The Exodus Tour-A Journey of Faith

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	The Exodus Tour - A Journey of Faith - April 5-19th, 2010 From: 0 pp/dbl occupancy We are excited to take you on a biblical journey back in time on this unforgettable tour as we journey the route of the Old Testament's "Exodus." Your guides will make this tour a once in a life time, memorable experience. We begin in Egypt, a land that has mystified travelers for five thousand years. Explore the pyramids of Giza before following in the steps of the Israelites to Mt. Sinai where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Cross the Red Sea into Jordan and experience the magic of Petra… Finally, arrive in Israel where you will visit Jerusalem, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, and other sites that still beckon those who seek to learn of Christ's ministry that still permeates the land as powerfully as his teachings still encompass the earth. Come step back in time, to enter lands that echo with the voices of Abraham, David, and Elijah as we glimpse the triumphs of her prophets and the follies of her kings. Included: • 1st class and deluxe accommodations • Meals as indicated in itinerary • Entrance fees and all activities as specified in itinerary • Services of a bilingual licensed Israeli tour guide throughout • Transfers via deluxe air-conditioned motor coaches • Airport and hotel porterage • Travel Insurance
Not Included: Round-trip air from Salt Lake City-Other gateway cities available at discounted prices • Taxes/Fuel Surcharges ($349 pp) • Tips & gratuities ($190 pp) • Items of a personal nature • Passport Visa's for Egypt and Jordan - Please check under "THINGS TO KNOW" for information on cost and processing
Payment Terms: • $500 per-person due at booking • Final payment due Jan 11, 2010

Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Mon, April 5, 2010 - Depart USA to Cairo
Morning departure from SLC for your flight to Cairo, Egypt

Day 2: Tues, April 6, 2010 - Cairo, Egypt
Welcome to Egypt! Arrival in Cairo where you will be met by our representative to assist you through security & customs and provide transfer to your hotel. Evening introduction, orientation & Dinner (Meals: D)

Day 3: Weds, April 7, 2010 - Cairo Tour
After breakfast we will start our Egypt tour with a full day tour to the Pyramids and Sphinx. Visit the Egyptian Museum the Citadeland Khan El Khalili Bazaar. In the evening we will have a Cruise-Dinner on the Nile. Return to the Hotel and overnight. (Meals: B,D)

Day 4: Thurs, April 8, 2010 - Sinai
Leave Cairo and travel east towards Sinai, going through the tunnel under the Suez Canal. Drive along the west branch of the Red Sea, following what is thought to be the route of the Exodus. Oasis of Paran (Faran). Mt. Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery. (Meals: B,D)

Day 5: Fri, April 9, 2010 - Sinai - Jordan
If you wish, climb Mt. Sinai in the early morning (3 am), renting a camel for assistance and fun for the first 2/3 of the way up to see the sunrise. After late breakfast we Visit St. Catherine's Monastery which was constructed by the Roman Emperor Justinian (527 and 565 AD). It is built around what was thought to be Moses' Burning Bush. The Greek Orthodox church building is the oldest continuously used church building in the world. Leaving St. Catherine's we drive to Nuweiba. Take fast ferry to Aqaba, Jordan and proceed to Petra for check in and Dinner. (Meals: B,D)

Day 6: Sat, April 10, 2010 - Petra - Amman
In the morning we travel into Petra by horseback or on foot to explore this ancient rose-colored rock city that is always breathtaking. This was a city of Edom from the times of Israel and Judah. After lunch continue to Mt. Nebo and from there to the Jordan capital of Amman for Dinner. (Meals: B,D)

Day 7: Sun, April 11, 2010 - Jordan - Israel
Following breakfast we will go on a city tour to Amman and then drive to the northern border crossing to Israel. We will continue to the ancient city of Beth Shean for an overview of where after defeating Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa, the Philistines hanged their bodies on the walls of Beth Shean (1 Samuel 31).(Meals:B, D)

Day 8: Mon, April 12, 2010 - Galilee
We will start this day with our prayer time at the site of the Sermon on the Mount, the Mount of Beatitudes. We will then visit St. Peter's Primacy before traveling to the 2000 year old remains of Capernaum (Luke 4). It was from this city that Jesus did most of his Galilean ministry, where he performed many miracles, and where Peter's mother-in-law lived and was healed. We'll see Kursi where Jesus cast the demons into pigs who ran into the sea (Matt.8:28-33). Then on to Ein Gev, where we will be served a traditional fish lunch. After we'll board a boat similar to that of Jesus' time and ride across the Sea of Galilee. Our last stop of the day will be at the traditional site at the Jordan River where we will talk about the importance of baptism and enjoy the peacefulness of this special site. (Meals: B,L,D)

Day 9: Tues, April 13, 2010 - Galilee - Golan Heights
Following breakfast we will depart our hotel to the Golan Heights and then travel to the northernmost areas of Israel. We will drive across the top of the Golan Heights, and than visit the Banias “ancient Caesarea Philippae“ where Jesus declared “I will build my church.” We continue to the tranquil Dan natural reservation. After lunch we will visit the ancient town of Hazor. This city served as an important first line of defense against armies attacking Israel from the north. We will also have an opportunity to view “the Jesus Boat” at Nof Ginnosar. Afterwards we return to the hotel for a relaxing evening and dinner. (Meals: B,L,D)

Day 10: Weds, April 14, 2010 - Megiddo - Nazareth - Sea of Galilee
After breakfast we will drive to Nazareth, where Jesus spent the silent years of his life. From there we will drive to Megiddo and the Valley of Armageddon (Revelation 16), site of the final battle. Continue to Mount Carmel where Elijah issued his challenge to the False Prophets. We will continue on to Caesarea by the Mediterranean Sea. It is here that Cornelius the Centurion and his household were saved and baptized (Acts 10), and it was also where Paul made his defense before Festus and King Agrippa prior to his final journey to Rome (Acts 25 & 26). Drive up to Jerusalem for overnight. (Meals: B,L,D)

Day 11: Thurs, April 15, 2010 - Jerusalem
We begin our first day of touring Jerusalem by boarding our motor coaches and head to the top of the Mount of Olives and stand where our Lord ascended into heaven (Acts 1). See olive trees on the Mount of Olives (Luke 19, 2 Samuel 15) that date back to the time of Christ. We'll take the historic Palm Sunday road down to the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18). After lunch, we will visit the Western Wall and the western wall tunnels for a prayer time. We continue to the Holocaust Museum (Yad Vashem) and then on to the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls collection displays the authenticity of God's eternal Word. (Meals: B,L,D)

Day 12: Fri, April 16, 2010 - Dead Sea
Following breakfast the route will take us to the lowest place on earth- the Dead Sea. One of our stops will be Qumran, site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and an ancient Essene community. Then on to Ein Gedi where David hid in a cave when running from Saul (1 Samuel 23). It was here that David composed several of the Psalms. Than we will climb to the mighty fortress of Massada, the spectacular mountaintop fortress built by Herod, famous for being the last stronghold of the Jewish rebellion against the Romans. We will end our touring for the day at the Dead Sea where we can feel the salty water or take a swim. (Meals: B,L,D)

Day 13: Sat, April 17, 2010 - Jerusalem
Following breakfast we will start our tour on the Southern Steps that lead to the original Temple Mount, where Herod's temple stood. We will visit the traditional site of Calvary, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. After lunch we will take a walk up on the ancient walls of Jerusalem, ending at the Upper Room welcoming a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit. We will worship in the Upper Room (Luke 22) and tour St. Peter in Gallicantu, site of Caiaphas the high priest's house (John 18). Then we will travel through the Jewish Quarter, walking through some of the ancient city and view the shops and unique way that the ancient customs and lifestyles maintained. We continue on to our last two stops and visit the Pool of Bethesda (John 4) and the Sisters of Zion Church, where Jesus was whipped before mockers. Return to our hotel for dinner. (Meals: B,L,D)

Day 14: Sun, April 18, 2010 - Jerusalem
Today, before leaving Jerusalem we will begin the day in quiet prayer at the Garden Tomb, where we will partake of communion, celebrating Jesus Christ's saving death (Luke 23) Free afternoon in Jerusalem. After farewell dinner we will drive back to the airport for our transatlantic flight back home. (Meals: B,L,D)

Day 15: Mon, April 19, 2010 - USA
Arrive home with memories that will last a lifetime.

What to Expect
Morris Murdock will handle most of the tour preparations for you, however there are still a few things you should know and some details to take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the information below to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones.

Visa and Passport Information

A valid passport is mandatory for travel on this tour and must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date.

A VISA is required for both Egypt and Jordan. We ask that you obtain these in advance since you will be traveling in a group and it would seriously hamper the groups time schedule to do these at the boarders.

There are several visa processing companies who can assist you in this process. We recommend using CIBT as they have reasonable rates and good processing time. Here is a link to their web site for your consideration. http://www.us.cibt.com/home.aspx

If you choose to work directly with the consulates to obtain your visa's here are those links as well:

Egypt - http://www.egy2000.com/ft40l.html

Jordan- http://www.jordanembassyus.org/new/consular/visas.shtml

Airline Information
Group Air Tickets
Where group flights are offered, tickets will be issued approximately 30 days prior to departure. Morris Murdock Escorted Tours can assist with domestic flights from your home city to the designated international gateway city. Electronic tickets will be issued where possible.

Air Tickets Purchased Independently of the Tour
We urge you to check airline cancellation penalties before purchasing airline tickets since departure times and flights can change. Tours may also be cancelled due to low enrollments. Morris Murdock Escorted Tours does not accept liability for cancellation penalties related to domestic or international airline tickets purchased independently in conjunction with a tour. We recommend that you check with us prior to purchasing any airline tickets.

Seat Assignments:
We understand that your seat assignment is an important part of your tour experience. Each airline has a different policy regarding pre-assigned seat assignments and we are bound by their rules. Morris Murdock Escorted Tours will advise the airlines of your seating preference and will do all possible to secure your seat request. Please understand that in cases where pre-assigned seats are not available, seats will be assigned at the airport. We recommend arriving at the airport early to ensure the best seat selection.

Frequent Flyers:
We will be happy to add your frequent flyer number to any airline reservation created by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours. Please understand that we are unable to assist with securing reservations for free or reduced cost frequent flyer tickets. Please contact your individual airline for assistance.
Airline seat assignments and flight schedules are subject to change without notice.

Baggage
Most airlines, for both domestic and international flights, now charge additional fees for checking bags. These charges are not included in the tour price and are the traveler's responsibility. Baggage handling is normally included in the tour price.

Transfers
Some tours do not include group air service. In cases where the tour is designated as “Land Only”, the tour begins at the airport of the arrival city and ends at the airport of the departure city. Individual flight schedules should be coordinated to arrive and depart in connection with the group transfer to and from the hotel. The time of this transfer will be provided at a later date. Transfers at other times will require an additional charge. Please contact us at 800-809-9910 for assistance.

Passport Information
All participants traveling outside of the USA must be in possession of a valid passport during time of travel. Your passport number, date, place of issue, and birth date is now required by many foreign governments, airlines and trains, and may be required to confirm services.
Names on your airline tickets must match the first and last name listed on your passport. Your passport must be valid for six months after your return to the U.S.
If you need assistance obtaining or renewing your passport, please click here http://www.us.cibt.com/home.aspx?loggedin=45217-1027200963347
At no time will Morris Murdock Escorted Tours be responsible in the event you fail to obtain a passport or valid visa and are unable to travel as a result of it.

Money

The form of currency in Israel is the Shekel. You will find that prices are about the same as they are in the USA. You can buy many small souvenirs with American dollars ($1's, $5's). In fact, we suggest you bring small bills with which to bargain. You can purchase food with American money; however, we suggest you convert some money into shekels. Restaurants tend to charge a little more if you use dollars.

Traveler's checks and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express) are accepted in Israel at souvenir shops, restaurants, and hotels.

Tipping

Tipping is expected, and not an option in Israel. Salaries are low and taxes are high (as much as 40% of their salary). You have pre-paid your tips. It is not necessary to tip the porters or the headwaiters at the hotels. If you would like to tip a little extra, you may do so at your discretion.

ATM's are widely available and may provide a more favorable exchange rate than banks.

Weather

AVERAGE LOW & HIGH TEMPERATURE

City

°

Apr

May

Jun

Sep

Oct

Nov

Jerusalem

F

53-69

60-77

63-81

65-82

60-78

54-67

Tel Aviv

F

54-72

63-77

67-83

69-89

59-83

54-76

Tiberias

F

56-80

62-89

68-95

71-95

65-89

59-78

Communication

Internet service is widely available in your hotels and at internet cafes throughout the country. A nominal fee will be charged for usage.

Please check with your cell-phone provider for information on roaming charges. Depending on the type of cell phone you have, you may be able to purchase a local SIM card to insert into your cell phone and make calls at a much lower rate.

Electricity

The electric current in Israel is 220 Volts AC, single phase, 50 Hertz. You will need an adapter. Most Israeli sockets take the standard Middle East two pronged (round) adapters. If your appliance, hair dryer, iron or electric shaver does not convert from 110 to 220 volts, you will need a converter as well. Converters and/or transformers can be purchased at a variety of stores. It is wise to make sure when purchasing a converter that the number of watts on your appliance matches the number of watts on your converter.

Time Zone

The time in Israel is 8 hours ahead of Mountain Time.

Customs

Your duty-free exemption is $800 if you are a returning U.S. resident and the items you acquired abroad accompany you. Articles imported in excess of your exemptions will be subject to duty. If your purchases and acquisitions exceed the allowable duty-free exemption plus $1,000, you must itemize in writing these purchases/acquisitions on the back of the declaration form. Sales slips, invoices, or other evidence of purchase will be helpful when you complete your Customs declaration.

Gifts mailed to people in the United States from abroad may be received by them free of duty if the value of the gift does not exceed $100. Gifts for more than one person can be consolidated into one package. Each recipient's name must be clearly marked on the package to be eligible for this waiver. Non-gift purchases mailed to the United States will pass duty-free if their value does not exceed $200. The outer wrapping must be marked with: the fair retail value of the contents; the contents' identity (e.g., shirts, belts, watch, figurines, etc.); and whether the package is a gift ($100 exemption) or for personal use ($200 exemption).

NOTE: Duty owed on a mailed package must be paid after it arrives in the United States. No matter what a shop owner abroad may tell you, you cannot prepay duty.

Health Standards

Sanitation standards are much higher than in any other Middle Eastern country, and no shots are required. However, please check with your medical provider for special needs. The water is safe to drink, and medical facilities, while not quite up to United States standards, are more than adequate. The government requires that at least one pharmacy in each neighborhood be open or on call at all times; a list is published weekly in the English-language “Jerusalem Post.” Medication is allowed to be brought into the country; however, all medication should be properly labeled and in their pharmacy bottles if possible.

The Exodus Tour-A Journey of Faith

Tim Taggart has been a pioneer in LDS travel pretty much from the beginning of the industry, traveling to the lands of the scriptures in the Middle East and Europe the first time in 1981 and conducting tours since 1983.

He was born and grew up in Cache Valley, Utah and served his first mission in Australia. He received a bachelor's degree in history and political science from Utah State University with a career goal to become a ‘master teacher'. He began his teaching career in the LDS Church seminary program, completing a master's degree in instructional technology from USU at the same time. His teaching career changed course in 1982 when he and the family came to Salt Lake City to work for the Church producing media. The new focus was to teach through the technology of visual and audio media to a worldwide audience.

He has worked as a director for the Audiovisual Department of the Church for over 20 years. Over the course of his career he has had responsibility for production of General Conference, the Church Satellite System, film and video production, and global media. After serving as Stake President, he was called with his wife Gloria to serve as Mission President of the England Bristol Mission from 1997 to 2000. He presently has responsibility for oversight of media for the international areas of the Church and worldwide language production.

Tim has traveled to nearly every area of the world, professionally and as a tour guide. His love of teaching has shown while he has conducted dozens of tours to Church History, Holy Land and Book of Mormon sites. He and his wife Gloria are the parents of two children and three grand children.

Tours Currently Featuring Tim Taggart