Day 1-2 (Thu & Fri June 19-20): 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 overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 3 (Sat June 21): JERUSALEM CENTER / 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 30 years. We enjoy a relaxed evening and overnight in Jerusalem. 

Day 4 (Sun June 22): BEGINNINGS: BETHLEHEM (TEMPLE MOUNT / MUSEUMS)

Our morning begins with a visit to the place where 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. Next we will visit the unique historical museums in Jerusalem. The Israeli Museum displays the Dead Sea Scrolls and also features the very impressive miniature model of the city of Jerusalem in Christ’s day; The Model City. We conclude our museum visits with the sobering Holocaust Museum, Yad Vashem. Time permitting we will enjoy the sights and sounds of Jerusalem by walking on the Old City Walls of Jerusalem on the Rampart. Next we will cross through ‘The Wall’ (20’ cement wall that separates Israel and Palestinian controlled land) and visit the traditional birthplace of the Savior in Bethlehem (Church of the Nativity). We conclude our day by visiting a local Shepherds’ Field near Bethlehem where we will review the account of the humble beginnings of the Saviors Life. In this setting we will review the Saviors Birth as well as consider Jesus as the ‘Good Shepherd’. We again overnight in Jerusalem. 

Day 5 (Mon June 23):  CAESAREA / MED SEA/ MT CARMEL / NAZARETH

Today we drive up north and our first stop features the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and 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 to a nearby beach where we will enjoy playing in the Mediterranean Sea.  We make our way over to Mount Carmel where there 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. Following dinner we travel to Nazareth and overnight. 

Day 6 (Tue June 24): JESUS/MARY AS TEENAGERS: NAZARETH / BAPTISM 

Today we consider Jesus and Mary during their teenage years as we visit Nazareth and the surrounding areas.  We begin on Mount Precipice where we will have an amazing view of Nazareth, Mt. Tabor and the surrounding area.  Next we visit Nazareth Village which will give us an idea of what life was like in the time of Christ. This afternoon 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. Lunch is a unique experience where those interested can enjoy St. Peter’s Fish. Next we visit Magdala (birthplace of Mary Magdalene) followed by Peter’s Primacy where we will discuss John 21. Our final visit of the day will be to Yardenit at the Jordan River (Jesus’ traditional baptismal site). This evening you can enjoy a quiet, relaxing evening strolling on the Sea shores, or taking a dip in the Sea, etc. Checking into our Hotel this evening is a joy. Every room is only steps away from the shore of the Sea of Galilee. 

Day 7 (Wed June 25): JESUS’ MINISTRY--SEA OF GALILEE / CAPERNAUM / DAN 

Today we explore more of the Galilee area where Jesus spent the majority of His ministry as well as some other significant scriptural sites. Our first adventure of the day is boarding a small fishing boat and crossing 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 will drive to the very north border of Israel where we will look over into Lebanon and Syria. We will enjoy a short nature hike to view the ancient city and altar at Tel Dan. Our next stop is at Banias, the ancient site of Caesarea Philippi, where Peter was promised to receive the Keys of the Kingdom and is declares as ‘the Rock’. As we bus our way home we will travel on the Golan Heights where we can look over into Syria. We enjoy our final evening of dipping in the Sea of Galilee, etc.

Day 8 (Thu June 26): JESUS’ FINAL DAYS--BETHANY (LAZARU’S TOMB / DEAD SEA)

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 9 (Fri June 27): JESUS’ FINAL HOURS--THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST!

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! This evening those interested will view how the orthodox Jews bring in the Sabbath at the Western Wall. We overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 10 (Sat June 28): MT OF OLIVES / Bof M BEGINNING: LEHI TREK / MASADA

Today we conclude our tour with one final visit to the Mount of Olives. From the Mt of Olives Jesus officially concluded His mortal ministry on that continent (Acts 1) and fittingly we will in similar fashion conclude our visits here as well. Following our Mt of Olives visit those who would like will depart Jerusalem and go “down by the borders near the shore of the Red Sea” (1 Nephi 2:5) just as Lehi and his family. As we do so we will be traveling on the road from “Jerusalem to Jericho” and will reflect on a certain parable (Luke 10). On the way we pass Qumran (discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls) and stop for a picture of the natural spring and waterfall at Ein-Gedi (where David hid from King Saul) and where we most always see ibex. We visit the majestic Masada and gondola to the top and reflect on its remarkable story. Following our Masada visit we make our way to the Israel/Jordanian Border. We enjoy a brief stop at Timnah where we will view a replica of the ancient tabernacle built by Moses in the wilderness.  We will discuss Sodom & Gomorrah as we drive through the remains of those ancient cities. We cross the border and make our way up to the fascinating City of Petra, Jordan where we will overnight. 

Day 11 (Sun June 29): PETRA- 7 WONDER OF THE WORLD / WADI RUM

Today we explore Petra, one of the newly voted “7 Wonders of the World.” We will walk down the narrow canyon to the breathtaking view of the Treasury, Petra’s most famous landmark. You will have time to visit this fascinating city carved from the cliffs of the canyon and experience some of the best ruins found anywhere in the world. Petra was once a great commercial empire with a long history, it is best known today as the lost city in the Indiana Jones Movie, The Last Crusade. 

Following our Petra visit we will enjoy lunch together and then go to Wadi Rum where we will enjoy a Jeep Safari ride through the desert and watch the sunset.  We overnight in the desert in luxury tents.

Day 12 (Mon June 30): EGYPT: SINAI / CLIMBING MT. SINAI / OVERNIGHT ON MT

Today we will cross 2 borders and make their way down to Mt Sinai in Egypt. We will orient ourselves to our current surroundings (Red Sea) and review the account of the Exodus as we bus our way through the Sinai. When we arrive we will make our way up to the ancient temple of Mount Sinai. Camels are available and recommended for those interested in the adventure. This evening we will have the amazing experience of having dinner and spending the night on top of Mt. Sinai.  We will enjoy some quiet personal time on top of the mountain as well as review the scriptural account of MOses and the Children of Israel.  We overnight on top of the mounting on mattresses and blankets.  

Day 13 (Tue July 1): SUNRISE ON MT SINAI / RED SEA (SHARM)

 On top we will enjoy the sunrise and a very special meeting before making our descent. Once off the mountain we will bus our way to one of the very best locations for snorkeling and deep sea diving in the world…Sharm El Sheikh (Ras Mohammed). Arriving at this luxurious resort is a very welcomed experience following our early morning hike. We will enjoy all the amenities and comfort of this 5-star resort for the next day and a half. There will time for deep sea diving, snorkeling, swimming, reading, spa treatments, relaxing, etc. We overnight in Sharm. 

Day 14 (Wed July 2): RED SEA

Today we are free to enjoy the Red Sea and all of the amenities of our 5-star resort. Those who desire can enjoy some of the world’s best snorkeling & deep sea diving and those who are not interested in getting in the water can relax at the resort hotel which has several beautiful pools, a lazy river, spa options, parasailing, boat adventures, etc. There are other options available outside the resort such as a 4 wheeling experience in the Sinai desert, golfing, visiting downtown Sharm (Naama Bay) for some local shopping, etc. This evening those returning home will fly to Chairo and begin their journey home.  (Those participating in Egypt Extension Option will fly to Luxor and Overnight. 

Day 15 (Thu July 3): FLY HOME!

Those returning home will be reunited with our loved ones.

EGYPT OPTION:  $1987

Day 15 (Thu July 3): LUXOR: EAST BANK / KARNAK TEMPLE / HORSE & BUGGY

Luxor is known as the World's Greatest Open Air Museum as 30% of the world’s ancient monuments reside in Luxor. It also represents 70% of all the monuments in Egypt. Today we will take some time to prepare for our temple visits by reviewing the ancient beliefs and rituals of the Egyptians and comparing them to our modern temple worship. Today we will explore the sites on the East Bank of the river Nile. Our first site is one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World and is also one of the largest temple structures in the world; the Karnak Temple.  These structures are amazing and must be seen to be believed. This evening we will visit the impressive Luxor temple at night as well as enjoy a horse and buggy ride through the streets and markets of Luxor. We again overnight in Luxor.

Day 16 (Fri July 4): LUXOR: WEST BANK / VALLEY OF KINGS / CAIRO

This morning those interested will be able to view the wonders of Luxor from a hot air balloon.  Following breakfast we will explore the sites on the West Bank where we will visit one of the most intriguing spots in the world; the “Valley of the Kings” (burial spot for the Egyptian Pharaohs & Queens). You will marvel at the similarities in Egyptian beliefs and rituals and that of the Restored Church of Jesus Christ! We will next take pictures of the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon & Nobles as well as Pit Tomb #33 where the Book of Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price was discovered. We will next explore the Hathor Temple (Temple of Ramses III) and then conclude our visit of the West Bank with a short visit to an alabaster factory. (Alabaster is mined near Luxor and we will visit a shop that specializes in hand carving alabaster items.) Following lunch we will take a short rest at our hotel before making our way to the airport where we will fly to Cairo and overnight.

Day 17 (Sat July 5): 7 WONDER OF THE WORLD--PYRAMIDS & SPHINX

Today we enjoy a full day touring the sites in Cairo! We begin with the splendor of the famous Pyramids & Sphinx. Those interested can go inside the Pyramid as well as take a camel ride (small extra cost). From here we will make a visit to the largest museum in the world which just opened: The Grand Museum. This museum houses the world's greatest treasures including a Rosetta Stone replica and the opportunity to view real live mummies as well as King Tut items. Time permitting we will visit a local Mosque as Cairo is known as "The City of 1,000 Mosques." This evening we will enjoy our ‘last supper’ together with a short program followed by a short rest in our hotel rooms before making our way to the airport to begin our journey home. (Those continuing on will fly to Rome.)

Day 18 (Sun July 6): FLY HOME 

Today we arrive at our homes to be reunited with our loved ones!

ROME Extension Option: $550 

(Included: hotels, airport transports, entrance fees. NOT Included: flight from Cairo to Rome-this can very easily be added to your international flight itinerary. We use the Alitalia flight #895)

Day 18 (Sun July 6): SAN GIOVANNI / COLISEUM /  FORUM / TREVI FOUNTAIN

We arrive early in the morning and make our way to our hotel to drop off our luggage. Next we visit San Giovanni, the Sacred Steps, Coliseum, and the Forum. We will also continue to enjoy some of the amazing sites in this historic city:   the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piaza Navona, etc. We overnight in Rome.

Day 19 (Mon July 7): ROME: VATICAN / SISTINE CHAPEL / NEW ROME TEMPLE

Today we will visit one of the more fascinating places in the world; the historical Vatican City. We will marvel at Michelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel and be in wonder at St. Peters Basilica. We will explore all we can and again take in some Italian Ice Cream (Gelato) and delicious Italian food. This evening those interested will visit the newly dedicated Rome Temple can do so. We again overnight in Rome.

Day 20 (Tue July 8): FLY HOME!

Time permitting, those interested in doing work in the Rome Temple can do so before making their way to the airport and fly home to be reunited with our loved ones!

PRICE for Israel Portion: $5,497 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 lunches and airfare to and from Tel Aviv]

EGYPT Extension: $1,987 (includes in country flights, hotels, guides, transportation, Entrance fees, border taxes—Not included; lunches, international flight home from Cairo)

Rome Extension:  $550

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 $25 fee will be charged by Anderson Tours, 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.

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 Anderson Tours. All cancellation penalties are the responsibility of the participant.

Please send check payment and names of participants to:

Anderson Tours LLC

8661 Millpond PL

Riverside, CA 92508

• 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 we are happy to do so and it is a free service we provide. You can also include 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 board 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

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 Tel Aviv and/or Germany is not included but we are more than able to assist in arranging flights.

All participants are encouraged to book their flight through Traverse Tours and Travel (801-821-2299 or dani@flytraverse.com). This agency will assist our group with connecting in major airports, arriving at the same or similar times at Tel Aviv and/or Germany. This agency will handle all issues that may arise during travel. Travel can and will be coordinated as much as possible.

Current passport is required for this tour. Passports must be valid 6 months beyond your travel dates or entry will be denied. 

Age: 16+ unless accompanied by an adult

Good Health is encouraged for our Israel Tours!

The Gather-NOW program is sponsored by Anderson Tours LLC and International Travel Studies. These entities specialize in LDS Tours to Israel, Jordan & Egypt, as well as LDS Church History Tours, Book of Mormon Land Tours to Mesoamerica, and specialty Cruises. Our expertise is in providing sacred and meaningful experiences at various scriptural sites throughout the world. With over 4 decades of refinement and success we promise that your LDS Tour with us will be both memorable and meaningful. Personalized, scriptural experiences are ideal when done in small personalized groups and this is our specialty. Most companies strive to maximize profit by taking large groups but at Anderson Tours we strive diligently to maximize your insights and scriptural experiences. This is where the magic happens!

For a PACKING CHECKLIST go to https://andersontours.com/travel-information/travel-checklist/

Specific Packing Information and Tour Preparation Information will be sent to you by your director a few months before departure.