was the Byzantine palace and the Ottomans ruled their far-flung empire from within its walls. Its name was changed to “Istanbul.”

Today, we’ll visit wonders from both Byzantine Constantinople and Ottoman Istanbul.

From our hotel in the Sultanahmet area – the heart of this ancient city - we'll take a walking tour of most of today's sites. We’ll start in the Byzantine Hippodrome – a race track and stadium for sporting events that were the favorites of both emperors and common people. We’ll see an Egyptian obelisk moved to the site from Egypt and other historic remains.
We’ll walk across the street and see one of the Islamic wonder of the city, Sultanahmet Camii, popularly knows as the Blue Mosque. The mosque became known in the west as the Blue Mosque because of the predominantly blue tiles of the interior.

The architect of the mosque, Sedefhar Mehmet Aga, was given a mandate to spare no expense in creating a magnificent and beautiful place of Islamic worship. The basic structure of the mosque is a near-cube, measuring 53 by 51 meters. As is the case with all mosques, it is aligned so that when worshipers perform their prayers, they are facing Mecca, with the mihrab or prayer niche in front of them.
Here we will need to remove our shoes. Women will need to have their shoulders and upper arms covered. Slacks, caprice, or knee length skirts. A headscarf to cover your hair is helpful. Men should not wear tank tops or shorts.
A Turkish boy visiting the Blue Mosque to celebrate his sünnet (don't ask).
After the mosque, we’ll walk across a beautiful garden to see one of the great sites of all time, the Holy Wisdom Church – the Hagia Sophia.

“The Church of the Divine Wisdom (Hagia Sophia in Greek) is one of the most impressive and important buildings ever constructed.” It is called by several names: Hagia Sophia in Greek, Ayasofya in Turkish.

It was built on the site of Byzantium's acropolis by Emperor Justinian in 537 AD, Hagia Sophia was the greatest and largest church in Christendom until St. Peter's Basilica was re-built in Rome a thousand years later.

During Ottoman times, it was converted to a mosque. In the early Turkish Republic, the progressive leader Mustafa Kemal “Atatürk” wanted the site to be enjoyed by all and converted it to a museum.

The 30 million gold mosaic tiles which cover the church's interior are now being restored and this means the interior will be filled with scaffolding. You will still find it one of the most amazing site you have ever visited.

For lunch, we hope to stop for lunch at a Istanbul institution, “Meshur Sultanahmet Köftecisi”, a small restaurant that specialized in Turkish Kofte.

After lunch, we’ll cross the street and visit a Byzantine cistern, called Yerebatan Saray Sarniçi, or the Basilica Cistern. It covers 2.4 acres and has a capacity of over 21 million US gallons, and is held in place by 336 marble columns. You’ve seen this in the film “From Russia With Love”.

Next, we visit the ornate Ottoman Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Topkapi means "Palace of the Cannon Gate” and this place is filled with beautiful tiled courtyards and treasures gathered from all over the empire.

As an option, you may choose to visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum with Pastor Al instead. It houses many items of interest and importance to Biblical history from all over the vast Ottoman empire.

Next, we'll head down the hill back towards the Spice Bazaar and board a boat for a cruise on the Bosphorus. If time allows, when we return we'll visit Istiklal Caddesi in the Taskim area and see the trendy side of Istanbul.

We’ll head back to our hotel and you’ll be ready to get off your feet and enjoy an evening in this amazing city. There will be an option to visit a Turkish bath in the evening.

Day 4 - Istanbul to Israel

2007-12-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

Monday, October 27

Our morning you are free to sleep in, wander around the wonders of Sultanahmet, or head back to the Grand Bazaar for some haggling. Don't be surprised when Pastor Al comes back with a Nargile. JUST DON'T BE LATE for our bus to the airport! That would be bad.

We return to the airport for our Turkish Air flight to Tel Aviv at 2:15pm (or, 14:15...get used to a 24 hour clock). It's a short two hour flight.

Arriving at Ben Gurion airport, near the ancient Israelite city of Lod, we will clear customs and be met by our guide and our NET Tours bus.

If time allows, we will make a brief stop at the port of Joppa on the way to our hotel in Netanya, a coastal city north of Tel Aviv.

The setting is beautiful. You can stroll along the Mediterranean after dinner.

Day 5 From Sea to Shining Sea

2007-12-25T20:00:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, October 28 We start the day by driving north to Caesarea Maritima with its magnificent harbor, theater and aqueduct constructed during the reign of Herod. It was here that Peter explained the way of salvation to Cornelius and the Apostle Paul spent two years in prison. Next, we ascend Mt. Carmel, site of Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal. While we do not know the exact location of this dramtic encounter, we will stop at a church which commerates the event and gives us a good view of the surrounding country.

We'll head inland to the mound of Megiddo, "har Megiddo" in Hebrew, which gave its name to Armageddon. We will see a city the sat at one of the most critical crossroads of world history. Last, we stop at En Harod, the site of Gideon’s victory over the Midianites around 1050 BC.
Continue to Kibbutz Ma’agan along the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee for dinner and overnight. This will be our home for the next four nights.
Check out their web site: http://www.maagan.com/en/index.html

Day 6 - Nazareth & Galilee

2007-12-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, October 29
We begin the day by driving to Jesus’ home town of Nazareth, visiting Mary’s Well, and walking through the present- day bazaar, over the site of the ancient village, to the Church of the Annunciation. View the Jezreel Plain from the southern rim of the Nazareth ridge, where the townsfolk tried to throw Jesus off the cliff. Finally, if we can pull it off, we will visit first century rolling stone tomb in the basement of the Sisters of Nazareth Convent.

We'll cross over the north ridge and head three miles to Sepphoris, the only city in the midst of Galilee at the time when Jesus was growing up and a plase where Jesus and his father Joseph could have worked. From here, we'll drive through the area where ancient Cana stood, the village where Jesus transformed water into wine at a wedding feast.

Next, we drive to Ibillin to visit the schools founded by Melkite Priest, Father Elias Chacour, who is working to build peace in the Holy Land. We'll take a brief tour of there facilities and hear about their mission.

If time allows, we drive ten miles to the city of Acco (ancient Acre) and visit the amazing Crusader era buildings from the time when this was the beachhead for Crusaders coming from Europe.
Finally, we return to the western side of the Sea of Galilee, climbing the Arbel cliff for a spectacular view of the northern part of the Sea of Galilee, including the main sites of Jesus’ mission. Return to Kibbutz Ma’agan for dinner and overnight

Day 7 - Sea of Galilee

2007-12-25T18:00:00.000-08:00

Thursday, October 30
Jesus probably spent more time around the Sea of Galilee than anywhere else in his three years of ministry. Today, Jews call this lake the Kinneret. We'll literally walk in Jesus' steps today.

As we head north from our lodging, our first stop will be at Migdal, the home of "Mary of Migdal", or Mary Magdalene. In Jesus' day, this was a prosperous fishing village. Today, very little of the town has been excavated and our stop will be brief.
Next, we will stop at Kibbutz Nof Ginosar, see the “Jesus Boat,” a first century fishing boat found buried in mud and exposed in the lake bed during a drought in 1986. It is now displayed in a museum. Some time today, we will take a boat ride across the lake in a larger replica of this boat.

Next, one of the great highlights of the area: The town of Capernaum. Matthew tells us:
"Leaving Nazareth Jesus went and lived in Capernaum" (Matt 4:13). Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishermen living in the village. Matthew the tax collector also dwelt here.

Here we will see a 4th century Synagogue, built on the foundation of the first century synagogue that Jesus preached in. We'll also see ruins of a house that may have been the home of Peter and the place Jesus lived when in Capernaum. Near Capernaum, we'll visit two sites that remember events in Jesus life: The Mount of Beatitudes church, where we remember the Sermon on the Mount. Then, we walk down the hill to Tabgha to visit the Church of the Loaves and Fishes and the Church of St. Peter’s Primacy by the shore. We'll round out this busy day with visit to Chorazin (a town cursed by Jesus for not responding to the miracles he did there). We'll visit Kursi, the most likely place where Jesus healed a man plagued by a legion of demons. Finally, we ascend the eastern ridge to the Golan Overlook for an amazing view of the lake.
Back to Kibbutz Ma’agan for the night.

Day 8 - North Jordan River

2007-12-25T17:00:00.000-08:00

Friday, October 31
Today we visit the far north, driving along the Rosh Pinna Road. First we stop at "Et-Tell", possibly the location of Biblical Bethsaida.

We head north to ancient Hazor, the most important town in northern Canaan when the Israelites conquered the area in the 13th century BC. We continue to Caesarea Philippi (now called Banias), a source of the Jordan at the foot of Mt. Hermon—where Peter confessed his belief that Jesus is the Christ. Close by is Tel Dan. We will visit the high place where Jeroboam son of Nebat set up a golden calf when Solomon's kingdom was split in two. We will return to the lake via the Golan Heights, with a view toward Damascus and possibly a stop at a Druze village. Dinner and our final overnight at Kibbutz Ma’agan.

Day 9 - South Along the Jordan

2007-12-25T16:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 1 Today we leave the Sea of Galilee and head south through the Jordan valley. Our first stop will be one of the most amazing archaeological sites anywhere: Bet She'an.

Bet She'an (aka Scythopolis), was a non-Jewish city in Jesus' time. We will climb the "tel" and view the setting where Israel's first king Saul and his sons were hung on the city wall when they were killed in battle. We'll walk the magnificent Roman and Byzantine ruins: theatre, bathhouses, ancient rest rooms, market areas, colonnaded streets. Next, we drive south through the Jordan River valley to Jericho, the first city in the Promised Land conquered by Joshua and the Israelites and one of the oldest cities in the world. We'll ascent the tel and imagine what it was like to be encircled by the Israelites.
Or, watching Jesus from a Sycamore tree.

We next travel a short distance to Qumran, located at the northern tip of the Dead Sea, to see the remains of the Essene community. It was here that the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in nearby caves.
Tonight we stay on the shores of the Dead Sea. We'll have time for you to take a "float" in the waters that are 30% salt.

Our hotel on the Dead Sea.

Day 10 - Masada and Jerusalem

2007-12-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

Sunday, November 2

First thing this morning we visit Masada, taking a cable car to the top to visit Herod’s mountain bunker and the last stronghold of the Jewish revolt against Rome (66-73 AD). This is truly one of the most amazing sites in the world.
As we head north, we stop at En Gedi oasis, where David cut off a part of Saul’s robe while hiding in a cave, wild ibex are often seen, and perfume was made for Cleopatra.
Following the Roman road along Wadi Qilt, stop for a look at St. George’s Monastery, built into the Cliffside.

There will be a day when watchmen cry out, 'Come, let us go up to Jerusalem, to the LORD our God'..... Jeremiah 31:6

Our first view of Jerusalem will be from Mount Scopus. From here, we'll travel to the top of the Mount of Olives for magnificent views of the old city and walking the traditional Palm Sunday route to the Garden of Gethsemane – the site of Jesus' arrest. We'll stop at important sites along the way and view Jewish and Moslem graveyards.
Well travel to the eastern part of the city for our home for the rest of our time in Israel, the Ambassador Hotel.

Day 11 - Three Quarters Walking Tour of the Old City

2007-12-25T14:30:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 3

Today we enter the Old City through the Dung Gate, ascend the steps to the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site of Islam located on the site of the ancient Temple Mount.
We exit the mount near the Lion's Gate and the Pool of Bethesda. We'll visit the pool and St. Anne’s Church, taking time to sing Amazing Grace to hear the spectacular acoustics of the church.

We will then walk along the Via Dolorosa, a traditional path that remembers Jesus march to the cross, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Christian Quarter, where we will spend a fair amount of time seeing 1500+ years of history. Along the way we'll stop and see some remains of the Roman Antonia fortress and Jerusalem as re-built by the Roman emperor Hadrian.
We'll loop back towards the Damascus Gate and the Moslem quarter and see the busiest part of the Old City, where many Israeli Arabs work, shop, and live.
Next, we'll head towards the Jaffa Gate to see the area called David's Tower, but in Jesus' time was the site of Herod's palace and the most likely spot for the trial of Jesus.

We'll visit St. Mark’s Syrian Orthodox Church, believed by many to occupy the site of the home of St. Mark’s mother, Mary, where Peter went after he was released from prison by an angel and possibly the site of the Last Supper.
We continue to the Armenian Quarter to see St. James Armenian Church, commemorating the beheading of St. James -the brother of Jesus. This is the center of Jerusalem's Armenian community.

Next, we continue to Mount Zion to visit the Church of the Dormition, a site remembered as the "Upper Room", and some recent excavations.
We well bus across a small valley and visit Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu (“cock crow”), possibly the site of Caiaphas’ house where Jesus was tried and kept overnight. We'll also see some first century steps that Jesus almost certainly walked on.

We finish this busy day with a later afternoon visit to the Garden Tomb.

Day 12 - Old City Jewish Quarter & City of David

2007-12-25T14:00:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 4

Much of the day will be spent in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. On the way, we begin our day with a visit to the Tombs of the Kings, an amazing first century tomb with a rolling stone.

We enter the Old City through the Dung Gate and visit the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site.
From there, we walk through the Rabbinical Tunnel, enabling you to examine the length of the outer Herodian Temple wall—mostly preserved in perfect condition—including two stone blocks each weighing about 600 tons.
Continue to the Southern Wall excavations and stand on the same steps that Jesus and His disciples used while descending from the Temple Mount.
Walk along the Roman Cardo and stop to see the Broad Wall, the remains of a fortified stone wall dating from the time of King Hezekiah.

Visit the Wohl Archaeological Museum to see what is left of several mansions from Herodian times.

Outside the city wall, take time to explore the excavations of the City of David, the oldest part of Jerusalem and the confirmed site of the city captured and developed by Kind David. There are some amazing discoveries here in just the last two years.
See the Gihon Spring, source of the water supply for the city, flowing through the tunnel built by King Hezekiah, into the newly re-discovered Pool of Siloam. Bring your water shoes and flashlight, roll up your pants and walk the length of the tunnel with us (optional).
Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Those who wish can re-visit to Church of the Holy Sepulcher to watch a door closing ceremony that has taken place for centuries.

Day 13 - Bethlehem and the Hill Country

2007-12-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 5

Today is our last day of touring in Israel and we begin by heading south towards Bethlehem. We drive to Beit Sahour for a view of the Shepherds’ Fields. At nearby Bethlehem, we visit the Church of Nativity to see the Grotto with a star marking the traditional place where Jesus was born.
Next, we will stop at another fortress built by Herod the Great, called Herodium. He built this as a place to flee to if Jerusalem ever rebelled. Recently, what is believed to be his tomb has been found on the hillside.
There will be time for shopping in Bethlehem, an excellent place to buy beautiful items hand-carved from olive wood.

We next travel the Emmaus road to the Valley of Elah where David slew Goliath.

Finally, we visit the archeological excavations of Tel-Maresha and Tel Lachish.

Day 14 - Jerusalem Free Day

2007-12-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 6

Today is a free day to explore Jerusalem on your own. The possibilities are endless— bargain for olive wood and jewelry in the bazaars of the Old City, walk the rampart walls or spend time in several of the many museums.

Those who are interested may join Pastor Al for an optional self guided tour of Israeli Museum mid-morning. Unfortunately, the best parts of the museum are closed for several years for a major renovation. But, also located here is a model of Jerusalem, representing how the city looked on the eve of the Jewish revolt 36 years after the Passion of Jesus, and the Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. You may wish to visit the nearby Holocaust Museum, Yad Vashem. Return to the hotel by taxi on your own. Afternoon you are free to shop or re-visit sites in the Old City. We’ll have lots of suggestions for you. Dinner and our last overnight at the Ambassador Hotel. Get a good rest, tomorrow starts early.

Day 15 - Home

2007-12-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 7

All good things must come to an end and our last day will be one of the longest days of your life (literally). After a very early breakfast at the hotel, we say goodbye to Jerusalem and head to the airport for our trip home. We fly Turkish Air first to Istanbul, then to Chicago, then from Chicago to Seattle (or, where ever home is).

It is said that once you visit Jerusalem, you will long to return. Don't be surprised if you feel you have left a part of yourself in Israel.

OK, So What Will This Cost?

2007-12-25T06:30:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, the cost of this trip is more than I had hoped. I've worked harder than you might think to keep the price down, but a number of factors beyond my control have made it more expensive than I would have liked (read the fine print below for a few more details, if you're a detail person like me).

The cost for the whole trip is $3750.
(double ocupancy)

This covers all expenses, except:
Daily lunch – about $8-$12 per day
$20 Turkish Visa fee (you have to pay this yourself at the airport)

Two things could change the cost.
1. This total is based on us having 25 people on the trip. If we have between 20-24, the cost will rise by about $50. If we have less than 20 people, we will cancel the trip (though as I write this, I have 17 people who have told me they are going, so I think we're safe).

2. If the airports we're traveling to change their landing or security fees, that is passed on to us. Also, if the airline increases their "fuel surcharge", that can be passed on as well. The current fees and surcharge are built into the trip cost and it is not likely they will change much, but this really something we can't control.

I have reserved 26 seats at the above price. If you are not in the first 26 to sign up with a deposit, the price might rise some, as the price of airfares may rise as we make additional reservations.

Please sign up with a $300 deposit. You can find a registration form you can mail me at this link (clickable):

http://webpages.charter.net/sandalow/Registration%20Form%202008.pdf

Now….why is this more than I hoped for? Two years ago, I estimated this trip would cost about $3000…and it would have then. What has happened since then? Two answers: The falling dollar and the cost of oil.

-Two years ago a Euro cost $1.20. Now it cost $1.46. That an 18% drop.
-Two years ago, and Israeli Shekel was equal to 20 cents. Now it costs 28 cents. That a 28% drop.
-Two years ago, a barrel of oil was $60 a barrel. Today, it's $96, about a 40% increase.

These factors have driven up the cost of all travel, especially overseas. I don't know anyone who thinks the price of oil will drop any time soon, nor anyone who sees the dollar rising significantly against foreign currencies in the next few years. In fact, most people assume the slide will continue.

I have looked at a few other tours that are leaving from Seattle to Israel around the same time as ours, and our cost is more than comparable. Look at this trip, it's only ten days (ours is 15), no Istanbul, and the cost is $3835 (note how the trip is advertised at $3535 and the extra $300 is hidden on page 3 of the registration form).
http://www.ignatius.com/pilgrimage/index.htm

I'm not criticizing this trip…I'm just trying to show you that what is really a lot of money for our trip is a very fair price for the time and duration of our tour.

If you plan to go, please sign up soon!

Legal Stuff - Tour Conditions

2007-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Warning...Boring Fine Print Alert

Seriously, you do need to know this stuff if you plan to sign up. Read it carefully and PLEASE ask us if you have any questions. Thanks!

You can read or download a larger copy here:
http://webpages.charter.net/sandalow/Tour%20Conditions%20SANDALOW%2010-08%20TK.txt

TOUR CONDITIONS:

1. DEPOSITS: Registrations require a signed and dated IGM form and a $300 deposit per person. Late Deposit fees are: $50 for less than 100 days and $150 for less than 60 days (after invoice period) before departure. Late registrations risk airspace not being confirmed.

2. FINAL PAYMENTS: Final payments must be received 60 days prior to departure. Payments received later will be assessed $50 per person and must be paid by a Cashier's Check or Money Order. If final payment is not received by 40 days prior to departure, the participant's tour space will be canceled and the deposit forfeited.

3. DEPOSITS & FINAL PAYMENTS: Payable to IGM TOURS.

4. CREDIT CARDS: Credit cards may not be used for any remittances.

5. FINAL DOCUMENTS: Final tour documents (including airline tickets and any itinerary adjustments) will be available one week before departure to facilitate any last minute changes.

6. TOUR CANCELLATIONS: Written cancellations must be sent directly to IGM TOURS. Cancellations (for any reason whatsoever) are subject to an IGM $50 administrative fee.
90 days prior: an additional $150 per person plus applicable airline fee.
40 days prior: the full tour price is charged.
There are no refunds for international tickets once issued!

7. AIR TRANSPORTATION: Turkish Airlines group economy airfares (10 persons fly the same route) are non-refundable and issued about 40 days prior to departure. Tickets do not permit changes in names, cities, or dates without penalty. Airfares are subject to change until ticketed. Bonus and discount coupons are not applicable.

8. HOTELS: Prices are based on 1st class hotel rooms (twin bedded, dbl. occ.). If changed, similarly priced hotels are used. Single room occupants (for any reason) must pay single room surcharge.

9. MEALS: Daily breakfasts & table d'hote dinners with coffee/tea only included with breakfasts.

10. GROUP TRANSFERS & ENTRANCE FEES: Overseas group transfers and entrance fees are included. Individual transfers are not included for those who deviate from tour itineraries.

11. GUIDES: English-speaking guides are provided.

12. PORTERAGE: Overseas porterage of 1 suitcase is included. The fee for additional suitcases/flight bags is $1 per hotel.

13. LUGGAGE: Group touring is limited to one normal size suitcase (not to exceed 50 lbs), one camera case, and one flight bag.

14. PASSPORTS & VISAS: Each participant is responsible for a valid passport with 6 months validity for USA return, and must mail to IGM a legible copy. Data is required 60 days prior to departure. Visas are required on this tour for U.S. passports. Other than U.S. passports must advise IGM at the time of registration.

15. NO SMOKING POLICY: Smoking is not permitted on tour coaches or flights.

16. ITINERARY CHANGES: The itinerary has been planned under the direction of your tour leader. It is possible that the daily itinerary may be adjusted by unforeseen circumstances.

17. PRICING FLUCTUATIONS: Tour prices are based upon current tariffs, agreements, and exchange rates in effect at the time of brochure production, February 2008. These factors are outside the control of IGM, and will be defined by IGM at least 60 days before departure. But if the fuel surcharges increase anytime prior to ticketing you will be assessed.

18. DEVIATIONS/CHANGES: Deviations/changes must be requested in writing to IGM ($50 per person plus airline fees) at least 90 days before departure and are subject to airline regulations. Requests less than 90 days (invoice period) require an added $75 fee per person. They are not accepted less than 60 days. No exceptions.

19. REFUNDS: Refunds are made only per the guidelines listed below.

20. TRAVEL INSURANCE: IGM strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance for protection of one's tour and luggage investments. Coverage may commence from the day of tour deposit throughout the tour duration.

21. TOUR OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITY: IGM TOURS, Inc., herein and hereafter referred to as IGM and/or its agents, act only in the capacity as a broker agent for the passenger in all matters connected with hotel lodging, sightseeing, tours and transportation, whether by air, rail, motorcoach, boat, or any other means and as an agent holds itself free of responsibility for any damage or expense resulting from any cause whatsoever. IGM is a bonded wholesale travel broker, which complies with California's "Seller of Travel State Law": CST#2018950-50. IGM and/or its agents will not be responsible for any damage or expenses or inconvenience caused by late registrations, late airplanes, trains, boats, or changes in any of their schedules due to strikes or any other reason whatsoever. IGM operates 9:00am-5:00pm weekly excluding holidays. IGM will not be responsible for the loss or damage to luggage or any passenger's personal belongings. IGM recommends the purchase of Travel Insurance to cover such events. IGM reserves the right to refuse any person as a tour member at any time before or during the actual tour. IGM reserves the right to cancel, change, or withdraw the tour in whole or in part at any time. The sole obligation of IGM is to refund payments received in connection herewith if not acceptable by tour members. Refunds for canceled airfares and services abroad for any reason will be made only after having been received from the airlines, hotels, or companies performing these services, less any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the operation resulting from those cancellations and will follow the guidelines herein contained for cancellations. Requests for any refund due to absence from the itineraries abroad must be submitted to IGM in writing not less than 60 days prior to departure and are subject to agreements with overseas Operators. Any dispute arising out of these tours will be settled in the courts of the City of Hayward, CA.

22. AIRLINE RESPONSIBILITY: The participating airline, Turkish Airlines is responsible only for the air travel portion of this tour performed for it on behalf of tour participants in accordance with the terms and conditions of their individual passage contracts and subject to the applicable laws, treaties and regulations governing air transportation. Tour services, including but not limited to carriage by land or sea, guide services, hotel accommodations, restaurants and all services other than carriage by air, are furnished by contractors who are independent and do not act for or on behalf of the above airline and the above airline shall not be responsible for any act, omission or event occurring prior to the tour participants embarkation upon or after his/her disembarkation from the aircraft. The usual passage contract by the airline when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the tour participants and in purchasing a passage contract as part of this tour, the tour participant acknowledges and accepts the foregoing conditions. The above airline is not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board its aircraft.

TOUR PRICES
The price for this tour is based on having a group of at least 25 people on the tour. If we have between 20 and 24 people travel with us, the cost for the trip will rise by about $50. If we do not get a minimum of 20 travelers, we will probably join a consolidated tour (with changes in schedule and itinerary) and you will be given a chance to cancel.

Additional Information

2007-12-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Are you one of those people who likes all sorts of extra information?

This post is for you!

Is this the trip for you? This will be a wonderful trip. You will see a very different part of the world and stand on some of the most important places of the Biblical history. However, there are a few considerations.This is not a vacation. We will see a lot and be on the move every day, often getting up early. You’ll be tired then we’re done. If you don’t like a trip where you are on the move, this – and most other trips of this kind – are not for you.

-This trips will involve a fair amount of walking and many of the sites we’ll visit are a bit difficult to get around. Some of the walking is optional, but if you don’t do the walking there are things you will miss. None of the sites are handicapped accessible. You will be tired at the end of each day; especially as you adjust to the 10 hour time difference. You should be able to walk at a normal pace and be able to take walking tours that will come in 1-3 hour segments. If you have any questions about this, talk with me before you sign up.

What's Included in the Price? It’s almost easier to say what’s not included.-

-You will need to get to and from Sea-Tac airport (other cities can be arranged). We will likely try and arrange for a shuttle to take us to Sea-Tac airport. There will be an extra fee if you choose to ride with us.

-Each day you will buy your lunch. Depending on where we eat as a group, the cost normally ranges from $8-12.

-$20 for a Turkish tourist Visa for our visit to Istanbul.

-While you will read that tips are included in the total, it’s still customary to collect tips for the guide and bus drivers at the end of the trip. A standard tip would be $1-2 a day for the guide and $1 for each driver. Of course, this is purely optional.

-One additional fee may be a “single supplement”. That is the extra cost if you are not sharing a room and it is $575. You may choose to have a private room, if you wish. If you are not traveling with a partner, we may be able to pair you up with someone else on the trip looking for a roommate. BUT, this is not guaranteed.

-It’s possible that we might stop at some site not listed in the tour and it might cost an additional $5-10 dollars to visit the site. That will not be common.

Can I pay for the trip with a Credit Card?
Short answer- No. We would have to pay the bank about 3% if you used a credit card and that means we'd lose money on you and have to pass the cost along to everyone by charging a higher price for the trip.

Drinks:
A British friend of mine called America “The land of free drink refills.” Israel is like most other countries; drinks at hotel meals are small and pricey. At meals you are usually served water and hot tea at breakfast. If you want coffee or a soft drink with a meal, it will cost $1-$2 per serving! I drink a lot of tea when I am there and we will buy bottled water at take on the bus. You can also take instant coffee and make your own coffee from hot water.

Cash:
I don’t recommend you carry large amounts of cash. I do recommend you take about 50 one dollar bills with you in addition to any other cash. They are often accepted and are good for quick tips. Traveler’s checks are getting harder to use. Most shops and hotels and most tourist oriented shops accept dollars and credit cards. You can get cash at ATMs. Be sure your PIN number has only four digits. Call your bank BEFORE you leave and tell them you’ll be in Israel.

Theft and pickpockets are not as common in Israel as in Europe, but some area are worse than others. I highly recommend you carry your cash, cards, and passport under your shirt in a neck pouch. This one is my favorite:
http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-Undercover-Security-Wallet/dp/B000FKS656/ref=sr_1_155?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1199416396&sr=1-155

Souvenirs
Of course, you will want to buy some souvenirs. You should leave some room in your suitcase for stuff you’ll bring back. HOWEVER, I highly recommend you NOT buy items of great expense, unless you are qualified to know, with certainty, the value of an item. Do not rely on a salesman’s promise!

One item you will find in Turkey are hand woven Persian style rugs. They are beautiful and the rugs from Turkey are a good buy. But, they are still expensive and if you are tempted to try to find a rug in Istanbul, plan on doing a little research before you go, so you will know what you want and what you are willing to spend.

Trip Insurance
I recommend that you buy the insurance for this trip. Look in the fine print and you’ll see that if you get sick just before the trip and cannot go, you may lose 100% of the fee. The main reason for this is that airlines, hotel, and in country tour companies give discounts to people who book and pay in advance. But just like those cheap airline tickets, they are non-refundable once you pass certain dates. If something happens to you or a travel partner that prevents you from going, with insurance all your trip costs are refunded. It does not cover you if you just change your mind.

Be fair warned that if you don’t buy insurance and do get sick just before the trip, there will be little we can do to help you recover what you have paid.

Passports
You will absolutely need a current USA passport. No exceptions, no excuses. It can take three months to get a passport by mail, so if you need one, start early. Make a photo copy of your passport and take it with you just in case you lose the original. It makes it easier to get a replacement. I will need a copy too. If you need a photo, I can take one for you.

Food
We will eat most breakfasts and dinners in our hotel. Typically, we will stop for lunch as a group at a restaurant. Breakfasts are usually light buffets with a mix of Middle Eastern and western foods. Dinners usually include a meat main course and fresh vegetables.

Luggage and Laundry
You are limited to one checked suitcase, no more than 51 pounds. You may also bring a carry on bag. You should not bring more bags that you can carry/pull yourself at one time. Laundries are hard to find and there is little time on the trip for them. Some hotels offer laundry service, but just like the US, it is very expensive. Bring wash and wear clothes and some laundry soap and do a little wash in your hotel sinks. Never pack in checked luggage anything you can’t live without.

Medication
You should bring a full supply of any medication you need in their original containers and a copy of your prescription. Carry your medication on your person, not in checked luggage. You may wish to bring simple items like aspirin, anti-histamine, and an anti-diarrhea medication with you.

Photographic Supplies
Film is available overseas for most cameras; however, it is double or triple the cost, so we recommend you purchase an adequate supply before leaving. Try the camera and flash before leaving so you know everything is working. Remove your film rolls from the box and put them a clear zip lock bag. Hand check them at every x-ray machine.

Kids
Some people have asked me about bringing children along. There are some concerns. The plane ride to Turkey is looooong; over 15 hours. That’s a long time to sit still. This is a not a vacation trip, but a tour and we will spend our time visiting historic Biblical sites that younger children may have little interest in. There is also a fair amount of time in the tour bus and a fair amount of walking.

Our meals will have a definite Middle Eastern flair, which some kids many not like. Importantly, some of the places we will visit are truly the holiest places on the face of the earth and are revered by millions. Children will need to be respectful and subdued when they are in them. If you think your child can handle that environment, then they are welcome to come along, but they will need to be on their best behavior.

In 1999, I took both my children to Israel with a tour group. They were 9 and 13 at the time. They still remember it was one of the greatest experiences of their lives, but they are good travelers.

Is It Safe?
As you know, Israel has been a troubled land for most of its history. In recent years the conflicts between Jews, Palestinians, and other Arabs in the area have ebbed and flowed. Often the troubles are somewhat isolated and look worse on CNN than they really are. I have read reports from other tour groups that have been visiting Israel in the past year and have found that they have had no problems and no danger. I had no problems as a solo traveler in March 2006. Still, concern is reasonable.

Last year 4 million tourists visited Israel without any major problems. As near as I can tell, no church tour groups has ever been targeted by terrorists and no one on any of these tours has ever been killed. I plan to take some of my family on this trip, but there is always some level of risk in this part of the world.

WOW…this trip is Expensive. I’ve found other trips on the internet that cost much less.
-Yes, the price of oil and the falling value of the dollar have made this trip more expensive than I hoped for. But, here is no indication costs will go down any time soon.

Costs for trips can be deceptive, because often the low price advertised doesn’t include everything. It’s easy to find a $1800 trip advertised, but that doesn’t include tax, tips, entrance fees, airline fuel surcharge, and usually originates in New York. Often, money is saved by staying is marginal hotels and running the trip for only 8 days (5 days of touring). I have decided to include all the extra fees and costs up front in the price for our trip and that makes it look more expensive than other tours that hide these costs in the small print.