Holy Land Tours
11-Day Lands of Jesus and Moses
including Petra and Mt. Nebo
With Optional Sinai and Egypt Extension via Royal Jordanian Airlines
DAY 1—USA/AMMAN
Our journey of a lifetime begins with an evening departure on Royal Jordanian wide body jet. After take-off, we will be served dinner and breakfast and lunch.
DAY 2—ARRIVE AMMAN
Upon arrival at Alia Gateway Airport in Amman, we will be met by our agent who assists us through customs and security. Transfer to our hotel in Amman for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3—AMMAN/MT. NEBO/ALLENBY/TIBERIAS
This morning we drive north to the most revered site in Jordan: Mt. Nebo, with the memorial of Moses at the presumed site of the prophet's death and burial place. A small, square church was built on this spot by early Byzantine Christians. From a platform in front of the church you take in breathtaking view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
We will arrive for crossing at the Allenby Bridge and cross into Israel. Drive to Jericho, deep in the Syro-African rift valley, at almost 90 feet below sea level. We visit the “tel” of this oldest city and view the traditional mountain of Jesus’ temptation. From here we continue on to the mound of Beth Shean, hearing the story of Saul and viewing the ruins of Roman Sycythopolis. Large portions of the First Testament become comprehensible when we stand here and look around. Early evening arrival in Tiberias for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4—TIBERIAS AROUND THE SEA
Following breakfast this morning we will begin our day with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee taking us back in time to the days when Jesus conducted His ministry on the shores of this sea. The boat carries us across to Capernaum on the north. Capernaum, located about two and one half miles west of where the Jordan River feeds the Sea of Galilee, here we visit the synagogue and the place where early Christians remembered Peter's house. We continue to the ruins of Tel Beit Saida. Situated 100 feet above the elevation of the sea, this site is believed to be the biblical BETHSAIDA. The birthplace of Peter, Andrew, James and John (Matthew 14:13–21; John 6:1–14). We proceed on to the spot where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount Continue on to Tabgah (short for Heptapagon, “seven Springs”) to view the mosaics in the Church of the Loaves and Fishes. Late afternoon we return to our hotel.
DAY 5—UPPER GALILEE AND GOLAN HEIGHTS
Today we will visit the Upper Galilee including a brief stop at Hazor, the largest Canaanite city, for a view of Mount Hermon and its surroundings. Onward to Dan, where we combine a nature walk beside the Upper Jordan with views of the ancient ruins, including the Israelite high place that supported a golden calf (I Kings 12). A short drive then takes us to the spring of Caesarea Philippi (Banias), where Peter confessed his recognition of Jesus as Christ. (Matthew 16.) Here we can visit the stunning remains of a first-century AD palace belonging to Agrippa II. We drive around Mt. Hermon for a glimpse of Damascus, 45 miles away, then head back over the Golan Heights to our home on the Sea of Galilee.
DAY 6—CANA/NAZARETH/CAESAREA/JERUSALEM
This morning we depart Tiberias on to Cana, commemorating Jesus' transformation of water into wine, proceed to Nazareth, visiting part of the ancient village. Continue on our drive to the mound of Megiddo, har meggido in Hebrew, which gave its name to Armageddon. Our day continues as we ascend Mt. Carmel, site of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal. Descending the mountain, we are on the road again, as we drive toward Caesarea, nestled between the banana groves and the sand-skirted sea. We enter Caesarea Maritima to explore this Roman bridgehead to the East, which became the Christian springboard to the West. The day will end atop Mt. Scopus, we behold the majestic Jerusalem. Tonight dinner at our hotel in Jerusalem.
DAY 7—MT. OF OLIVES/TEMPLE MOUNT/VIA DOLOROSA/BETHLEHEM
We begin our explorations with a drive to the beautiful Mt. of Olives to behold the breathtaking panorama of the Holy City. Our pilgrimage will proceed to the Church of Ascension, descend to Gethsemane with its ancient olive grove, and there visit the Church of Agony, where tradition holds that Jesus prayed. We will enter Jerusalem through the Dung Gate, and walk to the holiest site in the whole Jewish world, the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) of Herod's temple. Beyond the wall lies the 35-acre temple area purchased by King David (2 Sam. 24:18–25). On this site now stands the magnificent Dome of the Rock (the third holiest shrine in all Islam) and the El Aksa Mosque. From the temple area, we make our way to St. Stephen's Gate, St. Anne's Crusader Church, Pools of Bethesda, the Sister of Zion Convent (to see the Pavement where Jesus stood as he was being tried by Pilate), Ecco Homo Arch, and then follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the ancient Cardo. This afternoon we will pass by Rachel's tomb on the outskirts of Bethlehem, and visit the Church of the Nativity and Shepherd's Field. You will be fascinated by your visit to a model of Jerusalem (1 to 50 scale model of Herodian Jerusalem as it would have appeared in Jesus' time), Israel's Knesset, the huge bronze Menorah, and Yad Vashem. We'll also experience the Shrine of the Book Museum, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed. Overnight in Jerusalem.
DAY 8—QUMRAN/EIN GEDI/MASADA
Leaving Jerusalem, we will descend down to the Dead Sea and the wilderness of Judah. Our first stop will be Qumran and the possible settlement of the first century sect known as the Essenes, the authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Following the road south along the western shore of the Dead Sea, we will stop at Ein Gedi where David hid from King Saul, and everyone will have an opportunity to put her/his foot and/or float in the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on the earth. Continuing south, the next stop is Masada, where we will ascend high upon the wilderness mountain by way of the cable car to the fortress built by King Herod. Here we survey the ruins of the fortifications, waterworks, synagogue, temples and palaces. Overnight in Jerusalem.
DAY 9—THE UPPER ROOM/ISRAEL MUSEUM
We begin the day by driving to Mt. Zion, The Upper Room, where Jesus spent those last momentous hours with his disciples before his passion, and it was also here where the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples on Pentecost. We'll also visit the Temple Mount, seeing the Dome of the Rock, the location for the Holy of holies back in Jesus' day. We'll then reserve few hours free in the late morning in the Old City or to spend more time at the Western Wall. For the adventurous, an optional tour of the City of David excavations (where Rev. Dr. John DeLancey dug in the 80's) will be offered, as well as the unique walk through Hezekiah's Tunnel, a 1,700 foot tunnel cut out of bedrock. We'll walk through water 2 feet deep with flashlights in our hands. Late in the afternoon we will visit the Garden Tomb where we'll enjoy a special Communion Service together to end the day! Overnight in Jerusalem.
DAY 10—JERUSALEM/ALLENBY BRIDGE/PETRA
We leave the blessed city of Jerusalem for our return to Amman. After border formalities, depart for Petra, "rose red city half as old as time." This ancient Edomite and Nabatean capital is an amazing example of prophecy. We'll see the spectacular "city of the dead," with its famed gorge, ancient streets, temples, dwelling places and tombs, carved in the solid rock. Then we arrive at El-Ji Post, and continue the one-mile journey on horseback, or walk, passing through the famous Siq (the natural gorge) and arrive at the Treasury. In the afternoon, we visit Roman Temple Ruins of Roman City, Nabatean Judgment Hall, Palace Tombs, and famous Urn Temple, Roman Amphitheatre. Overnight in Petra.
DAY 11—PETRA/AMMAN/U.S.A.
Morning transfer to the airport for our return flight home. The close of an unforgettable tour, we bring with us lasting memories of the Old and New Testament, a renewal of our faith, and a greater understanding of the life and ministry of our Lord.
Optional Egypt Extension
DAY 11—PETRA/AQABA/EILAT/ST. CATHERINES
Depart Petra and head south to Aqaba and continue to Eilat and onto St. Catherine’s. The Gulf of Eilat, which is part of the Red Sea, is the northern most, and hence the coldest tropical seen in the world, and is considered one of the most beautiful Seas. Its water support an unequaled variety of aquatic life forms, fauna, coral and fish, in the myriad of shapes and sizes. Depart Eilat, and continue to Mt. Sinai/St. Catherine’s. Dinner and overnight in St. Catherine’s.
DAY 12—ST. CATHERINE’S/CAIRO
Today we begin our day at St. Catherine’s Monastery which is located in the heart of the Sinai Peninsula. Mount Sinai is nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. It is rich in natural water springs and fruit orchards. Those able and willing can climb Mount Moses early in the morning. Reach the peak known traditionally as the site where Moses accepted the Ten Commandments from God. Return to your hotel for a late breakfast. Visit the Church that dates back to 6th century A.D. The Church contains some superb mosaics. Other attractions are the Small Church, and the Crusaders Church, and the Library of the Mosque. Afternoon drive to Cairo for dinner and overnight.
DAY 13—CAIRO/EGYPTIAN MUSEUM/PYRAMIDS AND SPHINX
Your sightseeing tour will begin with a visit to the world famous Egyptian Museum. There will be sufficient time for a brief visit to the museum containing the treasures of King Tutankhamen. Next you will visit the Pyramids of Giza, you will visit the Great Pyramids and see the Sphinx. Our sightseeing excursion will include the Citadel, Mohammed Ali-Mosque, called the Alabaster Mosque, offering a beautiful view of Cairo and the Nile River, the historical dwellings and mosques. We’ll enjoy a dinner cruise on the Nile River, and then overnight in Cairo.
DAY 14—CAIRO/MEMPHIS AND SAKKARA
Today’s sightseeing tour will include the Alabaster Sphinx, and the statue of Ramses II. We then proceed to the Necropolis of Sakkara containing the funerary monuments from various periods of Egyptian history. View the Step Pyramid of King Zoser. See several mastabas (tombs of nobles). Included are the tombs of Ti and Ptah, which are among the finest excavated. Dinner at our hotel, before we transfer to the airport for our late evening flight to Amman. Overnight in Amman.
DAY 15—AMMAN/FLIGHT HOME TO U.S.
Morning transfer to the airport for our flight homeward.