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	<title>Imagine Tours &#38; Travel &#187; Familiarization Tours</title>
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	<description>Travel - the way it&#039;s meant to be.</description>
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		<title>7 Day Best of Italy Highlights &#8211; Visiting: Rome, Florence, Pompeii and more&#8230;</title>
		<link>http://ittworld.com/7-day-best-of-italy-highlights-visiting-rome-florence-pompeii-and-more/</link>
		<comments>http://ittworld.com/7-day-best-of-italy-highlights-visiting-rome-florence-pompeii-and-more/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:09:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Familiarization Tours]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Nov. 7: Wednesday &#8211; Depart USA for Rome Tour members depart North America on our US Air flight from Philadelphia to Rome. After take-off, we will be served dinner according to the airline’s schedule. Nov. 8: Thursday &#8211; Arrive Rome, Vatican &#38; Sistine Chapel We arrive Rome, Italy late morning. Upon arrival at Rome Airport [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<ul>
<li>
<h4>Nov. 7: Wednesday &#8211; Depart USA<br />
for Rome</h4>
<p>Tour members depart North America on our<br />
US Air flight from Philadelphia to Rome. After<br />
take-off, we will be served dinner according<br />
to the airline’s schedule.</li>
<li>
<h4>Nov. 8: Thursday &#8211; Arrive Rome,<br />
Vatican &amp; Sistine Chapel</h4>
<p>We arrive Rome, Italy late morning. Upon arrival<br />
at Rome Airport we meet our local escort<br />
and driver. From there we travel to the<br />
Eternal City-Rome. Our first visit will be to<br />
the tiny Vatican city-state for a guided visit of<br />
St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums<br />
(including the Sistine Chapel, the celebrated<br />
Chapel of the Popes and the venue of the<br />
Conclaves for Papal Elections).<br />
It is one of the world’s most splendid masterpieces<br />
of art and is well known for its ceiling<br />
decorated by Michelangelo. Martin Luther’s<br />
visit to the Vatican in 1510 remains a tantalizing<br />
mystery. Although he didn’t leave a written<br />
journal of his trip, surely his experiences<br />
in Rome contributed to the development of<br />
the 95 Theses and his attempts to reform the<br />
Church. Rome in those days was considered<br />
to be a corrupt, unholy city. After the Vatican<br />
tour we will have time for lunch nearby; your<br />
guide will be able to make suggestions. After<br />
hotel check-in, you will have the rest of the<br />
afternoon to walk or rest. Dinner at the hotel<br />
will be scheduled as early as possible so we<br />
can get a good night’s sleep. Hotel: Nova<br />
Domus or similar.</li>
<li>
<h4>Nov. 9: Friday &#8211; Rome, Catacombs,<br />
Colosseum, Trevi Fountain</h4>
<p>This morning we begin with a visit to one of<br />
Rome’s famous Catacombs. Not only places<br />
of Christian burial, the Catacombs were secret<br />
meeting places for early Christian worshipers.<br />
Occasionally Roman troops stormed in<br />
during services and executed the priests<br />
(including at least one pope who was leading<br />
a Mass at the<br />
time). Next we visit<br />
the Basilica of St.<br />
Paul Outside the<br />
Walls. The current<br />
building dates only to<br />
the mid-19th century<br />
because of a catastrophic<br />
fire during renovations<br />
in 1823. However,<br />
it is a grand<br />
monument to the saint<br />
whose bones rest under<br />
the main altar. The architecture,<br />
featuring a<br />
long, open nave without<br />
pews, reminds us<br />
that originally a basilica<br />
was a public building<br />
with various commercial<br />
and government<br />
activities.<br />
This afternoon we enjoy a tour of the Eternal<br />
City-Rome. Travelling through the main<br />
streets, we will marvel as we view the Colosseum,<br />
Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain,<br />
Spanish Steps. Here follow tradition by tossing<br />
a coin into the fountain, promising to return<br />
again and again. Also visit St. Peter in<br />
Chains. This small church not only houses<br />
the chains that bound St. Peter – it also is<br />
home to Michelangelo’s famous statue of<br />
Moses. Dine wherever you choose this evening.</li>
<li>
<h4>Nov. 10: Saturday &#8211; Rome, Pompeii<br />
excursion</h4>
<p>This morning we drive south to Pompeii to<br />
visit the spectacular ruins of<br />
Pompeii, which were covered<br />
by the eruption of Mt.<br />
Vesuvius in 79 AD. The city<br />
remained buried and undiscovered<br />
for almost 1500<br />
years until excavation began<br />
in 1748. These excavations<br />
continue today and provide<br />
insight into life during the<br />
Roman Empire. Before returning<br />
to Rome, enjoy some<br />
time in the beautiful coastal<br />
resort town of Sorento.<br />
Return to Rome and enjoy<br />
dinner at your leisure this<br />
evening.</li>
<li>
<h4>Nov. 11: Sunday -<br />
Rome, Florence</h4>
<p>After breakfast, we drive to<br />
the ancient city of Assisi.<br />
The simple and deeply spiritual<br />
life of St. Francis still speaks to us today.<br />
Visit the three most important basilicas<br />
(St. Francis, St. Clair, and St. Mary of<br />
the Angels) with a local guide. You will have<br />
some leisure time to explore this hilly town on<br />
foot. Then continue to the elegant city of<br />
Florence, which is nestled between a line of<br />
hills and the banks of the Arno River. Dinner<br />
and overnight in Florence at the Hotel<br />
Mediterraneo or similar.</li>
<li>
<h4>Nov. 12: Monday &#8211; Florence &amp; Return<br />
to Rome</h4>
<p>This morning’s city tour features the Santa<br />
Maria del Fiore Cathedral which houses<br />
Michelangelo’s unfinished Pieta, the Baptistry<br />
which features Ghiberti’s famous Gates<br />
of Paradise (outside visit), and the Academy<br />
of Fine Arts where you can view some of<br />
Michelangelo’s finished and unfinished work,<br />
including the awe-inspiring David. This afternoon<br />
you will have time to enjoy the beautiful<br />
gardens and stroll through the open-air markets.<br />
Every street, every square and winding<br />
alley of Florence is a showcase for Romanesque,<br />
Gothic and Renaissance grandeur. In<br />
the late afternoon we will bid farewell to Florence<br />
and drive to a hotel near the airport in<br />
Rome, for our farewell dinner and final night’s<br />
sleep in Italy. (Holiday Inn Parco de Medici<br />
or similar).</li>
<li>
<h4>Nov. 13: Tuesday &#8211; Rome / USA</h4>
<p>Morning transfer to Rome Airport for our return<br />
flight back to the USA. After making our<br />
connecting flights, we arrive back home the<br />
same day. We return home full of life changing<br />
memories, having Walked in the Footsteps of the<br />
early Christians.</li>
</ul>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>8 Day Ireland Highlights Clergy Familiarization Tour</title>
		<link>http://ittworld.com/8-day-ireland-highlights-clergy-familiarization-tour/</link>
		<comments>http://ittworld.com/8-day-ireland-highlights-clergy-familiarization-tour/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:54:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Familiarization Tours]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tours]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Wednesday Tour members meet in Newark, NJ for our Continental Airlines Flight that de-parts Newark at 7:00pm for Dublin, Ireland. After dinner is served, sit back and relax, enjoy the on-board entertainment as you prepare for this exciting adventure of a lifetime. Thursday Arrive Dublin Airport at approximately 7:00am, where we meet our professional driver/guide [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<ul>
<li>
<h4>Wednesday</h4>
<p>Tour members meet in Newark, NJ for our Continental Airlines Flight that de-parts Newark at 7:00pm for Dublin, Ireland. After dinner is served, sit back and relax, enjoy the on-board entertainment as you prepare for this exciting adventure of a lifetime.</li>
<li>
<h4>Thursday</h4>
<p>Arrive Dublin Airport at approximately 7:00am, where we meet our professional driver/guide who will transfer the group to Ireland’s capital city. Here you will enjoy a half day tour including Trinity College and the Book of Kells Exhibition, St. Pat-rick’s Cathedral and Guinness Store-house. After lunch (not included) explore some of the shops on the famous Grafton Street before transferring to your hotel. Overnight Ashling Hotel, Dublin D,BB</li>
<li>
<h4>Friday</h4>
<p>After breakfast check out of your hotel and travel to Clonmacnoise, an early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (10th -13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collec-tion of early Christian grave slabs in West-ern Europe. The original high crosses and a selection of grave slabs are on display in the visitor centre.<br />
Then onwards to one of Ireland’s most complete castles, Bunratty. Here you will tour the castle which was restored in the late 1960’s and furnished with 16th -18th century tapestries and furniture and then the adjoining folk park which recreates life in the 19th century. After checking into your nearby hotel, return to the castle for a medieval banquet. Overnight Bunratty Manor Hotel, Bunratty D, BB</li>
<li>
<h4>Saturday</h4>
<p>After breakfast travel to one of the pretti-est villages in Ireland, Adare &#8211; one of Lim-erick&#8217;s special places. With thatched roof cottages and Tudor style houses, beautiful gardens and ivy clad medieval churches in beautiful surroundings on both sides of the main street, this is a village that people return to time &amp; again. After the visit travel to Killarney where jaunting cars (horse &amp; carriage) will take you on a magi-cal journey through Killarney National Park and then back to your hotel in time to freshen up before sampling some of Killarney’s pubs or restaurants for dinner (dinner on your own tonight). Overnight Randles Court Hotel, Killarney BB</li>
<li>
<h4>Sunday</h4>
<p>After breakfast visit Blarney Castle where the famous Blarney Stone will be found. For those brave enough climb the ram-parts of the castle and kiss the stone which is said to grant the gift of eloquence.<br />
Then travel to Cobh where thousands of emigrants departed for a better life during the famine years and which was the last port of call of the Titanic. After the visits take the short journey to Midleton where the Old Jameson’s Distillery is located and learn how this world famous whiskey is distilled and of course sample the golden nectre. Dinner on your own to-night, Overnight Randles Court Hotel, Killarney BB</li>
<li>
<h4>Monday</h4>
<p>Check out of your hotel and start your journey back to Dublin calling first at the iconic Rock of Cashel. Cashel’s rich his-tory is reflected in its built heritage, from prehistoric raths to mediaeval monasteries and fortified town houses. Then travel to Kilkenny and visit the castle, the original of which was built in the 12th century and<br />
has now been restored. After lunch relax as you then we continue to Dublin. This evening is free for you to explore this amazing town, with its many pubs and res-taurants, many of which have live enter-tainment (dinner on your own tonight). Ashling Hotel, Dublin BB</li>
<li>
<h4>Tuesday</h4>
<p>After breakfast travel north to the only permanent exhibition in the world dedi-cated to Ireland’s Patron Saint, St. Patrick. Here you will visit the Saint Patrick Cen-tre and Down Cathedral where St. Pat-rick’s grave is located. Onwards then to Belfast where you will meet with a city guide who will take you around this vi-brant city and see such sights as Titanic Quarter and the newly opened Titanic Belfast, the famous Belfast Peace Wall, the political districts which have bore the brunt of conflict over the last thirty years and much more. After touring Belfast, re-lax on your journey back to Dublin where you will enjoy a farewell dinner followed by a show of traditional Irish music, song and dance. Overnight Ashling Hotel, Dublin D, BB</li>
<li>
<h4>Wednesday OR Optional Northern Ireland Extension</h4>
<p>After our final Irish breakfast depart the hotel for Dublin Airport for our return flight departing at 9:00am (we will arriving in time to complete check-in formalities and that last minute duty free shopping). We arrive back into Newark, NJ at approximately 11:40am. OPTIONAL EXTENSION: This morning travel to the Boyne Valley and visit the Neolithic tomb at New-<br />
grange. Onwards then to the ancient capi-tal of Ulster, Armagh, also known as the City of St. Patrick, and was the birthplace of Brian Boru as well as being the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland. Then to Omagh, a 17th century market town that has now developed into the county town of Tyrone. Following a short walking tour of this town, continue on to Derry, also known as Londonderry (dinner on your own tonight). Overnight City Hotel, Derry BB</li>
<li>
<h4>Thursday</h4>
<p>This morning meet with a local guide and take a walking tour of this historic city, the only walled city in Ireland. Then travel to the Ulster American Folk Park which is an outdoor museum telling the story of Irish emigration to North America during the famine years (dinner on your own to-night). Overnight City Hotel, Derry BB</li>
<li>
<h4>Friday</h4>
<p>Check out of your hotel and travel along the northern coastline to the oldest work-ing distillery in Ireland, Bushmills, where you can sample their goods following a tour of the distillery,. Then the short jour-ney to the World Heritage site of Giant’s Causeway which was formed millions of years ago by a violent volcanic eruption which formed the unique columns of the causeway. Finally for today, enjoy the scenery as you travel to Belfast. Overnight Europa Hotel, Belfast D, BB</li>
<li>
<h4>Saturday</h4>
<p>After breakfast transfer to the Belfast Air-port for our return flight back to the USA.</li>
</ul>
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		<title>The Cradle of the Reformation 9 Day tour of Germany</title>
		<link>http://ittworld.com/the-cradle-of-the-reformation-9-day-tour-of-germany/</link>
		<comments>http://ittworld.com/the-cradle-of-the-reformation-9-day-tour-of-germany/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:44:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Familiarization Tours]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Tuesday, 13 November Depart North America on our flight to Frankfurt. After making our connecting flights in, we board our non-stop flight to Frankfurt, Germany. After take-off, we will be served dinner accordingly to the airline’s schedule. Wednesday, 14 November Upon arrival in Frankfurt/Mainz, we will be wel-comed by Biblical Tours and our local guide. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<ul>
<li>
<h4>Tuesday, 13 November</h4>
<p>Depart North America on our flight to Frankfurt. After making our connecting flights in, we board our non-stop flight to Frankfurt, Germany. After take-off, we will be served dinner accordingly to the airline’s schedule.</li>
<li>
<h4>Wednesday, 14 November</h4>
<p>Upon arrival in Frankfurt/Mainz, we will be wel-comed by Biblical Tours and our local guide. We will board our coach and drive to the quaint and charming village of Rudesheim, which dates back to before the Roman era. We’ll enjoy an orienta-tion tour of the city including its history in wine-making, and then a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the Rhine River (weather permitting), one of the most picturesque stretches of this majestic waterway. We’ll sail past magnificent castles and the famous Loreley rock. We will proceed to Mainz area and check-in to our hotel for one overnight.</li>
<li>
<h4>Thursday, 15 November</h4>
<p>This morning we will tour and visit the birthplace of printing, the Gutenberg Museum: the evolution of printing is documented, and Gutenberg’s first Bible is on display, also the world‘s tiniest Bible. Then on to St. Martin&#8217;s Cathedral, built in the 8th century and towering in all its might and gran-deur. Seven king&#8217;s coronations took place in the course of the centuries in the Mainz cathedral. We will continue to Worms: thought to be one of the oldest towns in Germany. We will visit the world’s largest Memorial to the Reformation and the Church of the Holy Trinity, Europe’s oldest Jewish cemetery also known as the Holy Sands. We visit St. Peter’s Cathedral, situated on the highest elevation of the inner city. The cathedral is one of the most exquisite examples of Roman-esque architecture. The Cathedral was the scene of several milestones of European history: In 1048, Bruno of Egisheim-Dagsburg was elected pope Leo IX; here and in 1521, Martin Luther was summoned by emperor Charles V to recant his teachings before the Diet of Worms, a historic assembly that was to change the history of Christianity. We will continue to Speyer for one over-night.</li>
<li>
<h4>Friday, 16 November</h4>
<p>Following breakfast we will tour the city and visit the Cathedral, the biggest historic architectural<br />
monument of its time and burial place of the Salian emperors. We will continue to the ruins of the synagogue which are the oldest visible re-mains of a synagogue in Central Europe and the Mikwe. Then on to Augsburg: its magnificent Renaissance buildings &#8211; dated from the 15th and 16th centuries -give the city its unique character. Martin Luther stayed at the monastery of St. Anna Church in 1518, during his confrontation with Cardinal Cajetan. We also visit the oldest social settlement in existence in the world “The Fug-gerei”, founded by Jacob Fugger in 1521 as a resi-dential settlement for Augsburg citizens in need. The annual (net) rent for an apartment in the Fuggerei still today is the nominal value of the Rhenish Guilder, at present 0.88 Euro together with prayers three times a day for the founder and his family. About 150 people live at present in the 140 apartments in 67 houses. Probably the most famous resident of the Fuggerei was the Master Mason Franz Mozart, the great-grandfather of the composer W. A. Mozart. Over-night and dinner in Augsburg.</li>
<li>
<h4>Saturday, 17 November</h4>
<p>We will depart Augsburg for Coburg. We will visit the famous Veste Coburg, the fortress where<br />
Luther took refuge and lived during the Augsburg Confession. While visiting the castle we’ll see the Luther Room, the art treasures in the various col-<br />
lections and the royal building with the Luther Chapel. We will continue to Eisenach for over-night and dinner.</li>
<li>
<h4>Sunday, 18 November</h4>
<p>We begin our sightseeing with a visit to St. George’s Church where St. Elisabeth was married and J.S. Bach baptized. We will tour the Luther House where Luther lived as a student and the Luther exhibition documenting his life and theologies. On to the Bach-House where J.S. Bach was born. The next stop will take us to the magnificent Wartburg Castle for a tour of the Palas (Great Hall), Art exhibition, the Elisabeth Hallway and the Luther Room where “Junker Jörg” (the Knight George) translated the New Testament into German. After lunch we continue to Erfurt, the spiritual home of Martin Luther. It was here that Luther obtained a degree in 1502 and a doc-torate in philosophy in 1505 and where he took the decisive step to turn to theology and the monastic life. Our walking tour will begin in the historical section of the city including St. Mary’s Cathedral, where Luther was ordained as a priest, the Augustinian Monastery with a permanent exhibit depicting Luther’s life as a monk in Erfurt and the church of St. Severus. Overnight and dinner in Erfurt.</li>
<li>
<h4>Monday, 19 November</h4>
<p>In the morning we will continue on to Eisleben and tour the house where Luther was born in 1483. We will also see the house where he died in 1546 (the Death House is closed for construction works until 2012), St. Peter’s Church where Lu-ther was baptized and St. Andrews Church where Luther preached his last four sermons and where his body was laid in state. We will board our coach for a drive north to Wittenberg. From 1508, Wittenberg was the main workplace of Martin Lu-ther. We visit Luther Hall, the Augustinian monas-tery where Luther lived as a monk and later, in 1525, as owner with his wife and family (Luther Hall is the largest museum of Reformation history in the world), the Market Square and Town Hall; tour All Saints Church (Schlosskirche), famous site where Luther posted his 95 Theses on the Castle Church door sparking the beginning of the Reformation (it is here that Luther is buried alongside his fellow reformer, Philipp Melanch-thon); St. Mary’s Church, where Luther did the majority of his preaching. Overnight and dinner in Wittenberg.</li>
<li>
<h4>Tuesday, 20 November</h4>
<p>This morning we will drive to Berlin, the capital of the re-unified Germany and tour the city by coach -featuring the city center with the Kaiser Wilhelm Church, Nikolai Quarter, Unter den Lin-den, Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Museum Island and more. Time at lei-sure in the afternoon. Overnight and dinner in Berlin.</li>
<li>
<h4>Wednesday, 21 November</h4>
<p>Transfer to Berlin airport for our departure back to the USA. We arrive home with a greater under-standing of Martin Luther and the early Christian Church.</li>
</ul>
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		<title>10 Day Complete Biblical Tour of Israel Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus</title>
		<link>http://ittworld.com/10-day-complete-biblical-tour-of-israel-walk-in-the-footsteps-of-jesus/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:37:41 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Familiarization Tours]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[NOV 26: DEPART USA We are on our way from our various embarkation points to the land of Israel and a journey through the pages of the Bible. Enjoy the in-flight meals and entertainment, and rest at the beginning of the flight in order to take full ad-vantage of our arrival time. NOV 27: ARRIVE [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<ul>
<li>
<h4>NOV 26: DEPART USA</h4>
<p>We are on our way from our various embarkation points to the land of Israel and a journey through the pages of the Bible. Enjoy the in-flight meals and entertainment, and rest at the beginning of the flight in order to take full ad-vantage of our arrival time.</li>
<li>
<h4>NOV 27: ARRIVE TEL AVIV, VALLEY OF ELAH, DEAD SEA</h4>
<p>We arrive at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport in the after-noon. The tour company will have a personal representa-tive to meet us, help us get our luggage, and make our way through customs to where we will meet our expert guide and driver. Israeli guides are legendary for their knowledge and dedication. Ours will escort us throughout our tour for these next eight days, and be an invaluable help in gaining a deeper understanding of Israel’s history, archeology, culture, and modern life. We will proceed south to begin in the wilderness regions. Our first stop will be in the valley of Elah, where David faced the giant Goliath and our overnight will be in Ein Bokek, a resort area along the Dead Sea. Our journey into the Scriptures has begun! Dinner and overnight at the Dead Sea.</li>
<li>
<h4>NOV 28: DEAD SEA – WILDERNESS OF ZIN</h4>
<p>This is a day of exploration of Israel’s southern, desert re-gions. We visit the Negev, where Moses led the children of Israel after their failure at Kadesh Barnea. We’ll see the wilderness of Zin, and possibly see the settlement and burial site of David Ben Gurion—modern Israel’s first prime minister, who wanted to see this desert bloom. We’ll make our way through various places in the wilderness to-ward the Dead Sea. Along the way we will experience Bedouin hospitality similar to that of Abraham’s day. The desert was a training ground for the patriarchs and for Is-rael, and we’ll consider how the exodus and wilderness experiences foreshadowed the life and work of Jesus. We return to the Dead Sea, where you can finish your day with a float on the water (good water shoes are recommended). Dinner and overnight at the Dead Sea.</li>
<li>
<h4>NOV 29: DEAD SEA, MASADA, EN GEDI,<br />
QUMRAN, RIVER JORDAN, GALILEE</h4>
<p>Heading forward in history today, we begin with a tour of Masada, Herod the Greats’ impressive mountain fortress where Jewish zealots made their last stand against their Roman conquerors in AD 73. Back to the Old Testament, we visit the oasis and springs of En Gedi, David’s hiding place from Saul, and then onward. Then we head to Qum-ran, where Old Testament manuscripts dating to the 2nd century were part of the famous Dead Sea Scrolls discovery.</li>
<li>
<h4>NOV 30: GALILEE</h4>
<p>“Galilee” of the Gentiles will come alive today, as we head north to Tel Dan, the northern-most point in ancient Israel—one of the two places where Jero-boam erected a calf for the northern tribes to wor-ship. From this ancient city we’ll make our way to Caesarea Philippi, a site of idol worship from Baal in the OT to the Greek god Pan during the NT times, and the place of Peter’s great confession of Christ. We’ll explore the Golan Heights, and have lunch stop at a Druze Restaurant, before re-turning to the shores of Galilee, for possible further exploration! Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.</li>
<li>
<h4>DEC 1: GALILEE</h4>
<p>We continue to explore the Gali-lee. We’ll see a boat from Je-sus’ day and take a ride on the Sea of Galilee. Capernaum, the Mount of Beatitudes, the site of the multiplication of loaves and fish, Bethsaida—they all bear witness to the ministry of Jesus. We’ll stop to experience St. Peter’s fish for lunch (not included), and then head toward Cana, where we will have an opportu-nity for those interested to have a renewal of their wed-ding vows. A short drive takes us to Nazareth, where we can see a re-creation of the village from the first century. We’ll also visit Zippori, the major cultural center near Nazareth, and explore the possible links between this place and Jesus’ early years. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.</li>
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<h4>DEC 2: MEGIDDO, CAESAREA MARITIMA, JERUSALEM</h4>
<p>We head to the center of the Holy Land today, beginning with our trip to Megiddo, site of the fortified city of Solo-mon and Ahab and overlooking the Plain of Jezreel—Armageddon. We will then go to the Monastery of St. George, near the place where Elijah would confront the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. We then travel to the coast, where we visit Caesarea Maritima. This was the Roman capital and port for the province, and both Herod and Pilate lived here. It is also the place where the gospel came to the Ro-man centurion, Cornelius, opening the door of faith to Gentiles every-where. We’ll explore the ruins of Herod’s day, a Crusader fortress, and see an aqueduct that brought water to the city. We then make our way to the true heart of the land—Jerusalem. Dinner and over-night in Jerusalem the next three nights.</li>
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<h4>DEC 3 &amp; 4 JERUSALEM &amp; BETHLEHEM</h4>
<p>Jerusalem beckons and we will an-swer! Our activities will be gov-erned by the times of availability of these sites, but we will experience this city fully. We’ll visit the Mt. of Olives, upon which Jesus taught of the coming judgments, from which Jesus ascended, and where he will return to earth! We’ll make our way down the Palm Sunday Road, stopping in the Garden of Geth-semane. We’ll visit the Southern steps of the Temple, and we’ll walk the traditional Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) through the Old City, seeing St. Anne’s Crusader Church, the Stone Pavement under the Sisters of Zion Con-vent, and ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, likely site of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. There will be a visit to the Western Wall—Judaism’s holiest site; and to Temple Mount (conditions permitting). Of great inter-est will be the Church of St. Peter Gallicantu — built over the site of the High Priest’s home where Jesus was tried, and where Peter denied the Lord. We’ll walk the streets and shop in the Old City, visiting trusted vendors for sou-venirs. We’ll make a trip to the City of David, seeing the recent excavations of David’s palace and much more, offering the chance to go through Hezekiah’s Tunnel—an ingenious water delivery system to the pool of Siloam—bring water shoes and be ready to get wet if you go. One evening we’ll walk through the Western Wall Tunnel and see the very foundations of that structure. We will also make the trip to Bethlehem, where we’ll see the Church of the Nativity, and view the Shepherd Fields. We conclude our sightseeing with a special visit to the Garden Tomb, where we will have time of fellowship and where reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus, optional communion service. Farewell dinner and evening transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for our return flight back to the USA.</li>
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<h4>DEC 5: ARRIVE BACK TO USA</h4>
<p>Traveling home, we’ll reflect on what we’ve seen and marvel at how much we have grown in our understanding of our faith. The close of an unforgettable tour, we take home wonderful memories of the Old and New Testament, a renewal of our faith, and a greater understanding of the life of our Lord.</li>
</ul>
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		<title>8-Days Walk in the Footsteps of Paul Visiting Greece &#8211; with Optional Rome, Italy Extension</title>
		<link>http://ittworld.com/8-days-walk-in-the-footsteps-of-paul-visiting-greece-with-optional-rome-italy-extension/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:23:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Familiarization Tours]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tours]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://ittworld.com/?p=2333</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Nov 7: Depart USA for Greece Embark upon your journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Thessaloniki. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight. Tomorrow you will be walking where the apostle Paul walked! Nov 8: Thessaloniki arrival Arrive in Thessaloniki, the [...]]]></description>
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<li>
<h4>Nov 7: Depart USA for Greece</h4>
<p>Embark upon your journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Thessaloniki. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight. Tomorrow you will be walking where the apostle Paul walked!</li>
<li>
<h4>Nov 8: Thessaloniki arrival</h4>
<p>Arrive in Thessaloniki, the city where Paul was received by Jason. Paul was preaching the Word of God here, until he was rushed out of the city. You will transfer to your hotel in Thessaloniki for check-in and dinner.</li>
<li>
<h4>Nov 9: Philippi / Kavala</h4>
<p>We will follow the route of the Via Egnatia and visit, like Paul and his companions, the area of Amphipolis, to see the famous funer-ary Lion of Amphipolis. Then we travel onto Philippi. There, you visit the Baptistery of Lydia near the river, where Paul baptized her. Lydia was the first convert of Paul on Euro-pean soil and the conversion of the jailer fol-lowed. Also, visit the ruins of the Forum of Philippi, the Christian Basilicas, the “Prison of Paul” and the Theater. Drive to Kavala (Neapolis), Paul’s first step in bringing the Gospel to present day Europe. A picturesque port. View the Byzantine Castle and the Ro-man Aqueduct. Return to Thessaloniki for din-ner and overnight.</li>
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<h4>Nov 10: Thessaloniki</h4>
<p>In the morning, drive in Thessaloniki to see the landmark of the city, the White Tower, the Walls of the Byzantine Acropolis, the Ro-man Arch of Galerius and the Rotonda. Visit two of the city’s oldest and most admired Christian churches, the Basilicas of St. De-metrius and St. Sophia (Divine Wisdom). A stop will be made in Berea to view the Bema surrounded by newly placed mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the &#8220;more noble&#8221; church. We will continue to Kalambaka for dinner and overnight.</li>
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<h4>Nov 11: Kalambaka, Athens</h4>
<p>This morning you see the world famous Byzan-tine monasteries that are perched precari-ously on summits of gray rock pinnacles of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliff-side caves, then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, which were later transformed into monasteries. Continue to Athens for dinner and overnight.</li>
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<h4>Nov 12: Corinth &amp; Cenchrea</h4>
<p>After breakfast we drive for Ancient Corinth. This is the once glorious city near the Isth-mus, where Paul met Aquilla and Priscilla and spent a year and a half preaching the Word of God. You visit the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temples and the famous Bema, where Paul stood before Gallio, ac-cused by the Jews of Corinth. Then, you drive to Cenchrea, the little harbor from which Paul sailed back to Asia, thus ending his second missionary journey.</li>
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<h4>Nov 13: Athens, Mars Hill &amp; Acropolis -<br />
Parthenon</h4>
<p>In the morning, admire the architectural miracles of ancient Athens, as you follow your guide to the world-renowned Acropolis, to see the Propylea, the Erechtheum and the Parthe-non. Visit Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his ingenious speech on the “Unknown God”. View the Agora, the ancient center of the economic and public life of the city, where Paul preached to the skeptical Athenians. During the bus tour, you see Constitution Square with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, the Old Olympic Stadium and the Neo-classical Buildings of Athens. Time permitting we will include a visit to the incredible new Athens Acropolis Museum. We end our day with our farewell dinner and overnight in Athens.</li>
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<h4>Nov 14: Return Flight Home OR Athens flight to Rome</h4>
<p>Return home with a new insight into Paul’s life and teachings. OPTIONAL ROME EXTENSION: After breakfast we transfer to Athens Air port for our short flight to Rome. After claiming our luggage we meet our guide and driver. From here we travel to the Eternal City-Rome. Travelling through the main streets, we will marvel as we view the in credible Coliseum, Piazza Venezia, Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, here follow tra dition by tossing a coin into the fountain, promising to return again and again. Dinner and overnight in Rome.</li>
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<h4>Nov 15: Rome: Vatican &amp; Sistine Chapel,<br />
Coliseum</h4>
<p>After our breakfast this morning, we visit the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, the celebrated Chapel of the Popes and the venue of the Conclaves for Papal Elections. It is one of the most splendid masterpieces in the history of worlds art and is well known for its ceiling beautiful decorated by Michelangelo. From here we continue to the Basilica of St. Peter, the largest church in the world which overlooks the enormous Piazza San Pietro. Then we visit the all over the world famous Coliseum and<br />
Roman Forum. Late in the afternoon return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.</li>
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<h4>Nov 16: Rome, Catacombs, St. John Lateran, Basilica of St. Paul, St. Peter in Chains</h4>
<p>Today we enjoy our sightseeing tour to include a special visit to the Catacombs where we will explore tunnels and see the carvings on the walls from early Christians. From here we continue for a visit to St. John Lateran, visit the “Sacred Steps” (as a monk, Martin Luther climbed these steps on his knees, try- ing to merit forgiveness). Afterwards we make a special visit to St. Paul’s Church where tra- dition believes the Apostle Paul is buried. We conclude our day with a stop to see the Forum with visit and St. Peter in Chains. Dinner and overnight in Rome.</li>
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<h4>Nov 17: Rome &#8211; USA</h4>
<p>Morning transfer to the airport for our<br />
Return flight to the USA. We return home full of life changing memories, having Walked in the Footsteps of Apostle Paul.</li>
</ul>
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