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"In the Steps of Jesus"
and Presenting the Oberammergau Passion Play 2010
with
Pastor Alan & Pamela Utting
6 Jun to 21 Jun 2010
Israel: | Golan Heights, Nazareth, Sea Of Galilee, Masada and The Dead Sea, Jordan Valley, Bethlehem, Jerusalem... |
Germany: | Neuschwanstein Castle, Munich, Oberammergau Passion Play... |
SATURDAY 5TH JUNE 2010
Depart Sydney to Bangkok, where we will be transferred to our hotel for overnight. (Meals on Plane) (New Zealand passengers must purchase their own airfare from NZ)
SUNDAY 6TH JUNE
Free morning to explore Bangkok on your own, before we are transferred back to the airport for our onward flight to TEL AVIV, ISRAEL. Late evening arrival. Overnight Tel Aviv. (Meals on plane)
MONDAY 7TH JUNE
This morning we will have a short tour of the ancient area of JOPPA, home of Simon the Tanner where Peter received his dream preceding the visit of Cornelius. Afterwards, we will drive through Tel Aviv and continue on our coastal tour of the MEDITERRANEAN SEA PORTS. En route we will visit CAESAREA, site of Herod's Palace, home of Cornelius and where Paul was brought to trial. Afterwards, we travel to the fascinating ancient city of Acco or Acre as it is now known today. Overnight in Acco. (B-D)
TUESDAY 8TH JUNE
We start today by making a short stop at the spectacular gardens overlooking Haifa Harbour. Continuing along the MT CARMEL range we stop at Muhraqa, where Elijah called down fire from Heaven to defeat the prophets of Baal. . We pass through the MEGGIDO VALLEY, the large plain where the final battle of Armageddon is prophesied to take place. Our journey takes us to Nazareth where Jesus grew to manhood. We will visit NAZARETH VILLAGE recreating village lifestyle during the time of Jesus. Experience the Nazareth Jesus knew! Lunch will be provided. Afterwards we visit the Church of Annunciation, which covers the boyhood home of Jesus and take in the fabulous view from the Mt of the Precipice. 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 a lakefront kibbutz at Galilee. (B-L-D)
WEDNESDAY 9TH 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. We will visit ST PETER'S PRIMACY CHURCH. 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 ALAN will read the Sermon on the Mount. Overnight Galilee. (B-D)
THURSDAY 10TH JUNE
We travel around the Sea of Galilee to Gadara, where Jesus healed the possessed man called Legion. We continue to the GOLAN HEIGHTS and UPPER GALILEE, visiting Tel Dan and then enjoying a picnic lunch at the source of the Jordan River on the slopes of Mt Hermon. St Peter made his profession of faith at CAESAREA PHILIPPI that Jesus is the Messiah! After lunch we travel to KUNEITRA, overlooking the Syrian Border and a United Nations post. Returning to Tiberias, we pass by Nimrod's Castle. We complete our day at the JORDAN RIVER and Yardenit Baptismal site, an area where many believe to be close to where John the Baptist baptised our Lord. Opportunity will be given for those who wish to be baptised. Overnight Galilee. (B-L-D)
FRIDAY 11TH JUNE
Departing from Galilee this morning we pass En Dor, Nain, and visit Gideon's Spring. We travel through the Jordan Valley passing by the oldest city on earth, Jericho and detouring to the alternative possible baptisimal site of Jesus. When we arrive at Ein Gedi, David's place of refuge from Saul, we too can have time to seek God in this lovely Oasis as David did so long ago. Our day finishes at a resort hotel located on the shores of the Dead Sea. Once you have settled in you are free to enjoy a 'float' in the medicinal waters of the Dead Sea. Bookings for the mineral rich spa treatments must be made in advance. Overnight Dead Sea. (B-D)
SATURDAY 12TH JUNE
This morning we ascend to the mighty fortress of MASADA, the site of the last heroic 3-year stand of 960 Jewish defenders against the Roman Empire. From its heights (by cable car) we enjoy tremendous views of Jordan and the Dead Sea. Making a short stop at Qumran where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered we make our ascent up to JERUSALEM. We view this age Old city from Mt Scopus and make a short stop at the British Military Cemetery where Australian and New Zealand soldiers were laid to rest defending Jerusalem during WWI. Overnight Jerusalem within walking distance of the Old City. (B-D)
SUNDAY 13TH JUNE
We depart for BETHLEHEM to visit the Shepherds fields and Manger Square. En route, we pass by Rachel's Tomb. Time will be given in Bethlehem for souvenir shopping and we will leave to lunch in Ein Karem, the peaceful birthplace of John the Baptist.. We then 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 see a quarter acre size MODEL CITY of Jerusalem in the time of Christ. Overnight Jerusalem. (B-D)
MONDAY 14TH JUNE
After another great breakfast we journey back in time visiting the Cardo, Burnt House, remains from the Second Temple period and the Temple Institute to view authentic replicas of Jewish Temple worship implements and take time to pray at the WESTERN WALL, the most sacred site for the Jewish people. Later, we ascend the TEMPLE MOUNT to the Dome of the Rock, (security permitting) the site where Abraham offered up Isaac. We view the Southern Steps of the Temple Mount where St Peter & St Paul said, "money we have not, but get up and walk". We return to our hotel for a rest and a swim. Overnight Jerusalem. (B-D) Visiting the Tower of David Museum is an extra some may like.
TUESDAY 15TH JUNE
We awaken again in the city of the Great King, Jerusalem, the geographic centre of the world. 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, PALM SUNDAY ROAD, and the GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE plus 3 special churches. Entering into the OLD CITY through Lion's Gate we visit the POOLS OF BETHESDA, where Jesus cured an invalid, and continue to St. Anne's Church and the Antonia Fortress and walk the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre visiting the crucifixion site under the church. We finish our day at 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. Overnight Jerusalem. (B-D)
WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE
Early morning transfer to the Tel Aviv Airport, where we say goodbye to the Holy Land and take our flight to MUNICH, GERMANY. On arrival in Munich we transfer to our hotel and the remainder of the day will be at leisure. (B-D)
THURSDAY 17TH JUNE
After breakfast we drive to Augsburg, way down the famous Romantic Road. We visit the huge Cathedral of St Maria with its impressive 11thcentury stained glass Old Testament figures. Next to Landsberg, a picturesque walled medieval town where we take in its sights on a lovely walk. Nearer to our goal of King Ludwigs Neuschwanstein Castle we turn off to the widely famed Wieskirche Church in the Meadow. The interior is magnificent. Finally we have a guided tour of the lavish Neuschwanstein Castle, spending the night at Fussen. (B-D)
FRIDAY 18TH JUNE
The PASSION PLAY will be presented after lunch in a full afternoon and evening of theatre stopping only for a dinner break. This unique drama will enrich us spiritually and be a vivid reminder of our Saviour's suffering, death and resurrection. Overnight nearby Oberammergau. (B-L-D)
SATURDAY 19TH JUNE
We travel to Munich to take our flight home via Bangkok. (B-Meals in flight) (or alternative arrangements)
SUNDAY 20TH JUNE
In Flight (Meals on Plane)
MONDAY 21ST JUNE
Morning arrival home with memories to last a life time. (Meals in flight)
I can only describe my trip to Israel with Alan and Pam Utting’s group, in association with Inner Faith travel, as a life-changing experience. Not only do I have fabulous memories of a fun and informative holiday, but in addition, my regular Bible reading has come alive, as I note with excitement the names of places I have actually been to. Because of her background in archaeology and her amazing Biblical knowledge, as well as her Jewish background, our guide, Ruth, was able to explain to us the archaeological , cultural and Biblical significance of the places we visited, in a way that has added a far greater depth of understanding of the Scriptures.
Nothing can beat actually having been there! I also heartily recommend Alan and Pam as group leaders. Their hard work, humility, caring concern for all group members and encouragement to make the most of the spiritual aspects of the trip, helped to make us all feel very secure and to gain maximum spiritual benefit. I am now gearing up to return with my whole family – and am thrilled to have the opportunity to go with the same group leaders and company, as I believe they were part of making it such a positive and memorable experience
Sharon E. (Auckland, NZ)
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