Ancient Wonders of the Bible Lands with Jim Frazier | Jan 20, 2025
Join Jim Frazier on an Ancient Wonders of the Bible Lands tour starting at $5,196* from Birmingham, AL, on January 20, 2025. You will see Cairo, Mount Nebo, Madaba, Petra, the Dead Sea, Jericho, Qumran, the Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Caesarea, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and much more!
Register Early & Save
$100 Register by April 20, 2024
$75 Register by May 20, 2024
$50 Register by June 20, 2024
$25 Register by July 20, 2024
Full deposit required. Savings are deducted from the balance.
New Inclusion!
One-year individual membership to the Museum of the Bible! Learn More
What’s Included
- All Inclusive Pricing
- Breakfast and Dinner Daily
- Deluxe A/C Motor Coaches
- Domestic Airfare
- Entrance and Program Fees
- First Class Hotels
- Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes
- Guided Tours
- Hotel Gratuities
- International Airfare
- Administrative fees
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 January 20 – USA to Cairo, Egypt
Your pilgrimage begins as you depart on your international flight.
Day 2 January 21 – Welcome to Cairo, Egypt
Our representative will welcome you to Cairo, Egypt, and transfer you to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3 January 22 – Cairo
This morning, visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities to view the unique collection of Pharaonic art and the renowned treasures of King Tutankhamun. Afterward, visit the Pyramids of Giza, constructed over 1,000 years before the birth of Moses. See the Great Sphinx and have the opportunity to ride a camel in the desert near the pyramids.
Day 4 January 23 – Cairo and Amman
Enjoy a felucca ride on the Nile. Tour the Old City and see the Citadel of Saladin, built in 1183 AD, and view the Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali. In Old Cairo, visit the Abu Serga Church, built over the traditional site of the house where the Holy Family lived during their stay in Egypt. Late this afternoon, fly to Amman and overnight at the Dead Sea.
Day 5 January 24 – Mount Nebo, Madaba
Visit Mount Nebo, where Moses caught a glimpse of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34). On a clear day, you can see all the way across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Continue to Madaba, the City of Mosaics, to visit the Church of Saint George with its sixth-century, Byzantine, mosaic map showing Jerusalem and other holy sites.
Day 6 January 25 – Petra
Travel to the city of Petra. Its entrance passes through a long, narrow gorge known as the Siq and can only be accessed by carriage, horseback, or on foot. Once inside the city, marvel at the intricate detail of a city that was cut into the cliffsides of rose-colored rock. Return to your hotel at the Dead Sea for your overnight stay.
Day 7 January 26 – Dead Sea, Jericho, Qumran, Galilee
Enjoy free time this morning at your hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea. Cross the border into Israel and visit Qumran, the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery site. Learn about the mysterious community of the Essenes, who once lived on the shores of the Dead Sea. Head to Jericho to visit the ruins of the ancient city Joshua conquered (Joshua 6:20). From Jericho, you can see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1). Continue to the Galilee for dinner and your overnight stay.
Day 8 January 27 – The Galilee
Enjoy a scenic drive to Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry in the Galilee (Matt.4:13, 23). On the Mount of Beatitudes, contemplate the text of the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus preached there (Matt. 5-7). Experience a special onboard worship service as you sail across the Sea of Galilee. Visit the Church of the Loaves and Fish in Tabgha, the traditional location of the feeding of the 5,000 (Luke 9:10-17). As you pray in the Chapel of the Primacy, remember how Peter professed his devotion to the risen Christ three times (John 21). In Magdala, once home to Mary Magdalene, visit a recently discovered first-century synagogue.
Day 9 January 28 – Cana, Nazareth, Caesarea
Journey to Nazareth, Jesus’ boyhood home (Matthew 2:23), and recall Jesus’ first miracle as you travel through Cana (John 2:1). Visit the Roman aqueduct and theatre at Caesarea, a center of the early Christians, where Cornelius became the first Gentile convert to the new religion (Acts 10), and where Paul was imprisoned before being taken to Rome for trial. Continue to the Jerusalem area for your overnight stay.
Day 10 January 29 – Bethlehem & Jerusalem
In Bethlehem, visit the cave where Jesus was born (Luke 2:1-7) and see the Church of the Nativity built over the site. Gaze out over Shepherds’ Field, where the angels first proclaimed the Good News. Visit the Upper Room, revered as the site of the Last Supper (Mark 14:12-26). Visit the House of the High Priest Caiaphas (Matthew 26:57), where Jesus was imprisoned for a night.
Day 11 January 30 – Jerusalem
Enter the Old City and walk along the ancient main street of Cardo. Say a prayer at the Western Wall. Continue to the Southern Wall Excavations of the Temple Mount and the Teaching Steps where Christ would have the Temple area. After lunch, wander through the excavations of the City of David. Explore Hezekiah’s Tunnel, an amazing engineering feat that was dug from both ends and met in the middle! (Note: Those who are claustrophobic may want to meet the group at the other end of the tunnel). Visit the Pool of Siloam, which
continues to be excavated to its original dimensions.
Day 12 January 31 – Jerusalem
Stand on the Mount of Olives as Jesus did, and enjoy a remarkable view of the “Golden City” of Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed for God’s will to be done (Matthew 26:36-39). View the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-18), where Jesus performed the Sabbath miracle, and sing a hymn in the Church of St. Anne to experience its beautiful acoustics. Visit Herod’s Antonia Fortress, where Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate (Luke 23:1). Walk the Via Dolorosa, “the Way of the Cross,” and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, reflecting on Christ’s sacrificial love. End your day with communion at the Garden Tomb (Matthew 27:57-60).
Day 13 February 1 – Return from Tel Aviv to the USA or enjoy an extension to Dubai.
Return from Tel Aviv to the USA or enjoy an extension to Dubai.
Enhance Your Journey
OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR: Nile River Cruise Starting from $1598
January 16 - 22, 2025 • Starting at $1,598*
January 16 – Arrive in Cairo
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed to Cairo by your local guide. Enjoy dinner and stay overnight at your hotel in Cairo.
January 17 – Fly to Luxor
This morning, fly from Cairo to Luxor, ancient Thebes, which served as the Egyptian capital during the New Kingdom and the time of Moses. Visit the magnificent Temple of Luxor with its avenue of sphinx statues and mighty monumental columns. Continue to the Karnak Temple, which took over 2,000 years to build and is the largest religious building ever constructed, and see the famed Hypostyle Hall, the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Tutomosis III, the temple of Amon, the Granite Scarabeus and the Sacred Lake. Board your Nile cruise ship and enjoy dinner.
January 18 – Valleys of the Kings & Queens & Esna
This morning, enjoy the sunrise over the Nile River before your visit to the Valley of the Kings. Tombs were constructed here for Egypt’s kings and powerful nobles for nearly 500 years. The valley stands on the west bank of the Nile, across from Thebes (modern Luxor), within the heart of the Theban Necropolis. See the Colossi of Memnon, made of sandstone from Gabal El Silselah. Each colossus, including the pedestal and the crown, is about 21m tall and represents King Amenhotep III. See the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of only a handful of female rulers in Ancient Egypt. Her reign was the longest of all the female pharaohs. Sail to Esna, enjoying afternoon tea before visiting the Temple of Khnum. Have dinner and stay overnight on board.
January 19 – Edfu & Kom Ombo
Visit the Edfu Temple on the west bank of the Nile. Dating to the Ptolemaic period, the temple was dedicated to the worship of god Horus represented as a falcon. It is one of the most beautiful Egyptian temples, distinguished by its huge, splendid structure blending Pharaonic and Greek architecture. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Kom Ombo Temple. Built on a hillside, this temple was constructed in the Ptolemaic Roman era for the worship of the gods Haroeris and Sobek. It is noted for the relief engravings on its walls, which show ancient surgical tools, bone saws, and dentistry tools. Nearby, view the three mummified crocodiles in Hathor’s chapel.
January 20 – Aswan
Set sail on a smaller boat across the Nile to visit the temples at Philae, including the Temple of Isis, one of the greatest Temples in Egypt occupying a quarter of the island. Next, visit the High Dam, one of the most outstanding architectural achievements of the twentieth century. It was constructed to replace the old Aswan dam built in 1902. The 3600-meter-long dam was constructed to protect Egypt from floods and provide its citizens with irrigation and electricity. View the Unfinished Obelisk, made of red granites from Aswan’s quarries. After exploring Aswan, fly to Cairo to check into your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.
January 21 – Cairo
This morning, visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities to view the unique collection of Pharaonic art and the renowned treasures of King Tutankhamun. Afterward, visit the Pyramids of Giza, constructed over 1,000 years before the birth of Moses. See the Great Sphinx and have the opportunity to ride a camel in the desert near the pyramids. Tour the Old City and see the Citadel of Saladin, built in 1183 AD, and view the Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali. In Old Cairo, visit the Abu Serga Church, built over the traditional site of the house where the Holy Family lived during their stay in Egypt. Stay overnight in Cairo.
January 22 – Fly to Amman
Check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion. A minimum number of participants must be reached to operate extensions. Contact us for specifics. *A 3.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card transactions. Taxes, tips & fees for extensions are charged separately. Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion.
A minimum number of participants must be reached to operate extensions. Contact us for specifics.
*A 3.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card transactions.
Taxes, tips & fees for extensions are charged separately.
OPTIONAL POST-TOUR: Dubai Starting from $1498
February 1 - 5, 2025 • Starting at $1,498*
February 1 – Depart Israel
Fly to Dubai from Tel Aviv. Arrive in Dubai and transfer to your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.
February 2 – Old Dubai
Journey to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood to explore Old Dubai. Part of the attraction of the district, which showcases the traditional way of life in Dubai from the mid-19th century until the 1970s, is simply wandering through its narrow lanes. Here, you’ll discover creative art spaces, museums, and cafés housed in traditional L-shaped homes made from gypsum, coral, and limestone. Look up and you can’t miss the buildings topped with distinctive wind towers. While exploring this neighborhood, you will visit the Textile Souk, full of colorful fabrics and kitsch souvenirs. Next, visit the Saruq Al Hadid Archaeology Museum to discover the archaeological treasures in and around Dubai. Embark on a water taxi ride by Dubai Creek at Bur Dubai Abra Station. This waterway continues to reflect Dubai’s historical roots, back when early settlers relied on its waters for their livelihood. You will queue for a short trip across the Creek to Deira on traditional wooden boats, known as abras. Once on the other side, visit the Gold Souk, where you can haggle with shopkeepers for beautiful jewelry, before continuing to the Spice Souk. As you wander through the stalls, you can savor the aromas of cardamom, turmeric, dried lemons, and rose petals. This afternoon, zoom into the remote Lahbab desert outside the city. During the drive, your guide answers questions and shares information about the region. Head off the road into bright red dunes and have your camera ready to capture what looks like giant beanbags of sand. Then, hold tight as you cruise toward the highest slopes. Feel the adrenaline race as your vehicle plows up the dunes before sliding and slipping back down the slopes, churning up billowing clouds of sand. Reach a high desert dune for a photo stop and admire 360-degree views of the desert landscape as the sun slowly sets. Take a camel ride and enjoy dinner and a show at night before you return to your hotel. Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion. A minimum number of participants must be reached to operate extensions.
February 3 – Abu Dhabi
Embark this exhilarating tour to the highlight destinations of Abu Dhabi. As you travel to your first destination along the gulf coast of Abu Dhabi, listen to the region’s rich history and culture. Let’s visit the architectural beauty of the country’s largest mosque- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is known as the acclaimed symbol of contemporary Islam. The place offers a feast to the eyes as it blends the cultural diversity of Islamic art and contemporary design. You will be driven to the next destination, Abu Dhabi Corniche. Feel relaxed seeing the sweeping curve of the clean water harbor, pearl white sand beaches, and the beautiful promenade that stretches the northwest city shore. The next stop is Emirates Palace, a highly celebrated destination in the UAE. Get a chance to pose in front of this eminent destination and take a lot of photos. Visit Qasr Al Watan. The palace is the reflection of Emiratis and their leaders. Absorb the essence of culture, architectural features, and the aweinspiring history of the Emirates. Learn about the amazing journey spurring Arabian design to the present state. Return to Dubai for dinner and your overnight stay.
February 4 – New Dubai
Visit the Burj Khalifa, which, at 828 meters, is currently the tallest building in the world, located next to the Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping centers with 1,200 shops. Visit the viewing platform at 452 meters above sea level. Ride the building’s express elevator to the 124th floor at a speed of 10 meters per second. From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of Dubai and its unique skyline. Enjoy free time at the impressive Dubai Mall afterward. Prepare for your return flight home.
February 5 – Return home with memories to share!
Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion.
A minimum number of participants must be reached to operate extensions. Contact us for specifics.
*A 3.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card transactions. Taxes, tips & fees for extensions are charged separately.
Departure Dates
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Monday, January 20, 2025From $5196* Register Now!