FAQ Trip Info

FAQs

1. What is the Itinerary?

We are all excitedly coordinating and finalizing the details of the itinerary and will email it to you in a downloadable and printable format as soon as possible.

Due to the nature of this trip there are many factors that may rearrange our daily schedule once we are over there.  That is to say, we’re gonna see it all, but it may not end up happening exactly as the itinerary reads. For instance, the Western Wall may be scheduled for Wednesday, but due to weather we may actually see it on Friday. As a team we will need to stay very fluid and flexible trusting that the Lord has everything under control and will always bring us to the right places at the right times. We appreciate all of your willingness to go with the flow as we set out each morning with open hearts and great expectations for what the Lord has in store for us.

As a team, we will also need to maintain the mindset that this really is a mission and not just a tour. We will be seeing some incredible sites and worshiping in many amazing and significant places. Our mission is to release prayer, praise and proclamation throughout the Holy Land, carrying the presence and the power of God to all of Israel as we engage in Spirit led expressions of uninhibited worship.

Click here to PRINT Tentative Itinerary

Days 1 & 2: Travel Days

Day 1:  Monday, December 3, 2012

Depart the USA to Israel

Day 2:  Tuesday, December 4, 2012   

Welcome Home! 

~ Arrive at Israel’s Ben Gurion Int’l Airport

You will be greeted with a “Welcome Home and Shalom” by Ancient Pathways Travel, Ltd. representatives. They will provide assistance with your luggage and lead you to your guide and bus driver.

~ At the terminal foyer you will receive a folder containing your itinerary and map, knapsack, as well as your roommate assignment, and a color-coded nametag with the color of your designated bus.

While at the airport, please take time to change currencies, rent an Israeli mobile phone and/or use the washroom facilities.

~ Ray, Denise, Brian and Ramey will be waiting to greet you with a welcome reception upon arrival at the hotel. The reception will include Israeli music, blessing of the bread and wine, soft drinks and baskets of the ‘Seven Species’ fruits of the Promised Land.

~ Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee Ma’agan Hotel

Day 3: Galilee!

Day 3:  Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel

Leave bags in hotel this morning.

Dinner and overnight in Tiberias at the Sea of Galilee Ma’agan Hotel

Galilee Sites

While in Galilee we will be experiencing the following places:

~ Caesarea Philippi

Caesarea Philippi is the place where Jesus blessed Peter in Matthew 16, “on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” This is where Abraham had the cutting of the parts covenant with God and is also the mount of transfiguration where Jesus ascended to the Father with Moses and Elijah.

*We will take time to worship and pray here at the waters of the Jordan River

~ Beit Saida (Bethsaida)

This is the ancient capital city of the Geshur Kingdom, from the time of King David (over 3000 years ago).  During the 2^nd Temple era (2000 years ago) it was the home of Simon-Peter, the Fisherman and of the Three Apostles, Peter, Andrew and Philip.  It is here that Jesus lived and where He did much of His healing work, including the multiplying of the loaves and fishes.  The Sermon on the Mount was given here from the hilltop, which overlooks the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee.

*We will have an opportunity to recount the Sermon on the Mount and a time of worship.

~ Tour and shopping at an Olive Oil Press and Shofar Maker

Ascend the Golan Heights to the country of the Gadarians (the Tribe of Gad), where the miracle of Jesus and the swine took place.

~ Hippos

*Ascend the Golan Heights to Hippos for worship overlooking the Galilee.

~ Capernaum.

Jesus performed many miracles, chose disciples and taught in the synagogue here.

~ Kibbutz Ginosar. Visit the museum with an ancient boat from the time of Jesus (over 2000 years old), discovered in the waters of the Galilee. Take time for shopping at the museum’s shop.

~ WORSHIP GATHERING ON THE SEA OF GALILEE!

*Board the worship boats for a ride on the beautiful waters of the Sea of Galilee. Here we will take an extended time for worship.

Days 4-5: The Dead Sea!

Day 4: Thursday, December 6, 2012

Enjoy breakfast at Sea of Galilee Ma’agan Hotel.

Pack and bring bags to the bus this morning.

Dinner and overnight at Le Meridien Dead Sea Hotel

Day 5: Friday, December 7, 2012

Leave bags in hotel this morning.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

Morning to relax at the Dead Sea & the hotel spa

Lunch on your own before noon (12:00pm)

Tonight we celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat with a candle lighting ceremony!

Dinner and overnight at Le Meridien Dead Sea Hotel

Dead Sea Sites

While at the Dead Sea we will be experiencing the following places:

~ The Dead Sea! This is lowest point on Earth, over 1300 feet below Sea Level. We’ll enjoy the rich mineral water of the Dead Sea. We’re staying in Ein Bokeq resort area.

~ Gilgal

This ancient site of the first Tabernacle, built in the Promised Land by Joshua, overlooks ‘Penu El’, where Jacob wrestled with God and received his name from God, ‘Israel’ (meaning ‘wrestled with God’).  The 12 Stones, taken from the Jordan River by the priest, were placed at the center of the ‘Gilgal’ as a Covenant with God.  We will walk on the biblical procession path that the Children of Israel, priests and Levites carried the Holy Ark of the Covenant.

Gilgal is where God stopped to give the ‘manna’ and where the first unleavened bread was served.  Scientists have discovered that the earth’s ‘first wheat’ came from this very place.

* A special worship ceremony will be held at Gilgal

~ The Jordon River (Kasr el Yahud)

This is where John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan.  It is the site where the Prophet Elijah came with Elisha and ascended to heaven leaving his mantle for Elisha.  Across the valley, Moses looked out from Mount Nebo and was taken by God and buried.

~ En Gedi

Visit the desert oasis of En Gedi where King David hid from King Saul.

The epic battle of Jehoshaphat begins in 2 Chronicles 20:2, when “some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, ‘A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar’ (which is En Gedi).”

* Teaching and worship

~ Zin Wilderness Valley (Valley of Dry Bones)

* Prayer, Praise & Proclamation

~ Sodom Cave

The Sodom Cave is an ancient church identified as the oldest discovered Christian church.    

* We will worship at this site!

Days 6-7: Eilat!

Day 6:  Saturday, December 8, 2012

Shabbat Shalom!

Enjoy breakfast at Le Meridien Dead Sea Hotel.

Pack and bring bags to the bus this morning.

Participate in the Hanukah Candle lighting ceremony

Dinner and overnight at the Leonardo Royal Resort Eilat on the Red Sea

Day 7:  Sunday, December 9, 2012

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Leave bags in hotel this morning.

Choose how to spend your morning:

Swim, snorkel or scuba in some of the best coral preserves in the world. 

Visit the Eilat underwater Aquarium.

Enjoy the duty-free shopping in the area.

Rest. 

Lunch on your own.

Leave the hotel at 12:30pm

Participate in the Hanukah Candle lighting ceremony

Dinner and overnight at the Leonardo Royal Resort Eilat on the Red Sea

Eilat Sites

While in Eilat we will be experiencing the following places:

~ Eilat

The seaport city of Eilat is on the Red Sea.  Eilat is a ‘bridge’ between two oceans, three continents and four countries!  It is Israel’s ‘Sun and Fun’ vacation spot and shopping haven.

~ Uvdah Valley

Drive across the Negev Highlands and the Desert of Paran. Visit a giant crater.  Arrive in the Uvdah Valley where we’ll visit the archaeological treasure, the Leopards’ Temple from the time of Jethro.

~ Timna National Park

The home of Jethro, Moses, and Tzipora (Moses’ wife). We will visit the site of Jethro’s Tabernacle Tent (and the home site of Jethro and Tzipora), built on the site of Ra’amses (Moses’ step-brother) who had a temple for Hathor (the Egyptian goddess of turquoise).  It is here that Moses learned to be a Shepherd.

~ WORSHIP GATHERING AT KING SOLOMON’S PILLARS!

Days 8-11: Jerusalem!

Day 8:  Monday, December 10, 2012

Enjoy breakfast at the Leonardo Royal Resort Eilat

Pack and bring bags to the bus this morning.

Participate in a Hanukah Candle lighting ceremony

Dinner and overnight at the Ramada Jerusalem Hotel

Day 9:  Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Enjoy breakfast at the Ramada Jerusalem Hotel

Leave bags in hotel this morning.

Participate in a Hanukah Candle lighting ceremony

Dinner and overnight at the Ramada Jerusalem Hotel

Day 10:  Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Israel 12.12.12.  Zedekiah’s Cave!

Enjoy breakfast at the Ramada Jerusalem Hotel

Leave bags in hotel this morning

Grand Finale dinner and presentation in the hotel ballroom

Participate in a Hanukah Candle lighting ceremony

Overnight at the Ramada Jerusalem Hotel

Day 11:  Thursday, December 13, 2012

Enjoy breakfast at the Ramada Jerusalem Hotel

Pack but leave bags in hotel this morning.

Each participant can choose one of four different choices for the final day:

Choice #1:  Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum 

Choice #2:  Israel Museum & Sharing of the book

Choice #3:  Time to relax at the hotel.

Choice #4: Be taken to several shopping sites, including the bazaars in the Old City and art galleries.

Return to the hotel for your final preparations for your trip home

Participate in a Hanukah Candle lighting ceremony

Depart for the Ben Gurion Int’l Airport in Tel Aviv for your flight back to the U.S.A.

Jerusalem Sites

While in Jerusalem we will be experiencing the following places:

~ Valley of Elah

Where David slew Goliath. 

~ Mt. of Olives

~ Archaeological Sifting

Hands-on sifting of the Temple Mount’s sands at the Temple’s Salvage Center.

~ Samuel’s Mountain

Prophet Samuel’s burial place. This is where the School of the Prophets was located.

~ Katisima

The cobblestone road where Rachel died and where Mary, Jesus’ mother, rested.

~ Shepherd’s Field. 

At this field, Ruth met Boaz, and where King David and Jesus were both born.

~ Garden of Gethsemane

~ Kidron Valley

~ The Harp of David (on Mt. Zion)

~ City of David and the Gihon Spring

~ Upper Room

~ Pool of Siloam

~ Southern Temple Steps and Wall

~ Western Wall

~ Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum or The Israel Museum

­~ Pool of Bethesda

~ Christian Quarter

~ Jewish Quarter.

~ Zedekiah’s Cave on 12.12.12.

We will strategically assemble in these caves beneath the temple mount. We’ll be standing as close as is physically possible to where the Holy Ark once sat in the Temple. Here we will radically and demonstratively praise and worship in the same order and style as King David. We will boldly release our sound of praise in the very heart of Zion! Our final time of corporate worship will be here within the threshold of the Temple at the Gihon Spring.

DAY 12: Travel Day

Day 12:  Friday, December 14, 2012

Return flight to the USA.

Please Note:  This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to unforeseeable circumstances.

We appreciate all of your willingness to go with the flow regarding the details of each day’s itinerary.

As a team, we will need to maintain a mission mindset. We will be seeing some incredible sites and worshiping in many amazing and significant places. Our mission is to release prayer, praise and proclamation throughout the Holy Land, carrying the presence and the power of God to all of Israel as we engage in Spirit led expressions of uninhibited worship.

2. What Music will we be doing for Worship?

Over the next weeks, we will be posting videos and downloadable lyrics and charts of some of the songs that we’ll be using while in Israel. We want to encourage everyone to begin learning these and worshiping with them now in preparation for the trip. There will be no large screens with words, so it will greatly increase your ability to participate and flow during the musical worship sessions if you already know the songs!

3. Please Explain the Tipping System

Tipping in Israel's tourism world is not what we here in America think of as "tipping".  It is actually part of the expense of the trip, and is expected by the tour coordinators.  The expectation in advance is that everyone will have an amazing time, and that we will be given the best possible experience by their company. If at anytime you feel this is not the case, please avoid the temptation to sow negativity among the team. Please bring it to the attention of one of our staff members, and we will gladly take care of it. That being said, as stated in the terms and conditions, we are each expected to tip $16/day, which is $160 for the trip. We will provide an envelope with your name on it when we arrive at JFK, or for those meeting the group in Tel Aviv, you will get your envelope there. Our staff will collect the envelopes upon arrival in Tel Aviv, and give them to Moshe, who will distribute them to the appropriate people. The actual amount that you give is between you and the Lord!  We are not going to check your envelope to make sure that you paid your part. But, we will have a checklist to make sure that our part is done by collecting an envelope from each participant.  It is preferred that you pay your tips in US funds, cash. 

4. What is the best way to exchange money?

The currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS).  Current exchange rate is approx. 3.7550 NIS to $1 USD.  The rate varies and some places charge a commission.  The tour guides will advise the group of the best places to exchange your dollars.  US dollars, Credit Cards, Debit Cards and Personal Checks are widely accepted in Israel. Often, the best rates are found at ATM machines.

You should advise your credit card and ATM card providers that you will be in Israel.  Several group members in the past have found that their cards would not work due to the safety precautions used by the card providers.

While we are on the bus, water will be available for purchase for $1.00 per bottle. If possible, please bring plenty of $1.00 US bills to avoid making change.

5. Do I need travel insurance?

It is recommended that you obtain a travel insurance policy.  These policies cover a variety of needs such as delays, cancellations, lost luggage, medical needs and transportation.  A great resource for trip insurance is www.insuremytrip.com or www.travelguard.com.  Prices vary and basic coverage without trip cancellation can be very inexpensive. There are two ways that I quote my trips.  If I am unsure about actually going, I just fill out the info as requested.  If it is time to go and I know that I am getting on the plane and only need lost baggage, medical, air evac etc. then I put 0.00 in for the trip cost.  This eliminates the trip cancellation portion and DRASTICALLY lowers the cost. 

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Traveling with Instruments

We are so excited that there are going to be so many instruments on this trip. Hopefully these tips will answer your questions. If not, please comment on this blog post and we’ll answer as best as we can!

1. Additional baggage fees for instruments

If you check it, an instrument is counted as an additional checked bag with the airlines. You will be required to pay a 2^nd bag fee or it can be counted as your free carry on bag should you choose to take it on the plane with you.

2. Should I check my instrument, gate check it, or carry it on?

When it comes to travelling with your instrument we believe that safe is better than sorry. If you are going to check it we recommend that you insure your instrument is in a hard, TSA approved case that is sturdy enough to take the abuse of busy baggage handlers as they hurl a few hundred 50-pound suitcases on top of it.

If you prefer to carry it on, please understand that there is not always room in the overhead bin for something the size of a guitar or djembe. Smaller instruments are a much safer bet. A soft gig bag stands a better chance of fitting in the cabin but, I’m sorry to say that, if it doesn’t fit over head, flight attendants are rarely happy these days to help you find extra room in the coat closet to stash your baby. They usually end up banishing your guitar to the belly of the plane causing your prayer life to be grossly refocused for a few hours.

If you are willing to carry your instrument through the airport to the plane, you can gate check it by handing it to the luggage handler upon boarding. They will hand carry it from there and place it in a special area underneath the plane. If you aren’t sure that your case can handle major abuse or that it will fit in an overhead bin this might be a good option for you. Remember though that there are no guarantees. This option also eliminates the extra baggage fee.

3. Loosen the strings on your stringed instruments

Temperature and pressure changes in flight can put strain on your guitar. Whether you carry it on or check it, you should always loosen your strings. Tuned up guitar strings can put as much as 300lbs of tension on the neck even before taking flight, depending upon the scale of the neck and string gauge. We recommend loosening the tension evenly by turning the keys 1.5 times around each. No need to take them all the way down.

4. Stuff the case

Any loose areas in the case (especially around the head) should be stuffed with extra t-shirts or socks. This will help prevent damage as it gets tossed under the plane.  

5. Consider Insurance

This company comes highly recommended! http://clarionins.com/ 

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Suggested Packing Tips & List

Average Temperature in Israel:

We recommend that you refer to the weather links provided on the blog for current forecasts related to the various regions in Israel prior to your final packing. 

Luggage:

Luggage should be limited to one (1) checked piece of luggage, one (1) carry-on bag and one (1) small personal bag such as a purse, laptop case, camera bag, etc. Please check with the airlines for weight and dimension restrictions only. Limiting our luggage is necessary due to the logistics once we arrive in Israel. If bringing an instrument, please try to make your one instrument or flags/banner case your second “carry-on” bag in addition to your main checked piece and your personal bag if at all possible.

Laundry Service:

Laundry service in the hotel is costly so we will attempt to make arrangements for at least one laundry service from an outside source during your time in Jerusalem. The cost is reasonable with an average of $15 USD/laundry bag (hotel laundry bag size) depending on how full you stuff the bag and current NIS exchange rates.

Electricity:

The electrical system in Israel is 220 volts. If you plan to bring any electrical devices that run on 110 volts you will need a converter available at Wal-Mart, Best Buy etc. Many cell phone chargers and computers can accept 110-220 volts (check with your device manufacturer for compatibility). Hair Dyers and Curling Irons require a high output converter. Check with individual electrical devices for needed wattage requirements. Please be aware that an adapter allows you to plug your device into the different outlet but does not convert the wattage or voltage. A converter will convert the power from 220 to 110 before it goes into your device. An adapter can be used for the devices that accept 110-220 volts and many of the hotel bathrooms have an outlet for shavers that will fit US plug styles.

Suggestions for What to Pack:

Clothing

• Weather Appropriate Clothing (see average temp chart attached) 

• No Shorts or tank tops will be allowed (this will allow us to stay flexible in our tour should we need to enter a holy site where modesty is required.) 

• Swimsuits (You will have an opportunity to enjoy the Dead Sea and possibly have a baptism service in the Jordan River.) 

• Layers are recommended as the average temps range from 47 to 74 for the month of December. 

Shoes

• Comfortable walking/hiking/worshiping shoes 
• Swim shoes, if you have extra room and plan to experience the Dead Sea or the Jordan River. 

Toiletries

• Travel sized bottles are perfect for reducing the size and weight of some products in your suitcase. 
• We recommend that you put any bottles containing liquids into plastic ziplock bags. Air pressure on the plane often causes bottles to open and spill. Another way to prevent getting shampoo all over your suitcase is to unscrew the cap, wrap saran wrap over the opening and reclose the lid. 

Instrument and Worship Flags

Many of you have asked if it is acceptable to bring flags. Yes, please feel free! You will receive more info regarding protocol and usage during worship times. Your tour guide will also advise if there are times when it would be offensive or inappropriate. 

Medicine/Medical

Israel has modern pharmacies and medical facilities but it is highly recommended that you bring your needed medications along with you. Check with your health insurance provider to ensure that your policy has international coverage. 

Camera and Video Equipment

Don’t forget chargers and extra batteries 

Cell Phone and charger

Bring if you plan to use your phone for a camera, a voice recorder, writing notes and/or as an alarm clock. (The hotel wakeup calls are often unreliable.) 

Check with your cell phone provider as to international rates but keep in mind that other charges may apply. A local cell phone can be rented at the airport upon arrival. Your hotel in Jerusalem offers international rates for $.99/min directly from your room (subject to change). The other hotels are higher. I use an “Emerald Plan” calling card from www.nobelcom.com with rates as low as $.04/min from Israel to the USA and $.025/min from the USA to Israel. 

Adapter/Converter

If Needed. 

Bible and Journal

Money

US dollars, Credit Cards, Debit cards and Personal Checks are widely accepted in Israel. Our tour guide will advise the group of the best place to exchange your dollars.

Important Documents

Up to date passport, Insurance cards, etc. 

The expiration date must not be before 6/3/13 or you will need to get a new passport before leaving the US. 

It is recommended to make two photocopies of the front inside page of your passport (containing the photo and info). Leave one with someone at home and keep one in a separate bag from the original passport that is with you on the trip.