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Join Jim Grassi and Pastor Frank Lenihan for a trip of a lifetime to the Holy Land October 23 - November 1, 2008. Consider extending the trip to include a tour of Italy November 1 - 8. For more information contact Jim at lgfjim@gte.net or Pastor Frank at frazermb@yahoo.com.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 Thu Oct 23 Departure
Depart Regina /Calgary to Toronto on Air Canada flight #
Arrive Toronto
Depart Toronto for Milan on Alitalia flight # 653 at 5:15 pm
Arrive Milan at 7:25 am
Overnight en route
Day 2 Fri Oct 24 The Promised Land
Depart Milan for Tel Aviv on Alitalia flight #804 at 10:15 am
Arrive Tel Aviv at 3:10 pm
Meeting and assistance by local Sunworld representative and our tour guide. Drive through Tel Aviv to the ancient city of Jaffa for a short visit. Transfer to the Hotel. Meet for orientation and dinner.
Overnight in Tel Aviv
Day 3 Sat Oct 25 Caesarea / Tel Megiddo / Nazareth / Cana
After Breakfast visit the port city of Caesarea, the Roman Capital of Israel. Explore the Archeological ruins of the Roman Amphitheater and the Aqueduct. Drive to Megiddo, where the books of Daniel and Revelation come alive as we study about the final battle of Armageddon. Now we are on our way to Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus’ childhood. Here we will stop and visit the largest Christian church in the Middle East. We will also take time to visit a Village that recreates the look and feel of Jesus’ day. Now as we make our way toward the Sea of Galilee we will stop for a short visit in Cana, location of Jesus’ first miracle where he turned water into wine. Dinner and relaxation with members of the kibbutz.
Overnight at a kibbutz Guesthouse in the Galilee
Day 4 Sun Oct 26 Sea of Galilee
Come with us for an awe inspiring boat ride upon the waters of the Sea of Galilee. Here we will take time for worship, prayer, and a short Bible story. It is here that we get a real sense that this is the land of our faith and the affection of God’s love. We might even witness fisherman hauling in a dramatic catch of fish. It has happened before! Next we will travel a short distance to participate in the “Galilee Experience” We will also visit the Ancient Galilee Boat which dates back to the time of Christ. We now work our way around the Sea of Galilee visiting such places as Tabgah, where Jesus fed thousands with only a handful of bread and fish. We will also stop and visit the Mt. of the Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount and where Jesus committed his followers to be peacemakers as well as salt and light.
Overnight at a kibbutz Guesthouse in the Galilee
Day 5 Mon Oct 27 Sea of Galilee
This morning we will gather at the waters edge for a special worship service led by world famous fisherman and Pastor Jim Grassi. Jim’s insights on the Biblical events that happened in this region will inspire us and give us a deeper insight into the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. We will also visit Capernaum, to see the remains of Peter’s house and where Jesus chose to center His ministry (Mark 2:1). We will also visit one of the oldest synagogues in Israel, whose stones date back to the time of Jesus and his disciples.
Next we will continue our tour to Gideon’s Springs and on to Yardenit, the baptism site on the Jordan River. Here you will have the opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River, an unforgettable experience!
We will return to our kibbutz and a special evening enjoying Christian fellowship and good food.
Overnight at a kibbutz Guesthouse in the Galilee
Day 6 Tue Oct 28 Ein Gedi / Massada / Dead Sea
Today we will take an amazing journey through the Judean Wilderness to visit the locations where David wrote most of his psalms. We will visit Ein Gedi. For those with an adventurous spirit, we will take a leisure hike to David’s waterfall in the oasis of Ein Gedi. Here we will get a first hand understanding of the story found in 1 Samuel 24. This hike often allows us the opportunity to see a number of interesting wildlife to include the Gazelle, Desert Oryx, and the Ibex. Continue to Massada, the desert fortress of King Herod, where we will ascend by cable car to the site where the most dramatic act in Jewish history occurred. Here you will have time to explore the excavations of Herod’s Palace, the bathhouse, storerooms, the Ramp, the Villa and the oldest synagogue in the world.
Overnight by the Dead Sea
Day 7 Wed Oct 29 Jerusalem – Mt Zion / Mt. of Olives
Today we travel up to Jerusalem and enter the city as spiritual pilgrims. We start our tour atop the Mt. of Olives where we will take time to participate in a special blessing over the people and the City itself. Here we will get a beautiful panoramic view of the Eastern (Golden) Gate as well as the Temple Mount where we will clearly see the famous “Dome of the Rock” We will visit the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus spent the last night before he was arrested (Mat. 26:36). We will now continue to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial.
Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 8 Thu Oct 30 Jerusalem / Garden Tomb / Tour of the Old City
We begin our day by visiting the Garden Tomb and the possible site of Calvary. We will commemorate the Resurrection by participating in a special worship service where communion will be served. Once again, this is an unforgettable experience no matter how many times you visit the Holy Land. Next, our Israeli guide will lead us on an amazing journey through the Old City of Jerusalem. We will visit such places as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, King David’s Tomb, and the Jewish Quarter via the Cardo Maximo, Jerusalem’s market street built by the Romans. Here we will have time to shop, sip a delicious cappuccino and visit with the visitors and citizens of God’s Holy City.
Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 9 Fri Oct 31 Jerusalem – Free Day
Today it is your day to do as you please. You can re-visit the Western Wall for a time of personal prayer (2 Chronicles 7:15-16), or go on a walk upon the walls of Jerusalem. For those who like to walk, you can easily visit every gate (all eight of them) surrounding the old city. You can take a personal tour of the City of David or ride a double decker bus which tours the modern city of Jerusalem. There are numerous parks and museums to visit as well as a delightful stroll down the famous Ben Yehuda Street near Zion Square. There are endless possibilities in this city of antiquity, spirituality, and deep devotion. This is a good day to *purchase souvenirs for all the folks back home! We will return back to our hotel to eat supper and repack.
Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 10 Sat Nov 1 Home
Early morning transfer by private car and driver to the airport for your flight home.
Depart Tel Aviv on Alitalia flight #805 at 5:35 am
Arrive Milan at 9:00 am
Depart Milan on Alitalia flight #652 at 10:40 am
Arrive Toronto at 2:05 pm
Depart Toronto on Air Canada flight #8827 at 8:55 pm
Arrive Regina at 11:19 pm
Depart Toronto on Air Canada flight # at
Arrive Calgary at
(Itinerary is subject to change)
Italy Extension
Day 10 Sat Nov 1 Tel Aviv – Rome
Depart Tel Aviv and arrival at the airport in Rome. Meet your assistant and board the private bus to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure before your welcome dinner.
Overnight in Rome
Day 11 Sun Nov 2 Rome
This day is dedicated to visit this beautiful “eternal” city. Board your private bus and go meet your guide for a morning-guided tour of Ancient Rome. You will see the Coliseum, the Palatine, Arch of Constantine, and Roman Forum.
In the afternoon, continue your guided tour with a visit to “Baroque” Rome, where you’ll admire Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Spanish steps.
Overnight in Rome
Day 12 Mon Nov 3 Rome - Florence
After breakfast in hotel, board your private bus and go meet your guide. Start your half day (4 hours) guided tour of the Vatican City, with the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel, the official residence of the Pope. In the afternoon, board you bus and depart Rome to Florence.
Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Florence
Day 13 Tue Nov 4 Florence
Free day in Florence.
Have dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in hotel.
Day 14 Wed Nov 5 Florence – Tuscany
After breakfast in hotel, have some free time in Florence. Around noon board the coach and depart to your farmhouse in Tuscany. At arrival, check into your rooms, and at 5:00 pm meet your personal chef in the farmhouse’s kitchen! Today you will have your first cooking lesson, where you will learn how to cook pasta! You will prepare three different types of pasta, with different sauces, and at 7:00 pm you will taste the dinner that you have prepared, with some Tuscan wine.
Overnight at the farmhouse
Day 15 Thu Nov 6 Tuscany
The morning is at leisure. At 3:00 pm meet your chef again, and have your second cooking lesson! Today will spend time learning how to cook a complete dinner, including a Tuscan Antipasti, a plate of pasta, a main course with vegetables. At the end of your course, you will be able to taste what you have prepared and enjoy a beautiful dinner.
Overnight the farmhouse.
Day 16 Fri Nov 7 Milan
A drive north to arrive to Milan, where you’ll meet your guide in the afternoon and start a half day (3 hours) guided tour of Milan. You’ll be able to visit the Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), characterized by the use of Congolia’s marble. Then, the Sforzesco Castle, founded by the famous Visconti family in the period from 1360, and the Scala Opera House, the most famous opera house in Italy, opened on August 1776.
In the afternoon, transfer to the hotel in the Milan area for dinner and overnight.
Overnight in Milan area
Day 17 Sat Nov 8 Departure
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Italy
Hotels
Nov. 1st-3rd, 2008: 2 nights accommodation in Rome in a 3* hotel centrally located like Hotel Bled*** - 2 continental buffet breakfast, taxes and service charges included;
Nov. 3rd-5th, 2008: 2 nights accommodation in Florence in a 3* hotel centrally located like Hotel De La Pace*** - 2 continental breakfast, taxes and service charges included;
Nov. 5th-7th, 2008: 2 nights accommodation in a farmhouse in Tuscany like Fattoria Castiglionchio located in Rignano sull'Arno - 2 continental breakfast, taxes and service charges included;
Nov. 7th-8th, 2008: 1 night accommodation near Milan in a 3* hotel like Hotel Europa*** located in Rosate (20 km from Milan's city centre) - 1 continental breakfast, taxes and service charges included.
Meals & Cooking Classes
01/11 dinner in a local restaurant in Rome with a 3-course fixed menu (drinks are not included);
02/11 dinner in a local restaurant in Rome with a 3-course fixed menu (drinks are not included);
03/11 dinner in a local restaurant in Florence with a 3-course fixed menu (drinks are not included);
04/11 dinner in a local restaurant in Florence with a 3-course fixed menu (drinks are not included);
05/11 from 05:00 pm to 7:00 pm cooking class at the farmhouse with an English speaking chef; 7:00 pm dinner at the farmhouse (3 different types of pasta and salad) with drinks included (1/4 l. of wine and 1/2 l. of mineral water);
06/11 from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm cooking class at the farmhouse with an English speaking chef; 7:30 pm dinner at the farmhouse (Antipasto, first course, main course with vegetables) with drinks included (1/4 l. of wine and 1/2 l. of mineral water);
07/11 dinner at hotel's restaurant in Rosate with a 3-course fixed menu (drinks are not included).
Meet & Greet
01/11 meets & greets service at Fiumicino airport with an English-speaking assistant.
English Speaking Licensed Guides
02/11 full day Rome (6 hrs)
03/11 half day Rome (4 hrs)
07/11 half day Milan (3 hrs).
Private Coach Transfers
01/11 Fiumcino airport-hotel in Rome
02/11 full day in Rome
03/11 half day in Rome - Florence
05/11 Florence-farmhouse in Tuscany
07/11 farmhouse-half day Milan-hotel in Rosate
08/11 hotel-Malpensa airport.
Entrance Fees
Coliseum (Rome)
Vatican Museums (Rome)
La Scala museum (Milan)
Not Included
- drinks & meals where not specified
- tips
- personal expenses
- anything not stated in "What's included" |
