Day 1 ∙ Departure
Our life-changing journey begins this evening as we board our overnight flight to Cairo, Egypt.
Day 2 ∙ Arrival Cairo
We
arrive in the land of the Pharaohs, Moses,
Joseph and Israel during the famine! Upon arrival in Cairo we meet our
guide and driver who will transport us to the hotel for dinner and rest for
the remainder of the evening. We relax tonight as we prepare for the
adventurous travel ahead.
Day 3 ∙ Cairo Pyramids & Tutankhamen’s Treasures
Today we travel back to ancient Egypt with a full day of touring to
the wonders of the ancient world, some of which date back to 1000+ years
prior to Abraham. We spend time at one of the seven wonders of the world-
the pyramids.
Cheops, with an original height of 496 feet, is the most colossal
pyramid ever built. Today, we will also see the Sphinx and tour the Egyptian
Museum, location of Tutankhamen's treasures and ancient remains.
Day 4 ∙ Free in Cairo & Fly to Mt. Sinai
This morning is free for some additional touring or to rest and relax
at our hotel. We will transfer to the Cairo airport early this afternoon
for our charter flight to St. Catherine. Upon our arrival in St. Catherine
we will check into our hotel and enjoy an early dinner. Make sure you go to
bed early if you plan to rise for the early morning Mt. Sinai sunrise climb.
Day 5 ∙ Mt. Moses, Red Sea Crossing, Aqaba
Just into the new day, those who desire and are physically capable
will depart for a memorable early morning walk up Mt. Moses. Whether you
choose to ride a camel part way or not, stop at one of the stations to take
in scenery along the climb to the summit (750 steps) for a sunrise to
remember. Once at the top, enjoy a time of praise and Bible devotions
before we make our way down the mountain for breakfast. 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 board a ferry for a scenic crossing
to Jordan. Upon our arrival in Aqaba we will transfer to Petra where we
will enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 6 ∙ Petra, Mt Nebo and Amman
This morning we turn north toward the amazing mountain fortress of
Petra, known to be inhabited by the
Edomites - the descendents 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
on both sides by hundreds of Petra's carved and built structures. Departing
Petra, we travel northward on the King's Highway through the land of the
Moab where to the east we view the hilltop palace/fortress of
Machaerus, the place where John the Baptist was beheaded. Early
this afternoon we travel along the Kings Highway to
Mt. Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of Moses, commands
a spectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Study the
panorama as we read the scripture of God showing Moses the "Promised Land"
before He brought him home to heaven. We overnight in Amman for this
evening.
Day 7 ∙ Jordan River Baptismal, Jerusalem
We depart Amman this morning and travel to the Jordan River Baptismal site where we will have an
opportunity to be baptized. Crossing into Israel, we stop at an outdoor market before we arrive
in Jerusalem and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before our dinner and overnight.
Day 8 ∙ Jesus' Steps, the Last Days - Messianic Lecture
Today we walk where Jesus walked; beginning the day 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. How many have wished to be whisked back in time to
get a glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? To walk
between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and
take time for personal reflection is important here. Next we visit the
House of Caiaphas where Jesus was beaten and spit upon. See a pit where
he may have been held for the evening and the ancient hillside steps he
walked as he was taken to be condemned. On our way into the city we will
visit the Wailing Wall and then the fascinating
Rabbinical Tunnelss 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. Before exiting the tunnel we see the immense cornerstone
rejected by the builders. We move on to the
Judgment Hall of Pilate, hear of those who conspired against Him and are
reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation. From here we will also be
able to see the
Pool of Bethesda,
Stephen's Gate and St. Ann’s Church. This evening we enjoy a
special lecture by a local believer prior to dinner, giving us a perspective
of Messianic life in Israel.
Day 9 ∙ Free Day in Jerusalem
Today will be free for our leisure to visit Jerusalem on your own. You may
want to visit the "Upper
Room" just outside the
Zion Gate where the disciple whom Jesus loved laid his head on His
breast and where later Thomas cried, "my Lord & my God." You may also
consider a visit to 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. Another option may be
Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum, for a needed reminder of what the Jews
have suffered as a people.
Day 10
∙ Bethlehem, Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb, Pentecost
We enjoy a free morning our a morning surrounding the birth of Christ, with
a visit to
Bethlehem. This afternoon we walk along the Via Dolorosa, where we are
reminded of His way of suffering. Our guide will explain the differing
opinions on the route that Christ was led. The actual place of crucifixion
and burial is a very interesting study. Our climax of the day is the area of
Golgotha (place of the skull) and the
Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a
time of praise. 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. We will enjoy a challenge from God’s Word and a song.
Day 11
∙ Home
A very early morning departure for the Tel Aviv Airport for our flight homeward
will allow for arrival home by early afternoon.