Welcome Egypt

Welcome to Egypt, upon arrival into Cairo International Airport you will clear immigration and customs formalities, and met outside customs by our representative for private transfer to your hotel in

Cairo for evening at leisure and overnight.

Included:

•  Transfer from Cairo International Airport to your Hotel in Cairo.
•  Dinner at your hotel.
•  Your selection of 5 Star Deluxe or 4 Star First Class hotel accommodations.

×Optional Evening Activity: Pyramids Sound & Light show $68.00 per person ($75.00 per person starting Oct 01, 2019) and should be reserved before travel. Includes pick-up and drop-off transfers from your hotel.

Pyramid / Sphinx / Solar Boat / EgyptianMuseum / Old and New Cairo / Coptic Cairo / Synagogue of Ben Ezra

After your buffet breakfast meets your Egyptologist guide to start out the Where it all Began Tour, and visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world, the three Pyramids of Giza. The oldest and largest of the three is the Cheops Pyramid built 3rd dynasty about 2690 B.C. Next is the Pyramids of Chefren and visit the majestic Great Sphinx, which is the largest single-block sculpture located at the foot of the grand Pyramid Chefren. In the area of the Pyramids making for a great picture take an opportunity to ride a camel with the Pyramids in the background. Continue to visit the famous Egyptian Museum.

Here we shall provide you with a brief, but colourful insight into the five thousand years history of Egypt’s fascinating land. Afterwards, we visit Old Cairo and the City’s cultural landmarks that span three millennium of Egyptian history. We begin with Coptic Church, where you will visit the Hanging Church,

dating to the late 4th and early 5th centuries. This basilica was named “Al-Mu’allaqah” because it was built atop the south gate of the Babylon Fortress. Continue to the Church of St. Sergius,

a 5^th-century Coptic Church. This basilica is built on the cave in which the Holy Family stayed and is regarded by visitors as a source of blessing. As we stroll along, we’ll come to the recently restored Synagogue of Ben Ezra – the oldest Jewish synagogue in Egypt built in 882 AC. Next, we’ll explore the spices and silks in the medieval bazaar of Khan EL-Khalili,

one of the biggest bazaars in the Middle East and North Africa’s most famous bazaar. Lunch will be served during the tour at a local restaurant. Return to your hotel in Cairo.

Overnight- including Full Buffet Breakfast and Dinner.

Included:

•  Breakfast at your hotel.
•  Professional certified licensed Tour Guide, entrance fees, and attractions per day itinerary.
•  Lunch
•  Dinner at your hotel.
•  Your selection of 5 Star Deluxe or 4 Star First Class hotel accommodations.

×Optional Evening Activity: Nile Cruise Dinner

with Show $81.00 per person ($88.00 per person starting Oct 01, 2021), please reserve before departure. Includes pick-up and drop-off transfers from your hotel.

Sinai Desert / Marah by the Red Sea / Elim / Rephidim / Land of Goshen / Mount Sinai

After breakfast departure by private air-conditioned mini-coach or bus to Saint Catherine Monastery via the tunnel underneath the Suez Cannel to the west branch of the Red Sea, following what is thought to be the route of

the BiblicalExodus (Genesis 16-18). Our drive through the Sinai Peninsula and the biblical Land of Goshen to the Mount Sinai area (233 miles) takes about 6 hours. Marah by the Red Sea the desert springs along the shore of the Red Sea where the children of Israel found the water bitter (Exodus 15:22-23). Continue to Alim visit the desert oasis continue to Wadi Feiran (Rephidim), the desert valley where the children of Israel fought against Amalekites. Then to Mount Serbal, the possible site where Moses held his arms up for victory, we continue inland heading towards the granite mountain of Mount Sinai (Exodus 19) and Wadi El Raha where according to traditions is the area where the Israelites camped and the golden calf was forged (Exodus 32). We will arrive at the hotel near Mt Sinai and St Catherine’s Monastery.Overnight in hotel near Mt. Sinai- including Full Buffet Breakfast and Dinner.

Included:

•  Breakfast at your hotel.
•  Professional certified licensed Tour Guide, entrance fees, and attractions per day itinerary.
•  Dinner at your hotel.
•  Your selection of 5 Star Deluxe or 4 Star First Class hotel accommodations.

The options for hotel accommodation in the remote area of Mt. Sinai are very limited. The hotel used in our Where it all Began Tour is the best available in the area, however not equivalent in standard to other hotels we use along this tour.

 

×Optional night activity: Climb Mt. Sinai. For those who wish to climb Mt. Sinai, please bring warm clothing for the ascent. Ride a camel 2/3 of the way up the Mount. Your tour guide can arrange this at the location for $ 25.00 per person. Climbing Mt. Sinai begins at 2:00 A.M. and return around 9:00 – 9:30 A.M.

Mount Sinai to the Red Sea/Mountains of Edom / St Catherine Monastery / Taba Border / Eilat (Israel) cross to Jordan / Aqaba / Petra

At day break, those who desire and are physically capable, will climb-up Mount Sinai Jabal Musa (6,900 ft) climb to the summit (750 steps) walking the Footsteps of Moses and enjoy a time of praise and incredible views of the Sinai wilderness, we read from the Book of Genesis God revealed himself to Moses in the Burning Bush and where he received the Ten Commandments. Descending the mountain, we return to the hotel to re-join the rest of the group for Breakfast. Touring the Saint Catherine Monastery 

with its History, constructed at the foot of Mt. Sinai the oldest working Christian Monastery. St. Catherine Monastery was built in (527 and 565 AC) by the Roman Emperor Justinian, and where it’s believed God appeared to Moses in the form of a burning bush. The Greek Orthodox Church building is the oldest continuously used church building in the world. Lunch will be provided in Taba at local restaurant prior to crossing border in to Israel. Leaving Mount Sinai area toward the eastern shores of Sinai Peninsula and on the Red Sea north to Taba Border Crossing (Egypt Israel border), lunch provided in Taba prior to crossing in to Israel. After crossing meet our Israeli representative and welcome to Israel. We will take short city tour in Eilat Israel’s southernmost town on the Red Sea. We’ll arrive at the Araba Border (Israel Jordan southern border). Cross to Jordan and meet with our Jordanian tour guide, Welcome to Jordan, visit the city and port of Aqaba along the King’ Highway to Wadi Musa

then to the ancient city of Petra (Numbers 20:18-21, 1 Samuel 14:47, 2 Kings 14:7, Isaiah 34:5-8, Jeremiah 49:16-18).Overnight hotel in Petra-  including Full Buffet Breakfast and Dinner.

Included:

•  Breakfast at your hotel.
•  Professional certified licensed Tour Guide, entrance fees, and attractions per day itinerary.
•  Lunch provided in Taba at local restaurant prior to crossing to Israel
•  Dinner at your hotel.
•  Your selection of 5 Star Deluxe or 4 Star First Class hotel accommodations.

Border Crossing not Included: Crossing Israel Border tax currently US $35.00 US $35.00 and US $2.00 mandatory shuttle service at the border walk crossing (subject to change without notice).

Full day Visiting the Nabatean City of Petra, Amman

Exploring the Nabatean Treasure City of Petra. A short drive from our hotel lays the entrance to one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites – the 2,000-year-old city of Petra, known as the red rock city. It was the ancient capital of the Nabateans from the 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AC. Carved by the Nabataeans out of solid rock, Petra was forgotten for hundreds of years until it was rediscovered in 1812. At the entrance to Petra, travellers are offered the option to ride a horse for 800m – from the visitor center to the entrance of the dramatic “Siq” (canyon). From the entrance to the Siq there is a 1,250 meters walk to the 1st monument “ The treasury” Throughout most of the day we will explore Petra’s incredible structures; Bab Al Siq or in Arabic the “ gateway to the Siq,” the Treasury, the Royal Tombs, the obelisks and the High Place of Sacrifice, the Theatre carved into the side of the mountain, the Church built in the 5th century AD, the Colonnaded Street, the Lion Triclinium with its two lions on its entrance, Ad Deir the large monastery monument, the Great Temple complex, and much more. In the late afternoon we’ll drive north to Amman– Jordan’s capital and largest city.

Overnight in Amman Hotel- including Full Buffet Breakfast and Dinner.

 

Included:

•  Breakfast at your hotel.
•  Professional certified licensed Tour Guide, entrance fees, and attractions per day itinerary.
•  Dinner at your hotel.
•  Your selection of 5 Star Deluxe or 4 Star First Class hotel accommodations.

Crossing to Israel – Into the Promised LandMadaba / Mount Nebo / Cross to Israel / Jericho / Tel Aviv

After breakfast we head to the biblical town of Madaba. The town is best known for its Byzantine and mosaics and for its Greek Orthodox Church of St. George.

Here we’ll view the earliest original map of the Holy Land. We continue to the biblical Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34) from which Moses viewed the Promise Land.

Mt. Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of Moses, commands a spectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. We’ll drive by Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John the Baptist is purported to have baptized Jesus and cross to Israel via the Allenby Bridge. As we enter into Israel, we remember Joshua as he led the children of Israel on this exact path into the Promised Land. We continue to drive by Jericho and to the Mediterranean Sea on our way to Tel Aviv. Israel’s largest and most modern city. Check in at our hotel and dinner. Free time to rest, relax and enjoy your first evening in Israel. Our Tel Aviv hotel is conveniently located near the shore of the Mediterranean Sea and close to the city center and attractions. Overnight in Tel Aviv- including Full Buffet Breakfast and Dinner.

 

Included:

•  Breakfast at your hotel.
•  Professional certified licensed Tour Guide, entrance fees, and attractions per day itinerary.
•  Dinner at your hotel.
•  Your selection of 5 Star Deluxe or 4 Star First Class hotel accommodations.

 

Border Crossing not Included: Crossing Jordan Border tax currently US $16.00 (subject to change without notice).

From Tel Aviv / Jaffa to the Sea of Galilee, Mediterranean coast and the Valley of Armageddon Caesarea / Mt. Carmel / Megiddo / Nazareth / Sea of Galilee / Tiberias

In the morning visit to the Old Town Jaffa, walk through the narrow passages of Old Jaffa, believed to be the oldest port city in the world and where cedars from Lebanon arrived to build Solomon’s Temple (2 Chronicles 2:16), see St. Peter’s Church and take a spectacular view of Tel Aviv Shoreline from Jaffa Hilltop. Peter came to Jaffa (Joppa) from Lydda to raise Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead (Acts 9:36-43). While in Jaffa, the apostle stayed at the house of Simon the Tanner. St. Peter’s Church

marks the traditional site of Peter’s vision of the Great Sheet (Acts 10:9-16). Depart Tel Aviv driving north along the coastal plain to Caesarea Maritima (Acts 9:30 Acts 10:24-48) which was the center of early Christians, and capital of Judea under the Romans. Visit the excavations of this ancient city, the Roman theatre and aqueduct, here where Paul made his defines before Festus and King Agrippa prior to his final journey to Rome (Acts 25-26). We’ll stop at Mount Carmel (Muchraka), where Elijah issued his challenge to the False Prophets (1 Kings 18:16-24). We continue and enjoy a breath-taking panoramic view of Haifa Bay and the Western Galilee region. Continue to Megiddo (Joshua 12:21, 1 Kings 9:15, 2 Kings 23:29 & Revelation 16:16), the site of Armageddon (Revelation 16) where it is prophesied the gathering of the armies for the end of times will take place. See the remains from Solomon’s days, view the valley where the Battle of Armageddon will be fought (Revelation 16:14-16). Visit the archaeological excavations at Megiddo, including the well-preserved water supply system. Continue along

the Jezerel Valley to visit the town of Nazareth (Luke 1:26, Luke 4:16, Luke 4:29 & Matthew 2:23) we will take a beautiful view from the top of Mount Precipice, also known as Mount of Precipitation,

or Mount of the Leap of the Lord. It’s believed to be the site of the rejection of Jesus (Luke 4:29 Luke 4:30), continue to the Basilica of Annunciation

the church and site that celebrates the news from Gabriel that Mary would give birth to Jesus (Luke 1). If time permits, and we’ll drive to Cana of Galilee where Jesus performed his first public miracle, the turning of water into wine at the wedding feast (John 2:1 John 2:11), and the Lower Galilee region to the beautiful Sea of Galilee to the town of Tiberias. The hotels situated right on town’s center and the shores of the Sea of Galilee make it possible to walk along the shores of the Sea of Galilee and explore the town of Tiberias.  Overnight Sea of Galilee- including Full Buffet Breakfast and Dinner.

Included:

•  Breakfast at your hotel.
•  Professional certified licensed Tour Guide, entrance fees, and attractions per day itinerary.
•  Dinner at your hotel.
•  Your selection of 5 Star Deluxe or 4 Star First Class hotel accommodations.

Sea of Galilee, the Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights Magdala / Sail the Sea of Galilee / Jesus Boat / Golan Heights / Upper Galilee / Caesarea Philippi / St. Peter’s Fish Lunch / Yardenit

We begin this Holy Land touring day with a visit to Magdala (Matthew 15:39), known as the home of Mary Magdalene. Here we’ll explore a first century Jewish city where Jesus’ healed the afflicted, and the oldest excavated synagogue from the time of Jesus’ ministry where surely, he taught. After we board a wooden boat and sail on as the disciples did 2,000 years ago on the Sea of Galilee where the Lord calmed the storm (Luke 8:22-25),

and where He made one of the most dramatic miracles, walking on water (Mark 6:47-52), and it was here along the shores of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus appeared for a third time after being raised from the dead, and asked his disciples to throw their net to the right side of the boat and caught many fish, and where the Lord made the disciples breakfast (John 21). We’ll dock at Kibbutz Nof Ginosar and visit the “Ancient Jesus Boat” the remains of a 2,000 years old boat that was discovered in 1986. This boat was used at the time of Jesus and his disciples. We will drive to the beautiful Golan Heights. Visit Banias– ancient Ceasarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13 and Mark 8:27) where Jesus said “On this rock I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18). Continue to the Hula Valley and the Upper Galilee, returning to the Sea of Galilee and visit the baptismal site of Yardenit on the Jordan River, where believers celebrate and some take the opportunity to submerge themselves in the same waters where the Holy Spirit descended like a dove from heaven, when John the Baptist baptized up out of the water Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17). Overnight Sea of Galilee– including Full Buffet Breakfast and Dinner.

Included:

•  Breakfast at your hotel.
•  Professional certified licensed Tour Guide, entrance fees, and attractions per day itinerary.
•  Special St. Peter’s fish lunch.
•  Dinner at your hotel.
•  Your selection of 5 Star Deluxe or 4 Star First Class hotel accommodations.

Jesus early Ministry along the Sea of Galilee, Jordan River Mount of Beatitudes / Tabgha / Capernaum / Beit She’an / Dead Sea

Today we’ll visit early Jesus Ministry around the Sea of Galilee, visiting Mount of Beatitudes (Matthew 5, Matthew 6, Matthew 7, Matthew 8) where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, see the famous Church of the Beatitudes chapel, constructed between 1936 and 1938 by the noted architect Antonio Barluzzi and enjoy the view. Visit Tabgha– the site of the Feeding of the 5,000 and Primacy of Peter (Matthew 13, Mark 33, Mark 45, & John 21), Church of Multiplication with its 4th Century Mosaic floor, Capernaum(Matthew 4:13, Matthew 13:54, Matthew 17:24, Luke 7, Mark 1:2, John 4:46 John 4:54) where is believed to have been Jesus’ home and the center of his ministry, here we can stand in what is left of the synagogue in which Jesus ministered, and where he performed many miracles, and it’s in Capernaum where Peter’s mother-in-law lived and was healed (Luke 4:38-40). Journey through the Valley of Beit She’an to the ancient city of Beit She’an (Mark 5:20, Mark 7:31), view the archaeological site. It was here that after defeating Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa, the Philistines hanged their bodies on the walls of Beth Shean (2 Samuel 21:12-14), continue through the Jordan Valley past the city of Jericho and arrive to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. Check in at the hotel located at the shores of the Dead Sea, enjoy optional spa treatments and a massage, float on the salty water of the Dead Sea or enjoy a swim in your hotel pool. Overnight Dead Sea- including Full Buffet Breakfast and Dinner.

Included:

•  Breakfast at your hotel.
•  Special spa gift products; Dead Sea mineral mud pack and salt pack courtesy of Daniel Dead Sea Hotel.
•  Professional certified licensed Tour Guide, entrance fees, and attractions per day itinerary.
•  Dinner at your hotel.
•  Your selection of 5 Star Deluxe or 4 Star First Class hotel accommodations.

Dead Sea, Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran, Judean Desert, Jerusalem

Today on your Holy Land tour will visit the 1500 feet mountaintop fortress of Masada famous for being the last stronghold of the Jewish rebellion against the Romans. We will ascend to Masada by cable car and discover the first century Synagogue, King Herod’s Bathhouse and other sites atop of Masada, descend and continue to the oasis of Ein Gedi, where David hid in a cave when running from Saul (1 Samuel 23), it was here that David composed several of his Psalms, next visit to Qumran where a cache of ancient biblical texts the Dead Sea Scroll were discovered in 1947. Continue to the Golden City of Jerusalem, and proceed to a panoramic view of Jerusalem from Mount Scopus, and take time for prayer. Continue to the hotel conveniently located within walking distance from the Old City Jerusalem. Overnight Jerusalem- including Full Buffet Breakfast and Dinner.

Included:

•  Breakfast at your hotel.
•  Professional certified licensed Tour Guide, entrance fees, and attractions per day itinerary.
•  Dinner at your hotel.
•  Your selection of 5 Star Deluxe or 4 Star First Class hotel accommodations.

Old Jerusalem, Temple Mount in Jesus times, Mount of Olives / Kidron Valley / Garden of Gethsemane / Western Wall tunnels (Kotel Tunnels) / Pool of Bethesda / Church of Holy Sepulcher / Via Dolorosa / Christian Quarter

From the top of Mount of Olives where the Lord ascended into heaven (acts 1) we will have a view across the Kidron Valley to the Eastern Gate where the prince of Peace will enter (Ezekiel 43). We pass by Pater Noster Church standing on the traditional site of Christ’s teaching of the Lord’s Prayer (Luke 11:2-4), and visit Dominus Flevit where “The Lord wept” as he beheld the Holy City (Luke 19:41-44). Through Palm Sunday Road proceed down to the Gethsemane (Mark 14:32, John 18:1 & Matthew 26:36) where you will see 2,000-year-old Olive trees that date back to the time of Christ. In the Garden of Gethsemane, the place that Jesus prays (Luke 22:39) and his disciples customarily visited, which allowed Judas to find him on that fateful night of his arrest (Luke 22:47-52), and it’s in Gethsemane where an angel from heaven appears to strengthen Jesus (Luke 22:43), and where he found his disciples sleeping and awakes them and tells them to get up and pray (Luke 22:46). Then to the Western Wall– The holiest site in Judaism and one of the original walls that retained the Temple. We will visit the Western Wall Tunnels running along the base of the Western Wall will lead us through the Second Temple era and reveal the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, water supply and Roman street where our Lord was led to judgment. Continue to St. Anne Church and the Pool of Bethesda (John 5), where Jesus performed the famous miracle of healing of the paralytic (John 5). We will walk the Stations of the Cross– the Via Dolorosa including Station 2 Judgment Hall of Pilate (John 18:33), located at the Church of the Flagellation and Church of the Condemnation and Imposition of the Cross, all the way to the final Station 14 inside Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Matthew 27, Matthew 33:57, Matthew 28:10). In the afternoon you will enjoy time to shop the colourful bazaars (markets). We’ll join the prayer at the Western Wall, and after return to the Hotel for Shabbat Dinner.Overnight Jerusalem– including Full Buffet Breakfast and Dinner.

Included:

•  Breakfast at your hotel.
•  Professional certified licensed Tour Guide, entrance fees, and attractions per day itinerary.
•  Dinner at your hotel.
•  Your selection of 5 Star Deluxe or 4 Star First Class hotel accommodations.

Jerusalem Old and New CityMt. Zion / Upper Room / King David Tomb / Jewish Quarter / Ein Kerem / Bethlehem / Church of the Visitation / Church of the Nativity / Shepherd’s Field / Garden Tomb

We begin the day going to Mount Zion, visit the Upper room (Luke 22), Lord’s Supper, visit King David Tomb, and walk through the Jewish Quarter. Drive through the New City and pass the Knesset (Israel Parliament) and continue to Ein Karem, the birthplace of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57-80), the one to announce the coming of the Lord (Isaiah 40:3). Visit the Church of the Visitation which commemorates the visit made by Mary the mother of Jesus’, to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist (Luke 1:39-56), then continue to Bethlehem where Joseph travelled there (Luke 2:1-7) with Mary whom was pregnant, and where Jesus was born (Matthew 2:1-5), and visit the Church of Nativity. Proceed to see the Shepherd’s Field where an angel appeared to announce the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:8-20). In the afternoon visit The Garden Tomb, to celebrate the resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15, Luke 24:6-7, Mark 16:5-7) with a time for prayer. Enjoy a evening farewell dinner at the hotel. Overnight Jerusalem- including Full Buffet Breakfast and Dinner.

Included:

•  Breakfast at your hotel.
•  Professional certified licensed Tour Guide, entrance fees, and attractions per day itinerary.
•  Dinner at your hotel.
•  Your selection of 5 Star Deluxe or 4 Star First Class hotel accommodations.

Enjoy free day in Jerusalem later in the day transfer to Ben Gurion airport according to your flight schedule

After Breakfast, and by 12 noon, check out from your hotel and store your luggage in the hotel storage room to enjoy a free day in Jerusalem. Passengers booked 4 Stars First class hotels, Jerusalem the Grand Court hotel within walking distance to the Old City. Passengers booked 5 stars Deluxe hotels, in Jerusalem the Leonardo Plaza hotel is within walking distance from the Old City and the center of West Jerusalem.You can visit again the Holy sites and the colorful bazaars, Yad Vashem Israel’s memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, the Davidson Center at the Western Wall, Ben Yehuda Street with shopping stores, restaurants, and coffee shops, Mahaneh Yehuda market, with authentic Jerusalem Restaurants, and food markets. Explore on your own the newly renovated Israel Museum and Shrine of the Book.Transfer from the lobby of your hotel to Ben Gurion International Airport 4 hours Prior to flight departure.

Included:

•  Breakfast at your hotel.
•  Transfer from your Jerusalem hotel to the Ben Gurion International Airport for your departure flight back home or to your next destination.

 Transfers – The drive from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion International Airport or Sdeh Dov Domestic Airport in Tel Aviv is about 50 to 60 minutes. International flights require that you check-in at least 3 hours prior to your flight departure time. There no extra transfer charges on arrival and departure any time any day.

Arrive this morning and start planning your next memorable trip to the Holy Land with Israel Tourism Consultant. If your flight departs in the morning, you will arrive back in America the same day of your departure. If your flight departs in the night, you will arrive back to America the following day of your departure.×This fifteen-day Holy Land itinerary program can be extended and tailor-made for groups.