The most unique features:

Having two guides that enables you to make

choices of what to see at certain sites.

First-timers can see all the major

pilgrim sites

Second-timers (or more) can visit less-

frequented important sites of recent excava-

tions, not normally on standard or short tour

itineraries.

Take that trip you have always

wanted to take….

ADVENTURE

IN

UNSEEN ISRAEL

WITH DR. JIM FLEMING

Jan 8-22, 2012 15 DAYS

$4800.00 Per Person

$265.00 for 3 day Jerusalem Extension Round trip from Atlanta or Houston to Tel Aviv

Store houses at Masada A Bedouin Experience

Sun., Jan. 8 – Flight from Atlanta or Houston

Mon., Jan. 09 – Arrive in Tel Aviv. Join others for a welcome gathering at dinner in the hotel.

Overnight and Dinner at Grand Beach Hotel in Tel Aviv. D

Tues, Jan. 10 – Theme: Desert Narratives and Desert Spirituality.

Today we will follow the Prophet Elijah as he fled from Queen Jezebel in Jezreel, Galilee to the deserts south

of Beer Sheba. We will view Beer Sheba and visit the well-preserved Byzantine desert trade town of Mamp-

sis and its well-preserved churches. We will continue southward to the Wilderness of Zin (remembered in the

Exodus narratives as the setting of the water from rock and manna feeding stories). We will take a short walk

into the spring of Ein Avedat, with a choice of an easier or more difficult route. We continue onward to the

spectacular view across the Mizpe Ramon Crater. We will then descend into the dry “Great and Terrible De-

sert” known as the Wilderness of Paran.

Dinner and Overnight at the Golden Tulip Privilege Hotel at the Red Sea Resort city of Eilat. B/D

Wed., Jan. 11 – Theme: The Exodus Bondage and Wilderness Narratives.

After viewing the Eilat, we will proceed northward to the Timna Valley. This “touch of Sinai” is character-

ized by the same geological granite and sculptured sandstone formations as found in the southern Sinai Desert.

We will visit two remarkable archaeological sites there: A mining camp and a forced labor compound from

the time of the ancient Hebrews’ bondage in Egypt. Also, an Egyptian Temple to the goddess of mining,

Hathor. During the time of the Judges the Midianites replaced the temple with a shrine to their god/s. We then

enter the Israelis main park devoted to preserving desert flora and fauna known as the Hai Bar -Yotvata Desert

Animal Habitat. After lunch we drive up the Syrian/African rift to the southern Judah fortified border site of

Tamar fortified by several Old Testament kings.

Overnight and Dinner will be at the Leonardo Hotel located on the shores of the Dead Sea. B/D

Thurs., Jan. 12 – Theme: Jesus' Temptations in the Wilderness of Judea.

Half day morning trip to the Old Testament fortress of Arad where we view an Israelite shrine whose archi-

tecture was influenced by the Exodus Narratives about the Tabernacle. We then drive to a remote part of the

Wilderness of Negev for a (optional) camel ride. Lunch will be provided at Kfar Hanikdim will be a Bedouin

experience , in a goat hair tent with a talk about their lives and customs. Some will return early to the hotel

for relaxation, while others will take an optional afternoon walk in a salt cave within Mt. Sodom and a walk

through the acacia trees dotting Wadi Zohar to view a small Roman fort.

Dinner and Overnight at the Leonardo Dead Sea Hotel. B/L/D

Fri., Jan. 13– Theme: The Revolt against Rome led by Zealots and Essenes.

Morning visit to the fortress of Masada, dividing our walk into first-timer main sites, and second-timer visit to

less known locations. The first timers will visit the site of Qumran, the likely community that gave us the

Dead Sea Scrolls, and those who have already seen Qumran will take a hike to the En Gedi waterfall. Both

groups will then meet for the drive up the Jordan Valley to Galilee.

Dinner and Overnight at the Ron Beach Hotel. B/D

Sat., Jan. 14 – Theme: Jesus’ Early Ministry in Galilee

Today we visit Nazareth and its surroundings to better understand where Jesus was raised and his early minis-

try. On our Drive to Nazareth we stop at Mount Tabor to leave off participants who have already been to

Nazareth. They will take taxis up to the top and visit the Church of the Transfiguration while the first-

timers will continue on to Nazareth to visit the Church of Annunciation’s archaeological excavations.

After lunch we will continue on to Sepphoris, the capital of Galilee while Jesus was growing up, to explore

its ancient aqueducts and well-preserved mosaics. We then continue on to view the ancient Cana area and

visit the ruins of Jotapata, where Josephus defected to Rome after the battle of Cana/Jotapata in 66 CE.

We will return to the Sea of Galilee through the Beit Karem Valley separating Lower from Upper Galilee.

Dinner and Overnight at the Ron Beach Hotel. B/D

Sun., Jan. 15 – Theme: Old Testament Stories in Galilee with Elijah and Elisha.

This morning we will drive south to Wadi Mehola for a visit to the home town of Elisha, Abel Mehola.

This remote part of the Jordan Valley is a designated Bedouin encampment area with water supplied

by the Israeli army. There will be many opportunities for photographs of shepherds and sheep in

mountainous grazing scenery. We then drive up the Beth Shean Valley to the spring of Ein Harod,

scene of Gideon’s testing of his men before his battle with the Midianites. After lunch we will visit the

excavations at Tel Jezreel, the winter capitol of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. We will then view the

town of Shunem, home of the couple who built a shack on their roof for the use of the Prophet Elijah.

We end the day with a visit the other side of the Hill of Moreh to the ancient town of Nain, setting of

the Gospel story of Jesus raising the Widow’s son in Luke 7:11.

Dinner and Overnight at the Ron Beach Hotel. B/D

Mon., Jan. 16 – Theme: Jewish Towns Around the Sea of Galilee Visit the well-preserved city gate of Old Testament Gesher commanding the Bethsaida Plain. Drive on to

the ruins of Chorazin and walk through Roman Period ruins. Returnees will then be let off at Wadi

Ammud for a hike to its impressive Mesolithic caves and zealot hideaway while first timers visit

Capernaum. Visit Chinnereth’s excavation and then have lunch in Tiberias. We will ascend to the

plateau above to visit the Arbela synagogue and end the day with a breathtaking view of Galilee from

the Arbel cliff and a discussion of the Magdala excavations, visible in our view.

Dinner and Overnight at the Ron Beach Hotel. B/L/D

Tues., Jan. 17 – Theme: Gentile Cities Around the Sea of Galilee

Morning visit to the Decapolis city of Hippus, closest to the Sea of Galilee, currently being excavated.

There we will better understand the main features of a pagan city by following the aqueduct to the main

gate, walk down the main road (via maximus) to the agora, where we will see the Greek market, Roman

Imperial cult monument, water reservoirs, and recently discovered city council Odeon/Theater. We will

also see ruins of four Byzantine churches at the site. We then continue through the southern Golan to

Lower Gadara, the second largest Roman bath complex in the ancient world. Then we will continue to

Hammath Tiberias, the hot springs of Tiberias, where we will see mosaic floors from two periods at the

ancient synagogue. Visit the newly uncovered city gate complex of Herod Antipas’ impressive capital

city of Tiberias. We then view the theater, currently under excavation. We end the day by driving up to

Mt. Bernice to see the recently excavated Justinian church and breathtaking view of the sea.

Dinner and Overnight at the Ron Beach Hotel. B/D

Wed., Jan. 18 – Theme: Jesus’ Withdrawal to Caesarea Philippi Today we ascend the Golan Heights to the zealot command post of Gamla. Some will enjoy the view of

the nature preserve while others descend to the well-preserved ruins of the First Century synagogue. We

will see the place the Romans broke through the city wall during the battle of Gamla in 67 CE. We all

continue to a view of the road to Damascus to illustrate Acts 9. We will have first timers visit the sanctu-

ary cliff shrines of Caesarea Philippi, while others take a hike to a beautiful waterfall. We will have

lunch at Kfar Blum then visit the Vineyards at the Golan Heights. We then take a walk (weather permit-

ting) to the currently being excavated site of Omrit, where Herod the Great’s Temple to Augustus Caesar

has recently been discovered. On our return to the Sea of Galilee we will view Tel Hazor, the largest Old

Testament site in Israel.

Dinner and Overnight at the Ron Beach Hotel. B/L/D

Thurs., Jan. 19 – Theme: The Building Projects of Herod the Great:

Singing “good-bye” to Galilee, we “set our face for Jerusalem” by driving through the Mount Carmel

range to the coast for a detailed visit of Caesarea Maritima, (built by King Herod the Great and port

from which Paul returned from his missionary journeys). Highlights will be the theater, Promenade

palace of Festus, (foot and chariot racing) stadium, box seat of Pontius Pilate, city center villas,

bath complex, harbor, forum, and Crusader fortress. We then continue to Bethlehem’s Basilica

of the Nativity, one of the first three churches built in the Holy land. We will visit Herod’s funeral palace

and fortress, the Herodion. Highlights will be the monumental parade grounds, recently discovered tomb

monument and theater with monumental box seat, zealot stepped tunnel and fortress cone with four

towers. We will enjoy some shopping time in the largest store with products from local Christian artisans.

Dinner and Overnight at the Grand Court Hotel in Jerusalem. B/D

Fri., Jan. 20 – Theme: Old Testament Jerusalem, Drive to the City of David archaeological park.

Highlights will be the monumental buildings that may be the administrative buildings recently dated to

the time of Kind David and his successors. We will see the rampart that supported the palace of the

Davidic Kings, Nehemiah’s wall, the Old Testament wall, Warren’s shaft and Hezekiah’s Tunnel

(some may want to walk through the 1-2 foot deep water). Visit the recently discovered Pool of Siloam

mentioned in John 9 and the likely burial tombs of the Davidic Monarchy. We will then drive up the

Hinnom Valley to see the unrobbed Ketef Hennom tomb of a wealthy Jerusalem family burial from 700

-500 BCE. Visit the Old City on your own or take an optional ride to the site of Beth HaKarem (site of

an Old Testament palace and recent excavations of water systems at Ramat Rachel.

Dinner and Overnight at the Grand Court Hotel in Jerusalem. B/D

Sat., Jan. 21 – Theme: Jerusalem Highlights

Return visitors will want to join new-timers to see the newly renovated archaeological wing of the Israel

Museum and the Shrine of the Book (home of the Dead Sea Scrolls) and the recently improved Second

Temple Period Model of Jerusalem. The afternoon has a choice of joining others to return to your hotel

or take the remainder of the day for visiting and shopping in the Old City on your own. An option for

first timers who have not chosen to stay for the New Testament Jerusalem Extension will be to visit the

Mount Zion churches and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

We will enjoy a middle eastern farewell dinner at the Ambassador Hotel and Overnight at the Grand

Court Hotel in Jerusalem. B/D

Sun., Jan. 22 – Morning Depart for US or continue on for two day Extension for more, New Testament,

Jerusalem sites.

Three day Jerusalem Extension

$265.00 For more New Testament Jerusalem sites:

Sun., Jan 22 - Theme: The Jewish and Muslim Quarter:

Visit Jerusalem’s Old City Jewish Quarter synagogues, the Cardo and the Wohl Archaeological Museum and

pray or reflect at the Western Wall. Visit the Muslim Harem esh-Sharif, setting of the El Aksa and Dome of

the Rock Mosques and ancient platform where the Old and New Testament Temples once stood. Explore the

Southern Wall excavations where our highlights will be the Place of Trumpeting stone, Robinson’s Arch, Mus-

lim Caravansari, the Rabbis Teaching Stairway, the ritual immersion bath compound and Hulda’s gate.

Dinner and Overnight at the Grand Court Hotel in Jerusalem. B/D

Mon., Jan 23 - Theme: Mt. of Olives and the Via Dolorosa to the Christian Quarter.

Stand on top of Mt. of Olives and view the city of Jerusalem from the east. Walk the Palm Sunday route, visiting

the Church of Dominus Flevit to remember Jesus crying for the city. Stroll beside the ancient olive trees in the

Garden of Gethsemane. Enter the Old City through St. Stephen’s Gate to visit the Bethesda Pools and listen to

the singing at St. Anne’s Crusader Church. We will then visit the Sisters of Zion Convent’s ruins of the Anto-

nia Fortress, seat of the military garrison that supervised Roman trials and crucifixions. Follow the Via Dolorosa

and see the Stations of the Cross. We will end our day spending time interpreting the ruins under the Church of

the Holy Sepulcher.

Dinner and Overnight at the Grand Court Hotel in Jerusalem. B/D

Tues., Jan. 24 - Breakfast, then board bus for departure to USA via Tel Aviv airport. B

Included in Price

Tour price includes accommodations for 13 nights (2 nights for extension) in selected superior 4-star hotels

with modern comforts, including private facilities, AC, TV, etc.

Breakfast, two lunches and dinners at hotels

English-speaking guide.

Lecturer: scholar/archaeologist Dr. Jim Fleming and teacher Hannaniah Pinto.

Motor coach for all transfers to/from airport with selected driver for all visits in the itinerary

All entrance fees to sites on itinerary

All tips to hotels, drivers, porterage, and guides

Flights from Atlanta/Houston to Tel Aviv (We apologize, but we cannot upgrade or use sky miles and keep

group rates)

Not Included in Price Any items of a personal nature, such as laundry, drinks or coffee with/after meals

Lunches (except for two mentioned)

Travel insurance. (Recommended)

Single supplement: $950.00

Tour Conditions and Payment Schedule

US $500.00 per person due at registration.

Full payment due 65 days before departure.

Rates are based on a minimum of 20 participants. Prices quoted are in US Dollars and are based on tariffs and

exchange rates in effect as of April 2011. These rates are subject to change without notice.

Dr. James Fleming, lecturer on this trip, is the director of Biblical Resources, LLC and

the CEO of The Explorations in Antiquity Center, a museum of daily life in biblical

times, located in LaGrange, GA. He obtained his Ed.D. degree from Southwestern

Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, TX. He has lived and worked as an archaeologist and

educator in Israel since 1974 and has taught classes in the School for Overseas Students

at Hebrew University and the Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem. He has developed

courses in historical geography and biblical history, uniquely tying the studies with the

biblical text, with an emphasis on the theological implications. He is the author of sev-

eral dozen notebooks and teaching materials that are an excellent help to pastors and

leaders.

Hannaniah (Oliver) Pinto has lived in Jerusalem Israel since 1983. He is an Israeli

tour guide licensed in four languages. His teaching is focused on archaeology and the

Jewish background of the Bible. He will help the group to understand the remains of

biblical towns, connecting it to stories in the Bible in a new and exciting way. His re-

cently published book: “Jesus’ Last Night with His Disciples, a Study of the First Cen-

tury Historical and Archaeological Setting of the Last Supper” will provide many in-

sights into our

journey to Israel. He is program director at Explorations in Antiquity Center, a mu-

seum featuring daily life in biblical times, headquartered in LaGrange, GA and co-leads

tours to Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Greece and Italy.

Biblical Resources, LLC

130 Gordon Commercial Dr.

LaGrange, GA 30240

www.biblicalresources.net

Email: travelbr@earthlink.net

Telephone -706-885-0363