Israel 2023

If you would like to see what and where we ate while traveling around Israel

June 11, 2023 We will start our touring program, making our way to one of the communities and Shamron (Samaria). Visit Shiloh, which was the central sanctuary of the Israelites during the pre-monarchic, before the first temple in Jerusalem was built. Here we will be briefed on the border separation fence between the West Bank and Israel. We continue north along the coastal road to the beautiful Carmel mountains overlooking the valley known as the Valley of Armageddon. We will take a beautiful picture from the top of the Mount Precipice in Nazareth also known as Mount of Precipitation or Mount of Leap of the Lord, it is believed to be the sight of the rejection of Jesus drive to the sea of Galilee and check into our hotel overnight and Tiberius Israel.

June 12, 2023 Today we will visit some of the biblical sites around the Sea of Galilee. We will then drive to the northern border of Israel in the town of Matula to view the local border security fence. Interesting part of this most guarded fence is that a number of years ago it was called “The good fence”. It is here that Christian Lebanese and members of the South Lebanon Christian Malia had free access to Israel during Lebanon Civil War years. This good fence was able to sustain supply and allow these Christians access to medical centers in the region.

Next, we will drive up to the Golan Heights where we will visit Meram Golan, and Emek Ha’bachah The Valley of Tears. This place was also the site of the most heroic fight between the IDF and the Syrian army during the Yom Kippur war. Time permitted we will view the newly redone film Oz 77 about the Yom Kippur war and discuss ( at the actual site of the battlefield  bordering the current front line) the security issues that persist 49 years since that war.

Our presentation, here we shed light on another border barrier system that provides 100% security of the region. This place is the Kuneitra border crossing between Israel and Syria, where Israel managed to assist many wounded on the Syrian side. This border crossing was fought for and changed hands a number of times between the Assad army and the Syrian rebels. We will end our Golan and visit in Har Ben Tal, an Israeli IDF bunker overlooking the entire valley below, and the Syrian city of Kuneitra. We make our way back to Tiberias, stopping for a view of the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan Valley from the mount of Beatitudes.

My notes for June 12, 2023 the first stop was Caiperneum, where it was St. Peter’s Church, where we sat and listened to scriptures for a bit. Then we stopped at the church of Beatitudes to hear some scriptures after that we drove to see Banias, which was built by the Greeks. After lunch we stopped at the war spot with the tanks. Then we stopped at the bunkers Har Ben Tal. Shimon showed us where Isis was camped out. We also saw some cool metal sculptures during our drive back to the hotel we stopped at the Trump Heights sign and took some pictures.

June 13, 2023 After breakfast we will once again head north but this time we’ll make our way to the border Kubbutz, Misgav Am. Here we will meet the northern command civilian liaison for an up-to-date account of the southern border with Lebanon, which is held by Hezbollah militia. Driving across the scenic northern border road west we will arrive to Rosh Hanikra to visit the spectacular limestone grottos at the Mediterranean. This interesting place is situated at the most northern seashore border with Lebanon. Here we will view the border and see the UN observers and the IDF checkpoint. Driving south along the coastal road we make our way to Acre and begin our tour with a visit to the underground Crusaders city and halls. We will walk through the narrow passages and alleyways and emerge at the old port of Acre (Akko).

My notes for June 13 the day before Har Ben Tal is the bunker place. Tom Holman arrived last night and this morning we drove for about two hours to Misgav Am and then we met with this general that was a chief of staff to general Alon Friedman, and went into one of the tunnels.

June 14, 2023 – Today we checked out of our hotel in Tiberias and drove to the yardinet the baptismal site and some of our group got baptized afterwards we went to this pretty park Gideon springs and told us a story and we did made a birthday video for trump with Tom Homan. After lunch we went to this viewpoint and then drove to Jerusalem….. united west notes -Jordan Valley along the border line with Kingdom of Jordan. We will drive to Mizpeh Jericho the and the Dead Sea Lookout observation balcony. The views of the Dead Sea and surrounding Jordan Valley and Jericho, the world’s most ancient city is truly breathtaking.

The group photo and the couple photo we took was here…. After breakfast we take our leave of the Galilee heading south along the Drive up to Jerusalem, stopping atop Mt Scopus for your first view of the “Golden City” Of Jerusalem.

June 15, 2023  – Dome of the rock and mt olive to take a group photo and then we went to holy sepulcher church and then the Jewish quarter for lunch. We will visit parts of the southern wall excavations. This southern side of the temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas the priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher western side. Continue through the Old City where we will trace some of the footsteps of Jesus along the Via Dolorosa before walking to the reconstructed Jewish Quarter. Walk through the Cardo, the original Roman street and see the remains of the massive wall built by King Hezekiah. We will exit the city and make our way to the Israeli Parliament-Knesset for a special tour and meeting with Knesset members.

June 16, 2023 – Today we went had a special visit to Latrun. In recent years this place became our must visit place when in Israel – this is the official Israel Defense Force Commemoration Center and armament display. Latrun is the fortress that was strategically built on Israel’s main crossroads and throughout history protected the City of Jerusalem. Jexit will be laying a wreath at the Wall of Fallen.

June 17, 2023 – We drove about two hours to Masada. We will make our way to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea. Driving along the coastline we make our way to Masada. This was the last pocket of insurrection in the Jewish rebellion against the Roman Empire where 960 men, women and children defied the might of Rome and fought for three years after the destruction of Jerusalem. We will visit King Herod’s Palace, the Synagogue, and a very sophisticated water and irrigation system that is 2000 years old. On top of the rock we will hear a presentation by Ron Wexler – Never Again Later in the day a special treat awaits us as we go bathing in the “heavy water” of the Dead Sea.

June 18, 2023 – Today we went to parliament for a tour and then colonel terza the map guy gave us a tour of the walls. United west notes – Our day will consentrate on the seperation wall and security of Jerusalem (more information to follow with registered participants). Afterwards we went to the holocaust museum and then lunch and then went back to the hotel took a shower and a nap and got dressed to go to Shabbat ceremony at the walling wall.

June 19, 2023 – Today we drove to the Israel – Egypt – Gaza borders with the colonel terza for a full presentation with IDF officials and local authorities covering the border wall and all the security issues past present and future. We met with this guy who is in charge of imported goods his name was Amin. He showed us around his facility and even showed us a trick with the K9 dog. Afterwards we went to have lunch.

FIRST NOTE

SECOND NOTE

THIRD NOTE

FOURTH NOTE

Tom Homan on a camel

FIFTH NOTE

MASADA & DEAD SEA

HOLOCAUST MUSEUM

US Embassy in Jerusalem

West Bank

A day in Jerusalem

Cairo, Egypt and The Nile Cruise 2023 # 2

Cairo = April 30, 2023 – May 2, 2023 & May 8, 2023 – May 10, 2023

The Nile Cruise – May 5, 2023 – May 8, 2023

If you would like to see what we ate while we were traveling around Egypt. 

TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2023  CAIRO | ANCIENT TREASURES
This morning at 8:30 a.m., gather for a welcome briefing. Then, join your expert A&K Egyptologist for an exploration of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities (or the Grand Egyptian Museum, upon its opening), to view its huge collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including treasures from Tutankhamun and items dating to 4000 BC. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to your hotel where your afternoon is at leisure.
Accommodation: Marriott Mena House Hotel
WEDNESDAY, MAY 3, 2023 GIZA | THE PYRAMIDS & SPHINX
Today, roam the Giza Plateau, site of the pyramids of Mycerinus and Chephren as well as the Great Pyramid. Built in the Fourth Dynasty (approximately 2690 BC), it is the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Revel in the opportunity to enter the interior of one of these legendary structures, and marvel at the massive stones used to construct them.  Ride a camel across the sands of Giza, and then view the Great Sphinx backdropped by the pyramids, a setting that has captured the imaginations of adventurers for centuries. Pause for lunch then return to your hotel for some time at leisure.
Accommodation: Marriott Mena House Hotel

THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023 CAIRO / LUXOR | TEMPLE OF LUXOR & VALLEY OF THE KINGS
Early this morning, fly to Luxor, site of the ancient city of Thebes.
Begin your full day of exploring by visiting the striking Temple of Luxor. View the three large statues of Ramses II along the front of the temple pylons, the Courtyard of Ramses II and the Colonnade of Amenhotep III, with its 50-foot-high columns. Walk in their shadows, as visitors have done since antiquity, and ponder the astonishing feats of engineering it took to create them. Then, step aboard ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV,’ an elegant river cruiser.

Enjoy lunch on board before disembarking to explore the west bank of the Nile River and the Necropolis of Thebes and view the Colossi of Memnon. Continue to the architecturally stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt’s first female pharaoh and regarded today as one of its most successful. Carry on to the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of the pharaohs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a period of 500 years beginning in the 16th century BC, tombs were built along this valley for pharaohs and nobles, including that of “the boy king,” Tutankhamun. Enter the tomb of Tutankhamun – found in 1922 by British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter – to discover the secrets of this storied chamber. Next, descend into the beautifully decorated tomb of Seti I, the father of Ramses II, one of the best-preserved tombs in the valley.
Accommodation: ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2023 CRUISING THE NILE | LUXOR TO ESNA
This morning, disembark to continue exploring the east bank of the Nile, beginning with a visit to the awe-inspiring Temple of Karnak, where generations of pharaohs wished to record their names. Karnak Temple is a temple within a temple, a shrine within a shrine. During your visit you walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall with its massive, expertly aligned columns, truly a sight to behold. Enjoy lunch onboard as you cruise to Esna. On arrival, disembark and visit the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum and marvel at its soaring columns. The beautifully preserved Great Hypostyle Hall was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius.
Take a short walk through Esna’s bustling streets to the temple site, located about 36 feet below the present level of the town where it was excavated from the silt that had accumulated through centuries of annual Nile floods. The walls of the temple are covered with inscriptions, most of which date back to the Roman period – proving that it was a popular attraction even then. Accommodation: ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’

SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2023 CRUISING THE NILE | TEMPLE OF HORUS & KOM OMBO
Today, view the Temple of Horus, falcon-headed god of the sky. Built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III, this amazingly well-preserved and colorful structure reveals what temple worship in ancient Egypt was like.
Back on board, learn to prepare local dishes on a Chef’s Table experience: a cooking lesson with an onboard chef.
Later this afternoon, enjoy a refreshing Scenic Sundowner as your cruise continues. Disembark at Kom Ombo (hill of gold) to visit the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god), whom some ancient Egyptians considered the creator of the world. View the mummified remains of several crocodiles that once basked along the ancient Nile shore, just as their descendants do today.

Tonight, attend a festive Egyptian-themed costume party onboard your vessel. Sample a buffet of local cuisine, listen to music and dance, and if you wish to look the part, a complimentary galabeyya (traditional Egyptian robes) is provided to each guest from the ship’s bazaar.
Accommodation: ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’

SUNDAY, MAY 7, 2023 ASWAN | MAJESTIC PHILAE
After breakfast, disembark for a visit to the impressive granite quarries and site of the Unfinished Obelisk. Illustrating the skills of Egypt’s stonemasons, this monolith structure measures one-third taller than any other ancient Egyptian obelisk – even in its unfinished state. Next, ride a motorized boat to Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. This sacred complex was dedicated to the Goddess Isis and reflects a fusion of three great civilizations – Egyptian, Greek, and Roman.
The temple was dismantled, and then painstakingly reassembled when the Aswan High Dam was constructed. Built in the 1960s, the dam spans the Nile River, more than two miles across and incorporating 16 times the amount of material that went into the Great Pyramid at Giza. It provides irrigation and hydro-electric power to much of Egypt, and the reservoir that formed behind it, Lake Nasser, is 340 miles long.
After lunch on board – weather permitting – you Ride Like a Local in a traditional Nile felucca, (a typical Egyptian sailing boat) around Elephantine and Kitchener’s Islands with an opportunity to view the splendid Aga Khan Mausoleum high above the river.
Arrive back to ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’ in time for high tea and some time at leisure. Accommodation: ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’

MONDAY, MAY 8, 2023 ASWAN / ABU SIMBEL / CAIRO | TEMPLES OF RAMSES II & NEFERTARI
Early this morning, bid farewell to ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV,’ disembarking to fly to Abu Simbel, site of the magnificent temple of Ramses II.
Flights to and from Abu Simbel are subject to last-minute cancellations. You will be advised by your Resident Tour Director if the flights are cancelled. In the event of flight cancellations, you will be driven from Aswan to Abu Simbel, approximately three hours each way, with no changes to scheduled sightseeing. There are in fact two temples, namely the Great Temple of Ra-Harakhte, fronted by the four colossal statues of Ramses II (each nearly 70 feet tall) and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Ramses’ beloved wife Queen Nefertari. Impressive in themselves, these temples are further remarkable in that they were cut into pieces, raised up the hillside from their old location and then reassembled around a concrete dome on the current site, when threatened by floodwaters from Lake Nasser and the High Dam project. At the conclusion of your visit to Abu Simbel, board your return flight to Aswan and connect on to Cairo, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza

TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2023 CAIRO | DESIGN YOUR DAY
This morning drive to Sakkara, site of hundreds of tombs and 14 pyramids, including the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Built by Pharaoh Djoser during his 19-year reign, it stands at 204 feet and was the largest building of its time.
After lunch, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities, arranged for you by your Resident Tour Director:
-Discover Coptic Cairo, visiting a church built where the Holy Family stayed, as well as St. Barbara and the Church of the Virgin Mary.
-Tour Islamic Cairo, including a walk in El-Moaz Street, and the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar.
-View the Royal Mummies, and countless other artifacts, as you tour the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
This evening at 7:00 p.m., gather with your fellow guests to reflect on your journey through Egypt and along the Nile at a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza

John & Maria
Maria & John

Maria
Maria

John
Maria
John & Maria

Museum in Cairo

Maria

Maria
John & Maria

Maria
Maria & John

John & Maria

John & Maria
Maria

Maria
John & Maria

Dubai, UAE

September 1, 2019 – September 7, 2019 
We stayed in Medinat Jumeriah for two nights and then Burj Khalifa – Armani for two nights and then one night in the Burj Al Arab.
We saw The Lost Chambers Aquarium in the Atlantis and had a backstage tour and then we saw the Dubai Aquarium in the Dubai Mall. We took a seaplane to Abu Dhabi and then went to Ferrari World Dubai than to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and then the Emirates Palace. Our last stop on the tour we visited Qasr Al Watan and the last night we ate at Al Mahara Underwater Restaurant with Nano after dinner we went up to the Sky View bar.
We flew Emirates Airlines to get to Dubai. It was the first time John and I had flown with them and boy were we pleasantly surprised. We will try and fly with Emirates as much as we can. I have a few videos of our experience at the bottom of this post.

Aquarium in the Dubai Mall

Palm Island

Atlantis The Lost Chambers Aquarium

Baby Sharks

Emirates Airlines