12 Days/ 11 Nights
This is an incredible experience. You will be
retracing the path of the Exodus, one of the Bible’s most famous
episodes while enjoying the stark landscape of the desert
mountains, discovering fossils from millions of years ago in
unique geological areas and being introduced to the lifestyle of a
nomadic culture that today is same as it was a 1000 years ago.
Available from October through April:
A sample tour is:
Day 01: Arrive Cairo, be met by our staff who will assist with clearing
immigration and customs then transfer to hotel where you will have an
introduction to your guides and a overview of the tour. O/N Cairo.
Day 02: A full day tour of the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the
Egyptian Museum. O/N Cairo. (B)
Day 03: A visit to Old Cairo where you will see the famous churches and
synagogues including: The Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary) derives its name from its location on top of the southern tower gate of the old
Babylon fortress with its nave suspended above the passage.
The church was first built, in Basilican style, near the end of the 4th century.
However, at that time it is unlikely that the church would have been
constructed in this location. In fact, we know that it was destroyed in
the ninth century and later rebuilt, after which in 1039, it is known
that the Coptic patriarchate was moved from Alexandria and seated in
this church. The church consists of a courtyard surrounded by two wings
with pointed arches, and a long aisle lined with marble columns. In the
eastern wing, there are three altars (haykals) with beautiful ebony and
ivory inlaid wooden screens. The center alter is dedicated to Christ,
while the left sanctuary is dedicated to St. George and the right to St
John the Baptist. On the right wall of the church as you enter are many
ancient icons, including a 10th century icon of the Virgin and Child,
Egyptian faces and Byzantine crowns.
The Church of Abu Serga (St. Sergius) is another 4th Century
church, dedicated to two early martyrs and supposedly built on the spot
where the Holy Family, Joseph, Mary and the infant Christ, rested at the
end of their journey into Egypt. They may have lived here while Joseph
worked at the fortress. However, the church is dedicated to Sergius and
Bacchus, who were soldier-saints that were martyred during the 4th
century in Syria by Maximilan. The original building was probably done
during the 5th century. It was burned during the fire of Fustat during
the reign of Marwan II around 750. It was then restored during the 8th
century, and has been rebuilt and restored constantly since medieval
times, however it is still considered to be a model of the early Coptic
churches. Again, the most precious and ancient of the icons are on the
southern wall. A vast central hall is divided into three naves by two
rows of pilasters.
In much the same style as the Hanging Church, Abu
Serga has 12 unique columns decorated with paintings of the Apostles.
This church resembles religious structures in Constantinople and Rome.
The main attraction, situated directly under the choir, is the crypt.
This crypt contains the remains of the original church where tradition
says the Holy Family lived. Originally this crypt was the sanctuary,
but became the crypt after the larger church was built.
Abraham ben Meir Ibn Ezra, c.1089-1164, was a Spanish Jewish
scholar. His Bible commentaries combined traditional Jewish interpretation with a critical method of exegesis and emphasis on
grammar; his philosophical work followed the Neoplatonic tendency (see
NEOPLATONISM) in medieval thought. Ibn Ezra translated an astronomical
work from the Arabic into Hebrew, creating a Hebrew prose style for
scientific purposes. Liturgic poetry fascinated him; many of his hymns
were included in the prayer book of the synagogue. Ibn Ezra traveled
widely throughout his life and won many admirers. He was probably the
model for Robert Browning's poem "Rabbi Ben Ezra."
One of the great Jewish scholars, theologians, and Talmudists of
the past century, Solomon Schechter, b. Romania, Dec. 7, 1847, d.
Nov. 19, 1915, was a spokesman for Conservative Judaism in the United
States. In 1896, while teaching at Cambridge University, England, he
discovered a Genizah (archive) in the Cairo synagogue that contained
more than 100,000 manuscripts, one of which he identified as an original
fragment of the Book of Wisdom. From 1902 until his death, Schechter
served as president of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. In
1913 he founded the United Synagogue of America, which eventually encompassed 850 Conservative
congregations.
You will also enjoy a visit to the Citadel of Salah el Din and the Khan el Khalili bazaar where merchants have offered their wares since
the middle ages. O/N Cairo. (B)
Day 04: Depart Cairo in the morning traveling northeast toward the Suez
Canal for Tanis. Though no longer, Tanis was an important City in the
pharaonic period. It is located just outside the town of San al-Hagar
which is about 44 miles northeast of Zagazig. Many believe that this
was the Biblical city from which the Exodus began, but many will also
remember it as the location where Indiana Jones discovered the 'Lost
Ark' in the movie.
Tanis was called Djane by the Egyptians and Zoan by the Hebrews.
We believe it was founded around the time of the 20th Dynasty and became
the capital of the Fourteenth Nome of Lower Egypt. During the 21st and
22nd Dynasties, it became the capital of Egypt. However, to due flooding problems, it declined during the Roman occupations, and by the
14th century, the region was deserted. The current nearby town of San al-Hagar was
founded in 1821 as a result of land reclamation.
The site has been under excavation since 1722, first by a French
priest, Father Claude Sicard, who discovered the site, and then Flinders
Petrie, Pierre Montet, who discovered the royal necropolis of the kings
of the third Intermediate period, then Jean Yoyotte, Philippe
Brissaud, and the work continues on today. Leading to the main temple, the Gate of Shoshenq III, which has no
foundation, is approached from an avenue bordered by carved stone blocks
and fragments of colossi of Ramses II.
The gate itself is made from carved blocks removed from other sites. The pink granite triad is of
Re, Ramses and Ptah-Tatenen, and beyond that are the remains of the
columns of Ramses II. There are double mud brick walls around the temple. The inner wall
was built by Psusennes I, while the outer was built during the 30th
Dynasty. Inside the remains of the walls, little is left of the temple
complex of Amun.
The necropolis is inside the walls built by Psusennes, and contain
21st and 22nd Dynasty tombs. These include, from south to north, three
unknown tombs built of material removed from other sites, the Tomb of
Osorkon II, Psusennes I, and Shoshenq III. Osorkon II's tomb contains a large granite sarcophagus of of
Osorkon II, and the sepulcher of Prince Hornakht, his son. One chamber
within the tomb is also that of Takelot II.
The antechamber to the Tomb of Psusennes I is reached by a vertical
shaft, and is decorated with images of protective gods, including one
where Psusennes I is shown worshipping Osiris. Artifacts from several kings are found within the tomb. In the
antechamber is a sepulcher of Heqakheperre Shoshenq, apparently a king
we know little or nothing about. Rooms leading off the antechamber
contain the kings Psusennes and Amenemope, but the room where Amenemope was buried was intended for Queen Mutnedjemet.
Other chambers contain the sepulcher of Ankhefenmut and General
Wundebawdjed. The Tomb of Shoshenq III is built from 21st Dynasty carved limestone blocks, mostly removed from other locations. In fact, the
King's own sarcophagi was taken from another site. The Tomb is reached
though a shaft, and in the burial chamber are scenes from the Book of
the Dead and the Book of Night.
There are several other Temples in the vicinity. North of the Amun
Temple is what remains of the Temple of Nectanebo, dedicated to Khonsu.
To the east and outside the Psusennes walls is the small Temple of the
East, which has palm columns removed from of Ramses II origins. To the
south and opposite the gate of Ptolemy I is a 30th Dynasty temple, while
to the southwest of the area is a Temple of Anta dedicated to Mut and
rebuilt during the Saite and Ptolemaic periods. Excavations continue in this area, and more discoveries are being
made. While little yet is known, there is also a Third Intermediate
period necropolis in the area, perhaps several more temples, including
one that appears to have been as large as the the the Great Temple of
Amun.
Enjoy lunch then cross the Suez canal and proceed to visit Moses
Springs, the first stop in the Sinai for the Israelites. From here on
to Wadi Feiran "...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. Continue to the foot of Mt. Sinai to overnight at a nice
small hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 05: For those who have the energy, depart the hotel about 3AM to
climb to the crest of Mt. Sinai and watch the sunrise. Those who do not
will sleep in, have breakfast then meet with the climbers to visit St.
Catherine monastery. 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 peak 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 were 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.
After visiting this landmark we proceed to
Wadi Hudra (a bus ride of about one hour) where our “Ship of the
Desert” (camels) will await us. The camels are led and
accompanied by Bedouin camel herders who will be with us during
the entire hike. The camels will carry the water and heavy
equipment, such as sleeping bags, cooking utensils and
backpacks.
In addition to helping us with our luggage, this interaction
will provide you with a glance into the exotic culture of the nomadic
trips of the deserts of the Middle East. Their way of life and traditions still closely reflect the descriptions of the life of the
Children of Israel, according to the Books of Exodus and Numbers.
We will walk today to the Oasis of Ein Hudra, a hike of about 3
hours, following burial sites left by the Israelites during their 40
years in the desert. After lunch and tea, prepared by the Bedouin, we
will enter Wadi Razala, the Valley of the Gazalles, and hike for two
hours on a sandy desert ground. We will stop to set up camp for our
first outdoor overnight. Supper will be prepared with the participation
of the whole group. O/N Camp. (B,L,D)
Day 06: After breakfast we continue our walk following the footsteps of
the Children of Israel, who walked from East to West (the Gulf of Suez
to the gulf of Aquaba) stopping for lunch by Jabal Baraka (the Mount of
Blessings). This is thought to be one of the sites where Moses blessed
his people. From here, there is anoutstanding view of the whole of the
Southern Sinai, and with the aid of a map, we can examine several alternate routes they took.
We continue on to the Oasis of Ein Um
Achmad, where we set up our camp for the night. This is possibly the
site where God sent manna for the Israelites and is considered by scientists to be one of the places where they remained for an extended
period. The hike today is about six hours duration. O/N Camp (B,L,D)
Day 07: We
continue today along Wadi El Abyad, the White Valley, passing by
the tents of the nomadic people of the Tarabean tribe (The home
tribe of the Bedouin who will be escorting us). Today we will stop
for overnight in the Oasis of Bir Zayed (Zayed’s well). Possible
site of Moses striking the rock to obtain water for his flock.
communally prepared supper and tea around the campfire. O/N Camp (B,L,D)
Day 08: Our hike today brings us to top of Jabal Baraka North, almost
4000 feet high, and another possible site for the receiving of the Ten
Commandments. Once at the summit of the mountain, we will have a panoramic view including the Gulf of Aquaba on one side and the
traditional Mount Sinai on the other side. This is a good place to
discuss the location of the real Mount Sinai, according to the Bible and
archaeological data. We descend from the mountain top and arrive by
evening to the Oasis of Bir Biryea (the Small Well). This may be the
site of the Waters of Marah (the Bitter Waters, Exodus 15:22), where God
and Moses punished the Children of Israel by providing bitter water.
Certainly, today, the water from the well is very bitter and we are
lucky to have our own with us! Set up camp, prepare our meal, stories
around the campfire and rest. O/N Camp. (B,L,D)
Day 09: Today we walk through the sandstone plateaus of East Sinai,
through narrow, colorful canyons which provide for an exciting and shady
walk. Here and there we will have to use hands as well as feet to climb
in and out of the canyons. We will set up camp in the windy desert of
Ras El Abrag, locating ourselves behind rocks in order to be protected
from sand storms. Again, we prepare supper together and enjoy quiet
time. O/N Camp (B,L,D)
Day 10: Today’s
hike takes us through the magmatic stone (granite) area of Wadi
Malacha and brings us to the Gulf of Aquaba, to a place called the
Devil’s Head (Ral El Satan). here we will enjoy the luxury of a
small hotel (hot water!!) on a nice beach. Dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Today we board our air-conditioned buses to Cairo. O/N Cairo.
(B)
Day 12: Our staff will transfer you to the Cairo airport, assist with
departure formalities and checking in for your international departure.
This tour includes all transfers pertaining to the tour, hotels based on
double occupancy, tours as outlined, camping with equipment (bring your
own sleeping bags), meals as outlined by B: breakfast, L: lunch, D:
dinner, services of an English speaking guide, service charges and
taxes. Travel insurance for those departing from the USA or Canada.
NOT included: Items of a personal nature such as tips, telephone,
laundry, bar bills, drinks other than coffee or tea with meals, entry
visa, anything not specifically mentioned as included.
Tour operates from October 01 through mid-April.
Tour cost: Tour cost: Email
us or call 1 (877) 778-3497 for current pricing.
OR
JORDAN EXTENSION
Day 11: Drive to Nuweiba, board the ferry for Jordan. Arrive
Aqaba, clear immigration and customs and overnight. O/N Aqaba. (B)
Day 12: Drive to Petra, visit the rose city. O/N Petra (B)
Day 13: Drive
along the 5000 year old Kings Highway passing beside the Dead Sea
and Lot’s Sanctuary (where archaeological discoveries cause many
to feel this was where Lot and his daughters sought refuge after
God destroyed Sodom) to Madaba (the city of Mosaics) and Mt. Nebo
where Moses looked on the promised land. Then on to Amman. O/N
Amman (B)
Day 14: Fly from Amman.
For a full description of our tours in Jordan please visit our website:
www.traveljordan.net
OR
ISRAEL EXTENSION
Day 14: Transfer to Jerusalem stopping at Jerash, then crossing the
River Jordan to Israel. O/N Jerusalem.
Day 15: For a full description of our tours in Israel please visit our
website: www.travelisrael.net
