A Spiritual and Educational Study Tour 

Israel – The Land of the Bible

May 22 – June 2, 2024

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Sponsored by

UPCI Office of Education and Endorsement

Featuring Urshan Graduate School of Theology Course of Study

Graduate Credits Available

Educational Credits also offered through your Bible College

 

Hosted by Epic Tours LLC

And

Dr. Janet Trout

$4295.00

per person/double occupancy

 

A Twelve Day 

All-inclusive

from EWR Newark, NJ

(except lunches)

 

With an Optional Luxury Jordanian Experience

June 1-6, 2024

 

The Old Testament prophets and their writings set the stage for the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of the New Testament church. Grasping the historical setting of every scripture is vital for precise interpretation. Immersing oneself in on-site exploration and engaging with the geo-political terrain, along with the archaeological findings, unveils the captivating narrative that propelled the early church in the second century. Standing upon sacred ground, one can almost feel the presence of the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles springing to life.

 

Suggested reading in preparation for the Israel tour include the following items:

1. Rasmussen, Carl, Zondervan Atlas of the Bible,

    Zondervan Academic 2010

    ISBN 978-0310-52126-6 (ebook)

    ISBN 978-0-31027050-8 (hardcover, printed)

 

2. Hoffmeier, James K., The Prophets of Israel, Walking the Ancient Paths

    Kregel Academic 2021

    ISBN 978-08254-4572-9

 

3. Kaiser, Walter C., Jr. and Wegner, Paul, A History of Israel Revised Edition,

    B & H Academic 2016

    ISBN 978-1-4336-4318-7

 

• A map of Israel and Jerusalem will be provided by your Epic Tours host.

• As the students move from site to site, they will complete a map study designed to familiarize them with the area and its sites.

• The professors will provide the syllabus and criteria for credit for the tour/course. The course work will be weighed accordingly.

• Bibliography to be developed by professors.

 

Learning Outcomes

 

Upon conclusion of the tour, students will have the capacity to:

1. Comprehend and articulate the geographical characteristics of the Middle East, along with the progression of historical incidents that unfolded within the region.

2. Recognize biblical locations and territories on a map, along with comprehending the functions these sites fulfilled within biblical narratives.

3. Investigate the particulars encompassing the journeys undertaken by the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles. Witnessing the authentic routes firsthand will enhance students' capability to position events within a comprehensive framework.

4. The study tour will ultimately contribute to the precise interpretation and adept application of biblical texts.

 

Day 1 Wednesday – May 22

Today, we board our flight for the land of the Bible, Israel! Departure on El Al Airlines at 

9 pm. From EWR – Newark, NJ

 

Day 2 Thursday - May 23

Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, Israel at 2:25 pm where we are greeted and assisted by the EpicTOURS staff.

After clearing Immigration and Customs, we board the coach to  tour Jaffa (Joppa), in the southern, oldest part of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, an ancient port city in Israel. Jaffa is famous for its association with the biblical stories of Jonah, Solomon, and Saint Peter as well as the mythological story of Andromeda and Perseus.  Arriving at the hotel, we enjoy our first Israeli dinner and then we’re overnight on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea! Open your Bible and let your mind drink in the Biblical history you are about to personally experience. You are in the Holy Land! After checking into our hotel, a sumptuous Israeli dinner is served; then, we rest from the long journey to prepare us for our first full day of touring.

Dinner and overnight Netanya near Tel Aviv

 

Day 3    Friday – May 24 - Caesarea/Mt. Carmel/Tel-Megido/Nazareth Village/Mt. Precipice/Tiberias

We awake in the Holy Land to a sumptuous Israeli breakfast buffet, then we board the deluxe motor coach and head north on the Coastal Road to view the stately, ancient ruins of Caesarea, visiting the Roman amphitheater where Paul stood trial. It was here that the Holy Spirit first fell on the Gentiles as Cornelius, the first Gentile of the Church-age, met Peter. http://www.bible-history.com/archaeology/israel/3-caesarea-ancient-bb.html Next, we drive up the Mediterranean Coast to Mount Carmel, Elijah’s Cave, the place where the Prophet Elijah defeated the false prophets of Ba’al and where God answered by fire.  We continue today by driving through the Valley of Jezreel (Google Valley of Jezreel for information) - the prophetic future site of the battle of Armageddon. The archaeological site of Megiddo is one of Solomon’s chariot cities where twenty civilizations can be observed stacked up in the ruins.  Driving toward Nazareth, we stop to visit an extraordinary site called Nazareth Village, where we step back in time to see a day in the life of the first century Jews who lived in Nazareth. We will visit Mt. Precipice which is located south of Nazareth, on the cliffs of Mt Kedumim (397M), overlooking the Yizrael Valley and view Mount Tabor. This is considered by some to be the place where angry Jewish worshippers drove Jesus away from the Synagogue, attempted to throw him of the cliffs, and he disappeared before their eyes "in the midst of them”.

• Return to the hotel for dinner, then gather for worship and student instruction. 

Overnight in Tiberias.

 

 

Day 4     Saturday – May25 - Explore the Galilee- Lake Kinerret/ Mr. Arbel/Magdala/Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee/St. Peter’s Fish Lunch/Capernaum/Mount of the Beatitudes/Tabgha/Bethseda/Kurazim/Kursi (Pig Jump)

After another great Israeli breakfast, we start our day with a service on the Galilee. Stepping aboard a Galilee boat for a calm cruise on the sea, we enjoy an incredible worship service on the boat. It will be life changing! For many pilgrims to the Holy Land, this is one of the most memorable experiences. Later, we disembark at Ginosar for a short trip to Capernaum, the hometown of Jesus. Here he met James, John, Peter, and Andrew. The healing of Jairus’ daughter, as did the healing of the woman who touched Jesus’ garment (Luke 8:40-56). We visit the home of the Apostle Peter where Jesus healed his mother-in-law. Leaving Capernaum, we ascend to Tabgha where Jesus multiplied the fishes and loaves. We lunch on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and enjoy a special feast of St. Peter’s Fish. A short bus ride takes us to the Mount of Beatitudes where we hear the words of Jesus on the mount where the greatest sermon ever was preached. The final event of the day is designed for those who wish to be baptized or renew their baptism. The Yardenit  baptismal site is located on the Jordan River After baptism, we return to the hotel where another Israeli buffet presents an amazing variety of food for our dinner. 

• After dinner, students gather in a meeting room for worship and a session conducted  by the professor.

Dinner and overnight in Tiberias

 

Day 5 Sunday – May 26 - Golan Heights/Tel Dan/Caesarea Philippi 

After breakfast, we travel to Tel Dan Nature Reserve at the North of Israel. The site is in the Golan Heights near a natural spring, once associated with the Greek god Pan. It had been inhabited for 2,000 years, until it was abandoned and destroyed following the Six Day War in 1967. It is located at the foot of Mt. Hermon. The spring is the source of the Banias river, one of the main tributaries of the Jordan river. It is one of the most beautiful National parks of the country. Its noisy small brooks and rivers, evergreen forest an natural paths are tremendously beautiful. But this is also the site of the ancient Temple which used to compete with the Temple at Jerusalem.

The Nature Reserve Banias was believed by the Ancients to be the Gateway to the Underground World, the Hades. The remnants of the antique temples still stand. Another outstanding attraction of this site are the excavations of the Ancient Caesarea Philippi town. Here, Jesus disclosed his divinity before the Apostles (Matthew 16) and referred to the god Pan and the heathen temple when he declared the “gates of hell” will not prevail. Finally, we stop at Banias Waterfall, Ein Panias Rout 99, Qiryat Shemona Israel. This is the biggest and the most powerful waterfall in Israel. Its beauty is unprecedented.

• After dinner, students gather in a meeting room for worship and a session conducted by the professor.

Tiberias for dinner and overnight.

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Day 6 Monday – May 27 The Jordan Valley

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and travel to Beit Shean  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beit_She%27an to visit one of the best preserved Roman Amphitheaters in Israel. Extensive excavations have uncovered eighteen layers of civilizations. Ancient Beit Shean is also where King Saul’s body was retrieved by the brave men of Jabesh Gilead. We travel south passing Jericho, the “City of Palms” spreading out on the west side of the Jordan River at 825 feet below sea level. The biblical site of Tell es-Sultan is in the distance, as is the location of city Joshua destroyed.  In Jesus’ day a new center had been constructed on the wadi banks by the Hasmonean rulers and Herod the Great. Continuing south, we see Qumran, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qumran where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a little shepherd boy and Ein Gedi where David fled from Saul. At Ein Gedi we will hike to the first water falls to visit the oasis in the desert. Continuing south through the wilderness of Judea, we will ascend by cable car to Masada (the fortress built by King Herod the Great). Step back in time to 66 CE when a group of Jewish rebels overcame the Roman garrison of Masada http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/masada-desert-fortress and settled on the top of Masada until 73 CE when the Roman governor laid siege. The view of the Roman camps can still be seen from atop Masada, as well as a spectacular view of the country of Jordan and the Dead Sea. Visit the remains of Herod’s Palace, the Apartments, Baths, Storehouses and Cisterns. It was here the Jewish Zealots made their last stand against the Roman Legions from 70-73 AD. Descend from Masada with a stunning view of the Dead Sea. We continue north along the shore of the Dead Sea. An opportunity to float in the Dead Sea will be offered if arrival at hotel is before sundown. 

• After dinner, students gather in a meeting room for worship and a session conducted by the professor.

Dinner and Overnight - Dead Sea Hotel

 

Day 7 Tuesday – May 28 - Jerusalem/Temple Mount/Mt Olives/Garden of Gethsemene/Hulda Gates/Southern Steps excavations

If there isn’t time for the Dead Sea experience the previous evening, then before breakfast you can float in Dead Sea. As we travel up to Jerusalem, we feast our souls and eyes on the most sacred place on earth, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, lift up your voice and sing, Hosanna to our King! A breathtaking view of the Temple Mount (Mt. Moriah Genesis 22:2) is seen from the Mount of Olives. The Mount of Olives is where Jesus will return, and the Temple Mount is where the 3rd Temple will be rebuilt prior to His appearing. After enjoying the view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, we visit the Church of All Nations and pray and worship in the Garden of Gethsemane with a grand view of the Eastern Gate and the Kidron Valley. Here, we read the Scriptures of Jesus’ prayer and take time for personal reflection where we literally walk where Jesus walked. A private prayer garden will be arranged by Epic tours. Crossing the Kidron Valley, we begin a tour of the old city of Jerusalem. As we begin the tour of old Jerusalem, we visit St. Ann’s Church and hear the marvelous acoustics as we sing. Visit the Pool of Bethesda where the angel stirred the waters for healing. Continue to the Antonio Fortress and the Lithostrotos, the scene of the trial of Jesus. See the etchings in the stone where the Roman soldiers played the Game of the King and mocked Jesus with the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Following the path from Pilate’s Judgement Hall through the old city, we experience the sights and sounds of old Jerusalem as we journey toward the Western Wall to arrive before sunset. We walk the Via Dolorosa, the route that Jesus took between his condemnation by Pilate and his crucifixion and burial.  Just below the Temple Mount, on the western side we will pray at the Western Wall (Kotel) which is the closest wall to where the Holy of Holies was located when the Temple was in use during the 1st Century.  Visit the Western Wall Tunnel which will take you underground. A large portion of the Western Wall is inaccessible, otherwise. You will see stones, models and actual structures which provide clues as to how the Second Temple was constructed. In addition, these artifacts help explain the history of this area through the eyes of all the great empires that once ruled Jerusalem. 

• After dinner, students gather in a meeting room for worship and a session conducted  by the professor.

Dinner and Overnight - Jerusalem

 

Day 8 Wednesday – May 29 - Jerusalem, Old City

We will visit one of the most incredible sites in all of Judaism: The Temple Mount. It is here where the Temple era came to an abrupt halt as it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.  Leaving the Temple Mount, we drive to the City of David, at the Gihon Spring, where we learn of how the original city of Jerusalem was established.  by King David, overtaking from the Jebusites. Next, we’ll visit Hezekiah’s Tunnel: A 1750-foot tunnel carved during the reign of Hezekiah to bring water from one side of the city to the other, Hezekiah’s Tunnel together with the 6th c. tunnel of Euphalios in Greece are considered the greatest works of water engineering technology in the pre-Classical period. The Pool of Siloam is a rock-cut pool on the southern slope of the City of David, the original site of Jerusalem, located outside the walls of the Old City to the southeast. The pool was fed by the waters of the Gihon Spring, carried there by two aqueducts. Traveling to Bethlehem in the afternoon, we will visit the Church of the Nativity and the Shepherds Fields. We will eat lunch at a local restaurant with a Bedouin flavor,

The Tent, enjoyable by all who have visited! Great shopping opportunities in Bethlehem! The shop, The Good Shepherd Store, is owned and operated by our Apostolic brethren. We will be a blessing to them. Their specialty is olive wood carving and other great souvenirs. 

• After dinner, students gather in a meeting room for worship and a session conducted  by the professor.

Dinner and Overnight - Jerusalem

 

Day 9 Thursday – May 30 - Jerusalem

Begin the day at the Garden Tomb where we view the Hill of the Skull and walk into the empty tomb. A communion service provides an opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and His victory over death. Ministers from your group will lead the service. 

Next we visit the room of the Last Supper, also known as the site of the Upper Room, passing  the traditional site of the Tomb of King David, we take a short walk through the Jewish Quarter to visit the Temple Institute.  www.templeinstitute.org   The Temple Institute's goal is to see Israel rebuild the Holy Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, in accord with biblical commandments. Finally, a short walk through the Roman Cardo. Traveling to the Israeli Museum we will visit the 2nd Temple model of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea scrolls (discovered in the caves of Qumran) among other antiquities. We’ll view the  Knesset Menorah which is a bronze Menorah weighing 4 tons. It is located opposite the Knesset. It was presented to the Knesset as a gift from the Parliament of the United Kingdom on April 15, 1956 in honor of the eighth anniversary of Israeli independence.

 

Drive to the International Biblical College of Jerusalem on Jaffa Street for a classroom session and worship service. The professor will give his final lecture, assignments, and instruction to the students. This will be an opportunity for the professors to speak and wrap up the incredible study tour. A service of reflection and gratitude will be held with our UPCI representatives in Israel & Palestine. Tammy and Shawn Turner will host the meeting. The facility overlooks the city of Jerusalem. The spectacular view is an awesome spiritual experience as we contemplate our study tour. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Dinner and Overnight - Jerusalem

 

Day 10 Friday – May 31 - Jerusalem, The City of Our King

After breakfast, the group will drive to Shiloh -  if local wisdom tell us that it’s safe to  enter Samaria. Shiloh was an ancient city and sanctuary in Samaria. According to the Hebrew Bible, Shiloh was one of the main centers of Israelite worship during the pre-monarchic period, before the First Temple in Jerusalem was built. After the Israelite conquest of Canaan, the Tabernacle was moved to Shiloh, and remained there during the period of the biblical judges. Shiloh has been positively identified with modern Khirbet Seilun, a tell known in Modern Hebrew as Tel Shiloh. It is located 31 kilometres (19 mi) north of Jerusalem, in the West Bank, to the west of the modern Israeli settlement town of Shilo and to the north of the Palestinian town of Turmus Ayya. Relative to other archaeological sites, it is south of the biblical town of Lebonah and 16 kilometers (10 mi) north of Bethel.  https://www2.cbn.com/news/israel/archaeologist-excited-recent-finds-ancient-shiloh-biblical-site-ark-tabernacle#

Returning from Shilo, we’ll enjoy shopping on Ben Yehuda Street and the Shuk (Mahane Yehuda Market). As time allows, the group may visit the Western Wall again to pray with the Israelis at the beginning of Shabbat (sundown).

• After dinner, students gather in a meeting room for worship and a final session conducted by the professor.

Dinner and Overnight - Jerusalem

 

Day11 Saturday – June 1 - Farewell Dinner

After breakfast, passengers will have time to repack, reflect and prepare to check out of the hotel.Mid-afternoon, enjoy a Farewell Meal, compliments of Epic tours, then, depart Jerusalem to  arrive at the Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv four hours prior to the return flight departure. The airline will depart shortly after midnight at 12:30 am, June 2.  

 

Day 12 Sunday – June 2 - Arrive in USA

Arrived in the USA at 5:15 am to clear immigration and customs. Re-check bags and arrive at the gate for your departure to the destination city.

 

NOTE: Sequence of sites visited may be adjusted to accommodate local openings and/or closing time limitations. Epic Tours reserves the right to change the Itinerary or hotels and/or omit sites based on schedule requirements or local conditions.

 

OPTIONAL

LUXURY VIP JORDANIAN EXPERIENCE

 

Day 11 – Saturday June 1 – The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

After breakfast, those who have opted to enjoy the Jordanian experience will check out of the hotel and journey to Allenby Bridge. They will process out of Israel Immigration and say Shalom to Israel, then, Marhabah to Jordan. After clearing the Jordanian Immigration and Customs, our first stop is in Madaba to view the fifth century mosaic map in a church, then experience the unique craft of hand-made mosaics in a factory/shop. Click to learn more about Madaba

 

Continuing toward Mt. Nebo we stand where Moses saw the Promised Land before he died. Traveling south on the desert highway, we arrive at Petra. 

Dinner and overnight at the Petra Moon Luxury Hotel across from the entrance to Petra.

 

Day12 – Sunday June 2 – PETRA

Rise early and prepare for a four-hour experience in Petra. Wear cool, casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes!

PETRA ... More Than a Wonder!! Click here for more information on Petra

The city of Petra, capital of the Nabataean Arabs, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, it is Located 240 km south of the capital Amman and 120 km north of the red sea town of Aqaba, Petra the world wonder is undoubtedly Jordan's most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction, and it is visited by tourists from all over the world. It is not known precisely when Petra was built, but the city began to prosper as the capital of the Nabataean Empire from the 1st century BC, which grew rich through trade in frankincense, myrrh, and spices. Petra was later annexed to the Roman Empire and continued to thrive until a large earthquake in 363 AD destroyed much of the city in the 4th century AD. The earthquake combined with changes in trade routes, eventually led to the downfall of the city which was ultimately abandoned. By the middle of the 7th century Petra appears to have been largely deserted and it was then lost to all except local Bedouin from the area. In 1812 a Swiss explorer named Johannes Burckhardt set out to ‘rediscover’ Petra; he dressed up as an Arab and convinced his Bedouin guide to take him to the lost city, after this, Petra became increasingly known in the West as a fascinating and beautiful ancient city, and it began attracting visitors and continues to do so today. Petra is also known as the rose-red city, a name it gets from the wonderful color of the rock from which many of the city’s structures were carved. The Nabataeans buried their dead in intricate tombs that were cut out of the mountain sides and the city also had temples, a theater, and following the Roman annexation and later the Byzantine influence, a colonnaded street and churches. In addition to the magnificent remains of the Nabataean city, human settlement and land use for over 10,000 years can be traced in Petra, where great natural, cultural, archaeological and geological features merge. On December 6, 1985, Petra was designated a World Heritage Site, also Petra was chosen by the Smithsonian Magazine as one of the 28 places you should visit before you die. 

After lunch in Petra, we journey toward the Luxury Bedouin Tent Village in Wadi Rum. Upon arriving, we leave the coach and ride open-back jeeps to the camp. Retreat to your private Bedouin style tent with its surrounding expanse of silken sand and luxurious accommodation. Wadi Rum Night camp consist of twenty-five fully equipped luxury tents, each spacious guest tent is luxuriously furnished complete with comfortable king-size, twin, or triple beds, Bedouin sofa, mirrors, lamps, and the finest bed linens. All the furniture is hand-made. There is cozy relaxation area outside the tent to watch the stars at night and drink tea with the Bedouin host.  Electricity is provided in the guest tents in the evenings via solar power. Each tent has a private terrace with a fantastic view over the Wadi Rum Mountains. Dinner awaits you in this unique landscape in the Wadi Rum (Valley of the Moon). It lies in the far south of Jordan, set on a high plateau at the western edge of the Arabian desert. Gargantuan rock formations, rippled sand dunes, and clear night skies create an almost fairy-tale setting across an unpopulated area the size of New York City. This is truly the “reddest” part of Jordan, colored by iron oxide, and by far the most dramatic in terms of landscape.

Overnight in the desert village of Oasis Wadi Rum Luxury Tents 

 

Day 13 – Monday June 3

Before sunrise, our guide takes us across the desert for an optional camel ride (cost is included). Afterward, we board the coach for a four-hour ride to the shores of the Dead Sea. Arrive at our hotel and check in for the experience of a lifetime. This is where you can float in the sea and cover yourself with the healing properties of the black mud. The Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa can't wait to exceed your wildest expectations. Showcasing a picture-perfect location on the sandy shores of the enthralling Dead Sea, the hotel welcomes you with five-star resort lodging and a remarkable assortment of luxury perks. The spacious, stylishly appointed hotel rooms and suites provide sensational views of the Dead Sea, deluxe bedding, and much more. You'll be thrilled with the wide selection of food in the dining room, their multiple heated pools and their cutting-edge signature spa (spa cost not included). Dinner will be waiting!

Overnight: Jordan Valley Marriott Resort and Spa on the shores of the Dead Sea Click here

 

Day 14 – Tuesday June 4 - RELAX!

Ultimately, today offers a chance for leisure and rejuvenation at the Resort. Take the opportunity to float in the sea, indulge in the therapeutic black mud once more, explore the Spa (additional cost applies), take a dip in the pools, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk through the picturesque grounds. Use this day to unpack and reorganize the treasures you've collected during your journey, preparing for the upcoming westward travel. The schedule features only breakfast and dinner, granting you the freedom to relish the day. Have a wonderful time!

Overnight: Jordan Valley Marriott Resort and Spa on the shores of the Dead Sea

 

Day 15 – Wednesday June 5 - CHECK OUT

Following breakfast, complete the check-out process at the Resort and commence the return journey. Depart from Jordan, re-enter Israel, make your way to Jerusalem in the afternoon, and depart for the airport after enjoying a Farewell dinner, ensuring you arrive at least four hours before your flight's scheduled departure. Anticipating your visit to Jerusalem next year: next year in Jerusalem!

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Janet Trout

256 Blue Heron Road

Dover, DE 19904

302-670-1183

janet@myepictours.com

 

Your all-inclusive cost will provide:

• It is the passenger’s responsibility make their own travel arrangements and arrive EWR no later than 7 pm on Wednesday, May 22 for several security clearances prior to check in, and other security clearances after check in. 

• Round trip airfare from Newark NJ Liberty International Airport – EWR

• Epic Tours Rep and the guide will meet your group and escort them throughout the entire tour beginning at Ben Gurion airport upon arrival and departure.

• Escorted group transfers from/to Ben Gurion airport on arrival and departure

• Hotel accommodation - double occupancy. Epic Tours LLC will try to match roommates; however, ET cannot guarantee a roommate will be available. Roommates will be assigned as late as 30 days prior to departure and, if one is not available or you request a single room, the single charge will apply. Single supplement cost is $840. 

• Buffet breakfast and dinner in the hotels throughout the tour.

• 10 day's sightseeing in deluxe motor coach and English-speaking guide per the Itinerary 

• Porterage at the hotels upon arrival and departure

• Entrance fees at all sites per Itinerary

• Tips throughout for the following: porters, dining room, housekeeping, front desk services, guide and driver prior to departure

 

Rate does not include:

• Meals not mentioned above.

• Lunch not included: average cost if you choose to have lunch is $18.

• After dinner coffee, sodas and/or bottled water at meals. (Bottled water on the bus is provided, complements of Epic Tours.)

• Any insurance.

• Anything that is not mentioned above or listed in the Itinerary.

 

Please take note: Additional charges, including those for passports, laundry, beverages during meals, and excess/overweight baggage, are not covered. Baggage allowance includes one checked bag per person, along with one carry-on and one personal item like a purse or backpack – this is the limit! For helpful packing advice, please refer to the Newsletter. Remember, airline baggage weight restrictions apply and any extra charges are the responsibility of the passenger/owner.

 

PLEASE READ ALL TOUR CONDITIONS

YOUR DEPOSIT IS YOUR CONSENT TO ALL TOUR CONDITIONS

 

TOUR PRICE IS PER PERSON AND INCLUDES:

1. Roundtrip economy airfare departing from Newark, NJ (EWR) 

2. Baggage limited to one normal size suitcase which does not exceed forty-four (44) pounds in weight. Personal bags (carry-on, back-pack or purse) is allowed.

3. Arrival and departure group transfer escorted by guides and host.

4. Superior First Class hotel accommodations – Two persons sharing a double or twin bedroom/bath.

5. Touring Biblical sites via deluxe motor coach; English speaking guide

6. Israeli (and Jordanian, if Jordan tour is accepted as option) buffet breakfast, and dinners   daily on tour days; 

7. Entrance Fees per Itinerary

8. TIPS which includes portage at the airport, hotels and gratuities for dining room meals, hotel front desk service, guide and bus driver.

*Lunches, sodas, bottled water and after-dinner coffee is not included.

 

TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

1. PASSPORTS, VISAS, LAUNDRY, WINES, LIQUORS, MINERAL WATER, *LUNCHES AND DINNER COFFEE OR TEA, OR ITEMS THAT DO NOT APPEAR ON THE MENU, PERSONAL ITEMS, AND/OR EXCESSIVE BAGGAGE EXPENSES. (*Lunches: average daily $18/$20 if desired.)

 

BOOKINGS AND TERMS: An initial non-refundable deposit of $400 is required upon making a reservation. The remaining balance must be settled by February 14, 2024. Airline tickets are issued in advance, and hotels need complete payment to secure reservations. Presently, all tourism expenses in Israel have increased and require full payment well ahead of schedules observed a year ago.

 

CANCELLATIONS. In the event an individual cancels their participation in the tour, cancellation must be submitted in writing to Epic Tours LLC. Cancellations received 60 days or less prior to departure will have to pay 80% of the total tour cost from departure city. Cancellations received 30 days or less prior to departure will have to pay 100% of the tour cost from departure city. (*In the event the tour is cancelled for circumstances in the Middle East,  Epic Tours will request a refund from airlines and hotels, however there is no guarantee of a refund after 30 days prior to the tour departure. In any event, 20% of the total will be retained for administrative costs and overseas wire transfer fees.)

 

ACCOMMODATION. The pricing is calculated for double occupancy. Limited single rooms are offered for an extra fee of $840. If passengers do not personally select roommates, EpicTOURS LLC will assign them. Although every attempt will be made to pair roommates, a guaranteed match cannot be assured. Roommate assignments could be confirmed as late as 35 days before departure. If a roommate isn't available, the single occupancy sur- charge will apply.

 

NO SHOW. In the case of cancellation due to medical reasons, a hospital-certified document must be presented and approved by the airlines and suppliers. Refunds, as specified in the Cancellation clause, will be processed based on availability from suppliers, minus an administrative fee of $400.00. It is strongly recommended to have Cancellation Insurance. No reimbursement will be provided for unused services or sightseeing by a tour participant. If the minimum required number of tour members isn't met before departure, EpicTOURS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, modify, or partially change the tour, as deemed necessary by EpicTOURS and its partners. It is affirmed that Epic Tours' sole responsibility is to refund payments made and received pertaining to this tour.

 

RESPONSIBILITY. It is the passenger's duty to acquire a valid passport from their country of origin and/or citizenship. A copy of the photo/date pages should be promptly forwarded to the EpicTOURS office upon registration or as soon as it is obtained. In any circumstance, the copy must be received by the EpicTOURS office no later than 90 days before the departure date.

INSURANCE. It is strongly advised to have Travel and Medical Insurance. 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: By enrolling in this tour, you consent to uphold a positive demeanor and collaborative outlook, and to abide by the decisions made by your tour host(s) concerning the tour schedule and the approach taken toward addressing any unfavorable conduct or reactions. All passengers are obliged to adhere to directives concerning departure times, punctuality, and sticking together as a group throughout the tour. A disruptive and/or uncooperative passenger may be requested to depart the tour at their personal expense.

 

A functional email account is necessary for Registration, Invoicing, Communication, Updates, and Newsletters. A deposit is mandatory alongside the Registration to initiate the process.

 

EpicTOURS and their Agents hold no responsibility or liability for any injuries, property loss, accidents, delays, modifications in schedule or itinerary, or incidental damages resulting from circumstances beyond the control of EpicTOURS, or caused by any individual or factor, encompassing but not restricted to the actions or oversights of third-party service providers or entities involved in this tour, whether wholly or in part, or in the arrangement of such services. The carriers and transportation companies featured in these tours are not accountable for any incidents, oversights, or occurrences when passengers are not aboard their respective modes of transport. The contractual agreement utilized by these companies, once issued, constitutes the binding agreement between said companies and purchasers of these tours and/or passengers. EpicTOURS disclaims any liability or responsibility in relation to this contractual agreement.