Travel to Israel with Dr. Thomas White and Cedarville University Alumni May 14 - 23, 2024
Join Dr. Thomas White and CU alumni on a journey that will strengthen your faith and make the Bible come alive as you walk in the footsteps of Jesus, sail the Sea of Galilee and pray at the Western Wall on this amazing journey.
Travel with us on a 10-day Bible Land Exploration starting at $4,300, with flights from New York, NY (JFK). You will see Caesarea by the Sea, Mount Carmel, Megiddo, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Tel Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Golan Heights, Bethsaida, Qumran, Masada, Jerusalem, and much more!
Price includes:
- First Class Hotels
- International Air from NYC (JFK)
- Overseas Airport Transfers
- Deluxe Motor coach transportation with air conditioning
- Guided sightseeing with Top Local Guide & Driver as well as teaching by Dr. Thomas White and other CU Faculty
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- All entrance fees, site fees and admin fees
- Whisper listening devices
- Tips for the guide and driver
Not Included:
- Airport transfers for those not arriving with the group
- Visas and transfers for all ground only passengers
- Optional Travel Protection Program
- Miscellaneous fees i.e. individual transfers; passports, laundry, baggage fees and beverages at meals
Pricing for 3rd & 4th person in a room is available upon request at some, but not all hotels.
Itinerary
May 14 & 15 - Depart & Arrive in the Holy Land
Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on an overnight flight. Once you arrive, you will be welcomed at the Tel Aviv airport by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Netanya to enjoy dinner and overnight.
May 16 - Caesarea by the Sea, Mount Carmel, Megiddo & Nazareth
Visit the Roman Aqueduct and Theatre at Caesarea, a center of early Christianity (Acts 10) and where Paul was imprisoned for two years (Acts 23:33). View Mount Carmel and recall Elijah’s dramatic victory over the prophets of Baal (I Kings 18). Follow an ancient caravan route through the Jezreel Valley to Tel Megiddo, an exciting archeological dig with layers of twenty different cities, all built on top of each other. Conclude your day in Nazareth, Jesus’ boyhood home (Matt. 2:23).
May 17 - Sea of Galilee
Pass through the Valley of the Doves and see Mount Arbel (Isaiah 9:2) on your way towards the Sea of Galilee. This was a major pathway in the time of Christ. He and his disciples passed through this valley as they walked through the Galilee. In Magdala, once home to Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:1-3), visit a recently discovered first-century synagogue. Enjoy lunch together before crossing the waters of the Sea of Galilee on a very special boat ride, complete with an onboard worship service. At Kibbutz Nof Ginosar, see the 2,000-year-old “Ancient Boat,” a rare example of the kind of boat in which Jesus might have sailed. Visit Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry in the Galilee, and visit the synagogue built on the site where Jesus taught (Matt. 4:13, 23). On the Mount of Beatitudes, contemplate the text of the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus preached there (Matt. 5-7). Explore the Church of the Fish and the Loaves at Tabgha, traditional site of the feeding of the 5,000 (Luke 9:10-17).
May 18 - Tel Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Golan Heights, Bethsaida & Jordan River
At the ruins of Tel Dan, see the altar built by King Jeroboam I (I Kings 12:25-30) and learn about where the “House of David” fragment from the First Temple Period was discovered. Continue on to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter told the Lord, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God!” (Matt.16: 16). A scenic drive along the Golan Heights will give you some beautiful views of Syria and Jordan, as well as, Israel. Remember your baptism at the Yardenit Baptismal site, where the Jordan River exits the Sea of Galilee on its journey southward (Matt. 3).
May 19 - Ein Gedi, Qumran, Masada & Kfar Hanokdim
Explore the beautiful area of Ein Gedi where David hid from Saul. Hike up to the falls for breathtaking views of the Dead Sea. Stop in Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947 by a Bedouin shepherd. Travel to the mountaintop palace fortress of Masada. Built by Herod, the remains stand as a testament to the zealots who rebelled against the Romans in the First Century. See the Roman fort foundations and siege ramp from above. Conclude the day at the Judean desert oasis of Kfar Hanokdim for dinner. This unique experience includes a camel ride and Bedouin style dinner.
May 20 - Bethlehem, City of David & the Israel Museum
In Bethlehem, gaze out over Shepherds’ Field and visit the cave revered as Jesus’ birthplace (Luke 2:1-20). Visit the Church of the Nativity, built above the cave and considered the world’s oldest functioning church (Luke 2). After lunch, wander through the excavations of the City of David. Explore Hezekiah's Tunnel, an amazing engineering feat that was dug from either end and met in the middle! (Note: Those who are claustrophobic may want to meet the group at the other end of the tunnel!). Visit the Pool of Siloam, recently uncovered at the foot of the City. End the day exploring the Israel Museum and its First Century Model of the City of Jerusalem. Another highlight is the museum’s Shrine of the Book exhibit showcasing the Dead Sea Scroll book of Isaiah.
May 21 - Jerusalem
Stand on the Mount of Olives for a remarkable view of Jerusalem (the Golden City); Jesus stood here before ascending into heaven forty days after His resurrection (Acts 1:9-12). In the Kidron Valley across from the walls of Jerusalem, pray as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36). Continue to Mount Zion to visit the House of the High Priest Caiaphas, where Jesus was questioned the night of His betrayal (Matt. 26:57). Recall the events of the Last Supper as you visit the traditional location of the Upper Room (Mark 14:12-26). Spend time in prayer at the Western Wall (the only remnant of the Second Temple of Jerusalem) and sit on the Teaching Steps where Jesus taught.
May 22 - Jerusalem
Walk the Temple Mount (conditions permitting), once the site of the Temple of Solomon (II Chronicles 3) and home to the Dome of the Rock. See where Jesus healed on the Sabbath at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5: 1-18), Walk the Via Dolorosa (“the Way of the Cross”) to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (John 19), built over the traditional sites of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. Visit the Garden Tomb and experience the reality of the Resurrection (John 20). Enjoy time to float in the Dead Sea this afternoon or opt for shopping and packing for your return trip home.
May 23 - Return to USA
Planned hotels:
Leonardo Plaza Netanya - 1 night
Caesar Premier - Tiberias - 3 nights
Leonardo - Jerusalem - 4 Nights
The Garden Tomb - He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!
Steps to Join Our Tour:
- Complete the Cedarville University Israel Registration Form found on this page (it emails directly to Susan Troth, Alpha Journeys). She will contact you shortly after it is received to confirm your travel needs, trip insurance, answer questions and to make your deposit.
- Send a copy of your passport to Susan Troth, susan@alphajourneys.org or by text to 281.745.7082.
Resources:
Will I be safe in the Holy Land ETSWillwebeSafeintheHolyLand2020 (2).pd
Tour Extensions:
WONDERS OF PETRA & THE DEAD SEA, May 23-27, 2024/Starting at $1298*
May 23 - Jerash - This morning you will journey across the Allenby Bridge on your way to Jerash. Stroll through the oval piazza and wander along colonnaded streets etched by the wheels of ancient chariots. Stand in the grand theatre where a whisper can be heard onstage in the top row. Continue to Amman to check in for dinner and overnight.
May 24 - Madaba & Mount Nebo - Begin your journey south towards Petra today. Stop in Madaba, the City of Mosaics, to visit the Church of Saint George with its sixth-century Byzantine mosaic map showing Jerusalem and other holy sites. Continue to Mount Nebo, on a clear day, you can see all the way across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. End your day at the shore of the Dead Sea and check into your hotel.
May 25 - Petra - Explore the city of Petra. Its entrance passes through a long, narrow gorge known as the Siq and can only be accessed by carriage, horseback or on foot. Once inside the city, marvel at the intricate detail of a city cut into the cliffsides of rose-colored rock. Return to your hotel at the Dead Sea for dinner and overnight.
May 26 - Free Morning at the Dead Sea - Enjoy a free morning at your hotel. Cross the border back into Israel and enjoy dinner in Jerusalem. Afterward, you will travel to the airport in Tel Aviv to begin your journey home.
May 27 - Return to the USA
NILE CRUISE EXTENSION, May 23 - June 1, 2024/Starting at $2898*
May 23 - Free Day in Jerusalem, Breakfast and Dinner are included at your hotel.
May 24 - Saint Catherine's Monastery - This morning, you can climb Mount Sinai, then visit the fortified St. Catherine's Monastery. The Codex Sinaiticus and Syriac Sinaiticus were discovered here. Continue to Sharm el Sheikh for dinner and overnight at your hotel on the Red Sea's shores.
May 25 - Free Day in Sharm el Sheikh - Enjoy a free day to relax in your resort by the beach in Sharm el Sheikh.
May 26 - Luxor & Karnak - Fly from Sharm el Sheikh to Luxor. See the Temple of Luxor, the Karnak Temple and the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Thutmose III. Board your Nile cruise hip and enjoy dinner.
May 27 - Valley of the Kings & Queens & Esna - Explore the Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Sail to Esna and see the Temple of Khnum. Dinner and overnight on board.
May 28 - Edfu & Kom Ombo - Visit the Edfu Temple. Enjoy lunch onboard as you sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Kom Ombo Temple nearby. Dinner & overnight on board.
May 29 - Aswan - See the Temples at Philae, including the Temple of Isis. See the High Dam at Aswan and the Unfinished Obelisk. After exploring Asway, fly to Cairo to check into your hotel for dinner and overnight.
May 30 - Egyptian Museum, the Great Pyramids & the Sphinx - Depart Aswan and fly to Cairo. Visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Continue for a visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
May 31 - Cairo - Tour the Old City and see the Citadel of Saladin. View the Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali and visit the Abu Serga Church. Prepare for your return flight home.
June 1 - Return to the USA
CAIRO & THE ROUTE OF THE EXODUS, May 23 - 29, 2024/Starting at $1298*
May 23 - Free day in Jerusalem. Breakfast and Dinner are included at your hotel.
May 24 - Jerusalem to Mount Sinai - Travel in the footsteps of the Holy family as you travel along the ancient caravan route from Jerusalem to the Sinai desert. Cross the border and check into your hotel near Mount Sinai for dinner and rest.
May 25 - St. Catherine's Monastery - This morning you can climb Mount Sinai, where tradition says that Moses received the Ten Commandments. Visit the fortified St. Catherine's Monastery, with the world's oldest continually operating library. The Codex Ainaiticus and Syriac Sinaiticus, were discovered here. Continue to Sharm el Sheikh for dinner and overnight at your hotel on the Red Sea's shores.
May 26 - Route of the Exodus - Trace the route of the Exodus along the eastern Sinai coast to Wadi Feiran. Travel to Elim, where the Children of Israel camped. Your final stop today will be Marah by the Red Sea. Continue to Cairo for dinner and a three-night stay.
May 27 - Memphis, Saqqara, the Great Pyramids & the Sphinx - Tour the rural region of traditional Egyptian farming and stop at an old, corn watermill. Travel to Memphis (Biblical Noph) and Saqqara, where you will see the Step Pyramid, the world's oldest stone structure. Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
May 28 - Cairo - This morning, visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities to view the unique collection of Pharaonic art and the renowned treasure of King Tutankhamun. Tour the Old City and see the Citadel of Saladin, and view the Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali. In Old Cairo, visit the Abu Serga Church built over the traditional site of the house where the Holy Family lived during their stay in Egypt. Prepare for your return flight home.
May 29 - Return to the USA
NOTE: Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion. Taxes, tips & fees for extensions are charged separately.
The Holy Land
Cedarville University Israel Registration Form
Terms and Conditions
ETS is the tour provider with travel advising services provided by Alpha Journeys/Susan Troth. Since 1974, ETS has served over 350,000 people on Faith-Based trips and grown to become the worlds largest provider of christian travel. Alpha Journeys began to serve the travel needs of friends and family in 2005 and has since grown to be an IATAN certified agency that provides clients opportunities to journey around the globe.
HOTEL LIST:
Leonardo Plaza Netanya - 1 night
Caesar Premier - Tiberias - 3 nights
Leonardo - Jerusalem - 4 Nights
Hotels are subject to availability and itinerary days and overnights are subject to change.
PER PERSON SELLING PRICES in USD for this tour:
$4,300 with airfare from New York, NY (JFK)
$4,598.00-$4,698.00 from Most cities in the U.S.A$
$3,000.00 Land Only / No Airfare
$1,198.00 Single Occupancy Supplement Charge
LAND/GROUND ONLY BOOKINGS (No Air purchased from tour operator): Land/Ground Only passengers must adhere to and sign the Ground Only Letter agreement: www.etstours.com/ground-only-letter. Airport transfers are not included in the Land/Ground Only selling prices.
AGE POLICY:
This trip is for passengers age 17 and older. Please contact Diana Perkey, Director of Alumni Engagement, to discuss this policy at dianaperkey@cedarville.edu.
AIR POLICIES:
Name change fees will be a minimum of $200 and as high as full ticket replacement.
Seat selection:
Alpha Journeys is not responsible for seat assignments. Seat assignments are secured on select carriers, but due to carrier restrictions cannot be guaranteed. Airlines reserve the right to switch seats up until boarding. AJ is not responsible for seat assignments and changes. AJ is not responsible for airline cancellations, baggage fees, re-routings or any disruption of scheduled services or accommodations.45 to 30 days prior to departure the group air will be ticketed and flight letters will be sent with final documents.
BAGGAGE: Due to limited motorcoach capacity, Alpha Journeys requests that tour members carry one suitcase, plus one carry-on flight bag. Garment bags cannot be handled. Additional baggage is subject to a supplemental charge. Porterage for one normal sized suitcase is included at all overseas airports, hotels, and piers, and is collected in advance by the tour operator. Baggage insurance is recommended to cover the possible loss or damage to guest/passenger’s baggage or personal belongings.
INCLUDED IN PRICE:• Round-trip international airfare • overseas airport transfers • Deluxe motorcoaches • 1st class hotels • Guided sightseeing • Entrance fees to sites visited (as listed in itinerary) • Breakfast, Lunch & dinner daily • Hotel gratuities • Program fees • Administrative Fee • Fuel surcharges • Government Taxes $98 (Increases in government tax and fees are subject to change) • Tips for guide ($6/day) & driver ($3/day) • Whisper listening device
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:• Optional sightseeing as listed in the brochure • Miscellaneous fees i.e. individual transfers; passports, laundry, beverages & baggage fees • Visas for non-US citizens • Visas and Transfers for all ground only passengers • Optional Travel Protection Program (see premium schedule) • Required Vaccinations • Required medical testing before, during, and/or after travel
ACCOMMODATIONS: Price is per person based on double occupancy. When available, single rooms are often smaller than doubles. While we will try to match roommates, we cannot guarantee a roommate will be available. Roommates may be assigned as late as 30 days prior to departure and, if one is not available or you request a single room, the following charges apply: $1,198 during the basic tour. Contact your travel advisor for more information.
CANCELLATION FEES: 100% of Cancellation Fees are covered by the optional Travel Protection Program, provided premium has been paid and reason for cancellation is coverable. Those who do not take travel protection should be aware of the following per-person cancellation penalties: From day of registration to 105 days prior to departure, you will be charged the $100 non-refundable cancellation fee plus any airline fees. Additionally, thereafter, you will be charged any airline penalties and a single room supplement if your cancellation forces your roommate into a single plus the following per-person charges: 104-60 days = $400; 59-45 days = $600; 44-31 days = 40% of total cost; 30 days to day of departure = 100% of total cost. On or after day of departure, there will be no refund for any services not used.
STATEMENTS OF RESPONSIBILITY We do not accept responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air schedules, hotel overbookings, other hotel related problems or causes, and/or travel supplier cancellations or postponements. Travel suppliers include all tour operators, cruise lines, airlines, hotels, bus companies, entertainment venues, and any other travel supplier used to operate the tour. All such losses or expenses will be the responsibility of the passenger. We reserve the right to make adjustments to the itinerary as deemed desirable by us, and we reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure. If a tour is canceled beyond the control of us, we will provide a refund or a future travel credit to be used two years from the date of issuance for the value of all funds paid by the passenger less nonrefundable travel supplier prepaid deposits, travel supplier change fees, nonrefundable travel protection premiums, and a $150 administration fee.
FIT TO TRAVEL STATEMENT:Passengers registering for the tour accept the responsibility for being in good health and able to walk and travel on the tour. Because many of the sites are not accessible to the physically challenged and space limitations on tour buses, wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated. Those needing oxygen or other ambulatory assistance will find the tour extremely limiting in their experiences. Persons using C-pap machines requiring distilled water will need to inform us ahead of time, so we can work with local operators to prepare as it is not always available. We reserve the right to refuse or revoke travel to anyone who is, in our sole judgment, incapable of group travel without causing undue demands upon the staff or other tour participants. Accessible rooms/cabins are limited and subject to confirmation after receiving the passenger’s written request. If you have questions, please contact us for more details.
PASSPORT INFORMATION: Passport information must be submitted to our office no later than 01/15/24. Failure to provide your passport information to our office by this date may result in change fees or denial of travel. Discrepancies in information may result in change fees, delays in receiving travel documents for your trip, or denial of travel. Any fees incurred due to discrepancies are the responsibility of the passenger. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date.
PRICE INCREASES:All prices quoted in this brochure are subject to change prior to payment in full due to currency fluctuations, fuel surcharge increases, government taxes and fees increases or unforeseen circumstances. In addition, you may be subject to a price increase after payment in full has been received due to potential government imposed taxes and fees.
AIRLINE ROUTES and TICKETS:In order to keep prices low, we do not guarantee the most direct routing to your final destination. Once issued, airline tickets cannot be changed or refunded thereafter. Air transportation to/from your destination will be economy class on IATA and ARC carriers utilizing APEX or SUPER APEX non-refundable, non-amendable tickets for groups of 10 or more flying together on entire itinerary. If you choose to depart from a different city than your group or traveling companion, or deviate your flight and/or trip plans, and/or you are taking a pre or post tour, you may fly on a different scheduled flight(s) than the rest of your group. If you make your own air arrangements, you are responsible for booking all needed flights for your travel unless specified otherwise. Contact your travel advisor for further details.
FLIGHT TIMES AND SEATING: All flights are subject to change by the airlines without advance notice. We are not responsible for such changes or delays and do not reimburse expenses resulting from such delays. If you are making your own flight arrangements to the departure city, we recommend you purchase a ticket that can be exchanged without large penalties. There is no advance seat selection for groups on most airlines. Early check-in is necessary to secure seats with travel companions and those with special needs. Due to security measures taken at airports, it is advisable to arrive at the airport three hours prior to departure time. Seating is solely under the control of the airlines. You will receive your flight information 60-30 days prior to departure. Final documents are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
ADDITIONAL AIRLINE FEES:You will likely incur additional airline checked baggage fees that are not included in the price of the tour. These fees vary by airline and are at the airline’s discretion on each segment of the flight itinerary. You may also incur optional fees i.e. food, excess baggage, overweight baggage, items of personal nature, etc.
DEVIATIONS AND AIR UPGRADE REQUESTS:Deviation and Air Upgrade requests must be submitted in writing and are subject to additional airline fees. Deviations and Air Upgrades are not always possible given the group schedule and time of ticketing. Passengers who are ticketed with air deviations and/or upgrades will likely not fly with the group and will therefore need to provide their own transfers.
ITINERARY CHANGES:Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this brochure. While we will make every effort to ensure you will see all sites listed in this brochure, the availability of sites, order of sites and/or days and number of days may be altered to accommodate changes in airline, hotel schedules, and local conditions. No changes to the itinerary are effective unless approved in writing and signed by an authorized officer of the tour operator. Except as stated herein, no other person is authorized to cancel, modify or vary the tour arrangements or to make any representation of warranty concerning the tour. Due to airline schedules, some participants may receive one or two extra leisure days at a nominal per day charge and some extensions may not be available on all departure dates. If itinerary changes necessitate extra overnights, you will be charged $125 per night; single rooms $175 per night. Meals for extra nights are not included.
VALIDITY DATE:This brochure is valid until 01/07/24. Registrations will still be accepted after the validity date.
RELEASE INFORMATION:Payment of deposit indicates permission for us or our agents to record the registrant’s participation and appearance on video tape, audio tape, film, photograph, or any other medium and to use the registrant’s name, likeness, voice, comments, submitted documentation, written papers, and/or biographical material without restrictions or limitation for any advertising, marketing, publicity, educational or promotional purpose which we or our agents deem appropriate, unless the registrant or guardian otherwise notifies us in writing prior to departure. Enrollment in, payment of deposit and/or acceptance of final documents, vouchers, or tickets shall be deemed to be consent to the Passenger Agreement and Program Conditions of the brochure. Prices are based on tariffs in effect as of January 1 of the previous year and are subject to adjustment without notice in the event of any change or currency fluctuation. Except where otherwise stated, we act only as agent for the relevant supplier in securing hotels, transportation and other travel services and in no event shall we be liable for failure by any such supplier to render any transportation, lodging or other travel service to be provided on the tour. The passenger agrees that we assume no liability for injury, death, damage, loss, theft, accident, delay, any lost or damaged luggage, or irregularity which may occur by reason of any negligent or willful act or omission of any suppliers of service. We do not own or operate any of the suppliers of services to your tour. Similarly without limiting the foregoing, passenger agrees to hold us harmless for any defect in any vehicle, plane, boat, bus, car, van or other vehicle, act of war or insurrection, terrorist activity, revolt or other civil uprising, military action, strikes or labor unrest or any Act of God or for any other act of any third party.
Payment Policy:
$300 deposit is due at the time of registration (capacity is limited)
Final payment for tour arrangements is due January 15, 2024. Susan Troth, Alpha Journeys, will finalize arrangements and submit payments directly to the tour operator. Unpaid accounts will be cancelled, and cancellation fees will be applied.
ETS will accept either business or certified checks for deposits and final payments. ETS will also accept AMEX, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Following January 15, 2024, ETS will only accept either bank or cashier's checks for any outstanding payments.
Registrations received after January 15, 2024 (provided there is space available) may incur an additional fee based on airline ticket and hotel availability. Additional fees will be advised upon registration.
OPTIONAL TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN THROUGH TRIPMATE DETAILS: An optional travel protection plan is available for purchase. To see current available pricing for TripMate visit:
http://www.etstours.com/travel-info/travel-protection-plan
Trip Mate Plan Details can be reviewed here: http://www.tripmate.com/plan/print_certificate/C2E40272-1904-4F11-93CE-F7D2E4ABBDFE
