Begin your journey to the land of antiquities as you depart from the United States on an overnight transatlantic flight.

In Magdala, once home to Mary Magdalene, visit a recently discovered first-century synagogue. Enjoy beautiful Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry, and visit the synagogue located on the site where Jesus taught (Matthew 4:13, 23). Sail across the Sea of Galilee and experience a special onboard worship service.

Visit the Franciscan Wedding Chapel in Cana, the site of Jesus’ first miracle, before continuing on to Nazareth, Jesus’ boyhood home (Matthew 2:23). Look out over Tel Megiddo (Armageddon) to view one of the most important archaeological sites in Israel. Today’s last stop is Caesarea, a center of the early Christians, where an angel visited Cornelius, the first Gentile believer (Acts 10), and where Paul was imprisoned for two years before appealing to Caesar.

At the River Jordan, you can remember your baptism at the Yardenit Baptismal Site. In Bethlehem, visit the cave revered as Jesus’ birthplace and see the Church of the Nativity constructed over the site (Matthew 1: 18 -25). Gaze out over Shepherds’ Field, where angels first proclaimed the Good News. Be inspired by the breathtaking beauty of Jerusalem (“the Golden City”) as you stand on the Mount of Olives, the place from which Jesus ascended into heaven forty days after His resurrection (Acts 1:9-12).

Explore the Davidson Center and the Southern Wall Excavations, including the Teaching Steps and the Western Wall. Wander the streets of the Jewish Quarter and explore the Cardo, the ancient marketplace still alive with shops. Stand on the steps of the Pool of Siloam, where the blind man was healed (John 9). Visit St. Peter in Gallicantu, the home of the High Priest Caiaphas, where Jesus was held after His arrest (Matthew 26:57).

View the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus performed the Sabbath miracle (John 5: 1-31). Walk the Via Dolorosa, “the Way of the Cross,” and stand in reverence at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Cross the Allenby Bridge into Jordan. Explore Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Stroll through the oval piazza and wander along colonnaded streets etched by the wheels of ancient chariots. Stand in the grand theatre where an onstage whisper can be heard in the top row.

Travel south for a visit 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.

Visit Mount Nebo, where Moses caught a glimpse of the Promised Land (Deut. 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. Transfer to the airport in Amman and fly to Cairo.

Your sightseeing begins with a visit to Memphis, the first capital of ancient Egypt, which was destroyed by Emperor Theodosis. The stones and blocks were used by the Islamic conquerors to build their mosques and palaces. Continue to the Step Pyramid of Saqqara, designed by the innovative architect Imhotep, and forerunner of the pyramids. The tomb of King Zoser is over 200 feet high and resembles a giant set of stairs. Continue to Giza and the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Cheophreh, and Mykerinos, guarded by the colossal Sphinx monument, which is symbolic of Egypt throughout the ages.

This morning, your guide will escort you on a tour of 7,000 years of Egyptian history with a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which includes the world-famous golden treasures from King Tutankhamun‘s tomb. Tour the Citadel of Saladin built in 1183 AD and visit the Hanging Church in Old Cairo, which is named for its location above a gatehouse of the Roman fortress in Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo). Later, enjoy a ride on the Nile aboard a traditional Egyptian Felucca.

Return to USA or enjoy the Luxor extension.