The Holy Land
and Jordan
Especially Created For:
Trinity Lutheran Church
in Eau Claire, Wisconsin
October 20 ~ November 2, 2015
Best Tour Operator to the Middle East
Recommend Magazine – 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011, 2012, 2013
TravelAge West Magazine – 2009, 2010 , 2011, 2012
Dear Travel Enthusiast:
I’m excited to offer this exclusive journey to the Holy Land as my final tour as a
pastor of Trinity. I hope you and your friends will come along!
Over the years, it’s been my privilege to witness the joy of people who have taken
the opportunity to join a Trinity tour and experience the world’s culture and history.
I’ve saved for this final tour, the life-changing journey to the Holy Land which
includes many famous Biblical sites that will amaze you. This tour will delight all
who embrace curiosity, desire to grow in faith, and are willing to put into context
the fears that prevent some people from experiencing this incredible land.
I believe you’ll find what I experienced in my first trip to the Holy Land – that every
step brings new awareness of the Biblical story and current world events. My faith
has never been more enriched and expanded than through this amazing place called
the “Holy Land.” I look forward to sharing this amazing journey with you and your
friends.
Pastor Kurt Jacobson
The Holy Land and Jordan
October 20 ~ November 2, 2015
Oct. 20, 2015 * Tuesday
Depart USA
Our journey begins today when we board our chartered coach at Trinity and make our way to the Mpls/St.
Paul Intl airport for our flight to Tel Aviv.
Oct. 21, 2015 * Wednesday
Arrive Tel Aviv
Upon afternoon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, we will be met and transferred to our hotel where
we check-in. This evening we’ll gather for a welcome dinner at the Metropolitan Hotel in Tel
Aviv. www.hotelmetropolitan.co.il (D)
Oct. 22, 2015 * Thursday
Nazareth
Today we drive up the Mediterranean coast and over to the (valley of Megiddo, one of
Solomon's chariot cities.) Visit Bet She’an to see the ruins of major archaeological significance;
the history of the site goes back into the 4th millennium B.C.E., through King Saul’s time, the
Roman era right up to the 21st Century. We continue to Nazareth and check-in at St. Margaret’s
Guesthouse. www.nazarethinfo.org/show_i (B, D)
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Oct. 23, 2015 * Friday Nazareth
Tour the sites of the Galilee area. Today we visit the Kibbutz Nof Ginosar to view the Jesus
Boat. Later we’ll sail on the Sea of Galilee. On the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, we visit
the Ancient Synagogue and St. Peter's House at Capernaum. Later, we’ll drive along the shore to
Tabgha for visits to the Church of Multiplication, built on the site of the Miracle of the Loaves
and Fishes. We then visit the Church of the Beatitudes, one of the most beautiful structures in
Galilee. We end our day at Yardenit, the place of Jesus’ baptism (The site is located at the
southern exit of the Sea of Galilee).
St. Margaret’s Guesthouse. (B, D)
Oct. 24, 2015 * Saturday
Galilee/Bethlehem
This morning is a special one as we’ll tour Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth. We visit the Basilica
of the Annunciation, the superb Greek Orthodox Church and also Mary's Well. This afternoon
includes a visit to “Nazareth Village”. We then continue to Bethlehem. Overnight Ararat Hotel
in Bethlehem. www.ararat-hotel.com (B, D)
Oct. 25, 2015 * Sunday Bethlehem
We begin our day with Sunday worship (in Arabic) at Christmas Lutheran Church. Then we will
join the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb and the congregation for fellowship following the service. Later
we will enjoy a guided walking tour of Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity and Manger
Square. The balance of the day is ours at leisure. This evening we attend a Palestinian cultural
program. (Schedule may vary.) Ararat Hotel (B, D)
Oct. 26, 2015 * Monday Bethlehem
Today we are introduced to the staff of the International Center of Bethlehem (ICB) and their
ministry. We then drive to the ELCJHL's Dar al-Kalima Academy and Wellness Center to learn
of the work being done there. The school offers K-12 education to Palestinians - Christian and
Muslim. The Wellness Center provides various types of medical and wellness care that are not
offered elsewhere for Palestinians. This afternoon we experience contrasting visits to Deheishe
Refugee Camp and Efrat Israeli Settlement. –SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION. On the return
to Bethlehem we get a close up look at the “Separation Wall.” We conclude your day with a
special Bedouin-style dinner. Return to Bethlehem. Ararat Hotel (B, D)
Oct. 27, 2015 * Tuesday Bethlehem/Bethany/Jerusalem
This morning we drive to nearby Bethany and visit the Church of St. Lazarus, built over a
chamber commonly known as “Tomb of Lazarus. A stairway cut in the live limestone rock leads
to an underground chamber. This is the so-called Tomb of Lazarus, the scene of one of the most
acclaimed miracles performed by Jesus. We then proceed to the Mount of Olives for a
breathtaking view of Jerusalem. Later we will visit nearby Augusta Victoria Hospital. Augusta
Victoria Hospital (AVH) is a program of the Lutheran World Federated Department for World
Service in Jerusalem. It started in partnership with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency
(UNRWA) as a major medical facility in Jerusalem after the 1948 war to care for Palestinian
refugees. We’ll meet with the Rev. Mark Brown (LWF Central Office Regional Representative)
to hear of the healing work being done for local Palestinians. We then walk down the Palm
Sunday Road past Pater Noster Church and Dominus Flevit Chapel to the Church of All Nations
and the Garden of Gethsemane. Overnight Jerusalem. Gloria Hotel www.gloria-hotel.com
(B, D)
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Oct. 28, 2015 * Wednesday
Jerusalem
Our day begins with exploring the excavated ruins of Qumran and the caves where the Dead Sea
Scrolls were found. We then travel along the shoreline of the Dead Sea passing the lunar-like
landscape to reach Masada, King Herod the Great's fortress/palace built in the midst of the
desert. Here, we’ll first learn the story of the Jewish zealots who chose death atop Masada in 73
AD rather than becoming slaves to their Roman conquerors. Then it’s off to the summit by cable
car to view the exquisitely restored archeological remains of the palace complex. Our next stop
today is the Herods hotel – where we’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch. After lunch, those of us who wish
can enjoy a Dead Sea Swim and experience the unique buoyancy of the highly therapeutic Dead
Sea waters!! You won’t want to pass up this “once in a lifetime” opportunity! This afternoon at
a vantage point we view Ein Gedi (I Sam. 23:29) ― David's Waterfall and the myriad of caves
that became David’s refuge from Saul. Gloria Hotel (B, L, D)
Oct. 29, 2015 * Thursday Jerusalem
Begin your tour of the Old City at the Temple Mount with a view of the golden Dome of the
Rock, an important symbol of the Muslim faith. We’ll visit the Western Wall, considered to be
one of the holiest sites in the Jewish tradition; walk the Via Dolorosa through the Old City to
experience the Stations of the Cross, and then view the last few Stations located inside the
Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Visit the Garden Tomb. We gather this evening for dinner and
overnight. Gloria Hotel (B, D)
Oct. 30, 2015 * Friday Petra, Jordan
Today is indeed a memorable one as we travel to the King Hussein bridge and cross to
Jordan. We’ll drive along the King’s Highway, one of the oldest trade routes in the world, to
Madaba, home to some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world. Here we view the 6th Century
mosaic map of Jerusalem, possibly the oldest map of the Holy city in existence. We then continue
to Mount Nebo, the highest point in the Moabite mountain range offering a remarkable view of the
Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and the spires of Jerusalem. Tradition holds that Moses viewed "the
Promised Land" from this peak. Next we’ll descend over 1400 feet to the eastern shores of the
Dead Sea where you may personally once again sample the unique buoyancy of the "unsinkable"
and highly therapeutic waters. On to Petra for dinner and overnight. Overnight Panorama Hotel
Petra. www.petrapanorama.com (B, D)
Oct. 31, 2015 * Saturday
Our day begins with an early morning visit to the unforgettable sight of the Treasury. We then pass
the Amphitheatre and enjoy a picnic lunch, followed a visit to the Monastery and the Royal Tombs,
the colonnaded street and the Temple of the Winged Lions. Overnight Panorama Hotel Petra.
(B, L, D)
Nov. 1, 2015 * Sunday Amman, Jordan
This morning we drive to Amman, Jordan. Upon arrival we visit Amman, known as Rabbath
Ammon and Philadelphia in Biblical times. See the remains of the Roman Theatre, the
Archeological Museum and the Citadel containing the remains of the massive Temple Of
Hercules. Our tour ends with a visit to the Covered Bazaar filled with unique Middle Eastern sights
and sounds. Dinner and overnight Cham Palace in Amman, Jordan. www.ammanchamhotel.com
(B, D)
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Nov. 2, 2015 * Monday
Transfer to airport for return to USA. We arrive home in the evening, November 2.
Code: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-State of California Registration #: 2020203-20
www.holylandssuntours.com
Where Integrity, Quality and Service Matter.
$4,721.00
per person based on double occupancy
Single Supplement is $695.00
THE PRICE OF THE ABOVE PACKAGE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
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Roundtrip transfers from Eau Claire to the Mpls/St. Paul Intl Airport.
Roundtrip coach air transportation to Tel Aviv and return from Amman.
All necessary transfers during the tour.
Porterage for one piece of luggage per person.
Accommodations for 12 nights as specified in the itinerary (or similar).
Service charges or taxes for accommodations.
Meals as specified in the itinerary.
Coffee, tea, and orange juice with breakfast daily.
Gratuities for meals in the itineraries.
Sightseeing in deluxe private air conditioned motorcoach.
Services of a licensed English speaking guide.
All entrance fees as described in the itinerary.
PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport for at least six month after the return date is
required. At the time of printing, U.S. citizens holding valid passports DO NOT REQUIRE visas or immunization
for the country or countries being visited. Citizens of countries other than U.S. – please contact the consulate of the
country or countries being visited to determine visa requirements.
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NOT INCLUDED:
Passport, travel insurance, tips to guides, drivers and hotel personnel; costs for items not on table
d’hôte menus such as water or other beverages at dinner. Laundry, telephone calls, or services other
than those specifically mentioned.
HEALTH DISCLAIMER FOR TRAVEL: Passengers registering for this tour accept the
responsibility for being in good health; able to walk, climb steps, enjoy full sightseeing days and
easily transfer to airplane or motorcoach as needed. As many of the sites in Israel are not
accessible to the physically challenged, those needing wheelchairs, oxygen, or other ambulatory
assistance will find the tour extremely limiting in their experiences.
INSURANCE:
Baggage/Trip Cancellation/Trip Delay/Medical insurance is highly recommended.
Isram World's Passenger Travel Protection Program, at $210.00 per person, covers these benefits and
more. Please note:
 Insurance must be paid in full at time of deposit. Proof of this payment will be required if a
pre-existing medical condition is involved in the claim. Insurance is non-refundable once
paid.
 Any and all insurance payments accepted between time of initial deposit and final payment
will not qualify for the coverage of pre-existing medical conditions.
 Payment of the premium to ISRAM WORLD OF TRAVEL must accompany the initial
passenger list as supplied 60 days prior to departure.
 Any and all additional passengers' insurance payment must accompany the final invoice
payment due 45 days prior to travel.
 Within 45 days of departure, insurance payments may only be applied to new participants
to in the group.
 http://www.tripmate.com/F350/
RESPONSIBILITY: Holy Lands Sun Tours., the organizer, and their representatives act only as agents for the tour
members in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, sightseeing, restaurants or any other services in
connection with the itinerary. They will exercise reasonable care in making such arrangements, however, they do not
assume any liability whatsoever, for any injury, damage, loss, accident or delay to person or property because of any
acts of war or terrorism, any act of default of any hotel, carrier, restaurant, company or person rendering any of the
services included in the tours. The tickets, coupons, tariffs, rules or contracts currently in use by any carrier, hotel,
restaurant or other contractor rendering services shall constitute the sole contract between such contractor and the
tour member. Holy Lands Sun Tours., or the organizer, accept no responsibility for any damage or delay due to
sickness, pilferage, labor disputes, machinery breakdown, quarantine, government restraints, weather or any
other cause beyond their personal control. No carrier shall be responsible for any act, omission or events during the
time passengers are not on board its own conveyance. The right is reserved to cancel or change itineraries, or
substitute services without notice and to decline to accept or retain any passenger at any time. In view of statutory
or contractual limitations that may apply to personal injury or property damage losses the purchase of accident
and baggage insurance is strongly recommended.
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REMARKS:
Due the fluctuation of the US Dollar against the local currency, we reserve the right to increase
prices of - including but not limited to - hotels, land services, admission fees without prior notice.
Payment Schedule:
A deposit of $250.00 per person is required to secure a place on our tour. The balance is due by
August 11, 2015. Credit cards are not accepted. Please make your check payable to Higgins Travel
and mail to: 2514 Golf Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701
Cancellations:
For cancellations received from July 1 to August 11, 2015:
For cancellations received after August 11, 2015:
$250.00 per person
No refund
In the event that a minimum for 20 participants is not met the trip may be cancelled and all monies
refunded.
2514 Golf Road, Eau Claire | (715) 834-2686 | www.higginstravel.com
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Registration Form
The Holy Land and Jordan
October 20 - November 2, 2015
Passport Name(s) 1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
On the lines above please print your name EXACTLY as it appears in your passport.
Address ____________________________________________________________________________
City/Town____________________________State_______________Zip________________________
Home phone (_____)______________________Work phone (_____)__________________________
E-mail _________________________________
Passport # 1________________________
Birth Date________________
Passport # 2________________________
Birth Date________________
Expiration Date_________
Place of Birth_________________________________
Expiration Date__________
Place of Birth_________________________________
Any special needs/wishes______________________________________________________________
(For example, Single room, airplane seating, medical or dietary needs.) Note: These are on a request basis.
Any special occasion__________________________________________________________________
(For example a birthday or anniversary while we are traveling,)
My roommate will be________________________________.
Deposit is $250 per person. Payment is accepted by personal check. Credit cards are not accepted for this tour.
Note insurance information below and include it with deposit if you decide to purchase it. Please make your check
payable to: Higgins Travel and mail to: 2514 Golf Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701.
Final payment is due August 6, 2015.
Insurance: Voluntary trip insurance is $210 per person. Insurance must be paid at time of deposit & is non
refundable. Pre-existing medical conditions are included per the terms of the contract. Please ask for details.
I/we accept insurance_________
I/we decline insurance________
In case of an emergency please contact:
Name_________________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________________
Relationship_____________________Phone/email____________________________________________
Higgins Travel Leaders
2514 Golf Road Eau Claire, WI 54701
715-834-2686 Fax: 715-834-2160
Email: [email protected]
Visit us at www.HigginsTravel.com