Holy Tour & Spiritual Retreat ISRAEL & JORDAN April/ 2019 Heartfelt Hope www.heartfelthope.org.au Mission Travel www.missiontravel.com.au
Quick Overview Location: Israel & Jordan Date: 2017-23days Tues 30th April - Wed 22nd 16 days in Israel & 5 days in Jordan plus 2 days travel time Recommendation: Individuals over 18yrs of age Total: $9,750 all inclusive (per person twin share) ** Flights ex SYD Australia, breakfast & dinners, 3 star hotels, tips, entrance fees, guide, bus travel & tips (* an estimated cost) (*single supplement extra) Fitness Level: Medium Most days will include walking for between 1-3 hours at a relaxed pace Application & Deposit Deadline: Fri 26th October 2018 Late enrolments may be available subject to flight availability. This may incur a slight price change. Why are we going? To learn more about the Bible, the life of Jesus and to understand the culture where Jesus lived and walked. This is a unique opportunity to have a spiritual, educational retreat to deepen your faith. 2
Where will we be going? We will be travelling throughout Jordan and Israel, visiting many famous sites found in the Bible as well as some of the lesser known ones. The tour has been designed to begin in the Old Testament (following the exiled Israelites into the Promised Land) with the promise of a Messiah before retracing the steps and life of Jesus. Therefore we will begin the tour in Jordan, visiting Mt Nebo, Petra, Wadi Rum and staying in a Bedouin tent like the Israelites of the Old Testament. From here we will cross into the Promised Land, visiting many of the towns, sites of the Bible as well as regions where Jesus walked, talked and ministered. As we travel we will be learning about the Bible, creating a sensory understanding of the Jewish culture, Biblical times and the life of Christ. Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jericho, Masada, the Sea of Galilee, Mt Beatitudes, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Garden Tomb, and the Dead Sea are just some of the places we will visit. Our guide will be a national born Christian from the area. Our tour leaders will be Ben & Helen Betz, pastors and missionaries with Heartfelt Hope who have a passion for teaching and running retreats. This combination will create a rich learning background as part of the tour. There will also be an opportunity to attend a local Sabbath service. As part of the tour package, we have also scheduled in some rest days, we have a few events just for fun and there will be a chance to do some shopping. *(To see the full itinerary please read page 8.) What will we do? You will be part of a small team (no more than 16 people) travelling on a faith journey. With our deluxe air conditioned coach we will travel to various destinations to then explore on foot everything from historical ruins to vibrant towns, underground caverns to mountain tops, dry deserts to cool waterfalls. This will give you an opportunity to create a sensory understanding of Scripture and the life of Jesus. You will be able to: Walk where Jesus walked. Step into the Sea of Galilee and the cool streams of Tel Dan. Touch the rock hewn city of Petra, the wailing wall and the vibrant fabrics in the markets of Old Jerusalem. Smell the plants, flowers, breeze and trees surrounding the ancient buildings and historical sites of many Biblical places. Taste the food of the local people & culture. (*Share in the symbolism of a Jewish Shabbat) See & explore the heights of Masada to the Dead Sea below, from Bethlehem to Jerusalem. Pray beside the river Jordan and in the Garden of Gethsemane. Sing at Calvary and at the Garden Tomb. This is a faith journey of a life time. 3
How much does it cost? The cost is $9,750* per person, which includes airfares ex Sydney flying Emirates, visa fees, all accommodation (twin share) in 3 star hotels for the twenty two days of touring, all breakfast & dinner meals, water, transport by air conditioned coach, various activities, all local travel expenses, all entrance fees, tips, having a local tour guide and some special outings. Please note: This price does not include drinks, lunches, laundry, local travel on free days, travel insurance, flight extensions or split offs or the cost of a single person supplement. While we will make every endeavour keep to the price as quoted, airfares, currency exchange, hotel prices and the global money market can change overnight. Therefore the cost per person is essentially not final until the last payment is made in late January. The final payment price will therefore be confirmed by email just before payment is due. You will need to bring enough money to cover lunch meals, drinks, souvenirs and anything you plan to do on your rest day/free day. This might include local transport fees or entrance fees. Who is organising this tour and pilgrimage? This HOPE tour has been organised by Pastors Ben & Helen Betz as part of Heartfelt Hope. Heartfelt Hope is registered NGO and charity with offices in Australia and Uganda. However, they have also been invited to work, visit and encourage communities in other countries. Heartfelt Hope has a focus on faith, health and education. HOPE tours are travel tours which open up peoples eyes to the world in which we live. This particular tour is to inspire and enrich peoples faith journey in Jesus Christ and understanding of Biblical history. * This tour has also been arranged in partnership with Mission Travel. 4
What do I need to know about being there? 1. Accommodation: Is 3 star Hotels or Kibbutz's. Each night you will have a beautiful room with an en-suite. The one exception will be three nights in Petra and Wadi Rum in a Bedouin tent and where you will have a simple room and a shared bathroom. 2. Coach: The bus is air-conditioned, comfortable and roomy. Please note: it does not have a toilet on board. If you need to go urgently please let the leader or guide know and we will always stop for you. 3. Currency: In Jordan the currency is Dinar and in Israel the Shekel. In most situations you will be able to use a local ATM with your key card and have the machine spit out local currency. Sometimes this is a lot easier than exchanging money. The $US may be used in some places and exchanged but generally the local currency is preferred. 4. Electricity: The local power supply and power points are based on 220 volts, the same as Europe. This means you may need an adaptor for some electrical devices and you will need a European power plug. 5. Food: The food in most places will be of a high standard. The hotels and restaurants are used to catering for groups and the Middle East in general is known for careful food preparation. If you have a weak stomach stick to cooked foods or foods which have a skin on and can be peeled and avoid food from small street stalls. 6. Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes which are not too tight and will allow you to do lots of walking on both gravel paths, open fields and town streets. 7. Holy Sites: There will be many occasions when we are entering religious holy sites, therefore we need to dress modestly. This means no singlet tops and no short shorts for both men and women. Rather knee length shorts/skirts or T-shirts/collared shirts are best. If you want to wear a singlet top, please carry an over shirt with you. 8. Itinerary: We will endeavour to stick to our schedule as closely as possible but there may be times when we have to amend our itinerary. We will always seek to do what is best in the overall interest and wellbeing of everyone on tour. 9. Laundry: The first week of the tour we are moving around, so there will be no opportunity for washing clothes. Please pack with this in mind. There will be time to get washing done in Nazareth (3 nights), Tiberias (3 nights) and Jerusalem (6 nights). 5
10. Photos: Take lots of photos but be careful about taking photos of other people. Some people may get angry to find you taking photos of them without permission. 11. Phone: International calls can be expensive and often it is cheaper to acquire a local SIM card to put in your phone rather than use international roaming. Another option is to use wifi for Skype of Face Time calls which are free when you call home. 12. Safety: Always stay with the group. If you go to the bathroom or a shop please tell someone. On your rest/free days we suggest you travel in pairs or as a small group. 13. Sickness: Please make sure you bring enough prescribed medications with you to cover the full duration of the trip and any other regular medication you take as medication can very from country to country. Bringing a script from home can also be helpful if a problem arises. If you are feeling sick please tell your team leaders immediately. 14. Sun Protection: It is important everyone has a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen on them at all times. In some of the places of the ruins, you are out in the open with no shade. 15. Teeth: We recommend using bottled water to brush your teeth. 16. Time: Please make sure you have an accurate watch and you are at the bus on time after each stop. Running late could alter our schedule for the whole day. 17. Toilets: There will be plenty of places to use a rest room or bathroom. Should you need to go urgently please simply let your leaders or tour guide know. In some places the toilet will be free but in other places it is a small fee. Therefore it is helpful to have some coins on hand at all times. 18. Vaccines: It is highly recommended you have Hep A & Hep B vaccines and Typhoid vaccine completed 4-6 weeks prior to departure time. Please see your GP in January to organise a schedule for vaccines if needed. 19. Valuables: We recommend leaving valuables and expensive jewellery at home. What you do bring, please keep on you at all times or keep stored in the hotel safe. 20. Wifi: Most the hotels and restaurants have wifi. Some will allow you free access for a short time and after that you may have to pay for extra time for browsing the net. 21. Water: Avoid water or drinks which aren t in a sealed bottle or have not been boiled. Hot drinks and drinks in sealed containers are best. Whilst there is a high water standard there it can take a while getting used to other tap water so it is best avoided. It is important to stay hydrated and to keep up your fluids especially when we are in the desert or have been walking. 22. Weather: The weather can get as low as 10* at night and as high as 30* in the desert, with averages expected around 25*. Mostly you will need light clothes for warm weather but the plane trip will be cool as will some nights so bring some jackets and long sleeves. 6
Checklist of things to bring: Valid Passport (no less than 6 months expirer from exit) Airline Ticket (Take your copy with you. We will also take a copy) Travel Itinerary Travel Insurance Details and Contact Number 2 Photocopies of passport, birth certificates & marriage certificates, one set to take with you and the other left in Australia with a family member. A money belt Luggage A small day backpack or bag Light, cotton clothing including some long sleeved garments A couple of warmer items for cool nights (jumper or jacket) Cotton underwear (nylon underwear is best avoided in the heat!!!) Good strong walking shoes as well as thongs and crocs/sandals Chose socks which are not tight and improve circulation for both the plane and for walking Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen Swimmers & travel towel Some laundry powder and a few pegs may be helpful to wash smalls to dry if you want to avoid laundry fees Toiletries and any personal medication you may need while away Basic personal first aid, panadol, bandaids, antiseptic cream & sani-gel Earplugs! Multi vitamins and some small favourite snacks Insect Repellent. (We recommend high quality natural repellents for use. Ego s Moove Natural is one we recommend.) Bible, this is essential. With clothing remember cotton and loose is best. Also remember dark or black shirts attract the heat which may not be helpful when it is really hot. You are allowed 30 kgs of baggage plus another 5 kgs hand luggage, but we encourage you to pack lighter otherwise you are pulling a heavy suitcase every where AND there will be no room for souvenirs on the return journey. 7
Sun 28 th April Mon 29 th April Tues 30 th April Wed 1st Thurs 2nd Fri 3rd Sat 4th Depart Sydney Arrive Jordan Lunch City Tour Larsa Hotel Madaba Mt Nebo, Machaerus Mujib Chalets Wadi Mujib Shobak Castle Seven Wonders Full Day Petra Seven Wonders Sun 5th Full Tour Wadi Rum SACRED SPACE Captains Desert Sun 12th Sea Galilee Boat Ride Tabgha, Capernaum Mt Beatitudes Ginosar Sun 19th Prayer & Praise Rest Reflect Mission Spot Church Service International Prayer Centre Mon 6th Cross to Israel Desert Timna Tabernacle Tel Arad Kibbutz Ein Gedi Mon 13th Tel Dan Caesarea Philippi SACRED SPACE Banias Korazim Ginosar Mon 20th FREE DAY Tues 7th Masada Qumran Dead Sea Ein Gedi Springs Kibbutz Ein Gedi Tues 14th FREE DAY Ginosar Village Tues 21st Sheikh Hussein Border Cross into Jordan Depart Jordan Wed 8th Mt Scopus Herodion, Bethlehem Shepherds Field, Church of the Nativity. Bethlehem Wed 15th Beit Shean Wailing Wall Burnt house Tower of David Holy Land Hotel, Jerusalem Wed 22nd Arrive Sydney Thurs 9th Jaffa Caesarea Maritima Mt Carmel SACRED SPACE Nazareth Thurs 16th Neot Kedumim Davidson Centre City of David Hezekiah Tunnels Holy Land Hotel, Jerusalem Thurs 23rd Fri 10th Mary s Well Mary s Spring Basilica Mt Precipice Cana Nazareth Fri 17th Passion of Christ Upper Room House of Ciaphias St Anne Zion Sisters Via Dolorosa Holy Sepulchre Fri 24th Sat 11th Mt Tabor, Tel Meggido Sepphoris Nazareth Sat 18th Awe & Wonder Mt Olives Gethsemane Garden tomb Baptismal Site- Jordan River Sat 25th Holy Land Hotel, Jerusalem Holy Land Hotel, Jerusalem FLY OUT 8