Egypt-Israel-Jordan-Cyprus

After your buffet breakfast meet your guide to start our tour, and visit one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient World, the three Pyramids of Giza. The oldest and largest of the three is the Cheops Pyramid built 3rd dynasty about 2690 B.C. Next is the Pyramids of Chefren and visit the majestic Great Sphinx, which is the largest single block sculpture located at the foot of the grand Pyramid Chefren. In the area of the Pyramids making for a great picture take an opportunity to ride a camel with the Pyramids in the background. Continue to visit the famous Egyptian Museum, here we shall provide you with a brief, but colorful insight into the five thousand years history of Egypt's fascinating land. Afterwards we visit Old Cairo, and the City’s cultural landmarks that span three millennium of Egyptian history. We begin with Coptic Church, where you will visit the Hanging Church, dating to the late 4th and early 5th century. This basilica was named "Al-Mu'allaqah" because it was built atop the south gate of the Babylon Fortress. Continue to the Church of St. Sergius, a 5th century Coptic Church. This basilica is built on the cave in which the Holy Family stayed and is regarded by visitors as a source of blessing. As we stroll along, we'll come to the recently restored Synagogue of Ben Ezra - the oldest Jewish synagogue in Egypt built in 882 AC. Next, we'll explore the spices and silks in the medieval bazaar of Khan el-Khalili, one of the biggest bazaars in the Middle East and North Africa’s most famous bazaar. Lunch will be served during the tour at a local restaurant. Return to your hotel in Cairo.
Οptional Evening Activity Nile Cruise Dinner with Show ask for the price your group leader, please reserve before departure. Includes pick-up and drop-off transfers from your hotel.

After breakfast departure by private air-conditioned bus to Saint Catherine Monastery via the tunnel underneath the Suez Cannel to the west branch of the Red Sea, following what is thought to be the route of the Biblical Exodus Our drive through the Sinai Peninsula and the biblical Land of Goshen to the Mount Sinai area (233 miles) takes about 6 hours. Marah by the Red Sea the desert springs along the shore of the Red Sea where the children of Israel found the water bitter Continue to Alim visit the desert oasis continue to Wadi Feiran (Rephidim), the desert valley where the children of Israel fought against Amalekites. Then to Mount Serbal, the possible site where Moses held his arms up for victory we continue inland heading towards the granite mountain of Mount Sinai and Wadi El Raha where according to traditions is the area where the Israelites camped and the golden calf was forged We will arrive at the hotel near Mt Sinai and St Catherine’s Monastery.
Overnight in hotel near Mt. Sinai.
Optional night activity: Climb Mt. Sinai. For those who wish to climb Mt. Sinai, please bring warm clothing for the ascent. Ride a camel 2/3 of the way up the Mount. Your tour guide can arrange this at the location Climbing Mt. Sinai begins at 2:00 A.M. and return around 9:00 - 9:30 A.M.

In the morning , those who desire and are physically capable, will climb-up Mount Sinai (6,900 ft) climb to the summit (750 steps) walking the Footsteps of Moses and enjoy a time of praise and incredible views of the Sinai wilderness, the Burning Bush and where he received the Ten Commandments. Descending the mountain we return to the hotel to rejoin the rest . Touring the Saint Catherine Monastery with its History, constructed at the foot of Mt. Sinai the oldest working Christian Monastery. St. Catherine Monastery was built in (527 and 565 AC) by the Roman Emperor Justinian, and where it’s believed God appeared to Moses in the form of a burning bush. The Greek Orthodox Church building is the oldest continuously used church building in the world. . Leaving Mount Sinai area toward the eastern shores of Sinai Peninsula and on the Red Sea north to Taba Border Crossing (Egypt Israel border), lunch provided in Taba prior to crossing in to Israel. After crossing meet our Israeli representative welcomes us to Israel. We will take short city tour in Eilat Israel’s southernmost town on the Red Sea.Arrival in our hotel and we have free day in Eilat for leisure

We'll arrive at the Araba Border (Israel Jordan southern border). Cross to Jordan and meet with our Jordanian tour guide, Welcomes us to Jordan, visit the city and port of Aqaba along the King’ Highway to Wadi then to the ancient city of Petra Full day Visiting the Nabatean City of Petra,in Amman
Exploring the Nabatean Treasure City of Petra. A short drive to the entrance to one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites – the 2,000-year-old city of Petra, known as the red rock city. It was the ancient capital of the Nabateans from the 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AC. Carved by the Nabataeans out of solid rock, Petra was forgotten for hundreds of years until it was rediscovered in 1812. At the entrance to Petra, travelers are offered the option to ride a horse for 800m - from the visitor center to the entrance of the dramatic “Siq” (canyon). From the entrance to the Siq there is a 1,250 meters walk to the 1st monument “ The treasury” Throughout most of the day we will explore Petra’s incredible structures; Bab Al Siq or in Arabic the “ gateway to the Siq,” the Treasury, the Royal Tombs, the obelisks and the High Place of Sacrifice, the Theatre carved into the side of the mountain, the Church built in the 5th century AD, the Colonnaded Street, the Lion Triclinium with it’s two lions on it’s entrance, Ad Deir the large monastery monument, the Great Temple complex, and much more. In the late afternoon we'll drive north to Amman- Jordan’s capital and largest city. Overnight in Amman

Leisure day at Dead Sea or in our hotel in Amman.

After breakfast we head to the biblical town of Madaba. The town is best known for its Byzantine and mosaics and for its Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. Here we'll view the earliest original map of the Holy Land. We continue to the biblical Mount Nebo from which Moses viewed the Promise Land. Mt. Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of Moses, commands a spectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. We'll drive by Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John the Baptist is purported to have baptized Jesus and cross to Israel via the Allenby Bridge. As we enter into Israel we remember Joshua as he led the children of Israel on this exact path into the Promised Land. We continue to drive by Jericho and to the Mediterranean Sea on our way to Tel Aviv. Israel’s largest and most modern city. Check in at our hotel and dinner. Free time to rest, relax and enjoy your first evening in Israel. Overnight in Tel Aviv.

In the morning visit to the Old Town Jaffa, walk through the narrow passages of Old Jaffa, believed to be the oldest port city in the world and where cedars from Lebanon arrived to build Solomon's Temple , see St. Peter's Church and take a spectacular view of Tel Aviv Shoreline from Jaffa Hilltop.Peter came to Jaffa (Joppa) from Lydda to raise Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead While in Jaffa, the apostle stayed at the house of Simon the Tanner. St. Peter's Church marks the traditional site of Peter’s vision of the Great Sheet . Depart Tel Aviv driving north along the coastal plain to Caesarea Maritima which was the center of early Christians, and capital of Judea under the Romans. Visit the excavations of this ancient city, the Roman theatre and aqueduct, here where Paul made his defense before Festus and King Agrippa prior to his final journey to Rome . We'll stop at Mount Carmel(Muchraka), where Elijah issued his challenge to the False Prophets We continue and enjoy a breath taking panoramic view of Haifa Bay and the Western Galilee region. Continue to Megiddo the site of Armageddon where it is prophesied the gathering of the armies for the end of times will take place. See the remains from Solomon’s days, view the valley where the Battle of Armageddon will be fought Continue along the Jezerel Valley to visit the town of Nazareth we will take a beautiful view from the top of Mount Precipice, also known as Mount of Precipitation, or Mount of the Leap of the Lord. It's believed to be the site of the rejection of Jesus , continue to the Basilica of Annunciation the church and site that celebrates the news from Gabriel that Mary would give birth to Jesus . If time permits, and we'll drive to Cana of Galilee where Jesus performed his first public miracle, the turning of water into wine at the wedding feast , and the Lower Galilee region to the beautiful Sea of Galilee to the town of Tiberias. The hotels situated right on town’s center and the shores of the Sea of Galilee make it possible to walk along the shores of the Sea of Galilee and explore the town of Tiberias. Overnight Sea of Galilee..

We begin this Holy Land touring day with a visit to Magdala , known as the home of Mary Magdalene. Here we'll explore a first century Jewish city where Jesus' healed the afflicted, and the oldest excavated synagogue from the time of Jesus' ministry where surely he taught. After we board a wooden boat and sail on as the disciples did 2,000 years ago on the Sea of Galilee where the Lord calmed the storm OPTIONAL, and where He made one of the most dramatic miracles, walking on water , and it was here along the shores of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus appeared for a third time after being raised from the dead, and asked his disciples to throw their net to the right side of the boat and caught many fish, and where the Lord made the disciples breakfast . We'll dock at Kibbutz Nof Ginosar and visit the "Ancient Jesus Boat" the remains of a 2,000 years old boat that was discovered in 1986. This boat was used at the time of Jesus and his disciples. We will drive to the beautiful Golan Heights. Visit Banias- ancient Ceasarea Philippi where Jesus said “On this rock I will build my Church” . Continue to the Hula Valley and the Upper Galilee, returning to the Sea of Galilee and visit the baptismal site of Yardenit on the Jordan River, where believers celebrate and some take the opportunity to submerge themselves in the same waters where the Holy Spirit descended like a dove from heaven, when John the Baptist baptized up out of the water Jesus Overnight Sea of Galilee

Today we'll visit Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, see the famous Church of the Beatitudes chapel, constructed between 1936 and 1938 by the noted architect Antonio Barluzzi and enjoy the view. Visit Tabgha- the site of the Feeding of the 5,000 and Primacy of Peter Church of Multiplication with its 4th Century Mosaic floor, Capernaum where is believed to have been Jesus' home and the center of his ministry, here we can stand in what is left of the synagogue in which Jesus ministered, and where he preformed many miracles, and it's in Capernaum where Peter’s mother-in-law lived and was healed . Journey through the Valley of Beit She'an to the ancient city of Beit She'an , view the archeological site. It was here that after defeating Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa, the Philistines hanged their bodies on the walls of Beth Shean continue through the Jordan Valley past the city of Jericho and arrive to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. Check in at the hotel located at the shores of the Dead Sea, enjoy optional spa treatments and a massage, float on the salty water of the Dead Sea or enjoy a swim in your hotel pool. Overnight Dead Sea-

Today we continue our Holy Land tour and we will visit the 1500 feet mountaintop fortress of Masada famous for being the last stronghold of the Jewish rebellion against the Romans. We will ascend to Masada by cable car and discover the first century Synagogue,King Herod’s Bathhouse and other sites atop of Masada, descend and continue to the oasis of Ein Gedi, where David hid in a cave when running from Saul , it was here that David composed several of his Psalms, next visit to Qumran where a cache of ancient biblical texts the Dead Sea Scroll were discovered in 1947. Continue to the Golden City of Jerusalem, and proceed to a panoramic view of Jerusalem from Mount Scopus, and take time for prayer. Continue to the hotel conveniently located within walking distance from the Old City Jerusalem. Overnight Jerusalem

Starting our visiting from the top of Mount of Olives where the Lord ascended into heaven we will have a view across the Kidron Valley to the Eastern Gate where the prince of Peace will enter We will pass by Pater Noster Church standing on the traditional site of Christ's teaching of the Lord's Prayer and visit Dominus Flevit where "The Lord wept" as he beheld the Holy City.Through Palm Sunday Road proceed down to the Gethsemane where you will see 2,000 year old Olive trees that date back to the time of Christ. In the Garden of Gethsemane the place that Jesus prays and his disciples customarily visited, which allowed Judas to find him on that fateful night of his arrest and it's in Gethsemane where an angel from heaven appears to strengthen Jesus, and where he his disciples sleeping and awakes them and tells them to get up and pray Then to the Western Wall- The holiest site in Judaism and one of the original walls that retained the Temple. We will visit the Western Wall Tunnels running along the base of the Western Wall will lead us through the Second Temple era and reveal the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, water supply and Roman street where our Lord was led to judgment. Continue to St. Anne Church and the Pool of Bethesda , where Jesus performed the famous miracle of healing of the paralytic. We will walk the Stations of the Cross- the Via Dolorosa including Station 2 Judgment Hall of Pilate located at the Church of the Flagellation and Church of the Condemnation and Imposition of the Cross, all the way to the final Station inside Church of the Holy Sepulcher In the afternoon you will enjoy time to shop the colorful bazaars (markets). And after return to the Hotel for Dinner. Overnight in Jerusalem.

We begin the day going to Mount Zion, visit the Upper room Lord’s Supper, visit King David Tomb, and walk through the Jewish Quarter. Drive through the New City and pass the Knesset (Israel Parliament) and continue to Ein Karem, the birthplace of John the Baptist , the one to announce the coming of the Lord. Visit the Church of the Visitation which commemorates the visit made by Mary the mother of Jesus', to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, then continue to Bethlehem where Joseph traveled there with Mary whom was pregnant, and where Jesus was born , and visit the Church of Nativity. Proceed to see the Shepherd’s Field where an angel appeared to announce the birth of Jesus. In the afternoon visit The Garden Tomb, to celebrate the resurrection of Christ with a time for prayer.

Today after your breakfast and before transfering you at the airport we will visit thw new Israel Museum and the Grave of St George in Lod, and leaving for Cyprus.Arrival in Larkaka and transfer tou our hotel for rest. Dinner & overnight

After breakfast we depart for the capital of the island, Nicosia. Arriving, we will visit the Macedonian Tomb, the military cemetery-monument of the Greeks and the Greek Cypriot fighters in the battles against the Turks in 1964 and 1974. In this area buried under the Tomb of the aircraft was the debris of the airplane, of the Turks. Continuing for the Prisoned Memories, we will cross the Green Line. In the Prisoned Memories we will see the prisons and tombs of the Fighters against English colonialism. Then we will visit the Cathedral of St. John and the Archaeological Museum. Finally, following the Venetian Walls, we will arrive at Laiki Neighborhood where we will have free time to walk to Ledra and its picturesque streets.

After morning we leaving for the west of Cyprus. Our first station will be the Knights' Tower in Kolossi. The twenty-meter-high tower was built in the 15th century AD. in the ruins of an older tower from the 13th century. A.D. and belonged to the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem and constituted their administrative center. We continue our journey through the area where the famous wine of Cyprus is produced, Koumandaria and the road brings us to the ancient theater Kourion, which was built in the 2nd century AD. BC. From there we head to the Stone of Rome, where the goddess Aphrodite emerged during the tradition. Short stop for photos and departure for our final destination in Paphos. Here we will visit the Tombs of the Kings who owe their name to their majesty and not to the fact that they were buried in kings. Then we head to the harbor of Kato Pafos where we will take a tour of the Paphos Mosaics. Time free. Return to Limassol. Overnight.

After breakfast we will depart for mountainous Cyprus. Leaving the city behind we will slowly ascend the mountain Troodos. We will enjoy a green path from pine forest, while we will see the picturesque villages of Troodos, Platres, Pedoulas, Prodromos. Arriving in the village of Troodos we will take a short stop at the square for photos in the panoramic landscape of the mountain range. We continue for the Holy Monastery of Kykkos. We will visit the Holy Temple of the Monastery where we will see the impressive iconostasis. Here is the famous icon of Panagia Eleousa of Kykkos, which according to a tradition was painted by Evangelist Loukas. We will also visit the ecclesiastical museum within the Monastery. A little more is the location of Throni Panagia where the image of Panagia is dominated, as well as the tomb of Makarios. Recently, the imposing statue of Makarios, 10 meters high, was transferred to Nicosia. Return to Limassol. Overnight.

Leaving our hotel we will take a short tour of the city of Limassol starting from the area of ​​ancient Amathus where on the way we will see part of the archaeological site that has been excavated. We continue on the coastal road of the city and through the tourist area, Germasoia, we will end up in the old port with the Medieval Castle. and we continue for Ayia Napa. We are heading to the eastern part of Cyprus. On the way we will pass from Pila, the only mixed village where Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots coexist and we will arrive at Deryneia, where from the observatory we will see the place where the two lads were killed by the Turks in 1996 as well as the dead city Famagusta. We will continue for Ayia Napa where we will visit the homonymous monastery. From there we will head to Larnaca and the coastal road, Phinikoudes, to reach the Castle and the temple of St. Lazarus. In the crypt of this 10th-century stone church. there is the tomb of Saint Lazarus, who, after his resurrection from Christ, came here, became the first bishop of the area and lived the rest of his life. Time for a walk on the beach of Phinikoudes. Return to our hotel
Last night dinner in a tradiotional taverna and traditional folk songs

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home
FULL OF ICONS AND MEMORIES FROM THIS MAGNIFICIENT TOUR