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Final Countdown!

 

Hello All,

 

ONLY 6 DAYS LEFT! It is time to pack. Please “fasten your seat-belts” to start our unforgettable learning adventure! We are eager to meet all of you on Sunday, July 3, and start our journey and develop lifelong friendships!!!

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Welcome to Cairo

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Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world. The Greater Cairo metropolitan area, with a population of 21.3 million is the largest urban agglomeration in Africa, the largest in the Arab world and the Middle East, and the sixth-largest in the world by population. Cairo is associated with ancient Egypt, as the Giza pyramid complex and the ancient cities of Memphis and Heliopolis are located in its geographical area. Located near the Nile Delta the city first developed as a settlement founded after the Muslim conquest of Egypt in 640 next to an existing ancient Roman fortress, Babylon.

 

Study Tour Clearance

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After registration, you need financial clearance and full payment or financial aid arrangements prior to the trip. Please make arrangements with: Fares Magesa (magesaf@andrews.edu) at the Andrews Financial Services (269-471-6995).

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Tour Guides Tips

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Attention Please – The tour industry expects our courtesy of giving tips to tour guides, bus drivers, hotels, restaurants. I asked our tour operator for specific expectations about our tour, and she said that the expectation is around $15.00 per person per day, which is around $200 for the entire tour. Again, this is volunteer, but it is expected that we give according to our satisfaction with the guide. We will collect the tips every day, so please bring some cash and use your judgment and generosity as you feel comfortable. 

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Visa Requirements and Fees

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Egyptian visa is required of all participants to be issued upon arrival at the airport. COVID tests are required in Jordan. The tour company has arranged  the processing of visas and COVID tests, so we paid the fees in advance to avoid waiting in extra lines. Visa and test fees are personal documents not included. We have paid them all and, if you agree, those fees will be charged to your student account, unless you advise otherwise. Here are the required fees:

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PCR tests on departure from Jordan: $45.00

Egyptian Visa fee: $25.00

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COVID Requirements

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  • As of May 21, 2022, travelers will no longer be required to take a PCR test upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport or be required to provide a negative test prior to boarding a flight to Israel.

  • Within 48 hours before their flight to Israel, the earlier the better, all passengers must submit an online entry statement.  You will receive a response immediately indicating whether you will be cleared or refused to board your flight.

  • More information: https://il.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ 

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Tour T-Shirts

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You will receive your special t-shirt with the Andrews logo at the airport, so you can wear it at your discretion. Thanks to the tour secretary Marlene for coordinating this. The tour will provide one T-shirt for each participant, but additional t-shirts are available to those who want at an extra cost.

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Study Tour Checklist

 

This is a tentative checklist of the main items you should pay attention for the Study Tour. It doesn’t mean to be a complete list, but it is a reminder of the main issues. If you are missing any of those items, it is time to get it done:

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  • Registration for LEAD778 or LEAD678 ready

  • Financial clearance ready (Required by Andrews Financial services before the trip)

  • Textbooks purchased

  • Moodle course starting On June 1 with reading assignments

  • Travel arrangements to Chicago or Newark (for those who live far from Michigan)

  • Assumption of Risk Agreement form to be filled (My secretary will contact you)

  • Packing list planned

  • Bring your personal health insurance card

  • Bring your COVID Vaccination card

  • Tour T-shirt selected (the tour secretary will contact you)

  • DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR PASSPORT!

  • Other

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Dress Code

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We will wear casual most of the time, but make sure to have business casual for the days when we will visit the universities. Daily high temperatures are around 84°F, rarely falling below 77°F or exceeding 91°F. At night, low temperatures vary from 64°F to 66°F, rarely falling below 60°F or exceeding 71°F. Don’t forget comfortable shoes for long walks.

 

Packing List

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For those who need a reminder, we are suggesting a tentative Packing List to make your trip easier and safer. The list includes detailed items such as personal toiletries, relaxed summer pants, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, money cards, light sweater or fleece jacket, electronics, small first aid kit, passport and document holder, and many other items to make your trip comfortable and pleasant. Please click on the Packing List to see a planning guide for your trip.

 

Travel Expenses

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The Study Tour registration covers all the air and ground transportation from Andrews University, plus two meals per day during the tour, except the days when we fly, which will be on your own. Visa fee and personal documents are not included. You will need some cash for personal expenses and tips for the tour guides as explained below.

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Mandatory Travel Insurance

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Besides your personal insurance card, Andrews University requires an additional short term travel insurance provided by Andrews University. We will order this travel insurance for everybody at the cost of $50.0 per person, charged to your student account unless you advise otherwise.

 

Baggage Allowance

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It is time to plan your luggage. The domestic flights and ground transportation are planned for one bag per person plus one carry on. Each bag should weight no more than 50 pounds. Please try to plan your luggage accordingly to avoid extra airlines fee.

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Helpful Information

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  • Calling cards – It is much cheaper to make phone call with local calling cards.

  • Cell phone – In case you want to use your cell phone, make sure to set up an international plan and check the rates with your provider (usually expensive).

  • ATM available – Cash machines should be available at most cities and selected banks, and it is a safe way to cash money. Most banks charge a transaction fee of 1% to 3%, or more, so make sure to check with your bank.

  • International credit cards – Very practical and safe way of spending money. Also subject to transaction fees, so check with your bank. In addition, make sure to inform your bank that you will use your card internationally, otherwise they may block it for security reasons.

  • Frequent flyer number: Everybody is eligible to win around 10,000 reward miles in this trip, which counts towards free travel in the future. If you don’t have a frequent flyer plan, I recommend that you enroll at https://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps/account/account.aspx, and bring your account number to the check-in. Just follow the instructions on the website.

 

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Volunteer Support Team

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Thanks to those who volunteered to perform specific tasks during the whole trip. If you are willing to volunteer for helping with special activities, please email us specifying your interest  Here is our volunteer support team so far:

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  • Tour Secretary:  Marlene Alvarez 

  • Spiritual Coordinator:  Dr. Janet Ledesma

  • Health Assistant: Jolly Raj

  • Photographer:  Robson Marinho

  • Blogger:  Naomi Carlyle

  • Other roles:  Feel free to suggest other roles to enrich our experience!

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List of Participants

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Hello tour mates! We are happy to welcome our new participant Maureen and Jolly Raj! This is our current list of participants, so you can start knowing and interacting with your tour teammates. We look forward to meeting all of you on Sunday! 

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  1. Celeste Giles

  2. Chad Bernard

  3. Cynthia Poole

  4. Erin Doggette

  5. Evelyn Savory

  6. Jess Swackhamer

  7. John Alberty

  8. Kimberly Alberty

  9. Karen Phillips

  10. Madeline Brown

  11. Marlene Casseus-Alvarez

  12. Morris Beckford

  13. Naomi Carlyle

  14. Sean Williams

  15. Sharon Hamel

  16. Stephen Bralley

  17. Yoel Paredes 

  18. Ruth Nino

  19. Maureen Raj

  20. Jolly Raj

  21. Claudia Cruz

  22. Robson Marinho

  23. Janet Ledesma​

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Updated Tour Itinerary

 

Explore ancient temples and monuments, gaze at the pyramids and mysterious Sphinx, relax in the Dead Sea, visit the ancient rock-cut city of Petra, explore the biblical towns of Nazareth and Bethlehem, wander through the streets of Old Jerusalem, and enjoy the tour of your dreams!

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July 3, Sunday, Departure

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GROUP A - Newark (EWR): 8:55 pm

GROUP B - Chicago O'Hare: 6:10 pm

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July 4, Monday - Tel Aviv arrival

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Upon your arrival at Tel Aviv International Airport, the tour guide will meet and assist you with your transfer to the hotel on the beach in Netanya. Enjoy a preliminary driving tour on the way to the hotel where you will see Mount Carmel, the Muchraka Monastery and the ancient Roman city of Caesarea Maritima.

Dinner & overnight at hotel.

 

July 5, Tuesday -  Netanya – Tabgha – Capernaum – Yardenit - The Sea of Galilee - Tiberias

Buffet breakfast at hotel. Check-out.

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8:00 am: Educational workshop at University of Tel Aviv

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10:30 am: The first day of the tour features a special visit to the ancient Roman city of Caesarea Maritima. Then to Mount Carmel, the Muchraka Monastery. Proceeding to visit the archaeological site of Megiddo, followed by a drive through the village of Nazareth. And then to the hotel Leonardo Club in Tiberias by the Sea of Galilee. Dinner & overnight in Tiberias.

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July 6, Wednesday -  Tiberias – Cana – Nazareth – Qumran - The Dead Sea - Jerusalem

 

Buffet breakfast at hotel and check-out.

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The itinerary continues today with a visit to Tabgha, the traditional site of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes, followed by a tour of Capernaum, the reported headquarters of Jesus’ Galilean ministry. Afterwards, the tour continues to Yardenit, a special baptismal site on the Jordan River. Then we continue to Qumran to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. The remainder of the day is free to spend swimming and floating in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea, known for their high mineral content and healing powers. Continue to Jerusalem for check-in at hotel Olive Tree, followed by dinner & overnight.

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July 7, Thursday -  Jerusalem

 

Buffet breakfast at hotel.

 

8:30 am: Educational workshop at Hebrew University of Jerusalem

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10:30 am: Today’s journey is devoted to sites in and around Jerusalem, starting with the Mount of Olives, a site of many important biblical events. Continue to Pater Noster Church, the chapel of Domimus Flevit (latin for “the Lord Wept”) and Gethsemane, the place where Jesus Christ suffered the Agony and was taken prisoner. We see Mount Zion, the site of the Last Supper, King David’s Tomb, the Dormition Abbey, the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, the small Judean village of Ein Karem and the Holy Land Second Temple Model.

We continue our tour of Jerusalem with an exploration of the Old City. First on the itinerary is a walk on the Via Dolorosa, the path of Jesus on the day of his crucifixion. It will start from the first station, where he was condemned by Pontius Pilate, proceeding to the final station, where he was laid in his tomb. Next is a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Western or “Wailing” Wall, a sacred place of prayer. Dinner & overnight at hotel Olive Tree.

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July 8, Friday -  Jerusalem – border crossing – Mt. Nebo – Madaba

 

After a buffet breakfast, check-out.

Drive to Allenby and Jabbok. Bridge to cross over to Jordan. Follow the Biblical tour with historical descriptions by the tour guide. Drive on Desert Highway (214 km in 3 hours) to Amman.

 

Class discussion in the bus.

Vespers and sunset inspiration.

 

Check-in at hotel. Dinner & overnight.

 

July 9, Saturday -  Jerusalem – border crossing – Mt. Nebo – Madaba - Petra

 

After a buffet breakfast, check-out.

Follow the Biblical tour with historical descriptions by the tour guide. Visit Mt. Nebo & Madaba with lunch.

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Worship on top of Mont Nebo

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July 10, Sunday - Petra – Amman (227 km / 3 ½ hours)

 

Buffet breakfast at hotel. Check-out.

Spend a full day visiting Petra with lunch, then drive to Amman for check-in at hotel, followed by dinner & overnight.

 

July 11, Monday -  Amman – Cairo

 

Buffet breakfast at hotel. Check-out.

Transfer to Amman International Airport “Queen Alia” and fly to Cairo. After 1 hour 20 minutes’ flight, arrive at Cairo International Airport.

 

Welcome to Cairo! The largest African city with 4000 years of history! Upon arrival, meet with our guide and drive to have lunch in Al Azhar Park then visit the Alabaster Mosque, Khan El Khalili bazaar.

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3:00 pm - Educational workshop at The American University of Cairo 

 

Transfer to the hotel for check-in. Dinner & overnight.

 

July 12, Tuesday - Cairo - Pyramids - Museum

This morning we visit the world-famous Pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza.  Next, we explore the magnificent Egyptian Museum, which holds one of the world’s most important collections of ancient artifacts. 

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8:30 am - Educational workshop at Nile Union Academy

 

Free evening to discover the hidden treasures of Cairo.

Dinner. Transfer to the hotel for overnight.

 

July 13, Wednesday -  Fly Cairo-Aswan – Philae – Embarkation on Nile Cruise

 

Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning transfer to Cairo Airport and fly from Cairo to Aswan, where we will see an Unfinished Obelisk. The obelisk would have been the largest in the ancient times, if it had been finished.  Continue with a visit to the Temple of Philae, enjoy a felucca ride to the Elephantine Island and walk through the Botanical Garden. Embarkation on the Nile cruise-boat. Check-in. Buffet lunch, buffet dinner and overnight on board.

 

July 14, Thursday - Kom Ombo – Esna - Edfu

 

Buffet breakfast on board.

After a relaxing morning sailing from Aswan, buffet lunch on board. We arrive at Kom Ombo in the afternoon. Visit the imposing Greco Roman Temple, featured with its marvelous setting directly overlooking the Nile. We go through the locks of Esna and continue on to Edfu. Buffet dinner & overnight on board.

 

July 15, Friday -  Edfu - Luxor

 

Buffet breakfast on board.

Enjoy a morning visit to the Temple of Horus in Edfu. Transportation by horse-drawn carriages. Later we sail on to Luxor. Buffet lunch on board. Upon arrival, we visit the Temples of Karnak and Luxor. Buffet dinner & overnight on board

 

July 16, Saturday -  Luxor Disembarkation - Fly Cairo

Buffet breakfast on board. 

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Worship on board of the Nile Cruise

 

After disembarking from our cruise-boat we visit the West Bank of the Nile including the Necropolis of Thebes, the Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Valley of the Kings and the mortuary temple of Ramses II. Transfer to Luxor Airport for our short flight back to Cairo. Arrive at Cairo Airport. Transfer to our hotel. Check-in and enjoy evening at leisure. Buffet dinner & overnight rest.

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July 17, Sunday - Departure back to USA

 

Check-out and transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight back home. Arrive in Chicago Sunday evening.

 

Due to local events and holidays, the order of sightseeing may change. Details to be provided locally by Tour Manager.

 

Contact

 

If you have any questions about the tour, please feel free to email Robson Marinho at marinho@andrews.edu.

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