WMW Group

with

Jessica Marquez

&

Dr. Janet Trout 

Israel – The Holy Land

September 2 - 12, 2024

$TBD

  per person/double occupancy

 

 

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

​

DAY 1 Monday, September 2, 2024

Today, we board our flight to the land of the Bible, Israel! 

• The passengers will depart EWR Newark -Liberty International Airport, New Jersey.  It is the passenger’s responsibility to arrive EWR a minimum of four hours prior to departure.

 

Day 2   Tuesday, September 3

Arrive Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv, Israel 

After deplaning, all passengers will follow instructions to proceed to Immigration. Then, they will proceed to the Baggage Claim beltway to retrieve luggage, double checking that all luggage is in their possession. Continue to the Exit and the Epic Tours staff will greet you in the public arrival area and lead the group to the coach. This process could take an hour or more, depending on long/short lines. 

 

Boarding the deluxe motor coach, we journey to Jaffa, a municipality in the south of Tel Aviv, Israel. It has one of the world’s oldest ports. Once known as the “Bride of the Sea” because of its location along the Mediterranean; it’s been in constant use for several thousand years. Jaffa is a natural harbor that has held great military and monetary significance since its inception, with a broad view of the coastline that allowed for easy departure and defense. The Egyptians even controlled the area for quite some time.

 

The Bible speaks of Jaffa many times, first in Joshua 19:46. It was the port used by Solomon to build the Temple (2 Chronicles 2:16) and where Jonah left for Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). In the New Testament, Tabitha (Dorcas) was brought back to life by Peter in Joppa (Acts 9:36). Soon after, God gave Peter the vision of the unclean animals and commanded him to preach the Gospel to Gentiles and Jews alike (Acts 11:4-17).

 

 We will lunch in the Jaffa area, then travel past the city of Tel Aviv to the hotel. 

 

Arriving at the hotel in Netanya in the late afternoon, the group will be checked in by the Epic Tours staff. Passengers will be given stickers with their name and room number. Place it on your checked bag that the porters have unloaded from the coach and lined up on the sidewalk. 

 

Go to your assigned room and relax! Your bag will be delivered to your door shortly. You will spend one night in this hotel. Get some rest from your journey and prepare for dinner around 6:30-7 p.m.. You are 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! There will be an opportunity to meet, get acquainted, pray, reflect and anticipate the next day. Sisters Marquez will provide a brief WORD in the evening after dinner. 

Epic Tours staff will brief the group about the times for wake-up call, breakfast and departure.   We rest from the long journey and prepare for your first full day of touring.

Overnight in Netanya

 

Day 3  Wednesday, September 4

 Caesarea/Mt. Carmel/Tel-Megiddo/Nazareth Village/Mt. Precipice/Tiberias

We awake in the Holy Land to a sumptuous Israeli breakfast buffet, then board the deluxe motor coach heading 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 Baal and where God answered by fire.  Continuing we drive through the Valley of Jezreel (Google: Valley of Jezreel for information) - the prophetic future site of the battle of Armageddon. 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 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”. Descending from the Nazareth hill country, arrive the Galilee. Check in to the hotel and prepare for dinner.

Overnight: The Galilee 

 

 

Day 4     Thursday, September 5

 Explore The Galilee- Lake Kineret/ Magdala/Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum/Mount of the Beatitudes/Tabgha

After another great Israeli breakfast, we start our day by stepping aboard a Galilee boat for a calm cruise on the sea to enjoy an incredible worship service with the Word by Sister Marques (or her designate). It is a life changing experience. For many pilgrims to the Holy Land, this is one of the most memorable. Later, we disembark at Ginosar for a short trip to Capernaum, the hometown of Jesus during his ministry. We visit the home of the Apostle Peter where Jesus healed his mother-in-law. Visit 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 by one of the group ministers on the mount where the greatest sermon ever was preached. As we journey to the sites, we will view Mt. Arabel as well as the “pig jump” of the Gadara.  We proceed to our baptismal site located on the Jordan River, Yardenit, for those who wish to be baptized or renew baptism in the river Jordan. After baptism, we return to the hotel where another Israeli buffet is presented with an amazing variety of food for our dinner.

Overnight: The Galilee

  

Day 5  Friday, September 6

 Jordan Valley, Beit Shean, Qumran, Ein Gedi, Masada, the Dead Sea, then to Jerusalem

After breakfast, we 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 to Jericho, the “City of Palms” spreading out on the west side of the Jordan River at 825 feet below sea level. The Bible site of Tell es-Sultan is in the distance, and it is the city that 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. Continuing south through the wilderness of Judea, we will arrive Masada around or before noon and  ascend by cable car to  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. For those who want to experience floating in the Dead Sea, the coach will stop at an appropriate place. Changing facilities are available. Then, we leave the lowest point on earth which is 1360 feet below sea level. Ending our day, journey up the wilderness of Judea where Jesus spent 40 days after his baptism by John, near Jericho, to arrive in Jerusalem, hopefully before sunset, and to feast our souls and eyes on the most sacred spot on earth. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, lift your voice and sing, Hosanna to our King! Check in our hotel.

Dinner and Overnight: Jerusalem 

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Day 6 Saturday, September 7

Jerusalem/ Mt Olives/Garden of Gethsemene/Hulda Gates/Southern Steps excavations  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem

 

A breathtaking view of the Temple Mount (Mt. Moriah Genesis 22:2) is seen from the Mount of Olives. (8 am) 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. Prayer in a private garden at 9:30 am.

Driving to Mt. Zion, we visit the room of the Last Supper, also known as the site of the Upper Room, and the traditional site of the Tomb of King David, we take a short walk through the Jewish Quarter to visit the Temple Institute at 1 pm.  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. 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. We walk the Via Dolorosa, the route that Jesus took between his condemnation by Pilate and his crucifixion and burial.

Dinner and Overnight - Jerusalem

 

Day 7 Sunday, September 8     Jerusalem, Old City

We will visit one of the most incredible sites in all of Judaism: (7:30 am) The Temple Mount. It is here where Temple era came to an abrupt halt as it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. 

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 (10 am) 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. Visiting the Southern Wall, we can see the most recent excavations and the steps leading up to Hulda’s Gates.

After lunch, and before returning to the hotel, we have a shopping opportunity at Jerusalem Gates store.  

Return to the hotel for dinner and an after-dinner class.

 

Day Monday, September 9    Jerusalem

Today we visit the City of David at 9 am 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. 

Visiting the House of Caiaphas, site of Peter’s denial of Jesus, we see the original steps that lead from the Room of the Last Supper, across Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane. 

In the afternoon, we travel to Bethlehem to visit the Shepherd’s Fields, the fields of Boaz and the church of the Nativity. A great shopping opportunity is in Bethlehem with our Palestinian brethren.

Return to the hotel in Jerusalem.

Dinner and overnight-Jerusalem

 

Day 9 Tuesday, September 10

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.

 

 After lunch, we go to the  Clal Building, the Epic Tours office, the International Biblical Institute of Jerusalem (IBCJ) and the offices of the UPCI representatives and saints in Israel. The facility overlooks the city of Jerusalem.

 

The classroom provides an opportunity for the group to reflect on the tour and will give the Bible college professor time to wrap up the reviews and assignments. After the class, the group will be joined by the saints attending the Saturday service. A worship and Word service will bless our Israeli brethren. Return to the hotel

Dinner and Overnight

 

Day 10 Wednesday September 11

Today, the group will ascend the steps to the wall surrounding the old city of Jerusalem. Sister Marqueq will lead the group in praying over the Holy City of Jerusalem. The group will spend time on Ben Yahuda Street and the the Shuk, the famous market of Jerusalem.

Dinner and Overnight 

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Day 11 Thursday, September 12

• After breakfast and a late check out of the hotel.

• Mid-afternoon, we will leave for the airport, enjoying a Farewell Dinner on the way.

• Check-in time will be announced as soon as flight details are available.

• Departure time may be shortly after midnight, creating Day 12 – Friday.

• Arrive in the USA and clear immigration and customs. Re-check bags, if necessary, 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.

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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 to make their travel arrangements to the departure city and to arrive four hours prior to announced check in time. 

• Round trip airfare from departure city.

• 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 to be announced. 

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

• 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.

• Single room

 

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 from departure city.

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 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 are 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 January 13, 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. 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.