“Israel 2.0 Experience” - October 24-November 5, 2022

NOTE:  THERE ARE JUST A FEW SPOTS REMAINING ON THIS TOUR.  PLEASE EMAIL MIKE AT MIKE@MIKEFANNING.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

We are pleased that you are considering our "Israel 2.0 Experience" pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan, October 24-November 4, 2022. 

Just to refresh your memory, this Israel 2.0 trip is designed for those of you who have been on a previous trip to Israel..  In particular, I planned this trip realizing that all of you have been with Jim and me to Israel at least once before and want to see some new stuff.  I cannot tell you how excited Jim and I are about this trip.  I’m guessing that this Israel 2.0 trip will consist of 80% new sites and experiences for you second-timers.  I haven’t been to some of these places since our last 2.0 trip in 2018 and Jim hasn’t been to a number of them at any time.  It is going to be an incredible trip and one that I hope you can go on with us.

I will probably be changing the itinerary up, taking out sites or adding new ones up until the day we depart for Israel, but I can guarantee you that there will be places you have not been before and that are Biblically significant to our faith.   

Now, the price is higher than our normal trips to Israel because of a number of reasons. First of all, it is four days longer than our usual Israel trips.  Second, we are visiting Jordan, the city of Petra, Wadi Rum, Mt. Nebo and the Red Sea as part of the tour.  In addition to the border crossing fees, visas, and taxes that you must pay to get into Jordan (approx. $100 per person), the entrance fee to Petra alone is almost $100 per person.  Third, I’ve included a number of very special events that are not a part of a normal tour of Israel, but that we just have to do, like participating in an archaeological dig and these events cost money.  Fourth, I’ve included three dinners outside the hotel for our group – Magdalena in the city of Magdala (yes…Mary Magdalene’s hometown), Chakra in Jerusalem and the farewell dinner in the city of Abu Gosh.  And finally, I’ve selected the absolute finest hotels in Tel Aviv, Tiberias, Jerusalem, Petra and Aquaba and all these hotels are similar in quality to the David Citadel in Jerusalem (where you stayed before).  

Thanks again for your interest in traveling to Israel and Jim and I hope you are able to go with us on this 2.0 trip in October!!!  

Thanks!!! 

Jim Denison
Mike Fanning  

Day One:  Monday October 24, 2022
Depart USA

• Depart the USA on a flight to Tel Aviv.
• Overnight:  Flight

Day Two:  Tuesday October 25, 2022
Arrive Tel Aviv

• Arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport.
• Welcome by our hosts and assistance with arrival formalities.
• Meet your Israeli tour guide and driver at the airport and depart for Tel Aviv, known as the “city that never sleeps,” with its centers of culture, recreation, national history, great beaches and fine stores.
• Check into the Renaissance Hotel with time to rest and freshen up before dinner.
• Welcome dinner at the hotel and orientation to the program.
• Enjoy a free evening in Tel Aviv for an opportunity to walk down the Tel Aviv Beach Promenade, explore Rothschild Boulevard, with its many outdoor cafés, or check out the Tel Aviv Port, with its restaurants, sidewalk cafés and clubs.
• Overnight:  Renaissance Hotel, located directly on the Mediterranean Sea.
• http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tlvbr-renaissance-tel-aviv-hotel/

Day Three:  Wednesday October 26, 2022
From Tel Aviv to the Sea of Galilee

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Independence Hall in Tel Aviv – Where the State of Israel was founded.
• Aphek Antipatris – Along the Via Maris, a Crusader site visited by Paul.
• Mei Kedem – Aqueduct system that provided water for Caesarea.
• Haifa – Major port city in the northern part of Israel.
• Acco – Crusader site and port city visited by Paul.
• Beit She’arim – Site of large maze of ancient Jewish rabbi tombs. 
• Arbel – Cliffs overlooking the Sea of Galilee (we just have to go to Arbel anytime we are in Israel).
• Dinner at the hotel.
• Overnight at the Galei Kinneret.
• https://www.galei-kinneret.com 

Day Four:  Thursday October 27, 2022
The Sea of Galilee Region

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Chorazin – One of the cities cursed by Jesus.
• Bethsaida – Hometown of Peter, Andrew and Philip currently under excavation.
• Hula Nature Reserve and Dan – Nature reserve and city gate dating back to Abraham.
• Hazor – One of the cities destroyed by Joshua.
• Safed - Home of Jewish mysticism known as the Kabala and very cool artist quarter.
• Boatride on the Sea of Galilee.
• Magdala – Hometown of Mary Magdalene.
• Dinner – Special dinner at Magdalena in Magdala .(https://magdalena.co.il/#gallery) 
• Overnight:  Galei Kinneret Hotel, located directly on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

Day Five:  Friday October 28, 2022
From the Sea of Galilee to Jerusalem

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Kursi – Place where the Gadarene demonic story happened.
• Jordan River.
• Hammath Gader – Ancient Roman hot springs.
• Beit Alpha – Famous ancient synagogue.
• Hamat Tiberias and Tiberias – Ancient hot springs of the Roman city.
• Nazareth - Church of Annunciation and Jezreel valley overlook.
• Nazareth Village.
• Quasser el Yahud – Possible location of the baptism of Jesus.
• Wadi Kelt and St. George – Visit the Wilderness of Judea.
• Ascend to the holy city of Jerusalem, entering the city from the east and stopping for a panoramic view of the city from Mt. Scopus.
• Continue to the spectacular David Citadel Jerusalem Hotel and check in.
• Dinner at the hotel.
• Overnight: David Citadel Jerusalem Hotel.
• http://www.thedavidcitadel.com

Day Six and Seven:  Saturday and Sunday October 29-30, 2022
The Old City of Jerusalem and Bethlehem

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• City of David – Visit the excavations of David’s city.
• Hezekiah’s tunnel - Walk through Hezekiah’s tunnel.
• Hinnom Valley tombs – Recently excavated tombs dating back to the time of David.
• City Wall Rampant walk – Walk on the top of the city wall of Jerusalem.
• St. Peter’s in Gallicantu – Caiaphas house and location where Peter denied Jesus.
• Sisters of Zion - Antonia pools and pavement where Jesus was put on trial.
• Western Cardo - Ancient Roman road that was once Jerusalem’s main thoroughfare.
• Broad Wall – City wall from the time of Hezekiah.
• Burnt House and Herodian Quarter – Excavations in the Old City.
• Davidson Center – Museum, theater steps and excavations next to the Western Wall.
• Temple Mount – Visit the Temple Mount. 
• Israel Museum – Visit the archaeological museum and the Herod the Great exhibit.
• Herodian – Visit the tomb of Herod the Great.
• Garden Tomb – Service and communion.
• Dinner – Special dinner at Chakra in Jerusalem.(http://www.chakra-rest.com/en/gallery.html) 
• Overnight: David Citadel Jerusalem Hotel.

Day Eight:  Monday October 31, 2022
Jerusalem Area

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Temple Mount Sifting Project – Participate in an archaeological dig.
• Mea Sharim – Orthodox area of Jerusalem.
• Free time in Jerusalem.
• Dinner at the hotel.
• Overnight at the David Citadel Jerusalem.

Day Nine:  Tuesday November 1, 2022
Jerusalem To Petra

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Allenby Bridge - Travel to Israel-Jordan border and cross into Jordan.
• Madeba – Visit the site of one of the oldest ancient maps of Jerusalem.
• Mt. Nebo – Stand where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death.
• Overnight at the Movenpick.
• https://www.movenpick.com/en/middle-east/jordan/petra/resort-petra/overview/ 

Day Ten:  Wednesday November 2, 2022

Petra to the Red Sea

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Petra – Spend most of the day visiting the incredible site of Petra.
• Wadi Rum – Take a jeep ride in one of the most incredible places on the planet.
• Aqaba - Spend the night on the Red Sea.
• Overnight at the Intercontinental.
• https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/aqaba/aqjha/hoteldetail 

Day Eleven:  Thursday November 3, 2022

Red Sea to Jerusalem Via the Negev Desert

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Aqaba Crossing - Travel to Jordan-Israel border on the Red Sea and cross back into Israel.
• Negev – Travel through the Negev desert to Tel Aviv.
• Wilderness of Zin and Avdat Canyon – Marvel at the rugged beauty of the desert​.
• Beersheba – Visit the ancient site of Beersheba and the Bedouin market.
• Ashdod – Visit the port city mentioned 13 times in the Bible.
• Ashkelon – Visit the oldest and largest seaport in Canaan and one of the “five cities” of the Philistines.
• Ekron – Enjoy the dramatic view of Ekron before visiting “Philistine Street” in Kibbutz Revadim.
• OV at the David Citadel.

Day Twelve:  Friday November 4, 2022
Jerusalem and Depart

• Mahane Yehuda market – Produce and food market in new city of Jerusalem.
• Ein Karem – birthplace of John the Baptist.
• Hadassah windows – Famous stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall.
• Azekah – View of the Elah Valley from the top of the hill.
• Farewell dinner at Naurah in Abu Ghosh .(https://naurah.rol.co.il/גלריה/) 
• Depart

Day Thirteen:  Saturday November 5, 2022

Arrive USA

• Arrive back in Dallas/Ft. Worth

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST

AIR TRANSPORTATION:

• ​Roundtrip airline reservations from Dallas-Ft. Worth to Tel Aviv.

 HOTELS: 

• Ten (10) nights accommodations at Deluxe First Class hotels in Israel and Jordan, as listed in itinerary, or similar, based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room with private bath throughout.  A few single rooms are available at an additional cost. If a passenger cannot supply a roommate and MBF Enterprises, Inc. is unable to do so, the passenger will have to pay the supplemental charge.

MEALS:

• Two meals daily in Israel and Jordan consisting of buffet Israeli breakfast and dinner are included throughout the tour.
• Three dinners outside the hotel at Magdalena in Magdala/Tiberias, Chakra in Jerusalem and the farewell dinner in Abu Gosh.

SIGHTSEEING: 

• Sightseeing by private bus, as shown in itinerary, including all entrance fees, with private English-speaking guide.

TRANSFERS: 

• All transfers between airports and hotels.

PORTERAGE: 

• Porterage and handling of one (1) bag per person.

TAXES: 

• All taxes on the hotels, meals and other tour services.

 Not included in tour price:

• Airline taxes and fuel surcharges (approx. $100-$175 per person)
• Border taxes - Israeli and Jordanian departure taxes are not included (less than $100 per person).
• Tips for the local Israeli guide and driver.
• Trip cancellation insurance (strongly recommended).
• Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc.).
• Excessive baggage charges, such as overweight charges or the porterage of more than (1) suitcase.
• Individual services apart from group.
• Expenses due to flight delays, strikes, bad weather or other irregularities.
• Cost of passport.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

Registration and deposits:  An initial deposit of $300 per person is required to secure definite reservations.  We regret that no space may be reserved without a deposit.
 

Final payment:  Balance of payment is due on August 24, 2022.
 

Cancellations and refunds:  If the trip is cancelled 120 days or more prior to departure, there is no penalty and a full refund will be issued.  If the trip is cancelled between 119-90 days prior to departure, there will be a $100 per person cancellation charge.  If the trip is cancelled between 90-61 days prior to departure, there will be an additional $200 per person cancellation charge.  If a trip is cancelled within 60 days of departure, there will be no refund.  The cancellation penalties may be less if there is a person on a waiting list or if the trip can be sold to another individual.  Cancellations must be made in writing; verbal cancellations, whether in person or by phone, are not valid.  A special optional trip cancellation insurance policy is available.
 

Travel and Health Documents:  A valid passport is required for all tours.  No special inoculations are required unless specifically notified.
 

Tour price:  The price of the tour is based on a minimum of 35 passengers.  Should the final membership fall below this number, MBF Enterprises, Inc. reserves the right to increase the tour price.
 

Responsibility: This tour is planned and operated by MBF Enterprises, Inc. by contracting for services from other suppliers.  MBF Enterprises, Inc. and/or its agents, acting as agents for the tour members, shall be responsible to tour members for supplying services and accommodations as set forth in this brochure, except to the extent such services and accommodations cannot be supplied due to force of nature, delays, or other causes beyond the control of MBF Enterprises, Inc.  If the service and accommodations set forth in this brochure cannot be supplied due to delays or other causes beyond the control of MBF Enterprises, Inc., best efforts will be made to supply comparable services and accommodations.  If such services and accommodation cannot be provided due to the above reasons, or if the services are not used due to voluntary omission by the tour member, refunds will not be granted.
 

By becoming a member of the tour, a participant waives any claim against MBF Enterprises, Inc. for any damages to or loss of property, or any injury to or death of persons due to any act of negligence of any hotels or any other persons rendering any of the services and accommodations included in the ground portion of the itinerary.  MBF Enterprises, Inc. shall not be responsible for any delays, substitutions of equipment, or any act or omission whatsoever by any air or surface carrier, its agents, servants and employees; and a participant, by becoming a member of the tour, waives any claim arising there from.   MBF Enterprises, Inc. and/or its agents is not responsible for loss or damage to participants baggage (baggage insurance highly recommended).  The liability of the Airlines for the loss or damage to the baggage of the participant shall be limited in accordance with the carrier's liability insurance coverage, unless a higher value has been declared with respect hereto and additional payment made to the airline.
 

MBF Enterprises, Inc. reserves the right to decline, accept or retain any participant as a member of this tour at any time.  If a participant is removed from the tour, a proportionate refund will be made.  MBF Enterprises, Inc. reserves the right to cancel the tour prior to departure and if the tour is canceled, MBF Enterprises, Inc. shall have no responsibility beyond the refund of monies paid by the participant to MBF Enterprises, Inc.  NOTE:  If, because of war, or an act of God, or any reasonably unavoidable catastrophic circumstances, MBF Enterprises, Inc. and/or the tour hosts are forced to cancel the tour after funds are advanced to the airlines, ground service agents or other such vendors, MBF Enterprises, Inc. and/or the tour hosts are only obligated to return moneys advanced by the passengers in this tour which MBF Enterprises, Inc. and/or the tour hosts are successful in recovering from those vendors.​​​