Israel
Footsteps of Jesus
Dec. 30, 2017 – Jan. 6, 2018
Israel 2017
Israel
Dec. 30, 2017 – Jan. 6, 2018
Trip Information Packet
Hike the “Jesus Trail” from Nazareth to the Mt. of Beatitudes. We’ll cross the Israeli
countryside and walk in the footsteps of Jesus. We’ll see Nazareth, where Jesus was
raised, then head to Cana where he did his first miracle – water to wine. From there we’ll
head down to visit an Israeli kibbutz (a farming community) and on to the shores of
Galiliee. We’ll visit the ancient ruins of Capernaum and then hike up to where our trip
ends on the Mt. of Beatitudes. We will then be transported by bus to spend the
remainder of our time in Jerusalem. This is not a luxury tour! We’ll be seeing Israel the
way Jesus saw it – on foot, in the dust.
Schedule:
(Dates will not change, daily itinerary is subject to changes)
Dec 30 – Arrival in Tel Aviv, transport to Nazareth
Dec 31 – Visit Zippori Park. Hike Cana to Kibbutz Lavi (15.4km/9.5 miles)
Jan. 1 – Hike Kibbutz Lavi to Arbel (15km/9 miles)
Jan. 2 – Hike to Karei Deshe on shores of Galilee (16km/10miles)
Jan. 3 – Hike to Capernaum and Mt. of Beatitudes (approx.8km/5 miles)
Jan. 4 – Transport to Jerusalem, visit Jerusalem
Jan. 5 – Bus trip to Bethlehem (if possible) and Masada
Jan. 6 – Return home
The trip is open to any adult age 18 or up (below 18 must be accompanied by a parent).
The hike is extremely challenging, but anyone in good shape who comes prepared will
be able to complete the hike successfully.
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Israel 2017
Cost Information
Israel is expensive. Our trip to Israel will have comfortable, but basic accommodations.
This is not a luxury trip. We will stay in mid-level accommodations each night (no tents).
Your trip does not include airfare.
Payment:
Payment Schedule
Total Cost: $1995 + airfare (if paid before July 1, 2017)
Deposit: $895
Balance: $1100
Due: At application submission
Due: July 1, 2017
INITIAL DEPOSIT IS NON-REFUNDABLE DUE TO PRE-TRIP COSTS
HOW TO PAY:
Online: You can pay by credit card online at http://mkt.com/summitleaders
Important: With your initial payment please send a CLEAR photocopy of your passport.
Included in trip costs:
7 nights accommodations
7 breakfasts, 5 dinners, 4 packed lunches
Full English guidance for 7 days (1 to 7)
Luggage transfer from accommodation to accommodation
All in-country transportation
Shuttle back to airport on final day
Masada, Dead Sea, Bethlehem guided tour
National Parks entry fees (Zippori, Arbel, Masada) + Dead Sea
Beach entrance
Not included:
Airfare
Required Gear
2 dinners
2 lunches
Incidental expenses (water, cold drinks, etc)
Guide tips (estimate $40-50 per person)
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Israel 2017
Pre-Trip Information
Passports
You must have a passport to visit Israel. In the U.S., passports are issued by the
State Department. U.S. passport Information is available at
http://state.gov/travelandbusiness. Information for Canadian passports can be
found at http://www.ppt.gc.ca. To acquire a passport for the first time in the U.S.
you will need to visit a post office in your area that provides the service. Bring
your birth certificate and two passport photos. Passport photos can be taken at
any Walgreens, CVS, or similar stores – most post offices also offer photo
service, but it costs a little more. Normal processing time for a new passport is
around 4 weeks. If you need the passport sooner you can pay an additional fee
for expedited processing, the post office clerk can explain this option. Do not
wait until the last minute to apply for your passport!
Visas
A visa is permission from a country to enter and travel. The U.S. and Canada
have visa agreements with Israel that allow you to simply arrive in the country
and be granted access. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen please check
with the Israeli Embassy for visa entry requirements.
Vaccinations
Although vaccinations are not required to visit Israel it is your responsibility to
check with a physician or the CDC to see which vaccinations are
recommended at the time of the trip. To find out what vaccinations are
recommended and/or necessary visit http://cdc.gov/travel.
Travel Insurance
IMPORTANT: You are highly advised to obtain additional travel insurance
as many North American health insurance companies do not offer
coverage abroad. You should also purchase trip cancellation insurance in
the event of a political situation that could cancel our trip. Your trip fees
include an insurance coverage plan that will cover emergency political and
medical evacuation. For more info on this policy please contact the trip
coordinator.
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Israel 2017
Pre-Trip Information (cont’d)
Money
You are encouraged to bring U.S. dollars in cash. We strongly discourage
traveler’s checks as they are nearly impossible to cash anywhere but at a bank
and many banks won’t even accept them. Dollars are accepted in Jerusalem and
Tel Aviv, but in the region of Galilee they are not always accepted. It is important
that you bring crisp, non-faded U.S. dollars.
ATMs are everywhere in Israel and nearly all U.S. debit cards work at ATMs in
Israel. ATMs work well because they always give you the best exchange rate of
the day and you can get your money in Israeli Shekels.
Credit Cards are accepted in many of the cities we will visit, but it is wise to keep
cash on hand.
NOTE: If you plan to use your ATM or credit card abroad it is very important that
you let your bank know before you leave the country. If your bank has not been
advised they will often put a lock on your account if they see withdrawals in
foreign countries believing them to be theft or fraud. Try to use ATM’s that don’t
require you to insert your card. In the event of a problem during a transaction the
machine may keep your card, causing major problems. When possible use a
machine that you can simply slide your card in and out in one movement.
At the time of this publication the approximate exchange rate is:
Approximately 1 USD = 3.6 Israeli New Shekel
Keeping in touch
By Phone: Most U.S. mobile phone carriers work well in Israel. We will have
coverage on most sections of our hike. Make sure you contact your carrier before
leaving the U.S. to ask them about international service, as many carriers need
to unlock that service for you. Also ask about special rates abroad.
Upon arrival you will have access to a phone to call the United States or Canada.
Another option for phone, via the internet, is http://skype.com. Skype allows you
to call the U.S. for .02 cents per minute from a computer of skype-enabled
device. If you call someone else who has skype it is free.
By Internet: You will have access to the internet at most of our overnight hotels.
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Israel 2017
Travel Arrangements
IMPORTANT: DO NOT BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS UNTIL AFTER JULY 15.
AFTER THIS DATE WE WILL HAVE CONFIRMATION THAT THE TRIP HAS
ENOUGH TEAM MEMBERS.
Our team will all meet in the Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport on Dec.30 at 10:30am.
The exact location will be assigned in December.
The airport code for Tel Aviv Ben Gurion is TLV.
Scheduled activities will be complete January 5, 2018 at noon. Return flights
should be booked for January 6.
You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements.
For any questions regarding travel contact the trip coordinator.
Accommodations
You will stay in a hotel, double-occupancy. If you have special lodging requests
please contact the trip coordinator. If you prefer single occupancy rooms you will
be asked to pay the difference in price.
The hotels are basic but comfortable. One night will be spent in a
traditional Israeli kibbutz.
On the Trail
Physical Conditioning
You must be in excellent physical condition to complete this hike.
The hike is long and challenging. Do not underestimate the challenge
of this hike or you may find yourself in a difficult situation.
Below is a chart showing distances to be covered and altitudes of those
distances. Don’t let the downhill part of the hike deceive you – it will be a
challenge. In the event you are unable to complete any sections of the hike there
will be certain points on the trail where you have the option to find other
transportation to our next destination – however, any costs incurred will be your
responsibility.
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Israel 2017
DISTANCES AND ELEVATION
Weather
PREPARE FOR RAIN. It is highly likely that we may be hiking in rain. At night
the temperature will be between 40˚-55˚F During the day it can warm up to the
upper 60s. Pants and short-sleeved shirts can be worn. Shorts may even be
comfortable during the hike.
Food
Food will be prepared for you on the trip by our hotels. We will eat dinner and
breakfast at the hotels (in most cases). They will provide us a bagged lunch to
carry on the trail.
Luggage and Backpacks
You will only hike with a daypack. Your luggage will be transported by vehicle to
each overnight stop along the trail. Your daypack should be able to hold up to 3
liters of water, rain gear, camera, your lunch, and medication. Don’t pack heavy.
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Israel 2017
Gear Packing List
Below is a list of gear we recommend you bring.
Required
□
Small pillow
□
Daypack
□
Water containers (Camelback recommended) *
□
Sunscreen (weatherproof, Bullfrog recommended)
□
Hiking Boots or shoes
□
Camera
□
Journal
□
Flashlight or headlamp
□
Rain gear
□
Clothes (for entire trip, washing facilities not available)
□ Pants
□ Shorts
□ Shirts (several long-sleeved recommended)
□ Socks (Smartwool recommended)
□ Undergarments
□ Hat
Recommended
□
□
Hiking Poles*
Convertible Pants (zip-off legs for shorts)
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Israel 2017
Application
Please complete one application for each team member. The application must be attached
to a signed Excursion Agreement and copy of your passport.
Full Name (as on passport) ______________________________________________________
Date of Birth ______________ Nationality _______________ U.S. Citizen ___ yes ___ no
Passport # ____________________ Place of Issue ________________ Expires ___________
Home Address ________________________________________ City ___________________
State ______ Postal Code __________ Email _______________________________________
Tel. ____________________ Mobile ________________ Shirt Size: S M L XL XXL
Emergency Contact Info
Name ________________________________________ Relationship ____________________
Email ___________________________________ Tel. _______________ Other ____________
Health
Please rate your current physical health on a scale of 1-10 (10 being excellent) _____
What is the furthest distance you have hiked and the altitude of that hike?
________________________________________________________________________
Please list any recent health problems you have had:
________________________________________________________________________
Medication you are taking:
________________________________________________________
(remember to bring all the medication necessary for the entire trip as certain prescriptions
are not available in Israel.)
To secure your place on the trip you will need to send in the following:
__ one Application and Excursion Agreement signed on all pages for each traveler
__ signed Parental Consent Agreement (if applicable)
__ a $895 deposit for each traveler (please attach online payment receipt)
__ a photocopy of each traveler’s passport
Send to: Summit Leaders, Attn: Joel Malm. 11550 Wood HBR, San Antonio, TX 78249
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SUMMIT LEADERS PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
DISCLAIMER, WAIVER, RELEASE AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
SUMMIT LEADERS and the undersigned, ___________________________________________________________ (print name)
(“PARTICIPANT”), agree to the following terms (“AGREEMENT”) as a condition of PARTICIPANT’S participation in the SUMMIT
LEADERS excursion to Israel from Dec. 30, 2017 – Jan. 6, 2018. (“EXCURSION”).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
PARTICIPANTacknowledgesthatheorshehasreadandunderstoodthisAGREEMENTinitsentiretyaswellasallofthe
informationregardingtheEXCURSIONontheSUMMITLEADERSwebsiteandinanyothercorrespondence,forms,orother
materials,receivedfromSUMMITLEADERS(“MARKETINGMATERIALS”).PARTICIPANTagreestoadheretoandabidebyall
rules and requirements for the EXCURSION set forth in the MARKETING MATERIALS, both prior to and during the
EXCURSION.SUMMITLEADERSmayremovePARTICIPANTfromtheEXCURSION,withoutarefund,ifPARTICIPANTfailsto
adheretoandabidebyanysuchrulesorrequirements.
SUMMIT LEADERS shall use its best efforts to make all arrangements necessary for the provision of all services for the
EXCURSION,assetforthintheMARKETINGMATERIALS,suchasfood,lodging,localtransportation,guidingandoutfitting,
motivationalspeaking,orteambuilding(“SERVICES”).PARTICIPANTacknowledgesthatsomeoralloftheSERVICESwillbe
providedbypersonsandorganizationswhohavecontractedwithSUMMITLEADERS(“CONTRACTORS”).SUMMITLEADERS
may,asreasonablyrequired,makechangestotheSERVICESanditinerarydescribedintheMARKETINGMATERIALSwithout
notice and without any refund of the price for the EXCURSION paid by the PARTICIPANT. SUMMIT LEADERS HEREBY
DISCLAIMSANYWARRANTY,EXPRESSEDORIMPLIED,REGARDINGTHEQUALITYOFANYSERVICESPROVIDEDBY
SUMMITLEADERSORITSCONTRACTORS.
PARTICIPANTacknowledgesthattheEXCURSIONitineraryincludesoutdooradventureactivities(“ACTIVITIES”)thatcould
presentanincreasedriskofdangertothelife,limband/orpropertyofthePARTICIPANT.PARTICIPANTagreeswillinglyand
voluntarily to undertake such ACTIVITIES at his or her own risk and acknowledges that SUMMIT LEADERS IS NOT
RESPONSIBLE FOR AND MAKES NO GUARANTEES OF PARTICIPANT’S SAFETY. It shall be PARTICIPANT’S sole
responsibility to ensure that he or she has the physical and mental capacity to safely and successfully participate in and
completesuchACTIVITIESpriortoembarkingontheEXCURSION.
PARTICIPANT agrees to follow any and all rules or instructions given by SUMMIT LEADERS or its CONTRACTORS while
engagedinanyACTIVITIES.SUMMITLEADERSreservestheright,butisnotrequired,tolimitoreliminatePARTICIPANT’S
participationinanyACTIVITIES,withoutarefund,ifPARTICIPANTfailstofollowanyrulesorinstructionsgivenbySUMMIT
LEADERSoritsCONTRACTORS.
ThecostoftheEXCURSIONshallincludeaninsurancepolicycoveringcertaintypesoflosstothePARTICIPANTthatmight
occurontheEXCURSION(“POLICY”).PARTICIPANTmayobtainawrittencopyofthePOLICYuponrequest.IfPARTICIPANT
desiresmoreordifferentcoveragethanthatprovidedunderthePOLICY,PARTICIPANTmaypurchaseadditionalinsurance,
forlife,healthordisability,oranyothersortofinsurableloss,atPARTICIPANT’Sowncost.PARTICIPANTacknowledgesthat
thePOLICYprovidedbySUMMITLEADERSispartoftheconsiderationforthewaivers,consents,disclaimers,releasesand
otherlimitationsofliabilitycontainedinthisAGREEMENT.
PARTICIPANTacknowledgesandagreesthatanyremedyforanypersonalinjuryorpropertydamagearisingoutoforrelated
totheEXCURSIONinanywayshallbelimitedtoanybenefitspayableunderthePOLICYreferencedinParagraph5ofthis
AGREEMENToranyotherinsurancepolicypurchasedbyPARTICIPANT.
PARTICIPANTAGREESTORELEASE,INDEMNIFY,SAVE,DEFENDANDFOREVERHOLDHARMLESSSUMMITLEADERS,
INCLUDINGITSOFFICERS,DIRECTORS,EMPLOYEES,AGENTS,REPRESENTATIVES,CONTRACTORS,VOLUNTEERSAND
PARTICIPANTS,FROMANYANDALLLOSSORLIABILITY,INCLUDINGANYPROPERTYDAMAGEORANYPERSONAL
INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT OR DISABILITY, ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THE EXCURSION,
EVEN IF SUCH LOSS OR LIABILITY IS CAUSED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY THE NEGLIGENCE, GROSS NEGLIGENCE,
CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY OF SUMMIT LEADERS OR ANY OF ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS,
EMPLOYEES,AGENTS,REPRESENTATIVES,CONTRACTORS,VOLUNTEERSAND/ORPARTICIPANTS.
______________________________________________________
PARTICIPANT’SSIGNATURE Israel 2017
8.
9.
DISPUTERESOLUTION.
A. PARTICIPANTAGREESTOWAIVEHISORHERRIGHTTOBRINGSUITINANYCOURTOFLAWFORANYACTOR
OMISSIONARISINGOUTOFORRELATEDTOTHISAGREEMENTORTHEEXCURSION,INCLUDINGANYSUITFOR
PROPERTYDAMAGEORPERSONALINJURYORDEATH,DISMEMBERMENTORDISABILITY.
B. AnydisputeorclaimfordamagesarisingoutoftheEXCURSIONorthisAGREEMENTshallberesolvedaccordingtothis
paragraph.Intheeventofanydispute,thepartyclaimingtobedamagedshall,asaconditionprecedenttoanyclaimfor
damages,bringtheirclaimtotheattentionoftheotherpartyinwritingsentbycertifiedmail,nolaterthanninety(90)
daysaftertheconclusionoftheEXCURSION.Intheeventofanydisputeorclaim,thepartiesshallattempttosettleand
resolvethedisputethroughinformalnegotiationsandcorrespondence.Ifthepartiesareunabletoresolvethedispute
themselves,thenthedisputeorclaimshallbereferredtomediationand/orarbitrationundertheInstituteforChristian
ConciliationofPeacemakersMinistries.Anyconferences,hearingsorotherproceedingsinmediationorarbitrationshall
beheldwithintheStateofTexas,unlessotherwiseagreedtobybothpartiesorotherwiserequiredbytheadministrator
ofthemediationorarbitrationproceedings.Anydecisionrenderedastheresultofanarbitrationproceedingbrought
underthisAGREEMENTshallbebindingupontheparties.Theprevailingpartyinanyarbitrationproceedinginstituted
under this AGREEMENT may recover their reasonable and necessary attorney’s fees, subject to the discretion of the
arbitrationpaneloradministrator.
C. ThelegalrightsandresponsibilitiesofthepartiestothisAGREEMENTshallbegovernedbytheHolyBibleandthelaws
oftheStateofTexas,totheextentthatsuchlawsdonotconflictwiththeHolyBible.ThepartiesagreethattheTexas
CharitableImmunityActof1987,assubsequentlyamendedorenacted,doesnot,inanyway,conflictwiththeHolyBible.
D. ThepartiesexpresslyagreethatSUMMITLEADERS’officers,directors,employees,agents,representatives,contractors,
volunteers and other participants, as well as PARTICIPANT’S CHURCH, are THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES of the
indemnificationanddisputeresolutionclausescontainedinParagraphs7and8ofthisAGREEMENTand,ifnecessary,
mayassertthoseclausesasdefensesinanylegalactionarisingoutoforrelatedtothisAGREEMENTortheEXCURSION.
PARTICIPANTacknowledgesthatSUMMITLEADERSisanLLCunderthelawsoftheStateofTexas.
10. PARTICIPANTacknowledgesthattheEXCURSIONisdesignedtofosterthespiritualgrowthanddevelopmentofChristian
churchleadersandthatheorshehasbeenreferredorsponsoredbyhisorherhomechurch(“CHURCH”)toparticipateinthe
EXCURSION.PARTICIPANTgrantspermissiontoSUMMITLEADERStocommunicatewiththepastororotherleadersfrom
saidCHURCHregardinganyaspectsofPARTICIPANT’SinvolvementintheEXCURSION.PARTICIPANTfurtheracknowledges
thattheCHURCHhasnooversightorinvolvementinanyaspectoftheownershiporoperationofSUMMITLEADERSorthe
EXCURSION.
11. PARTICIPANTgrantsSUMMITLEADERSpermissiontousehisorherlikenessinanyphotograph,audioorvideorecording,
orothermedia,electronicorotherwise,inanyorallofitspublicationsorcommunications,includingitswebsite,without
paymentorpriorapprovaloranyotherconsideration,eithernoworinthefuture.
12. ThisAGREEMENTconstitutestheentireagreementbetweenthepartiesandmaynotbemodified,alteredoramendedinany
wayexceptbywrittenagreementsignedbybothparties.Thepartieshavenotrelieduponanyotheroralorwrittenstatement
orrepresentationinenteringintothisAGREEMENTexceptthosethatarecontainedinthisAGREEMENT.Thepartiesagree
thatshouldanypartofthisAGREEMENTbefoundtobevoid,theremainderofthisAGREEMENTshallbeenforcedaswritten.
AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY:
____________________________________________________________
JOEL MALM, SUMMIT LEADERS
DATE
By: Joel Malm, Summit Leaders
_____________________________________________________________
PARTICIPANT
DATE
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