Bible Land Expeditions
provided by
TRINITY SOUTHWEST UNIVERSITY
and
THE MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY & BIBLICAL HISTORY
Walk the Biblical World. See through Ancient Eyes. Touch the Face of History. Hear the Stones Cry Out.
BLEBLEBLETOUROVERVIEWSBLEBLEBLEBLEBLEBLEBLE
TRINITY SOUTHWEST UNIVERSITY
College of Archeology & Biblical History
presents
Bible Land
Expedition
2010
"Exploring the
Biblical World"
Israel & Jordan
16-31 October 2010
Guided/Instructed by
Steven Collins, Ph.D. and Leen Ritmeyer, Ph.D.
I T I N E R A R Y
Day 1 (Sat, Oct 16) Depart USA, New York (Delta Airlines).
Day 2 (Sun, Oct 17) Arrive Amman, Jordan; overnight Movenpick Hotel Petra. We'll travel through ancient Ammon, Moab, and Edom on our way to Petra.
Day 3 (Mon, Oct 18) Edom: Petra; overnight Petra. We'll visit the amazing rose-red, Nabatean city of Petra carved out of surrounding sandstone cliffs. From the 2nd century BCE through the 2nd century CE, the Nabateans controlled regional caravans from their Petra headquarters. Aaron was buried on a mountain top near Petra. This is a great day for some serious hiking, or just casually enjoying the wonders of Petra, recently voted one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. It is truly awesome!
Day 4 (Tue, Oct 19) Transjordan Highlands: Aroer; Dibon; Heshbon; Machaerus; Ammon; Mount Nebo; overnight Movenpick Dead Sea. We'll pass through the lands of the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites, and many of the cities conquered by Moses and the Israelites. We'll view the spectacular Arnon Gorge (Wadi Mujib) from Aroer, which became the southern border of the tribe of Reuben. We'll trace the steps of Moses to Mount Nebo where he viewed the Promised Land, and later was buried. From Nebo you'll see a dramatic panorama sweeping from the Dead Sea northward up the Jordan Valley, and the Jordan Disk, home of the infamous Cities of the Plain. You can end the day with a dip in the "infinity" pool overlooking the Dead Sea as the sun sets spectacularly over the Judean Highlands.
Day 5 (Wed, Oct 20) Jordan Valley, Gilead, Decapolis, Galilee: Jerash; Umm Qais (Gadara); border crossing to Israel; Beth Shean; Tiberias; overnight Tiberias, Radisson Plaza Hotel. We'll travel through the heart of the kingdom of Gilead conquered by Moses, which later became Solomon's Gilead District. We'll enter the "Ten Cities" area visited by Jesus, and the home town of the Gaderene Demoniac, first missionary to the Roman world of the Transjordan. We'll take in an incredible view of the Yarmuk River Gorge with views of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan to the north. We'll pass near Ramath Gilead and cross the Jordan into Israel, visiting Beth Shean where Saul's body was hung from the city wall. It's also the site of Scythopolis, a remarkable example of a Roman city. We'll enter Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee through a little-known Early Bronze Age city, home to a little family of Hittite potters with interesting ties to the story of Abram centuries later.
Day 6 (Thu, Oct 21) Galilee, Golan: Hazor; Dan; Caesarea Philippi (Banyas); Jordan River; overnight Tiberias. Get ready for an unbelievable day. We'll pass though areas frequented by Jesus and his disciples. We'll visit Jesus' favorite northern city built by Herod Phillip. We'll glimpse Mount Hermon, probably the Mount of Transfiguration. We'll meander up to mammoth Hazor, "chief among all the Canaanite cities," conquered and burned by Joshua. We'll visit Middle Bronze Age Laish/Dan of Abram's time, and later Dan of the Israelites. We'll see the altar built at Dan by Jereboam, and stand against the huge walls of the Iron Age city. Many great views await. We'll finish the day with one of the most spectacular views in the Land from atop the Golan Heights, where you'll see the entire shorline of the Sea of Galilee from one spot. Amazing!
Day 7 (Fri, Oct 22) Galilee: Jordan River; Bethsaida; Capernaum; Korazin; boat ride on the Sea of Galilee; overnight Tiberias. On this day we'll walk the streets, paths, and trails followed by Jesus and his disciples. We'll stroll through the hometown of Peter, Andrew, and Phillip, and see the views witnessed by a blind man healed by Jesus near Bethsaida. We'll walk through the gates of Zer/Zed, capital of the Kingdom of Geshur overlooking Lake Kinneret, hometown of Absalom's grandparents, the King and Queen of Geshur, allies and in-laws of King David. We'll visit the three cities of the "Evangelical Triangle," cursed by Jesus and destroyed by the Romans a generation later, as predicted. In the late afternoon we'll see the famous "Jesus Boat," then catch a boat from Ginnosar to Tiberias, a Sea of Galilee experience you'll never forget. "Wow!" will be quite appropriate.
Day 8 (Sat, Oct 23) Jezreel Valley, Harod Valley, Coastal Plains: Jezreel (city); Megiddo; rolling stone tombs; Caesarea Maritima; overnight Jerusalem, Olive Tree Hotel. Talk about a road less traveled. On this day we'll head up the Jezreel Valley and visit Jezreel, city of Ahab and Jezebel. We'll get views of Mount Gilboa (of Saul and Jonathan), En Harod (of Gideon), Mount Tabor, Endor (of witch fame), Nazareth (of Jesus), and the fertile bread basket of ancient Israel. Solomon's guardian city, Megiddo, awaits us with many stories to tell, and amazing views. Along the way we'll stop at some of the best examples of rolling stone tombs in the Holy Land. When we get to Ceasarea on the Sea, we'll sense the remarkable abilities of King Herod as a builder extraordinaire. We'll drop by Paul's place of "imprisonment" for an unforgettable appointment with New Testament history.
Day 9 (Sun, Oct 24) Judean Wilderness, Jordan Valley, Dead Sea: Qumran; Ein Gedi; Masada; Jericho (if possible); overnight Jerusalem. Many Old Testament prophets, Jesus, and John the Baptist spent time in the wilderness we'll visit on this day. We'll visit Qumran, the "home" of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and view the battleground where Kedorlaomer fought against the army of Sodom and Gomorrah over one and a half millennia earlier. We'll see Ein Gedi (Hazazon Tamar) where Kedorlaomer defeated the Amorites, and see why it was also one of King David's favorite haunts centuries later. Herod the Great's mountaintop fortress, Masada, is spectacular from every angle, and the tram ride up is great fun. You'll marvel at the last "last stand" of the First Jewish Revolt. If we can (and we usually succeed), we'll scoot over to Old Testament Jericho and see some subtle-but-fantastic remnants of Joshua's conquest.
Day 10 (Mon, Oct 25) Central Highlands, environs of Old Testament Jerusalem: Haas Promenade overlook; the Jerusalem of Melchizedek and the Jebusites; City of David (Area G, Gihon water works and walls of OT Jerusalem); Broad Wall; Middle Gate; Israel Museum; overnight Jerusalem. This is surely a double "Wow!" day. We'll show you views of the ancient city of Salem, later the city of the Jebusites, and then the capital city of King David. Would a glimpse of David's palace, now being excavated, get you going? How about standing on the defensive walls of Melchizedek's city, or walking through the tunnel dug by King Hezekiah? What about standing at the place where Abram met with King Melchizedek, or the very spot where Solomon was anointed king of Israel? And this will be only the beginning. You're in for quite a day!
Day 11 (Tue, Oct 26) Central Highlands, environs of New Testament Jerusalem: Mount of Olives overlook; Garden of Gethsemane; Temple Mount (Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, Temple precinct); SW Temple Mount Excavations; Pools of Bethesda; Via Dolorosa; overnight Jerusalem. On this day, we'll touch the Passion of the Christ. Later we'll stand on the site of the Israelite Temple, then walk down a Herodian street where giant architectural stones crashed down on the stone pavement as the Romans destroyed the Temple complex in AD 70. And the Western Wall plaza is always full of fierce and tender emotions.
Day 12 (Wed, Oct 28) Shephela guardian cities: Kiriath Jearim; Gezer; Beth Shemesh; Jarmuth (view); Azekah (view); Meresha (view); Lachish; overnight Jerusalem. This is a one-of-a-kind day! We'll course through lands variously occupied by Israel and the Philistines as they vied for control of the territories between the coastal plains and the highlands. We'll touch the stories of Samson, Saul, David, Goliath, Solomon, and many other famous Old Testament characters. Very few Holy Land travelers have experienced these special places! (This is also an optional free day in Jerusalem.)
Day 13 (Thu, Oct 29) The Land of the Philistines and the Negev: Ekron; Gath; Ashdod (view); Ashkelon; Beersheba; overnight Jerusalem. If the previous day was a rare day, then this day is one-in-a-million. Visiting the cities of the Philistine pentapolis (we won't visit Gaza!) is a spectacular thing, and you'll probably be the only person you'll ever meet whose done it (except for those with you on this trip!). Definitely a "Wow!" We'll also swing down into the Negev to visit Beersheba, for an intimate look at the traditional southern marker of the Israelite domain ("...from Dan to Beersheba"). (This is also an optional free day in Jerusalem.)
Day 14 (Fri, Oct 30) Dead Sea, Kikkar of the Jordan River: border crossing into Jordan; overnight Movenpick Dead Sea. We'll follow the footsteps of Joshua and the Israelites to their Jordan River crossing point. We'll trace the story of Elijah and Elisha. We'll visit Bethany beyond Jordan where John baptized Jesus. Truly a great day!
Day 15 (Sat, Oct 27) Dead Sea; Kikkar of the Jordan River: Plains of Moab; Abel Shittim; Beth Jeshimoth; Sodom and Gomorrah; overnight Dead Sea. We'll walk over evil's "ground zero" at Sodom (massive Tall el-Hammam), stand on its defensive ramparts, and even touch the ashes of its destruction. We'll visit the location of the Israelite encampment on the Plains of Moab at Abel Shittim, and stand where the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant rested for many months before being carried across the Jordan River. You will never forget this day!
Day 16 (Sun, Oct 31) Depart Amman; arrive New York JFK same day; most travelers fly home; some may overnight in NY. You'll take the Holy Land with you. All of it.
Contact Sheresa Sparks at Trinity Southwest University, 505-332-4253, if you have questions, or are ready to sign up for this exciting BLE package.
Day 2 (Sun, Oct 17) Arrive Amman, Jordan; overnight Movenpick Hotel Petra. We'll travel through ancient Ammon, Moab, and Edom on our way to Petra.
Day 3 (Mon, Oct 18) Edom: Petra; overnight Petra. We'll visit the amazing rose-red, Nabatean city of Petra carved out of surrounding sandstone cliffs. From the 2nd century BCE through the 2nd century CE, the Nabateans controlled regional caravans from their Petra headquarters. Aaron was buried on a mountain top near Petra. This is a great day for some serious hiking, or just casually enjoying the wonders of Petra, recently voted one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. It is truly awesome!
Day 4 (Tue, Oct 19) Transjordan Highlands: Aroer; Dibon; Heshbon; Machaerus; Ammon; Mount Nebo; overnight Movenpick Dead Sea. We'll pass through the lands of the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites, and many of the cities conquered by Moses and the Israelites. We'll view the spectacular Arnon Gorge (Wadi Mujib) from Aroer, which became the southern border of the tribe of Reuben. We'll trace the steps of Moses to Mount Nebo where he viewed the Promised Land, and later was buried. From Nebo you'll see a dramatic panorama sweeping from the Dead Sea northward up the Jordan Valley, and the Jordan Disk, home of the infamous Cities of the Plain. You can end the day with a dip in the "infinity" pool overlooking the Dead Sea as the sun sets spectacularly over the Judean Highlands.
Day 5 (Wed, Oct 20) Jordan Valley, Gilead, Decapolis, Galilee: Jerash; Umm Qais (Gadara); border crossing to Israel; Beth Shean; Tiberias; overnight Tiberias, Radisson Plaza Hotel. We'll travel through the heart of the kingdom of Gilead conquered by Moses, which later became Solomon's Gilead District. We'll enter the "Ten Cities" area visited by Jesus, and the home town of the Gaderene Demoniac, first missionary to the Roman world of the Transjordan. We'll take in an incredible view of the Yarmuk River Gorge with views of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan to the north. We'll pass near Ramath Gilead and cross the Jordan into Israel, visiting Beth Shean where Saul's body was hung from the city wall. It's also the site of Scythopolis, a remarkable example of a Roman city. We'll enter Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee through a little-known Early Bronze Age city, home to a little family of Hittite potters with interesting ties to the story of Abram centuries later.
Day 6 (Thu, Oct 21) Galilee, Golan: Hazor; Dan; Caesarea Philippi (Banyas); Jordan River; overnight Tiberias. Get ready for an unbelievable day. We'll pass though areas frequented by Jesus and his disciples. We'll visit Jesus' favorite northern city built by Herod Phillip. We'll glimpse Mount Hermon, probably the Mount of Transfiguration. We'll meander up to mammoth Hazor, "chief among all the Canaanite cities," conquered and burned by Joshua. We'll visit Middle Bronze Age Laish/Dan of Abram's time, and later Dan of the Israelites. We'll see the altar built at Dan by Jereboam, and stand against the huge walls of the Iron Age city. Many great views await. We'll finish the day with one of the most spectacular views in the Land from atop the Golan Heights, where you'll see the entire shorline of the Sea of Galilee from one spot. Amazing!
Day 7 (Fri, Oct 22) Galilee: Jordan River; Bethsaida; Capernaum; Korazin; boat ride on the Sea of Galilee; overnight Tiberias. On this day we'll walk the streets, paths, and trails followed by Jesus and his disciples. We'll stroll through the hometown of Peter, Andrew, and Phillip, and see the views witnessed by a blind man healed by Jesus near Bethsaida. We'll walk through the gates of Zer/Zed, capital of the Kingdom of Geshur overlooking Lake Kinneret, hometown of Absalom's grandparents, the King and Queen of Geshur, allies and in-laws of King David. We'll visit the three cities of the "Evangelical Triangle," cursed by Jesus and destroyed by the Romans a generation later, as predicted. In the late afternoon we'll see the famous "Jesus Boat," then catch a boat from Ginnosar to Tiberias, a Sea of Galilee experience you'll never forget. "Wow!" will be quite appropriate.
Day 8 (Sat, Oct 23) Jezreel Valley, Harod Valley, Coastal Plains: Jezreel (city); Megiddo; rolling stone tombs; Caesarea Maritima; overnight Jerusalem, Olive Tree Hotel. Talk about a road less traveled. On this day we'll head up the Jezreel Valley and visit Jezreel, city of Ahab and Jezebel. We'll get views of Mount Gilboa (of Saul and Jonathan), En Harod (of Gideon), Mount Tabor, Endor (of witch fame), Nazareth (of Jesus), and the fertile bread basket of ancient Israel. Solomon's guardian city, Megiddo, awaits us with many stories to tell, and amazing views. Along the way we'll stop at some of the best examples of rolling stone tombs in the Holy Land. When we get to Ceasarea on the Sea, we'll sense the remarkable abilities of King Herod as a builder extraordinaire. We'll drop by Paul's place of "imprisonment" for an unforgettable appointment with New Testament history.
Day 9 (Sun, Oct 24) Judean Wilderness, Jordan Valley, Dead Sea: Qumran; Ein Gedi; Masada; Jericho (if possible); overnight Jerusalem. Many Old Testament prophets, Jesus, and John the Baptist spent time in the wilderness we'll visit on this day. We'll visit Qumran, the "home" of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and view the battleground where Kedorlaomer fought against the army of Sodom and Gomorrah over one and a half millennia earlier. We'll see Ein Gedi (Hazazon Tamar) where Kedorlaomer defeated the Amorites, and see why it was also one of King David's favorite haunts centuries later. Herod the Great's mountaintop fortress, Masada, is spectacular from every angle, and the tram ride up is great fun. You'll marvel at the last "last stand" of the First Jewish Revolt. If we can (and we usually succeed), we'll scoot over to Old Testament Jericho and see some subtle-but-fantastic remnants of Joshua's conquest.
Day 10 (Mon, Oct 25) Central Highlands, environs of Old Testament Jerusalem: Haas Promenade overlook; the Jerusalem of Melchizedek and the Jebusites; City of David (Area G, Gihon water works and walls of OT Jerusalem); Broad Wall; Middle Gate; Israel Museum; overnight Jerusalem. This is surely a double "Wow!" day. We'll show you views of the ancient city of Salem, later the city of the Jebusites, and then the capital city of King David. Would a glimpse of David's palace, now being excavated, get you going? How about standing on the defensive walls of Melchizedek's city, or walking through the tunnel dug by King Hezekiah? What about standing at the place where Abram met with King Melchizedek, or the very spot where Solomon was anointed king of Israel? And this will be only the beginning. You're in for quite a day!
Day 11 (Tue, Oct 26) Central Highlands, environs of New Testament Jerusalem: Mount of Olives overlook; Garden of Gethsemane; Temple Mount (Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, Temple precinct); SW Temple Mount Excavations; Pools of Bethesda; Via Dolorosa; overnight Jerusalem. On this day, we'll touch the Passion of the Christ. Later we'll stand on the site of the Israelite Temple, then walk down a Herodian street where giant architectural stones crashed down on the stone pavement as the Romans destroyed the Temple complex in AD 70. And the Western Wall plaza is always full of fierce and tender emotions.
Day 12 (Wed, Oct 28) Shephela guardian cities: Kiriath Jearim; Gezer; Beth Shemesh; Jarmuth (view); Azekah (view); Meresha (view); Lachish; overnight Jerusalem. This is a one-of-a-kind day! We'll course through lands variously occupied by Israel and the Philistines as they vied for control of the territories between the coastal plains and the highlands. We'll touch the stories of Samson, Saul, David, Goliath, Solomon, and many other famous Old Testament characters. Very few Holy Land travelers have experienced these special places! (This is also an optional free day in Jerusalem.)
Day 13 (Thu, Oct 29) The Land of the Philistines and the Negev: Ekron; Gath; Ashdod (view); Ashkelon; Beersheba; overnight Jerusalem. If the previous day was a rare day, then this day is one-in-a-million. Visiting the cities of the Philistine pentapolis (we won't visit Gaza!) is a spectacular thing, and you'll probably be the only person you'll ever meet whose done it (except for those with you on this trip!). Definitely a "Wow!" We'll also swing down into the Negev to visit Beersheba, for an intimate look at the traditional southern marker of the Israelite domain ("...from Dan to Beersheba"). (This is also an optional free day in Jerusalem.)
Day 14 (Fri, Oct 30) Dead Sea, Kikkar of the Jordan River: border crossing into Jordan; overnight Movenpick Dead Sea. We'll follow the footsteps of Joshua and the Israelites to their Jordan River crossing point. We'll trace the story of Elijah and Elisha. We'll visit Bethany beyond Jordan where John baptized Jesus. Truly a great day!
Day 15 (Sat, Oct 27) Dead Sea; Kikkar of the Jordan River: Plains of Moab; Abel Shittim; Beth Jeshimoth; Sodom and Gomorrah; overnight Dead Sea. We'll walk over evil's "ground zero" at Sodom (massive Tall el-Hammam), stand on its defensive ramparts, and even touch the ashes of its destruction. We'll visit the location of the Israelite encampment on the Plains of Moab at Abel Shittim, and stand where the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant rested for many months before being carried across the Jordan River. You will never forget this day!
Day 16 (Sun, Oct 31) Depart Amman; arrive New York JFK same day; most travelers fly home; some may overnight in NY. You'll take the Holy Land with you. All of it.
Contact Sheresa Sparks at Trinity Southwest University, 505-332-4253, if you have questions, or are ready to sign up for this exciting BLE package.
Jerash, a city of the Roman Decapolis
Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Gorge
Roman Scythopolis (Beth Shean)
BLE provides serious study tours for serious students of the Bible.
The synagogue at Capernaum
Iron Age city wall at Tel Dan
Masada: King Herod's "sky fortress"
Bible Land Expeditions...
unparalleled detail and scholarship.
The Western Wall Plaza, Jerusalem
Roman aqueduct near Caesarea Maritima
You'll never read
your Bible in the
same way again!
The Sea of Galilee and Tiberias
from Mount Arbel
Bible Land Expeditions are always limited to one tour bus, providing a personal touch that you just can't get traveling with a larger group.