ISRAEL: “Life and Land of Jesus”
October 21-November 1, 2024
with Merle and Barb Skinner Christian Family and Children’s Center (Pittsburgh, PA)
Program #241003X, Taught by Dr. Smith
Day One: Monday, October 21, 2024
Depart Pittsburgh for Israel. Meals and overnight: In flight.
Day Two: Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Arrive Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. Transfer to the hotel near Tel Aviv for dinner and a good night’s rest! Dinner and overnight: Coastal area. D
Day Three: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Four Conflicts in the Background of the Gospels: Highlighting example sites, this study focuses on four key conflicts in the background of Jesus' public ministry. Sites: Caesarea Maritima, Mt. Carmel, Valley of Armageddon, Zippori, Nazareth (cave homes). Overnight: Sea of Galilee area. B, D
Day Four: Thursday, October 24, 2024
Characteristics of the Disciples: Using the four gospel accounts, we will investigate the hints on the background, education and theology of the disciples. Sites: Mt. Arbel, Magdala, Mt. Beatitudes, Capernaum, Ancient Boat exhibit, boat ride, baptism. Overnight: By the Sea of Galilee. B, D
Day Five: Friday, October 25, 2024
Private Teachings for the Disciples: Based on the five sermons in the Gospel according to Matthew, our focus will be on the common teaching style of the ancient rabbis. Sites: Tel Dan, Banias (Caesarea Philippi), overlook into Syria, Qatzrin (Talmudic Village). Overnight: By the Sea of Galilee. B, D
Day Six: Saturday, October 26, 2024
The Perean Ministry of Jesus: We will address the issues of the Perean Ministry, with particular examination of Luke 10-19, the "special section" of this account. Sites: Beth Shean, Jordan Valley, Jericho overlook, Qumran, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea. Overnight: Dead Sea spa hotel. B, D
Day Seven: Sunday, October 27, 2024
Hebrew Themes of the Wilderness: From the desert storm of Habakkuk, to the salt covenant of David, various Biblical wilderness themes will be highlighted, and then “Up to Jerusalem”. Sites: late-morning departure for Masada, and then “up to Jerusalem”. Overnight: Jerusalem. B,D
Day Eight: Monday, October 28, 2024
(Morning) Messianic Expectations and Disappointments: With a specific view of the history of "other Messiahs" we will discuss the expectations for the Messiah, and their relationship to the record of the preaching of Jesus. Sites: Mt. of Olives, Gethsemane.
(Afternoon) Setting of the Birth Narrative: We will investigate what the Biblical accounts tell us of Jesus' birth, based on both the Matthew and Luke accounts. Sites: Bethlehem, Shepherd's Fields area. Overnight: Jerusalem. B,D
Day Nine: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
A Living People: Mt. Judah vineyards and terraces, Visit to Gush Etzion center and memorial. Old City (Jerusalem) Jewish Quarter (View of Cardo, Broad Wall, Herodian mansions), Western Wall plaza, south wall steps. Overnight: Jerusalem. B, D
Day Ten: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Jewish Questionings and Roman Trials of Jesus: The arrest, trial and conviction of Jesus will be our subject as we journey through the "salvation geography" of Jerusalem in the Gospel according to John. Sites: Temple Mount, Pools of Bethesda, Via Dolorosa, Holy Sepulchre, Garden Tomb (with communion). Overnight: Jerusalem. B, D
Day Eleven: Thursday, October 31, 2024
Day at leisure. This is your opportunity to do what you want. Some will want more museums; some will want shopping; some will want to explore the local culture; and some will want to rest and get ready for the trip home. B,D
Day Twelve: Friday, November 1, 2024
Return flight from Tel Aviv to Pittsburgh, arriving later the same day.
Every effort will be made to complete the full itinerary. Yet, because conditions are often unpredictable in travel, we reserve the right to make changes during the tour.
PROGRAM CONDITIONS
TOUR PRICE of $5099.00 INCLUDES air from Pittsburgh (PIT), group transfers, hotels, Israeli buffet breakfast and dinner daily, all tips for group services, full sightseeing, the services of an English-speaking local guide, and all entrance fees to sites as listed in the program. All taxes and surcharges in effect as of November 1, 2023 are included. If additional surcharges or taxes are imposed by the airlines or governments, any additional amounts will be the responsibility of the passenger. This price is based on a minimum of 20 passengers.
LAND ONLY REDUCTION is $1200.00 and INCLUDES all of the above except air and transfers.
NOT INCLUDED are any expenses required for COVID compliance, personal items such as laundry; drinks or coffee with dinners; lunches, tips for personal favors; excess baggage and forwarding of baggage; transfers other than with the group; optional travel insurance.
YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS are based on First Class (4*) hotels using double occupancy in a twin bedded room with private bath. There is a supplemental charge of $1200.00 if you prefer a single room. Individuals enrolling without a roommate may request to be matched with a roommate. In the event that a roommate is not available, individuals will be required to pay the single supplement charge. All single rooms are subject to availability and may be smaller than normal twin rooms.
PAYMENT: A nonrefundable deposit of $300.00 per person, is required to secure your place on the program. A second payment of $2300.00 per person is due six (6) months prior to departure. Deposits received within six (6) months of departure require a total initial payment of $2600. Final payment is due to CTSP three (3) months prior to departure. Thereafter, a late payment fee of $100 per person per month will be assessed.
CANCELLATION FEES:
90+ days prior non-refundable deposit
66-90 days prior 50% plus non-refundable deposit
0-65 days prior No refund
*If your cancellation results in a roommate needing a single supplement, that amount will be charged to you in addition to the above fees.
*All refund claims must be in writing to CTSP. There is no refund for any services not used.
WE KINDLY REQUEST THAT ALL PASSENGERS purchase insurance to care for any disruptions or cancellations because of health issues, etc. In other words, TRAVEL INSURANCE is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. If you became unable to travel, a good travel insurance policy that covers cancellation could make the difference between loss and postponement! Travel policies can also provide additional benefits, and purchase within two weeks of initial deposit is the most economical. Cancel for any reason insurance (CFAR) is available through some companies, but quite expensive. Make sure you choose a policy with the best coverage for your situation. CTSP employees are not licensed to recommend policies or insurance companies.
ITINERARY LENGTH: Flight times are subject to change without advance notice. CTSP is not responsible for changes
and delays in airline schedules and does not reimburse passengers for expenses resulting from delays. Because airlines often change flight times and dates at the last minute, CTSP strongly recommends that if passengers are purchasing any connecting tickets they should be able to be changed without heavy fees or penalties. If airline(s) change flight schedules, CTSP reserves the right to lengthen or shorten the itinerary accordingly, and whenever possible, you will be notified in writing. If changes necessitate extra overnights, you will be charged (per person, per night) US$180 double occupancy, or US$280 for single rooms (includes single supplement).
AIRLINE ARRANGEMENTS from Pittsburgh (PIT) are included in the Full Tour price. Air Transportation will be economy class aboard regularly scheduled carriers utilizing non-refundable, non-transferable, non-amendable tickets. Once your ticket has been written, it cannot be transferred, rewritten, or refunded.
YOUR LUGGAGE is restricted in size and shape by the airline, and is limited to one checked piece (max 50#), one carryon, plus a smaller personal piece. You should check with the airline for the specific restrictions.
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY
CTSP agrees to provide the itinerary described for this trip, and it represents the entire agreement between the passenger and CTSP. No changes or deviations are effective unless approved in writing and signed by an authorized officer of CTSP. Except as stated herein, no person is authorized to cancel, modify, or vary the study program arrangements (during the course) or to make any representation of warranty concerning the program.
All prices, itineraries, and schedules are subject to regulations and changes thereof by acts of Government, International Agreement and Airline tariff adjustments, rules and regulations.
CTSP reserves the right to change or withdraw the program, in whole or in part, at any time. In the event of a change, the sole exclusive obligation of CTSP will be to refund pro rata any recoverable payment received, based on recovered funds. In the event of rescheduling of the program due to unforeseen circumstances, the cancellation and refund clause will apply. CTSP reserves the right to refuse or to revoke travel to anyone who is, in the sole judgment of CTSP, incapable of or detrimental to group travel.
Except for the willful negligence of its direct employees, CTSP assumes no liability or responsibility for any injuries, inconveniences, illness, irregularity or incidental damages occasioned by circumstances beyond the control of CTSP, or by any person or reason whatsoever, including, but not limited to events such as strikes, revolts, wars, natural disaster, closures of airports or hotels, default or omission of any common or private carrier or the default, negligence, or omission of any by any third party providing services or facilities related to or included in this program.
The commercial carriers are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board commercial carriers. The passenger contracts, in use by all commercial carriers involved, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the commercial carriers and the passenger or purchaser of this program and/or passage and program operator assumes no liability or responsibility in connection therewith.
ENROLLMENT in and payment of the deposit for the tour constitutes your acceptance of the Program Conditions and Statement of Responsibility.