Fables Kings, and Judges - Gems in Israel Launches New Walking & Driving Tours

Gems in Israel (http://www.GemsinIsrael.com) has a launched a series of 2 1/2-hour walking and driving tours, designed for travelers to Israel. Tours are available at pre-publicized dates, or as private tours for groups of up to five people (tours for larger groups may also be arranged).

Gilboa, Israel (PRWEB) March 1, 2004 --Gems in Israel (http://www.GemsinIsrael.com) has a launched a series of 2 1/2-hour walking and driving tours, designed for travelers to Israel. Tours are available at pre-publicized dates, or as private tours for groups of up to five people (tours for larger groups may also be arranged). All tours are conducted in English, by licensed tour guides. Gems in Israel's newest tours include:

DRIVING TOURS
The short two and a half-hour driving tours are great for those who either rent a car (and travel on their own), or those who travel with family or friends. Meet the guide at a predetermined location and join others who also be arriving in their own vehicles.

Judges & of the Jezreel Valley – March 12th & 13th, April 22nd, 24th, May 20th, June 17th, 2004 - 10:00 AM
Revisit the books of Judges as we examine the great biblical figures of the Jezreel Valley before there were kings of Israel. The tour will begin at the summit of Mount Tabor with its breathtaking view. On a clear day you can see from Mount Hermon to Netanya. Deborah, "the mother of Israel" (Judges 5:7), a judge and prophetess gathered an Israelite army here to do battle with the Canaanite king Jabin. The battle took place "by the waters of Megiddo" (5:19). (More Info and Registration)
http://www.GemsinIsrael.com/jezreeljudgestour.html

Kings of the Jezreel Valley – March 12th & 13th, April 22nd, May 20th, June 17th, 2004 - 2:00 PM
Revisit the books of Samuel and Kings as we examine the first kings of Israel, and enjoy the spectacular views and wildlife of the Jezreel Valley. We begin our tour at Tel Jezreel and walk along the ruins of King Ahab's winter palace with a majestic view of the most fertile land in all Israel. In the winter and spring the fields are a lush green plain only broken up by meandering streams and the rolling hills of the lower Galilee. Ahab's rule was both brilliant and tragic and his story reads like a Shakespearean tragedy. The players include the prophet Elijah, a farmer named Navot, pagan priests and a queen named Jezebel. There is love, betrayal,sorcery, accusations, prophecies, a lynching, mock trials and a valiant battle doomed to failure. We walk along the hilltop admiring the many species of fauna and flowers before moving up to the Gilboa Range. (More Info and Registration)
http://www.GemsinIsrael.com/jezreelkingstour.html

WALKING TOURS
Thumbprints: People Who Left Their Mark on Jerusalem, Jerusalem – April 4, 2004 – 10:30 AM
Repeat visitors to Jerusalem are often familiar with the physical marvels of the city - the holy sites, the markets, the museums and the lookout points. However, nestled unobtrusively amidst the city's walls and buildings are the homes, sometimes modest, sometimes impressive, of some of the most fascinating historical residents of the city. This tour will explore a small area within the triangle of Jaffa Gate, Street of the Prophets and Nahalat Shiva; it is a tour of stories - about people who braved enormous hardships simply to live in Jerusalem, who were fanatically devoted to their causes and who left behind legacies we still enjoy today. (More Info and Registration)
http://www.GemsinIsrael.com/thumbprintstour.html

Fables, Myths & Legends, Jerusalem, (Old City) - April 8th & 9th, 2004, May 6th & 7th, June 3rd & 4th, 2004 (tours begin at 9:30 AM).
This tour will take you on a journey from the beginning of time to the present as told by the local folklore of the many different peoples, cultures and religions. Explore the paths, alleyways and back streets of Jerusalem's Old City (the Armenian and Jewish quarters) and enjoy the many stories hidden within the holy places, sacred stones, ancient walls and mysterious tombs. (More Info and Registration) http://www.gemsinisrael.com/fablestour.html

Rehavia the Story of a Neighborhood, Jerusalem – April 11, 2004 – 10:30 AM
The Jewish neighborhood of Rehavia was built in the 1920s and 1930s as Jerusalem was dragged, kicking and screaming, out of the primitive Ottoman backwater and into the twentieth century under the British mandate. Architects, musicians, politicians, educators, ideologues, judges and many movers and shakers of the pre-state Zionist movement made their homes here and left their mark on the neighborhood. The growth of the neighborhood represents a fascinating reflection of the spirit of the Zionist movement and the exciting period of ‘the state on the way. (More Info and Registration)
http://www.Gemsnisrael.com/rehaviatour.html

Mt. Zion, Jerusalem - April 8th & 9th, May 6th & 7th, June 3rd & 4th, 2004, (tours begin at 1:30 PM).
Holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims Mt. Zion is the site of cellars, cisterns and stables of the Herodian-Roman period. King David's Tomb and the house of the High Priest Caphias are located here.It offers a magnificent view of the City of David, features, several beautiful churches, holy sites of the Hebrew Bible & New Testament, and fortifications built by Saladin. It was the site of many bloody battles. (More Info and Registration)
http://www.GemsinIsrael.com/mtziontour.html

For a complete listing of Gems in Israel's tours, see the main tours page, http://www.GemsinIsrael.com/tours.html.

Gems in Israel is an award-winning Web site that spotlights Israels lesser-known tourist attractions and travel sites, the Gems. It offers unique tours for independent travelers, and a series of e-books. A two-time recipient of the Jewish Agency for Israel's Top 10 Site Award, it also publishes a free newsletter, to subscribe, register online, at http://www.GemsinIsrael.com/subscribe.html. For easy linking instructions, visit http://www.GemsinIsrael.com/linking.html

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