M² Archaeological and Cultural
Experience of Israel
December 26, 2022 – January 5, 2023
Hosted by Matt Nappier and Matthew Vander Els
Let's Go To Israel
“Jesus walked on these steps?” I asked as I kneeled, pressing my palms against the cold, smooth, steps on the mount. “Yes. These were the steps to the main entrance of the temple. If Jesus went to the temple, these are the steps he would have used”.
This was one of the many life-changing experiences during my very first trip to Israel in 2005. I have returned several times accompanied by friends or simply with my wife. Israel is a special place, but for a Christian believer, it’s a sacred place. From standing on top of the temple mount, once home to the ark of the covenant, to standing in the place where Israel worshipped a golden calf at Tel Dan, the stories from the Bible are experienced.
A visit to the land of Israel is more than just visiting significant Biblical sites; it is also an amazing cultural experience. From watching the shops shut down at 3 pm on Friday to prepare for the coming Sabbath to engaging with Jews, Arabs, and Israelis from all different backgrounds, Israel leaves its mark.
Going to Israel many times, we knew both aspects were extremely important, but we had never experienced a tour that both emphasized learning and archeology as well as cultural experience, exploring Israel not as a tourist but as a person. Eating at unique restaurants, talking with locals, and simply exploring the beauty of what Israel is. That is why we crafted this tour to combine the best of both worlds.
If you have ever wanted to grow deeper in your faith, visit the places you’ve read about in the Bible, and experience the holy land of Israel, we invite you to join us, December 26th – January 5th, for adventure, cultural exposure, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
-Daily Itinerary-
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26 – DALLAS/FORT WORTH
OR CHARLOTTE, NEWARK: Depart by United Airlines to Newark. Continue by connecting wide-bodied jet. Meals and snacks are served as we fly across the Atlantic.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27 – TEL AVIV, HADERA: Fly nonstop from Newark and arrive in Tel Aviv in the morning.
Visit some sites in Joppa before transferring to the Ramada
Beach Resort in Hadera for dinner and overnight.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28– HADERA, MEGIDDO,
HAIFA, SEA OF GALILEE, TIBERIAS: Our excellent guide will arrive at the hotel after breakfast to begin the days touring. We begin by visiting the important sites in Caesarea, once the capital of the Roman province, and see the harbor from which Paul was taken to Rome. Proceed to Megiddo overlooking the Jezreel Valley and considered the Armageddon of the New Testament, including a visit to Ahab’s tunnel. Then to Mukhraka for a spectacular view of the northern region. Continue to Haifa and from Mount Carmel have a wonderful view of the area. Arrive at the Ceasar Hotel in Tiberias located right on the Sea of Galilee for three nights.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29 — CAPERNAUM,
TABGHA, CAESAREA PHILIPPI, GOLAN HEIGHTS:
Take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum as did Jesus and His apostles. See the Synagogue and Peter’s house, center of Jesus preaching ministry. Also, by the shore, visit Tabgha and the ancient mosaic of the Loaves and Fishes. Visit Chorazim and the ruins of a synagogue where Jesus preached. See the “Jesus Boat” recovered from the shore of the Sea of Galilee in 1986. Drive to Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount is remembered. Drive north to Caesarea Philippi, site of Peter’s confession of the Messiah. Spectacular drive up onto the Golan Heights and then back to hotel for overnight.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30 — CANA, NAZARETH, MT. TABOR: Today illuminates Jesus’ world with a drive to Cana, scene of the first miracle and visit the Church of the Wedding. Then go to Nazareth, Jesus’ home, and see the oldest Church of the Annunciation with Mary’s Well. Visit the Nazareth Village. This is an excavated village dating from around 1 AD. The excavations have carefully renovated the synagogue and houses to give a unique insight into village life and agriculture, as it would have been at the time of Jesus. Continue to Sepphoris, an ancient city where Jesus, and his father Joseph, might have walked to each day to work as builders. Last stop of the day is the top of Mt Tabor for a visit. Finally, return to the Ceasar Hotel for dinner and overnight.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 – JORDAN RIVER, BET
SHEAN, SAMARIA, JERICHO, DEAD SEA: We drive to the Jordan River to visit the traditional Baptism site. Next to Bet Shean, Biblical Scythopolis, to visit the Roman theatre,
paved road and the excavations. Then drive through Samaria and stop for a visit at Jacob’s Well. On to Jericho to see the
excavations of the oldest city in the world and view the Mt. of Temptation. Proceed along the Dead Sea to the Leonardo Plaza for a swim in the Dead Sea, dinner, and overnight.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1 – MASADA, EIN GEDI, QUMRAN,
BETHANY, JERUSALEM: Drive to Masada, the site of the Zealot’s last stand against the Romans. Take a cable car ride to the summit for sightseeing and a wonderful view of the Dead Sea. Drive back along the Dead Sea to Ein Gedi and to Qumran where the Essenes lived and see the caves where they hid the Dead Sea Scrolls. Continue to Bethany, home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, and on to Jerusalem for sightseeing and four nights at the Olive Tree Hotel.
MONDAY, JANUARY 2 – JERUSALEM, BETHLEHEM:
Morning visit to Bethlehem to see the Church of the Nativity and on to the Shepherd’s Field. Continue to Herodium, Herod’s dramatic and glorious Palace fortress with views of Jerusalem and of the Judean Wilderness. Return to Jerusalem and visit the Garden Tomb, Israel Museum and Shrine of the Book (ancient Old Testament manuscripts) and the Model museum.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3 – JERUSALEM: Drive to the Mount of Olives for a wonderful view of Jerusalem. See the Place of Ascension and the Pater Noster Church, and walk the Palm Sunday road. At the foot of the hill see the Garden of Gethsemane with the ancient olive trees and the Church of All Nations. Drive along the Kidron Valley to St. Peter in Gallicantu, built over the palace of the High Priest Caiaphas. On Mount Zion visit the tomb of David, the Church of the Dormition, and the Upper Room, a traditional scene of Jesus’ last Passover feast. Finally, there is an opportunity to wade through Hezekiah’s Tunnel.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4– JERUSALEM, TEL AVIV: Visit the Wailing (or Western) Wall for a private tour of the Western Wall Tunnel. Then up to the Temple Mount with the Al-Aksa Mosque and Dome of the Rock. Continue to see the Pool of Bethesda where the angel ruffled the water. Passing the Stations of the Cross, come to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, site where Jesus was crucified and buried, and rose again. Visit the Jewish Quarter to see the Cardo, ancient Synagogue, Burnt house, Herodian Mansion and Tomb of the Kings. “Farewell dinner” in the evening.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5 – TEL AVIV, NEWARK,
DALLAS/FORT WORTH OR CHARLOTTE: Noon
flight from Tel Aviv to Newark. After clearing U.S. Customs, continue by connecting flight to Dallas/Fort Worth or
Charlotte, arriving in the evening.
DAILY ITINERARY
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26
DALLAS/FORT WORTH OR CHARLOTTE, NEWARK
Summary
Depart by United Airlines to Newark. Continue by connecting wide-bodied jet. Meals
and snacks are served as we fly across the Atlantic.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27
TEL AVIV, HADERA
Summary
Fly nonstop from Newark and arrive in Tel Aviv in the morning. Visit some sites in Joppa before transferring to the Ramada Beach Resort in Hadera for dinner and overnight.WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28
HADERA, MEGIDDO,
HAIFA, SEA OF GALILEE, TIBERIAS
Summary
Our excellent guide will arrive at the hotel after breakfast to begin the days touring. We begin by visiting the important sites in Caesarea, once the capital of the Roman province, and see the harbor from which Paul was taken to Rome. Proceed to Megiddo overlooking the Jezreel Valley and considered the Armageddon of the New Testament, including a visit to Ahab’s tunnel. Then to Mukhraka for a spectacular view of the northern region. Continue to Haifa and from Mount Carmel have a wonderful view of the area. Arrive at the Ceasar Hotel in Tiberias located right on the Sea of Galilee for three nights.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29
CAPERNAUM,
TABGHA, CAESAREA PHILIPPI, GOLAN HEIGHTS
Summary
Take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum as did Jesus and His apostles. See the Synagogue and Peter’s house, center of Jesus preaching ministry. Also, by the shore, visit Tabgha and the ancient mosaic of the Loaves and Fishes. Visit Chorazim and the ruins of a synagogue where Jesus preached. See the “Jesus Boat” recovered from the shore of the Sea of Galilee in 1986. Drive to Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount is remembered. Drive north to Caesarea Philippi, site of Peter’s confession of the Messiah. Spectacular drive up onto the Golan Heights and then back to hotel for overnight.FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30
CANA, NAZARETH, MT.
TABOR
Summary
Today illuminates Jesus’ world with a drive to Cana, scene of the first miracle and visit the Church of the Wedding. Then go to Nazareth, Jesus’ home, and see the oldest Church of the Annunciation with Mary’s Well. Visit the Nazareth Village. This is an excavated village dating from around 1 AD. The excavations have carefully renovated the synagogue and houses to give a unique insight into village life and agriculture, as it would have been at the time of Jesus. Continue to Sepphoris, an ancient city where Jesus, and his father Joseph, might have walked to each day to work as builders. Last stop of the day is the top of Mt Tabor for a visit. Finally, return to the Ceasar Hotel for dinner and overnight.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31
JORDAN RIVER, BET
SHEAN, SAMARIA, JERICHO, DEAD SEA
Summary
We drive to the Jordan River to visit the traditional Baptism site. Next to Bet Shean, Biblical Scythopolis, to visit the Roman theatre,
paved road and the excavations. Then drive through Samaria and stop for a visit at Jacob’s Well. On to Jericho to see the
excavations of the oldest city in the world and view the Mt. of Temptation. Proceed along the Dead Sea to the Leonardo Plaza for a swim in the Dead Sea, dinner, and overnight.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1
MASADA, EIN GEDI, QUMRAN,
BETHANY, JERUSALEM
Summary
Drive to Masada, the site of the Zealot’s last stand against the Romans. Take a cable car ride to the summit for sightseeing and a wonderful view of the Dead Sea. Drive back along the Dead Sea to Ein Gedi and to Qumran where the Essenes lived and see the caves where they hid the Dead Sea Scrolls. Continue to Bethany, home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, and on to Jerusalem for sightseeing and four nights at the Olive Tree Hotel.
MONDAY, JANUARY 2
JERUSALEM, BETHLEHEM
Summary
Morning visit to Bethlehem to see the Church of the Nativity and on to the Shepherd’s Field. Continue to Herodium, Herod’s dramatic and glorious Palace fortress with views of Jerusalem and of the Judean Wilderness. Return to Jerusalem and visit the Garden Tomb, Israel Museum and Shrine of the Book (ancient Old Testament manuscripts) and the Model museum.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3
JERUSALEM
Summary
Drive to the Mount of Olives for a wonderful view of Jerusalem. See the Place of Ascension and the Pater Noster Church, and walk the Palm Sunday road. At the foot of the hill see the Garden of Gethsemane with the ancient olive trees and the Church of All Nations. Drive along the Kidron Valley to St. Peter in Gallicantu, built over the palace of the High Priest Caiaphas. On Mount Zion visit the tomb of David, the Church of the Dormition, and the Upper Room, a traditional scene of Jesus’ last Passover feast. Finally, there is an opportunity to wade through Hezekiah’s Tunnel.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4
JERUSALEM, TEL AVIV
Summary
Visit the Wailing (or Western) Wall for a private tour of the Western Wall Tunnel. Then up to the Temple Mount with the Al-Aksa Mosque and Dome of the Rock. Continue to see the Pool of Bethesda where the angel ruffled the water. Passing the Stations of the Cross, come to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, site where Jesus was crucified and buried, and rose again. Visit the Jewish Quarter to see the Cardo, ancient Synagogue, Burnt house, Herodian Mansion and Tomb of the Kings. “Farewell dinner” in the evening.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5
TEL AVIV, NEWARK,
DALLAS/FORT WORTH OR CHARLOTTE
Summary
Noon flight from Tel Aviv to Newark. After clearing U.S. Customs, continue by connecting flight to Dallas/Fort Worth or Charlotte, arriving in the evening.Pricing
From Dallas/Fort Worth
-
Transportation
-
Hotels
-
Meals
-
Transfers
-
Sightseeing
-
Tips and Taxes
-
NOT Included in Cost
-
Reservations
-
Baggage Allowance
-
Cancellations
-
Important Notice
-
Responsibility
Air transportation is included from Dallas/Fort Worth or Charlotte by
economy class jet. Cancellation fees are imposed by airlines if the air reservations are cancelled
within 60 days of departure. Land transportation is by private motor coach.
Accommodations are in first-class hotels based on sharing twin bedded rooms with
private bath. Supplement for a single room is $1280.
A full breakfast and delicious dinner daily including a farewell dinner on the last
evening are included.
All transfers between airports and hotels are included as well as the handling of one average sized suitcase per person.
All sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary is included with entrance fees and
the services of an excellent English speaking guide.
Baggage handling tips at airports and hotel service charges and taxes are
included.
U.S. passport fee, personal and baggage insurance, tips to
guides, drivers and hotel staffs, items of a personal nature and any other items not specifically mentioned as being included. A charge of $150 will be made on the final billing to cover the tips to guides, drivers, and hotel staffs. Tour host will then care for all such tipping
A deposit of $400 per person is required to secure space on the tour. ACT NOW! Balance of the tour cost is due 75 days before departure.
The free air allowance is in a state of change by many airlines at
this time. We expect that one bag weighing no more than 50 pounds will be allowed. However, to be certain, we recommend that you check with your airline nearer to
The deposit is fully refundable until 90 days before departure. From
89 days to 60 days before departure, a $200 penalty will apply. All monies paid are subject to forfeiture after this time. Trip cancellation, travel accident and baggage insurance is recommended.
Tour prices are based on rates in effect May 1, 2022 and are subject
to adjustment should rates change.
FOWLER TOURS LLC and its representatives act solely as a booking
agent for travel services and related products, and disclaim all other responsibility regarding
the travel services and related products described above. Once a booking is obtained
through FOWLER TOURS LLC any funds received by FOWLER TOURS LLC are sent
directly to the actual supplier, who assumes all responsibility for providing the services and
products purchased. FOWLER TOURS LLC and its officers, directors, employees and other
representatives, will not be liable for the acts or omissions of suppliers, such as airlines, cruise
lines, other transportation providers, hotels, and tour or ground operators; nor will FOWLER
TOURS LLC or any of its officers, directors, employees or other representatives, have liability for any loss, injury or damage (including consequential damage) to persons or property in
connection with any accommodations, transportation or other services or products purchased. FOWLER TOURS LLC and the ground operators may make changes to the daily itinerary as
deemed necessary for the safety and comfort of the tour members.
From Charlotte
-
Transportation
-
Hotels
-
Meals
-
Transfers
-
Sightseeing
-
Tips and Taxes
-
NOT Included in Cost
-
Reservations
-
Baggage Allowance
-
Cancellations
-
Important Notice
-
Responsibility
Air transportation is included from Dallas/Fort Worth or Charlotte by
economy class jet. Cancellation fees are imposed by airlines if the air reservations are cancelled
within 60 days of departure. Land transportation is by private motor coach.
Accommodations are in first-class hotels based on sharing twin bedded rooms with
private bath. Supplement for a single room is $1280.
A full breakfast and delicious dinner daily including a farewell dinner on the last
evening are included.
All transfers between airports and hotels are included as well as the handling of one average sized suitcase per person.
All sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary is included with entrance fees and
the services of an excellent English speaking guide.
Baggage handling tips at airports and hotel service charges and taxes are
included.
U.S. passport fee, personal and baggage insurance, tips to
guides, drivers and hotel staffs, items of a personal nature and any other items not specifically mentioned as being included. A charge of $150 will be made on the final billing to cover the tips to guides, drivers, and hotel staffs. Tour host will then care for all such tipping
A deposit of $400 per person is required to secure space on the tour. ACT NOW! Balance of the tour cost is due 75 days before departure.
The free air allowance is in a state of change by many airlines at
this time. We expect that one bag weighing no more than 50 pounds will be allowed. However, to be certain, we recommend that you check with your airline nearer to
The deposit is fully refundable until 90 days before departure. From
89 days to 60 days before departure, a $200 penalty will apply. All monies paid are subject to forfeiture after this time. Trip cancellation, travel accident and baggage insurance is recommended.
Tour prices are based on rates in effect May 1, 2022 and are subject
to adjustment should rates change.
FOWLER TOURS LLC and its representatives act solely as a booking
agent for travel services and related products, and disclaim all other responsibility regarding
the travel services and related products described above. Once a booking is obtained
through FOWLER TOURS LLC any funds received by FOWLER TOURS LLC are sent
directly to the actual supplier, who assumes all responsibility for providing the services and
products purchased. FOWLER TOURS LLC and its officers, directors, employees and other
representatives, will not be liable for the acts or omissions of suppliers, such as airlines, cruise
lines, other transportation providers, hotels, and tour or ground operators; nor will FOWLER
TOURS LLC or any of its officers, directors, employees or other representatives, have liability for any loss, injury or damage (including consequential damage) to persons or property in
connection with any accommodations, transportation or other services or products purchased. FOWLER TOURS LLC and the ground operators may make changes to the daily itinerary as
deemed necessary for the safety and comfort of the tour members.
Your Hosts
Pastor
Matthew Vander Els
Matthew VanderEls has been pastoring Founded in Truth fellowship since 2012 and currently resides in Rock Hill, SC with his wife, Jenny, and three children. Matthew and Jenny are active foster parents, are actively involved in ministry, and travel often for speaking events. Matthew’s passion is showing the beauty of the Biblical text through its cultural and historical background. His sermons and lectures have become known for being both applicable and presenting Jesus as the trajectory of the Biblical narrative. First visiting Israel in 2005, Matthew has been forever changed by the holy land and has a zeal of showing others just how amazing Israel can be. Aside from full-time ministry, Matthew operates a digital marketing agency and serves the county board of special needs as an information systems analyst.
Pastor
Matt Nappier
Matt Nappier resides in West Monroe, La with his wife Malissa and five children ages 1-10. He is an active duty servicemenber with more than 20 years of service thus far. He cofounded and co-pastors Lighthouse Messianic Fellowship in Monroe, La., a congregation going on seven years and the only one of its kind in Northeast Louisiana. Matt has a bachelors in Social Sciences, a Masters in Old Testament, and is currently a doctoral student working towards a PhD in Old Testament at Amridge University where he studies in light of the ancient Near Eastern
cultures and languages along with the literary styles and structures of the Bible. Matt is excited to begin a new chapter of leading tours in Israel the Promised Land from our King. He intends to bring his military background into the tour with early morning runs and hikes to see areas not seen on the usual tour!
Register
Download the registration form below
- Download and print out the registration form
- Mail it in along with a check for your deposit
- Start preparing yourself for an experience like never before