Day 1: Departure from US (August 2)
Our life-changing journey begins this evening as we board our overnight flight to Jordan.

Day 2: Arrive Jordan (August 3)
We arrive in late this afternoon. After passing through customs & the entry formalities we enter the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. We immediately travel upon the King’s Highway south making our way to one of the new wonders of the world, Petra. We arrive at our hotel this evening for dinner and overnight. (D)

Day 3: Petra (August 4)
This morning we visit the amazing mountain fortress of *Petra. Petra was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985, who list it as "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage.” Petra was known to be inhabited by the Edomites - the descendents of Esau of the Old Testament Biblical History. 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. After spending the greater part of the morning at Petra we depart and travel north. Next we visit Mt. Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of Moses which commands a spectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. The drive continues to the nearby town of Madaba, the biblical Medeba. Madaba is best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics and at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George we may view the earliest surveying original map of the Holy land. We then travel to the Dead Sea for a restful evening at our resort hotel. Take in a relaxing float or optional spa treatment before dinner and overnight along the shores of the lowest point on the surface of the Earth on dry land at 1,378 ft below sea level. (B, D)

Day 4: Arrive to Israel (August 5)
Early this morning we travel onto Allenby Bridge and cross into Israel. We immediately turn south for a visit to Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. After some time learning of Qumran’s ancient inhabitants we again travel south for a cable car ride to the 2001 UNESCO World Heritage Site of the mountain top fortress of *Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous zealot stand against the Romans. We then turn north, where for dinner; we will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent. We enjoy a trip back in time: a reliving of life in the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, and authentic food. We continue following dinner into the “Golden City” Jerusalem. We have an overview atop Mount Scopus before arriving at our hotel for the next three nights. (B, D)

Day 5: Around Jerusalem (August 6)
*Jerusalem’s Old City became a World Heritage UNESCO site in 1981. On our way into the city we will visit the Wailing Wall and then the fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the Second Temple era. The tunnel and exhibit give a clear understanding of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giant stones, water supply and Roman street where our Lord was led to judgment. We move on to the Judgment Hall of Pilate and hear of those who conspired against Him. From here we will also be able to see the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen's Gate and St. Ann’s Church. This afternoon we visit the Southern Wall Excavations. This southern side of The Temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs, which led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard have been unearthed along with the purification pools. From here Jesus entered the Temple Mount and drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploiting the people. It is also likely that this is the place that Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. Those who wish may stay in the city marketplace for shopping, while others may choose to spend the remainder of the day surrounding the birth of Christ with a visit to Bethlehem. (B, D) S = (Day Subject To Change)

Day 6: Jesus' Steps (August 7)
We start this morning by traveling outside Jerusalem to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Musuem for a visit to the Children’s Exhibit, and a reminder of what the Jewish people have faced as a people. An interesting and educational time awaits us at the Israeli Museum. Walk through collections of centuries old Israeli artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and a then a guided walk through an accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem will help to prepare you for what you will experience in the following days. We then return to Jerusalem to walk where Jesus walked; beginning the tour with a panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from atop the Mount of Olives and then the Garden of Gethsemane. While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering along with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The climax of the day is the area of Golgotha (place of the skull) and the Garden Tomb. (B, D) S = (Day Subject To Change)

Day 7: Depart Israel (August 8)
An early departure from our hotel takes us to Sheikh Hussein Border. After completing passport formalities we travel east to Jerash, one of the best preserved and most complete provincial Roman cities. Jerash, Gerasa of Roman Times, was one of the cities of the Decapolis, a confederation of 10 Graeco-Roman cities dating from the 1st century BC situated in Jordan, Syria and Israel. The most well known monuments include the colonnaded street, the Temple of Zeus, the Forum, and Hadrian’s Arch. We arrive in Amman later this afternoon where we check into our hotel. The remainder of the day is free for shopping at the popular downtown souks. Take advantage of your chance to sample some mouth-watering Arabic delicacies and go shopping for gold or embroidery at these famous markets. We have dinner and overnight in Amman. (B, D)

Day 8: Jordan to Dubai (August 9)
We depart Amman later this morning and arrive in the unique cultural city of Dubai. Upon arrival we meet our guide and are immediately transported into the city with an orientation tour. We travel to the Bastakiah Nights Restaurant for a brief rest for coffee before we set off on our Old Dubai Tour this afternoon. We view the highlights and excitement of this world city before checking in to our center city hotel for free time. Take advantage of the duty free shopping this evening in the modern day atmosphere mixed with the historic culture of these lands. (B, D)

Day 9: Free time/Safari (August 10)
We give the morning free for rest and late risers. For those who desire, we travel to the Mall of Emirates where the world famous indoor Ski Dubai is located. With hundreds of stores this is the perfect opportunity to gather those much sought after souvenirs as well as free time for lunch. This afternoon is our much anticipated Arabian Night Safari. We travel in several GMC SUV’s through the Arabian desert for a sunset Falcon demonstration. As the night falls we approach our torch light campsite where we enjoy a BBQ dinner on location. We are entertained this evening by Camel Rides, Henna Presentations and dressing in our traditional Arabic costumes as we enjoy a performance by a mysteriously dressed Belly Dancer. We travel back to our hotel in Dubai for overnight. (B, D) S = (Day Subject To Change)

Day 10: Abu Dhabi (August 11)
We leave Dubai this morning early and make our way south to Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and many of its striking examples of modern architecture show intriguing interpretations of Islamic themes captured in today’s materials. Shimmering skyscrapers, villas and palaces line our route along the Riviera-style corniche with its blue Gulf waters and enticing offshore islands. We stop for free time and lunch on your own at the Marina Mall. After spending time in Abu Dhabi visiting various sights we make our way back to Dubai passing the Sports City, the biggest soccer stadium in the Middle East. We arrive at the Dubai Golf & Yacht Club for an elegant dinner our last evening of tour. (B, D)

Day 11: Home (August 12)
An early morning departure for the Dubai Airport for our flight homeward will allow for arrival home by the afternoon. (B)