|
|
 
|
|
"The
Exodus"
Egypt, Jordan & Israel |
22 Day
Inspirational Tour
for the "Bible
Believing" Christian
May 8-29, May 15- June 5,
June 6-27,
July 17-August 7,
August 21-September 11, October 2-23, October 9-30,
October 23-November 13, October 30-November 20,
November
20-Dec. 11,
November 27-December 18, 2008,
January 1-22, January
15-February 5, January 29-February 19,
February 12-March 5,
February 19-March 12, February 26-March 19,
March 5-26, April 23-May 14,
2009
Introduction to
Biblical Egypt
Day 1
• Departure
Our life-changing journey begins this evening as we board our overnight flight to Cairo, Egypt.
Day 2
•
Cairo
We arrive in the land of the Pharaohs, Jacob,
Joseph and Israel during the famine! Upon arrival at the airport
we meet our guide and are immediately transported into Cairo, the
capital of Egypt. We transfer to our hotel to settle in and start
soaking up the atmosphere of this exciting city.
Day 3
• Alexandria
Breakfast and then a day tour to the ancient seaport of Alexandria where
we will see the Greco-Roman culture in Egypt. The second largest city in
Egypt, Alexandria, known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean", has an
atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern ; its ambience
and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country. First
stop is the Fort at Quit Bay which will be followed with a visit to the
ancient Catacombs of Kom and Pompay's Pillar. Before returning to Cairo
we will relax with the breath-taking views of the Montaza Palaces.
Day 4 • Coptic Cairo,
Hanging Church & Alabaster Mosque
We begin our sightseeing with a visit to
the
Hanging Church - the most famous Coptic church in Cairo. The Hanging
Church was named so as it was built by the Nile River over the Roman Gate
of Babylon. A stop will be made at the papyrus factory store, where
we see the process of creating lovely Egyptian art pictures. Next we tour
the Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Completed in 1848, the
Ottoman-style Muhammad Ali Mosque is the most noticeable in all of Cairo
and has dominated the skyline for the past 150 years. We conclude
our day at the shopping bazaar for those who wish to purchase a few
souvenirs.
Day 5 • Memphis, Sakkara,
We
enjoy a day of touring in and around Cairo
with a short bus ride to
Memphis. Founded around 3,100 BC, Memphis is the legendary city of
Menes, the King who united Upper and Lower Egypt. From a Biblical
perspective, Memphis is most likely where Abraham lied to Pharaoh about
his wife Sarah being his sister and where Joseph served as second in
command. While in Memphis we will view a very large and well preserved
statue of Ramses II. Next is
Sakkara which is one of the most extensive archaeological sites in
Egypt! Sakkara is dominated by the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, which goes
back to 2700 BC. It is one of the oldest stone structures in the world!
After lunch we will visit the Hanging Church which is the most famous
Coptic church in Cairo. Time will be allowed this afternoon for
those who wish to visit one of Cairo's famous perfume factory stores.
Day 6 • Transfer to Luxor, Nile Cruise
This
morning after breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to
Luxor. Then we will visit the
Valley of the Kings (where many ancient pharaohs were buried) and the
famous Temple of Hatshepsut, the princess who perhaps pulled baby Moses
out of the Nile River. This temple may have been designed by Moses. We
re-embark for lunch, traveling to a PM at the famous Temple of Luxor,
which was founded in the reign of Amenhotep III, grandson of the pharaoh
of the Exodus. Dinner and overnight.
Nile Cruise Boat
Day 7 • Karnak, Esna to Edfu
After breakfast,
visits include the Temple of
Karnak (temple of the New Kingdom period) and the East Bank of the
Nile. It was during this period that the bondage and Exodus occurred.
Karnak second to Giza’s Pyramids, is one of Egypt’s most important
Pharaonic sites. Re-board our ship for lunch and continue sailing towards
Edfu, having dinner as we cross through the Esna lock. Overnight on
board.
Day 8 • Edfu,
Kom Ombo, Aswan
This
morning after breakfast we visit Edfu, the location of one of the best
preserved Egyptian Temples. This site was initially developed 1000 years
before Abraham came to Egypt! Lunch and sailing to Kom Ombo, where we
visit the remains of Kom Ombo Temple, situated on the riverside. Unlike
most, this temple is dedicated to two gods - the crocodile god of Sebek
and the solar god of war, Horus the Great.
Overnight on board.
Day 9 • Aswan High Dam,
Free Time, Abu Simbel Option
Our touring today is in and around the modern city of
Aswan. Included will be a visit the High Dam, built from 1960 -
1971 and is a major factor in Egypt’s agricultural success. We then also
spend time at Philae Temple on the Isi-Island. This complex was moved from
up river due to the impending destruction upon the completion of the High
Dam. This afternoon we disembark for free time to stroll through the city
markets.
An optional (half day including flights) tour is also offered to
Abu Simbel, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the
"Nubian Monuments." Our Egyptologist guide will discuss the relevance of
this spectacular site from Egyptian history. We will also try to put in
perspective the long history of Egypt. Here we will visit the massive
temple of Pharaoh Rameses II, perhaps the greatest builder of temples in
ancient Egypt (13th Century BC) and a second one of Queen Nafertari,
Rameses's most beloved wife.
Overnight on board.
Day 10 • Cairo Pyramids & Tutankhamen’s
Treasures
An early morning flight back to Cairo will allow for a full day of touring 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 11
• Mt. Sinai
This morning we depart Cairo, pass through the
"Land of Goshen" 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 pass Marah (Springs of Moses) and further to the south, the oasis of
Elim. Arriving in the late afternoon to the hotel at
Mt. Sinai (Mt. Horeb), we have dinner and rest for our early morning activity.
Day 12
• 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. 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 sunrise to remember.
Once at the top, enjoy a time of praise and then depart down the
mountain for breakfast. A visit to the Mt. Sinai Monastery will be
followed by a short ride to the Red Sea. Gazing across the Gulf of Aqaba, we can begin to imagine the miracle of
the parting of the sea. We board a catamaran ferry for a scenic
crossing to Jordan and our lodging for the evening in Aqaba, Biblical
Ezion Geber - the lovely seaport of King Solomon.
Day 13
• Petra
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. We overnight in Amman for this evening.
Day 14
• Mt Nebo, Mabada, Tel Aviv
Mt. Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of Moses, commands a spectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. The drive continues to the town of
Madaba, the biblical Medeba, 30 kilometers south of
Amman. 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. 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 and
picture Bethany Beyond
the Jordan, the place where Jesus was baptized. Crossing back into Israel,
we drive to
Tel Aviv area with the remainder of the afternoon free. You may wish
to take a devotional time with the sunset over the “Great Sea,” a
time of prayer and thanks for the special blessings ahead, a
prayer for the people of this land, and then enjoy a good night’s rest.
Day 15
• Caesarea, Megiddo & Nazareth
After breakfast, we travel by private motor coach along the coast of the
Mediterranean Sea to
Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and
were baptized. We’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre and aqueduct, and then
journey on to
Mt. Carmel,
where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the
prophets of Baal. Next we travel through the Jezreel
Valley to
Megiddo, the Armageddon Battlefield, where archaeologists have
unearthed 20 levels of civilization. We drive through the area of
Cana and
Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, where we visit the Nazareth
Village - a wonderful recreation of Biblical times with costumed
guides. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next two
nights in the
Tiberias area on the
Sea of Galilee.
Day 16
• Capernaum, Dan, Caesarea Philippi & Mount of
Beatitudes
Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable northern
sites emphasizing the loss of God's blessing on Israel.
Dan
is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of pagan worship and
Caesarea
Philippi which is also the site of Peter’s Confession. In order to save valuable
time, a box lunch will be provided. In
Capernaum
we will visit the
ruins of an ancient synagogue and Peter’s home. Then we travel on to the
site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes and the
Mount of the
Beatitudes overlooking the Sea where our guide will reenact Jesus’ famous “Sermon on
the Mount.” A relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee with easy
viewing of the nearby Golan Heights brings to life the experiences of the
fishermen disciples and a conclusion to a wonderful day.
Day 17
•
Jordan River Baptism Site, Beth Shean &
Dead Sea
We begin our day with a visit to the
Jordan River Baptismal site. Next we travel southward to
Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, the most magnificent archeological site in
Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan
valleys. Like Jericho, it has been almost continuously occupied
throughout history. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the
Philistines hanged their bodies on the walls of Beit-Shean. During the intertestamental period, the city was renamed the "Scythopolis".
Archaeologists have uncovered a huge number of ruins of the
Roman/Byzantine Scythopolis. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was
one of the chief cities of the Decapolis -a league of ten cities sharing
Greek culture and government. Following the fertile Jordan Valley
southward, your
guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk
and Honey,” the Kibbuzt system and Israel’s intricate irrigation
development. We pass ancient
Jericho, view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the
world, before coming to our lodging for the evening at the
Dead Sea –
the lowest place on earth. Spend time in the special spa and enjoy a dip
in the Dead Sea for a relaxing float before dinner.
Day 18
•
Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Abraham's Tent
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. Afterwards we proceed to
Ein Gedi, "Spring of the Goat," an oasis on the western shore of the
Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the
site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm
groves. This is where King David hid from Saul, and where God defeated
the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King
Jehoshaphat. Next, we visit
Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This
evening we will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent,
where 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. Our lodging for the next four nights will be in
Jerusalem.
Day 19: Around Jerusalem, Bible Times,
Holocaust Museum
Passing by the Protestant Cemetery, we 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." 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 conclude the day with a visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum, for a needed reminder of what
the Jews have suffered as a people.
Day 20: 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
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. 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 21: Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb, Pentecost,
Bethlehem
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. Our guide will explain the differing
opinions on the route that Christ was led and the actual place of
crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study. The 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 before
an optional time this afternoon. 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.
Important Note: Although the itinerary
above obviously emphasizes the spiritual aspect of this marvelous
country, our guides are also experts in and passionate about the miracle
of the return of the Jews and the restoration of the state of Israel.
This fact, along with many modern day topics (military, politics, education, and
other cultural aspects), will be woven into the commentary in order to
give you well rounded information.
Day
22
• Home
A very early morning departure for the Tel Aviv Airport for our flight
homeward will allow for arrival home by early afternoon.
|
Price Per Person
Double Occupancy |
|
Dates |
Land Only
No Transfers |
Approximate
Land & Air |
|
May, July, August |
$3450 |
|