Our Israel tours
The Lion of Israel Tour
12-26 May 2012
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Your invitation
The Lion of Israel Tour is a cost-effective small-group tour created especially for discerning, Bible-believing Christians who support Israel and love the Jewish people.
The Lion of Israel Tour is different to every other Israel tour, because we’ll deliberately avoid the well-trodden pilgrim trail, which is based on tradition rather than fact. Together, we’ll visit only the most biblically based, historically significant, and archeologically authenticated sites in Israel!
Karyn Markwell has hosted the Lion of Israel Tour since 2011, in partnership with the professional team at Australian Christian travel agency Uplift Tours and Travel.
Itinerary
Sat 12 May: We’ll depart Brisbane with Thai Airways, transit in Bangkok, then continue on to Tel Aviv with El Al Airlines
Sun 13 May: We’ll arrive in Tel Aviv where we’ll be met by our tour guide
Mon 14 May (Tel Aviv): Free day for rest or sightseeing
Tue 15 May (Mediterranean Coast): Caesarea (left): Herod’s luxurious coastal palace. Akko: remarkably preserved crusader fortress
Wed 16 May (Galilee): Boat cruise on the Sea of Galilee. Ancient fishing boat from the time of Christ. Capernaum where Christ famously taught in the synagogue. Jordan River which is steeped in biblical history
Thu 17 May (Negev Desert): Tel Megiddo: city from the time of Herod overlooking the Valley of Megiddo (Armageddon). Tel Sheva: ancient city from the time of Abraham. Park of the Australian Soldier: commemorating the 800 Lighthorsemen who liberated Beersheva in 1918
Fri 18 May (Negev Desert): Masada: Herod’s desert fortress. Ein Gedi: oasis where David hid from Saul. Qumran: discovery place of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Dead Sea (left): float on the health-giving mineral-rich water
Sat 19 May (Jerusalem): Mount of Olives: where Christ wept over Jerusalem. Garden of Gethsemane: where Christ was betrayed. Old City: where Christ walked. Tower of David: excellent museum of Jerusalem’s history. Old City Markets: the best place for souvenirs. Western Wall: Judaism’s holiest site. Night Spectacular: amazing sound-and-light show
Sun 20 May (Jerusalem): free time in morning to rest, sightsee, or attend church. Knesset: Israel’s parliament. Israel Museum: the Dead Sea Scrolls and other priceless artefacts from Israel’s history
Mon 21 May (Jerusalem): City of David (including Hezekiah’s Tunnel & the Pool of Siloam): the original city of Jerusalem captured by David. Burnt House (left): multimedia presentation portraying the destruction of the Second Temple. Western Wall Tunnels & Jerusalem Archeological Park: excavations under the Temple Mount
Tue 22 May (Jerusalem): Yad VaShem: Holocaust museum. Temple Institute: where the Jewish people are preparing to rebuild the Temple. Christ Church: first Protestant church built in Israel. Garden Tomb: likely site of the execution, burial, and resurrection of Christ
Wed 23 May: Free day for rest or sightseeing
Thu 24 May: Free day for rest or sightseeing. We’ll depart in the evening with El Al Airlines
Fri 25 May: We’ll transit in Bangkok, then continue on with Thai Airways
Sat 26 May: We’ll arrive back home in Brisbane
Testimonies
‘The Lion of Israel Tour was a sensational trip; a once-in-lifetime experience. Karyn did a great job keeping us informed and addressing our needs. I had an absolute cracker of a time.’
‘Karyn was an excellent organiser: patient, kind, thoughtful, and always smiling. She has put a tremendous amount of work into organising this trip. Great job, Karyn!’
‘The small group is a big plus. The private, non-Catholic tour is also a big plus (this isn’t available on other tours, which largely visit Catholic sites). The Lion of Israel Tour is very good value for money.’
‘The Lion of Israel Tour is very professional. The itinerary was well-planned and suited to our theological perspective.’
‘I would recommend the Lion of Israel Tour to my friends and family.’
'I can also thoroughly recommend the Lion of Israel Tour to all prospective travellers. The itinerary was great, visiting many historical, non-Catholic sites of biblical significance as well as other not-to-be-missed sites in Israel. There was plenty of free time and time for shopping or just relaxing. Karyn and Trev did a wonderful job of taking care of us and making sure we didn't get lost. Great tour, not to be missed!'
Tour cost & bookings
The cost of the Lion of Israel Tour is $5395* per person, twin share (plus taxes of approximately $385 per person).
This price includes:
- Economy airfares to and from Brisbane (we can arrange transfers from other cities, business class upgrades, and travel insurance, for an extra charge)
- 10 nights of 4-4½-star accommodation in Israel and 1 day of 5-star accommodation in Bangkok. Please advise if you’re travelling as a single and would prefer your own room (a single’s surcharge will apply)
- All breakfasts and dinners in Israel (guests will be required to purchase their own lunches, snacks, and drinks in Israel)
- All transfers, admission fees, hire of our private tour guide and bus, and gratuities for tour guide and driver, as specified in tour itinerary. Please note that on the three free choice days, guests will be required to pay their own admission fees and transport costs
A $300 per person deposit will secure your booking, with progressive and final payments confirmed on booking.
*Price is subject to increase and currency fluctuations and is only guaranteed when paid in full. Price is dependent on a minimum tour of 16 full-paying guests. Please note that a moderate level of fitness is required for all tour guests. Tour itinerary and price is correct at time of printing and subject to change without notice. Full terms and conditions are available at www.uplifttoursandtravel.com. Tour is organised by Uplift Tours and Travel – Lic No TAG 3265094
For more information, or to request a booking form, contact Karyn via
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