Day 1-2 (Wed & Thurs Oct 12-13^th):   FLY to CAIRO, EGYPT

Today we all fly to Cairo, Egypt. When we arrive we will go directly to our hotel and rest.

Day 3 (Fri Oct 14^th):  7 WONDER OF THE WORLD:  (PYRAMIDS & SPHINX)

Today we enjoy a full day touring the sites in Cairo! We begin with the splendor of the famous Pyramids & Sphinx. Those interested can go inside the Pyramid as well as take a camel ride (small extra cost). From here we will make a visit to the Egyptian Museum and explore all the unique items there (including a Rosetta Stone replica and the opportunity to view real Egyptian pharaoh’s mummies, as well as King Tut items). Our last visit of the day will be to one of the largest mosques in the world; the Mohamed Ali Mosque. We again overnight in Cairo

Day 4 (Sat Oct 15^th):   TEMPLES: (LUXOR & KARNAK)

This morning will fly from Cairo to Luxor. We will first enjoy lunch and then begin our exploration of Luxor where 30% of the world’s ancient ruins are located. Today we will explore the sites on the East Bank of the river Nile. Our first site is one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World and is also one of the largest temple structures in the world; the Karnak Temple. You will truly be amazed at this 64 acre temple. Following our visit we will enjoy some much needed rest time in our hotel. Following dinner we will enjoy an evening visit to the impressive Luxor Temple. These structures are amazing and must be seen to be believed. You might even enjoy these experiences more than the Pyramids in Cairo! We overnight in Luxor.

Day 4 (Sun Oct 16^th):   TEMPLES: (LUXOR & KARNAK)

This morning will enjoy a worship service at our hotel and then explore the sites on the West Bank where we will visit one of the most intriguing spots in the world; the “Valley of the Kings” (burial spot for the Egyptian Pharaohs & Queens). You will marvel at the similarities in Egyptian and the Church of Jesus Christ beliefs and rituals…especially the Temples! We will next take pictures of the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Collosi of Memnon & Nobels as well as Pit Tomb #33 where the Book of Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price was discovered. We will next explore the Temple of Ramses III. Alabaster is mined near Luxor and we will visit a shop that specializes in hand carving alabaster items. We again overnight in Luxor.

Day 5 (Mon Oct 17^th):   FLY TO SHARM / RED SEA

This morning we take an early flight to Cairo and on to Sharm where we will enjoy the amenities of our 5-star resort on the Red Sea! Those who desire can enjoy some snorkeling directly from our resort and those who are not interested can enjoy the city of Sharm with shopping and other local interests. At the resort there are several beautiful pools, a lazy river, spa options, para-sailing, boat adventures, etc. This afternoon those interested can participate in a 4 wheeling experience in the Sinai desert. Other options include a visit to Naama Bay for some shopping. We overnight in Sharm.

Day 6 (Tue Oct 18^th):   RED SEA / MT SINAI

Today we get to enjoy more of the Red Sea! Not only is it the historic body of water that Moses parted, but it is also one of the very best locations in the world for snorkeling and deep sea diving at Sharm El Sheikh (Ras Mohammed). This evening we will review the scriptural account of Moses and the Children of Israel in preparation for our climb up the ancient temple….Mt Sinai. We enjoy a short rest before waking early to climb.

Day 7 (Wed Oct 19^th):  LIVING THE OLD TESTAMENT: (MT. SINAI / PROMISED LAND)

This morning (early, early morning) we will make our way to Mt. Sinai (St. Catherine’s). Along the way we will review the account of the Exodus as we bus our way through the Sinai to the base of “Mt. Moses”. We will enjoy a moonlight hike up Mount Sinai (Camels are available for those interested in the adventure). On top we will enjoy the sunrise and a very special meeting before making our descent. Once off the mountain we will bus our way to “The Promised Land”…Israel! Arriving at our hotel is a very welcomed experience following our early morning hike. We will rest and relax and enjoy a quiet evening at our hotel and overnight in Eilat, Israel.

Day 8 (Thurs Oct 20^th): BofM BEGINNINGS / WILDERNESS / MASADA / JERUSALEM

Today we will make our way up to Jerusalem and will be traveling through the Book of Mormon wilderness. As we depart the Red Sea we will be on the same route in reverse that Lehi and his family took when they left Jerusalem and went ‘down by the borders near the shore of the Red Sea’ (1 Nephi 2:5). If possible we will enjoy a brief stop at Timnah where we will view a replica of the ancient Tabernacle built by Moses in the wilderness. We will also discuss Sodom & Gomorrah as we drive through the remains of those ancient cities. After lunch we visit the majestic Masada and gondola to the top and reflect on its remarkable story. We will also stop for a picture of the natural spring and waterfall at Ein-Gedi (where David hid from King Saul) and where we almost always see ibex. Our last stop of the day will be to Qumran (discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls). From this point we will be traveling on the road from ‘Jerusalem to Jericho’ and will reflect on a certain parable (Luke 10). When we arrive in Jerusalem we will go directly to the Mount of Olives for a view of ‘the Golden City’. We overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 9 (Fri Oct 21^st):   BEGINNINGS: BETHLEHEM / MUSEUMS / WESTERN WALL

This morning we will enjoy the sights and sounds of Jerusalem by walking on the Old City Walls of Jerusalem on the Rampart. Following this experience we will visit the unique historical museums in Jerusalem. The Israeli Museum displays the Dead Sea Scrolls and also features the very impressive miniature model of the city of Jerusalem in Christ’s day; The Model City. We conclude our museum visits with the sobering Holocaust Museum, Yad Vashem. Next we will cross through ‘The Wall’ (20’ cement wall that separates Israel and Palestinian controlled land) and visit the traditional birthplace of the Savior in Bethlehem (Church of the Nativity). We conclude our day by visiting a local Shepherds’ Field near Bethlehem where we will review the account of the humble beginnings of the Saviors Life. In this setting we will review the Saviors Birth as well as consider Jesus as the ‘Good Shepherd’.  This evening those interested will view how the orthodox Jews bring in the Sabbath at the Western Wall. We again overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 10 (Sat Oct 22^nd):   JERUSALEM CENTER / MT OF OLIVES (BETHESDA)

This morning we begin our Sabbath day in Gethsemane for some ponder time and a short devotional. Next we enjoy Church Services at the remarkable BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies. The view of Jerusalem during our Service is inspiring. On our way to lunch we will wander down the Mt. of Olives and pass thousands of Jewish graves, including those of the Biblical Prophets; Haggai, Zechariah, & Malachi. We make a brief stop at the ‘Teardrop Church’ and then enjoy lunch in a unique local place near the Old City. We will then visit St. Anne’s which is the ancient site for the Pool of Bethesda. As we make our way back to the hotel we will be introduced to the shopkeeper that makes LDS scripture covers, necklaces, etc. and after dinner those interested can peruse olive wood carvings from the shopkeepers who have been making LDS Olive Wood pieces for over 40 years. We enjoy a relaxed evening and overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 11 (Sun Oct 23^rd):  TEMPLE MT / JESUS/MARY AS A TEENAGERS: NAZARETH

Our morning begins with a visit to the place where Jews believe is the Center of the Universe and where the Divine Presence resides. We visit the Kotel Tunnels at the Western Wall and also go up onto the Temple Mount. We view the Dome of the Rock, the Wailing Wall, etc. and discuss the past, present and future of that significant site for all three major religions: Jews, Muslims, & Christians.

This afternoon we consider Jesus and Mary during their teenage years as we visit Nazareth and the surrounding areas. We will drive up north and our first stop features the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and represents the spot where the first Gentile convert joined the Church and the Gospel spread to the world. Paul was imprisoned for 2 years here and also departed for his 4 historic missionary journeys. We will view the ancient theater and aqueducts before making our way north to Mount Carmel. On Mt. Carmel is a great view of the Jezreel Valley (Valley of Armageddon). From this vantage point we will discuss Armageddon, the 2nd Coming and the future of this Holy Land as well as reenact the remarkable story of Elijah and the Priests of Baal. Following lunch, near Carmel, we travel to Nazareth and from Mount Precipice we will have an amazing view of Nazareth, Mt Tabor and the surrounding area. We will then drive to our hotel close to the Sea of Galilee.

Day 12 (Mon Oct 24^th):  BEATITUDES / PETER’S PRIMACY / MAGDALA / YARDENIT

Today we spend our day seeing the sights and sounds surrounding the Sea of Galilee. We begin with a visit to a beautiful overlook of the Sea of Galilee on Mount Arbel. Next we visit the Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered. Lunch is a unique experience where those interested can enjoy St. Peter’s Fish. Next we visit Peter’s Primacy where we will discuss John 21. This afternoon we will visit Magdala (birthplace of Mary Magdalene) followed by Yardenit at the Jordan River (Jesus’ traditional baptismal site). We then drive around the Sea of Galilee to our Hotel. Checking into our Hotel this evening is a joy. Every room is only steps away from the shore of the Sea of Galilee. This evening you can enjoy a quiet, relaxing evening strolling on the Sea shores, or taking a dip in the Sea, etc.

Day 13 (Tues Oct 25^th):  JESUS’ MINISTRY: SEA OF GALILEE / CAPERNAUM / DAN

Today we explore more of the Galilee area where Jesus spent the majority of His ministry as well as some other significant scriptural sites. Our first adventure of the day is boarding a small fishing boat and crossing the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. On our way we cut the engines & have a short discussion. On shore we’ll visit Capernaum. Next we will drive to the very north border of Israel where we will look over into Lebanon and Syria. We will enjoy a short nature hike to view the ancient city and alter at Tel Dan. Our next stop is at Banias, the ancient site of Caesarea Philippi, where Peter was promised to receive the Keys of the Kingdom and is declares as ‘the Rock’. As we bus our way home we will travel on the Golan Heights where we can look over into Syria.

Day 14 (Wed Oct 26^th):  JESUS’ FINAL DAYS: BETHANY (LAZARU’S TOMB / DEAD SEA)

Today we visit and consider the events leading up to the death of the Savior and the final days of His mortal ministry. As we make our way back to Jerusalem we pass through the Green Line and parts of the West Bank and will take this opportunity to discuss the current political situation, borders, and history. As we pass Bet She’an we will consider the ‘Fall of Saul’. We drive by Jericho and then make a stop at the Jordan River (Children of Israel River Crossing and Jesus’ baptismal site). Following lunch we will enjoy a quick visit to Qumran (discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls) and also have the unique experience of taking a float in the Dead Sea. You cannot sink! From here we make our way up to Jerusalem. We will visit Bethany and Lazarus’ Tomb and conclude our day with a unique walk through the flowing waters in Hezekiah’s Tunnel. We overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 15 (Thurs Oct 27^th):  JESUS’ FINAL HOURS: (THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST!)

Today is one of our most significant as we venture through the wonders of the ‘Eternal City’ and retrace the events and sites of the final moments of the Saviors Life! We begin in the Upper Room where the Savior held the Last Supper. From here we trace His steps to the Garden of Gethsemane (Church of all Nations). We next visit Caiaphas’ Palace (St. Peter of Gallicantu) where Jesus went before the Sanhedrin and where Peter allegedly denied Christ thrice. Following lunch we enjoy a stop at the Antonio Fortress (Jesus before Pilate) and from here we will follow the Via Dolorosa (or Path of Suffering), the path Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha. Next we will reflect on the burial & resurrection of the Savior as we visit the two possible sites for Golgotha & Calvary. First we visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher [believed site for many Christians] and then the Garden Tomb [where others feel is the true site]. We will discuss the crucifixion and resurrection of the Savior and the majesty of the final moments of His mortal ministry! We overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 16 (Fri Oct 28^th):   MT OF OLIVES / FLY HOME!

Today we conclude our tour with one final visit to the Mount of Olives. From the Mt of Olives Jesus officially concluded His mortal ministry on that continent (Acts 1) and fittingly we will in similar fashion conclude our visits here as well. From this vantage point we will discuss the Ascension of Jesus, the Gathering of Israel, and Christ’s historic prophesied return to the Mt of Olives. For lunch we will enjoy our ‘last supper’ together with a short program. Those not participating in the Petra option will make their way to the airport to begin their journey home.

Day 17 (Sat Oct 29^th):   FLY HOME

Today we arrive at our homes and will be reunited with our loved ones!

COSTS AND DETAILS

PRICE for Israel Portion: $3,385 per person double occupancy

[These prices include all visas, fuel surcharges, 2 meals daily, entrance fees and transportation, service materials and tools. Not included would be lunches and airfare to and from Tel Aviv]

DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $500 per person.

ROOMMATES: Those traveling SOLO may sign up for accommodations on a share basis and will be assigned roommates as circumstances permit. If a roommate is unavailable, the participant will be notified of the adjusted price for single supplement prior to departure.

CANCELLATION FEES: A $25 fee will be charged by Anderson Tours, LLC for all cancellations until 60 days prior to departure, at which time the fee will be $100. In addition, all cancellation charges imposed by airlines, hotels, vendors, operators, etc., will be passed on to the participant.

TOUR INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

• First-class, top quality Tour with experienced Tour Directors
• All airline travel mentioned in the program (which includes all 3 in country flights in Egypt but does NOT include the international flight). If you would like us to help you arrange your international flights to Tel Aviv which is a free service we provide and also includes Travel Insurance in the price of the airline ticket. We can add the international flight to your total amount due.
• Private, deluxe Air-Conditioned Motor Coach
• Hotel Accommodations
• Cold Bottled Water will be available for purchase on board bus
• Two Meals Daily (breakfast and lunch or dinner) as indicated in the detailed itinerary
• All Admission and Entrance Fees to sites specified in the itinerary
• Country Visas, Airport as well as other Departure Taxes

REGISTRATION, DEPOSIT, PAYMENT, AND CANCELLATION:

Early reservations are strongly recommended, and a Deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 60 days prior to departure. Applications received after this date should include full payment. Any payments made after this date should also include also include full payment. Any payments made 30 days prior to departure must be in the form of a money order. Checks should be made payable to Anderson Tours. All cancellation penalties are the responsibility of the participant.

Please send check payment and names of participants to:

Anderson Tours LLC
8661 Millpond PL
Riverside, CA 92508

OTHER ITEMS & DETAILS

Good Health is encouraged for our Israel Tours!

ITEMS NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE:

Items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs; excess baggage or portage charges; personal, trip, or baggage insurance; room service; laundry; phone charges; food or beverages not part of the group menu; gratuities for special services; expenses incurred on personal activities not included where group participation is not specified in the itinerary; international flight to TLV is not included but we are more than able to assist in arranging flights.

CURRENT PASSPORT REQUIRED FOR THIS TOUR