Intensive Israel with Pastor Bruce Barlow

August 24-September 5, 2024

$3999.00 Land Only

Group anticipates departing from Chicago (ORD); Bruce Barlow will arrange flights.

Day 1. (Saturday, August 24, 2024) Departure Day

Depart Chicago (ORD) on Air Canada via Toronto. Overnight: in flight.

Day 2. (Sunday, August 25, 2024) Arrive in Israel

Arrive at the Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv. Take our mini bus to transfer to our hotel for a good night’s rest. Dinner and overnight: Coastal Plain (1 of 1). B,D

Day 3. (Monday, August 26, 2024) The Coast and Western Lower Galilee regions

Today we will visit Caesarea Maritima, ascend Mt. Carmel, study the excavations at Megiddo, view the Valley of Armageddon, visit Zippori, and walk in Nazareth. Overnight: Near Sea of Galilee (1 of 3). B,D

Day 4. (Tuesday, August 27, 2024) Around the Sea of Galilee

Our journey includes Mt Arbel, Magdala, the Mt. of Beatitudes, Capernaum, A view of an ancient boat exhibit, and a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret). Overnight: Hotel by the Sea of Galilee (2 of 3). B,D

Day 5. (Wednesday, August 28, 2024) Ancient Gaulanitus (Golan Heights)

We will travel to the ancient city of Hazor, visit Tel Dan, the ancient site oc Caesarea Philippi (now called Banias), ascend Har Bental (for a Syrian vantage point overlook), and walk the Talmudic Village at Qatzrin. Overnight: Hotel by the Sea of Galilee (3 of 3). B,D

Day 6. (Thursday, August 29, 2024) The Jordan Rift Valley

Leaving the Sea of Galilee, we will travel to Beth Shean, then ascend the central ridge route to the ancient city of Samaria (Sebaste). On to Shechem (Nablus), and a stunning view of Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim, a visit at ancient Shiloh, and an opportunity to view ancient Bethel. Time permitting, we plan to end our day with a float in the Dead Sea before dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Syraan Hotel in Jericho (1 of 1). B,D

Day 7. (Friday, August 30, 2024) The Dead Sea Region

Our visits today will include Tel Jericho, the ancient site at Qumran, the gorge at En Gedi, and the plateau of Masada. Overnight: Inbar Hotel in Arad (1 of 1). B,D

Day 8. (Saturday, August 31, 2024) The Northern Negev and the Shephelah

Our day will begin at Tel Arad, and then on to Tel Sheva, two excavated ancient sites. We will hike along the springs of Ein Avdat in a wadi hike and eventually end near Sde Boker (Ben Gurion’s home). Traveling to the Shephelah, we will see Lachish, Mareshah, Bet Guvrin, and perhaps the Bell Caves (of course, all time permitting). Overnight: near the Old City, Jerusalem (1 of 5) B,D

Day 9. (Sunday, September 1, 2024) Jerusalem: The City of David

We will be taken to the area known as the “Sifting Project” in Jerusalem this morning for a 2-hr shift uncovering Jerusalem’s past, then drive to the City of David, where our visit will include Hezekiah’s Tunnel, a close-up view of the Pool of Siloam and the “Pilgrim’s Way.” We will walk through the Old City back to the hotel at the end of our day. Overnight: Jerusalem (2 of 5). B,D

Day 10. (Monday, September 2, 2024) Mt of Olives and Bethlehem

Today, we will see more of Jerusalem with an overlook from the Mt of Olives, a close-up look at Gethsemane, and then a journey to Bethlehem, the nearby Herodion, and Shepherd’s Field. We will also take some time to shop at Joseph Kassis’s Shop in Beit Sahour. Overnight: Jerusalem (3 of 5). B,D

Day 11. (Tuesday, September 3, 2024) Old City Jerusalem (Walking day)

Journeying into the Old City, we will visit the excavations at the “Burnt House,” along with other Jewish Quarter sites, like the Cardo, and the Broad Wall. On to the Upper Room on Mt. Zion, and a visit to St. Peter en Gallicantu, taking time at the end of the day for a visit to the Western Wall, the Southern Steps, and all the excavated park area. Overnight: Jerusalem (4 of 5). B,D

Day 12. (Wednesday, September 4, 2024) Jesus in Jerusalem

With a 7:00 AM transfer to the Dung Gate, we will visit the ancient Temple Mount. After walking across the flat platform where the Temple once stood, we will visit the Pools of Bethesda, the memory walk along the Via Dolorosa, the Holy Sepulchre, and finally the Garden Tomb, with a time to recall the eucharist in the Garden. Tonight, we will have supper at hotel, and finish our packing, then depart for our flight later that night. (5 of 5). B,D

Day 13. (Thursday, September 5, 2024 ) Return to the USA

Traveling on our United Airlines flight, we will depart at 12:50 AM and fly nonstop to Chicago (ORD). Arrive back in Chicago, USA.

Program Conditions

TOUR PRICE for #240602 August 24 - September 5, 2024 is $3999 and INCLUDES a group transfer, 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 June 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 12 passengers and passengers are responsible for their own airfare.

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. NOTE: currently Israel is NOT requiring proof of vaccination for COVID.

YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS are based on First Class (4*) hotels using double occupancy in a twin bedded room with private bath. (Note: Due to limited options, Arad accomodation is in a 3* hotel.) There is a supplemental charge of approximately $1300 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 $400 per person, is required to secure your place on the program. A second payment of $2000 per person is due six (6) months prior to departure. Deposits received within six (6) months of departure require a total initial payment of $2400. 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: there is 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.

TRIP INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.

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$320 for single rooms (includes single supplement).

YOUR LUGGAGE is restricted in size and shape by the airline, and is limited to one checked piece (max 50#), one carry-on, 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.