Egypt, Jordan & the Holy Land   14 Day Itinerary

ITINERARY

Day 1: Departure from USA on an overnight flight.

Day 2: Arrival to EGYPT

Upon arrival to Egypt, you will be met by our tour guide and transferred to our hotel. (D)

Day 3: CAIRO & Pyramids

Full day tour of Cairo.  Includes Giza home of the three Great Pyramids, and The Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum, home of the treasures of King Tutankhamen. Dinner and Overnight in Cairo. (B,D)

Day 4: CAIRO / MT. SINAI (Egypt)

In the morning we visit ancient Cairo: the Hanging Church, the Mosque of Mohammad  Ali also referred to as the Alabaster. Continue to Mt. Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery. Dinner and overnight in Wadi Raha Santa. (B,D)

Day 5: MT. SINAI / TABA

Very early in the morning (2:00 a.m.), we will have the chance to climb Mount Sinai and watch the spectacular sunrise and view of southern Sinai. Mount Sinai is believed to be the location where the children of Israel received the Ten Commandments. View the Byzantine Chapel; and Modem Mosque at the summit before descending down to visit the famous St. Catherine's Monastery, built in the 6^th century to protect what was believe to be the Burning Bush (which we will “see”) in which God first revealed Himself to Moses. Continue to TABA border (the Red Sea) for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Day 6: TABA / PETRA, JORDAN

After breakfast in Taba we cross the border into Jordan. Stop in Wadi Rum, where Lawrence of Arabia was filmed, to view one of the world’s outstanding desert landscapes. Continue to Petra for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Day 7: PETRA

After breakfast, depart hotel for a full day tour of Petra, the city often called the “red rose city” because of the unique color of its architecture. After passing through the sole entrance of the “lost city” (on foot or by horse), visit the Tombs and Treasury and other important sites including Khazneh, the small temple, Roman Amphitheatre and the caves in the rock between dozens of imposing obelisks and monuments. Return to Petra for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Day 8: PETRA / MASADA / JERUSALEM

Today we will depart Jordan for Israel. En routs we descend on the winding road through the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth, 400 meters below sea level. Drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to visit Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.; and to visit Masada. Here the Zealots withstood the Roman forces for 3 years, 70-73 AD. Ascend by cable car to the summit of this mountaintop fortress, and visit Herod’s Palaces, the baths, and synagogue. After descending by cable car, enjoy the experience of a "swim" in the Dead Sea. Continue to the hotel in Jerusalem. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. (B,D)

Day 9: JERUSALEM

After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of Jerusalem. Walk to the Old City. Visit the Pool of Bethesda and St Ann’s Church, Pilate’s Judgment Hall, the Church of the Flagellation. Begin walking the stations of the Via Dolorosa (possible carrying a wooden cross) and see the Arch of Ecce Homo and the Convent of the Sisters of Zion. Continue with the Stations of the Cross – Via Dolorosa to visit the Holy Sepulchre and Mt Golgotha. In the afternoon we continue with the Old City visiting the Wailing Wall, and the Mosque of Omar and El Aksar.  Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. (B,D)

Day 10:  BETHLEHEM / JERUSALEM

After breakfast, drive to Bethlehem. Visit the Church of Nativity (Mass), the Manger, Crusader Cloister and the Grotto of St. Jerome. Return to Jerusalem. Visit chapel of the Ascension, from which Jesus returned to his Father, the Church of Pater Noster, and St. Peter in Galicantu. Visit Mount of Olives, walk down the Road of Palm Sunday to visit Dominus Flevit, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Basilica of Agony. Continue to Kidron Valley and Mount Zion. Visit  Upper Room where Jesus instituted the Eucharist & the Priesthood. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. (B,D)

Day 11: JERUSALEM / GALILEE

Today, we will drive to Galilee. Visit Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle. Here we celebrate Mass. Continue to Nazareth, visit Mary’s Well and the Basilica of the Annunciation and view the Blessed Cave, where Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. View Mary and Joseph’s House and carpentry shop where Jesus spent 30 years of his life.  Dinner and overnight in Galilee. (B,D)

Day 12: SEA OF GALILEE / BOAT RIDE

Boat ride on the Lake of Galilee. Visit Capernaum, the town of Jesus which is the center of his ministry where he performed many miracles. Visit the House of St. Peter and the ruins of the ancient Synagogue where Jesus preached. Stop at Tabgha, and visit the Church of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, the site of the multiplication miracle, with its beautiful 5^th century fish mosaic, and the Church of the Primacy of Peter. Celebrate Mass in the lovely Chapel on the Mount of Beatitudes. In the afternoon visit Mount Tabor with a spectacular view of upper Galilee, where Jesus transfigured in the presence of Peter, James and John, and upon which stands the Church of Transfiguration. Dinner and overnight in Galilee. (B,D)

Day 13: HAIFA & MT. CARMEL / CAESAREA / NETANYA

After breakfast we depart to Haifa and Mt Carmel – “the burning place” where Elijah called the fire down to confound the prophets of Baal. Continue to Caesarea, where Paul was imprisoned before sailing to Rome. Continue to Netanya for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Day 14: TEL AVIV / USA Depart Tel Aviv in the morning and arrival to USA in the same day. (B)

Price includes: Daily Mass; Round-trip airfare from Newark Airport, airport-hotel transfers, hotel taxes, full Israeli breakfast (Israel) and breakfast (Egypt & Jordan) and dinner daily, accommodations in 3 and 4 star hotels with private bathrooms, sightseeing as indicated in itinerary including local guide and all entrance fees, tour guide / escort, deluxe motorcoach transportation, and porterage.

Price does not include: border taxes, visa fees, hotel tips, or tips to waiters, drivers and escorts & guides, extra meals and drinks, all items of personal nature.