Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be greeted by the tour representative following passport control. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Cairo where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night.
Commence your day by exploring the renowned Pyramids of Giza, which are among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The largest pyramid, known as the Cheops Pyramid, was constructed during the Third Dynasty around 2690 B.C. Adjacent to it, you will find the Sphinx, a remarkable sculpture carved out of a single piece of stone. This enigmatic monument, featuring the head of a man on the body of a lion, is believed by some to be a depiction of Pharaoh Chephren. Enhance your experience by embarking on a camel ride near the pyramids, followed by a visit to the Papyrus Institute. Here, you can delve into the captivating art and history of Ancient Egypt. In the afternoon, proceed to the Egyptian Museum, where you can marvel at the antiquities from Egypt's Pharaonic era, spanning over five millennia. The museum houses an impressive collection, including the magnificent treasures of King Tut-Ankh-Amon. Conclude your day with a visit to the vibrant medieval bazaars of Khan-El-Khalili. Enjoy a delightful dinner and spend the night in Cairo.
Commence your day with an early departure to Luxor (Thebes), the esteemed capital of Ancient Egypt. Be awestruck by the magnificent temple complex, a tribute to the divine triad of Amun, Mut, and Chons. Witness the grandeur of the Avenue of Sphinxes, which once linked the Luxor temple to the Karnak temple. Afterwards, delve into the remnants of Karnak, an immense temple complex. Uncover the wonders of the Precinct of Amon-Re, the most expansive temple hall in all of Egypt. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay in Cairo.
Embark on a journey along the Nile to witness the grandeur of the Valley of the Kings. This valley served as the final resting place for numerous pharaohs and royalty from the New Kingdom, with their elaborate tombs hidden amidst the mountains. Take the opportunity to visit one of the main tombs, which may be accessible based on the authorities' decisions due to ongoing excavations. Discover the Valley of the Queens, where the wives and relatives of the pharaohs were laid to rest in ornate burial chambers. Conclude your trip with a return flight to Cairo from the airport, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in the city.
Embark on an early morning bus ride to Sinai and immerse yourself in a captivating journey through the desert. Delight in a captivating narrative of the Exodus story as you traverse the vast expanse. Marvel at the majestic red-granite mountains, notably Jebel Musa, widely recognized as the legendary Mt. Sinai. Behold the awe-inspiring St. Catherine's Monastery, an ancient Christian sanctuary that has stood the test of time. Conclude the day with a delectable dinner and a restful overnight stay at the charming Morganland Village.
Begin your day with an exciting sunrise journey for the adventurous. Start your ascent of Mount Sinai before dawn, following in the footsteps of Moses and the devoted pilgrims who have walked the same route for centuries. If the journey becomes too challenging, Elijah’s Valley offers a great waiting area. Reach the peak in time to witness the sunrise and enjoy the breathtaking views. The summit, where Moses encountered God and received the Ten Commandments, is a must-see. After a careful descent, return to the hotel for breakfast with the group. Explore St. Catherine’s monastery in the later part of the morning, admiring its remarkable icons. After lunch, head towards the eastern shores of the Sinai Peninsula on the Red Sea. Board a fast ferry at Nuweiba to Aqaba in Jordan. Meet the Jordanian guide, get a free collective visa, and then proceed to the hotel in Petra, the Nabataean city. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay in Petra.
Explore the wonders of Petra, a city nestled in the mountains of Seir, frequently mentioned in Genesis in connection with Esau. This ancient city is renowned as one of the seven wonders of the world. Begin your journey with a walk through the Siq, the main entrance leading to the Treasury, the first grand monument. Continue through the outer Siq, passing tombs and burial chambers, until you reach the impressive theater carved out of sandstone. Visit the Royal Tombs for a panoramic view of the city, followed by a stop at the Byzantine church to admire its mosaics. Explore the Palace of Pharaoh’s Daughter, one of Petra’s oldest Nabataean temples. After lunch, make your way back to the entrance and embark on a 3.5-hour drive to Amman. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay in Amman.
Depart from Amman, the historical Rabbath Ammon and Roman-era Philadelphia, embarking on a journey to Mount Nebo, where Moses was shown the Holy Land by God. Proceed to Madaba to visit the Church of St. George and marvel at its 6th-century mosaic floor depicting a map of the Holy Land. Descend to the Jordan Valley and reach the Allenby Bridge for border procedures to enter the Holy Land. Travel to ancient Jericho and explore the remnants of the world's oldest city. Witness the mountain traditionally believed to be the location of Jesus' temptation. Continue north through the Jordan Valley to explore the extensive ruins of Beth Shean. This city, known as Scythopolis during the Roman period, served as the capital of the Roman Decapolis. The ruins encompass a well-preserved theater, bathhouses adorned with mosaic tiles, ancient bathrooms, market areas, and a colonnaded street at the heart of the city. Stand atop the tell above the ruins to witness the backdrop for the final days of Saul (I Samuel 28 - II Samuel 1). Journey further north to the enchanting Sea of Galilee for a delightful dinner and overnight stay.
Travel along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, the central location of Jesus’ ministry. Explore the synagogue and the area believed to be Peter’s house by archaeologists (Mark 1-2). Proceed to Tabgha, also known as Heptapagon or “seven springs,” to admire the intricate mosaics in the Church of the Loaves and Fishes. Witness the shores where the breakfast mentioned in John 21 occurred. Then, make your way up to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered his renowned teachings (Matthew 5-7). Follow an ancient trade path, passing through Hazor and continuing to Tel Dan. Take a leisurely nature walk and visit the elevated site where Jeroboam, the king of Israel, erected a golden calf. Explore Caesarea Philippi (Banias), where Peter responded to Jesus’ inquiry, “Who do you say that I am?” Drive across the Golan Heights, skirting Mt. Hermon, with a glimpse towards Damascus. Conclude the day with a serene boat ride on the tranquil waters of the Sea of Galilee. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at a hotel by the Sea of Galilee.
The day begins in Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus. Start by visiting the spring where Mary would have washed her family's laundry. Wander through the bazaar to reach the Church of the Annunciation, built over the ancient village. Take in the view of the Plain of Jezreel before heading to Megiddo, also known as Armageddon, as mentioned in Revelation 16. Climb up Mt. Carmel, where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal in I Kings 18. Drive along the coastal highway to Caesarea Maritima, where Herod's seaside palace once stood. Explore the Roman bridgehead to the West, which became a Christian springboard. Continue along the historic Beth Horon Road to the Benjamin Plateau, passing by ancient Gibeon. Descend the mountain to admire the beauty of Caesarea Maritima and the ruins of Herod's palace. Finish the day on Mount Scopus, enjoying the breathtaking view of Jerusalem. Dinner and overnight stay in Jerusalem.
Commence your day by gaining a comprehensive understanding of Jerusalem as you observe it from the Mount of Olives. Proceed along the customary path of Palm Sunday, leading you to Dominus Flevit, also known as "the Lord weeps," where it is believed that Jesus shed tears over Jerusalem according to Luke 19. After taking in the sight of the Golden Gate, continue your descent towards Gethsemane. Take advantage of the serene gardens to engage in moments of introspection and contemplation. Journey towards Mount Zion to visit Peter in Gallicantu, a church that offers an exceptional vantage point of early Jerusalem from the western side. It is widely believed that this location is where the High Priest Caiaphas resided and where Jesus was interrogated on the night of his arrest. Following this, explore Solomon's Pools, which served as Jerusalem's primary water source for nearly two millennia. As you pass by the Hortus Cnclusus monastery in Artas, make your way to Shepherds' Fields and then proceed to Bethlehem to witness the fulfillment of the prophecy mentioned in Luke 2:15. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys and vibrant markets as you make your way to the Church of the Nativity, where the divine Word became flesh and dwelled among humanity. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner and spend the night in Jerusalem.
Embark on a captivating journey in West Jerusalem as you make your way to the Shrine of the Book, where the remarkable Dead Sea Scrolls are housed. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Jerusalem as you visit a model that depicts the city's appearance during the Jewish revolt, which took place 36 years after the Passion of Jesus Christ. Traverse the breathtaking Judean desert and arrive at the ruins of Qumran, a religious Hebrew community where the Dead Sea Scrolls were unearthed. Explore the remnants of this ancient settlement, including Cave #4, which held the largest collection of the scrolls. Next, venture to Masada, an awe-inspiring mountain fortress built by Herod and renowned as the final stronghold of the Jewish revolt against Rome from 66 to 73 AD. Conclude your day with a rejuvenating float in the tranquil waters of the Dead Sea. As the day draws to a close, return to Jerusalem for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Explore the city by entering through the Dung Gate. Once inside, take a closer look at the Ophel excavations near the southern end of the Temple Complex. Visit the steps where Jesus and his disciples walked as they made their way up to the temple. Spend some time at the Western Wall, which is considered Judaism’s most sacred site. Make your way up to the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque, situated on the traditional site of the Temple Mount. Proceed to the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus performed a miraculous healing on a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years (John 5). Experience the incredible acoustics at St. Anne’s Church nearby, which has been perfectly preserved from the time of the Crusaders. Follow the path of The Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, constructed on the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Conclude your journey at the Garden Tomb for a moving visit and Communion celebration. Enjoy dinner and stay overnight in Jerusalem.
Leave Jerusalem and head to Tel Aviv airport for your return flight.