Israel & Egypt 13 day First Class Tour
From Tel Aviv To Caesarea, Megiddo, Nazareth, Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Capernaum, Magdala, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, Beth Shean, Dead Sea, Masada, Ein Gedi, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Red Sea, Mt Moses, Sharm el-Sheikh, Cairo - 12 Nights

Package Details

Overview

Following a comprehensive tour of the Christian sites of Israel, this tour continues to the Red Sea, the Sinai and Cairo, exploring the beginnings of the Israelites Exodus out of Egypt.

Details

Day 1: Arrival Israel

Arrive in Israel and travel northward to our hotel for one night in the coastal area near Tel Aviv. The remainder of the day is free to walk along the Mediterranean, relax, and have dinner. The time is right for a personal devotional with the sunset over the “Great Sea.” Meet your Israeli guide, enjoy a time of prayer of thanks for safety and the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of the “Promised Land,” and a good night’s rest.

Day 2: 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 3: Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Capernaum, Magdala, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride

Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable northern sites. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of alternative sacrifice and Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter’s Confession and pagan worship. We pass the possible site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes in Bethsaida and the Mount of the Beatitudes. Returning to Tiberias for a St. Peter’s Fish Lunch (other selections available), we then visit the ancient Fisherman Boat followed by a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee. A brief scripture reading and devotional on board brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples. In Capernaum we view the excavations of the sea-side village and Peter’s home, followed by a visit to Magdala, home town of Mary Magdalene. The recent excavation of the First Century Synagogue and well preserved village makes Magdala one of the most interesting Biblical sites in Israel.

Day 4: Jordan River Baptism Site, Beth Shean, & Dead Sea

We begin our day with the opportunity to be baptized at the Jordan River Baptismal site. Next we travel southward to Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, the most magnificent archaeological 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 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” and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho and view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world. To the east of Jericho along the Jordan River Valley (Queser El Yehud) is the Israeli side of Bethany Beyond the Jordan. In this area Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan, as well as where the children of Israel, led by Joshua, entered the Promised Land. Our lodging for the evening is 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 5: 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 afternoon 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 6: Around Jerusalem, Bible Times, Bethlehem

Conditions permitting we will visit the Temple Mount, with commentary on the Temple Periods, and the variety of belief systems past and present that make this area so valuable. Next 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 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 spend the remainder of the day surrounding the birth of Christ with a visit to Bethlehem.

Day 7: Jesus’ Steps, Last Days, Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb

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. 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.” While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering along with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 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.

Day 8: Israel Museum, Friends of Zion Museum, House of Caiaphas, Yad Vashem

An interesting and educational time awaits us today at the Israeli Museum. Walk through collections of century’s old Israeli artefacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and then a guided walk through an accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem. This model will help put into perspective all that you have seen over the previous days touring. We then visit the Friends of Zion Museum to learn of the 19th and 20th century heroes of the Jewish people. Next we spend time at 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. 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. This evening we enjoy a special lecture by a local believer prior to dinner, giving us a perspective of Messianic life in Israel.

Day 9: Red Sea

This morning we depart Jerusalem and travel southward to the Red Sea resort city of Eilat. This afternoon we begin to retrace the route of the Exodus, the land of the Pharaohs, Jacob, Joseph and Israel during the famine. Upon arriving in the southern city of Eilat, we cross the Taba Border between Israel and Egypt. We are greeted by our Egyptian guide and transported to our nearby Red Sea resort hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest and enjoy the warm waters before dinner this evening at the hotel.

Day 10: Mt. Moses

Following breakfast this morning we begin our tour along the Red Sea. We include a stop along the shore near the location where many believe to be the alternate crossing site with a view of Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Gazing across the Gulf of Aqaba, we can begin to imagine the miracle of the parting of the sea. Turning westward we learn of the rugged terrain and the history of this region en-route to St. Catherine’s Monastery at Mt. Sinai (Mt. Horeb). Upon arrival we visit the Monastery, claimed to be built around the area of Moses’ Burning Bush. Following our visit we check into our nearby hotel and prepare for our afternoon hike. Those who desire and are physically capable will depart for a memorable 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 sunset to remember. Once at the top, enjoy a time of praise and then depart down the mountain for a late evening overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Sharm el-Sheikh, Cairo

This morning we arise and travel southward to the beautiful Red Sea coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh. Enjoy free time for a stroll along the beach and lunch before passing over the Wilderness of Shur and the “Land of Goshen” arriving in Cairo and our place of lodging for the next two nights.

Day 12: Cairo – Pyramids and Museum

An entire day of exploring the ancient treasures of Egypt awaits us today. 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 Tutankhamon’s treasures and ancient remains.

Day 13: Home

Early today we depart Cairo Airport for our flight home.

• Important Note: Although the itinerary above obviously emphasizes the spiritual aspect of this marvellous 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.

Inclusions

Price Includes: 4 star lodging in Israel, 4 star lodging in Cairo, 2.5 star lodging in Mt. Sinai, expert Biblical guides, admissions, baggage handling, sightseeing, and breakfast & dinner daily, border taxes (US$25), flight from Sharm el-Sheikh to Cairo.

Please Note: Israel and Egypt gratuities will be paid in advance (US$149 per person will be added to your final invoice for gratuities to be paid to drivers, guides and hotel staff).

Not Included: International flight departures, transfers, most lunches, gratuities, Egyptian visa (US$25 will be added to your final invoice. Visa obtained for U.S. and Canadian Citizens).

Deposit Required: US$300 per person will reserve your place. A US$150 service fee will be charged for cancellation at any time in addition to our normal payment and cancellation policy.

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