ITINERARY

DAY 2 images of Cairo Museum, Abu Serga, Old Cairo, Al Mu’allaqah

Early 1PM Flight from JFK, New York to Cairo International Airport, Egypt [+1 Day]

Cairo Museum, Old Cairo, including St. Sergius Coptic Church. The traditional site where Joseph, Mary and the Christ child rested on their flight into Egypt. Also the Coptic Church of Al-Mu’allaqah (Early Fourth Century) and the Mohamed Ali Mosque.

Overnight: Cairo, Semiramis Int’l Hotel or Similar

DAY 3 images of Memphis, Sakkara, Giza Pyramids, Sphinx

DAY 4 images of Suez Canal, Marah, Amalek, Mount Moses

Drive to Memphis to see The Colossus of Ramses and alabaster Sphinx. When Memphis was the capital of Ancient Egypt, Saqqara served as its necropolis. There we’ll see a burial complex that goes back more than 3,000 years. The step pyramid at Saqqara was designed by Imhotep for King Djoser (c.2667-2648 BC). It is the oldest complete hewn-stone building complex known in history. We’ll also visit the newly opened Imhotep Museum which we’ll see before our lunch break. This afternoon we go to the Giza Plateau to explore the area around the ancient Pyramids, one of the wonders of the ancient world. We’ll even enjoy a camel ride and see the Sphinx up close and personal. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Cairo, Semiramis Int’l Hotel or Similar

This morning. we depart Cairo with stories of the "Land of Goshen" to the north and travel the southward route of the Exodus through the Wilderness of Shur. We learn of the terrain and the history of this region en-route as we stop at Marah (Springs of Moses), the Wilderness of Sin, and further to the south, the Oasis of Feiran. For those who are able, we climb a small hill to the ruins of an ancient chapel that overlooks the palm tree valley where Israel battled with the people of Amalek. One may have his picture taken with arms raised in remembrance of God's victory as Moses' arms were held high by Aaron and Hur. Arriving in the afternoon to the hotel at Mount Sinai (Mount Horeb). Those who desire and are physically capable will depart for a memorable walk up Mount Moses. You may choose to ride a camel part way, stop at one of the stations to take in scenery along the climb to the summit (750 steps) for a sunset to remember. Once at the top, enjoy a time of reflection before departing down the mountain.

Overnight: Egypt, St Catherine/Wadi Rahau or Similar

DAY 5 images of Mount Sinai, St. Catherine's, Red Sea, Aqaba

DAY 6 images of The Siq, The Treasury, Theatre, Royal Tombs

A visit to St. Catherine's Monastery, claimed to be built around the area of Moses' Burning Bush, will be followed by a short ride to the Red Sea. A stop for lunch along the shore will provide a view of Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel to the north. Gazing across the Gulf of Aqaba, we can begin to imagine the miracle of the parting of the sea. We then travel north viewing the Red Sea en-route to the border crossing between Egypt and Israel. Transferring through Eilat in southern Israel, we arrive in Jordan Aqaba, Biblical Ezion Geber, the lovely seaport of King Solomon.

Overnight: Petra, Old Village Hotel or Similar

This morning, we visit the amazing mountain Fortress of Petra, known to be inhabited by the Edomites - the descendants of Esau. Begin the tour with a walk through The Siq, an immense crack in the Nubian sandstone, to the city of Petra carved out of the rose red rock. The Treasury, El Khazneh, is one of the most elegant remains of antiquity. Beyond El Khazneh we are surrounded by hundreds of Petra's carved structures.

Overnight: Petra, Old Village Hotel or Similar

DAY 7 images of Madaba, Mount Nebo, Q’sar Al Yahud, Mount Temptation

DAY 8 images of Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran, Dead Sea Float

Our morning tour begins in the town of Madaba, it is best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. At the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, we view the earliest surviving mosaic map of the Holy land. Mount Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of Moses, commands a spectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. As we travel west toward the Allenby Bridge, we view to the north the Plains of Moab, the area where the tribes of Israel camped before crossing the Jordan at Qasr Al Yahud. The place where Jesus was baptized will be our Baptismal Site on this tour. Lastly, a mountaintop view of Jericho’s Walls as we cable car to the Mount Temptation Monastery.

Overnight: Jericho, Oasis Hotel or Similar

Our day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top Fortress of Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous zealot stand. Next, we visit Ein Gedi, King David’s desert stronghold. Then, the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Finally, a relaxing time floating on the Dead Sea.

Overnight: Jericho, Oasis Hotel or Similar

DAY 9 images of Mount Olives, Passion Walk, Gethsemane, St. Peter Gallicantu

DAY 10 images of Southern Steps, Upper Room, Old City, Garden Tomb

“If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace” [Luke 19:42]. We start the day with an orientation to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, an opportunity of a group photograph overlooking Jerusalem. We then walk the traditional Passion Walk. We descend to the church known as Dominus Flevit (“Our Lord weeps”). After viewing the Golden Gate, we walk downhill to Gethsemane, where we take time to meditate on the Gospel text. Across the street we visit the Church of All Nations. Boarding our bus (If you want you may walk by the tomb of the kings) and get off at a Roman road, where we climb Mount Zion to the grounds of a church called Peter in Gallicantu, which affords the best view of early Jerusalem from the west. (Here, the Assumptions Fathers suggest, was the house where the High Priest Caiaphas interrogated Jesus.)

Overnight: Jerusalem, Grand Hotel or Similar

A morning drive to Dung Gate and enter where we will stop at the Southern Steps that entered the Temple. Then to the Cornerstone Street where Jesus cast out the money-changers. It was here that Jesus would have taught the disciples. (See a video that shows the temple as it was in Bible times) Then to St Mark’s Monastery Upper Room where the Holy Spirit was outpoured on the Day of Pentecost. Lunch and a time shopping n the Old City stores. Lastly, the Garden Tomb for communion.

Overnight: Jerusalem, Grand Hotel or Similar

DAY 11 images of Western Wall, Temple Mount, Pool of Bethesda, Via Dolorosa

DAY 12 images of Bethlehem, Nativity Church, Jerome’s Tomb, Shepherd’s Field

We travel to Jerusalem, the City of Gold to pray at the Western Wall. Ascending Temple Mount, we view the Al Aqua Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. After exiting there, we arrive at the Pool of Bethesda. Finally, walking the Via Delarosa Crucifixion Path.

Overnight: Jerusalem, Grand Hotel or Similar

We begin the day going to Bethlehem where Joseph traveled there [Luke 2:1-7] with Mary whom was pregnant, and where Jesus was born [Matthew 2:1-5], and visit the Church of the Nativity. Underground we enter Jerome’s Tomb, the birthplace of the Latin Vulgate. Proceed to see the Shepherd’s Field where an angel appeared to announce the birth of Jesus [Luke 2:8-20]. Later i the day, enjoy a free afternoon and evening farewell dinner.

Overnight Jerusalem- Grand Hotel or Similar