SATURDAY 8TH MAY 2010

Depart Australia via Singapore to BERLIN, GERMANY. (Meals in Flight)

SUNDAY 9TH MAY 2010

Early morning arrival to Berlin. Transfer to hotel for rest. We spend the afternoon at Potsdam. Prepare to be dazzled as we visit Friedrich Wilhelm II (1712-86)’s summer residence, the Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam. Before leaving Potsdam, we’ll visit Nikolaikirche (St Nicholas Church), said to be the largest domed church in Germany. This dome is decorated with scenes from the New Testament. We’ll also drive past the Dutch Quarter, with its 134 Baroque-style homes, followed by the Alexander Settlement, with its quaint Russian-style homes. (Meals in flight – D)

MONDAY 10TH MAY 2010

Sightseeing with a Local Guide in the once-divided metropolis includes the Ku-Damm, the restored Reichstag, monumental Brandenburg Gate, Charlottenburg Palace, the 210-foot Victory Column in the vast Tiergarten Park, and a visit to the KAISER WILHELM MEMORIAL CHURCH. Drive along Unter Den Linden Boulevard, pass the German State Opera House and Checkpoint Charlie where we will spend some time. We will also visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. Overnight Berlin. (B-D)

TUESDAY 11TH

This morning we spend time at the Pergamum Museum that houses the Biblically famous Processional Way and Gate of Ishta from Babylon at the time of Daniel. The alter of Zeus was transported by the Kaiser from Pergamum, Turkey, to also be added to the collection. In the afternoon we visit the Jewish Museum followed by a visit to the beautifully restored Berlin Synagogue. Finishing our day at Potsdamer Platz, a marvellous example of modern architecture. Overnight Berlin. (B-D)

WEDNESDAY 12TH

Free day in Berlin. Perhaps book a concert at the Philharmonic Theatre or spend some more time on Museum Island or return to the Tiergarten. Tonight is your chance to sample Berlin’s fine restaurants and nightlife! Overnight Berlin. (B)

THURSDAY 13TH

We travel south through the area that used to belong to the "other part" of Germany. Stop in Dresden, the former capital of Saxony. Badly damaged by Allied bombing in February 1945, the city has since been restored to its baroque splendour. You’ll love the architecture of the Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera! Then head for Bohemia and the Czech capital of Prague. How about an optional Czech folklore show tonight? Overnight Prague. (B-D)

FRIDAY 14TH

Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features 1,000-year-old HRADCANY CASTLE, the former residence of Bohemian kings; ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL; the Old Town; the Jewish ghetto; and the ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all Europe. Afterwards you may want to mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square. This evening why not join an optional dinner outing? Overnight Prague (B)

SATURDAY 15TH

Into Moravia, where Napoleon established his headquarters during the Battle of Austerlitz. Around lunchtime you reach Bratislava, the economic and political centre of the Slovak Republic. Later, follow the course of the Danube River to Budapest. Overnight Budapest. (B-D)

SUNDAY 16TH

Your Local Guide takes your through Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan city. See the elegant Andrassy Avenue, the Thermal Baths, and the world’s second largest Jewish Synagogue. From the lacy lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city. Then visit the 13th-century MATTHIAS CORONATION CHURCH and Heroes’ Square. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight we enjoy a delectable Hungarian specialty dinner. Overnight Budapest. (B-D)

MONDAY 17TH

This morning drive through the Hungarian plains to Vienna, once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire. Meet your Local Guide and start your afternoon sightseeing with vistas of Prater Park with its giant Ferris wheel, and the United Nations City on the banks of the Danube River. Then drive along Ring Boulevard, pass the State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian Imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz and visit awesome ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL Overnight Vienna. (B-D)

TUESDAY 18TH

A whole day at leisure gives you the opportunity to join optional excursions such as to the Vienna Woods, historical Schonbrunn Palace, or to just explore this magnificent city on your own. Overnight Vienna. (B)

WEDNESDAY 19TH

A scenic day! From Krems enjoy a leisurely DANUBE CRUISE to Weissenkirchen. Continue by coach along the Danube to historic Melk. No landscape is more typically Austrian than the Sound of Music lakeland of the Salzkammergut. Pass lovely Lake Wolfgang on your way via Bad Ischl to Salzburg. (BB,D)

THURSDAY 20TH

A pleasant stroll with a Local Guide takes you through the historical centre. Admire exquisite MIRABELL GARDENS, the Great Festival Hall, ST. PETER’S CHURCHYARD, and the monumental Domplatz. Also visit MOZART’S BIRTHPLACE in the charming Getreidegasse. Overnight Salzburg (B-D)

FRIDAY 21ST MAY

A scenic drive takes us to Oberammergau. The PASSION PLAY will be presented after lunch in a full afternoon and evening of theatre. This unique drama will enrich us spiritually and be a vivid reminder of our Saviour’s suffering, death and resurrection. Overnight nearby Oberammergau. (BD)

SATURDAY 22ND MAY

Free morning in Oberammergau followed by a panoramic journey through the Bavarian Alps to Mad King Ludwigs’s Neuschwanstein Castle. Overnight Schwangau. (B-D)

SUNDAY 23RD MAY

Today we travel to Vaduz the capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein where we spend some time before continuing to the picture book city of Lucerne for overnight. (B-D)

MONDAY 24TH MAY

Admire Thorwaldsen’s LION MONUMENT and the ornate patrician houses lining the cobbled streets of the Old Town, then cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit Church. Afterwards, shop for Swiss watches and choose from our optional activities: climb a mountain by cable car, take a cruise on the fjord-like lake, or sign up for a folklore party with yodelling and alphorn blowing for a first-hand impression of Alpine merrymaking. Overnight Lucerne. (B)

TUESDAY 25TH MAY

Morning transfer to the Swiss capital of Zurich for our flight out. (B)

OPTIONAL GREECE EXTENSION

TUESDAY 25TH MAY

After breakfast we transfer to Zurich airport to take a flight to the Greek capital of Athens. Overnight Athens. (B-D)

WEDNESDAY 26TH MAY

Today we enjoy a city tour of Athens. We will climb up to the marblecapped Acropolis and visit the famous Parthenon and the Erechtheion. We will then walk to nearby Mars’ Hill (Areopagus) (Acts 17:22) where the Apostle Paul delivered his well-known sermon. Our tour continues with the highlights of modern Athens: we pass by the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Parliament House, Presidential Palace, Panathenian Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Academy, the University and the National Library. Overnight Athens. (B-D)

THURSDAY 27TH MAY

Our route out of Athens takes us by the Saronic Gulf via the historic Corinthian Canal (quick stop for photos) to ancient Corinth (Acts 18:1- 18). It was to this megalopolis where the apostle Paul came and worked, established a thriving church, subsequently sending two of his epistles now part of the New Testament. Here, see all of the sites associated with his ministry: the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Odeon, the Bema and Gallio’s Seat. The small archaeological museum here is an absolute must! We continue to visit to Lechaion and also see the ruins of early Christian 5th century basilica at the ancient port of Cenchreae before returning to Athens for Overnight. (B-D)

FRIDAY 28TH MAY

Today we travel to Delphi where the priestess Pythia pronounced her famous oracles in the Temple of Apollo. Visits to the theatre and stadium. Overnight stay in Delphi. (B-D)

SATURDAY 29TH MAY

Morning free to browse in the local galleries and handicraft stores. Afternoon departure for Kalambaka, location of spectacular Meteora with its thousand-year-old Byzantine monasteries perched precariously on huge rocks. The view from here is beautiful. Overnight Kalambaka. (B-D)

SUNDAY 30TH MAY

After breakfast we visit the magnificent Monasteries of Meteora. We return via Lamia and Thermopulae to Athens for Overnight. (B-D)

MONDAY 31ST MAY

Morning free in Athens with midday departure to the airport for our flight out. (B – meals in flight)

OPTIONAL ISRAEL EXTENSION

MONDAY 31ST MAY

Morning free in Athens with midday departure to the airport for our flight to TEL AVIV, ISRAEL. On arrival to Tel Aviv we will be met by Inner faith Travel representatives and transferred to our hotel by the Mediterranean Sea. Overnight Tel Aviv. (B-D)

TUESDAY 1ST JUNE

This morning we travel northward via the MEDITERRANEAN SEA PORT of CAESAREA, site of Herod’s Palace, home of Cornelius and where Paul was brought to trial. We visit MT CARMEL or Muhraqa, where Elijah called down fire from Heaven to defeat the prophets of Baal. We pass through the MEGIDDO VALLEY, the large plain where the final battle of Armageddon is prophesied to take place. Our journey then takes us to Nazareth where Jesus grew to manhood visiting the Mount of the Precipice with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. We spend time at Nazareth Village, recreating life as in the time of Jesus. We pass through Cana, where He performed His first recorded miracle. Then, as we round the crest of a hill the SEA OF GALILEE unfolds in a breathtaking panoramic scene before our eyes. We overnight at our hotel on the Sea of Galilee. (B-D)

WEDNESDAY 2ND JUNE

Today, we explore this historical area of Galilee. Remember how Jesus walked on the water? Our special traditional sailing vessel will take us across the Sea of Galilee, stopping in the middle for a time of reflection and worship. Rejoice! Jesus is alive. We disembark at Nof Ginnosar a kibbutz located on the shores of the Galilee where we will see the remains of a boat from the time of Jesus. Arriving later to CAPERNAUM, the city of Jesus, we visit the ruins of the synagogue where Jesus performed many miracles. You will see the new excavations of ST PETER’S house and visit TABGHA, where Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fishes to feed the multitudes and later ascending to the top of the MOUNT OF BEATITUDES, where we will read the Sermon on the Mount. We will enjoy a St Peters Fish Lunch. We travel around the Sea of Galilee to the JORDAN RIVER and Yardenit Baptismal site, an area where many believe to be close to where John the Baptist baptised our Lord. We overnight at our hotel on the Sea of Galilee. (B-L-D)

THURSDAY 3RD JUNE

Departing from Tiberias we pass by Mt Arbel and climb to the Hula Valley and UPPER GALILEE travelling to the GOLAN HEIGHTS to overlook the Syrian Border and a United Nations Post. From there we travel north climbing to the source of the Jordan River on the slopes of Mt Hermon. This is where St Peter made his confession at CAESAREA PHILIPPI. Overnight Tiberias. (B-D)

FRIDAY 4TH JUNE

Free day by the Sea of Galilee. Overnight Galilee. (B-D)

SATURDAY 5TH JUNE

We then travel southward toward the Jordan Valley we visit En Harod and Gideon’s Spring. Passing by Beit Shean, where Saul’s headless body was hung on the Gates of Beit Shean. We take the Old Jericho Road with a brief stop at Wadi Kelt to view the St George’s Monastery built into the cliff face. After lunch we tour New Jerusalem and visit the YAD VASHEM HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL. This memorial is built in memory of the six million Jews lost in the Holocaust. Truly a moving experience! We will visit the Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and the MODEL CITY, site of a quarter acre replica model of Jerusalem in the time of Christ, which includes the Jewish Temple. Overnight Jerusalem. (B-D)

SUNDAY 6TH JUNE

This morning we make a pilgrimage to where it all began – BETHLEHEM of EPRAHTAH, the birthplace of Messiah. We visit the Church of Nativity, en route passing by Rachael’s Tomb and the Shepherd’s Fields. From Bethlehem we travel to Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist. Jerusalem for Overnight Jerusalem. (B-D)

MONDAY 7TH JUNE

We awaken in the city of the Great King. You can feel the atmosphere that sets Jerusalem apart from any other city in the world. We have a full day of touring Old Jerusalem, following in the footsteps of Jesus, including the MT OF OLIVES and the GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE. Entering into the OLD CITY through ST STEPHEN’S GATE we visit the POOL OF BETHESDA, where Jesus cured an invalid, and continue to the Ecce Homo Convent to view the Lithostrotos and the Pavement and visit the PRAETORIUM, site of the public trial and condemnation of Jesus. We also visit the WESTERN WALL, the most sacred site for the Jewish people. We continue through the picturesque Bazaar streets passing the stations of the cross along the VIA DOLOROSA arriving to the Citadel of David and the UPPER ROOM where we will reflect on the events of the LAST SUPPER, believed to have taken place on this site. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B-D)

TUESDAY 8TH JUNE

We travel southward through the Judean Wilderness to the mighty fortress of MASADA, the site of the last heroic 3 year stand of 960 Jewish defenders against the Roman Empire. Masada has become a symbol of courage and perseverance for the Jewish people. From its heights (by cable car) we have tremendous views of Jordan and the Dead Sea. Afterwards, we will enjoy ‘a float’ in the medicinal salt waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest elevation in the world. We pass by Ein Gedi, the area where King Saul pursued David. We also visit Qumran the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. From there, we ascend the Mountains of Israel for our return to Jerusalem. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B-D)

WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE

This morning we visit the GARDEN TOMB and celebrate a Communion Service with the empty tomb in the background. The serenity of this place makes it a spiritual oasis within this bustling city. This is the ultimate place of worship in Jerusalem. We celebrate the resurrection of our King. Remainder of the day is free in the City of the Great King. Opportunity to explore the city with the Bible as your guide or for that last minute shopping. Farewell dinner at your hotel. Evening departure to the airport for our flight home or on to Johannesburg for an African Safari . (B-D)

OPTIONAL AFRICAN ADVENTURE EXTENSION

THURSDAY 10TH JUNE

Morning arrival to Johannesburg to connect with our flight to Hoedspruit entrance to the famous KRUGER NATIONAL GAME PARK. Remainder of the day free to rest. Overnight Makutsi. (Meals in flight – D)

FRIDAY 11TH JUNE, MAKUTSI SAFARI SPRINGS

Early morning game drive in open Land Rover. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive returning at sunset. (B,D)

SATURDAY 12TH JUNE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Full day’s game viewing in Kruger National Park. (B-D)

SUNDAY 13TH JUNE DRAKENSBURG MOUNTAINS AND BLYDE RIVER CANYON

Depart for a full day of sightseeing of the Drakensburg Mountains and Blyde River Canyon. Opportunity to shop for curios. (B,D)

MONDAY 14TH JUNE, TRIBAL VILLAGE AND MAKUTSI RAIN FOREST

After breakfast visit the nearby Shangaan and Sotho villages to learn about the traditional culture. Afterwards enjoy a walk and bush picnic. (B-D)

TUESDAY 15TH JUNE, - MAKUTSI SAFARI SPRINGS

Enjoy one more game drive in the morning or afternoon and the rest of the day is at leisure. (B,D)

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE, MAKUTSI - HOEDSPRUIT

Transfer to Hoedspruit for our flight back to Johannesburg and a connecting flight back to Australia. (B)

THURSDAY 17TH JUNE

Afternoon arrival to home with experiences to share and memories to last a lifetime. (Meals on Plane)