Name: Catholic Holy Land Tour in Israel
Start: 2016-12-19T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-12-27T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Israel

Puzzle Israel

Email address verified

Dec 19 - 27, 2016

Group size: 10 - 25

Catholic Holy Land Tour in Israel

Israel

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Puzzle Israel

Email address verified

Dec 19 - 27, 2016

Group size: 10 - 25

Puzzle Israel invites you to come and explore the Holy Land and its famous biblical sites with a twist!

On this tour, you will visit the most important and sacred sites for Catholics. This will not just be another “hop-on / hop-off the bus” type of tour. Puzzle Israel is dedicated to offering travelers an “off-the-beaten-path” experience that gives everyone the opportunity to truly get to know the REAL ISRAEL in addition to all the “must sees”.

You will:

* Travel in small groups
* Visit biblical sites and relive the stories
* Enjoy amazing views
* Dine on exquisite and authentic cuisine

Take this unique once-in-a-lifetime journey to really get to know the Holy Land and all its interesting and special layers.

Pricing:

1. Tour without visiting Jordan (9 day tour) -

* Base price is set at $3,861 which reflects a group size of 12-15 people with 4* accommodating (you can upgrade to 5* accommodation for $604)
* If the group size is 16-25 people, the base price for 4* accommodation is $3,350 pp (you can upgrade to 5* accommodation for $779)
2. Tour with extra days 3 days in Jordan (12 day tour)
* Base price is set at $4,761 which reflects a group size of 12-15 people with 4* accommodating (you can upgrade to 5* accommodation for $604)
* If the group size is 16-25 people, the base price for 4* accommodation is pp $4,250 (you can upgrade to 5* accommodation for $779)

Notes on pricing

* A $350 per person down payment - non refundable
* Full payment is to be made 60 days prior to arrival
* Full refund (other than deposit) up to 30 days prior to arrival
* 80% refund (not including deposit) up to 15 days prior to arrival
* 50% refund (not including deposit) up to 7 days before arrival
* If cancellations are made after 7 days prior to arrival, refunds will only be made for bookings that can be cancelled
* In cases of cancellations due to security reasons in Israel, there will be a full refund ( including deposit), even if the trip is cancelled after 7 days prior to arrival
* The itinerary includes many elements that have not yet been booked. They are pending final booking and confirmation. As such, there may be slight changes in the final program.
* The above cost is subject to change at any time as per notice from hotels and other suppliers of services.
* If the number of participants and/or rooming arrangements and/or flights schedules is changed, an additional supplement may apply.
* Note that the final price can change according to changes in the schedule

* Meeting / assistance upon arrival. The Puzzle Israel driver will await you as you exit customs
* Transportation services for 9 (or 12) touring days
* 9 touring days with a Puzzle Israel English speaking certified tour guide + optional 3 days with a Jordanian local guide
* 9 (or 12) days touring with Puzzle Israel staff members
* All tour coordination services
* All entrance fees to national parks, museums and visiting centers except mentioned otherwise on the itinerary
* Specified activities and attractions as listed in the itinerary
* Transfer to and from Ben Gurion International Airport with plenty of space for luggage
* Our offices will be available to you 24/7 during your stay in Israel with us
* All meals listed as included will be arranged OR catered by Puzzle Israel catering staff lead by Chef Nir Margalith (these meals include beverages i.e. wine and/or soda depending on the meal)

* Flights
* Any expenses of a personal nature
* Gratuities
* Spa treatments or Spa packages not listed (these can range from 250 NIS to 600 NIS per person depending on the treatment or package)
* Overtime for the driver or mileage beyond what has been allotted for the day - a rate of $30 US per hour for a 4 person taxi or $50 US for an extra hour’s usage of the van $80 US for an extra usage of a bus
* Any guests other than the participants in the party
* Insurance for baggage, personal items, health coverage,trip cancellation and interruption is not included, but is highly recommended you have it. We suggest obtaining coverage through your local travel agent
* Any activities you choose to take on your own on your free time
* Meals which are listed as not included will be at your own expense

Passport Validity

All passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of return to your home country.

NEW VAT TAX REGULATIONS

Please be aware that according to the new Israeli tax laws, being strictly enforced by all hotels, all guests holding Israeli citizenship, even those with dual citizenship/passports both for individual travelers and guests part of a group, or invited local guests, will be charged the applicable VAT tax. Therefore the necessary documentation must be received from the participants within 14 days prior to arrival in order to finalize the bill. Should this information not be provided in a timely manner, we reserve the right to charge the VAT accordingly.

Welcome to Israel - explore the wonders of Tel Aviv
Welcome to Israel - explore the wonders of Tel Aviv
Day 1
*Depending on your arrival time we will add activities to this day. Group arrives at Ben Gurion International Airport and meet with a Puzzle Israel representative and you will drive to your hotel and check in to relax from the long journey. You will enjoy with us a light welcome meal and raise a toast for Lechaim, “cheers” (included) Later, we will visit St. Peter's Church- It was in Jaffa that Saint Peter raised Tabitha, one of Jesus' disciples, from the dead according to the Acts of the Apostles Visit Neve Zedek, one of Tel Aviv’s oldest districts, yet young at heart! Learn about the history of the place and the first settlers in the area while walking through the beautiful hidden alleyways. If time allows, explore the colorful and busy Carmel Market- located in the heart of the city, the market attracts visitors and locals alike and is the hottest culinary scene in Israel and is the place to try spicy Middle Eastern dishes. Dinner at a local restaurant (included).
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Heading north with great stops along the way
Heading north with great stops along the way
Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel, then head north to visit Caesarea Maritima - a ancient city from the Roman Era and the early Christianity days on the Mediterranean Coastline, offering visitors a journey back in time. We will then continue east and climb Mt. Gilboa and enjoy a wonderful viewpoint from Shaul Mount, where King Saul, Israel’s first king led a battle against the Philistines. Lunch will be at an amazing herb farm and restaurant (included) and then we will continue north and visit Kfar Kish, an agricultural cooperative and later hop on a ATV and go on an adventure! After that we will either visit a special farm and see the fresh produce of farmers in the area and a beautiful local art gallery or explore the secret spots of beautiful Nazareth. In the evening we will check in at our hotel in Nazareth and enjoy a special Middle Eastern cultural dinner cooked and served by Jewish and Arab chefs together
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Explore beautiful Nazareth and Magical Mt.Tabor
Explore beautiful Nazareth and Magical Mt.Tabor
Day 3
After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit at the Church of the Annunciation then explore the authentic Nazareth market, located in the heart of the city and taste from the unique delicacies, and smell the specials aromas. Lunch will be at the market (included). Then we will drive to the peaceful Church of the Transfiguration on top of Mt Tabor - the site where it is believed to be the place where Jesus transfigured and spoke with Moses and Elijah. We will then continue to Kfar Kana and renew your marriage vows at The Wedding Church - don't forget to bring with you flowers for your love. We will then drive back to your hotel and have dinner at Nazareth (included)
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Around the Sea of Galilee
Around the Sea of Galilee
Day 4
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Kibbutz Ginosar by the Galilee shore and see the ancient ship (from Jesus times) that was discovered and restored carefully. We will then take a boat ride and tour the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus himself has walked upon!. The boat will stop at Capernaum the beautiful ancient village and we will stroll along the remains and visit Church of the Multiplication, commemorating Jesus' feeding of the five thousand. We will also visit the Mount of Beatitudes and then continue towards Tabha and see the Byzantine basaltic church. We will have lunch at a local restaurant (Included) and then drive up to the Golan Heights and enjoy a fantastic lookout of the Sea of Galilee and learn about the water issue of this region. We will enjoy a scenic horseback riding adventure on a route overlooking the Sea of Galilee and then we will head back to the hotel and have a biblical dinner in the open, prepared by the Puzzle Israel Catering (included)
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Upper Galilee and The Golan Heights
Upper Galilee and The Golan Heights
Day 5
After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit Magdala, the home of Mary Magdalene. It is here it is believed that Jesus taught his beliefs to his fellow disciples. To visit Magdala we will have a short walk in the path of history with a scenic view of the Galilee Sea. After that we will visit Kursi, a site that has been identified by tradition to be the location of the "Miracle of the Swine". We will have lunch time at a local restaurant (included). Soon after we will enjoy an unforgettable 4X4 jeep tour that will provide you with a broad understanding of the borders of the region. We will also check out a lovely local winery and go on a tasting tour of their fine wines.The area is known for its rich soil and air, which are both ideal conditions for cultivating prime grape vines. After that we will drive back to the hotel and rest from the active day! Dinner will be at a local restaurant (not included)
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Head to Jerusalem through the unique Bika’a road
Head to Jerusalem through the unique Bika’a road
Day 6
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive south along the Jordanian border and the Great Rift Valley, enjoying the dramatic scenery and learning about our neighbors and the relations between Israel and the Kingdom of Jordan, making scenic stops along the way. During our first stop we will climb the Sartaba summit to enjoy from an amazing view on the Jordan river and learn about the fort and see the unique ruins dating back to the times of the Roman Era. Next we will stop at Caser Al Yahud and to baptize ourselves at the holy Jordan river and have lunch at a local restaurant (included) Later we will visit Han BaMidbar tea house, enjoying a gorgeous overlook at St. George’s Monastery, where a few fourth-century monks settled around the cave where they believed Elijah was fed by ravens (1 Kings 17:5-6). We will get to also dip in the cool water of stream in the nature reserve and then we will drive to Jerusalem, check in at the hotel and have dinner in a local restaurant (not included)
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Discover the Old City of Jerusalem
Discover the Old City of Jerusalem
Day 7
After breakfast at the hotel, we will start the day with a stunning overlook of the entire city from the Mount of Olives observation point. We will drive to the highest spot of the mountain and observe the Old City from the eastern hill, then cross over to the other side and enjoy the dramatic view of the Judean Desert! We will then either visit Dominus Flevit Church or the Church of All Nations located next to the Garden of Gethsemane. Then we will drive to the Old City, walk the Via Dolorosa and passing by the famous Convent of the Sisters of Zion and the Ecce Homo arch. We will have a great lunch at a local restaurant (included) and then visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Next we will visit the magnificent Dormition Abbey and then enjoy a stunning overview of the city from the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu, Next we will return to the hotel and meet for a great evening program: Night Spectacular light show and dinner out in town (not included)
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Tour the city of Bethlehem and Jericho
Tour the city of Bethlehem and Jericho
Day 8
This tour day will only be possible based on the political/security status determined by the “Israel, The West Bank and Gaza Travel Warning”. After breakfast at the hotel we will visit Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity. We will have lunch at a local restaurant (included) and then drive to Jericho and have an amazing lookout over the city and the northern part of the Judean desert to learn about the current situation and the 11,000 years of history buried under the most ancient city known to mankind. We will visit Euthymius monastery - an archaeological site with the ruins of a monastery built in 428 AD and in Jericho we will visit the Zacheus Sycamore, a very old sycamore tree, which is believed to have been the tree climbed by Zaccheus to see Jesus passing by. We will continue to Tell es-Sultan aka the Mound of Ancient Jericho, where 25 consecutive settlements were uncovered and excavated, the first one dated as far back as 9000 BC and have dinner in town (not included)
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Ein Karem and Abu Gosh
Ein Karem and Abu Gosh
Day 9
We will have breakfast at the hotel and then we will drive to Ein Karem, a beautiful artist village on the hills of Jerusalem, walk long its scenic streets and visit the Church of Visitation. Next we will visit the most beautiful crusader church located in Abu Ghosh a small arab village outside Jerusalem, and meet O’livie, the french monk, who lives there for more than 40 years. We will have lunch in the village (lunch included) and then drive back to Jerusalem and have a free afternoon in the holy city! Together we will visit Yad Vashem dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust and those who helped others survive (Righteous Gentiles) and then head to Israel Museum and visit the “Shrine of the Book” where the Dead Sea (Qumran) scrolls are displayed. We will say farewell to those who choose not to continue with us to Jordan and arrange transportation to the airport and then have dinner out in town (not included)
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Welcome to Israel - explore the wonders of Tel Aviv

Day 1

*Depending on your arrival time we will add activities to this day. Group arrives at Ben Gurion International Airport and meet with a Puzzle Israel representative and you will drive to your hotel and check in to relax from the long journey. You will enjoy with us a light welcome meal and raise a toast for Lechaim, “cheers” (included) Later, we will visit St. Peter's Church- It was in Jaffa that Saint Peter raised Tabitha, one of Jesus' disciples, from the dead according to the Acts of the Apostles Visit Neve Zedek, one of Tel Aviv’s oldest districts, yet young at heart! Learn about the history of the place and the first settlers in the area while walking through the beautiful hidden alleyways. If time allows, explore the colorful and busy Carmel Market- located in the heart of the city, the market attracts visitors and locals alike and is the hottest culinary scene in Israel and is the place to try spicy Middle Eastern dishes. Dinner at a local restaurant (included).

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Catholic Holy Land Tour in Israel

Catholic Holy Land Tour in Israel

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