Journey to the Holy Land One Land, Two Peoples, Three Religions May 22 - June 3, 2016 • 13 Days • 22 Meals Escorted by Rev. Jim Cairney Journey with us to the Lands of the ; walk the narrow streets of Old ; stroll by the shores of the Sea of ; discover the magic of and . Can there be a better way to renew our faith and to gain insights into the meaning of the Bible than a journey that allows us to experience first-hand this fascinating land? This very special journey has been designed not only to provide insights into all the Biblical sites but to allow members an opportunity to experience life in the Holy Land today. We will meet with leaders and experts from a number of fields, in order to develop a better understanding of the three major religions and the two peoples that together make up the Israel of today. We shall learn of the problems that they face as well as their great effort to create a better world. We shall stay in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ and the centre of the modern Palestinian movement and drive through the heart of the with an overnight in Nablus. For three nights we shall stay in a modern Kibbutz resort on the shores of the and finally we will come up into Jerusalem, the Holy City for three of the world’s great religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam. This is no ordinary tour – it is a journey of JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS discovery and learning. The group size will be strictly  Spend 3 nights in Bethlehem, the birth place of , limited to a maximum of 36 members. We urge you to visiting Hebron, Church of the Nativity and other call today to ensure your places on this adventure. important sites and learning about the life in Palestine today  Travel north through the heart of the West Bank with a visits to , Yanoun and an overnight in Nablus  Spend 3 nights by the Sea of Galilee in a comfortable kibbutz resort  Sail on the Sea of Galilee as they did in Biblical times  Visit and the Mount of  Visit Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus and , where he performed his first miracle  Visit , the ancient Roman port  Spend 4 nights in the Holy City of Jerusalem with a visit to the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site  Walk the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre  Visit , the world’s oldest city, Qumran, Masada and the Dead Sea

TOUR ESCORT We are most pleased to have the Rev. Jim Cairney, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre lead minister of Christ Church United, Mississauga, to act as spiritual leader and escort for this journey. Jim has INCLUSIVE FEATURES visited the Holyland and Palestine three times including a  Return airfare with Air Canada three month sabbatical in the West Bank as part of the  Accommodations in comfortable hotels and a kibbutz Ecumenical Accompaniment Program (World Council of resort as indicated or similar Churches). An author and journalist, he was full time  22 meals included as noted in the itinerary (B – 11 Religious Writer for the Hamilton Spectator (1985- 1988) breakfasts, D – 11 dinners)  Services of your tour escort from Canada, plus our and authored Along The Emmaus Road, Walking With professional guide in Israel The Risen Christ (1994). He is knowledgeable about the  Transfers and baggage handling geopolitical realities of modern Israel as well the  All gratuities and taxes for included services theological history. May 22, Sunday Depart Canada of St and the prophets Abdias and Tour members from across Canada gather in Toronto for Elisens, since the 4th century. Located in Burqin is St. the overnight flights to the Holy Land. George's Church, the fifth oldest sacred Christian site and the third oldest church. By tradition, Jesus cured 10 lepers May 23, Monday Arrive Tel Aviv / Bethlehem while in Burqin. After Jenin (the Canaanite village of Ein- On arrival, drive into the Judean Hills passing Jerusalem Ganeem) we come to Harod's Valley with wonderful views en route to Bethlehem, stopping briefly at picturesque Ein filled with biblical history. At Beit Shean, climb the tel and Karem village, the birthplace of John the Baptist. We plan survey the magnificent Roman and Byzantine ruins. Drive to visit the Church of Visitation (the Church of the north through the Jordan Valley to the Sea of Galilee and - Mary's song in :46-55), and St. John's our Kibbutz. Kibbutz Nof Ginosar (3 nights) BD Church before continuing south past Rachel's Tomb to Bethlehem. Manger Square Hotel (3 nights) D May 28, Saturday A Day Around the Sea of Galilee Today is dedicated the important sites by the Sea of May 24, Tuesday The Bethlehem Region Galilee. At the Mount of Beatitudes we gather for a few After enjoying the wonderful hilltop view of Bethlehem we prayers and pictures. At Tabgha the first feeding of the visit Solomon’s Pools, Jerusalem’s main source of water multitude took place. In Capernaum the Franciscans for 2,000 years. Passing the monastery of Hortus believe they have uncovered the house of Peter. Beth Conclusus (“the sealed garden”) in Artas, we continue to Saida is the fishing village of the Gospels, and home to the “Shepherds’ Fields.” Experience the contrast between Peter, Andrew, and Philip (John 1:44). It was here that shepherds and kings when we visit King Herod’s Summer Jesus performed most of his miracles. Follow the eastern Palace (Herodium). In Bethlehem walk through the old banks of the sea to Kursi where the miracle of the swine town to the Church of the Nativity and visit the manger and took place. Passing Ein Gev we reach the Jordan River St 's Grotto. Continue through the traditional Souq and the modern Baptismal site of the Yardenit where we to the Lutheran Christmas Church and meet with Pastor Dr. will have an opportunity to renew our Baptismal vows . BD Mitri Raheb, acclaimed writer and director of Dar El Kalima consortium to discuss the Living Stones. Tour the college May 29, Sunday The Sources of the Jordan and the cultural centre that he established to help meet the On the Golan Heights we make a brief stop at Hazor, to cultural and educational needs of the Palestinian view of Mt. Hermon. At Dan, a nature walk by the Upper community. Visit the Palestinian Heritage Centre, with its Jordan provides views of ancient ruins. At the spring of great assortment of traditional crafts, and meet its director, (Banias), Peter admitted his recognition Mrs Maha Saca. BD of Jesus as Christ. Visit the stunning remains of a first- century AD palace belonging to Agrippas II before driving May 25, Wednesday Judean South around Mt. Hermon for a glimpse of Damascus. We end We drive south to Hebron and the Il Ibrahimi Mosque, our day with an hour on the lake in a wooden boat modeled where biblical patriarchs and matriarchs are buried. The after the ones used in Jesus' time. BD Tomb of the Patriarchs is the world's most ancient Jewish site and the second holiest place for the Jewish people. A May 30, Monday We are going up to Jerusalem completely preserved Herodian structure, it is identical to On our drive to Nazareth, we shall stop where Jesus the vanished Jerusalem Temple. Spend time with the performed his first miracle, the transformation of water into Christian Peacemaker Team to hear of their efforts towards wine. Continue to Mt. Precipice for a panoramic view of the peace and reconciliation in the region. At the Culinary Jezreel with Mt. Tabor the Carmel Range in the distance. Centre at Bethlehem University with a group of students, Spend the morning getting acquainted with Nazareth, we will prepare and then enjoy a dinner of traditional Jesus' home town, visiting its spring and walking through Palestinian dishes. BD the present-day bazaar, on the site of the ancient village, to the Church of the . Continue to Megiddo, har May 26, Thursday Biblical Heartland megiddo in Hebrew, which gave its name to Armageddon, Our day will begin with a look at the Separation Wall and a and ascend Mt. Carmel, site of Elijah's confrontation with visit to a Palestinian refugee camp followed by visit at the the prophets of Baal. Drive along the Mediterranean to Bethlehem Bible College to share morning coffee with Caesarea-by-the Sea and the ancient harbor of Caesarea Bishara Awad over a conversation about the Living Stones. Maritima. Drive up the historic Beth Horon road to the Heading north view the tomb of the prophet Samuel and Benjamin Plateau, passing ancient Gibeon before reaching Gibeon where the Lord appeared to King Solomon before Jerusalem. Finally, atop Mt. Scopus, we behold majestic he built the Temple. Enjoy the view of the Ajalon Valley Jerusalem. Ambassador Hotel (4 nights) BD where Joshua prayed for the sun and moon to remain still before arriving in Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian Authority. Visit the small village of Yanoun, a traditional small Palestian village before continuing to Nablus (Schechem). See the mound where Joshua renewed the covenant; stop at 's Well, site of Jesus' conversation with a Samaritan woman; drive up to Mt. Gerizim to visit with the local Samaritans still practicing their faith. Al Yasmeen Hotel (1 night) BD

May 27, Friday To the Sea of Galilee Visit Sebastia, where Philip preached and persuaded Peter and John to join him. Christians have venerated the tombs

The Spectacular View from atop Masada May 31, Tuesday O Jerusalem! Our day start on the Mt. of Olives with the Old City spread out before us. Descend the traditional Palm Sunday road to Dominus Flevit, recalling Jesus’ entry. Continue through the Valley of Jehosafat to Dung Gate where we may descend the slope of the first Jerusalem ("City of David") to the Gihon spring, and view the knee-high water through Hezekiah's tunnel. From the top of Mt Zion we enjoy the best views of early Jerusalem. Next we visit the Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Israel Museum, including the outdoor model of Jerusalem as the city may have looked in 66 AD. We close the day at Yad Vashem - the Holocaust Memorial. BD

June 1, Wednesday The Rift Valley Drive east to (the home of Martha and Lazarus) and through the Judean desert down to the Jordan Valley and Jericho (visit the tell of the oldest city and view the Sea of Galilee traditional mountain of Jesus' temptation). At Qumran on the shores of the Dead Sea, view the cave where the Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars (per person) scrolls were found. At Masada take the cable car to the top, Land Only (Join Bethlehem / Leave Jerusalem) ...... $2,595 visiting Herod’s mountain bunker and the last stronghold of Toronto...... $3,965 Ottawa / Montreal ...... $3,995 the Jewish revolt against Rome (66-73 AD). After floating Halifax ...... $4,165 on the Dead Sea (at minus 1390 feet, as low as you’re ever St. John’s ...... $4,265 likely to get), we enter the nature reserve of Ein Gedi, rich Winnipeg ...... $4,165 in flora and fauna, and walk to a lovely waterfall. This Regina / Saskatoon ...... $4,285 evening we will a discussion at Sabeel Ecumenical Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver ...... $4,245 Liberation Theology Center about the realities facing the Victoria ...... $4,285 Christian and the wider Palestinian community, to help Single Supplement ...... $ 945 better understand what it means to live here, and how to Prices from other Canadian cities are available on request. hope for a future of justice, peace and reconciliation. BD Airfares and air carrier are subject to change and will be June 2, Thursday Day in the Old City confirmed prior to final payment. Tour price is based on Just inside the Dung Gate, we will examine the ruins by the sharing a twin-bedded room at hotels. Prices are based on Temple complex, where Jesus taught and He with his a minimum 20 members and on rates, taxes and fees disciples walked. Walk to the Western Wall, Judaism’s effective July 2015 and are subject to change due to holiest site. View the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa factors beyond our control. Check our website for the most Mosque, the third holiest site of Islam, located on the current information. Refer to enrollment form for general traditional site of the ancient Temple Mount. Close by are information and conditions.

the Pools of Bethesda (John 5) and St. Anne’s Church, The above prices DO NOT INCLUDE the cost of which has been perfectly preserved from the Crusader comprehensive insurance which is available on an optional period. Follow the Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) back as basis and is strongly recommended. Insurance premiums far as the Holy Sepulchre. From there we walk through the vary with the cost and length of the trip as well as the Arab Souks, past the Armenian Quarter and exit the Old traveler’s age. For passengers up to and including 74 years City through the Mt Zion Gate to visit the Upper Room and on departure date premiums will range from $215 - $285pp. King David’s Tomb on the grounds of Mt. Zion. Return Cost supplements for members aged 75 - 85 will range once again to the Garden Tomb where we end our journey from $180 - $352pp. This insurance is effective from the tour with a special visit and the possibility of having a date of purchase and carries limitations on pre-existing private service on its grounds. The balance of the day is medical conditions. Please discuss your insurance free. We get together for our farewell dinner. BD coverage prior to booking.

June 3, Friday Tel Aviv / Canada Final payment will be due March 4, 2016 We transfer to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport for our flight Deposit is $500 per person back to Canada. B To reserve your spot on this tour, complete the enclosed enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and your home city, and forward it with your deposit to: CT RATING 3 - Moderately Challenging: This is a

busy itinerary involving long travel days, extensive visits CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD to historic sites and considerable walking, with many 1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6 stairs and some rough walking surfaces. Members must Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143 be physically active and healthy, able to maintain the [email protected] busy schedule to fully enjoy the journey. This is an outline of the program but members should appreciate www.craigtravel.com that the itinerary is subject to change based on local conditions and special interests of the group.

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