Jordan and Egypt in the Bible (11 Days) 

     Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

     Transfer from Amman Airport to your Dead Sea hotel, the lowest point on earth (Gen. 14:3). Balance of the day is at leisure. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director, then enjoy this evening’s welcome dinner with your traveling companions. (D)

     Drive to Amman for guided sightseeing, including the Citadel and a visit to the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM. Then continue north to Jerash, the best-preserved Greco-Roman city in the Middle East (Luke 8:26). Next, stop at the Jabbok River, where Jacob wrestled with the Angel (Gen. 32) and in Um Qais, site of the Gadarene swine miracle (Mt. 8:28-34). (BB,D)

     Experience Bethany Beyond-the-Jordan and the BAPTISMAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK, the wilderness home of John the Baptist, where Jesus was immersed in the baptismal springs (John 1:26-34) and where Elijah ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:1-18). Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy your world-class resort and spa. (BB,D)

     One of today’s major highlights is a visit to MOUNT NEBO where Moses saw the Promised Land (Deut. 34:1-12). Then on to Madaba to visit ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH, which houses a precious 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land. Also explore the MADABA ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM. Continue to Mukawir (Biblical Machaerus), where Salome danced and John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded (Mark 6:14-29). Next, visit Wadi Mujib, the “Jordanian Grand Canyon,” and Kerak to visit the CRUSADER CASTLE. Afterwards, journey to Petra. (BB,D)

     Full day of guided sightseeing in the “rose-red city” of PETRA, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World®. Lost to the world for centuries, it is located in the biblical land of Moab ( Judges 11:17-18). Enjoy an unforgettable experience as you walk down the SIQ, the narrow gorge made famous in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Stand in awe in front of the iconic and famed TREASURY. In addition to seeing numerous spectacular temples and tombs, sip tea in a BEDOUIN TENT. (BB,D)

     Leave Petra for a JEEP TOUR in Wadi Rum, home to stunning desert beauty and the place where Lawrence of Arabia was filmed. Afterwards, return to the Dead Sea. (BB,D)

     Fly from Amman to Cairo and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure to swim in the pool or to simply relax. (BB,D)

     The Pyramids. (Wed.) Meet your Egyptologist for a spectacular day of guided sightseeing, including the EGYPTIAN MUSEUM with Tutankhamon’s tomb, MEMPHIS with the statues of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx, and SAKKARA’S “Stairway to the Sky” (the oldest of the pyramids). Afterwards, visit GIZA’S SPHINX and the GREAT PYRAMIDS. (BB)

     Full day of guiding sightseeing in Old Cairo. Visit the “HANGING CHURCH” (EL-MUALLAQA) and ST. SERGIUS CHURCH, said to stand above a crypt which sheltered the Holy Family during their flight from Egypt (Matt. 2:13-23). Then visit the COPTIC MUSEUM as well as the ST. MERURIUS CHURCH (Abu Seifein) with its extraordinary collection of icons and Coptic art. Enjoy this evening’s farewell dinner. (BB,D)

     Depart Cairo. Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)