Depart Toronto / New York City (JFK) for flight to Egypt.

Arrive at Cairo International airport, complete immigration procedures, clear customs and transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight in hotel in Cairo.

After breakfast, we visit the Pyramids of Giza, one of the only existing Wonders of the Ancient World. Take an opportunity to click snaps with the ever-famous Pyramids. We then visit the statue of Sphinx located nearby the Pyramids. Today, we also visit the famous Egyptian Museum, which houses more than 2,50,000 antique pieces covering the whole history of ancient Egypt, which extends over the past five thousand years. Later we proceed to Old Cairo, where we visit an important church called the Abu Serge Church built on the house where the Holy Family lived during their stay in Egypt and then the group will drive to the famous Nile River Cruise. The river Nile has been mentioned in the Bible in Exodus 7 where the Lord turned the Nile River into Blood. It is also mentioned in Genesis, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Today’s dinner will be on the Nile Cruise. Overnight in hotel in Cairo.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel. Today we begin our 6-hour bus journey from Cairo to Sinai. We drive through the Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel built below the famous Suez Canal and enter the Asian part of Egypt. We visit the likely place where the Lord parted the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross on dry land and the Egyptian army that pursued them was drowned. Read Exodus 14:21-31 and Psalms 78 as you pass though the area where God gave His people victory. On the way get a view of the place of Elim (Exodus 15:27) and the place of Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-13). On our way we visit the Springs of Moses (The water of Marah) (Exodus15:22-25) and in the end drive to Sharm near the Mount Sinai range to our hotel, for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we drive to visit the famous Mt. Sinai range(Exodus 19) where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. Visit the famous St. Katharine Monastery at the foot of Mt. Sinai where we visit Moses’ Well and the ever-famous Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-6), a tree of its kind in the whole world. Notice the rocks in this area which have the symbol of the ancient Burning bush. Here you can purchase inexpensive souvenirs. We then continue through the wilderness to Taba (Border of Egypt & Israel) We hope to reach the beautiful Taba resort located on the shores of the Red Sea by late afternoon, allowing you some time to relax. The Taba resort boasts of a truly unique location overlooking 3 countries (Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia). It also has a spectacular view of the Red Sea turquoise water surrounded by the Gulf of Aqaba mountains. Relax at the sandy beach of the Red Sea thanking God for our tour through Egypt and rededicating our lives to God before we cross the border to enter Israel. Overnight stay at Taba resort.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and proceed towards the Taba Border. It is here that the Israelites crossed into Moab – Deuteronomy 2:8-9 and where Queen Sheeba met King Solomon) WELCOME TO ISRAEL After clearing immigration and customs, we proceed towards Bethlehem. On the way, we pass the beautiful city of Eilat situated on the banks of Red Sea. We pass through the sites of Sodom and Gamora and see Lots wife’s Pillar of Salt. As we proceed on the way we pass the shores of the Dead Sea and view Qumran, the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

In the morning we drive to Jerusalem and visit pool of Bethesda. (John 5:1-15), and the birthplace of Mary. We will also see Pilate’s Judgment Hall; the Chapel of the Flagellation where, according to tradition, the Roman soldiers scourged Jesus and placed a crown of thorns on his head. Early tradition held that Pontius Pilate stood here and thundered “Ecce Homo!” Which means “Behold the man?” Which is what Pilate said when he presented Jesus to the crowd? (Mk 15: 1-15; LK 23: 3-25; Mt 27: 11-30). We then walk a part of the Via Dolorosa (Way of Grief) (Mark 15:1-47), traditionally accepted as the last route trodden by Jesus. We walk through the vibrant bazaar to get to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher built over the Golgotha, the place of crucifixion – site of Calvary. We then drive to Bethany and visit Lazarus Tomb and the House of Mary and Martha. (John 11-12); We proceed to Jericho, view Mount Temptation (Lk 4: 1-13), visit the Sycamore tree (Lk 19: 1-4) which Zacchaeus had climbed to see Jesus. We then visit the Dead Sea to enjoy a float in the Salty water (lowest point on earth). Return to Bethlehem/Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.

Today we have many important sites to visit. After breakfast we ascend the Mt. of Olives and the Shrine of Ascension (Acts 1: 6-11) for a panoramic view of the Old City of Jerusalem with the Temple Mount. We visit the Ascension site, (Luke 24:50-51) which commemorates the ascent of Jesus to Heaven. The Pater Noster Church, (Matt 24:3) where according to tradition, lays the cave where Jesus brought his disciples and spoke to them about the mystery of the end. It is also believed to be the place; Jesus gave the Lord’s Prayer to his disciples (Matt 6:9-13). We then walk down the Sunday Palm Road where we stop at the Chapel of Dominius Flevit, where Jesus wept over the imminent destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 19:41- 44). From there we walk down the Palm Road to Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was arrested (Matt 26:36-58). Take a look at Olive trees in the garden which are more than 100 years old. Next, we will proceed through the newly rebuilt Jewish Quarter and the Roman Cardo to Mount Zion, to visit the room of the Last Supper- where we remember the last supper and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles on Pentecost, and the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles. We visit the Tomb of King David. Nearby is the St. Peter in Gallicantu which symbolizes Peter’s Denial of Jesus (Luke 22:54-62) as Jesus had prophesied at the last supper. We visit the Garden Tomb and remember Christ’s death and resurrection by participating in Holy Communion. Later, we visit the village of Ein Karem – where we visit the birthplace of John the Baptist, son of Elizabeth & Zechariah, Mary’s spring, and the Church of Visitation (This church honors the visit paid by Mary, Jesus’ mother, to Elizabeth, John’s mother. This is the point at which Mary poured forth her song of praise) (Luke 1:39-56) Evening visit to the Western Wall. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem/Jerusalem.

After Breakfast, we check out of the Hotel. We are starting the day with Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus. Meditate on the glory of the Birth of our Savior at the Church of the Nativity. (The birthplace of Jesus). This church is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. Sing Christmas Hymns! Celebrate! What a glorious feeling! Drive to the Shepherd’s field and the Cave Chapel, a recent Byzantine excavation and past Ruth the Moabite’s fields to the Judean Wilderness. We then travel to Haifa, Israel’s largest port city, built on the slopes of Mt. Carmel. Visit the beautiful Persian Hanging Gardens for a breathtaking view of the city of Haifa and the Bahai Shrine. We visit the Stella Mares Church which is built on the cave where Elijah stayed. Then make a brief halt at the “Home of Eujoh”, and then continue to Muhraqa, (1 Kings 18:20-40) the place of sacrifice and the site where Prophet Elijah defeated the false prophets of Ba’al. Drive along the coastal road to visit the old city of Jaffa, here was the house of Simon the Tanner (Apostles 10: 9-16) and the place of the Miracle of the resurrection of Tabita (Apostles 9: 36-43). Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast get set to explore the charm and beauty of the blessed area of Galilee. We take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus walked on the water (Matthew 14: 15-23). The ride will end at Ginnosar where you visit the Ancient Boat from the time of Jesus that was found nearby. We visit Yardenit where you renew baptismal vows. This is the site of the baptism of Jesus by St. John the Baptist. It is necessary for you to wear white clothes to enter the river Jordan. Please carry a set of extra clothes and a towel so that you can enter the Jordan river. Drive to the Mount of Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 1-20) where we shall visit the heptagonal church that was built by the Italian architect Berluzzi. Proceed to Tabgha for a visit at the Church of the Loaves and the Fish (Matthew 14: 14-34). Driving along the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee we reach Capernaum, the town of Jesus, where he lived in the house of Peter performing from there his miracles and healings. Before we drive back to the hotel we ascend Mt. Tabor to visit the beautiful Church of Transfiguration (Mark 9:1-8) Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and drive to Nazareth, city chosen by God for the annunciation of the birth of His Son. Here Jesus grew to manhood. We visit the boyhood town of Jesus and home of Mary and Joseph where Archangel Gabriel appeared to announce Mary that she would bear a son, Jesus (Luke 1:26-38). We also stop by Joseph’s workshop and Mary’s well. We drive to the village of Cana (John 2:1-11), where Jesus performed His first Miracle, changing water into wine at the wedding feast. We then cross the border from Israel to Jordan via the Sheikh Hussein Bridge. WELCOME TO JORDAN. After clearing immigration and customs, we drive towards Amman, the capitol city of Jordan. We proceed to Mount Nebo (Mt. Nebo is presumed to be the site of Moses’ death and burial place. On top of the mountain is a Franciscan Church with beautiful 4th and 6th century mosaics.) Where Moses was given a view of the Promised Land that God was giving to the Israelites. According to the final chapter of Deuteronomy 34: 1, “And Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo the top of Pisgah which is opposite Jericho…” Moses was 120 years old at the time of his death. We will also see the Brazen Serpent Monument atop Mount Nebo which is symbolic of the bronze serpent created by Moses in the wilderness. (Numbers 21: 4-9) Pope John Paul visited the site during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land on March 20, 2000 and Pope Benedict XVI visited the site on May 9, 2009. We spend some time here meditate the readings from Old Testament. From there, we drive to Madaba to visit the Monastery of St. George, which hosts the unique mosaic Map of Egypt, Jordan and Holy Land. The map is believed to be the first one for this area, as it was built in the 6th century A.D. We then proceed to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast we leave immediately for Petra. Situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea and inhabited since prehistoric times, the rock-cut capital city of the Nabateans, became during Hellenistic and Roman times a major caravan centre for the incense of Arabia, the silks of China and the spices of India, a crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. An ingenious water management system allowed extensive settlement of an essentially arid area during the Nabataean, Roman and Byzantine periods. Walk your way through the Siq, the narrow gorge that is the fabled city’s only entrance for the best sight of the Treasury’s entrance. Continue walking further to view the Royal Tombs, The Theatre and Colonnaded Street. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Amman.

We depart from Amman Int’l airport back to Vancouver / Toronto / New York.