israel, jordan & turkey · 2019. 3. 15. · Ÿ dinners (unless specified), and all drinks...

ISRAEL, JORDAN& TURKEY

2019

Departure: 8 September 2019

Tour: 9 September until 21 September 2019

A LUXURY BUS TOUR!

Ÿ Dinners (unless specified), and all drinks except welcome drink in Tel Aviv.

Ÿ Personal expenses and gratuities (approx $90pp)

Ÿ Departure tax (tourism levy) of $50pp

Ÿ Domestic flights if required

Ÿ Optional Shabbat Dinner Experience - $60

Ÿ Return economy-class flights from Johannesburg to Israel, Istanbul and

Jordan.

Ÿ Current airport taxes (subject to change)

Ÿ Group travel insurance

Ÿ Welcome drinks and dinner in Tel Aviv

Ÿ One traditional lunch

Ÿ One St Peters fish lunch

Ÿ Seven-night program in Israel including entrance fees for all listed sites

Ÿ Breakfast and dinner daily in Israel and Jordan

Ÿ English speaking guide throughout

Ÿ Headphones for touring

Ÿ Air-conditioned luxury coach

Ÿ Sound- and light show in Jerusalem

Ÿ Guided tour in Petra

Ÿ Horse ride from entrance to Petra (excluding tip for boy handling the horse:

$7)

Ÿ Water Coach in Jordan

Ÿ Two days in Istanbul (bed & breakfast)

Ÿ Welcome dinner in Istanbul

Ÿ Walking tour of the Old City with Gerrie

Ÿ Sightseeing in Istanbul

Ÿ Farewell dinner in Istanbul

Ÿ Turkish visa on South African Passport

Ÿ Gerrie Pretorius as your wonderful tour host!

INCLUSIONS EXCLUSIONS

ISRAEL, JORDAN & TURKEY2019

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IMPORTANTŸ Remember your PASSPORT!

Ÿ Members of a medical fund: Remember to get a medical travel insurance letter from your medical fund, covering the travel period.

Ÿ Feel free to pack snacks and alcoholic beverages for personal consumption. (Two litres of wine/person and one litre of hard liquor/person are allowed through customs.)

Ÿ Rest assured though - alcohol is freely available to purchase except in Petra where it is not allowed so make sure to pack a good wine!

Ÿ NB: ALL prescription medication must be accompanied by the physical prescription.

Ÿ Pack your perfume, deodorant and creams (any liquids) in your suitcase – not in your hand luggage. You are not allowed to carry more than 100ml on you.

Ÿ Bookings are on a “first come first serve”-basis. Your deposit will secure your place with Gerrie on this wonderful tour.

Ÿ The first deposit of R8000 is non-refundable. The next deposit of R5000 is due on 28 February 2019. The balance is due by 30 June 2019.

Ÿ You will need a passport that is still valid for SIX months after our return (i.e. until 1 March 2020), with at least two clear facing pages.

Ÿ South African Passports currently don't need a visa for Israel. The Jordanian visa is currently free of charge and will be applied for.

Ÿ We will obtain Turkish visas for everybody electronically (currently).

Ÿ The exchange rate is currently: $1 = R15. Should the currency change, the final price of the tour will change accordingly.

Ÿ These prices are based on EFT payments. The cost for Credit Card payments will be supplied, should that be your preferred method of payment.

Ÿ The itinerary is subject to change regarding availability and safety issues.

Ÿ Israel and Jordan are in a politically active area and the areas will be monitored carefully by our Tour Operator. They will guide us regarding safety issues and Gerrie will

update you.

Ÿ This is not a religious Pilgrimage, but rather a diverse touristic tour to Israel, Jordan and Turkey. Certain historical and religious sites will be visited, but their religious

affiliation will not be focussed on. You can be rest assured that you will see , enjoy and experience all the holy sites and much more!

Ÿ Some arrangements will be done in partnership with Sure Voyager Travel in Durban, our trusted and experienced partners. They will handle all deposits and payments as per

the booking form and requirements. Please make sure to give the correct reference: Isra2019.

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DAY 1: Monday 9 September DAY 2: Tuesday 10 September

A lot for you to explore on your own. The Jaffa flea Market, Dizengoff Street, Sarona

or the cool Florentin for a casual lunch.

If you are interested in historical museums, The Museum of the Jewish People will

give a good insight into the Israeli nation and create a greater understanding of their

historic events. You will also have the opportunity to explore the light-hearted history

of Israel, as found in the Joseph Bau House …

Night time offers a huge sampling of dynamic nightlife and Gerrie will gladly get you

going! You have to join the locals to experience their city first-hand!

Overnight in Tel Aviv

Our early arrival in Israel, gives us two full days in the exciting, commercial Tel Aviv.

This power house of Israel is comfortably situated on the Mediterranean with an

extensive promenade begging us to walk from our beachfront hotel to the ancient

port of Jaffa. Is it here where Jonah had the encounter with the whale?

The city provides a mixture of ancient and modern amenities. From minarets, cool

cafes to a fabulous nightlife – some of which you will sample with Gerrie. You are

going to experience everything this city has to offer and start your taste of Israel with

the best guide ever – Gerrie himself. Brace yourselves!

Overnight in Tel Aviv.


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We start our day with a visit to the historic Galilee boat, dating back to the time of

Jesus - raised from the wonderfully preserved mud and, through Israeli ingenuity,

beautifully maintained.

Then off to Capernaum to the fascinating archaeological excavations – believed to be

the exact place where Jesus stayed during his visits to Galilee.

For lunch, Gerrie plans a special treat – a traditional St Peter's fish lunch to end our

visit to Galilee.

After lunch, we change direction and head for the hills – to get a better

understanding of the workings of the Israeli Wine Estates and of course – a wine

taste! L'chaim!

Overnight in Galilee.

Today the real adventure begins heading north for Haifa, where we will visit the

Bahai Terraces, also known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa – one of the most

visited sites in Israel - for a very good reason.

Then on to Mount Carmel for an extraordinary view of the city and the Mediterranean.

For our next stop, Gerrie chose one of the most integral cities in Israel – true history

before your eyes – Akko. Experience layers of history unfolding beneath your feet as

you climb higher, exploring the City Walls and feel the presence of significant

historical role players – whether it was to capture, occupy or build – the Romans,

Ottomans, Crusaders, Mamelukes, Byzantines and British – you'll see and experience

their inputs. A truly magnificent experience!

We head further to Galilee and spend the next two nights in this peaceful part of

Israel.

Overnight in Galilee

DAY 3: Wednesday 11 September DAY 4: Thursday 12 September


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DAY 5: Friday 13 September DAY 6: Saturday 14 September

The Four Quarters of Jerusalem are on the menu today. You will get the opportunity to

explore these four groups, living side by side in this tiny area – Jewish Quarter, Christian

Quarter, Armenian Quarter and Muslim Quarter. Nowhere in the world you'll see what

Gerrie is going to show you today. Fascinating!

Then off to the new Davidson Museum, with excavations of an original Roman Street and

so much more that will leave you gobsmacked.

Lunch in the Old City - find a cosy, quiet corner and observe life!

Tonight we visit the Jerusalem market – the festive Yehuda Mahane Market, or “The

Shuk” as the locals call it. Come and enjoy the lively stall owners beckoning you to

sample their delicious fresh and dried fruits, pastries, nuts, sweets and best of all -

Halva. Dozens of flavours of delicious Halva. Enjoy the wide variety of kiosks where you

can buy fabulous meals, various local beers and wines. It is a wonderful gathering spot

for everyone in Jerusalem. A fun way to end off our Jerusalem chapter because eating

with the locals is the best way to enjoy a country!

Overnight in Jerusalem

We drive to Jerusalem – The Holy City!

Stopping at Mt Scopus for the iconic view of this amazing city. Not only for the

Jewish, but the Christian and Muslim faiths too, Jerusalem is considered the most

holy of cities and all these religions somehow share the space.

A city of fantastic contrasts of culture, history and faith. An incredible mosaic of life,

which needs to be observed, preferably over a good cup of coffee or mint tea.

Absolutely fascinating.

We visit the Western Wall, where you too can file a small prayer request on a tightly

folded paper in the cracks between the mighty blocks of the Temple's Western Wall!

Then, an exciting adventure in Hezekiah's Tunnel – an engineering wonder – carved

out in the rock beneath the City of David around 700BC. It is incredible and you will

get to choose if you wish to walk the dry or the wet route - either way an amazing

experience! Part of the tunnel crosses the original via Dolorosa.

After settling into our hotel – we return to the Old City, the Citadel, to watch the

spectacular Sound- and light show – completely unique in its setting. The show is

just startling – a once in a lifetime experience!

Overnight in Jerusalem


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This morning we leave the Dead Sea behind and drive to the Allenby Bridge Border to

cross over to Jordan - the next leg of our adventure.

Our first stop is Mount Nebo, overlooking almost the entire Israel from the point

where God told Moses that this was the Promised Land where His people would go.

We will also have the opportunity to view the spectacular mosaics in a beautifully

restored church.

Then we travel south to the long-awaited Petra! On so many of our “bucket lists” and

for a very good reason – this is truly going to be one of your most memorable

destinations. Here we will spend a peaceful evening, because tomorrow is stacked

with activities.

Overnight in Petra

We head south to the Dead Sea. Another fascinating experience for all.

Apart from the Dead Sea, this area also boasts one of the greatest examples of

engineering marvels, human endurance and bravery of all times... All in Masada.

You will hear one of the most mesmerising stories ever told, seeing the exact spot

where the tragedy took place.

Then off to our hotel, our last night in Israel and spend the afternoon enjoying one of

life's most unique experiences – a swim in the Dead Sea, or rather on the Dead Sea!

You will feel and look 10 years younger.

Overnight at the Dead Sea.

DAY 7: Sunday 15 September DAY 8: Monday 16 September


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Today promises to be another unique experience. Join Gerrie in the morning for a walk

through the Nabatean city of Petra – one of the seven Wonders of the New World and a

World Heritage Site.

Approaching this iconic site is absolutely awesome, through the remarkable canyon,

the narrow Siq - which safeguarded this secret for thousands of years - and eventually

through the gateway revealing the breath-taking Treasury. One of those really unique

moments of travel.

Explore all the sites, either with the guide or on your own. Time will fly and before you

know it, we have to return to the hotel to freshen up and depart for Amman.

Amman is a vibrant and thriving city with its own Middle Eastern charm. After a short

orientation tour, we meet at a restaurant for our traditional Jordanian dinner.

Afterwards we travel to the airport for our flight to our next adventure – Istanbul!

DAY 9: Tuesday 18 September DAY 10: Wednesday 19 September


Early arrival in Istanbul and just enough time to check in, a short nap, freshen up and

ready to EXPLORE! Gerrie will lead the way, sharing his passion for the fascinating

landmarks of the Sultanahmet – the Old Town of Istanbul, filled with spires and

minarets. The architecture and skyline promise breath-taking photographs, especially

from the rooftop restaurants, overlooking over the Bosphorous. Imagine looking at

the Blue Mosque, while tucking into Humus, quail eggs and even Halva for breakfast

– extraordinary!

No time to waste – so much to see during these two days and Gerrie make sure you

do. The Grand Bazaar, The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, The Spice Souk, with an

interesting tasting walk-through, sampling many delights.

Galata Bridge is calling. Relax on this landmark, watching the ferries go by, while

enjoying your Balik Ekmek (fish sandwich), addictive and cheaper than chips!

You might even be able squeeze in a quick trip to the Hammam – WOW you will never

feel this clean again!

Tonight, our special farewell dinner in Turkish style. Whirling Dervish dancers and all!

Having shared so much over the past few days, there will be a lot to talk about.

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Another exciting day in Istanbul to explore on your own. Maybe take a tram to the new part of Istanbul, visit Taksim square and all the way back to Galata bridge, along the Pedestrian Street of Istiklal Street – Be warned: you might want to leave your wallet behind, the shopping is just too tempting!

A last chance to savour this beautiful city by enjoying an optional afternoon cruise on the Bosphorous – sip on a cocktail watching the city glides past.

Tonight, sadly, we travel to the airport for our return flight to South Africa.

DAY 11: Thursday 20 September DAY 12: Friday 21 September


We arrive in Johannesburg and time to say goodbye to all our new friends – having shared unique experiences and created wonderful memories with Gerrie! You are now part of the Leef jou reis family!

Thank you for joining us!

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ISRAEL, JORDAN & TURKEY2019WHAT TO DO NOW? Price

R43 834 per person sharing (twin/double rooms)

Steps to follow to secure your seat on the Israel, Jordan and Istanbul Tour:

Step 1: Inform us by sending your email address and cell number to:

[email protected].

We will send you the booking form. Complete and return it with a copy of

your passport and proof of payment of your R8000-deposit.

Step 2: We will send you a detailed itinerary with tips on the destinations and things

to plan.

Step 3: Get excited and look forward to the most fascinating holiday of your life!

R59 433 per person (single room/not sharing)Ÿ Please note that the number of single rooms are limited, and sometimes it might

not be possible.Ÿ Tour prices are calculated on sharing tariffs as a baseline.Ÿ Deposit reference number: Isra2019, paid to:

Ÿ Sure Voyager Travel, FNB branch 221426, Account No: 508 555 66476

Ÿ Send proof of payment to both the following email addresses:

[email protected]

[email protected]

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Please contact us to secure your place on this wonderful journey.

israel, jordan & turkey · 2019. 3. 15. · Ÿ dinners (unless specified), and all drinks...

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