March 12^th, Saturday/Shabbat…Day 3

MED. COAST/MT. CARMEL/LOWER GALILEE/SEA OF GALILEE

~Visit ancient Roman Caesarea Maritina of Paul’s  imprisonment and Peter’s “Gentile Pentecost”.  See the theater where Paul  was tried and walk thru the Roman and Crusader ruins beside the beautiful Mediterranean Coast.

-Driving to a peak on Mt Carmel, we visit Muhraka, where Elijah had his contest with Jezebel’s Baal prophets.

~From Mt. Carmel we view the Valley of Jezreel and recall the Elijah/Ahab contest.

~Visiting ancient Megiddo we recall the 21 battles of the OT that were fought in this valley. The view is an unforgettable panorama of prophecy. Before us is the Armageddon battlefield of Revelation. We will view the Canaanite ruins, cultic altar and visit the chariot stables of King Solomon and Ahab. 

~Crossing the Valley of Jezreel, we pass Mt. Moreh and Nain where Je­sus raised the widow’s son to life.  En Dor is located at the base of Mt. Tabor and is where King Saul visited the witch the night before his death on Mt. Gilboa.

-Nazareth Village has been reconstructed to resemble the boyhood town of Jesus.

~We drive thru traditional Cana where Jesus called Nathanael and later performed His first miracle by changing the water into wine. 

~Descending to the Sea of Galilee (686’ below sea level) we proceed to our seaside hotel.

Ron Beach Hotel (1^st night) on the Sea of Galilee.

 

March 13^th, Sunday…Day 4

SEA OF GALILEE AND THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

~We begin our Sabbath day with an incredible view of the north end of the Sea of Galilee from the top of Mt. Arabel.

Here we get our first orientation of the important sites of Jesus’ Galilean ministry.  Then we make our way past Migdal, the home of Mary Magdalene, and enter the beautiful Valley of Ginnosar where Jesus preached and healed.

~Next stop is Tabgha, the traditional site where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish and fed the 4,000.

~Skirting the shore of the Sea of Galilee we view the natural amphitheater where Jesus often taught the hungry crowds who came to Him.  It was probably here that our Risen Lord confronted His disciples after they had fished all night.

~Capernaum, the headquarters of Jesus’ ministry for 2 ½ years in Galilee, will highlight this day.  Here Jesus was the Teaching Rabbi of the synagogue.  Here He called His disciples, taught many parables, performed miracles, raised Jairus’ daughter to life and taught on The Bread of Life in the synagogue.

~Busing into the hills of Lower Galilee we pause to overlook the Mount of Beatitudes and recall Jesus’ teachings in His “Sermon on the Mount”.

~We proceed to the basalt town of Korazin.  Here we will visit the synagogue where Jesus taught and see the Seat of Moses.  In this chair, Jesus unrolled the scroll before reading the prescribed Scripture for that Sabbath.      

~After a lunch of St. Peter’s Fish on the eastern shore at Ein Gev, we will visit the Gentile Decapolis of Jesus’ day.  Here we stop at Kursi to see the place where, tradition says, Jesus cast the demons out of the man into a herd of swine.  

~On this east side of the Jordan we drive north to Bethsaida home of Peter, Andrew, James and John and Zebedee’s fishing company.  Archaeologists tell us in Jesus’ day that the city was located on the Jordan River.  Excavations have revealed fishing docks at the foot of the city.

~Driving west we climb the mountains to first century Gamala.  This unique mountain city has been called “The Masada of Galilee”.  Here thousands died during the Roman conquest of Galilee.  Our guide will share the history of Gamala, from a

mountain overlooking the incredible site. This is a good place for small binoculars and telephoto lens.  Lack of time, and physical ability of our group, will not allow us to descend/and then, climb the treacherous path to the abandoned city.  Returning through the southern Golan Heights, we pause at Kefr Heruv (Karob) for a sunset view of the Sea of Galilee.

Ron Beach Hotel, (2^nd night) at the Sea of Galilee.

  After our evening meal, you may want to sit by the Sea, or walk into Tiberias for dessert and coffee.

 

March 14^TH, Monday…Day 5

 HULEH BASIN/UPPER GALILEE/GOLAN HEIGHTS

~Entering Upper Galilee we drive thru the Huleh Basin past ancient Hazor and proceed to OT Laish/Dan.

~Walking through the Dan Nature Preserve, most are amazed by the beautiful headwaters of the Jordan River.           

~We will visit OT Dan, the Hill of the Judge. The excavations include, the altar where the golden calf  was worshiped by Israel, under Jereboam, and the amazing city walls.

~We drive to Caesarea Philippi where Peter  said to Jesus, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God".  Jesus brought his disciples to this Roman cultic center near “the gates of hell”.  There He asked them, “who do you say that I AM?”

~We believe our Lord   was Transfigured on Mt. Hermon.  Our bus will drive through the foothills, as we view the snow capped Mt. Hermon.

~Overlooking the Jordan Valley from the Golan, we will recall the Arab/Israel conflict from 1948-1973.

  ~Driving along a section of the Damascus Road, we recall Rabbi Saul   meeting our Risen Lord.   We make our way to the present capital of the Golan Heights, Qazrin. After lunch we…

~Visit Qazrin’s reconstructed NT Village, to view life in the days of Jesus. This will be followed by a powerful visual documentary on Gamala’s destruction by the Romans.

~Driving through the Golan tableland, we understand the agricultural and strategic military importance of the Golan Heights.  It must remain in Israel’s hands. If time allows, we will visit the ancient  hot baths and Herod’s Palace in Tiberias.

Ron Beach, (3^rd night) at the Sea of Galilee.

Evening Options: See Tiberias’ diamond center, or have coffee by moonlight by the Sea.

 

March 15^th, Tuesday…Day 6

 SEA OF GALILEE BY BOAT/ JESUS’ YESHIVA/ ACCO / JORDAN BAPTISM

~After seeing the Jesus Boat, we will embark from Ginnosar for a morning boat tour of the north end of the Sea of Galilee, viewing the important places of Jesus’ ministry.  We will recall the storms, miracles and His teaching by the shoreline.  We will discuss the natural amphitheater where we believe Jesus often taught large crowds.

~Entering Lower Galilee we make our way to Sepphoris, the Roman capital of Galilee during His ministry. We believe Our Lord attended Jewish Yeshiva/Seminary at the Sepphoris synagogue, and was recognized as a well educated and honored Rabbi.  The Galilean Rabbinical Council was the group to appoint Him as Teaching Rabbi to the synagogues at the northern end of the Sea of Galilee.  Nearby we will overlook the Netofa Valley, where we believe Cana of Jesus day was located (Cana means “place of reeds”).  

~After lunch in ancient Acco we will visit the Crusader ruins of the city, walk the Mediterranean Sea walls, stroll through the underground Crusader passages and view the fortresses and moats.  We will learn of this Crusader capital of the Holy Land and of Israel’s military feats in the War of Liberation ’48.

~A visit to Beit Shearim in the Jezreel Valley brings us to burial caves of the second century AD, when the city was home to Israel’s Sanhedrin.  The Mishna was compiled here.  There are over 200 sarcophagi with beautiful Jewish carvings.

~Driving to the southern end of the Sea of Galilee, our tour will close the day at a baptismal site on the Jordan River.  Your Baptism in the Jordan River must be arranged with Bob, or pastors on our tour beforehand.

Ron Beach, (4^th night) at the Sea of Galilee

Warning: You may leave part of your heart at the Sea of Galilee…use your last evening and last morning well.

 

March 16^th, Wednesday…Day 7

JORDAN VALLEY/ WILDERNESS OF JUDEA/DEAD SEA

~Descending from the Sea of Galilee, we begin our drive through the Jordan River Valley to an amazing OT and Roman ruin…Beit Shean, the only Decapolis city west of the Jordan. The excavations reveal a first century Roman city with temples, baths, a black basalt theater, and  hippodrome.  Strolling her streets, you experience this incredible city of Jesus’ day. The OT tel rises above the Roman ruins, to the east.  There Saul and Jonathan’s bodies were hung on the city gate.

~Nearby, at the foot of Mt. Gilboa , where Saul and Jonathan died, we will visit Gideon’s Spring.  Here God chose the 300 men for Gideon’s army.

~An hour and a half drive takes us through the beautiful Jordan River Valley.  The country of Jordan lies to our east, and the Mountains of Samaria rise to the west.

~We pass ancient Jericho (now in PLO hands) and recall her Biblical significance, before we descend to the Dead Sea.  To the west the mountains of Wilderness of Judea tower above us.

~The Dead Sea, 1,300’ below sea level, is the lowest point on planet earth. The rainfall here is less than 4” per year.  This area is truly “a dry and thirsty land”.

~From a distance, we will view and discuss the location of ancient Gilgal, which lies just north of the Dead Sea.  Gilgal was, and is, the largest of all Jewish cities in history.

~Near here where the Jordan River enters the Dead Sea was the location where John the Baptist ministered, and Our Lord was baptized.

~Skirting the west side of the Dead Sea, we note the cave where archaeologist, Vendyl Jones, has searched for the Ashes of the Red Heifer,  and the Temple Treasures, near Wadi ha Kippah.  Some say the movie Indiana Jones was written about Vendyl’s experiences, but greatly embellished.

~After lunch we visit the ruins of Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.  Our guide will tell the story of the Sect of the Wilderness of Judea, who lived here.  From the study of these scrolls, many today believe Qumran was a “pre-Christian” community.

~From the overlook of Ein Gedi/the Spring of the Wild Goats, we recall David  hiding from King Saul in the mountain caves, near the springs and pools. 

~Just south of our hotel lies the area, where many believe, Sodom and Gomorrah once thrived.  Today the area is worked by chemical mining operations, covering the entire south end of the Sea.

Overnight at our Dead Sea Resort Hotel (1 night).  Relax and enjoy the Dead Sea spas.

 

 

March 17^th, Thursday…Day 8

MASADA/WILDERNESS OF JUDEA/JERUSALEM

Option: ~Our “bravest  warriors” may hike to the top of Mt. Masada. 

~The “more sensible” will take the cable car to the top about 8:00A.M. 

~The “really weary” may enjoy the hotel spas, and take a taxi to meet our bus after the others have visited Masada.

~Masada is the most important mountain in history.  You will hear the incredible story of the Jewish Freedom Fighters who held out against the Romans in 73AD.  The story of the struggle, the excavations, and the view from the top over the Wilderness and the Dead Sea will long burn in your memory as a highlight of the tour.  From here one can also see modern Jordan, Edom, the Arabah Valley, and the Negev to the south.

~We drive past NT Jericho, the site of Herod’s Winter Palace and enter the awesome Wilderness of Judea.

Note: Since Jericho is under Palestinian control, we will not visit there.

~Traveling on, and beside the ancient Jericho Road of Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan, we ascend 3,500’ thru the Wilderness of Judea to…

The Holy City of Jerusalem.

~From the Mount of Olives there is an incredible panoramic view of the Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock, the Golden Gate, the ancient Walls of Jerusalem, and the Kidron Valley. Our guide will present a marvelous presentation of the Biblical and historical events related to the most important city in our world, Jerusalem.  His overview will cover pre-Biblical Jerusalem, through the OT and NT events in the city.  He will update us from Biblical events to the present.

~We will walk down the traditional path of Jesus’ Triumphant Entry and make our way to the brink of the Kidron to worship in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Here we will recall Jesus’ Agony, prior to His Trials and the Cross.

We will proceed to our beautiful Jerusalem Olive Tree Hotel (1^st night).

                                                                       

Note: While in Jerusalem…

Our guide, Yehuda Hecht, and his family have lived in Jerusalem since the 12^th century AD.  He has carefully planned our itinerary choosing the best days and times to experience his hometown.  We expect that every site will be seen but not in the order printed.  We leave Jerusalem in his capable hands. Yehuda must coordinate scheduling of our visits to Rabbi’s Tunnel and Shabbat open sites.  Thus, every itinerary in Jerusalem is different.                   

 

 

March 18^th, Friday…Day 9

THE PASSION WEEK, IN THE STEPS OF JESUS

~Our tour day begins at the House of Caiphas, the place of Jesus’ early trials.  Here Peter  denied Him three times. This is where Jesus  was caned by the Jews with 39 stripes. At each location today, we will recall Jesus’ Trials and Suffering for us.

~We will briefly visit the traditional Upper Room and David’s Tomb.

~The Citadel (Herod’s Palace) - Here the Wise Men had asked Herod about Jesus’ birth. Later, Jesus first Roman trial was before Pontius Pilate, then He was sent to Herod Antipas, who returned Him to Pilate at…

~The Tower of Antonia, the Praetorium, and Pilate's Judgment Hall.   Here our Lord Jesus was tried twice before Pilate, beaten by the Roman Cohort, received the crown of thorns, and took up His cross.  We will see the King’s Game inscribed on the Pavement stones, near Pilate's Judgment Seat.   The Ecce Homo Arch, nearby, is where Pilate told the Jews "Behold, the man".

~The Ecce Homo begins the traditional Via Dolorosa which continues to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the traditional Catholic site of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.  After walking the Stations of the Cross, we visit the church.

                                                         

Shop the Bazaar, in the Old City of Jerusalem, and have lunch.

 

CALVARY/THE GARDEN TOMB

 ~After lunch, we drive past the Damascus Gate, to Calvary and the Garden Tomb.  We believe this is the most reliable site for Jesus’ Crucifixion, Burial and Resurrection.  Here in the Garden we will recall Jesus’ Crucifixion, Burial, and Resurrection.  Here we will Worship, Celebrate the Lord’s Supper and allow for personal devotional time in the Garden.

~If time allows, we will walk to the Damascus Gate, visit the museum and climb to the top of the wall of the city for a view of Calvary and the city of Jerusalem.

~Our bus will drop those who desire at the Dung Gate, to visit the Wailing Wall, for worship, before Shabbat begins at sundown.  This Wailing Wall group will taxi back to our hotel, on their own.

Jerusalem’s Olive Tree Hotel for our special Shabbat meal, (2^nd night).

 

 

March 19^th, Saturday/Shabbat..Day 10, “Shabbat Shalom”

BETHLEHEM/HERODIUM

~In order to cross the Israel/Palestinian check point and enter Bethlehem, we must change to an Arab bus and have an Arab guide.  Our dear friend, Suzan Sahori, will provide a guide friend, and coordinate our day.

~We will briefly visit the traditional place of Jesus’ birth, the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem Square.  The church was built by Queen Helena, and is the second oldest in the Christian world. 

~We proceed to traditional Shepherd’s Field in Beit Sahori. As we worship, we will discuss Jesus’ Birth in detail. 

In Bethlehem, we will visit olive wood shops, and enjoy a traditional Arab meal, all arranged by Suzan.

 

Returning to Israel’s side, we will meet Yehuda and proceed to…

~Herod’s man-made mountain, the Herodium, built with slave labor.  Jesus referred to the “kings in their palaces”.  Herod constructed two palaces at the Herodium.  Here, he prepared for his elaborate funeral.  But, his tomb has only recently discovered. From the rim, we have an incredible view of Bethlehem, the Wilderness of Judea, and the Negev of Israel. 

 

We will return to Jerusalem to our Olive Tree Hotel, (3^rd night).

 

March 20^th, Sunday…Day 11

JERUSALEM’S OLD CITY/ TEMPLE MOUNT/ Crusader’s VIA DOLOROSA

~As the political situation allows, we will begin our day on the Temple Mount for a lecture about the Temple's historical background.  Here we will see the Moslem Mosque of El Aksa and the Dome of the Rock.  We believe the Dome of the Spirits is where the Holy of Holies, and Temple may have stood on Mt. Moriah/Mt. Zion. Thus, this was the location of Solomon, Ezra and Herod’s Temples.  Here Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac and the mount became the site of sacrifices for the nation of Israel across the pages of the Hebrew Scriptures (OT).  Our Lord laid down His life at the north end of this mount, Psalm 48:2.  Here we will view the Golden Gate (Gate “Beautiful”) of the Temple complex.

 ~Standing before the Lion’s Gate, we focus on the importance of Israel returning to the Holy City in June of 1967. That was “the end of the Age of the Gentiles”.  Our guide, Yehuda, led his battalion thru this gate in the war.

 ~We then proceed to the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed the lame man.  Here we will visit the Crusader Church of St. Anne and experience the incredible acoustics.

 

JEWISH QUARTER/ NEW JERUSALEM

~In the afternoon, we will walk the streets where Jesus walked, as we visit the Southern Excavations of the Temple, where Jesus and His disciples entered the Temple in the first century.  You will see the place of the Shofar Blowing, and where the Tabernacle stood in David’s day.

~Then, we will descend through King David’s City, thru the Jebusite water system, Joab’s Tunnel, and exit at the new excavations at the Pool of Siloam, near Hezekiah’s Tunnel.

 

Note:  We hope arrangements can be made to walk thru Hezekaiah’s Tunnel, and meet the rest of our tour group at the Spring of Siloam.  This is a wet tunnel, about knee-deep.  Digging from both ends, the workers of Hezekiah’s day meet in the middle, beneath Mt Opel.  The hike is an unforgettable 45 minute experience.  But one must plan ahead, with old tennis shoes, a towel, and a good flash light.

We overnight at our Jerusalem’s Olive Tree Hotel (4^th night).

 

March 21^st, Monday…Day 12

THE NEW CITY OF JERUSALEM/SHEPHLAH/PHILISTIA

~Driving to the New City of Jerusalem we begin our day at Yad Vashim (the Holocaust Museum).

Warning…you will not come out the same person you were when you entered.

~We proceed to the Israel Museum, to study the amazing Model of 1^st Century Jerusalem, the Shrine of the Book (Museum of the Dead Sea Scrolls), and view the giant Bronze Menorah near Israel’s Kenesset. 

After lunch in the New City of Jerusalem,

~We depart Jerusalem through winding roads which bring us to a small wadi , called the Valley of Elah.  Here David slew Goliath and routed the Philistines. Yehuda will show us as much of Philistia as time allows.

~Entering Israel’s Shephelah, we pass the area of Samson's exploits.  His birthplace, Zorah and tomb at Eshtaol, rise above the Valley of Sorek, where he courted Delilah. 

~Stopping at Beth Shemesh, we recall that the Ark of the Tabernacle being sent from Philistia, thru this Valley back to Israel.  To our northwest is Timnah, where Samson celebrated his marriage to Delilah.  In this area, was the Cave of Adullam, where David  retreated from Saul,  and trained his renown “mighty men”.

 

NOTE: Be prepared for your love gift, and words of “Thanks” to our Guide and Driver in our closing Group Time.

Overnight at our Jerusalem Olive Tree Hotel (5^th night).

 

March 22^nd, Tuesday…Day 13

RABBIS TUNNEL/ NEW JERUSALEM/ JOPPA/RETURN FLIGHT

~Yehuda will try to schedule our visit to the Rabbi’s Tunnel on our last day.  Here we will get a close-up study of the enormous Herodian stones supporting the Temple Wall of Jesus’ day.

~We proceed to Ammunition Hill, the Jordanian stronghold of 1967.  Learn of that aspect of the June ’67 War in Jerusalem.

~After lunch, we will go to Mahane Yehuda to stroll and shop in the colorful Jewish market.  Relax and enjoy life among the Israelis in the Holy City.  It is a great place to visit with your new friends before the return flight.

~Departing Jerusalem, we will make our way to the Mediterranean Sea Coast and the port of Joppa.  He Jonah set sail to escape God’s call, and later Peter had his roof-top vision at Simon the Tanner’s home.  We will absorb the local color of the quaint streets of this artist colony, view the world’s oldest port, shop, relax, and view the beautiful Mediterranean sunset.  We will have our last Israeli meal (this one, on our own) in one of the quaint open air restaurants.  Then, we head to the airport

for our return flight.                                                 "Shalom Israel!"

 

Delta flight departs Israel at 11:25 PM…Over night is compliments of Delta.

 

Mar. 23^rd, Wednesday…Day 14…Arrives Atlanta 5:40 AM, Arrives D/FW 8:09 AM.

 

NOTE:

 

If you can’t possibly go with us on this tour…We have an earlier tour Feb. 16-Mar. 1^st. Encourage a friend, or family member, by sharing this itinerary with them.

You will never give them a greater gift, than encouraging them to go to Israel with us.

Eleven Full, Thrilling, Study Days in Israel

March 10-23^rd for $ 3,922.*

       *Based on 30 minimum.  Add Air Taxes & Tips, presently $510 (Exact amount depends on US dollar).

Expect: Outstanding Hotels, Deluxe Coach and Incredible Food

·         Your black and white Bible will change into Living Color

·         A new understanding of Middle East politics and Biblical end times.

·         A deeper love for the Lord, His Word, His Land, and His People.

·         Best Israeli Guide, Yehuda Hecht.  This is our 31^st  tour…we know.

·         Yehuda will share the Historical, Geographical, and Archaeological information.

·         Bob will share The Jewishness of Jesus, Inspiration, and Bible Color.

·         Bob and our guide combine 94 years of study, research, and experiences in Israel.

For a Tourist…Israel may be the safest place on earth.

·        No nation has better security.  No nation is better prepared for terrorism.

·        Never has a person on an organized tour been attacked, or injured by a terrorist.

·        Israel averages 1.5 to 2 million tourists per year. That is quite a record!

Why should you choose our tour?

                    It is Not…a typical “canned tour”, visiting 3-4 sites per day.

                    It is Not… A traditional “Pilgrimage to the Holy Land”, visiting numerous churches.

                             Our Focus is…God’s Word, His Land, our Jewish Messiah,

                                       And…God’s Miracle…Restoring Israel and His People.

 

Trip Details…

Deposits of $500 per person are due Nov. 8th

(Remember, we are taking a maximum of 44 persons on this tour, and it is filling fast)

The Final Total Balance will be billed, then due

December 15, 2010

*Note: Above cost is based on Dallas and Houston, other departure cities will affect your flight cost.

Please Make Your Check Payable to…Bob C. Ross Ministries

The Above Prices Include:

Delta Flights, Excellent Hotels, Guide, Driver, Beautiful air conditioned bus, all itinerary entrance fees.

The Prices Do Not Include:

Travel Insurance:  It can be purchased through Gil Travel with Travel Guard (# 1 Travel Insurer).

Noon Meals:  The Israeli breakfast and the evening meals are enormous buffets.  Thus, we get quick, light lunches as we tour (location is our guide’s discretion, and you choice of food).

Bottled water…can be purchased on our tour bus.  Plan on about $1.50 per day, per person.

Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry services, phone calls, special drink orders with meals.

A “Love Offering” for our Guide and Driver will be collected, and given at end of our tour.

  For further information contact…Bob C. Ross Ministries               

                 2824 Kyle Drive, Plano, TX 75075               

              bc_ross@verizon.net,  or call 972-596-8748           

This Tour has only 44 Places…Don’t Delay.  Register Today!

Deposit/s MUST Accompany This Registration to Hold Your Place.

Mail Check to: Bob C. Ross Ministries, 2824 Kyle Drive, Plano, TX. 75075

-------------------------------------clip and mail--------------------------------------------------

Please make the following RESERVATION/S for the March 10-23^rd, 2011 Tour. 

My DEPARTURE CITY  will be___________________________.

NAME/S as on Passport 1.______________________________________________________________Age_____  

                                                   2.___ ___________________________________________________________Age_____

ADDRESS (full)__________________________________________________CITY________________________

STATE__________ZIP CODE_____________

Email_______________________________ PHONES: Home _____-______-_________ Cell ____-______-_________

(     ) Deposit is $500. @ person to hold my/our place/s.  I understand this is not refundable if I cancel.

Note: The final payment is due eight weeks before the tour. We will be bill you.

(      ) Single room supplement for the tour is an additional $790.

               

“Go…to The Land that I will show you.” Gen. 12:1

 

Next Year in Jerusalem!

 

Experience Forty Centuries
in Eleven Days.

    

                                                                  

                                                         

                                                         

 Bob C. Ross Ministries                                 Israel Study Tour

2824 Kyle Drive                       March 10-23^rd, 2011

     Plano, TX. 75075

     Email: bc_ross@verizon.net                                    $ 3,922.*         

    Web:  bobcrossministries.net                                        *Based on 30 minimum.  Add Air Taxes & Tips, presently $510.

                                                                                                                                       Exact amount depends on strength of US dollar.