OCTOBER 8 to 20, 2023 TOUR OF ISRAEL BY ZION’S WATCHMEN
Oct 8 Sunday Leave from your home airport for our flight to Israel (TLV).
Oct 9 Monday We arrive at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport.Proceed through Passport Control, retrieve our luggage and be greeted by our Israeli guide and driver. We overnight along the Mediterranean at Tel Aviv and catch up on the 8-10 hour time lag. O’night: Tel Aviv
Oct 10 Today we proceed to the ancient city of Jaffa where Peter had a housetop vision (Acts 10) and Jonah booked a cruise. North along the Mediterranean to the ancient port of Caesarea a city built by King Herod. It became the seat of the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate. Next to the Armageddon Valley where the armies of the world gather for their final disastrous battle. O’night: Sea of Galilee
Oct 11 Early boat ride to the northeast corner of the Sea of Galilee for a view of the true site of Bethsaida. Then visit the newly discovered fishing village of Bethsaida, the home of Peter, Andrew and Philip and numerous miracles. Next, the village of Magdala, Mary Magdalene’s home. Then the biblical town of Capernaum where Jesus had his headquarters. A Baptismal site is available for all desiring baptism in the Jordan. O’nite: Sea of Galilee
Oct 12 Today to the Golan Hts. and the Jordan Valley. Near the northeastern end of the Sea is a site thought to be where the swine ran down the steep hill into the sea. Next is Ein Gedi a desert oasis with freshwater pools. Three thousand years ago David hid from King Saul in a cave there. Next, from the bus we will see the caves at Qumran – best known as the settlement nearest to the place of the Dead Sea Scrolls. We will stay overnight at the Dead Sea,
Oct 13 Friday Early ascent of the Mountain Fortress of Masada the scene of the last Jewish resistance against the Romans in 73 AD. Overnight: Eilat on the Red Sea
Oct 14 Saturday Today we enter Egypt’s Nuweiba Beach where we believe it is where the Children of Israel were trapped by the mountains and the Eed Sea and about to be slaughtered by Pharoah’s army when God split the waters and they escaped on dry ground to Midian (Saudi Arabia). O’night in Eilat, Israel
Oct 15 Sunday This morning we are on our way to Jerusalem. Continuing north to Timnah Park the location of King Solomon’s copper mines and a visit to a full sized replica of the Tabernacle in the desert. we pass Jericho and turn on the Jericho Road for our first view of Jerusalem from Mount Scopus. O’night: Jerusalem Sephardic House
Oct 16 Visit the TEMPLE MOUNT, and the SOUTHERN STEPS of the Temple, before crossing the KIDRON VALLEY and ascending the MOUNT OF OLIVES. The most likely location of the crucifixion of Jesus is the area near the summit of the Mount of Olives on the grounds of Pater Noster. Next is the CITY OF DAVID and the POOL OF SILOAM. Overnight: Sephardic House
Oct 17 Tuesday First a heartwarming stop at a workshop for some of Israel’s most valuable assets, Yad L’kashish. Then we continue to Yad Vashem, the Memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Next Shorashim and time for shopping in The Old City. O’night: Sephardic House
Oct 18 Wednesday we will start with a visit to the 911 Memorial, the only one outside of the US and to Abu Gosh, believed to be Emmaus, where the resurrected Jesus walked on that incredible Sunday afternoon. Continuing to the Valley of Elah where little David helped the 9’6” Philistine giant Goliath get stoned. Next is the Ayalon Institute for an inside look at a daring underground venture during the fight for freedom from Britain in 1948. Our varied day will end with a heart-warming visit to Save A Child’s Heart in Holon, Israel where a modern fulfillment of Genesis 12:3 is taking place. Overnight: Sephardic House
Oct 19 Thursday A free morning in Jerusalem before we check out from our hotel and travel to the Tel Aviv seashore for some last minute shopping or free time along the Mediterranean. After dinner on your own we will drive to Ben Gurion Airport to check in for our flight home.
Oct 20 Friday Arrive Home in USA . We look forward to maintaining our friendships that have developed over our days together on this Holy Land Tour!
TOUR COST
Initial Down Payment $1000
1 June 2023 Payment $1000
1 July 2023 Payment $1000
1 Aug 2023 Payment $750
15 August 2023 Final Payment $427
Total GROUND Cost $4177
INCLUDED: Hotels are rated as 4+ and 5 stars the cost is based on two to a room (double occupancy). Single Room Supplement if you prefer to room alone, is $1150.
Breakfasts and Dinners daily at all our hotels. Porterage of luggage at all hotels.
Tips are also included for waiters at hotels, Guide and Drivers.
Price is based on a minimum of 30 passengers. If 30 is not reached 30 days prior to departure we will contact you immediately as there may be a slight price increase.
NOT INCLUDED:
AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED. But at your direction, we can purchase your tickets. An “Early Bird Special” can save you hundreds of dollars per ticket if we buy it for you before July 2023. Call me at (559) 760-5410 for today’s airfare price.
Travel Insurance not included. We require that you have Travel Insurance and you must provide us with proof of your Travel Insurance. Lunches are not included but are available every day.
Your PASSPORT must be up to date and have a minimum of 6 months left on it before it expires at the end of the tour (20 April 2024). Tour Cancellation Policy: If you cancel from 4 days after the date of your initial deposit until 61 days prior to departure, there is a forfeiture of the Deposit. A cancellation from 60 days to 1 day prior to departure is forfeiture of all monies paid. HOWEVER, if you have purchased Travel Insurance and need to cancel for a covered reason, you will receive all your costs returned from the insuring agency.
Zion’s Watchmen 8 - 20 OCTOBER 2023
JOHN SOMERVILLE website: israel4somerville.com
Colonel USMC (Ret)
email: israel4somerville@gmail.com
Home: (559) 877-2882
Cell: (559) 760-5410
israel4somerville@gmail.com
ISRAEL BIBLE TOUR 8 - 19 January 2024 Clergy and Spouses Special
Jan 8 Monday Leave from your home airport for our overnight flight to Israel (TLV).
Jan 9 Tuesday We arrive at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. Proceed through Passport Control, retrieve our luggage and be greeted by our Israeli guide and driver. We overnight along the Mediterranean at Tel Aviv and catch up on the 8-10 hour time lag. O’night: Tel Aviv
Jan 10 Wednesday Today we proceed to the ancient city of Jaffa where Peter had a housetop vision (Acts 10) and Jonah booked a cruise. North along the Mediterranean to the ancient port of Caesarea a city built by King Herod. It became the seat of the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate. Then to the Armageddon Valley where the armies of the world gather for their final disastrous battle. O’night: Sea of Galilee
Jan 11 Thursday Early boat ride to the northeast corner of the Sea of Galilee for a view of the true site of Bethsaida. Then visit the newly discovered fishing village of Bethsaida, the home of Peter, Andrew and Philip and numerous miracles. Next, the village of Magdala, Mary Magdalene’s hometown. Then the biblical town of Capernaum where Jesus had his headquarters. A Baptismal site is available for all desiring baptism in the Jordan. Sea of Galilee
Jan 12 Friday Today to the Golan Hts. and the Jordan Valley. Near the northeastern end of the Sea is a site thought to be where the swine ran down the steep hill into the sea. Next is Ein Gedi a desert oasis with freshwater pools. Three thousand years ago David hid from King Saul in a cave there. Next, from the bus we will see the caves at Qumran – best known as the settlement nearest to the place of the Dead Sea Scrolls. We will stay overnight at the Dead Sea,
Jan 13 Saturday Early ascent of the Mountain Fortress of Masada the scene of the last Jewish resistance against the Romans in 73 AD. See “Methusela” on way south: Eilat on the Red Sea
Jan 14 Sunday Today we enter Egypt’s Nuweiba Beach where we believe it is where the Children of Israel were trapped by the mountains and the Red Sea about to be slaughtered by Pharoah’s army when God split the waters and they escaped on dry ground to Midian (Saudi Arabia). O’night in Eilat, Israel, on the Red Sea.
Jan 15 Monday Today we are on our way to Jerusalem. Continuing north to Timnah Park the location of King Solomon’s copper mines and a visit to a full sized replica of the Tabernacle in the desert. Near Jericho we turn west on the Jerusalem Road for our first view of Jerusalem from Mount Scopus. O’night: Jerusalem Old City’s Sephardic House
Jan 16 Tuesday Visit the TEMPLE MOUNT, and the SOUTHERN STEPS of the Temple, before crossing the KIDRON VALLEY and ascending the MOUNT OF OLIVES. The most likely location of the crucifixion of Jesus is the area near the summit of the Mount of Olives on the grounds of Pater Noster.. Next is the CITY OF DAVID and the newly excavated POOL OF SILOAM. Overnight: Sephardic House
Jan 17 Wednesday First a heartwarming stop at a workshop for some of Israel’s most valuable assets, Yad L’kashish. Then we continue to Yad Vashem, the Memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Next Shorashim and time for shopping in The Old City. O’night: Sephardic House
Jan 18 Thursday This morning we check out from our hotel and travel first with a visit to the 911 Memorial, the only one outside of the US and to Abu Gosh, believed to be Emmaus, where the resurrected Jesus walked on that incredible Sunday afternoon. Continuing to the Valley of Elah where little David helped the 9’6” Philistine giant Goliath get stoned. Next is the Ayalon Institute for an inside look at a daring underground venture during the fight for freedom from Britain in 1948. Our varied day will end with a heart-warming visit to Save A Child’s Heart in Holon, Israel where a modern fulfillment of Genesis 12:3 is taking place. After dinner on your own we will drive to Ben Gurion Airport to check in for our flight home.
Jan 19 Friday Early morning flight to arrive Home the same day . We look forward to maintaining our friendships that have developed over our days together on this Holy Land Tour!
TOUR COST
Checks for the tour should be made out to "Zion's Watchmen Israel Tour" c/o John Somerville P.O. Box 664 North Fork, CA 93643.
Initial Down Payment $500
Payment #1 1 Aug 2023 $500
Payment #2 1 Sept 2023 $500
Payment #3 1 Oct 2023 $500
Payment #4 1 Nov 2023 $500
Payment #5 1 Dec 2023
Final $785
Total GROUND Cost $3285
INCLUDED: Hotels are rated as 4 & 5 stars the cost is based on double occupancy. Single Room Supplement is available if you prefer to room alone, is $1150. Breakfasts and Dinners daily at all our hotels. Porterage of luggage included at all hotels. Tips are not included for waiters at hotels, Guide and Drivers. Please bring $180 in US$ and I will pay all tips for you. Price is based on a minimum of 25 passengers. If 25 is not reached 30 days prior to departure we will contact you immediately as there may be a slight price increase.
AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED. But at your direction, we can help you purchase your tickets. An “Early Bird Special” can save you hundreds of dollars per ticket if you buy it several months early. Call me at (559) 760-5410 for today’s airfare price.
Travel Insurance not included. We require that you have Travel Insurance and you must provide us with proof of your Travel Insurance. Lunches are not included but are available every day.
Your PASSPORT must be up to date and have a minimum of 6 months left on it before it expires at the end of the tour (20 June 2024).
Tour Cancellation Policy: If you cancel from 4 days after the date of your initial deposit until 61 days prior to departure, there is a forfeiture of the Deposit. A cancellation from 60 days to 1 day prior to departure is forfeiture of all monies paid. HOWEVER, since you have purchased Travel Insurance and need to cancel for any covered reason, you will receive all your costs returned from the insuring agency.
John T. Somerville Zion’s Watchmen
PO Box 664 North Fork, CA 93643
(559) 877-2882 (559) 760-5410 cell
Email; israel4somerville@gmail.com
Jerusalem of Gold
We will see the Dead Sea Scrolls and all the vaunted archaeological finds at the Israel Museum.Learn about the mosaic of Jerusalem and the freedom of religion in the only country in the Middle East. Practically everyplace you go in Israel has Biblical significance and we will cover a multitude of scriptures. Praying for the peace of Jerusalem...takes on a whole new meaning...when you are there.
Legendary Leaders and the Fight for the Modern State
We will learn about the exploits of the modern founders of the State, such as Ben Gurion, Golda Meir, Moshe Dayan, Arik Sharon, etc.
Heroes of Israel - Ancient and Modern
Visit Yad Vashem, the memorial of the Holocaust. See the Holy Land Model of ancient Jerusalem and the realValley of Elahwhere David defeated Goliath and theValley of Ayalon, where the sun and moon sttod still (one time).
Much of our last day in Israel will be a free day for exploring and shopping and if you get tired these Israeli soldiers will gladly carry your rifles for you. You don’t have to wear a cowboy hat to have a great time, but the Israelis love them and they will thank you and salute you as they say, “Shalom, Y’all. We bless you from Zion and hurry back. We miss you already.”
This trip will be at the best time of the year to enjoy and experience the Holy Land. Mary and I would love to have you join us.
Organized and led by:
Col. John Somerville USMC (ret.) & Mary Somerville
The following is an example of what a day on our tour will entail. This is Tuesday the first full day of touring in the Galilee where we will be staying on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee.
BETHSAIDA
Along with Jerusalem and Capernaum, Bethsaida is frequently mentioned in the Gospels. When Jesus was first calling his disciples, while traveling in Galilee he found Philip, one-third of the trio from Bethsaida along with Peter and Andrew (John 1:43-44). The town—including its nearby shore—is identified as the location where Jesus performed some of his miracles. Here he led a blind man away from the village, restored his sight, and instructed the man not to reenter the town. (Mark 8:22–26). Bethsaida is also the fishing village near where Jesus fed the five thousand with just five loaves and two fish (Luke 9:10–17; Mark 6:30–44, Mtt 15, John 6). There is a site within a mile and a half that has been claimed to be Bethsaida since the early 1990s, but in the opinions of others (including me) the real site is currently being uncovered and it is on the seashore, where it belongs since it was a fishing village. Recent discoveries led archaeologists digging at el-Araj to declare the site as Bethsaida, challenging the claim held for decades by the excavators at et-Tell, a mile and a half up the hill. It is suggested that the sea levels in antiquity would place el-Araj directly on the coast of the Sea of Galilee, an appropriate position for a fishing village compared to et-Tell. Since 2014, a team led by Mordechai Aviam, Dina Shalem, and Dr. Steven Notley under the auspices of the Center for Holy Land Studies (CHLS) and Kinneret College has conducted survey and excavation at el-Araj. There archaeologists discovered a Roman-era bathhouse, which they suggested was evidence for a significant urban settlement at the site. In 2019 they found the remains of a large Byzantine-era church which they believed to be the Church of the Apostles, built over the house of the apostles Peter and Andrew. That may be the church described by a visiting bishop in 725. This is not an unusual situation where two or even several sites are claimed as the real Biblical one. We will always attempt to take you to the one with the best credentials. The other places vying for the honor will be described as “traditional”. Many pieces of property were purchased and a church or cathedral was built on it and then a story or miracle was attributed to the site and millions of tourists have been led there for centuries, despite the modern evidence against it.
CHORAZIN
The ruins of Chorazin, one of the three Galilean cities cursed by Jesus, looks down on the northern end of the Sea of Galilee. Residents of Chorazin lived within sight of Bethsaida and Capernaum, two of the other cities in what has become known as the “evangelical triangle”, because most of Jesus teachings and miracles occurred there. The remains of an elaborate synagogue are a striking feature of the ruins of Chorazin. It was rebuilt in the 3rd or 4th centuries, when the town was thriving. Constructed of local black basalt stone, the synagogue stood on an elevated area in the centre of the town. A broad staircase leads to its façade, which faced south towards Jerusalem, a clue as to it construction age. Before the Destruction of the Temple in 70 AD most synagogues faced in any direction. But after the Destruction the alignment was always toward the missing Temple in Jerusalem. An unusual find in the synagogue was the Seat of Moses, carved out of a single basalt block, from which the Torah would have been read. On its back was an inscription in Aramaic. The original seat is in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem but a copy remains in the ruins at Chorazim.
CAPERNAUM
Kfar Nahum or Capernaum was the home of the first disciples Jesus called — the fishermen Peter, Andrew, James and John, and the tax collector Matthew (who as Levi collected taxes in the customs office). It was a seaside fishing city located on the northwestern edge of the Sea of Galilee. Today an ultra-modern Catholic church, perched on eight sturdy pillars, reminding me of a space ship hovering protectively over an excavation site. The ancient octagonal houseIt is believed to have been the site of Peter’s house, where Jesus would have preached and possibly lodged. Drystone basalt walls would have supported a roof of interwoven tree branches covered with straw and earth — a fairly flimsy construction easily disassembled to lower a paralysed man on a mat, as described in Mark 2:1-12. Excavations are believed by the Franciscan Catholic archaeologists to show that this one room had been venerated since the middle of the 1st century for religious gatherings as a house church. In the 5th century an octagonal church was built around this venerated room. The present church which is quite an amazing and beautiful structure, once you get over the space ship analogy, was dedicated in 1990, and repeats that octagonal shape. We will enter a partly reconstructed synagogue apparently built on the foundations of an earlier synagogue in which Jesus taught. This synagogue was erected in the 4th or 5th century. It is an impressive structure with ornately carved decorations and is the largest synagogue discovered in Israel. Its costly white limestone was moved from a very distant quarry. It contrasts with the local black basalt of the area and a more ancient synagogue that Jesus knew. That earlier synagogue was built by a Roman centurion, the same centurion who had his servant healed after a declaration of faith that amazed Jesus (Luke 7:1-10).
MAGDALA
Magdala was a major port on the Sea of Galilee, a center of trade and commerce, and an exporter of salted fish to markets as far away as Europe, it is assumed. Recent archaeological discoveries have made it a very exciting and popular tourist destination. Magdala’s fame until recently has rested on one notable person, Mary Magdalene. This wonderful woman churches — was one of the few persons named in the Gospels as being present at Christ’s crucifixion and the first recorded witness of his Resurrection. Whether she lived in Magdala or was simply born there is unknown, but she was apparently a wealthy woman.All four Gospels refer to a close follower of Jesus called Mary Magdalene. Luke says she had been delivered of “seven demons” and she is listed as first among the women who accompanied Jesus and supported his ministry from their own resources (8:2-3). After Jesus died she was one of the women who took spices for anointing to the tomb. They found the tomb empty, but “two men in dazzling clothes” gave them the news that Jesus had risen. (Luke 24:1-12) In the garden Jesus appeared to Mary. At first she thought he was the gardener, but she recognized him when he spoke her name. Then she announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”. (John 20:1-18) The city, on the western side of the Sea of Galilee between Tiberias and Capernaum, is mentioned only once in the New Testament. The Gospel of Matthew (15:39) says Jesus went there by boat — but even this reference is uncertain, since some early manuscripts give the name as Magadan. Both Matthew and Mark say Jesus preached in synagogues “throughout Galilee”, and Magdala was a relatively short distance from Capernaum, where he based his ministry. The Jewish historian Josephus says Magdala had a population of 40,000 people and a fleet of 230 boats about 30 years after Jesus died. In 1986 the hull of the so-called Jesus Boat, a fishing boat old enough to have been in use during the time of Christ, was found in the lakebed near the ancient port of Magdala. The discovery of the massive foundations of a tower may account for the city’s name. Both Magdala in Aramaic and Migdal in Hebrew mean “tower”.
KFAR KEDEM
The dream of our good friend Menachem Goldberg was to create a site where visitors could relive the way of life of the ancient Jews in the Galilee. Here in the hills of Galilee over twenty years ago, Menachem began to recreate the daily lifestyle of the ancient sages – how thy lived by working the land – and, of course, we included the wisdom of those sages in our program, weaving together the people, the Torah and the Land into an integrated whole. Today, twenty years since he planted the first saplings that today provide abundant shade, we still give thanks to God for the strength, the wonderful people we live amongst, and the wonderful people we have the opportunity to host at Kfar Kedem. We will spend several unforgettable hours with your new great friend as we experience some hands-on Biblical chores you’ll always treasure.
BOATRIDE ON SEA OF GALILEE
When you go to Israel, there are two moments that you’ll never forget. The instant that Jerusalem comes into view for the first time will be forever etched in your mind’s eye, and the second event is close behind…when the blue water of the Sea of Galilee spreads out before you. Despite many different names over the centuries, her impression remains singular…spectacular! Known locally as Lake Kinneret, this 13-mile lake is Israel’s largest fresh body of water. Much of Jesus’ ministry took place around this volatile lake, the site of an extinct volcanic crater. This is the lake where He walked on water, the site of His famous Sermon on the Mount and where over 5,000 were miraculously fed (most likely on the nearby Bethsaida Plain). Tonight we will take a boat ride on the famous lake, if the weather cooperates—her flash storms are legendary. The reason she tends to be so erratic, however, is less well known. At almost 700 feet below sea level, the Sea of Galilee is in a semi-tropical climate and holds warm, moist air in her basin. Above her are the much cooler heights, with dry air that frequently collides with lower air in tremendous force. When these extreme pressure changes and temperatures meet over a shallow lake (Galilee is only 200 feet deep), it’s a violent mess that can threaten any boat (Mark 4:35-41). During the first century there were many boats on Lake Gennesaret (Luke 5:1), and at least 16 known harbors that held fleets of small fishing boats like Peter’s 15-man boat.
WARNING:
Visiting Israel can be life-changing and dangerous to all your future vacation plans (Cancun will lose its luster). It is more than likely that your heart will have been touched and you will have fallen in love with the Land and the People that God calls “My Land” and “My Chosen people.”
Day 1
Depart from home and connect with our overnight flight into David Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV). After a relatively short flight (compared to going to the moon) you will awaken to the vibrant blue of the Mediterranean and the golden sand of the Israeli shoreline and the excitement of reaching the Holy Land.
Day 2
Wake up You have just landed in Israel! Upon our arrival in Israel at Ben Gurion Airport, we will proceed through Passport Control, retrieve our luggage and be greeted by our local tour agent, Israeli guide and our driver (A.J. Foyt). Then we will go to Israel's Independence Hall (Click here) at this very site the reborn nation of Israel was declared on 14 May, 1948. On that date the city of Tel Aviv was less than 40 years old. It was the first all-Jewish city started in thousands of years. Tel Aviv was originally an adjacent suburb of the ancient city of Jaffa (Joppa). Following that we will walk through the ancient city of Joppa, Click here). It was in Joppa, that Simon Peter had a housetop vision (Acts 10) and Jonah booked a cruise. Then it is time to check into our hotel a few miles to the north on the Mediterranean shore. Overnight: On the MediterraneanDay 3
After breakfast we will go north along the shores of the Mediterranean to the incredible remains of the ancient port of Caesarea Maritime (Click here) a city built by King Herod, which later became the seat of the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate. We will visit the extensive excavations of the site including the harbor, the Crusader City, the theater, Hippodrome and the Roman aqueduct and of course read the biblical accounts of events that happened there. We will visit the area where Elijah took on the prophets of Baal on the mountains of Carmel. We continue to Megiddo (Click here) the Armageddon of the Book of Revelation, the valley where the armies of the world will gather for the great final battle. Continue to our hotel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Overnight: GalileeDay 4
This morning we will visit the museum at Nof Ginosar (Click here) to see the "Jesus boat". This particular archaeological find is believed to be from the first century (the time of Jesus) and was discovered during a drought having been buried for 2000 years on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. This fishing boat is similar to the vessel described in the Gospels, which carried Jesus and his disciples. We will then take a boat ride over the Sea of Galilee. Next on our schedule is the nearby village of Magdala, (Click here) which was the home of Mary Magdalene where an astounding discovery during an archeological dig has been uncovered at this biblical fishing village. Then on to the seaside biblical town of Capernaum Click here) where Jesus made his ministry headquarters. This day's touring will include a stop at a site reputed to be the Mount of Beatitudes (Matt.5), (Click here). We will end the touring day with an opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River Baptismal site YARDENIT. (Click here) Overnight: GalileeDay 5
Today we will start our study of northern Israel with a visit near the northeastern end of the the Sea of Galilee at a site believed to be the location where the Gentile's demon-filled swine ran down the steep hill into the sea. (Click here ) Mtt. 8, Lk 8. Then we visit the regions of Dan and Banias (Caesarea Philippi) Click here (Matt. 16 & Mk 8). In these locations we will see remains and read the scriptures that date to the time of the Old Testament Kings as well as to the narratives of Jesus' time. Then we will drive to the eastern heights above the Sea of Galilee and ascend up the Golan and visit Mount Bental, an observation point overlooking the borders of Israel, Lebanon and Syria as well as the "Valley of Tears" and the "Road to Damascus" (Acts 9) incident and the fateful journey and conversion of Saul, who became better known as the Apostle Paul. Overnight: GalileeDay 6
This morning we will drive to Nazareth in the lower Galilee. On a cliff just outside the modern city of Nazareth the Mount of Precipice offers a panoramic view of the Jezreel Valley and Mount Tabor. It is the traditional site of the cliff that an angry mob attempted to throw Jesus off after his bold proclamation in the Nazareth Synagogue (Luke 4:16-30). Then we continue to Kfar Kedem (Click here) in the hill country of Lower Galilee. Here in a community close to both Cana and Nazareth we will enjoy learning and participating in some hands-on methods of farming and shepherding from the lifestyle of biblical times. On to Ein Harod (Gideon's Spring) (Click here). Then we will continue on our way to Jerusalem. Overnight: JerusalemDay 7
We begin this first day in Jerusalem on Mount Scopus and the Mount of Olives (Click here). Enjoy the majestic views over Jerusalem, and what better day to begin to grasp awesome Jerusalem, the center of the biblical world. There on the Mount of Olives we will have our morning devotional. Our touring day starts at the Garden Tomb (Gordon's Golgotha) in Jerusalem, containing an empty tomb believed by many to be from the time of Jesus.Where the actual site of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection is a question that has vexed biblical searchers for thousands of years. We will explore the various sites that have claimed to be the area. You and your Bible can examine the claims and weigh the evidence. The best candidate is the area on top of the Mount of Olives belonging to the Pater Noster (the Sanctuary of the Eleona) named for the "Our Father" prayer. Emperor Constantine built a church over a tomb and cave in the fourth century at this most probable and possible site of the Crucifixion, Resurrection and the Ascension. Overnight:JerusalemDay 8
Today we will really "dig" Jerusalem at the Zurim Valley, on the lower Mount of Olives where we will not only learn about the science of archeology from an expert, but also participate in sifting the finds from the area of the Temple Mount. Then into the newer city of Jerusalem for a heartwarming stop at a workshop for some of Israel's most valuable assets, Yad L'kashish. From there we will continue to Yad Vashem, the Memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Next we have two options for you. One is an exciting visit to Efrat to participate in training at Caliber 3, (Click here) for Counter- Terrorism techniques and a hands-on class explaining the purposes and tactics of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). An option is to visit Kfar Etzion a strategic kibbutz defending Jerusalem duringthe War of Independence in an historic battle for survival. Truly an inspiring story of courage and perseverance. Overnight: JerusalemDay 9
This morning, following breakfast we start with the CITY OF DAVID and move to the Pool of Siloam. Continuing on to the Garden of Ophel, which has revealed many remains from the Herodian period including the Hulda Steps (Click here) that led up into the Temple Court. On to the fabulous underground Western Wall Tunnel (Click here), which goes under the Old City to reveal the city at the level it was 2000 years ago. Time permitting we will follow the traditional route of the Via Dolorosa to the traditional "Holy Sepulcher." Visit Shorashim and shopping in Old City Cardo. Overnight: JerusalemDay 10
Today we will move to the shores of the Dead Sea to the Mountain Fortress of Masada (Click here) the scene of the last Jewish resistance against the Romans in 73AD. Ascent and descent by cable car. Next we will drive northward on the west shore of the Dead Sea To visit Ein Gedi (Click here) a desert oasis with waterfalls, pools of water and numerous caves and hiding places. The Bible records that 3000 years ago David hid from King Saul at Ein Gedi. Next we will see the caves at Qumran - best known as the settlement nearest to the hiding place of the Dead Sea Scrolls (in jars) in the caves in the desert - to be discovered during the re-birth of the nation of Israel in 1948. We end the day by a float in the waters of the Dead Sea (you can't sink in this body of water). Overnight: JerusalemDay 11
On our way west toward the Mediterranean we will visit part of the BURMA ROAD and the exciting story of the saving of Jerusalem in 1948 and the 1st General of a Jewish Army in over 2000 years and he was from West Point. We continue to Valley of Elah (Click here) where little David defeated Goliath, the Philistine giant. Then visit the Ayalon Institute (Click here) an underground bullet factory during the British occupation. Then we will stop at Save A Child's Heart Click here in Holon where a modern fulfillment of Genesis 12:3 is taking place. Leave later in the evening from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport for your trip to your other home.Day 12
Arrive home after a life-changing enjoyable experience of a lifetime. You'll never be the same again!
If any of these tours do not have 20 passengers by 90 days prior to departure we will contact you immediately for either a slight increase or a full refund.
Accommodations: in Superior 4-5 star hotels, based on 2 participants sharing a room, with in-suite facilities and air conditioning.
Meals: Full Israeli Breakfast (Buffet) daily and dinner as per itinerary.
Entrance fees: for all sites set forth in the itinerary.
Taxes and service charges are included (per current Israeli tax laws).
Porterage: 1 piece of luggage per person at airport and hotels.
Baggage Allowance: For safety and convenience we ask that each participant limit themselves to one pieces of luggage (up to 50 lbs.) and one carry-on piece of luggage (up to 10 lbs.) in accordance with airline regulations which can be checked on-line.
Not included:
Guiding and Educational Instruction
We only use guides who are licensed and fully trained tour educators, along with John Somerville and David Simmons for Biblical teachings at all sites.
Travel Insurance: Please protect your investment in this study tour by purchasing trip Insurance. In the past we have had passengers who could not go at the last minute receive their entire paid expenses refunded by the insurance company. We strongly recommend purchasing the travel insurance, which will cover cancellation, delay, illness, loss or damage to personal belongings and luggage, etc.
Our airfare and travel insurance are handled by Mr. Eitan Batat (or his assistants) who can arrange any additional travel or answer questions about the Group Travel Insurance. His number is (203) 814-3535 and (800) 246-0466.
Checks for the tour should be made out to "Zion's Watchmen Israel Tour" c/o John Somerville P.O. Box 664 North Fork, CA 93643. John can be reached at israel4somerville@gmail.com and at (559) 877- 2882. Please feel free to call at anytime with any questions.