From the Old to the New with Rev Mark Neilly

DAY 1

Depart Dublin at 10pm for overnight direct flight to Tel Aviv.

DAY 2

Morning boat ride on Sea of Galilee. Drive to Capernaum, the town of Jesus.  A short stop at Tabgha.  Drive to the Mount of Beatitudes. Visit the town of Magdala on the shores of Galilee. River Jordan. Early check-in, dinner and overnight at Golan Hotel hotel.

DAY 3

After breakfast depart Galilee towards the Dead Sea  via the Jezreel Valley. The southwestern portion was known as the "Valley of Megiddo", after the ancient city of Megiddo, which was located there. Stop at Megiddo for a visit.  

As your day progresses you will stop at the Wadi Qelt If roads could speak - The Wadi Qelt, the famous road from Jericho to Jerusalem, would take up our time with too many tales to talk about almost every important character in Israel’s storied history. This was a main thoroughfare to the holy city or Jerusalem, and everyone used it.  The Romans improved the road that Jesus would have trod, making necessary improvements for it to handle their heavy siege weaponry. You can even see remnants of their handiwork in some places today.   Your journey continues before arriving at your hotel in the Dead Sea region for dinner and overnight.  If time permits you may manage an evening dip!.

DAY 4

After breakfast in the desert region of Israel your mind sets back to the times of Abraham, the children of Israel and the twelve tribes of Israel.  There is much to learn on how the promised land was divided in this area. As you leave the dead Sea and head south towards Timna National Park, mountains of salt mixed with rich desert vineyards meet you.  Beautiful scenery combined with special antiquities and history are in your view. The horseshoe-shaped valley covers some 60,000 dunams (15,000 acres) and is surrounded by steep cliffs. In the center is Mount Timna, 453 m (about 1500 ft) above sea level. Timna Valley is a geological window revealing a variety of minerals including copper, iron, and manganese.  The name ‘Timna’ was a concubine of Eliphaz, Esau’s son, and the mother of Amalek. (Genesis 36:12). Egyptians were great miners of copper and iron.

You’ll find remnants of Egyptian mythology and fascinating history. You’ll also see exciting finds at the Temple of Hathor near the spectacular Solomon’s Pillars, at the Mushroom, the impressive Arches, and of course, the ancient rock-drawings depicting hunters of ostriches and ibexes, Egyptian battle chariots and other images. A complete replica of the Ark of the Covenant stands within the park. This visual life like resemblance truly brings alive the Old Testament laws, commandments, and sacrifices, you will understand much more about the Tabernacle which housed the Ark of the Covenant. After your visit you will return to the shores of the Dead Sea for an early evening dip then dinner and overnight at your hotel.

DAY 5

After breakfast, your journey takes you slightly further North to the archeological wonder of Masada.  Masada is an ancient fortress in Southern Israel’s Judean Desert. It's on a massive plateau overlooking the Dead Sea. A cable car and a long, winding path climb up to the fortifications, built around 30 B.C. Among the ruins are King Herod's Palace, which sprawls over 3 rock terraces, and a Roman-style bathhouse with mosaic floors. The Masada Museum has archaeological exhibits and recreations of historical scenes.

The landscape changes again as you approach the southern part of Jerusalem.  Continue to Bethlehem for an afternoon visit to Bethlehem – House of Bread.  The Old Testament and New Testament come alive with the stories from both books as you sit gazing across the Shepherd’s fields. Arrive in Jerusalem for your last 5 nights for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6 - Free Day

DAY 7

Mid-morning depart hotel for a visit to the Western Wall and city of David.  Here you will discover some of the worlds most exciting archeological finds of the ancient world.  The archeological site sits near the western wall. Free time in the old city for lunch. This afternoon visits Hezekiah’s Tunnel. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 8

Breakfast at hotel. Commence your tour today with a panoramic view of the city from the Mount of Olives. From here you can view and visit Church of Ascension, descent via Teardrop Church, to Gethsemane. Drive through the Kidron Valley, visit House of Caiaphas where Jesus would have spent His last hours and the area where Peter would have denied the Lord. After early dinner enjoy a Sound & Light show (8pm.) at the David Citadel Museum. Some free time to enjoy a browse at the Mamilla Mall. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 9

Visit to house and village of Emmaus.  Arrive at Garden Tomb mid-afternoon to finish our tour with service as we overlook Golgotha. Remainder of day free to relax before your homeward flight.

DAY 10

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for journey home.

This itinerary has been arranged with Rev Mark Neilly.  Deposits are non-refundable.  The itinerary is subject to change.  Flights and hotels will be confirmed with tour leader. Bookings will only be accepted with a fully completed booking form, deposit, and a copy of your passport (Unless it is due for renewal prior to the travel date)

£2415pp sharing

Price includes: -

Return flights and taxes
8 nights half board
1 piece of hold luggage
1 piece of hand luggage
Services of a fully qualified guide throughout
Half board throughout
Use of an air-conditioned coach
Porterage at hotels

Not included: - Personal insurance, items of a personal nature, tips, lunches.

Tipping is an important part of the salary of the guide and coach driver.  It is normally around £70pp based on a 9/10-day tour.

DEPOSIT                  NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT £250 PER PERSON WITH BOOKING FORM

PAYMENT IS ACCEPTED BY PERSONAL CARD OR BY BANK TRANSFER

BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS

SORT CODE: 90 23 54   ACCOUNTS:  64837731 BANKS OF IRELAND

CANCELLATION CHARGES APPLY SO PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE ADEQUATE INSURANCE IN THE EVENT YOU NEED TO CANCEL YOUR TRIP PRIOR TO DEPARTURE.  IF YOU NEED A QUOTE FOR INSURANCE, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE.  PLEASE SEND YOUR COMPLETED BOOKING FORM TO CHRISTEN@THOMPSONTVL.CO.UK WITH YOUR PASSPORT.

WHEN MAKING PAYMENT ONLINE PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU PUT YOUR SURNAME AT THE END:  SURNAMENEILLYOCT23