FMC Travel Club

A subsidiary of Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand (Inc.) www.fmc.org.nz

Club Convenor : John Dobbs Travel Smart Napier Civic Court, Dickens Street, Napier 4110 P : 06 8352222 E : [email protected]

In the footsteps of Jesus, the Patriarchs and Prophets

13 March to 17 April 2017, 35 days ex (estimated cost $8000pp as at November 2015) Based on a minimum group of 7 participants, and subject to currency fluctuations

Leader : Phillip Donnell

Scene of divine revelations, home of the People of the Book, background of the marvels recorded in the Bible… lands sacred to Jew, Christian and Moslem. Visiting this region, retracing the footsteps of Jesus, the patriarchs and the prophets, is more than just a journey; it is a pilgrimage to the very source of faith…

PRICE INCLUDES :  All accommodations in Jordan, Sinai and  All transport in Jordan, Sinai and Israel and connections between the 3 countries  Most meals (all breakfasts, all dinners, lunches in Jordan and Sinai and special Shabbat dinner in Israel)  The services of an experienced and knowledgeable Kiwi leader throughout  National Parks passes, entrance fees (including World Heritage sites) and inclusions as shown in the daily itinerary

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE :  Flights to / from the region and arrival / departure airport transfers  Travel insurance (mandatory)  Lunches in Israel  Personal incidentals e.g. internet, tipping, optional expenses, etc

Trip Leader

Phillip Donnell has been a student of the Bible all his life, with a special interest in the historical geography of the Bible lands. He has travelled extensively in the Middle East, particularly in Israel, Jordan, and . He has an M.A. in Geography, a Bachelor of Divinity and a Master of Theology in Applied Theology. For twenty years he was a Baptist pastor in four different churches. He has also been a teacher of Geography, English and ESOL, and is a published author of poetry, articles and short stories. Phillip currently lives in sunny Tauranga with his wife Katrina. He has three married children and eight grandchildren. He really enjoys visiting other countries and interacting with different cultures, and counts his experiences in the Middle East as among the most life-changing.

I am delighted that Phillip has prepared this itinerary and is available to lead this exciting trip for the travel club. If you have any questions you would like to put to Phillip, he welcomes your contact at [email protected]

For me, taking a trip to the Bible Lands wasn’t like any other – not so much a vacation as an education and an inspiration. Some parts of the cultures seemed foreign, but the oddities I observed and experienced often found their roots in places familiar, such as the Old and New Testaments. In that way, taking a trip to these lands felt like taking a trip inside the Bible. It wasn’t just seeing the sites that gave me insight into the Scriptures. The whole experience took me there. And 99% of those who have travelled to these places agree that experiencing them has strengthened their spiritual life…

Phillip Donnell

Trip Organisation and Overview

We aim to include these aspects in all our small group trips :  Thorough research and planning  A ‘trip of a lifetime’ - ‘if you only visit once’ thinking to the itinerary construction  An experienced NZ trip leader, plus local guides or similar where helpful or necessary  Adventure and variety - walking explorations with cultural aspects too  Some flexibility, worthwhile options and down time incorporated, as appropriate  The companionship and satisfaction of shared travel with like-minded Kiwis  Aspects of learning and community, coming away with new understanding and great memories

The details of all participants will be registered with the NZ Consulates in Amman and Tel Aviv. Plus we will register relevant details on www.safetravel.govt.nz These matters are precautionary and essential to properly managed travel to this part of the world. At least one pre-trip newsletter will provide further information than can be included here. These also typically provide a recommended gear list, any adjustments to the final itinerary, accommodation lists, details about transport logistics, updated security matters, recommended funds for personal use / options etc and of course the list of trip participants. At any stage, questions can be directed to the trip leader Phillip Donnell or the travel club convenor, John Dobbs.

Israel We mix the services of local operators with our own arrangements for seamless convenience and flexibility. To achieve our itinerary, we need to be largely independent, so we use two ‘people movers’ for transport. This means we need two main drivers and two others named as supporting drivers. Phillip will of course be the ‘main’ driver and his is the lead vehicle. Roads and highways in Israel are of a high standard and overall distances not too great. Driving is on the right and signage is in English. Israel is considered one of the safest destinations, and this is due to the highly visible presence of security people and systems in place. It pays to be vigilant, respectful and patient however. Expect lengthy questioning and bag searches on arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport. Suspiciously parked vehicles are towed or destroyed, street markets and public facilities are spontaneously closed at the vaguest rumour of a threat. When entering transport terminals, shopping malls etc your bags will be searched and sometimes X-rayed. You will also be checked by a metal detector or body search and probably asked if you have a gun! It’s amazing how quickly you get used to this, however. Likewise there are very strict systems in place when entering or returning from the occupied . Israel is nominally a ‘Jewish state’, but 25% of the near 8 million population are not actually Jewish. Arab Christians, Arab Muslims, Druze, Bedouin etc make up the numbers. Relative to its population, Israel is the largest immigrant absorbing country on earth. There are many nuances that make this region so fascinating, for all its conflict, controversy and tragedy. Traditions, religious and otherwise, play a huge part in daily life. Although Israel is located in the Middle East, it is a strongly western leaning society. The water is safe to drink and the cuisine is influenced by many aspects and its immigrants, so wide ranging and featuring plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Food is healthy, interesting and draws families together. We hope to include at least one special Shabbat (Sabbath) dinner and preferably with a local family.

Jordan In Jordan we use the services of a long standing local operator with a strong ethical and conservation stance. This means we have the constant services of an English speaking trip leader, with all arrangements made, ahead. While minor changes may be necessary, we are following established routes and visiting places where western visitors travel to and are made welcome. No visit to this part of the world would be complete with including the sights and history of Jordan. The Jordanians themselves are very hospitable and welcoming, and tourism infrastructure here is reliable and robust. We stay in mid range hotels on a twin share basis with facilities. There is good drinking water available and the cuisine of the country is typically , wholesome and delicious. Shish kebabs, hummus, falafel, salads, grains, mezze, chicken and lamb all feature.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS, PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS 5 glorious weeks in Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian Territories, culminating with Easter in Jerusalem – the most comprehensive tour available from NZ! A "do-it-once (in a lifetime) and do-it-properly" opportunity!

ITINERARY

*For more details of the places mentioned below, see: www.allaboutjerusalem.com, www.jerusalem.com, www.BiblePlaces.com, www.seetheHolyLand.net, www.BibleWalks.com , www.israel-webguide.com, www.goisrael.com, www.bible-history.com, www.gemsinisrael.com, www.ilmuseums.com, www.israelinsideout.com, www.travelujah.com

DAYAND PLACES VISITED DATE (on some days it may be a selection from those listed) ISRAEL Participants need to arrive in Israel by 1 p.m. on Monday, 13 March 2017 You will be met at Ben Gurion Airport and taken to your accommodation in Jerusalem. Day 1 Entry to Pilgrimage Monday Lydda (Lod) (healing of Aeneas, burial place of St George), Abu Ghosh, (possible site for 13 March Emmaus), Kiriath Jearim (home of the Ark of the Covenant for 20 years) O/n Jerusalem Day 2 Jerusalem: Mountains and Valleys Tuesday *Mount of Olives: The Evangelical Tower of the Ascension (Lutheran), Russian Church of the 14 March Ascension, Chapel of the Ascension, Church of the Paternoster, Mount of Olives Observation Point, Dominus Flevit, Russian Church of St Mary Magdalene, Church of All Nations, Garden of Gethsemane *Kidron Valley, Valley of Hinnom (ancient child sacrifice),Potters’ Field (Aceldama – death of Judas).

O/n Jerusalem Day 3 Where It All Began Wednesday City of David Visitors Centre, Warren’s Shaft, Hezekiah’s Tunnel (walk through it!), Gihon 15 March Spring, Pool of Siloam (healing of blind man) *Afternoon at leisure O/n Jerusalem Day 4 The Most Controversial Piece of Real Estate On Earth Thursday Temple Mount, Wailing Wall, Western Wall Tunnel, Golden Menorah, Temple Institute 16 March (Treasures of the Temple Exhibition), Davidson Centre (ruins of Second Temple) O/n Jerusalem Day 5 Super Structures Friday Cave of the Patriarchs edifice at Hebron (tombs of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), Herodion (Herod’s 17 March palace/burial place), Mar Saba monastery (largest in region) O/n Jerusalem Day 6 To You Is Born A Saviour Saturday * Rachel’s Tomb, Bethlehem (Church of the Nativity), Beit Sahur (Shepherds’ Fields) 18 March *Bethany (El Azariya), home of Mary and Martha, Lazarus O/n Jerusalem Day 7 The Past in the Present Sunday *Mount Scopus (biblical Nob – which features in the lives of David, Ahimelech and King Saul + 19 March Anzac Cemetery) *Givat Ram: Wahl Rose Park, the Supreme Court, the Knesset, the Menorah statue, Botanical Gardens, Israel Museum (Dead Sea Scrolls in the “Shrine of the Book”, model of the city in the Second Temple Period). *Afternoon at leisure O/n Jerusalem Day 8 Illumination and Insight Monday Neot Kedumin Biblical Landscape Reserve (daily life in OT times) 20 March O/n Tel Aviv Day 9 Ancient Town and Modern Metropolis Tuesday Ayalon Institute at Rehovot (secret munitions factory), Jaffa (Joppa) 21 March *Afternoon at leisure (Options: Mediterranean beaches/promenade, Independence Hall, Disengoff St.,, Carmel Market, White Tel Aviv, Neve Zedek, Sarona, Herzliya) O/n Tel Aviv Day 10 Roses of Sharon: Tel Aviv to Acre Wednesday Plain of Sharon, , (Elijah v. Baal), (Bahai Gardens), 22 March Akko (Acre, NT Ptolemais). O/n Acre Day 11 Sea of Galilee: The Evangelical Triangle Thursday Nof Ginossar, Tabgha, Cove of the Sower, , Mt. of Beatitudes, “New Galilee 23 March Experience” Show O/n Tiberius Day 12 The Grandeur of the Golan Friday , (Caesarea Philippi - "You are the Christ..."), Nimrod (fortress from 24 March Crusades era), Mount Hermon (Transfiguration), Quneitra Observation Point, Tel Dan, . O/n Tiberius Day 13 To the Other Side Saturday , Bethsaida (OT Geshur/Zer), Kursi (Gergesa), Susita/ (or rest on beach), Ein 25 March Gev Kibbutz restaurant (St Peter's fish meal), evening cruise across the Sea of Galilee. O/n Tiberius Day 14 Commitment and Commission Sunday Magdala (home of Mary Magdalene), Mt Arbel (the mountain of the Great Commission?) 26 March *Afternoon at leisure O/n Tiberius Day 15 Jesus’ Home Patch Monday *Cana (scene of the water into wine miracle), Sepporis (where Jesus worked as a builder- 27 March craftsman)Nazareth (where Jesus grew up), Nazareth Village (as it was in Jesus' day), O/n Nazareth Day 16 Burials and Battlegrounds Tuesday Beit Shearim ( ), Megiddo (Armageddon), Mt Tabor (Deborah and Barak), , 28 March Yardenit (Jordan baptism site), O/n Hammat Gader Day 17 Victory and Defeat Wednesday Belvoir (Crusader fortress), Spring of Harod (Gideon), Mount Gilboa (death of Saul and 29 March Jonathan), Sachne (Gan Hashlosha Spring), Beit Shean (Scythopolis - remarkable ruins) JORDAN Day 18 Northern Jordan: Bashan, Gilead and the Decapolis Thursday Jordan Valley, Pella (Tabaqat Fahl), Jerash (biblical Gerasa – best preserved Roman city in 30 March Middle East). O/n Jerash Day 19 Ammon and Moab Friday River Jabbok (now Zerka - Jacob's tryst with the heavenly visitor), As-Salt (tombs of Job, 31 March Jethro, Gad, Asher), Mt.Nebo (Moses views promised Land), Madaba (Ruth). O/n Madaba Day 20 Down the Dead Sea Highway to Edom Saturday Machaerus (death of John the Baptist), Dead Sea Panorama Centre, Dead Sea beaches, Safi 1 April (where Lot and his daughters lived) O/n Petra Day 21 Peerless Petra Sunday The Siq, The Treasury, The Central City, The Monastery 2 April O/n Petra Day 22 More Marvels Monday Another day for you to explore the wonders of Petra – believed by some to be biblical Bozrah. 3 April The High Place, The Royal Tombs, Churches O/n Petra Day 23 Desert Wonders Tuesday Rum jeep tour (Lawrence of Arabia), Aqaba (Jordan’s only port city and window on the 4 April Red Sea), O/n Aqaba ISRAEL Day 24 Exit to Wednesday Arava Border Crossing, Underwater Observatory, Eilat (biblical Elath/Ezion Geber), Red Sea 5 April beaches O/n Eilat Day 25 Southern Thursday Timnah National Park (Tabernacle replica), Hai-Bar Arava Wildlife Reserve, Mt.Yoash 6 April Viewpoint (4 countries), O/n Eilat Day 26 Northern Negev Friday Maktesh Ramon (huge crater), Wilderness of Zin, Ein National Park, Beer Sheba (home 7 April of patriarchs). O/n Arad Day 27 High and Low Saturday , Dead Sea dip. 8 April *Afternoon at leisure O/n Ein Bokek Day 28 Life and Death Sunday (David), (Dead Sea Scrolls), Kasr Al-Yahud (location of Christ's baptism) 9 April O/n Jericho Day 29 Testing Times Monday Tel-es-Sultan (original Jericho), Mount of Temptation (Qarantal), Wadi Kelt (St. George’s 10 April Monastery), Good Samaritan National Park O/n Jerusalem Day 30 Samaria: Some Area! Tuesday Qubeibeh (Emmaus?), Bethel (Luz/Beitin), Shiloh, Mt. Gerizim, Mt. Ebal, Shechem (Nablus/Tel 11 April Balatah), Sychar, Samaria/Sebaste, Ephraim (Taybeh) O/n Jerusalem Day 31 Valleys of the Giants Wednesday Samson’s Stamping Ground (Timnah, Eshtaol, Zorah, Beit Shemesh, Sorek Valley), (home 12 April of Goliath), Valley of Elah (David and Goliath), Ein Karem (home of John the Baptist) O/n Jerusalem Day 32 Gathering Shadows Maundy *Mount Zion: Schindler grave, Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu (Peter’s denial),The Steps of Thursday Caiaphas, Dormition Abbey. 13 April *The Mark Chagall Windows at Hadassah Hospital depict the 12 tribes of Israel in glass. *Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum) *Evening Gethsemane Walk and Seder (Passover) Meal O/n Jerusalem Day 33 The Once and For All Sacrifice Good Friday Garden Tomb, Jeremiah’s Grotto, Gordon’s Calvary, Damascus Gate, Solomon’s 14 April Quarries/Zedekiah’s Cave *Afternoon at leisure O/n Jerusalem Day 34 Healing and Hope Saturday Church of St Anne/Pools of Bethesda (healing of cripple), Via Dolorossa (the way of sorrow), 15 April Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Christ Church. O/n Jerusalem Day 35 The Day That Changed the World Easter Garden Tomb early morning service (optional), Ramparts Walk (atop the walls and towers). Sunday *Afternoon at leisure 16 April O/n Jerusalem Day 36 Travel from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport. Depart Israel. Monday 17 April

Options in Jerusalem *The Museum of Psalms is the only museum of its kind in the world, each painting a visual poem, blurring the lines between aesthetics and meditation. *The Bible Lands Museum explores the culture of the peoples mentioned in the Bible. *In Yemin Moshe, the vaulted lobby and tower of the YMCA , the famous King David Hotel, and the beautiful Lion Fountain are worth a look. The Montefiore Windmill testifies to a British philanthropist’s attempt to combine accommodation with industry. Right opposite is an exact replica of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. *Ammunition Hill commemorates the Israeli campaign to capture during the Six Day War in 1967. *You may be interested in a visit to the magnificent Belz Great Synagogue of Jerusalem, the largest in Israel. *The Rockefeller Archaeological Museum contains thousands of artifacts arranged in chronological order, ranging from prehistoric times to the Ottoman period, including a 9,000-year old statue from Jericho, gold jewelry from the , and much more. *The Museum on the Seam is a unique museum in Israel, displaying contemporary art that deals with different aspects of the socio-political reality. *The Tower of David Museum at Jaffa Gate presents the story of Jerusalem, its history and its significance to three religions. *Jerusalem Biblical Zoo has both biblical and non-biblical animals in a pleasant setting. *Rooftop Promenade in the Old City - a birds-eye view.

Booking Conditions : FMC Travel Club and Travel Smart Napier

1. The FMC Travel Club (FMC) offers this small group trip in conjunction with Travel Smart Napier (TSN). All travel arrangements are made with TSN. Participants agree to all terms and conditions by signing the Registration Form. 2. FMC and TSN are not responsible or liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may arise from weather, defect in any vehicle, vessel or aircraft, of through the acts or default of any person or company engaged in carrying out any of the arrangements of the trip. 3. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if minimum numbers don’t eventuate. In such an event, all monies paid will be fully refunded. We also reserve the right to make any modifications that may be essential, or to offer a modified trip to a smaller number of people. 4. The trip includes the apportioned cost of the leaders’ travel. 5. Registrations are accepted in good faith on a first comers basis on receipt of the Registration Form. The deposit is $2000 per person. Registrations close by 30th June 2016 (or earlier if the trip fills). A progress payment of $3000 per person is due by 30th September 2016 and final balance is due by 31st December 2016. All payments may be made by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, internet banking, visa or mastercard to the offices of TSN. All or any payments by Visa or Mastercard adds $200 to the final trip price. Our preferred method of payment is internet banking. Please use : 010685 0151601 00 at ANZ Napier. Heerlen Ltd T/A Travel Smart Napier (with a covering email). Please make cheques payable to Travel Smart Napier. 6. Arrangements are made in other currencies, so subject to fluctuations. Events beyond our control such as currency fluctuations or any unforeseen additional costs may affect the overall trip price. We cannot guarantee the price until such times as full payment has been received. Upon full payment, the trip price is guaranteed. 7. Cancellations. If you need to cancel your registration for any reason, you must advise TSN in writing as soon as possible. An email is acceptable, a phone call alone is not. Travel insurance will cover you for unforeseen circumstances but will not cover you for changing your mind after committing to the trip. Cancellation fees apply as follows :  Cancellations received from 1st October 2016 to 31st December 2016 incur a fee of $2000.  Cancellations received from 1st January 2017 onwards incur a fee of 100% of trip costs. 8. Travel insurance is mandatory. We recommend QBE Travel Insurance and a brochure/application by email or post is available any time, just ask. A discount to the premium will be offered. Details of any travel insurance other than QBE must be provided before departure.

Registration Form - Bible Lands Pilgrimage 2017 :

Complete and send to John Dobbs at TSN with a passport copy. Registrations close by 30thJune 2016 (or earlier of the trip fills). So your earliest commitment is appreciated. All or any payments by Visa or Mastercard adds $200 to the final trip price. Our preferred payment method is internet banking into : 010685 0151601 00 at ANZ Napier. Heerlen Ltd T/A Travel Smart Napier (with covering email please).

Full name(s) as per passport(s) and please underline or highlight your preferred first name(s)………………………......

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Mailing address……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Day phone…………………………………………………..Night phone……………………………………………Mobile…………………………………………..

Email…………………………………………………………………………………………….Date(s)of birth……………………………………………………….

Specify any dietary requirements, allergies or medical conditions……………………………………………………………………………….

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Contact person in NZ for any emergencies : name, address, contact phone numbers, email and the relationship to you. In the event of any emergency, this is the sole person you are authorizing us to liaise with

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I/We have read the full trip dossier and I / We enclose the per person deposit of $2000. I / We agree to pay the remainder of trip costs by due date, as advised by invoice. I / We understand that the final trip price is subject to minimum numbers and other cost impacts as detailed under the Booking Conditions section; therefore the final trip price cannot be guaranteed until such times as full payment has been made.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….signed and dated by each person registering

Send to : John Dobbs, FMC Travel Club Convenor Travel Smart Napier. Civic Court, Dickens Street, Napier 4110. P : 06 8352222 E : [email protected]