Today was our last day in Jerusalem and we spent it walking through the old city.
We enjoyed the narrow streets, shops and the general 'hustle and bustle' of this vibrant city.
We took time to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, have lunch at an outside cafe, do some final shopping and end our day at the Garden Tomb.
Everyone had a wonderful, safe and spiritual time and I invite you to join me in 2009 on the next Holyland Tour.
Pastor Barry
Bethlehem was the place where Jesus was born. It is known as the City of David and God promised through the prophet Micah that His Son would be born in this tiny town.
Today it is under Palestinian control. We had a wonderful time at the Church of the Nativity reflecting on His birth and His purpose in coming.
At the Shepherd's Field which is not far from the church we spoke about the unique place Jesus has among men in the world. He alone is the sinless, Son of God who came to be our sin sacrifice and substitute. Understanding that enables us then to grasp righteousness imputed to us, adoption into God's family, standing complete in Christ alone.
We worshipped the Lord and thanked God for the event not so much the place.
From Nov. 22nd to Dec. 2nd I will be leading a tour to Greece and Israel.
There will be blogs updating our day's activities along with photos plus a photo gallery of the exciting people and places we will visit.
If you have never been, then join us this year on a Virtual Holyland Tour and plan to be with us next November for an actual tour.
By the time you read this, our group will be in the air flying over the Atlantic Ocean on Olympic Airlines on our way to Athens, Greece.
Once we land and clear customs, our local guide will take us to our hotel before leaving for an afternoon of visiting Mars Hill and other sites. ( photo of Mars Hill where Paul preached in Acts 17).
Day 1 - Overnight flight from North America to Greece.
Day 2 - Athens, Greece day tour then on to Israel in the early morning arriving at 3am.
Day 3 - The Holyland Tour begins after customs, check-in at the hotel and a short rest.
Stay tuned for exciting blogs.
Joyce and I are in the final planning stages for a driving tour of Western Europe. We leave Sunday evening for Frankfurt, Germany where we pick up our rental car and begin our 5 hour drive south to Basel, Switzerland.
There will be lots of stops at famous 'tourist spots' along the way. We are not in a hurry and want to enjoy being together just hanging out and loving life.
I have some ministry commitments in Basel for a few days, then it is off on our European vacation. We are planning to travel through much of Switzerland basking in the beauty of the Alps, then it is off to southern France, northern Italy, then into Austria where Joyce can sing her heart out to the tune of, "The hills are alive with the sound of music". We will finish with a sobering tour of the Nazi death camps outside of Munich, Germany. All part of Europe's amazing history.
We ask you to pray for our safety from the time we leave Ottawa on Sunday evening to our arrival back home on the 30th.
We will blog as often as we can and keep you up-to-date with pictures and commentary on what we are experiencing.
Part of this trip will be to see the sights of the great Reformation and to pray for an ever-increasing outpouring of His Presence and power throughout this important part of the world. Scripture speaks alot about Europe. This is where thousands of missionaries were sent out all over the world and yet today is desperately in need of God. We are believing Him for divine appointments all along this trip.
One of the signs I am looking for throughout this trip is blue and white. Do you have any idea what it means? You see it everywhere in Europe.
WITH DR. BARRY & JOYCE BOUCHER
Everyone is welcome to join us from
Nov. 22, 2008 to Dec. 2, 2008
11-Days for $2275 plus taxes and tips
“He will bring us to that land, a land that flows with milk and honey.” Numbers 14:7
WHAT IS INCLUDED
* Air travel: Round trip from Montreal. Fares from other cities available upon request.
* Hotels: First class hotels and kibbutz.
* Meals: Full breakfast and dinner daily with tea and coffee.
* Transportation: Air conditioned luxury coach service throughout the tour.
* Sightseeing: Comprehensive program as per itinerary, including all entrance fees.
* Government Licensed Guide w/Pastor B for maximize benefits for the group.
* Porterage: One large suitcase per person. Each person is responsible for his/her other luggage.
* Embarkation package: An informative package will be mailed one month prior to departure.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
* Lunches. (Unless mentioned in the itinerary.)
* Air Transportation Taxes: Currently $385.
* Comprehensive Travel Insurance:
* Age, up to and including 59: $179
* 60 – 64: 214
* 65 – 69: $253
* 70 + rates available on request.
* Gratuities: Equivalent to USD90.
GENERAL INFORMATION
* Passport: Participants must be in possession of a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Canadian and USA passport holders do not currently require a visa for Israel.
* Inoculation: Not a current requirement.
* Reservations: Telephone and email reservation requests will be taken but only upon receipt of deposit and completed tour Booking form will your place be confirmed.
* Deposit and final payment: A deposit of $400 plus insurance is required with the tour booking form. Bookings within 60 days of departure ( Sept. 24th) require full payment and are 100% nonrefundable.
* Travel Insurance: Your comprehensive travel policy includes ‘trip cancellation’ coverage to protect you against the cancellation penalties. Conditions apply so please ask for more details.
* General Health: All tour members should be in sufficient good health to enjoy the tour in its entirety. Christian Journeys reserves the right to refuse participation in certain instances.
11- DAY TOUR PROGRAM
MONTREAL PRICE: $2275
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $360
Please add 3% surcharge for payment by credit card.
DAY 1. SAT 22 NOVEMBER 2008
Leave for Israel via Greece
Today we depart from N. America on our overnight flight to Athens, Greece. Group seating will be pre-assigned by the airline for our flight.
Dinner and complimentary in-flight service will be provided this evening. (D)
DAY 2. SUN 23 NOVEMBER 2008
Israel, Tel Aviv
Upon arrival at Athens Airport we are met by our guide, waiting for us after immigration formalities. Boarding our luxury touring coach take a tour of Athens, including the Acropolis and Mars Hill.
From here we return to our airport hotel for rest and dinner before boarding our ongoing flight to Israel. (B,D)
DAY 3. MON 24 NOVEMBER 2008
Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, and Megiddo
Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport we are met by our Israeli Tour Manager, who will assist us with immigration and luggage formalities. Boarding our luxury touring coach we relax and enjoy the short journey to Tel Aviv.
Jaffa- One of the oldest towns in Israel and considered one of the oldest ports in the world. Cedars of Lebanon sent by King Hiram of Tyre and destined for Solomon’s Temple were unloaded at Jaffa. It is here that Peter brought Tabitha back from the dead and, when in the home of Simon the Tanner, he prophesied the vision of the pure and un-pure animals. (II Chronicles 2:15, Jonah 1:3-17; Acts 9:36-42; 10:5)
After breakfast we head north along the ‘Via Maris’ towards the Galilee, stopping at the following:
Caesarea-The ancient Roman seaport capital of Israel where Pontius Pilate had his base.
Mount Carmel- Overlooking the city of Haifa with the Mediterranean Sea and Jezreel Valley on either side we stand where the Prophet Elijah performed his miracle and called upon the fire of God to conquer the Prophets of Baal. (1 Kings 2; 15:4,25, Isaiah 33:9; Zechariah 12:12)
Megiddo-Hebrew for Armageddon, was strategically located on the main trading routes between Babylonia and Egypt. Here King Solomon built a giant fortress and city. (Judges 1:27; 5:19; 1 Kings 4:12; 9:15, II Chronicles 35:22; Zechariah 12:12, Revelation 16:16)
Our welcome dinner will be at our kibbutz.. (B,D)
DAY 4. TUE 25 NOVEMBER 2008
Caesarea Philippi, Golan Heights, and the Upper Galilee Region
After breakfast we begin our day with the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the tributary waters of the River Jordan before heading out on our journey, which today includes;
Tel Dan- This national park and archeological site offer a blend of Israel’s natural beauty and Biblical history.
Caesarea Philippi - Built at one of the sources of the Jordan River, the city of Panias (named by the Greeks after the goat-footed God, Pan) was later renamed by the Romans as Caesarea Philippi. It was here that Jesus revealed to the Disciples His purpose, His Church, and where Peter identified Jesus as the Messiah. (Mark 8:27; Matthew 16:13-23)
Naot Shoe Factory - Here we have an opportunity to visit the world famous sandal manufacturer and perhaps make a purchase, or two.
Golan Heights - Today we have the opportunity to view Israel from both Mt. Bental and the Golan Heights. This parcel of land plays a significant role in the security of those living in the Jordan Valley and Upper Galilee.
Dinner will be at our Kibbutz. (B,D)
DAY 5. WED 26 NOVEMBER 2008
Sea of Galilee and Boat Ride.
After our Israeli buffet breakfast our full touring day involves visits to; Bethsaida- Also known as The House of The Fisherman’ this is the home of Peter, Philip and Andrew and also the place where Jesus fed the five thousand and healed the blind man. Here we will see recent excavations of this old city. (Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13; John 1)
The Mount of Beatitudes- Sit on the hill where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Looking directly south at the Sea of Galilee the flower filled gardens offer peace and tranquility. (Matthew 5:1-8)
Capernaum-The center of Jesus’ Galilee Ministry. .Jesus lived here for a substantial period, healing the sick, preaching in the synagogue and performing miracles. The Greek Orthodox Church, Fransiscan monastery and Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter make for an interesting kaleidoscope of varying architecture. (Matthew 9:1; 4:13)
Tabgha- Located at the foot of the Mt. of Beatitudes this is the site of the Miracle of The Loaves and the Fishes. Here we will enjoy private worship and intercession by the shores of the Galilee. (Mark 6:34-44; Matthew 14:14-21, 16:18-19; John 21:15-19)
Dinner, tonight, will be at our Kibbutz on the Sea of Galilee this evening. (B,D)
DAY 6. THU 27 NOVEMBER
Sea of Galilee
This morning has been left open for the group to enjoy a morning service by the shores of the Galilee.
In the afternoon we shall continue or special time in the Galilee visiting:
Ginossar- Here we will visit the Jesus Boat Museum exhibit. Discovered by accident during the drought of 1986 this fishing boat would have existed at the time of Jesus. Beautifully preserved it is a timeless reminder of life during that time. The museum has a gift shop with quality items on sale!
Dinner will be back at our kibbutz tonight (B,D)
DAY 7. FRI 28 NOVEMBER 2008
Beth She’an, Dead Sea.
And then leaving Galilee and travel southwards through the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem. This was the route followed by Jesus and his disciples as they traversed the dusty roads towards Jerusalem for the last time. Our first stop today is;
Nazareth- Here is where Jesus spent his childhood with Mary and Joseph. Nazareth is also the site of The Annunciation and where the Nazarenes attempted to throw Jesus over the cliff. Now a suburb of Nazareth, Cana, is the site where Jesus performed his first miracle when he changed water into wine at a wedding. (Luke 1:26-38, John 1:46;2:45-46; Matthew 2:23)
Bet She’an- The largest of Israel’s archeological digs. Even after it’s initial discovery many years ago, archeologists are, today, still discovering more ruins from the Roman era when Bet She’an was one of the 10 cities in The Decapolis. This ancient city, although destroyed by an earthquake in the 8th Century, offers a fabulous insight into Roman life and times. After losing the battle to the Philistines, King Saul and his sons were hung from the city walls. (Judges 4:7-8) After Beth She’an we head further south and pass
Gilgal- where Saul was proclaimed king. Gilgal became a sacred place because the tribes of Israel first encamped and celebrated Passover there after their miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and before their conquest of the Promised Land.
Qumran- Home to the ancient Essenes. It is here that they wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls almost two thousand years ago. Here we will visit the excavated sites of Qumran and the view the location where The Scrolls were found in 1947. (John 1; Luke 1:57-80; Isaiah 40)
Dead Sea- No visit to the Dead Sea would be complete without experiencing the unique buoyancy of these waters. Cover yourself in therapeutic black mud and float your aches and pains away!(Genesis 14:3;Deuteronomy 3:17; 4:49; Joshua 3:16;12:3;15:2,5)
This afternoon we shall arrive at our Kibbutz for the remainder of the day and dinner. (B,D)
DAY 8. SAT 29 NOVEMBER 2008
Masada, Ein Gedi, Jerusalem
After breakfast we will head into the Judean wilderness and follow the shores of The Dead Sea to visit;
Masada- This UNESCO World Heritage site was once Herod’s mountain top palace and fortress. Here we ascend to the site by cable car and learn about the last Jewish stand against the Romans and the mass suicide of the 960 Jewish defenders.
Ein Gedi- This national park and oasis hosts the caves of David’s Gorge where David hid from Saul and his army. (I Samuel 24,Song of Solomon 1:14; Ezekiel 47:10)
Bethlehem- Here we visit The Church of The Nativity and Shepherds’ Fields before perusing the various shops.
After another fascinating day we make our way ‘up’ to Jerusalem.
Dinner will be served at our hotel this evening. (B,D)
DAY 9. SUN 30 NOVEMBER 2008
The City of Jerusalem
After breakfast we will spend our first full day in Jerusalem visiting;
Mount of Olives- We begin our day by viewing Jerusalem from the Mt. of Olives. Opportunities abound for photos at this time with the Golden Dome of the Rock prominent. From here we shall walk down to The Garden of Gethsemane along the same path as that Jesus took when entering the city on Palm Sunday.
Garden of Gethsemane- The site where Jesus prayed at the Rock of Agony in the Garden. -"My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."
Mount Zion-Assumed by the Byzantine pilgrims as the original City of David this piece of land would have existed outside the original city walls. (II Kings 2:10; Matthew 26:17-35; Mark 14:12-25; Luke 22:7-38; John 13-17)
David’s Tomb- Visit the stone cenotaph laid by Crusaders in the Church of the Apostles.
Upper Room- The traditional site where Jesus instituted a new Passover celebration and the new Covenant in His blood. (Mark 14:15)
Old City- Here we will walk through the streets of the Armenian and Jewish quarters of old Jerusalem
Dinner is served at our hotel this evening. (B,D)
DAY 10. MON 01 DECEMBER 2008
The City of Jerusalem,
After breakfast we will enjoy a relaxing day with time to shop. After breakfast our day of touring will include the following:
Davidson Centre- This new facility uses state-of the-art technology to bring the Temple Mount to life. This will give us a better understanding of the magnitude of Herod’s construction versus what we see today.
Western Wall Tunnels- Also called The Wailing Wall. The holiest place of pilgrimage for the Jews! Here we can observe the Orthodox Jews as they pray, relentlessly, along with many Christians. Some of us may wish to leave a hand written note placed in the crevices of the Western Wall. (I Kings 6:14; Matthew 12:6; Luke 2:46; John 2:19)
Via Dolorosa-The one mile long route through the Old City of Jerusalem from the point of condemnation by Pontius Pilate to Golgotha, to the Hill of Calvary.
Holy Sepulcher Church- Stations X- X1V on The Via Dolorosa. This is the site of the Crucifixion of Jesus and where he was laid to rest.
Garden Tomb- Preserved by The Garden Tomb Association these beautiful gardens surround the traditional site of The Garden Tomb. Many believe that this was the actual garden of Joseph of Arimathea. (John 19:41)
This evening we will enjoy our ‘Farewell Dinner’ at our hotel in Jerusalem.
A wonderful time to share and reflect on what this journey has meant to you!. (B,D)
DAY 11.TUE 02 DECEMBER 2008
Israel to N. America via Greece
This morning we check out from our hotel and transfer to the airport and our flight(s) back to N.America. Breakfast, lunch and complimentary in-flight service will be provided onboard. (B,D)
B = Breakfast. L = Lunch. D = Dinner.
Though we have left, the Holy Land shall never leave us!
For further information contact:
CHRISTIAN JOURNEYS
Telephone: 1 877 465 3442
Fax: 1 866 826 2135
Email: info@Christian-Journeys.com
Address: 107 Lakeshore Drive.
North Bay. ON.
P1A 2A5
