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

Your sightseeing begins with a visit to Memphis, the first capital of ancient Egypt, which Emperor Theodosis destroyed. The Islamic conquerors used stones and blocks to build their mosques and palaces. Continue to the Step Pyramid of Sakkara, 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, Chephren, 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 A. D., and visit the Hanging church in old Cairo, which is named for its location above a gatehouse of Babylon Fortress, the Roman fortress in Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo). Later enjoy a ride on the Nile aboard a traditional Egyptian Felucca.       

This morning transfer to the airport in Cairo and fly to Amman. Visit Mount Nebo, where Moses caught a glimpse of the Promised Land (Deut. 34). On a clear day, you can see 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.

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 cut into the cliff sides of rose-colored rock.

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. Cross the Sheik Hussein border crossing into Israel. In Magdala, once home to Mary Magdalene, visit a recently discovered first-century synagogue.

Worship as you sail across the Sea of Galilee. Visit Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry in the Galilee, and visit the synagogue built on the site where Jesus taught (Matthew 4:13, 23). On the Mount of Beatitudes, contemplate the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5-7). Explore the Church of the Fish and the Loaves at Tabgha, the traditional site of the feeding of the 5,000 (Luke 9:10-17). See the Chapel of the Primacy, where Peter professed his devotion three times to the risen Christ (John 21). Recall Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist at the Jordan River.

Visit the Franciscan Wedding Chapel in Cana, 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.

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 before returning to Jerusalem. Explore the poignant exhibits of Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Memorial.

Explore ancient Jerusalem at the Teaching Steps and the Western Wall. View the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus performed the Sabbath miracle (John 5:1-18). Sing a hymn in the Church of St. Anne and experience its rich acoustics. Visit Herod’s Antonia Fortress, where Jesus appeared before Pontius Pilate (Luke 23:1), and follow in Christ’s steps on the Via Dolorosa (“the Way of the Cross”). At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, reflect on His sacrificial love. Visit the Garden Tomb for a time of reflection and communion.

Explore ancient Jerusalem at the Teaching Steps and the Western Wall. View the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus performed the Sabbath miracle (John 5:1-18). Sing a hymn in the Church of St. Anne and experience its rich acoustics. Visit Herod’s Antonia Fortress, where Jesus appeared before Pontius Pilate (Luke 23:1), and follow in Christ’s steps on the Via Dolorosa (“the Way of the Cross”). At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, take time to reflect on His sacrificial love. Visit the Garden Tomb for a time of reflection and communion.

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