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Israel tour 2014 with Nigel & Rochelle Merrick

26th April - 20th May, 2014

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Hosted By: Nigel & Rochelle Merrick

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COST PER PERSON TWIN SHARE $6985.00 (Minimum of 15 full paying adult passengers) Greek Island Cruise Extension $2199.00.00 Business Class upgrade is available upon request

ISRAEL TOUR 2014 With NIGEL & ROCHELLE MERRICK

TOUR DATES: 26th April to 15th May 2014 ISRAEL TOUR OPTIONAL: 13th May to 20th May 2014 IN THE STEPS OF PAUL LAND / CRUISE TOUR

Featuring ISRAEL: JERUSALEM, SEA OF GALILEE, NAZARETH, Bethlehem, BEER SHEBA, THE DEAD SEA, JERICHO, ACCO, CAESAREA REF: 914 MERRICK TOUR PLEASE NOTE: THE ITINERARY CAN CHANGE ON A DAY TO DAY BASIS DUE TO SECURITY ISSUES, WEATHER RESTRICTIONS, OR MUNICIPAL OR ENTRY TIME CHANGES AT SITES

SATURDAY 26th April 2014

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Depart via Asia where we connect with our onward flight to TEL AVIV, ISRAEL. (Meals in Flight)

SUNDAY 27th April

Afternoon arrival TEL AVIV ISRAEL, where we will be met by Inner Faith Travel representatives and transported to our hotel. Overnight in Tel Aviv. (D)

MONDAY 28th April

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Morning departure for our coastal tour of the MEDITERRANEAN SEA PORTS. En route we will visit CAESAREA, (Acts 23:31- 26:32) site of Herods Palace, home of Cornelius and where Paul was brought to trial. Overnight in Haifa. (B-D)

WEDNESDAY 30th April

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After breakfast we visit MT CARMEL and Muhraqa, where Elijah called down fire from Heaven to defeat the prophets of Baal. We continue and pass through the MEGGIDO VALLEY, the large plain where the final battle of Armageddon is prophesied to take place. Tel Meggido is our next stop. Our journey then takes us to Nazareth where Jesus grew to manhood visiting the Church of Annunciation, (Luke 1:26-38) which covers the boyhood home of Jesus. We spend time at Nazareth Village recreating village lifestyle during the time of Jesus experiencing the Nazareth Jesus knew! From there we will visit the Mount of the Precipice where Jesus was driven by the crowd. (Luke 4:16-30) Continuing on passing Cana we round the crest of a hill the SEA OF GALILEE unfolds in a breathtaking panoramic scene before our eyes. Overnight Galilee. (B-D)

THURSDAY 1st May

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Today, we explore this historical area of Galilee. Remember how Jesus walked on the water? (Mark 4:35-41) Our special traditional sailing vessel will take us across the Sea of Galilee, stopping in the middle for a time of reflection and worship. Rejoice! Jesus is alive. We disembark at Nof Ginnosar a kibbutz located on the shores of the Galilee where we will see the remains of a boat from the time of Jesus. Arriving later to CAPERNAUM, the city of Jesus, we visit the ruins of the synagogue where Jesus performed many miracles. (Luke 4:31-37) We will visit ST PETERS PRIMACY CHURCH. You will see the new excavations of ST PETERS house (Luke 4:38-41) and visit TABGHA, where Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fishes to feed the multitudes (John 6:1-14) and later ascending to the top of the MOUNT OF BEATITUDES, (Matthew 5:1-12) where we will read the Sermon on the Mount. Overnight Galilee. (B-D)

FRIDAY 2nd May

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After breakfast, we travel to the Golan Heights with Mt. Hermon in the background. We will explore Tel Dan, and plan to have lunch at Kfar Bloom. Then we journey on to Banias, and visit CAESAREA PHILIPPI (Mark 8:27-30), where Peter confessed his faith in Jesus and on to the Valley of Tears and the Fortress of Nimrod as we view the Golan heights and Gadara. Overnight Galilee. (B-D)

SATURDAY 3rd May

Our day begins with a visit to the Yardent Baptismal site. Then we journey south following the scenic Jordan Valley and visiting the Decapolis city of BEITSHEAN where King Sauls body was hung on the gates of the city. (1 Samuel 31:1-13) Qumran is our next stop, where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. We end our day with a visit to the Ahava Factory famous for its Dead Sea beauty products before we check into our resort hotel located on the shores of the Dead Sea. Overnight Dead Sea. (B-D)

SUNDAY 4th May

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This morning we ascend by cable car the mighty fortress of MASADA, the site of the last heroic 3-year stand of 960 Jewish defenders against the Roman Empire.
From its heights we enjoy tremendous views of Jordan and the Dead Sea. We return to our hotel to enjoy a float in the medicinal waters of the Salt Sea. Overnight Dead Sea. (B-D)

MONDAY 5th May

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We visit Lots wife Pillar before journeying to the Park of the Australian Soldier, the British Cemetery where Australian, New Zealand and British soldiers lay at rest together, Tel es Saba where the NZ Mounted Rifles and some Australians took the high place, Chauvels Hill from where we can view the plain where the 800 Australian Light horsemen rode into history with their famous charge and the Biblical site of Abrahams well. On to Eliat on the shores of the Red Sea. Overnight Eliat. (B-D)

TUESDAY 6th May

An easy day today. After a late breakfast we will embark on a cruise of the Red Sea with the rest of the day free to enjoy Eliat or relax at the hotel. Overnight Elait. (B-D)

WEDNESDAY 7th May

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Our day begins with a visit to the interesting recreated Tabernacle in the wilderness at Timna. Then to Mitzpe Ramons biggest sight is the Ramon Crater (Machtesh Ramon), 500 meters deep, 40 kilometers long, 10 kilometers at its widest, and claimed to be the largest in the world. Our sojourn ends with an experience of a traditional Bedouin desert camp at Kfar Hanokdim. Feast on traditional Bedouin grilled banquet. Overnight Kfar Hanokdim. (B, D)

THURSDAY 8th May

We travel to UP TO JERUSALEM via Hedron and the Tomb of Abraham, before we enter BETHLEHEM to visit the Church of Nativity. (Luke 2:1-7) En route, we pass by Rachaels Tomb and spend time at the Shepherds Fields (Luke 2:8-20) before visiting Christchurch, the oldest protestant Church in the Middle East. Tonight we enjoy the sound and light show at the City of David. Overnight Jerusalem. (B-D)

FRIDAY 9th May

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We awaken in the city of the Great King, Jerusalem, and the geographic centre of the world. You can feel the atmosphere that sets Jerusalem apart from any other city in the world. We have a full day of touring Old Jerusalem, following in the footsteps of Jesus. We visit the Mount of Olives, for an overview of the city, and then descend via the Palm Sunday Walk to Gethsemane. (Matthew 26:36-46).In the afternoon we will follow the Via Dolorosa from Lions Gate to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also visiting the POOLS OF BETHESDA, (John 5:1-10) where Jesus cured an invalid, and continue to St. Annes Church and the Antonia Fortress. We continue along the Via Dolorosa to the Jaffa Gate. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B-D)

SATURDAY 10th May

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This morning we visit the TEMPLE MOUNT and the WESTERN WALL, (Luke 25:5-24) the most sacred site for the Jewish people. We will walk the Southern Steps of the Temple Mount before enjoying lunch in The Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon we will visit the Temple Institute and the Burnt House, followed by a wander through the Jewish Quarter via the Cardo to Mount Zion. (Psalm 48). Next Herods Tunnel and the City of David & the Upper Room before ending our day at Abrahams Tent for dinner. Overnight Jerusalem. (B-D)

SUNDAY 11th May

We begin the day with a visit to Bethel, Samaraia, where we will meet a local Samaritian Priest. Afterwards we visit the Museum, Shiloh, Mt Corazim and the Mount of Blessing, before enjoying a lunch break. Afterwards, we will spend the afternoon at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum. We end the day with a visit to the Ramparts Walk. Overnight Jerusalem. (B-D)

MONDAY 12th May

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Our day begins with a visit the Garden Tomb where we will celebrate Communion together. A spiritual oasis in this bustling city. From here we visit Caiphas House and the Israel Museum which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy shopping or resting briefly before heading to the Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion Airport for those guests returning home. For those taking the Greece / Turkey option we overnight in Jerusalem. (B-D)

WEDNESDAY 14th May

Arrival home with memories to last a lifetime. (Meals in Flight)

OPTIONAL EXTENSION ATHENS & GREEK ISLAND CRUISE

TUESDAY 13th May

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Early morning departure to the Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion Airport for our flight to Athens. The remainder of the day will be for rest and relaxation. Overnight Athens. (B-D)

WEDNESDAY 14th May

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We commence a morning city tour in Athens to see the Panathenian Stadium, Hadrians Arch, Temple of Zeus, National Garden, Parliament Building, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Panepistimiou Avenue, National Library. We climb up to Acropolis Hill and visit Parthenon & Erectheion. We then go to nearby Mars Hill (Areopagus) (Acts 17:22) where Paul delivered his soul-stirring sermon to the giants of philosophy, logic and learning and spoke about the inscription: to an unknown god. After the tour we check-in at our hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight Athens. (B-D)

THURSDAY 15th May

Boarding our tour bus taking the route out of Athens takes us by the Saronic Gulf and via the historic Corinthian Canal (quick stop for photos) to ancient Corinth (Acts 18:118). It was to this megalopolis where the apostle Paul came and worked, established a thriving church, subsequently sending two of his epistles now part of the New Testament. Here, see all of the sites associated with his ministry: the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Odeon, the Bema and Gallios Seat. The small archaeological museum here is an absolute must! We continue to visit to Lechaion and also see the ruins of early Christian 5th century basilica at the ancient port of Cenchreae before returning to Athens for Overnight. (B-D)

FRIDAY 16th May TO 19th May GREEK ISLAND CRUISE

Morning embarkation on our relaxing three nights Greek Island Cruise. First port of call is the Island of Mykonos. (BLD)

SATURDAY 17th May

Time at the Turkish Port City of Kusadasi with the option of a shore excursion to Ancient Ephesus. Afternoon option to visit St Johns Grotto on the Island of Patmos. (BLD)

SUNDAY 18th May

Day on the beautiful island of Santorini. (BLD)

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MONDAY 19th May

Morning disembarkation at Piraeus Port, Athens. Some free time for shopping before transferring to the Athens airport for our flight home. (B Meals in Flight)

TUESDAY 20th May

Arrival Home

SUMMARY OF TOUR
Price include: Airfare to Tel Aviv, Israel Israel to Athens and Athens return to Australia Airport assistance and touring expenses in all countries visited, with an English speaking tour guide in new air-conditioned coaches, overnight accommodations in mostly 4 star hotels, Cruise with All Meals (Breakfast Dinners) where indicated. All entrance fees, Sea of Galilee boat expenses, and majority of hotel and airport baggage handling. Price does not include: Drinks with meals, Tipping Expense, Travel Insurance, departure and ticket taxes, or visas. Single room supplement cost available on request. Additional extra trips must be booked and paid for 60 days before departure. This tour is being made possible through Nigel Merrick & Inner Faith Travel. Prices and dates are subject to change at any time at the discretion of Inner Faith Travel due to currency fluctuations, flight rescheduling or airfare increases, etc. at time of publication 05/04/13

COST PER PERSON TWIN SHARE $6985.00 (Minimum of 15 full paying adult passengers) Greek Island Cruise Extension $2199.00.00 Business Class upgrade is available upon request

Inner Faith Travel

20 Grandview Terrace, Tallai, QLD 4213, Australia
(61) 07 5530 2900
Fax to (61) 07 5530 3911

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