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May 6 -20, 2011/ Operated by LDS Travel Study
This tour is for
those who want to see most of the Bible lands on a single tour. Your learning
adventures in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Caesarea, Masada, and the Galilee area of
the Holy Land, as well as Luxor, and Giza, will provide wonderful, enduring
memories. You will have the opportunity to create some lasting friendships as
you study the scriptures together and enjoy this time with other congenial
adults.
Price includes:
• Deluxe motor coach transportation
• Local
guides
• Hotel accommodations in moderate-class hotels
• Sightseeing tours
as outlined on the itinerary
• Entrance fees
• Gratuities
• Group
Visas
• Group Travel insurance
• Breakfasts and dinners on land
portion
Price does not include:
• Round-trip, group air
Phoenix-Cairo-Tel Aviv-Phoenix available at @$1500.00
• Additional possible
airfare from cities other than Phoenix
• Sightseeing not included on the
itinerary
• Additional hotel accommodations
• Items of a personal nature
(e.g., phone calls, room service, e-mails, etc.)
• Additional travel
insurance and cancellation waiver
• Lunches (except in Egypt)
• Single
supplement $850
A minimum of 20 passengers is required to operate this
tour
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Days 1-2: Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7 U.S.A. • Transatlantic Flight •
Cairo, Egypt
We will take a flight from our various home cities, change
planes in New York, and arrive in Cairo the following afternoon. We will then
check in to the Concorde El Salam or Fairmont Heliopolis Hotel for the next two
nights. After dinner we will have a group meeting.
Day 3: Sunday, May 8
Giza • Memphis • Sakkara
We will begin our day with a visit to the famous
Sphinx. Our next stop will be the 5,000-year-old pyramids of Giza, one of the
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We will also see the impressive solar boat
before taking a camel ride. After touring Memphis (the ancient pharaonic
capital), we will have lunch at a Sakkara restaurant. We will then see the Step
Pyramid of Zoser, the Pyramid of Unas, and, if time, the Mastaba of Ti at
Sakkara.
Day 4: Monday, May 9 Cairo • Luxor • Karnak
We will take an
early morning flight to Luxor. Then we'll visit the west bank of the Nile River,
home of the Valley of the Kings—where the tombs and mortuary temples of the
famous kings and queens of the New Kingdom (when Egypt ruled the East) are
located. We will see several of these, including the famous tomb of King Tut.
Next we will visit the Ramesseum and Medinet Habu. We will explore the largest
temple complex in the world, the famous Temple of Karnak, and the Temple of
Luxor. If time allows, we will have a felucca ride on the Nile. We will stay the
night at the Sheraton Hotel.
Day 5: Tuesday, May 10 Luxor • Cairo •
Amman, Jordan
We hope to have an early breakfast and flight back to Cairo.
This morning we will first visit the exhibits from throughout Egypt's history at
the world-famous Cairo Museum. Then we will stop at the Citadel of Saladin and
the Mohammed Ali Mosque (Alabaster Mosque) and discuss Islam. If time permits we
will shop in the Khan El Khalili Bazaar. We will return to the hotel to pick up
our luggage and freshen up. We will then take a late afternoon flight to Amman,
Jordan and check in to the Hotel for the night.
Day 6: Wednesday, May 11
Amman • Jerash • Beth Shean, Israel • Caesarea • Haifa
The day will begin
with a quick visit to Jerash, to see some very impressive Roman ruins. We will
then drive to the Sheikh Hussein border crossing to come into Israel. We will
make another quick stop to over see the ruins of Beth Shean before driving
through the Ein Herod and Jezreel Valleys and taking route 65 to the
Mediterranean coast for a stop at Caesarea. Here we will discuss the Biblical
history of this ancient port city where Paul spent two years of his life before
going to Rome (Acts 23-26). Our next stop will be at the overlook above Haifa
(modern port of Israel and center of the Baha'i faith), where we will discuss
some of the history of the Church in the Holy Land. We will visit the missionary
grave sites before checking in to the Leonardo Hotel for the night on the shore
of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea in Haifa.
Day 7: Thursday, May 12
Mount Carmel • Megiddo • Mount Tabor • Nazareth
Today we'll drive along the
top of Mount Carmel, where we'll enjoy a view of the Jezreel Valley while
discussing the life of the prophet Elijah at Muhraqa—that celebrates the site of
Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal. We will then visit Tel
Megiddo, an archaeological site containing more than 20 layers of ancient
biblical city ruins. Then we will take a taxi ride to the top of Mount Tabor to
see the possible site of the Savior's transfiguration. In the city of Nazareth,
we will reflect on the Savior's early life and come to a better understanding of
the customs of the time as we visit the Nazareth Village and experience what
daily life was like in Galilee two thousand years ago. As we drive to the lake,
we will make a stop in upper Tiberias to briefly see the Galilee Branch House.
We will spend the next two nights at the Kinar Hotel on the shore of the Sea of
Galilee.
Day 8: Friday, May 13 Capernaum • Mount of Beatitudes • Golan
Heights •
Banias • Sea of Galilee
We will begin the day with a visit to
Capernaum, the center of Jesus' Galilean ministry. Here He performed many
miracles and gave discourses, including His “Bread of Life” sermon. Our next
stop will reflect on the Savior's Sermon on the Mount as we gather on the Mount
of Beatitudes. We will drive to Mount Bental, an Israeli historical site in the
Golan Heights (home of many Druze people and scene of fierce fighting between
Israel and Syria in 1967 and again in 1973). We should have a beautiful view of
Mount Hermon, another possible location for the Transfiguration. We will then
drive down to visit Banias (ancient Caesarea Philippi), where the Savior
promised the Twelve the keys of the kingdom. At Nof Ginosar we will briefly see
the boat museum before taking the boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Ein Gev
will close our day of touring. There may be some free time for relaxing and
possibly swimming in the Sea of Galilee. We will pack for an early departure for
Jerusalem in the morning.
Day 9: Saturday, May 14 Jordan Valley •
Jerusalem Center • Orson Hyde Memorial Garden • Bethlehem
This day begins
early with an early drive down the Jordan Valley to enjoy sacrament meeting with
the members of the Jerusalem Branch at the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern
Studies. We will visit to the beautiful Orson Hyde Memorial Garden on the Mount
of Olives for an overview of the Old City and where we can review much of the
history related to this area. After finding a place for an early lunch, we'll
drive to Bethlehem, the site of the Savior's birth, to visit the ancient Church
of the Nativity. At Shepherds' Field overlooking Bethlehem, we will review the
biblical events connected with this area. We will check in to the Olive Tree
Hotel for the rest of our nights in the Holy Land.
Day 10: Sunday, May 15
Holy Mount • Western Wall • Mount of Olives • Old City • Citadel Museum
This
morning we will tour the Holy Mount (Mount Moriah), ancient site of the temples
of Solomon and Herod, now occupied by the world-famous Dome of the Rock and El
Aksa Mosque. Then we'll witness a bar mitzvah (Jewish ceremony) at the Western
Wall. We'll return to the Old City for lunch at Cardo Culinarium, followed by a
walk to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on our way to visit the Citadel Museum
near Jaffa Gate.
Day 11: Monday, May 16 Masada • Dead Sea • Qumran •
Jerusalem
This morning we will depart early for Masada to see the ruins of
the palace-fortress built by King Herod and recall the story of the Zealots'
last stand against the Romans. After coming down from the mountain we will visit
the museum. At Ein Gedi, we will have the opportunity to float in the Dead Sea
(the lowest point on the earth's surface). Our next stop is at Qumran, where the
Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. If time and circumstances allow, we will stop
briefly at ancient Jericho, On our way to Jerusalem, we will pass through the
Judean Wilderness (where the Savior had His 40-day spiritual experience). After
returning to the hotel, we will head to the Tower of David to see The Night
Spectacular—a light-show extravaganza highlighting the history of the Holy
City.
Day 12: Tuesday, May 17 The Ophel • Jewish Quarter • City of David
• Hezekiah's Tunnel
We return to the Old City to visit the Davidson Center to
see displays and the Mount Ophel excavations (southern wall of the Holy Mount).
This will include a visit to stairs from Herod's Temple where the Savior may
have walked. After a visit to the Jewish Quarter to see some impressive ruins,
we will have some free time to shop and have lunch on our own. In the afternoon,
we will visit some important Old Testament sites?the City of David, the Pool of
Siloam, and Hezekiah's Tunnel. After changing our clothes at the hotel, we may
have time in the afternoon for more personal sightseeing and
shopping.
Day 13: Wednesday, May 18 Yad Vashem • Israel Museum • Garden
Tomb
Today's activities will begin with a visit to Yad Vashem (Holocaust)
Memorial to commemorate the impact of the Holocaust on the history of this land,
the Jewish people, and the world. At the Israel Museum, we will visit the Shrine
of the Book (Dead Sea Scrolls display) and the famous Model City of Jerusalem,
which shows how the city looked near the time of the Savior. The day will close
with our first visit to and guided tour of the Garden Tomb. We should have some
free time to conclude our shopping.
Day 14: Thursday, May 19
Jerusalem
This exceptional day will be spent walking through the last
twenty-four hours of the Savior's ministry. We'll begin at the traditional Upper
Room (scene of the Last Supper), followed by a visit to St. Peter in Gallicantu
(traditional site of the cock's crowing) and the palace of Caiaphas. Our
discussion of the Savior's great atoning sacrifice will take place at
Gethsemane.
Passing through Lion's Gate, we'll reach the Pool of Bethesda and
the Church of St. Anne. Then we'll move to the area of the Antonia Fortress
(possibly where Jesus was questioned and sentenced by Pilate). Going through
Damascus Gate, we'll arrive at Golgotha, site of the Crucifixion, and then move
to the Garden Tomb to commemorate the Resurrection. We will end our day with a
special meeting. After dinner, we will depart for the Ben Gurion Airport to
board our transatlantic flight to the U.S.A. very early tomorrow
morning.
Day 15: Friday, May 20 Jerusalem • U.S.A.
After a very early
departure from the Ben Gurion Airport, we will change planes in New York and
arrive at our homes in the early afternoon.
(itinerary is subject to
change)
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What to Expect
LDS Travel Study 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.
Airline Information
Group Air Tickets
Where group
flights are offered, tickets will be issued approximately 30 days prior to
departure. LDS Travel Study can assist with domestic flights from your home city
to the designated international gate-
way 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. LDS Travel Study 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. LDS Travel Study 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 LDS Travel Study. 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,
therefore we strongly recommend to reconfirm your flights 48 hours prior to
departure
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. If there is a domestic flight
connecting to an international carrier
(i.e. Delta to Air France) there may
be a baggage fee for checked in luggage.
The airlines allow only limited
amount of liquids/lotions/gels in your carry on luggage. You should plan to
follow the 3-1-1 rule which allows a maximum of 3.4 ounces of liquid; 1 quart
sized plastic zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger. Please see
http://www.tsa.gov/311 for details.
Please be advised to check with your
airlines to see if there is fee for check-in baggage.
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 866-277-0900
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
Visa
Information
Depending on length of visit or the country being visited, a
Visa may also be required for travel. If traveling to Egypt or Jordan, a group
Visa will most likely be arranged for your tour.
Weather
Please refer
to the chart below to find the average temperatures and rainfall. As you get
closer to departure, you may wish to visit www.weather.com to find the most
updated forecasts for your trip. Below is the weather example for Israel:
(Temperatures in F°)
AVERAGE LOW AVERAGE HIGH AVERAGE DAYS OF RAIN
JAN.
44
53
13
FEB.
44
55
12
MAR.
47
60
10
APR.
55
70
4.5
MAY
60
78
2
JUN
64
82
0
JUL
67
85
0
AUG.
67
85
0
SEP.
66
83
0
OCT.
62
77
3.5
NOV.
54
65
7
DEC.
47
57
11
Travel Insurance
Trip cancellation insurance is available at an
additional cost and is strongly recommended for ALL destinations. This insurance
will cover you in case you need to cancel a tour after final payment has been
made. Certain restrictions apply.
Currency
Using Debit and
Credit Cards Abroad:
Many countries including those in Western Europe, China,
India, Japan, Mexico, Canada and Brazil issue credit cards that have an
encrypted microchip in the card. This is called a “chip and PIN” card and uses
different technology than the magnetic stripe cards commonly issued in the
United States. Some shops abroad can process both types of cards. However, while
traveling, you may encounter a situation where your card cannot be used to pay
for purchases. It is advisable to carry some local currency with you in case of
an emergency.
Credit cards and Traveler's checks are widely used)
however, be aware of a service charge which may be added when using them. A
credit card may be useful for larger purchases.
The currency in Israel is
the Shekel. In Israel, U.S. Dollars are widely accepted at shops,
snack
stands and restaurants. Bring smaller bills ($5,$10,$20) has you may
not be able to get the correct
change for larger bills. In Egypt, iuse the
Egyptian Pounds (EGP) and in Jordan, it is best to use the
Jordan Dinars
(JOD).
ATM's are widely available and may provide a more favorable
exchange rate than banks.
Please visit http://www.xe.com for today's exchange
rate.
Packing and Clothing Suggestions
Your days on tour will mostly
consist of walking, standing, and getting on and off the coach. Please dress in
casual clothing that can be easily layered for a change in temperature.
Comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles are a must. You will be walking on
uneven
surfaces, such as gravel walkways or cobblestone streets. Skirts,
dress or jumpers (and sandals)
are fine to wear to church services for the
ladies and a shirt and tie for the men. No formal activities are planned for
this tour.
WOMEN PACKING LIST
1-2 dress or blouse/skirt
combinations (especially for Church or special occasions)
1-2 pair of
comfortable shoes or sandals
3-4 pairs of slacks, capri's or jeans,
knee-length walking shorts
7-8 shirts (wash and wear) long sleeve
(Nov-Mar)
1-2 sweaters, or sweatshirt, and/or windbreaker (winter coat,
Dec-Feb)
7-8 undergarments, pairs of socks
1 hat, wide-brimmed preferable
(protection from sun)
1 pair of good walking shoes
Optional:
1 pair of
old shoes or aqua socks (for Hezekiah's Tunnel, Dead Sea, etc.)
1 pair of
pajamas, a robe, and slippers
1 swimsuit-one piece (modest) and towel
1
scarf
sports clothes for exercise
MENS PACKING LIST
1 Dress
shirt and tie for Church or special occasions (jacket optional)
1-2 pair of
comfortable shoes or sandals (shoes for church)
3-4 pairs of slacks or
jeans
1 knee-length walking shorts
7-8 shirts (wash and wear) long sleeve
(Nov-Mar)
1-2 sweater or sweatshirt, and or wind breaker (winter coat, Dec
-Feb)
7-8 undergarments, pairs of socks
1 hat, wide brim preferable
(protection from the sun)
1 pair of good walking shoes
Optional:
1 pair
of old shoes or aqua socks (for Hezekiah's Tunnel, Dead Sea, etc.)
1 pair of
pajamas, a robe, and slippers
1 pair of swim trunks and towel
sports
clothes for exercise
Note: There is little or no opportunities to use
washing machines so make sure your clothing is hand-washable and bring
detergent. If you are traveling in April-October, pack clothes that are light
and breathable. Because we will be in a strictly conservative society and do not
wish to offend, take special care that all your clothing is modest. (No shorts
above the knees, bare shoulders, low-cut blouses, etc.) You will not be able to
enter certain sites if your clothing is inappropriate. In addition, make sure
that your shoes are well-broken in and breathable. A pair of sturdy, comfortable
walking shoes is perhaps the most important thing you'll bring .Please take into
consideration—some sites will be dusty, dirty, and/or rocky. If you are
sun-sensitive, bring a head-covering. You may want to carry a light jacket or
sweater for cooler evenings or air-conditioned areas that you will be in. Don't
forget sunscreen!
PERSONAL
cleansing towelettes
Travel-size tissues
(for restroom visits)
brush/ comb
dental floss
deodorant
detergent
(for hand washing clothes)
fingernail clippers
insect repellant (with DEET
for travel to Egypt)
mouthwash
aftershave
safety
razor/blades
shaving cream
shampoo
sun block/ suntan
lotion
toothbrush/ toothpaste
plastic bags
belt pack/ carry-on bag (if
your tour includes one, LDS Travel will this)
hairspray
anti-bacteria hand
soap
umbrella (for rainy months or protect you from the sun)
MEDICAL
anti-acid
Imodium / Pepto-Bismol
band-Aids
pain
reliever
medications (a copy of your prescriptions in case they are lost and
a doctor's note for medicine that requires the use of a
syringe.)
MISCELLANEOUS
passport
cash / credit or debit
card
address/ e-mail info
travel alarm clock
cameras/ memory cards/
film
small flashlight (for tunnels)
luggage tags (LDS Travel will
provide)
pens/pencils
reading material/ scriptures
small hymnbook (if
your tour includes one, LDS Travel will
provide)
stationery/paper
sunglasses
trip information
packet
watch
journal
calculator (to figure exchange
rates)
international calling cards/ Sim Card
reading glasses/ extra
contact lens
contact lens solution
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. Retail and Wholesale stores, such as Walmart and Costco may
offer International calling cards to use for your trip. SKYPE also offers plans
for
discounted or free calls and email services.
Time Zone
The
time in Israel is 8 hours ahead of Mountain Time.
Gratuities
Tips for
your guide and driver are included in the cost of your tour.
(information
is subject to change)
It is difficult to underestimate the impact of a visit to the Holy Land. You
will never read the scriptures in the same way again. If you allow the spirit of
that land into your heart, it will influence, for good, every aspect of your
life.
Ronald Lynn Morgan has been an instructor in Seminaries and Institutes
for twenty-six years. He currently teaches at the institute in Tempe, Arizona on
the campus of Arizona State University. His love of the Holy Land began in 1992
when he and his wife, Kim visited for the first time. After years of study,
Brother Morgan and was invited to direct a tour for the Lands of the Scriptures
Workshop for the Church Education System.
Brother Morgan has a Bachelor's degree in Family Living from Brigham
Young University and a Master's in Education from the University of Phoenix. He
filled a mission to North Carolina and has served in numerous church callings
including that of bishop. He is also an avid scouter who continues to work at
both the district and council levels.
Ron and Kim are the parents of two sons and three daughters. Because of
Kim's Jewish ancestry, the Morgan's enjoy celebrating Jewish holidays in their
home, especially Passover.
Tours Currently Featuring Ron Morgan
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 | The hotel is 10 minutes away from Cairo International Airport and has easy access to the city center, Cairo International Conference Center, and popular tourist attractions.
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 | Seven miles from the airport, our hotel offers the ideal base to explore the city's history and antiquities, the Nile, and the surrounding countryside.
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 | The amazing location along the Mediterranean has emerged Haifa as one of the most influential port cities. The hotel is close to Mount Caramel and Bahai Gardens,
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 | This hotel is located in the beautiful galilee valley and Golan heights, with views of the Sea of Galilee.
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 | Located whthin 10 minute walk to the old city
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