The Bible Lands In Depth Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt
DAY 01: ARRIVE CAIRO AIRPORT
Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be met by our travel representative and transferred to the hotel for dinner.
DAY 02: OLD CAIRO
Morning visit to Giza plateau, the Pyramids, Granite Temple and the Sphinx. Camels are provided for those wishing to make the ascent to the pyramids. In the afternoon drive to “Old Cairo” to visit the Citadel and the mosques, the Coptic Churches associated with the flight of the Christ Child to Egypt; and the traditional site at the Nile where Moses was found in the bulrushes. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 03: CAIRO/MOUNT SINAI
Early morning departure from Cairo to Saint Catherine’s Monastery located at the foot of Mount Sinai. Cross the Suez Canal at the tunnel of Ahmed Hamdi which ties Africa with Asia and travel through Moses Springs to Wadi Firan, on the way pausing at the natural spring at Hammam Pharaon. Finally, spend the night near St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai. The Church dates back to the 6th century A.D. and contains superb mosaics. Other attractions are the Library and the Mosque. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 04: MOUNT SINAI / TABA BORDER
Saint Catherine Monastery is located in the heart of the Sinai peninsula. In the morning, those capable and willing will climb the stair leading to the site on the mountain dedicated to the Burning Bush. Mount Sinai is nearly 8000 ft. above sea level. It is rich in natural water springs and fruit orchards. After the visit, breakfast is served at your hotel then your tour bus will drive to the small town of Nuweiba, on your way to Taba for dinner and overnight.
DAY 05: TABA/PETRA/AMMAN
Morning departure from your hotel on the Red Sea to Petra in Jordan. Arriving at Wadi Musa, a half hour horseback ride will reveal the “Rose-Red City, half as old as time”. Visit the Treasury, Roman theater, street of columns and the Monastery. Continue to Amman for dinner and overnight.
DAY 06: MOUNT NEBO/JERASH/AMMAN
Drive to Mount Nebo, where Moses stood to view the Promised Land. At Madaba, see the map of Jerusalem in colorful mosaics. Continue to Jerash on the hills of Gilead to visit the ruins of the best preserved city of the Decapolis. Return to Amman for dinner and overnight.
DAY 07: ALLENBY BRIDGE/DEAD SEA/JERUSALEM
Morning departure to Masada on the shores of the Dead Sea. Ascend the fortress by Cable Car. Visit the remains of the famous fortifications where the defenders of Masada made their last stand against the advancing Roman troups. See the remnants of water works, Herodian palaces and Roman temples. At Qumran, visit the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. In Jericho, view Mount Temptation, Elisha’s Fountain and visit the site of Canaanite Jericho, the oldest walled city in the world. At Bethany visit the house of Mary and Martha and the tomb of Lazarus. Return to Jerusalem for dinner.
DAY 08: THE HOLY CITY
This morning visit the Garden tomb and Golgotha. Drive to the top of the Mount of Olives for a general view of Jerusalem. Visit the Chapel of the Ascension, the Church of Pater Noster, Dominus flevit, and the Garden of Gethsemane. Begin a walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem entering through St. Stephen’s Gate to the Pool of Bethesda, Ecce Homo Arch, and Via Dolorosa. Continue to the Temple area on Mount Moriah. Visit the Dome of the Rock, El Aksa Mosque and Wailing Wall. Walk through old Bazaar area to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Return to the hotel for dinner.
DAY 09: BETHLEHEM/HEBRON/JERUSALEM
Morning drive to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, built over the stable where Jesus was born. See the Fields of the Shepherds, the pools of Solomon and Philip’s Fountain, as we travel to Hebron to visit the Mosque of Abraham at Machpelah. In the afternoon, we tour the new part of Jerusalem, Mount Zion, the Upper Room, The tomb of King David, and the remains of the House of Caiphas at the church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu. Return to your hotel for dinner.
DAY 10: JAFFA/CAESARIA/HAIFA/TIBERIAS
Today we visit Joppa and drive north to Caesarea. This city was named in honor of Caesar Augustus and became the seat of the Roman procurators of Judea. Visit the Crusader fortifications, the moat, Roman amphitheater and aqueduct. Continue to Haifa on the slopes of Mount Carmel. Stop for a spectacular view over the city and bay, past the majestic gold-domed Bahai Temple and Persian Gardens. Visit the site where Elijah challenged the priests of Baal. Travel through Megiddo on your way to Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus. Visit the Church of the Annunciation and Mary’s Well before continuing on to Cana where the first miracle took place – the transformation of water into wine. Descending 636 feet below sea level, arrive in Tiberias, on the shores of Galilee in time for dinner and overnight at your hotel next to the Sea of Galilee.
DAY 11: THE GALILEE/GOLAN HEIGHTS
Your day begins with a visit to Mount Beatitudes, the site of the Sermon on the Mount, and the chapel of Tabgha, dedicated to the feeding of the 4,000. A short drive takes you to Capernaum visiting the area where Jesus lived, the “house” of Simon Peter, and the Synagogue. Enjoy a boat ride on the tranquil Lake. After Lunch drive to the Golan Heights to visit the sources of the Jordan River, and Banyas Caesarea Philippi. Return to Tiberias for dinner.
DAY 12: TELAVIV/NORTH AMERICA
Transfer to the airport for the return flight, the close of your unforgettable pilgrimage to the Lands of the Bible, bringing home memories that will last for a lifetime.