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 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, 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 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 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.

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 cliff sides of rose-colored rock.

Explore Jerash. 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. 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, center of Jesus’ ministry in the Galilee. On the Mount of Beatitudes, contemplate the “Sermon on the Mount”. Explore the Church of the Fish and the Loaves at Tabgha, traditional site of the feeding of the 5,000. See the Chapel of the Primacy, where Peter professed his devotion three times to the risen Christ. 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. Today’s last stop is Caesarea, a center of the early Christians where an angel visited Cornelius, the first Gentile believer.

In Bethlehem, visit the cave revered as Jesus’ birthplace and see the Church of the Nativity constructed over the site. Gaze out over Shepherds’ Field before returning to Jerusalem. Begin your day with a group picture taken from the Mount of Olives, where Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-12). Walk the Palm Sunday Road and pray in the Garden of Gethsemane and envision the scenes of the night before Jesus’ crucifixion. Continue to Mount Zion to visit the House of the High Priest Caiaphas. Meditate on the events of the Last Supper as you visit the traditional location of the Upper Room Explore ancient Jerusalem at the Teaching Steps and the Western Wall. View the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus performed the Sabbath miracle. Visit Herod’s Antonia Fortress, where Jesus appeared before Pontius Pilate, and follow in Christ’s steps on the Via Dolorosa (“the Way of the Cross”). Visit the Garden Tomb for a time of reflection and communion.