Where Did Jesus Really Walk?

One discount tour operator makes it possible for Christians to follow in the footsteps of Jesus according to their own traditions, on a customized tour of Israel and Jordan

JENKINTOWN, Pa.-October 1, 2009-Christians throughout the world do their best to figuratively follow in Jesus' steps every day. Now discount tour operator Friendly Planet Travel is making it possible for Christians to literally follow in Jesus' footsteps in ways most relevant to their beliefs.

Friendly Planet Travel, the Internet's leading group travel site, can help Christian groups plan and enjoy customized tours of the Holy Lands at tremendous savings when churches, congregations, or Bible study groups travel together. Customized by destinations, sites, and length of travel, these tours are led by carefully selected teacher-guides who deeply understand and appreciate the religious significance of each location. Tours include as many destinations and as many days of travel as a group chooses.

            "Every denomination has different beliefs and traditions," says Peggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel. "Our specialty Holy Lands tours embrace these differences and wrap them within an itinerary that blends the breathtaking natural scenery, incredible historical sites, and awe-inspiring religious significance for the perfect journey of Biblical discovery and spiritual renewal for each group. It is the true definition of pilgrimage, where travelers experience the land of the Bible, and literally watch it come alive through the tour-because those places where the events of the Bible took place still exist, and travelers get to experience them in context."

Friendly Planet Travel's most recent Israel and Jordan tour featured nine days of touring for just $2,380. Costs can be less or more, depending upon the itinerary and number of countries visited. And as with every Friendly Planet Travel vacation, the tours don't skimp on the details. They include roundtrip airfare, fuel surcharges, great hotels, transfers, many meals, touring, expert guides, and more. Tour leaders and/or accompanying pastors can often travel for free as part of the group tour.

            Popular sites visited on these customized Israel/Jordan tours include the four distinct quarters of Jerusalem with the Way of the Cross, the Western (Wailing) Wall, St. Anne's Church, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Garden Tomb, the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Upper Room, and many other sites. Most tours also visit the Dead Sea region with Masada and Ein Gedi; as well as Qumran, where the dead Sea Scrolls were found; the Galilee region, including a crossing of the Sea of Galilee by boat; Capernaum; Tabgha (site of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes); the Mt. of Beatitudes (site of the Sermon on the Mount); Beit She'an, one of the best preserved and comprehensively excavated Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East; and Caesarea, the amazing Roman City built by Herod, on the shore of the Mediterranean. Other sites, such as Bethlehem and Mt. Carmel, are also often included.         In Jordan, the most popular sites visited include Mt. Nebo which, according to tradition, is the mountain from which Moses saw the Promised Land before he died; Madaba, where the oldest known mosaic map of the Holy Land is found; and of course, Petra, that mystical lost city built by the ancient Nabateans as a commercial and cultural capital.

For individual travelers who want to go to Israel on their own, Friendly Planet Travel also offers a nine-day Classic Israel vacation with set departure. It includes airfare, fuel surcharges, great hotels, transfers, most meals, comprehensive touring, and more for just $2,199 when booked by October 9^th. Every hotel has been selected for its location, comfort, and service, and every day of the program has been carefully designed to ensure travelers' Israel experience is the very best. Friendly Planet Travel's comprehensive itinerary features the most important Biblical sites throughout the country, such as Mount Carmel, Mount of Beatitudes, Jerusalem, and the Dead Sea.

As with all Friendly Planet Travel packages, prices includes airfare from New York City, fuel charges, all group transfers, superior hotel accommodations, many meals, touring, and more. Other gateway cities are available upon request. To book or for more information on any Israel/Holy Lands tours, please visit the Friendly Planet Travel Web site, or contact us.

ABOUT FRIENDLY PLANET TRAVEL

Friendly Planet Travel (http://www.FriendlyPlanetTravel.com) makes high-quality exotic travel affordable for everyone. Since 1981, Friendly Planet Travel has been arranging all-inclusive escorted discount vacation packages and cruises to the most exciting destinations in the world at the lowest possible prices.

Each year, Friendly Planet Travel offers more than 30 different group travel packages to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South America-at discounts of hundreds of dollars off similar vacations. With no hidden charges, add-ons or surprises, Friendly Planet Travel vacations include convenient flights and airfare, carefully-selected first-class and superior hotels, knowledgeable English-speaking guides, many meals and itineraries as well as friendships and memories that last a lifetime.

Friendly Planet Travel offers its extensive, economical travel services to private groups including universities, religious institutions, alumni associations and families. Groups who wish to travel together can count on Friendly Planet Travel's three decades of experience to operate their group travel program expertly and always at the very best possible prices. Visit us at www.FriendlyPlanetTravel.com.
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