Discover Israel and Jordan. 15 days

We deplore the events taking place in Israel and trust that peace comes soon. This is a projected new date for our tour which was scheduled to commence Tel Aviv 22 October. 2023. You are welcome to register with me for this tour without cost or obligation but we will have to wait and see how the present crises ends before confirming it.

Stephen Greenfield

DISCOVER ISRAEL AND JORDAN. 14 Days - Egypt option.

This will be my 18th visit to Israel and I am delighted to offer further opportunities to explore this fascinating area.

The Middle East is the cradle of civilisation and is still in the news daily! 5,000 years of history to absorb with every day a different experience. Experience it for yourself and understand the world we live in as well as the past. History is still being made here.
It is a great pity that we cannot offer my favourite Middle East tour to escort from Beirut to Cairo via Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Israel however hope that peace may come soon. Please join me for a very relaxed and comprehensive experience on my 18th tour to Israel.

Escorted by Stephen Greenfield, many times visitor to the Middle East.

Please note: order of sightseeing may be changed to suit weather and the sometimes volatile political conditions. We cannot guarantee we will get to all sites.

(B) Breakfast. (L) Lunch (D Dinner)

We have not included air fares as they are a movable feast and people may wish to extend their stay in Israel, the Middle East and Europe. Some flights on booking sites may be cheaper

Day 1. Sunday 25 February., 2024 TEL AVIV ARRIVE (D)

Arrive Tel Aviv this morning for a warm Shalom from our Israeli guide. Visit ancient Joppa where Jonah's journey started, Tabitha came to life, and Peter had his dream that started the christian message to the Gentiles. Also tour modern Tel Aviv and transfer to our hotel in Tel Aviv or nearby. The rest of the day is free to relax by the Mediterranean sea.

Day 2. Monday 26 February TEL AVIV - HAIFA. (BD)

Drive to Caesarea, an ancient Roman port and one of Herod's masterpieces. See the aqueduct and ampitheatre and spend time at the Visitor Centre. Caesarea is where Peter met Cornelius and where Paul was imprisoned before being sent to Rome. Drive to Megiddo for a guided tour through the excavations of Tel Megiddo and see across the Valley of Jezreel and the plains of Megiddo (Armageddon). Visit the Atlit detention centre from the British era, Mt Carmel where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal, and Haifa to see the Bahai Gardens. Overnight in Haifa.

Day 3. Tuesday 27 February. HAIFA - AKKO - SAFED - GALILEE

Explore the Phoenician, Hellenistic, and Crusader town of Akko including the Crusader fortress and bazaar. On to Safed, renowned for its arts and crafts and centre of Kabbala Jewish worship. We continue to Mt of Beatitudes overlooking Lake Galilee and listen to the sermon Jesus gave here almost 2,000 years ago. Late afternoon we arrive at the Ein Gev kibbutz guest house on the shores of Lake Galilee.

Day 4. Wednesday 28 February GALILEE (BD)

Today we take a leisurely tour around the Sea of Galilee. Visit Capernaum including Peters House and the adjacent Synagogue, Tabgha, Magdala, the 2,000 year old boat at Nof Ginnosar, and Tiberias, main town of Galilee. Also enjoy a cruise on the lake. Continue to Nazareth to visit the church of the Annunciation and the early Israel village depicting life as it was at the time of Jesus Christ before returning to our kibbutz.

Day 5. Thursday. 29 February. GALILEE (BD)

Enjoy an introduction to Kibbutz life before touring the Golan Heights passing the village of Kuneitra overlooking Syria, Druze villages, and visiting Caesarea Philippi, Banias, and Beth Saida. We also visit Susita National Park.

Day 6. Friday 01 March. GALILEE - JERUSALEM (BD)

We visit the Belvoir Crusader fortress with its spectacular panoramic view over the Jordan Valley, and an impressive mosaic floor in an ancient Synagogue. Continue down the Jordan Valley to ancient Jericho and take the cable car up the Mount of Temptation - subject to political conditions on the day (Jericho was closed in April). We visit the Qumrun caves museum where the 2,000 year old Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947 and enjoy a guided tour to learn of the lifestyle and dedication of the Essenes and ascend to Jerusalem

Visit Bethany and the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view over the old city and an introduction to the 3,000 years of history since King David made Jerusalem the first capital of Israel. Walk down the mountain for some moments of reflection in Gethsemane. We enter the old city and visit the Wailing Wall at the start of Shabbat. Accommodation in Jerusalem at Dan Boutique hotel close to the old City. Shabbat dinner at the hotel tonight.

Day 7. Saturday 02 March. JERUSALEM. (B)

This morning visit the Israel Museum to see the model of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus Christ and the 'Shrine of the Book' where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed. Also the adjacent Biblelands Museum. This afternoon visit Herodium, one of Herod's Palaces, the Shepherds fields, and Bethlehem where Jesus was born including the church of the Nativity. Dinner is not included tonight to let you enjoy one of the local restaurants. Choose your own or your guide and escort will host a dinner at a restaurant near the hotel - meal own choice and expense.

Day 8. Sunday. 03 March JERUSALEM (BD)

The morning is free to visit the church of your choice or explore. There are many more things to see in Jerusalem!

This afternoon explore the ruins of David's city some 3,000 years old. We take a walk through Hezekiahs tunnel (wade through thigh deep water) or the Canaanite tunnel (dry) through which King David's general, Joab, attacked the city 3000 years ago, to the Pool of Siloam and walk the path on which Jesus and the disciples walked to the temple if open. (opening is scheduled for later this year but date not certain). We enjoy a guided tour of the brand new Tower of David Museum (opened June 2023) and this evening enjoy the Sound and Light show at the Tower of David depicting Israeli history. Dinner included tonight at a restaurant near the Tower of David.

Day 9. Monday. 04 March JERUSALEM (BD)

This morning we take a sobering visit to Yad Vashem, holocaust museum and also visit the Herzl Museum. Also explore the tunnels under the Temple Mount and the Temple Mount (if open) to see the Al Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock - exterior only.

This afternoon continue exploring the old city including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Via Dolorosa. Also visit the Upper Room and the Garden Tomb for a guided tour and communion service.

Dinner is not included tonight to let you enjoy one of the local restaurants. Choose your own or your guide and escort will host a dinner at a restaurant near the hotel - meal own expense.

Day 10. Tuesday. 05 March. JERUSALEM. - EIN GEDI - DEAD SEA RESORT (BD)

We visit Beer Sheba where Abraham settled 4,000 years ago. Visit the scene of the battle in which the New Zealand Mounted Rifles participated in 1917 as part of the liberation of Israel from the Ottoman Empire and the ANZAC Museum and Commonwealth War Cemetary. Drive to the ancient fortress of Massada. Ascend by cable car and explore the ruins of Herods Palace. We visit the springs and National Park at Ein Gedi where David hid from King Saul. Overnight at a Dead Sea resort with plenty of time for a float in the salty waters and spa treatment if you wish - spa extra expense.

Day 11. Wednesday 06 March. EIN GEDI - WADI RUM (BD)

We drive south along the coast of the Dead Sea past massive salt works and date palm plantations and the site of ancient Sodom and Gomorrah. Visit Timna Park, including Solomons Pillars, and see the amazing landscapes and visit the full size replica of the Tabernacle built by a New Zealander. We cross into Jordan and after a short tour of Aqaba drive to the amazing landscapes of Wadi Rum. A special experience will be 'glamping' in the desert under the stars and meet some of the local Bedouin. (All tents have private shower and toilet!). We drive through the lands of the Edomites, Moabites and Ammonites during the next 3 days.

Passengers on the 12 days Israel only tour drive back from the Jordan border to Tel Aviv for overnight bed and breakfast (dinner not included) and will be transferred to the airport thursday 02 November.

Day 12. Thursday 07 March. WADI RUM - PETRA. (BD)

Enjoy a 4WD tour in the desert landscapes made famous in the film "Lawrence of Arabia" before driving to ancient Petra. Walk through the Siq to see the amazing Treasury and explore the ancient city including the Roman Theatre and Royal Tombs.. There is time for the fit to take a fast hike to the monastery overlooking the surrounding mountains. Overnight near Petra and there is the opportunity to return this evening by candlelight if you wish - extra expense.

Day 13. Friday 08 March. PETRA - MADABA - JERASH - AMMAN.

Drive north to Madaba to see the 6th century mosaic of the Holyland in St Georges Cathedral, and continue to Mt Nebo from where Moses viewed the promised land. Overnight in Amman.

Day 14. Saturday 09 March. AMMAN - JERUSALEM. (B)

Drive north to ancient Jerash, one of the best preserved of the ancient Roman cities in the Middle East. See Hadrians Arch and the Hippodrome and walk the colonadded Cardo Maximus, take your seat in the Forum, and see the Temples of Zeus and Artemis, and the 5,000 seat theatre. Also tour Amman including the Citadel and see the ancient theatre before returning to Israel and overnight in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.

Day 15 Sunday 10 March. TEL AVIV DEPART

Transfer to the airport for departure

OPTIONAL EGYPT TOUR subject to minimum of 6.

Day 14. Saturday 04 November. AMMAN - CAIRO (B)

Drive north to ancient Jerash, one of the best preserved of the ancient Roman cities in the Middle East. See Hadrians Arch and the Hippodrome and walk the colonaded Cardo Maximus, take your seat in the Forum, and see the Temples of Zeus and Artemis, and the 5,000 seat theatre. Also tour Amman including the Citadel and see the ancient theatre before transferring to the airport. Depart Amman 8.25pm arriving Cairo 8.55pm. Transfer to our 5 star hotel

Day 15. Sunday. 05 November. CAIRO (BD)

Visit the Pyramids, Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum. Evening Sound and Light show at the Sphinx.

Day 16. Monday. 06 November CAIRO - ASWAN (BD)

Fly to Aswan and transfer to our luxury Nile cruise boat for 3 nights. Visit the High Dam, Philae temple, unfinished Obelisk and enjoy a Felucca cruise. Lunch and dinner on board.

Day 17. Tuesday 07 November. CRUISING (BLD)

Optional tour to Abu Simbel (extra cost $590 by air or $260 by coach) or relax on board. Sail to Kom Ombo and visit the double temples of Sobek and Horus the elder. Continue to Edfu.

Day 18. Wednesday. 08 November. CRUISING (BLD)

Continue cruising to Luxor and visit the Luxor Temple. Overnight on board in Luxor.

Day 19. Thursday. 09 November . LUXOR - CAIRO (BD)

Disembark after breakfast and visit the West Bank including the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and Memnon Colossi. Also visit Karnak Temple. Fly back to Cairo tonight.

Day 20. Friday. 10 November. LUXOR (B)

Transfer to the airport for departure.

Tour cost per person including air fare Amman - Cairo, Cairo - Aswan, and Luxor - Cairo

2 per room. $NZ2,630

Single room $NZ3,280

Air fares from Cairo are not included.

Stephen Greenfield

DISCOVER ISRAEL AND JORDAN 14 days.

Commence Tel Aviv 25 February, 2024 - end Tel Aviv 10 March, 2024.

Tour cost per person 15 Days. (air fares not included)

2 per room $NZ7,900 (Approx USD 4,100)

Single room $NZ10,400 (Approx USD 6,200)

Deposits and payment - land content:

A deposit of 10% per person is payable on booking

The balance is due by 24 December, 2024

Cancellation fees:

Cancellations 01 July - 21 August forfeit the deposit.

Cancellations 22 August - 30 September forfeit 50% of tour cost

Cancellations 1st - 21st October forfeit full payment.

We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover cancellation, medical, and baggage loss expenses.

Air fares:

Air fares bought on the internet need payment immediately. Cancellation fees will vary depending on airline and fare type purchased

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DISCOVER ISRAEL 12 days/11 nights

Commence Tel Aviv sunday 22 October, 2023. End Tel Aviv thursday 01 November

Tour cost per person 12 days. (air fares not included)

2 per room: $6,600 (Approx USD 3,960)

Single room: $8,800. (Approx USD 5,160)

Dinner is not included on the 1st November.

Suggested flights from Auckland to Tel Aviv:

Saturday 21st October: Depart Auckland 2.45pm with Cathay Pacific Airlines. Arrive Hong Kong 9.25pm. Change flights and depart again with Cathay Pacific at 2.05am arriving Tel Aviv 7.45am sunday 22 October. Return economy class air fare on the Air New Zealand web site 31st May is $2,880 - subject to increase at any time!

Suggested flights for those returning to Auckland from israel only tour

Thursday 02 November: Depart Tel Aviv at 2.40pm with Cathay Pacific. Friday 02 November. Arrive Hong Kong 6.15am. Free day to explore this exciting city. Depart again at 5.40pm with Air New Zealand. Saturday 04 November: Arrival at Auckland is scheduled for 9.30am.

Tour cost includes:

** 12 days touring Israel including Tel Aviv, Joppa, Caesarea, Megiddo, Haifa, Acco, Galilee, Nazareth, Golan Heights, Banias, Tabgha, Capernaum, Galilee cruise, Jordan River, Jericho, Qumrun, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Massada, Dead Sea, Timna Park, Tabernacle model.

** All travel by mini bus with driver, guide, and escort.

** 11 nights accommodation, and breakfast at 4 star hotels, 9 dinners

** Sightseeing admissions on all activities listed for group participation - no admissions for places shown as optional.

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DISCOVER ISRAEL and JORDAN
Travel Notes

Pre-reading

Please take time to do some pre reading and getting the history into perspective. Once on the road we will be assailed with facts and figures daily and the more we understand before going, the greater the enjoyment and the more we will see how it all fits together. For a basic travel guide Lonely Planet is best (They have a Middle East edition which covers every country we go to). For serious insights into the area we do recommend reading more widely. To obtain the best from Israel some knowledge of the Bible is a great asset. I will be providing basic country and historical outlines but these will be by no means exhaustive.

Climate

Expect temperatures between 15-28 degrees celsius in October which makes Autumn a comfortable time to travel through the area. Expect some rain and a fold up umbrella is recommended. Please bring a small torch for use in the City of David tunnels and some other places. If you are intending to walk Hezekiahs tunnel you do need enclosed sandals or reef shores to protect your feet, and shorts and towel.

Packing

As always those who travel light travel easiest! Clothing is casual throughout with a good 'smart casual' set for evening dinners and some shows.

A good pair of walking shoes are essential as we cannot appreciate the glories of the ancient cities without walking among the history. It is worth packing a swim suit if you want to experience a swim in the Dead Sea. A few hotels have swimming pools but not many.

Please make sure that bags are lockable.

We will be visiting a lot of churches and other holy sites during the tour. They do expect a reasonable standard of conservative dress, e.g. sleeved blouses/dresses for the ladies, and in a few places a head scarf

Please note that tea and coffee are not usually included as part of lunches and dinners in the Middle East. A small kit to brew up in the room has been most popular with some people. You need to supply your own tea bags, coffee sachets, and creamer.

Health

Be healthy before you come is the best advice!

We recommend keeping your basic vaccinations up to date for Diptheria, Tetanus, Polio, and Hepatitis A, B, and C. An anti diarrhoea injection is advisable and anti diarrhoea pills are essential.

I will have a general health kit but I suggest you pack your own favourite brands. If you are on any special medication please bring enough for the whole journey. If it may be suspect for customs officials etc please bring a note from your doctor.

Basic health precautions are essential along the way in personal hygiene, not drinking tap water, etc. As we stay at first class hotels throughout we do not usually have a problem.

We recommend taking a supply of antiseptic wet wipes.

Electricity

Electricity supply is 220 volt in all countries.
Adaptors are necessary.

Insurance

Travel Insurance is essential. Please check the exclusions.

Money

US dollar notes are still best and just exchange what you need in each country. ATM's are available in all major cities. In israel the currency is the shekel and it pays to have a supply from an ATM for shopping in the markets etc. One New Zealand dollar equals approximately 2.1 shekels. Virtually all souvenir stores will take EFTPOS. Jordan has its own currency - Jordanian Dinar.

Dinner and breakfast are paid for each day so you only have to buy lunches, drinking water, tea, coffee, juices, and other beverages with lunches and dinners, and other small items. $NZ100 per person per day would be more than ample for most, you can get by on half that. All the main sightseeing attractions are included however there will be some optional tours and evening shows offered along the way.

Tips

A fact of life. Where meals are included at the hotel you do not need to tip except where drinks are ordered. Taxis, restaurants where you may choose to eat separately, etc all expect to be tipped, usually 10-15% of the bill. Tips for drivers and guides are collected and given to them at the end of their services. Please bring USD15 per person per day for this ( $15 x 14 days for full tour = USD210

SAFETY A very important issue on this tour!!

I presume everyone has read the Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advisory on their website www.mfat.govt.nz and has made a conscious and informed decision to come on this tour. If I thought there was a major risk I would not of course be going myself or take others to the area. However it is a volatile area of the world and there is some risk. I will give more advice along the way on such matters as keeping off the public buses and out of night clubs in Israel etc. Rest assured millions of tourists visit these countries each year without harm.

The local governments and tourist industry have a vested interest in keeping us safe as tourism is so important to the economies of the area. I will accept the advice of local guides in individual situations and it may be necessary to make some adjustments to the itinerary along the way if local problems flare up. However you have to make the decision yourself to come - and then relax and enjoy the area! Rest assured I and our agents and guides will do all possible to make sure the tour is trouble free.