Tours

IN HIS STEPS in the HOLY LAND!

Christians of all denominations and traditions are walking in the footsteps of Jesus, visiting the holy sites, and seeing the Bible come alive before their eyes. In the Holy Land, you'll visit the actual places where Jesus lived, taught, and performed miracles, plus archaeological & historical sites you've only read about.

IMAGINE...

Worshiping together while moored in the middle of the Sea of Galilee.

Walking in Nazareth, the town where Jesus grew up.

Praying midst the ancient olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Standing on the shore where Jesus beckoned Peter, James and John to become "fishers of men."

Sharing Holy Communion during a worship service at the Garden Tomb.

The opportunity to be baptized (or renew baptism) in the Jordan River.

Modern travel in the Holy Land...

Ed Hill was so impacted by his first trip to Israel in 1961, that he returned with a desire that every minister could visit the Holy Land. This resulted in the founding of Ed Hill Tours in 1964. The road has not always been easy. In fact, due to political situations, wars and unrest, it has generally been anything but easy. Since its establishment in 1948, Israel has experienced several major conflicts and periods of unrest which impact travel. Yet we are grateful that we have been able to consistently operate tours to Israel for 45 years.

At a recent gathering of travel professionals in Jerusalem, Rafael Ben-Hur, Director-General of Tourism for Israel, applauded Ed Hill Tours for our long-standing support for tourism to Israel, stating that "Clearly, Ed Hill Tours has proven it is a true friend of Israel."

Although Israel has been our #1 destination for 45 years, we also operate tours to other countries in the region such as Jordan, Egypt and Turkey. We specialize in many exciting Christian-interest and church heritage destinations such as Greece & the Greek Isles/ Footsteps of Paul; historic Rome & the Vatican, England, the land of Wesley; Scotland, home of Presbyterianism; and Germany, the Land of Luther.

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Getting started as a tour host. From your first phone call or email, we'll listen to your needs and help design a tour for you that fits your dates, budget and itinerary. Then we'll help you formulate a plan of action to organize, promote and host a successful tour. When you arrive at your destination, literally every detail of the tour is taken care of for you. Our knowledgeable and professional guides give explanations along the way and at each site, and facilitate every aspect of your tour. You simply decide where you wish to speak to your group...services may include singing, scripture reading, teaching and communion at special sites. Catholic groups may have pre-scheduled masses conducted by the group's pastor/priest or as arranged with a local priest.

For more information about what we can do to assist you with organizing a tour, click here to go to the About Us page. To read what pastors and tour hosts are saying about Ed Hill Tours, click on Testimonials. We look forward to hearing from you anytime. Call toll-free at 800-780-7801.

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Israel happenings . . .Israel is experiencing a building boom...new skyscrapers in Tel Aviv, new freeways, a new ultra-modern terminal at Ben Gurion Airport, a new rail system. Several impressive tourist facilities have opened...an incredible and deeply moving new Museum of the Holocaust at Yad Vashem; a new Visitor Center and new cable cars at Masada; Beit Shean, the largest archaeological site in Israel, has a beautiful new Visitor Center and extensive excavations are still underway; the outstanding Davidson Museum has opened near the Southern Steps of the Temple Mount. Bethlehem has been open to tourists for over 4 years. New hotels have been built and others renovated to accommodate the increase in tourism. Most importantly, every site where Jesus ministered, and every biblical, historical and holy site is being visited every day. Pilgrims by the thousands are standing on Mount Carmel, being baptized in the Jordan River, and are still visiting the Mount of Olives, the Upper Room, the Garden Tomb, and the Western Wall. Groups are again going to Bethlehem and visiting the Temple Mount.

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"Glory of Israel" Deluxe 10-Day Tour November 4-13, 2008 *Only $2395.00*
View of the Tower of David & the Jaffa Gate from the exquisite David Citadel Hotel.
Tour hosts planning custom tours may choose from top hotels in Jerusalem such as David Citadel, Inbal, Dan Panorama, Sheraton Plaza, King David, Olive Tree, Prima Palace* & Grand Court. In Tiberias, the Scots, Sheraton Moriah, Galei Kinneret, Gai Beach & Holiday Inn. This 10-day tour including non-stop air from New York to Tel Aviv on ELAL Israel Airlines with low add-on fares from Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto and other cities. All Deluxe hotels and latest motor coaches. The comprehensive sightseeing program includes Joppa, Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Megiddo (Armegeddon), Nazareth, Cana, Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha (site of feeding 5000), Capernaum, Golan Heights, Jordan River, Caesarea Philippi/Banias (source of the Jordan River), Beit Shean, Masada, Qumran (discovery site of Dead Sea Scrolls), Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Mount Zion, The Upper Room, David's Tomb, the Western Wall and Western Wall Tunnels, ancient Roman Cardo, Via Dolorosa, Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, scale-model of ancient Jerusalem, Pool of Bethesda, the Davidson/Southern Steps Museum, the Garden Tomb and much more! Our skilled guides lead us through the land of the Bible making the scriptures come alive. Included at no additional cost: boat-ride on the Sea of Galilee, seaside lunch at a famous Galilee Kibbutz, the ancient Galilee wooden boat from Jesus time, and farewell dinner. Full Israeli buffet breakfast & dinner daily, luggage handling & airport transfers on tour, all entrance fees & hotel taxes. Only $2395 plus tips, taxes, and airline fuel surcharge. *Ultra Deluxe David Citadel, King David, & Inbal rates higher.

A special word from Ed Hill... "It is now 47 years since I first set foot on the soil of the Holy Land. That was in 1961 and just 3 years later, we began taking our first Christian pilgrim groups to Israel. As we enter our 44th year in group travel, I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the thousands who have traveled with us through the years and the countless friends we have made along the way. I thank God for being our source even in the most difficult days and for giving us these wonderful years." *Edward B. Hill*
A young tour member enjoys his first camel ride!
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Pastor/Tour Leaders Benefits You do not have to be an experienced tour host/traveler to take your own group. See the "About Us" page for the many benefits we provide when you host members of your congregation, family or friends. We'll handle the details and virtually everything is done for you. Call us for a confidential discussion of our Tour Host benefits. Call Toll-Free: 1.800.780.7801

SCOTLAND HERITAGE TOUR...Cathedrals, Castles, Golf & more! Select your own departure date for a fabulous 12-day tour of Scotland, a land rich with history and grand beauty, where the game of golf began 600 years ago. Led by an experienced tour host or host your own tour, this memorable journey combines Christian Heritage touring with world-renowned golfing at some of Scotland's finest courses. From $2,675* including roundtrip airfare on British Air from most eastern U. S. gateways to Edinburgh (other gateways available). Using only excellent small traditional hotels and inns, we visit Edinburgh, Glasgow, St. Andrews, Inverness, Oban, Inveraray, Tobermory, and the Isles of Mull and Iona, the historic birthplace of Scottish, Irish, Welsh and Celtic Christianity. Tour features include: Loch Lomond cruise, private deluxe motor coach throughout, all entrance fees per itinerary, seven dinners including Traditional Scottish Welcoming Dinner, full Scottish breakfast daily, professional Tour Manager, baggage handling on tour, all hotel taxes & service charges, and all transfers on tour. Plus 4 optional rounds of golf at some of Scotland's most famous courses, including St. Andrews! Full sightseeing program for non-golfers. This price based on travel in April/May. Tour cost can vary due to season of travel, departure point and number of persons in group. _______________________________________* ALPS WONDERLAND TOUR Experience the beauty and enchantment of the Swiss, Austrian and German Alps! Multiple departures include round-trip non-stop air from New York to Frankfurt or Munich. Visit Heidelburg, the Black Forest, Lucerne, ascend Mount Pilatus, overnight in the story-book Village of Oberammergau (site of world-famous Passion Play), stay in Innsbruck - nestled in the Austrian Alps, visit the splendid Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Royal Castles, and Medieval Munich. Hotels are centrally located Select European style hotels (no "glass boxes"). Prices vary slightly with travel dates. Optional extensions to Rome, Paris, Vienna, Berlin. For prices on your dates and more information, call toll free 800-780-7801, or email tours@edhilltours.com. Ask about our Alps Adventure! ________________________________________ Note: Tour prices are subject to change due to air and land rate changes, currency fluctuations, and departure, security, fuel surcharge & tax increases. Tour dates and flight times are subject to change due to air carrier or cruise line schedule changes beyond our control. Ed Hill Tours declares itself free of liability/responsibility for any loss, damages or delays incurred by sickness, strikes, war, quarantine or any other cause beyond our control. Ed Hill Tours does not assume responsibility for errors or omissions which may occur in any promotional material including but not limited to websites, brochures or other printed matter. We reserve the right to accept or decline any tour member at any time.

Never traveled with a group? While group travel may not be for everyone, there are many advantage to traveling with an escorted group. You'll have a professional guide who also acts as your interpreter, no traffic or parking worries, and you'll never be lost or unable to find a site. Your hotel room is waiting for you, and everything is taken care of from baggage handling to entrance fees and tipping. And the friendships you'll make can last a lifetime! With a minimum group of 10, tour hosts may have their own bus/mini-bus and guide. Smaller groups or individuals may join with others on a scheduled consolidated tour and enjoy all the above benefits and lower group rates.
Pastor Dick Bernal - Jubilee Christian Center, San Jose, CA Pastor Dick & Carly Bernal with bus 1 of 3 buses on the Mount of Olives. Also pictured are Richard Page of Ed Hill Tours and guide Gershon Priewer.

CUSTOM TOURS... Whether a small intimate group of friends or a large church group, you choose the destination and we work with you to create a custom designed program using your dates and itinerary. Some of our most popular programs...Pilgrimage Tours to Israel, Italy, Greece, Turkey... Heritage Tours of England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany... *Golf Tours* to Scotland...*European Canal & River Cruises.*

Sample 10-Day Holy Land Itinerary

Day 1 - USA Tour members meet at New York's JFK, Newark or other departure airport for check-in and a time to get acquainted with other tour members. After take-off, we have dinner, time to rest and breakfast before arrival in Israel.

Day 2 - Tel Aviv, Israel We arrive at Ben Gurion Airport's new Terminal 3 where we are met by our airport representative and escorted to our deluxe motor coach. There we meet our Christian specialist guide and begin our first day in Israel with a tour of Joppa, the ancient seaport (based on morning arrival). We then proceed directly to our hotel on the Mediterranean. There is ample time for a walk on the seashore or some local exploring before dinner.

Day 3 - Caesarea, Mount Carmel, Megiddo, Nazareth, Cana, Tiberias We begin our day driving north along the Mediterranean to Caesarea-by-the-Sea, the ancient seaport built by Herod the Great. Tour the Roman Theatre, the remains of Herod's seaside palace and the Crusader Fortress. It was here that the first Gentile, Cornelius, was baptized. We then visit Mount Carmel, site of Elijah and the prophets of Baal...here you'll view the entire Jezreel Valley/Valley of Armageddon. After lunch we go to Megiddo to tour the walls and water tunnel of this strategic ancient city. Next we visit Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus and Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle. Soon we view the beautiful Sea of Galilee and arrive at our hotel by the sea.

Day 4 - Mt. of Beatitudes, Tabgha, Capernaum, Galilee boat-ride, Golan Heights, Jordan River View sunrise over the Sea of Galilee. After breakfast, we go to the Mt. of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Visit Tabgha, the place of the multiplication of loaves and fishes, then Nof Ginosar, site of the 2000 year-old "Jesus boat", and Capernaum, the center of Jesus' ministry. We take a boat-ride across the Sea of Galilee, stopping in the middle for a brief service and to view the surrounding panorama. We enjoy "St. Peter's lunch" at a seaside Kibbutz, then ascend the Golan Heights for an outstanding view of the entire Galilee region. We end the day at the Jordan River with an opportunity for baptism. Dinner & overnight.

Day 5 - Beit Shean, Jordan Valley, Qumran, Dead Sea, Masada, Jerusalem Our journey today takes us down the Jordan River Valley to Beit Shean, one of the ancient cities of the Decapolis. The recently discovered Roman city is the largest archaeological dig site in Israel. Continuing south, we view Jericho, the world's oldest city, the Mt. of Temptation and Mt. Nebo, where Moses looked over the Promised Land. We then visit Qumran and view the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. After lunch we travel on to Masada, the mountaintop fortress and winter palace of Herod the Great. Here In A.D. 70-73, Jewish defenders made their last stand against the Romans. We will stop at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, where you may experience floating without the possibility of sinking. Then we ascend over 4000 feet to Jerusalem...our first view of the Holy City from Mount Scopus will be breathtaking. Dinner & overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 6 - Jerusalem, Bethlehem We begin our first day in Jerusalem driving around the Walls of the Old City to the Mount of Olives. We view the world's oldest Jewish cemetery, then descend the Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane. It is believed that some of the old olive trees there today were standing at the time of Christ. There will be a time for meditation in this lovely garden where Jesus prayed. We continue by coach, viewing the Eastern (Golden) Gate and the Tombs of Absalom and Zachariah, then to the House of Caiphas and visit the dungeon where Jesus was held before the crucifixion. You'll stand on the actual stone steps Jesus would have walked up Mount Zion. We visit the Upper/Last Supper Room and the Tomb of David, then travel a short distance to Bethlehem to visit the Shepherd's Fields, Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity.

Day 7 - Jerusalem This morning we tour the modern City of Jerusalem visiting the Shrine of the Book, where copies of the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed, view the fabulous Model of the Old City, then make a moving and unforgettable visit to Yad Vashem, the Memorial to six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. After lunch, we return to the Old City and visit the Southern Steps of the Temple Mount and the Davidson Museum. Then we visit the Western (Wailing) Wall where prayers on paper may be placed in the Wall. We tour the amazing Western Wall (Kotel) Tunnels and arrive at the place nearest the Holy of Holies. We visit the Pool of Bethesda, sing in the unique acoustics of St. Anne's Church, then depart the Old City by the Lion's Gate.

Day 8 - Jerusalem Today we travel back 2000 years as we take a walking tour of the Old City. We go underground at the Lithostratos and stand on the streets of Jerusalem that existed at the time of Christ. We view the remains of the Antonia Fortress, Pilate's Judgment Hall, and the Ecce Homo Arch. We walk the Via Dolorosa viewing the Stations of the Cross, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, bustling markets and bazaars, and continue to the Jewish Quarter for lunch. We walk the Roman Cardo (main street) and see an exact replica of the Menorrah from the 2nd Temple. Then the highlight of our tour, a visit to the Garden Tomb where we view Golgotha (Place of the Skull), and celebrate communion by the empty Tomb. Truly a memorable day!

Day 9 - Jerusalem at Leisure Your day is free for relaxing, revisiting a special place, shopping for some last-minute bargains, or even walking the walls of the Old City! In the evening we enjoy a special farewell dinner and fellowship with new friends, then depart for the airport and our homeward flight.

Day 10 - Tel Aviv/USA We arrive back in the USA with many fond memories of our wonderful tour of Israel...probably already making plans for a return trip!

We also offer longer (or shorter) custom Holy Land tours with optional extensions to Jordan, Egypt, Greece, Turkey and Europe. Petra in Jordan is now designated one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and is our most popular extension tour.

Note: The above itinerary and sequence is a sample of a standard tour. Every effort is always made to include all sites in an itinerary, however the sequence may change and sites may be added or deleted due to arrival time or local conditions. Requests by the tour host for the addition/deletion of sites while on tour will be considered if feasible, but may incur extra costs.