Youth and Family Israel Tour
Led by Dale Robinson (Youth Leader), John Delancey (Biblical Israel Tours) and an
experienced Jewish Guide.
The trip is planned for the end of May 2013.
At this time we are trying to determine if there is enough interest to put this tour
together. If you are interested you need to let me know as soon as possible. For
me, this is my dream tour. We will visit most of the popular sites and yet be able
to get off the beaten path and into the remote Biblical world of the Patriarchs,
Prophets and Kings. This trip will be designed for youth and family and will involve
a good deal of walking. For those with some walking limitations there will usually be
a less demanding alternative and you will not miss much of the experience.
Cost will be between $4000 and $4500 depending on how many sign up and airfare
costs and airfare. This is includes airfare, (and airport departure taxes which are
now over $700.00), transfers, two meals a day, entry into sites and all
accommodations. This also covers gratuity tips. This will be my 5th Israel tour and
Pastor John Delancey has led over 25 tours to Israel. He has lived in Jerusalem
and attended classes at Jerusalem University College. See his website
“BiblicalIsrealTours.com.” I personally have toured with him and he is outstanding
in his leadership, teaching and extra efforts. He is a 24 hour a day tour guide
which is very rare. Our Jewish guide, will add a richness and insight into Jewish
history and culture that is impossible for me to impart to you because I did not
grow up in Israel nor did I lose relatives and friends in the wars and holocaust.
The guide also is fluent in Hebrew and an expert in getting us safely through the
country and quickly to our sites and destinations.
Security is not an issue, you will be delighted with the ability to walk and shop in
Israel with a complete sense of safety. For me a trip to downtown Portland or on
MAX is of significantly higher risk.
Passports are needed and all traveling details, information, and tips will be given
ahead of time as well as pre-travel teachings. Please feel free to email or call me
(503-781-1284) with any questions.
Below is tentative description of the proposed tour. Some locations are subject to
change due to travel or time restrictions.
* The ITINERARY FOR THE 15 DAY EXTENSIVE "BIBLICAL STUDY TOUR" OF
ISRAEL (with 1 Day in Jordan)!
May ?? (Approximately May 19th – June 2nd) 2013. Click here for a COLOR
BROCHURE (forthcoming). Click here for the REGISTRATION FORM (forthcoming)
This tour is designed for youth and families. We have designed one of the most exciting
Israel tours I have ever seen. There will be a good deal of walking and we will visit many
sites that are usually not included in most Israel tours. This is a study tour and Biblical
teaching will be done between sites and at each site as well as some evening teaching and
fellowship events or walks. All teaching is done in a way that embraces the culture of the
first century Israel and thus emphasizes the Jewishness of Jesus. This brings many new
insights to light as we study the Scriptures in that context.
This tour features over 60 sites. About 15 of them are sites not typically visited on most
tours. We start by heading south for the first few days. Our emphasis will be on the Exodus,
the wilderness wanderings, the patriarchs travels and the Kings. Then it's up to the north,
where we have 2 full days and 3 nights in Galilee. Here the context will be the early ministry
of Jesus in the historical and Jewish context. Finally we head to Jerusalem where we relive
the Temple life, the Feasts, and the last days of Jesus. A free day will be enjoyed our last
day!
DAY 01 – SUNDAY – DEPART FOR TEL-AVIV
We meet for the first time today at Philadelphia, PA Airport (could be Delta and NY if
cheaper) for our non-stop night flight to Israel. (or if the group is all from here maybe a
different flight and we meet you)
DAY 02 – MONDAY – ARRIVE IN ISRAEL - JAFFA
We arrive at the Ben Gurion Airport in the early afternoon. Here we are met by our Israeli
guide, and our driver. We leave the airport and make on stop in Jaffa. This is where the
Jonah story begins, as well as the story of Peter (Acts 10). Both were being asked by God to
go to a people group outside of Israel with the Good News of God’s grace. We spend our
first night in Bat Yam along the Mediterranean Sea in the Tel Aviv. Upon arriving at the
hotel, we will have a chance to swim briefly in the ocean. We will enjoy a late dinner to be
followed by an orientation meeting to help us prepare for the exciting days of studying
God's Word "in context." Overnight #1.
DAY 03 –TUESDAY – GEZER – BEIT GURVIN- AZEKAH/ELAH VALLEY – BEERSHEBA
– SDE BOKER – WILDERNESS OF ZIN. We begin our day by driving to Gezer. Here we
will see ruins from Solomon's day and beyond. The famous "Gezer calendar" was found
here. Next, we visit Beit Gurvin to see the Maresha Caves with hundreds of bell shaped
caves caused by ancient Roman quarrying. From here, we drive by Beit Shemesh, where the
Ark of the Covenant was returned (I Sam. 6.) Next, we travel to the Valley of Elah where
David fought Goliath and reenact the scene in our imagination as we listen to I Samuel 17.
From Tel Azekah, we see before our very eyes how this famous battle took place!
Continuing through the "Shephelah" (lowlands) of Judah, it's on to the city of Lachish which
was conquered by the Assyrians. Here, we see where the famous "Lachish Letters" were
discovered. From here we drive south to the ancient site of Beersheba. Here, we see the
well and gate structure, the rounded streets, and a typical 4 room Israelite house. From
here we continue south to the Wilderness of Zin and our “Bedouin Tent” accommodations
for the night. Here we will enjoy an hour-long camel rides, a communal dinner in typical
Middle-Eastern style, a devotional time under the stars, and a good night’s sleep in tents.
Overnight #2.
DAY 04 –WEDNESDAY – WILDERNESS OF ZIN- MACHTESH RAMON – – DEAD SEA
Our day begins with visiting SdeBoker, the site of the tomb of Ben Gurion, Israel’s first
Prime Minister. Next, we enjoy some hiking in the majestic canyon of the Wilderness of Zin.
From here, we drive further south through this southern desert to Machtesh Ramon, Israel’s
Grand Canyon. We will enjoy and appreciating the vastness of this desolate place. To end
the day, we travel to Timnah for a stop at an ancient copper mine. Here we will see a fullsize replica of the Tabernacle. We continue south to Elat located at the tip of the Red Sea.
An optional swim will be arranged prior to dinner. Overnight #3.
DAY 05– THURSDAY – JORDAN – PETRA.
Crossing the Rabin Border as early as possible, we enter Jordan. Upon meeting our
Jordanian guide for the day, we drive 2 hours to the famous site of Petra! You are now in
the heart of the Seir Mountains – Land of Edomites – that has been mentioned in the bible
in Genesis. These mountains house the Aaron Peak and that is the highest in Petra and the
burial place of Aaron brother of Moses. A walk through the siq – the main entrance to Petra
bring you to the first monument “The Treasury” or Al-Khazneh” a dramatic and amazing
site. This appears in Indiana Jones movie as well as the Last Crusade. A walk further down
through the outer siq with all of its tombs and burial chambers brings you to one of the
largest theaters in Jordan, a 3000 seat theater from the early 1st century AD is carved in
the sand stone mountains of Petra at the bottom of the High place of Sacrifice Mountain.
Apparently some sacrificial rituals used to take place here. From here you can walk to the
Royal Tombs. There will be an option to walk either out to the Monastery Tomb or ascend
to the High Place. In the early evening, we return to the Red Sea and cross back into Israel
for a late dinner at our hotel in Elat. Overnight #4.
DAY 06 – FRIDAY – MASADA - EIN GEDI – DEAD SEA
Following breakfast, we drive north up the Aravah Valley to Masada. We drive to the
western side of this massive 1,000 foot-high fortress and climb the Roman Ramp. We hear
the story of the Jewish zealots who resisted the Romans for three years after the Jerusalem
Temple was destroyed. Leaving the site, we walk down the Snake Path and meet the bus at
the bottom. We then drive to Ein Gedi, where we re-live the story of David hiding in a cave
from King Saul. We will have a chance to hike into the valley, enjoying the waterfalls as
well as soaking our feet in the cool waters. Along the way, we hope to see the coney and
ibex animas that reside in this desolate area of Israel. To end the day, we will have the
chance to float in the Dead Sea. We stay in Engedi for dinner and overnight. Overnight #5.
DAY 07– SATURDAY – QUMRAN – JERICHO – BEIT SHEAN – TIBERIAS
The day begins by driving to the northern end of the Dead Sea to Qumran, the settlement
of the first century sect known as the Essenes, the authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Fr those
who want to, we will spend some time hiking near some of the caves where the scrolls were
discovered. At the site, we will see 1st century miqvot(ritual baths), a scriptorium, and
cisterns.Jericho is next. This is where "the walls came tumblin' down." We will see a portion
of the actual revetment wall dating to the time of Joshua. From here, we drive northward
along the Jordan Valley to Beth Shean, one of the Decapolis cities of the New Testament.
This massive city will impress you, from its Roman Streets and theatre, to its beautiful
mosaics. Those who wish to can climb to the top of the Old Testament telwhere the body of
King Saul was pinned to the walls following his death. From here we enjoy a swim at Gan
Ha-Shlosha (Sahne), a spring-fed swimming area. We will enjoy standing under the
waterfalls. Here, an optional baptism will be offered. We end the day by driving another 45
minutes to Tiberias (Maagan?) where we will spend the next 3 nights. An gathering will take
place by the quiet waters of the Sea of Galilee. Overnight #6.
DAY 08 – SUNDAY – BOAT RIDE – HILLSIDE OF THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT –
CAPERNAUM – CHORAZIN – ARBEL - BAPTISM
We begin the day with a boat ride from Tiberias to Gennesaret, enjoying a quiet and
peaceful worship service together. Upon landing, we also see the "Jesus boat" from the first
century AD., a vessel found here along the shores of Galilee in 1986. Reading from Matthew
5, we walk to the hillside where perhaps the Sermon on the Mount took place. Next, we
travel Capernaum where Jesus called his disciples. Here, we'll read about Jesus' semekah
(authority) while teaching in the ancient synagogue. In the afternoon, we also visit Chorazin
where an impressive basaltic synagogue stands. From here we head for a hike up the NW
side of the cliffs of Arbel (for those not able to hike, the bus will take you to the top on the
other side of the mountain). Along the way we will explore some caves and relive the
historic tragedy. Ascending to the top, we will enjoy a spectacular view of the Sea of
Galilee. We return to our hotel for an optional swim in the Sea of Galilee, dinner and a
beachside gathering back in Tiberias. Overnight #7.
DAY 09 – MONDAY - SEA OF GALILEE – GOLAN HEIGHTS –BETHSAIDA - QATZRIN –
DAN -CAESAREA PHILIPPI – NIMROD – BEN TAL –
We begin the day by exploring the excavations at Bethsaida, the hometown of Peter,
Andrew and Philip. From here, we stop at a unique site called Qatzrin, a partially
reconstructed Talmudic village. We will see what a typical village looked like during the days
of Jesus. We continue driving north through the Golan Heights to Dan and its refreshing
springs, one of the sources of the River Jordan. We will enjoy a walk in the nature preserve
here as well as through this impressive Old Testament city. Nearby is Caesarea Philippi
where Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" (Mt. 16). Our next stop is Nimrod,
a Crusader castle with a great view. Those wanting to hike to the top will be given the
opportunity. After eating a late lunch at a Druze village, we travel to Bental, an older Israeli
military outpost. Here we can see into Lebanon and Syria. We end the day by driving along
the Upper Golan Heights to Hippos. Overnight back in Tiberias for an optional swim, dinner
and another gathering to follow. Overnight #8.
DAY 10– TUESDAY – TIBERIAS – NAZARETH –SEPPORIS - MEGIDDO- CAESAREA–
JERUSALEM
This morning head to Nazareth where we view the city from the "precipice" from which
Jesus was almost thrown. Nearby we hike a portion of the “Jesus Trail” on our way to
Sepporis, a spectacular 1st century city known for the Mona Lisa mosaic. We continue into
the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo (harmeggido in Hebrew), which gave its name to
Armageddon. Winding our way through the Mt. Carmel range, we enter Caesarea Maritima
to explore this Roman bridgehead to the East. This city initially build by Herod the Great
became the Christian springboard to the West. We will enjoy seeing the aqueduct and a
brief swim in the ocean. We end the day by driving to Jerusalem. We enjoy dinner at our
hotel withinthe Old City of Jerusalem, the Casa Nova. After dinner we’ll enjoy an
"orientation walk" to the Western Wall. Overnight #9.
DAY 11 –WEDNESDAY - JERUSALEM – BETHLEHEM - HERODIUM - JERUSALEM
Following an optional morning walk, we start the day with an orientation to Jerusalem from
the Mt. of Olives. We then follow the traditional Palm Sunday route to the church known as
the Dominus Flevit ("the Lord weeps"). After viewing the Golden Gate, we walk downhill to
Gethsemane, where we take time to meditate on the Gospel text. From here we enter the
Old City where we first will visit the Pools of Bethesda and St. Anne's Church, perfectly
preserved from the Crusader period – with remarkable acoustics. We then follow the Way of
the Cross (Via Dolorosa) to the Holy Sepulcher, stopping along the way to consider all what
Christ endured on his way to His crucifixion. In the afternoon, we visit Herodium. Located on
the edge of the Judean Desert, this is where Herod the Great was buried. We end the day
by driving into Bethlehem. We visit Shepherds' Field. Leaving Bethlehem and before we
return to our hotel, we will walk the Promenade, allowing for a great view of the Old City
from the south. We return to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner, with a walk to Ben
Yehuda/Jaffa Streets. Overnight #12.
DAY 12 –THURSDAY – OLD CITY – WESTERN WALL TUNNEL – ISRAEL MUSEUM –
YAD VASHEM
We begin the day by entering the Old City through the Dung Gate. We walk 400 yards called
the Western Wall Tunnel along the retaining wall of the Temple Mount itself. From here we
visit the Jewish Quarter and see the Cardo. We also visit Shoreshim where we will hear
Moshe, on Orthodox Jew, talk about his faith. Next (if they are still doing this), we leave the
Old City and head to the Mt. of Olives to participate in a few hours of archaeological sifting
through debris brought from the Temple Mount. Who knows if you will find something
significant! To end the day, we drive out to West Jerusalem were we visit the Israel
Museum & the spectacular Jerusalem Model of the 2nd Temple Period as well as Yad
Vashem & the Holocaust Memorial. We will visit a tomb on the Mt. of Olives which gives
great insight into the burial practices of the first Century. We return to our hotel for dinner
and overnight in Jerusalem. An optional night walk to the Mt. of Olives and back ends the
evening. Overnight #11.
DAY 13 – FRIDAY – JERUSALEM – TEMPLE MOUNT – CITY OF DAVID – HEZEKIAH'S
TUNNEL – SILOAM POOL–DRAINAGE TUNNEL – SOUHERN STEPS - GARDEN TOMB.
We enter the Old City through the Dung Gate once again. We walk up to the Western Wall,
Judaism's holiest site. Here, we will be able to spend time praying and reflecting at this
most unique location. From here, we then ascend to the Temple Mount, the location of the
Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque. Next, we visit the southern wall excavations. We
will see the massive stones erected by King Herod as well as sit on the very steps used by
Jesus and His disciples. We then will enter the Jewish Quarter of the Old city where will
meet Moshe. He will talk about his Jewish faith. We'll also enjoy a quiet lunch here in the
Jewish Quarter. Next, we visit the City of David and the new excavations of David's palace.
Those who want to will then take an optional adventurous walk through the water of
Hezekiah's Tunnel (1,720 feet long). We will then sit on the steps of the Siloam Pool and
listen to the story of John 9. From here we walk to the southern Temple excavations
through a 1,300 foot newly-discovered drainage tunnel. We exit at the SW corner of the
Temple and the southern steps. To end the day, we visit the Garden Tomb for a
Communion Service. We return back to our hotel for dinner and a free night. Overnight
#12.
DAY 14– SATURDAY - JERUSALEM – FREE DAY
We enjoy a free day in the Old City today! Pastor DeLancey will help orient you to visit other
sites within the Old City, or shop. A tour of the Upper room, Caiphas' House, and Oscar
Shindler's grave will be offered. Other great sites to visit would be the Holy Sepulcher,
Eastern Gate, the Rampart Walk, The Temple Institute, the Hirva Synagogue, Aish HaTorah. For prospective students wanting to do a semester abroad, a tour of Jerusalem
University College will be offered. It will be a special day of adventure, rest and relaxation.
Our final dinner in Jerusalem, time to finish packing and prepare for our transfer to the
airport for our overnight flight home.
DAY 15 – SUNDAY – ARRIVE – U.S.A.
The close of an unforgettable tour, as we arrive back in the States. Praise be to God for a
life-changing experience!
Note: We are exploring various mission or charity opportunities that we my be able to
contribute to or offer to work in while in Israel. This may change the proposed itinerary
slightly.
Blessings and I urge you to pray and to ask God if you are supposed to meet him in Israel
next year.
Dale