DECEMBER HOLY LAND TOUR
*Postponed due to Covid

Christmas Holy Land Tour 2020
Dec 16th –28th
Price for Israel/Bethlehem: $3,500

(Extension options thru Dec 31st to Jordan) 

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1-2 (Wed/Thurs Dec 16—17th): FLY to TEL AVIV 
Today we fly from the USA to Tel Aviv. When we arrive we will go directly to the Mount of Olives for a view of ‘the Golden City’. We will check into our hotel and overnight in Jerusalem. Our hotel is only steps away from the Old City. 

Day 3 (Fri Dec 18th): JERUSALEM: MUSEUMS/ WALL
This morning we visit two of the unique historical museums in Jerusalem. First the Israeli Museum which hosts the Dead Sea Scrolls and features the very impressive miniature model of the city of Jerusalem in Christ’s day; The Model City. Our last museum visit is the sobering Holocaust Museum, Yad Vashem. Lunch will be on the famous Ben Yehuda Street! Following lunch we will enjoy the sights and sounds of Jerusalem by walking on the Old City Walls of Jerusalem on the Rampart. This evening we will enjoy watching how the Orthodox Jews welcome in the Sabbath at the Western Wall. We overnight in Jerusalem. 

Day 4 (Sat Dec 19th): MT OF OLIVES / BETHESDA
This morning we enjoy Church Services at the remarkable BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies. The view of Jerusalem during our Service is inspiring. On our way to lunch we will wander down the Mt. of Olives and pass thousands of Jewish graves, including those of the Biblical Prophets; Haggai, Zechariah, & Malachi. We make a brief stop at the ‘Teardrop Church’ and then enjoy lunch in a unique local place near the Old City. We will then visit St. Anne’s which is the ancient site for the Pool of Bethesda. As we make our way back to the hotel we will be introduced to the shopkeeper that makes LDS scripture covers, necklaces, etc. and after dinner those interested can peruse olive wood carvings from the shopkeepers who have been making LDS Olive Wood pieces for over 40 years. We enjoy a relaxed evening and overnight in Jerusalem. 
  
Day 4 (Sun Dec 20th): JESUS/MARY AS A TEENAGERS
Today we consider Jesus and Mary during their teenage years as we visit Nazareth and the surrounding areas. Before heading up north we will explore what Jews believe is the Center of the Universe and where the Spirit of the Lord resides with a visit to the Tunnels at the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. We view the Dome of the Rock, the Wailing Wall, etc. and discuss the past, present and future of that significant site for all three major religions: Jews, Muslims, & Christians. We will then make our way up north and our first stop will be in Caesarea which is on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. This represents the spot where the first Gentile convert joined the Church and the Gospel spread to the world. Paul was imprisoned for 2 years here and also departed for his 4 historic missionary journeys. We will view the ancient theater and aqueducts before making our way north to Mount Carmel. On Mt. Carmel is a great view of the Jezreel Valley (Valley of Armageddon). From this vantage point we will discuss Armageddon, the 2nd Coming and the future of this Holy Land as well as reenact the remarkable story of Elijah and the Priests of Baal. We travel to Nazareth and from Mount Precipice we will have an amazing view of Nazareth and the surrounding area. We then drive around the Sea of Galilee to our Hotel. Checking into our Hotel this evening is a joy. Every room is only steps away from the shore of the Sea of Galilee. This evening you can enjoy a quiet, relaxing evening strolling on the Sea shores, or taking a dip in the Sea, etc.

Day 5 (Mon Dec 21st): GALILEE MINISTRY 
Today we spend our day seeing the sights and sounds surrounding the Sea of Galilee. We begin with a visit to a beautiful overlook of the Sea of Galilee on Mount Arbel. Next we visit the Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered. Lunch is a unique experience where those interested can enjoy St. Peter’s Fish. Next we visit Peter’s Primacy where we will discuss John 21. This afternoon we will visit Magdala (birthplace of Mary Magdalene) followed by Yardenit at the Jordan River (Jesus’ traditional baptismal site). This evening we enjoy another relaxing evening by the Sea of Galilee.

Day 6 (Tues Dec 22nd):  GALILEE MINISTRY 
After breakfast we board a small fishing boat and cross the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. On our way we cut the engines & have a short discussion. On shore we’ll visit Capernaum. Next we take a short nature hike to the ancient city and alter at Tel Dan. From here we visit Banias, the ancient site of Caesarea Philippi where Peter was promised to receive the Keys of the Kingdom. As we bus our way home we travel on the Golan Heights where we can look over into Syria. This evening will be our final opportunity to enjoy the evening views of the Sea of Galilee and surrounding cities at night. 

Day 7 (Wed Dec 23rd): JESUS’ FINAL DAYS 
Today we visit and consider the events leading up to the death of the Savior and the final days of His mortal ministry. As we make our way back to Jerusalem we pass through the Green Line and parts of the West Bank and will take this opportunity to discuss the current political situation, borders, and history. As we pass Bet She’an we will consider the ‘Fall of Saul’. We drive by Jericho and then make a stop at the Jordan River (Children of Israel River Crossing and Jesus’ baptismal site). Following lunch we will enjoy a quick visit to Qumran (discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls) and also have the unique experience of taking a float in the Dead Sea. You cannot sink! From here we make our way up to Jerusalem. We will visit Bethany and Lazarus’ Tomb and conclude our day with a unique walk through the flowing waters in Hezekiah’s Tunnel. We overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 8 (Thurs Dec 24th): CHRISTMAS EVE in BETHLEHEM
This morning we will return for the last time to the Mt of Olives for our final discussion in the Orson Hyde Memorial Park (Church regulated property and where some feel is the real ‘Garden of Gethsemane’). From the Mt of Olives Jesus officially concludes His mortal ministry on that continent (Acts 1) and fittingly we will in similar fashion conclude our study here as well. Following our morning study we will be able to spend the rest of Christmas Eve in Bethlehem. We will participate in the local festivities; parade in Manger Square, local entertainment, food, etc. As the sun sets we will go out into a local Shepherd’s Field near Bethlehem and reflect and review the account of the first Christmas. We will enjoy a bon-fire and share testimonies of the Living Christ and His humble beginnings. We overnight in Bethlehem.  
 
Day 9 (Fri Dec 25th): CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM!
Christmas Day in Bethlehem is one that will last in our memories forever as we spend the day in service and in visiting the traditional sites for the Savior’s birth. Our service activities today will include working at the SOS Orphanage and/or spending time with the handicapped children at the Hogar Nino Dios foster home in Bethlehem. This will be an opportunity to give to a community that has been hurting and suffering in many ways since the building of ‘The Wall’. In the afternoon we will pay a visit to the Church of the Nativity where on Christmas Day we will visit the site where the Christ Child was born many years ago. This evening following our “Last Supper” together will make our way to the airport and begin their journey home.    

Day 10 (Sat Dec 26th): JESUS’ FINAL HOURS
Today is one of our most significant as we venture through the wonders of the ‘Eternal City’ and retrace the events and sites of the final moments of the Saviors Life! We begin in the Upper Room where the Savior held the Last Supper. From here we trace His steps to the Garden of Gethsemane (Church of all Nations). We next visit Caiaphas’ Palace (St. Peter of Gallicantu) where Jesus went before the Sanhedrin and where Peter allegedly denied Christ thrice. Following lunch we enjoy a stop at the Antonio Fortress (Jesus before Pilate) and from here we will follow the Via Dolorosa (or Path of Suffering), the path Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha. Next we will reflect on the burial & resurrection of the Savior as we visit the two possible sites for Golgotha & Calvary. First we visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher [believed site for many Christians] and then the Garden Tomb [where others feel is the true site]. We will discuss the crucifixion and resurrection of the Savior and the majesty of the final moments of His mortal ministry! We overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 11 (Sun Dec 27th): FLY HOME 
This morning we will return for the last time to the Mt of Olives for our final discussion in the Orson Hyde Memorial Park (Church regulated property and where some feel is the real ‘Garden of Gethsemane’). From the Mt of Olives Jesus officially concludes His mortal ministry on that continent (Acts 1) and fittingly we will in similar fashion conclude our study here as well. Following our morning study we will make our way to the airport and begin our journey home. 

*A Petra, Jordan Option available upon request! 

Day 12 (Mon Dec 28th): FLY HOME 
Today we will arrive at our homes in the USA!

COSTS AND DETAILS
PRICE for Israel & Bethlehem Portion: $3,500 per person double occupancy
[These prices include all visas, fuel surcharges, 2 meals daily, entrance fees and transportation, service materials and tools. Not included would be $120 for tips and airfare to and from Tel Aviv]

DEPOSIT REQUIRED:$500 per person.

ROOMMATES: 
Those traveling SOLO may sign up for accommodations on a share basis and will be assigned roommates as circumstances permit. If a roommate is unavailable, the participant will be notified of the adjusted price prior to departure.

CANCELLATION FEES: 
A $50 fee will be charged by International Travel Studies LLC for all cancellations until 60 days prior to departure, at which time the fee will be $100. In addition, all cancellation charges imposed by airlines, hotels, vendors, operators, etc., will be passed on to the participant.

TOUR INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
§First-class, top quality Tour with experienced Tour Directors
§ All airline travel mentioned in the program (which includes all 3 in country flights in Egypt but does NOT include the international flight). If you would like us to help you arrange your international flights to Tel Aviv which is a free service we provide and also includes Travel Insurance in the price of the airline ticket. We can add the international flight to your total amount due.
§ Private, deluxe Air-Conditioned Motor Coach
§ Hotel Accommodations (5 and 4 star hotels)
§ Cold Bottled Water will be available for purchase on the bus
§ Two Meals Daily (breakfast and lunch or dinner) as indicated in the detailed itinerary
§ All Admission and Entrance Fees to sites specified in the itinerary
§ Country Visas, Airport as well as other Departure Taxes

REGISTRATION, DEPOSIT, PAYMENT, AND CANCELLATION:
Early reservations are strongly recommended, and a Deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 60 days prior to departure. Applications received after this date should include full payment. Any payments made after this date should also include also include full payment. Any payments made 30 days prior to departure must be in the form of a money order. Checks should be made payable to International Travel Studies. All cancellation penalties are the responsibility of the participant.

Please send check payment and names of participants to:

International Travel Studies LLC
8661 Millpond PL 
Riverside, CA 92508

OTHER ITEMS & DETAILS
Good Health is encouraged for our Programs!

ITEMS NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE:
Items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs; excess baggage or portage charges; personal, trip, or baggage insurance; room service; laundry; phone charges; food or beverages not part of the group menu; tips (about $150); gratuities for special services; expenses incurred on personal activities not included where group participation is not specified in the itinerary; international flight to TLV is not included but we are more than able to assist in arranging flights.

CURRENT PASSPORT REQUIRED FOR THIS TOUR

Tour Details

Every tour will have a professional and trained director to lead the youth skillfully through the scriptures and particularly through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. We will trace the Life of Christ chronologically and walk where Jesus walked! 

There will also be young adult leaders to help guide and protect our young participants. One adult couple will also be selected to accompany each group for extra support. If interested please indicate in the Registration Form. 
REGISTER
“Going through the Life of Christ was truly amazing! Actually walking where He walked was something I will never forget.”
John Smith, New York
“The director was so knowledgeable and experienced. I not only was inspired but felt safe.”
Jodi Black, Dallas