See Also Ancient Kingdoms Tour 14/13

25 days/24 nights

This is a tour that starts in the country where monotheism first occurred and continues from early Pharaonic days through Exodus into Greco-Roman occupation of the entire area known today as the Holy Lands.

A sample tour is:

Day 01: Sunday: Arrive Cairo, be met by SST staff who will assist you with clearing immigration and customs. Transfer to the Mena House hotel or similar. The evening is free.

Day 02: Monday: Enjoy a buffet breakfast then our Egyptologist will take you to Memphis, capital of the ancient kingdom, one of ancient Egypt’s most important cities. Most of its splendors have been destroyed, but the Alabaster Sphinx built in the 19th dynasty still remains, as does a beautifully carved statue of Ramses II. Then on to Sakkarra with it’s stepped pyramid and Dahshur with it’s fantastic Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid. Dahshur forms the southernmost area of the Memphis Necropolis and contains a number of pyramid complexes and monuments. Dahshur has only recently been opened to the public, having been a military zone until 1996.

As a result, the area is not as developed commercially as Giza, and there is a certain peace and tranquility to the site still. It is most noteworthy for being the site that best demonstrates the change from the "step" pyramid to the "true" pyramid that occurred during the Third and Fourth Dynasties.

The Third Dynasty Pharaoh Huni began construction on a true pyramid at Meidum, utilizing a step pyramid as a base for the construction. But it was his son, Sneferu (2613-2589 BC), first Pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty, who would take monument-building to a new level. Sneferu began by completing the work on his father's pyramid, then constructed a step pyramid of his own at Meidum. Yet once it was completed, Sneferu had a design for a new monument, utilizing what he had learned in his previous efforts. Sneferu's second pyramid was to be a true pyramid from the beginning, unlike Huni's, which had been built around a step pyramid "core."

Unfortunately, Sneferu's plans were curtailed. As construction neared the halfway point, the angle of the sides was reduced from the steep 54° to a gentler 43°. It is thought that this was done to alleviate stresses that had become evident in the lower part of the pyramid, either in the foundation blocks or the ground underneath. This resulted in a rhomboid or "bent" silhouette, and makes Sneferu's pyramid the most distinct structure at Dashour. It is also distinct for another reason: it still has much of its outer casing intact.

No doubt dissatisfied with a pyramid that appeared to "hesitate" on its rise to the heavens, Sneferu began construction on a second pyramid approximately two kilometers to the north. This is the famous "Red Pyramid" (named for the red limestone used in its construction), the oldest true pyramid in Egypt and the immediate predecessor of the pyramids that would come later. It has a slope angle of 43°, and is second in size only to the Great Pyramid at Giza, built by Sneferu's son Khufu. In fact, the Great Pyramid is a mere 10 meters larger than the Red Pyramid. When completed, it must have been an incredible sight, for its name translates to "The Shining Pyramid." Evening free. (B)

Day 03: Tuesday: Breakfast at the hotel then its off to the Pyramids of Giza and the inscrutable Sphinx. From here on to the Egyptian museum followed by a trip to the Khan el Khalili bazaar where bargains abound. Transfer to the Ramses station to board your overnight first class sleeper train to Aswan which departs about 7: 45PM (D on the train)

Day 04: Wednesday: Arrive Aswan about 9AM. SST staff will transfer you to the Old Cataract hotel. Right on the bank of the Nile above the first cataract this was the home for Agatha Christie while she wrote her famous novel, Death on the Nile. The hotel has been open since the late1800’s and has hosted Kings, Queens, Presidents, Emperors as well as famous writers, movie stars and now you. The verandah is the legendary gathering spot for late afternoon cocktails to watch the sunset over the Western desert while the Felucca’s (native sailboats) ply their way along the river. (B)

Day 05: Thursday: A Felucca ride Kitchener's and Elephantine Islands. Kitchener's is a botanical garden, filled with exotic plants and trees imported from all over the world. It is a perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon in the shade. 

The island must be reached by boat, and is located on the other side of Elephantine Island from Aswan. The Island was given to Lord Kitchener's for his campaigns in the Sudan. Retiring there he planted his garden, importing plants and trees from all over the world.

Elephantine Island is the largest of the Aswan area islands, and is one of the most ancient sites in Egypt, with artifacts dating to pre dynastic periods. This is probably due to its location at the first Cataract of the Nile, which provided a natural boundary between Egypt and Nubia. As an island, it was also easily defensible. In fact, the ancient town located in the southern part of the island was also a fortress through much of it's history. At one time, there was a bridge from the mainland to the island. Elephantine is Greek for elephant. 

In ancient times, the Island, as well as the southern town, was called Abu, or Yabu, which also meant elephant. The town has also been referenced as Kom, after it's principle god of the island, Khnum (Khnemu). It is believed that the island received it's name because it was a major ivory trading center, though in fact, it was a major trading post of many commodities. There are large boulders in the river near the island which resembled bathing elephants, particularly from afar, and this too has been suggested as a reason for the island's name.

The island is very beautiful, and while many of the artifacts there are in ruin, there is still considerable to see. One of it's main attractions is it's Nilometer, which is one of only three on the Nile, which was used to measure the water level of the Nile as late as the nineteenth century. 

There has been an ongoing excavation at the town for many years by the German Archaeological Institute, and some of the finds along with many other island artifacts, including a mummified ram of Khnum, are located in the Elephantine Museum. 

Another major attraction is the ruins of the Temple of Khnum. Elephantine Island was considered to be home of this important Egyptian god, and while this structure dates back to the Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th Dynasty, there are references to a Temple of Khnum on the island as early as the 3rd Dynasty.

There are also ruins of a Temple of Satet, who was Khnum's female counterpart (the three local deities were foremost Khnum, but also Satet and a local Nubian goddess Anqet. These gods were worshipped here since the earliest dynasties), also built by Queen Hatshepsut, a shrine to Hekayib from the 6th Dynasty, a local governor who was deified after his death. His cult flourished during the middle kingdom, and some fine statues from the shrine are now in the museum. 

You will also find a 3rd Dynasty granite step pyramid which is now just visible, and to the north, the mud-brick vaults of the late period which housed
the bodies of the royal rams. 

On the south end of the island is a small one room Ptolemaic temple which was constructed from materials removed from the Kalabsha Temple. Here, there are decorations attributed to the Nubian Pharaoh Arkamani from the 3rd century BC The building seems to have been finished by the Romans with reference to Caesar Augustus. Other artifacts and archaeological sites have been removed or destroyed.

Prior to 1822, there were temples of Thutmose III and Amenhotep III, both of which were relatively intact, but they were destroyed in that year by the Turkish government. A rare calendar, known as the Elephantine Calendar, dating to the reign of Tuthmosis III, was found in fragments, and a Papyrus dating to the 13th dynasty and known as the Elephantine Papyrus was also discovered. It is unclear where these artifacts are currently located. A stela with inscriptions commemorating the repairs made on a 12th Dynasty fortress which honored Senwosret III was also found, and is now in the British Museum.

Elephantine Island is a beautiful place to visit, with wonderful gardens and some truly significant artifacts. It is also a good place to spend some leisure time, wondering among the Nubian villages where the people are friendly and the houses are often very colorful. The houses often have paintings or carved with a crocodile at the bottom, a fish in the middle and a man on top, with a woman's hand made of brass as a door knocker between the fish and man. Others will have a sacred black cube of Mecca, with a painting depicting the means of the owner's
pilgrimage to Mecca.

You will also visit the northern hills of the west bank (Qubbet el-Hawwa or Qubbet el-Hawa meaning windy dome) which are filled with the rock-hewn tombs of princes from the Old Kingdom to the Roman period. 

The 6th Dynasty tombs, some of which form linked family complexes, contain important biographical texts. Inside, the tombs are decorated with vivid
wall paintings showing scenes of everyday life, hieroglyphic biographies and inscriptions telling of the noblemen's journeys into Africa. 

The 12th Dynasty tombs of Sarenput I (#36) and Sarenput II (#31) have the finest art, and it is said that some work in the number 31 tomb rivals that of Memphis. The Tombs are numbered, and among other's they include: Sarenput I (#36), Pepynakht (Hekayib) (#35), Harkhuf, Khunes, Sarenput II (#31), Sibni (#25), Mekhu (#26), Qubbet Al_Hawwa (Kubbet el Hawa). At night they are illuminated with hidden spotlights and can be clearly
seen from Aswan. O/N Old Cataract (B)

Day 06: Friday: You will fly to Abu Simbel and see the fantastic temples there. Returning to Aswan in time to enjoy an afternoon stroll in the bazaar. O/N Old Cataract (B)

Day 07: Saturday: You will board your 5 star cruise ship for a luxurious cruise. Dinner and evening entertainment onboard. O/N Aswan (B,L,D)

Day 08: Sunday: A visit to the historic sites in Aswan including the high dam, the old dam, the Temple of Philae. Return to the ship for departure to Kom Ombo. Visit the Temple shared by the two Gods Sobek and Haroeris. Then sail to Edfu and overnight. Dancing and evening entertainment. (B,L,D)

Day 09: Monday: Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu before sailing to Esna where you will cross the locks then sail on to Luxor. Dancing and evening entertainment. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Tuesday: After breakfast you will cross to the west bank where you will enjoy seeing the Necropolis of Thebes including the Valley of the Queens, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the ship for lunch and then visit the Temple of Karnak and Luxor on the east bank. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Wednesday: Disembark and visit the Luxor museum. Free time to enjoy Luxor. O/N Luxor (B)

Day 12: Thursday: SST staff will transfer you to the airport for a flight to Sharm el Sheikh. Arriving Sharm you will transfer to a fine hotel. O/N Sharm. (B)

Day 13: Friday: You are off to see the splendors of the Sinai Mountains. "...a journey through Feiran is to pass through an entire chapter of the Old Testament itself... Few places are as steeped in Biblical mystery as the great Wadi Feiran-the Sinai's largest wadi and one of it's most archeologically important stretches of terrain. It was here, according to locals, scholars, and legend, that Moses struck a rock with his staff, bringing forth a spring so his people could drink. 

Feiran is also the site of Rafadim, the fabled oasis where the Hebrews camped and battled the Amelecites. For the pilgrims and believers who have been coming to this wadi for centuries, a journey through Feiran is to pass through an entire chapter of the Old Testament itself, Exodus 17. Given such prominence in the Old Testament, it is no surprise that Feiran is littered with the ruins of dozens of ancient churches; some dating back to the 4th century AD, when Feiran began to develop into a major religious center for monks and pilgrims, many on their way to Mt. Sinai and St. Catherine Monastery further east.

The Wadi's chief religious sites are the rock from which Moses drew water, which convention places at the western entrance to the oasis, and Mount Tahoun, which Moses supposedly used as an observation point to view the battle with the Amelecites. Atop the mountain is an ancient cross, and the ruins of a small church dating back to the 4th century.

As captivating as the Wadi's biblical lore, are its natural spectacles. Chief among these is the Oasis of Feiran, the largest oasis in all of Sinai. The heart of the oasis is a spectacular and luxuriant sprawl of palms that stretches over four kilometers in length, the reason why Feiran is called the "Pearl of Sinai." Along the edges of the oasis and the wadi are the dramatic, often sheer cliffs of the wadi wall, which contribute to the valley's secretive and paradisiacal atmosphere.

You will enjoy a Bedouin BBQ lunch and if you like, a chance to ride a “Ship of the desert” before heading to Wadi el Raha (Mt. Sinai to overnight. O/N Mt. Sinai. (B,L)

Day 14: Saturday: Here you have a choice. Rise about 3AM and climb Mt Sinai to see the sunrise or sleep in, have breakfast and then visit St. Catherines. Located at the foot of Mount Moses, St. Catherine's
Monastery, was constructed by order of the Emperor Justinian between 527 and 565. It is built around what is thought to be Moses' Burning Bush,
which has a chapel built atop it. It is a spectacular natural setting for priceless works of art, including Arab mosaics, Greek and Russian icons, Western oil paintings, paintings on wax, fine sacerdotal ornaments, marbles, enamels, chalices, reliquaries, including one donated by Czar Alexander II in the 19th century, and another by Empress Catherine of Russia in the 17th century. 

But of perhaps even greater significance is that it is the second largest collection of illuminated manuscripts (The Vatican has the largest). The collection consists of some 3,500 volumes in Greek, Coptic, Arabic, Armenian, Hebrew, Slavic, Syriac, Georgian and other languages. Around the year 1850, the fourth century Codex Sinaiticus, which is now in the British Museum in London, was discovered here. The Monastery even has a small 10th or 11th century mosque which was probably built to appease the Islamic authorities of the time. There is also a small chapel (the Chapel of St. Triphone, also known as the Skull House) which houses the skulls of deceased monks.

St. Catherine's has a rich history indeed. So rich that it is a sparkling example of an undiscovered Jewel of travel. It has been called the oldest working Christian monastery, though St. Anthony's predates it, and the smallest diocese in the world. The Monastery was originally ordered built by Empress Helen, the mother of Constantine the Great, but was actually built by Emperor Justinian to house the bones of St. Catherine of Alexandria. St. Catherine, whose body was reportedly carried away by angels, was discovered five hundred years later at the top of the peek that now bears her name. Her relics are stored in a marble reliquary in the Basilica. We have additional pictures of this church, and of its interior.

St. Catherine's is also a formidable fortification, with granite walls 40 to 200 feet tall, surrounded by gardens and cypresses. Prior to probably the twentieth century, the only entrance to St. Catherine's was a small door 30 feet above ground, where provisions and people where lifted with a system of pulleys, and where food was often lowered to nomads. It has withstood numerous attacks over its 14 hundred year existence thus protecting a rich store of art, and today, while it is one of the oldest monasteries in the world, it’s original, preserved state is unmatched. Though established and patronized most of its history by the Russian Orthodox Church, it is now under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Church. Most of its monks are also of Greek origin. Leave St. Catherines and proceed to the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba to take a ferry to Jordan. O/N Jordan. (B)

Day 15: Sunday: “Match me such a marvel save in Eastern clime, a rose-red city half as old as time” . Victorian poet Dean Brugon wrote this over 100 years ago and it holds true still today. The Rose City, Petra where you will enjoy the day marveling at the ingenuity of the Nabateans and the wonderful city they carved from stone. More than 2000 years ago Petra was used as a temporary refuge by nomadic Nabateans. From a few caves in the rocky outcrop they created Petra as a fortress city. O/N Petra (B)

Day 16: Monday: Drive along the King’s Highway, the route used for thousands of years, to see Shawbak, Karak, Lot’s Sanctuary, Mt. Nebo, where Moses gazed on the holy land, Madaba and the Bethany baptism site. O/N Amman. (B)

Day 17: Tuesday: “In the region of the Gerasenes (Mark 5:19, Luke 8:26) Jerash, about one hour north of Amman, is the known as the Pompeii of the East for it’s extraordinary state of preservation. Nestled in a green and well watered valley in the biblical land of Gilead, the remains of the ancient city have long attracted visitors. Transfer from Jerash to the Israel border and cross at Allenby Bridge. O/N Jerusalem (B)

Day 18: Wednesday: Visit the Roman capital of ancient Israel, Caesarea, where Paul was imprisoned and taken to Rome. Continue to the third largest city in Israel, Haifa. visit Mt. Carmel to see Elijah’s grotto and the Church of our Lady of Mt. Carmel. See Megiddo, 20 cities layered one on top of another and the Valley of Armageddon. Continue to Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus and while in Cana recall his First Miracle,. Tonight you have a peaceful night of rest in your hotel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. You can enjoy an evening visit and replenishment at the Tiberias hot springs. O/N Holiday Inn, Tiberias. (B)

Day 19: Thursday: You will sail on the peaceful waters of the Sea of Galilee. You arrive at Capernaum, the center of Jesus Ministry. Travel to the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached ot his people and visit Tabgha, the Church of the Fishes and the Loaves. Stop for the famous St. Peters fish lunch. Visit Yardenit on the river Jordan a traditional Baptismal location. See the Jesus boat and stop at Chorazim, the cursed city. O/N Holiday Inn, Tiberias. (B,L)

Day 20: Friday: Visit the ruins of Beit Shean, a city inhabited for 5000 years. Travel to Qumran, where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered in a cave by a shepherd. See Jericho, the world’s oldest city and view the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus. Here you experience the serenity of the Judean wilderness. Bathe in the mineral rich waters of the Dead Sea and have a buffet lunch at the deluxe Crowne Plaza resort. Float on the Dead Sea and enjoy the luxurious spa. Continue to Massada, the hilltop fortress. Late in the afternoon you follow the ancient pilgrims route via the Samaritan Inn to Jerusalem. O/N Jerusalem (B,L)

Day 21: Saturday: A free day to enjoy the city. In the evening stroll to the center of town where many outdoor cafes and restaurants will be very lively. (B)

Day 22: Sunday: The day in this Holy city begins as you enjoy the unforgettable view from atop the Mount of Olives. Your visit includes the Church of Peter Noster and the Chapel of Ascension. Walk down the Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. Visit Bethany, home of Mary, Margaret and Lazarus and Bethlehem to see the Shepherd’s field and grotto, Church of the Nativity and the Manger where Jesus was born. O/N Jerusalem. (B)

Day 23: Monday: This morning you walk in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus via St. Stephen’s Gate, then on to the Western (Wailing) Wall and the Temple Mount. You see the Dome of the Rock Mosque and the original Temple Grounds. Sing a hymn in he Church of St. Anne if you like and view the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus performed the Sabbath Miracle. Reflect on the final hours of his life as you walk The Way of the Cross, culminating with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. 

Leave the Old City passing through the bazaar and the Jaffa Gate to visit the model city of Jerusalem as it was during the roman occupation. Time is scheduled for a visit to Yad Va Shem or the Israeli Museum to see the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed. Overnight Crown Plaza, Jerusalem. (B,D)

Day 24: Tuesday: Visit Mt. Zion to see the Upper Room, revered as the site of the Last Supper and the Tomb of King David. Behold the house of the High Priest Caiphas, where Jesus was imprisoned for a night and the Church of St. Pete in Gallicantu, where the Apostle denied Jesus three times. End the day with worship at the Garden Tomb. O/N Jerusalem (B,D)

Day 25: Wednesday: Our staff will transfer you to the airport, assist with departure formalities and checking in for your international departure.

This tour includes in Egypt: Five star hotels (based on double occupancy), first class sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan, five star cruise with outside Nile view, air-conditioned cabin with private bath (based on double occupancy), flight to Sharm el Sheikh from Luxor, meals as outlined by B for Breakfast, L for lunch and D for dinner, ground transfers pertaining to the tour, fees for visiting antiquity sites and museums.

Services of an English speaking licensed Egyptologist, air-conditioned car/driver for private tours in Cairo and a English speaking guide with you being part of a small group while on the cruise.

Service charges and taxes. Jordan: Ferry from Nuweiba to Aqaba, transfers in Jordan pertaining to
the program, hotels (based on double occupancy), air-conditioned vehicle with driver and licensed English speaking guide throughout, entry fees to antiquity sites, meals as outlined, service charges and taxes.

Israel: transfers pertaining to the program, air-conditioned vehicle with driver and licensed English speaking guide throughout, entry fees to antiquity sites, meals as outlined, service charges and taxes.

Travel Insurance for those departing from the USA or Canada. Not included in Egypt, Jordan or Israel are: items of a personal nature such as tips, entry visas or departure taxes, phone calls, laundry, bar bills, beverages during meals other than coffee or tea, any items not specifically mentioned in the included items.

Tour cost: Tour cost: Email us or call 1 (877) 778-3497 for current pricing.