The Exodus

As we embark on an unforgettable journey to Cairo, Egypt, starting tonight with our comfortable overnight flight. Get ready for a life-changing experience!

Welcome to the land of the Pharaohs, where the stories of Jacob, Joseph, and Israel during the famine come to life! Upon our arrival in Cairo, we will be greeted by our knowledgeable guide and driver who will transfer us to our hotel for a delicious dinner and a well-deserved rest for the rest of the evening. Let's take it easy tonight and prepare for the exciting adventures that await us on our journey.

Get ready to step back in time to ancient Egypt with a full day of touring some of the most incredible wonders of the ancient world, some of which date back over 1000 years before Abraham. Our first stop will be the awe-inspiring pyramids, one of the seven wonders of the world. We'll be exploring the largest pyramid, Cheops, which stands at an impressive original height of 496 feet. Don't miss the chance to also see the majestic Sphinx and explore the Egyptian Museum, home to the legendary treasures of Tutankhamen and ancient remains.

Get ready to journey through history this morning as we depart Cairo and head north towards the "Land of Goshen" before heading south on the Exodus route through the Wilderness of Shur. En route, we'll stop at Marah (Springs of Moses), the Wilderness of Sin, and continue further south to the stunning Oasis of Feiran. Don't miss the chance to climb a small hill to the ruins of an ancient chapel that overlooks the palm tree valley where Israel battled with the people of Amalek. You can even have your picture taken with your arms raised in remembrance of God's victory, just like Aaron and Hur held up Moses' arms. In the afternoon, we'll arrive at our hotel at Mt. Sinai (Mt. Horeb). For those who desire and are physically capable, we'll embark on a memorable walk up Mt. Moses. You may choose to ride a camel part of the way and stop at one of the stations to take in the stunning scenery during the climb to the summit (750 steps) for a sunset to remember. Once at the top, take some time to reflect and praise before descending down the mountain.

Join us for a spiritual journey as we visit St. Catherine's Monastery, believed to be built around the area of Moses' Burning Bush, before taking a short ride to the Red Sea. We'll stop for lunch along the shore and enjoy a breathtaking view of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel to the north. Gaze across the Gulf of Aqaba and let your imagination soar as you contemplate the miracle of the parting of the sea. We'll then travel north, admiring the stunning Red Sea views en route to the border crossing between Egypt and Israel. After transferring through Eilat in southern Israel, we'll arrive in Jordan's Aqaba, also known as Biblical Ezion Geber - the lovely seaport of King Solomon. We'll spend the night in Aqaba or Petra, depending on our itinerary.

As we begin our journey into the nation of Jordan to the mountain fortress of Petra, an ancient city inhabited by the Edomites - the descendants of Esau. We begin the tour with a walk through the "Siq," a massive crack in the Nubian sandstone, leading to the city of Petra carved out of the stunning rose red rock. The Treasury, El Khazneh, is one of the most stunning remains of antiquity. Beyond El Khazneh, we'll be surrounded by hundreds of Petra's intricately carved and built structures. Departing Petra, we'll travel northward on the King's Highway, admiring the hills bordering the Dead Sea to the west. This is the area of the hilltop palace/fortress of Machaerus, where John the Baptist was beheaded. We'll spend the night in Amman, the capital city of Jordan.

On the final leg of our journey in Jordan before crossing into Israel, we visit the town of Madaba, famous for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. At the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, we'll marvel at the earliest surviving mosaic map of the Holy Land. Next, we head to Mt. Nebo, the alleged burial site of Moses, for a breathtaking view of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. As we journey west towards the Allenby Bridge, we'll view the Plains of Moab to the north, where the tribes of Israel camped before crossing the Jordan River. We'll also visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where Jesus was baptized. We cross back into Israel and drive to the Tel Aviv area, where the remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. Take some time to appreciate the sunset over the "Great Sea".

Embarking on our private motor coach after breakfast, we journey along the stunning Mediterranean coast to Caesarea, the birthplace of Gentile Christianity, where Peter baptized the first non-Jewish believers. Marvel at the impressive Roman Amphitheatre and aqueduct before proceeding to the sacred Mt. Carmel, where Elijah proved God's supremacy over Baal. Our next stop is the Armageddon Battlefield in Megiddo, where 20 layers of ancient civilizations have been uncovered by archaeologists. As we traverse the Cana and Nazareth regions, we'll visit the Nazareth Village, an immersive recreation of Biblical times led by costumed guides. For the next two nights, we'll dine and rest in the Tiberias area, nestled on the tranquil shores of the Sea of Galilee.

After breakfast, we'll set off on a journey through two important sites in the north. Our first stop is Dan, where the Israelites once succumbed to false worship. Next, we'll visit Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter's confession and pagan rituals. Along the way, we'll pass by Bethsaida, possibly the location where Jesus performed the miracle of multiplying loaves and fishes, and the Mount of Beatitudes.

Returning to Tiberias, we'll enjoy a delicious St. Peter's fish lunch (with other options available) and visit the ancient Fisherman Boat. Then, we'll embark on a peaceful cruise on the Sea of Galilee, where we'll read scripture and reflect on the experiences of Jesus and his disciples. In Capernaum, we'll explore the well-preserved seaside village and Peter's home, followed by a visit to Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene. The First Century Synagogue and other archaeological finds in Magdala make it one of the most fascinating biblical sites in Israel.

We begin our day by experiencing the Jordan River Baptismal site and the chance to be baptized. From there, we'll journey south to Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, the most spectacular archeological site in Israel. Strategically located at the crossroads of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys, it has been occupied continuously throughout history. We'll explore the city, which was one of the ten cities of the Decapolis league, sharing Greek culture and government during the time of Jesus. Continuing southward through the fertile Jordan Valley, we'll pass ancient Jericho and view it from afar, the oldest city in the world. Our guide will also showcase Israel's intricate irrigation system and agricultural restoration in the "Land of Milk and Honey."

Next, we'll visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, and where Elijah, Elisha, and the Israelites entered the Promised Land. We'll then end our day at the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. Relax with a float in the salty water before enjoying a special spa and dinner at our lodging for the evening.

Our day kicks off with a thrilling cable car ride to Masada, an ancient fortress on a mountaintop. Our expert guide will take us through the famous story of the zealots' last stand. Later, we head to Ein Gedi, an oasis located on the western shore of the Dead Sea. The site boasts a warm climate and abundant water supply, making it home to fragrant plants and date palm groves. King David hid here from Saul, and King Jehoshaphat defeated Israel's enemies by leading praise and worship in this area. We'll also explore the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. In the afternoon, we'll take part in the Genesis Land experience, a dinner in Abraham's Tent that brings the time of the Patriarchs to life with costumes, a dramatic presentation, and authentic food. Our accommodation for the next three nights will be in Jerusalem, the city of kings.

Weather permitting, we will explore the Temple Mount, learning about the Temple Periods and the diverse belief systems that make this area so significant. Next, we visit the Wailing Wall and the captivating Rabbinical Tunnels, which guide us through the Second Temple era. These tunnels provide a remarkable understanding of the construction of the Temple Mount, featuring giant stones, water supply, and the Roman street where our Lord was led to judgment. We exit the tunnel by viewing the enormous cornerstone rejected by the builders.

Our tour proceeds to the Judgment Hall of Pilate, where we hear of those who conspired against Jesus, and are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation. From this location, we see the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen's Gate, and St. Ann’s Church. In the afternoon, we visit the Southern Wall Excavations. This southern side of the Temple was the primary entrance for the common people, while the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher eastern side. Some parts of the giant stairs that led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard, and the purification pools, have been excavated. It was here that Jesus drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploiting the people, and where Peter stood and preached, saving and baptizing thousands on the Day of Pentecost.

Our day concludes with a visit to Bethlehem, where we will surround ourselves with the birth of Christ.

Experience a pilgrimage like no other as we walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Our journey begins at the top of Mount of Olives, where we take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah, and the Dome of the Rock. Next, we visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where we can reflect on Jesus' prayer and the scriptures. On our way to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, we pass by the Protestant Cemetery and visit the Upper Room, where Thomas cried, "my Lord & my God." Our guide will explain the route that Christ was led and the actual place of crucifixion and burial. The climax of the day is the area of Golgotha, also known as the place of the skull, and the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise. Join us for an unforgettable spiritual experience.

A very early morning departure for the Tel Aviv Airport for our flight homeward will allow for arrival home by early afternoon.