See Also Ancient Kingdoms Tour 14/13

26 days/25 nights including Egypt, Jordan and Israel.

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.

Saturday:  Depart New York at 11 PM on a non-stop flight to Egypt.

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

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 the Black  pyramid, the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid (built of red granite brought all the way from Aswan it is open for entry)  Evening free.  (B)

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. (B)

Wednesday: Morning flight to Aswan where 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 late 1800'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)

Thursday:  A Felucca ride to the west bank of the Nile where you will board your "ship of the desert" (camel) for a 30-45 minute ride to St. Simeons monastery, a 4th century fortress/church. 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.  O/N Old Cataract (B)

Friday:  Accompanied by a private guide you will fly to Abu Simbel and
visit the fantastic temples.  Return to Aswan in time to enjoy an afternoon stroll in the bazaar plus a visit to the Nubian Museum (a world class presentation on Nubia's history and culture).   O/N Old Cataract (B)

Saturday:  Board your luxurious Sonesta Princess cruise ship in the
morning.  Enjoy lunch then sail on the Nile by Felucca (native sailboat)
around Kitchener's island and the Agha Khan Mausoleum.  Afternoon tea, Dinner with a Nubian folkloric show. O/N Aswan. (B,L,D)

Sunday: Visit the high dam, the granite quarries and the temple of Philae.  Sail to Kom Ombo enjoying lunch enroute.  Visit the temple of two gods, Sobek and Haroeris then sail to Edfu. Afternoon tea. Captain's welcome cocktail party (smart casual attire), dinner and dancing.  O/N Edfu (B,L,D)

Monday: Visit the temple of Horus then sail to Luxor with lunch enroute.  Afternoon tea. Dinner and a Galabya (costume) party. O/N Luxor. (B,L,D)

Tuesday:  Visit the West bank's Necropolis of Thebes including the
Valley of the Kings and Queens, the temple of Queen hatshepsut at El
Deir El Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon. Lunch, then visit the Karnak
and Luxor temples. Afternoon tea. Dinner and a Oriental (belly dance)
show. O/N Luxor. (B,L,D)

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

Thursday:  A morning flight to Sharm el Sheikh, at the southern point of the Sinai at Sharm el Sheikh.  Transfer to the Sonesta Sharm. (B)

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. You will enjoy a Bedouin BBQ lunch before heading to Mt. Sinai.  O/N St. Catherines Plaza (B,L,D)

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 (Mt. Sinai), 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 and it is a spectacular natural setting for priceless works of art. St. Catherine's is also a formidable fortification, with granite walls 40 to 200 feet tall, Leave
St. Catherines and proceed to the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba to take a ferry to Jordan. Arriving Jordan our staff will assist with clearing immigration and customs and take you to the Radisson Hotel. O/N Aqaba. (B)

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. O/N Movenpick Petra (B)

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 Hyatt
Regency-Amman. (B)

Tuesday:  "In the region of the Gerasenes" (Mark 5:19, Luke 8:26)
Jerash, about one hour north of Amman, is 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. Our staff will assist with departure from Jordan and entry to israel.  O/N Mount Zion Hotel,
Jerusalem (B)

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 Tiberias. (B)

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 Tiberias. (B,L)

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 Mount Zion Hotel
(B,L)

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. O/N Jerusalem (B)

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)

Monday: This morning you walk via St. Stephen's Gate to the Western
(Wailing) Wall and the Temple Mount.  You see the Dome of the Rock Mosque and the original temple grounds.  Visit the Church of St. Anne 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 a Shem to see the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed. O/N Jerusalem (B)

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)

Wednesday: Our staff will transfer you to the airport in Tel Aviv, assists with exit formalities and checking in for your international departure. (B)


GROUP TOURS INCLUDE:
Round trip air from JFK (add on air from other U.S. cities available). All transfers by air-conditioned vehicle relating to the tour program starting with arrival to Cairo. Baggage handling of no more than 2 pieces of luggage per person however baggage and personal effects are at the owner's risk at all times during the tour. Hotels (based on double occupancy). Meals as outlined by B for Breakfast, L for lunch and D for dinner. Fees for visiting antiquity sites and museums.
Services of an English speaking licensed Egyptologist. Service charges and taxes. Tips for ground personnel except guide. Travel Insurance for those departing from the USA or Canada.

Not included are: items of a personal nature such as tips for guide, entry visa (available at the airport on entry for USA and Canadian citizens.  Other nationalities should check with the nearest Egyptian consulate), phone calls, laundry, bar bills, beverages during meals, any items not specifically covered in the included items.

Ancient Kingdoms  TEC-110

Groups: $4895 p.p. (dbl. occ)
Single supplement:  $2195

Group Departures:  2001:  Oct. 20, Nov. 17
2002:  Jan. 12,  Feb. 02,  Mch. 09, Apr. 13, May 17, Jun. 08