Days 1 & 2 – Thursday-Friday, March 23-24: Flight from U.S. to Egypt, Hotel in Cairo

We depart for this “granddaddy” trip of a lifetime, covering three Biblical countries by flying from the U.S. to Egypt. We’ll fly through Europe en route to Cairo. Upon arrival, we will meet our travel agent who will walk us through the passport control procedure. We then meet our Egyptian agent who walks us to the airport hotel for our first night in this ancient land of the pyramids!

Day 3 – Saturday, March 25: Morning Flight to Luxor, Temple of Karnak, Temple of Luxor, Overnight in Luxor

After breakfast, we take a flight to Luxor, an area referred to as the “heart of Egypt!” Upon landing in Luxor, we visit the massive Temple of Karnak. This is an impressive Temple complex built over the centuries with connections with pharaohs such as Thutmose III, Hatsephsut, Seti I, Ramses II, and Shoshenq. This temple has huge pylons, tall pillars, and important hieroglyphic inscriptions that connect us to theBible. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a time of rest and relaxation at our hotel along the Nile River. In the late afternoon, we then visit the classic Temple of Luxor. It’s best to see this hotel at dusk! Here, we see the larger statues of Ramses II as we walk through this smaller Egyptian cultic center. We make our way to our hotel in Luxor for dinner and overnight (the first of two nights here).

Day 4 – Sunday, March 26: Optional Sunrise Balloon Ride, Valley of Kings, Temples of Hatshepsut, Temple of Medinet Habu, Felucca Boat Ride on Nile River

The day begins with an optional sunrise hot-air ballon ride over the Valley of the Kings (approximate cost: $140/person). Those choosing not to do the balloon ride will drive with our guide and meet the rest of the group on the west bank of the Nile River. Together, we now begin our day by visiting the Valley of the Kings. Our ticket is good for seeing three tombs of the pharaohs. You can also see the tomb of King Tut for an additional $20. Next, we drive to see the Temples of Hatshepsut and Medinet Habu. We will also stop and see the Colossi of Memnon. We end the day with a felucca boat ride across the Nile River that takes us back to our hotel in Luxor for dinner and overnight.

Day 5 – Monday, March 27: Morning Flight to Cairo, Sakkara, the Pyramids, and the Sphinx

Following breakfast, we fly back to Cairo on a morning flight. Upon landing, we drive to Sakkara, the necropolis of the Old Capital of Memphis. We view the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the pyramid of Unas (you’ll have a chance to go inside), and a mastaba (tomb of the nobles). We then drive to Giza where we visit the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. We will also enjoy a panoramic view of the pyramids, and if you like, on the back of a camel (included in the price). We drive to our hotel in downtown Cairo for dinner and overnight.

Day 6 – Tuesday, March 28: Grand Egyptian Museum, Civilization Museum including the Mummy Hall

After breakfast at our hotel, we return to the area of the pyramids to visit the incredible Great Egyptian Museum! This new museum contains over 50,000 artifacts from the past, including about 10,000 the treasures of King Tutankhamen alone. We will also visit Old Cairo before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 7 – Wednesday, March 29: Morning flight to Amman, Mt. Nebo, Machaerus, Drive to Petra

We begin the day with an early morning flight back to Amman, Jordan. Once we land in Amman, we will go through the required passport procedures. Our Jordanian agent and guide will help us with this. Once we collect our luggage and load our bus, we drive to Mt. Nebo. Here, we will stand where Moses stood and viewed the Holy Land (Deuteronomy 34). It will be a breathtaking view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. We then continue to Machaerus, one of Herod’s palace-fortresses. It was here where John the Baptist was beheaded (Mark 6). You’ll have the opportunity to hike to the top of the site for another wonderful view of the Dead Sea and Israel. We then begin our drive to Petra. We will take the Desert Highway most of the way to Wadi Musa, the city where the ancient site of Petra is located. We are now in the heart of the Seir Mountains, Land of Edomites! We will enjoy a late dinner at the hotel before retiring for the evening.

Day 8 – Thursday, March 30: Petra, Wadi Rum

Today we begin with an early breakfast as we prepare for Petra. We walk to the entrance of the ancient site of Petra (one of the Seven Wonders of the World). In the distance we see Mt. Hor, the highest peak in Petra and the traditional burial place of Moses’ brother Aaron. We begin with a walk through the Siq, the main entrance to Petra. This brings us to the most famous monument in all of Petra, “The Treasury” (Al-Khazneh). This well-preserved monumental tomb appears in the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” A walk further down through the outer siq, with all its tombs and burial chamber, brings us to one of the largest theaters in Jordan. A 3000-seat theater from the early first century is carved in the sandstone mountains at the bottom of the High Place of Sacrifice Mountain. Apparently, some sacrificial rituals had taken place here. From here, we walk uphill to the Royal Tombs for a great view of the lower part of Petra with all its Roman remains. There will be the option (with Dr. John) to walk to the “Monastery” of Petra and/or the High Place. We return back to our hotel (at our own pace) by early afternoon to freshen up and prepare for the drive to Wadi Rum. After gathering everyone and loading the bus, we drive about 2 hours south to the southern part of Jordan. We will use part of the “King’s Highway” (Numbers 20) on our drive. At Wadi Rum (made famous by Sir Lawrence of Arabia), we enjoy an amazing jeep ride (pickup trucks with benches in the back) in the desert. It really is a fun experience! We then stay in Wadi Rum at Captain’s, an upgraded Bedouin village/hotel. We enjoy a very unique dinner together and a campfire under the stars. It will be a unique experience!

Day 9 – Friday, March 31: Southern Border Crossing into Israel, Red Sea, Timnah, Dead Sea

Following breakfast, we leave Wadi Rum and drive about 50 minutes to the southern border to cross into Israel. Following border procedures, we are greeted by our Israeli guide and driver. We make a brief stop to see the coral reefs of the Red Sea. You will have a chance to swim/snorkel in these crystal-clear waters. From here we drive north through the Aravah (Rift Valley) to Timnah. In ancient days, this was a copper mine of the Egyptians. We also walk through a full-size replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle. Continuing north along the Aravah, we arrive at the Dead Sea. After checking into our hotel (at Ein Bokek), you will have a chance to float in this unique body of water (33% salt & minerals) before dinner and overnight. Welcome to our third and final Biblical country of this extensive trip!

Day 10 – Saturday, April 1: Masada, Ein Gedi, Jericho, Wadi Qelt, Qumran/Kibbutz Kalia

Following breakfast (and perhaps an optional sunrise float in the Dead Sea), we drive to the famous site of Masada. We ascend to the top in the cable car. Originally, this was a palace-fortress built by Herod the Great. Later, 967 Jewish zealots (according to Josephus) who resisted the Romans for about three years after the Jerusalem Temple was destroyed used this stand-alone fortress as a place of refuge. We will see palaces, casemate walls, a synagogue, storerooms, and a bathhouse. Leaving the site, we have the option of walking down the Snake Path, while others ride the cable car down. Next, we drive north along the Dead Sea to Ein Gedi, where we relive the story of David hiding in a cave from King Saul (1 Samuel 24). We will have the opportunity to hike into the valley and enjoy the waterfalls. We continue to drive to the north tip of the Dead Sea to Jericho. Following an amazing lunch here (about $25), we see the archaeological site of Jericho, the first city taken by Joshua and the Israelites (Joshua 6). Specifically, we will see the portion of the actual revetment (fortification) wall dating to the time of Joshua. To end the day, we will enjoy a wonderful sunset view of the Judean Desert (Wadi Qelt) and hear the words of Isaiah 40 and Psalm 23 proclaimed! We then drive a bit back south to a kibbutz on the outskirts of ancient Qumran (which we will see tomorrow).

Day 11 – Sunday, April 2: Qumran, Shiloh, Beth Shean, Tiberias

We begin the day at nearby Qumran, the settlement of the first century sect known as the Essenes, the authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls. At the site, we see first century miqvot (ritual baths), a scriptorium, cisterns, and few of the caves (12 so far have been discovered) where the scrolls were found. We then drive up through the Judean Desert (specifically the Pareth Desert) We consider the role of the prophet Jeremiah here (Jeremiah 13). From here, it’s on to the ancient site of Shiloh. Here, we revisit the stories of Eli, Samuel, and the Ark (1 Samuel 2-4) and see where the Tabernacle once stood. We will take time to reflect upon Samuel’s response to God, “Here, I am!” (Hineni, in Hebrew). We then drive through the hill country of Samaria, talking about the stories that occurred here at nearby Bethel (Genesis 28), Shechem (Joshua 24), and Sychar (John 4). Our next site is Beth Shean, a massive Roman city. This is where the body of Saul was hung on the city walls (1 Samuel 31), but in the days of Jesus, it was a large Roman city. To end the day, we drive to the western shoreline of the Sea of Galilee to our hotel. We enjoy dinner together and a brief gathering by the water’s edge.

Day 12 – Monday, April 3: Hippos, Qatzrin, Syrian Border, Caesarea Philippi, Dan

We begin the day by driving to the east side of the Sea of Galilee to the site of Hippos/Sussita, one of the ten Decapolis cities. Located high on the SE corner of the lake, we will see many Roman ruins here. We will also read from Mark 5 about the demoniac transformed by Jesus. Next, we ascend the plateau of the Golan Heights to Katzrin, a partially reconstructed Talmudic village (3rd – 7th centuries AD). We see what a typical village looked like during the days of Jesus. Sitting in a reconstructed stone house, we’ll read from Mark 2 about the lame man being lowered down to Jesus through the roof. Continuing north, we will drive to the border with Syria. Here, we learn about the modern wars of Israel, primarily the 1967 and 1973 wars. Next, we drive past Mt. Hermon (Psalm 133) to Caesarea Philippi. It was in the region of this pagan city where Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” (Mt. 16). We will see the Grotto (cultic area) of this city. Then we descend off the Golan Heights to the amazing nature preserve and archaeological site of Dan, one of the sources of the Jordan River. We walk through this quiet national park and hear the stories of disobedience that took place here (Judges 18, 1 Kings 12). We also see some amazing archaeology here! We drive back to along the Huleh Valley to our hotel in Tiberias.

Day 13 – Tuesday, April 4: Arbel, Jordan River/Yardenit, Magdala, Capernaum, Boat Ride/Ancient Boat

We begin the day by visiting Arbel, a mountain on the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee. We will have the option to hike to the top of this 1,000-foot cliff (the bus will take others to the top from the other side). The view from the top is the best there is of the whole Sea of Galilee below! We will read portions of Matthew 5 here (the “Sermon on the Mount”) as well as other connections with Jesus. Driving south to the southern end of the Sea of Galilee, we arrive at Yardenit. You will have the opportunity to reaffirm your baptism in the waters of the Jordan River. From here, we drive to back to the NW corner of the lake to Magdala, the home of Mary Magdalene. Here, we will see another 1st century synagogue, Jesus must have taught from here! Among the other ruins are ritual baths. In the afternoon, we visit Capernaum, the center of ministry for Jesus here in Galilee. Here, we read about the many stories related to the ministry of Jesus in the 4th-5th century synagogue. It was in this area where Jesus called His first disciples. We end the day by seeing the “Jesus boat” from the first century, a vessel found here along the shores of Galilee in 1986. We also will enjoy a boat ride on the lake. On the boat, we will enjoy a time of worship. We will also read the two storm narratives from Mark 4 and Matthew 14. We return to our hotel for dinner and a free evening.

Day 14 – Wednesday, April 5: Precipice of Nazareth, Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Caesarea, Jerusalem

This morning, we depart the Galilee towards Jerusalem. Our first stop will be the Precipice of Nazareth where we will gain our first of a number of views of the Jezreel Valley below. We will talk about Mt. Tabor (Judges 4-5) and the Hill of Moreh (Judges 6-7), among other biblical stories. We will also consider the story of Luke 4. We then drive across the valley to Megiddo, a Canaanite and Israel archaeological site with about 25 layers of occupation. We will climb the site and see many interesting ruins, including the impressive water system. Next, winding our way up and through the Mt. Carmel range, we visit Muhraqa, where we read the story about Elijah and the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Our last site is Caesarea Maritima, to view part of the city initially built by Herod the Great. Here, we visit the theater, palace area, and aqueduct. From here, we drive to Jerusalem. After checking in to the hotel and having dinner, we enjoy an “orientation walk” to the Western Wall within the Old City.

Day 15 – Thursday, April 6: Yad Vashem, Israel Museum, Eastern Gate, Pools of Bethesda, Holy Sepulcher Church, Free Time

We begin the day by visiting Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum. We will hear various personal stories (from Shlomo our guide) before visiting the Children’s Memorial and the Museum itself. Next, we drive to the Israel Museum and the spectacular Jerusalem Model of the Second Temple Period. Dr. DeLancey will take us around the archaeological display, seeing the highlighted artifacts from sites we visited. In the afternoon we visit other areas of the Old City. First, we will see the Eastern Gate. We then enter the Lion’s Gate to see the Pools of Bethesda (John 5) and St. Anne’s Church (perfectly preserved from the Crusader period with remarkable acoustics). We then will walk on the traditional “Via Dolorosa” to the Holy Sepulcher Church, the most likely location for the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Time permitting, we will provide some free time before driving back to the hotel (during this time, an option to walk on the rampart walls of the Old City will also be given).

Day 16 – Friday, April 7: City of David, Southern Excavations, Western Wall, Garden Tomb

We begin the day by entering the City of David and the excavations of David’s palace (2 Samuel 5) Those who want to can take an optional adventurous walk through the water of Hezekiah’s Tunnel (1,720 feet long, 2 Kings 20, 2 Chronicles 32, Isaiah 8 & 37). We then sit on the steps of the Siloam Pool and listen to the story of the blind man healed by Jesus (John 9). From here, we walk to the southern Temple excavations on the “Pilgrim’s Road,” a 1st century stone pavement. This incredible walk ends at the southwest corner of the Temple and the southern steps. We see the massive stones erected by King Herod and sit on the very steps used by Jesus and His disciples. From the Southern Steps, we visit the Western Wall, the most holy place for Jews today. We end the day by walking to the Garden Tomb, a Protestant alternative for the place of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. We will enjoy a Communion Service here! We return to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and another optional walk.

Day 17 – Saturday April 8: Jerusalem, Mt. of Olives, Herodium, Bethlehem, Elah Valley

We start the day with an orientation of Jerusalem from the Mt. of Olives. We will follow the traditional Palm Sunday Road to the church known as the Dominus Flevit (“the Lord weeps”). We stop to read the passages related to this area (Luke 19, Acts 1, Zechariah 14). After viewing the Golden Gate, we walk downhill to Gethsemane, where we take time to meditate on the Gospel text. From here, we load back on the bus and drive south of Jerusalem to visit Herodium. Located on the edge of the Judean Desert, this is where Herod the Great was buried (Matthew 2). We see the excavations related to Herod’s tomb! In an eastern suburb of Bethlehem is Beit Sahour. Here, we will visit the Shepherds’ Fields. We step into a cave and read from Luke 2 as well as sing a few Christmas carols. Nearby, we drive into Bethlehem to an olive wood factory and store. We end the day by driving west into the Lowlands (Shephelah) and specifically the Elah Valley to see where David fought Goliath (1 Samuel 17). We return to our hotel for our “Farewell” dinner. Based on flight schedules, some will fly home late tonight or early tomorrow morning.

Day 18 – Sunday, April 9: Return Home

After our flight home, we arrive back in the U.S. After Passport Control, we find our domestic connecting flights back to our respective homes. The end of an amazing journey-of-a-lifetime!