Visit magnificent ancient sites that reveal why Egypt was such a significant Middle Eastern power in the Bible. Central themes of this tour include: escape from slavery in Egypt, sojourn in the wilderness, and movement into the Promised Land. Hear stories of Abraham and Sarah, Joseph, Moses and Miriam, and the Israelites in the lands where biblical events happened. Learn how Hebrew prophets viewed Egypt, why Jewish and early Christian communities flourished and sometimes suffered there. Also taste the vibrance of modern Egypt on a tour of Cairo that includes visits to Coptic Christian and Islamic sections of Egypt’s capital. In Jordan, follow the route of Israelites on their way to Canaan all the way to Mount Nebo where Moses surveyed the land he could not enter. See Petra, the ancient Nabatean trading city carved in stone, and tour astonishing desert landscape along the route of the Israelites. Celebrate the life of Ruth as we travel through her homeland of Moab, and hear the story of Balaam unexpectedly blessing the Israelites. Experience all this with a band of pilgrims who worship, eat, learn and travel together on a journey that will change how you read the Bible.
Bread for the Journey: Egypt & Jordan
Itinerary
Sunday, April 11 Cairo
Begin your tour in Cairo, the capital of Egypt and one of the largest cities in Africa. Meet your tour leader and fellow travellers over dinner.
Monday, April 12 Giza
Egypt’s massive pyramids have long captured the imagination of travellers. Today’s your day to discover them for yourself! Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, the largest pyramids ever built in Ancient Egypt. Learn more about the history of Egypt’s pyramids at Sakkara, where you’ll be able to see the very first of Egypt’s pyramids, such as the Step Pyramid of Djoser. You’ll also see the Sphinx and the ancient city of Memphis today.
Tuesday, April 13 Nile River Cruise
This morning, fly to Aswan to board a luxury river cruise ship, your home for the next four nights as you travel along the magnificent Nile River.
Wednesday, April 14 Nile River Cruise
Today’s excursions will take you to the Temple of Isis on Philae Island, the last temple built in classic Egyptian style, as well as the impressive Aswan High Dam which controls the Nile’s yearly flooding. In the afternoon, sail on a felucca—a traditional wooden sailing boat.
Thursday, April 15 Nile River Cruise
Your first stop of the day is at the Kom Ombo Temple, an unusual double temple honouring two different Egyptian gods. Then visit the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu which provides insight into the Hellenistic period in Egypt. Tonight onboard your cruise ship, have fun at a galabeya party with traditional Egyptian gowns.
Friday, April 16 Nile River Cruise
Take an excursion to the famed Valley of the Kings, burial place of many pharaohs. Visit the incomparable Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. See the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues which originally guarded the entrance to a mortuary complex.
Saturday, April 17 Luxor / Cairo
Disembark in Luxor, located on the site of ancient Thebes. Take a guided tour, including the vast temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor which stand within the modern city. Then board a short flight from Luxor to Cairo.
Sunday, April 18 Cairo
Begin your explorations of Cairo with a visit to the Christian quarter—Coptic Cairo, a Christian stronghold for many centuries, has many historically important churches. Then discover the Muslim history of Cairo. Visit the Sultan Hassan Mosque, a magnificent 14th century place of worship. Compare it with the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, a grand 19th century mosque built in a different style. In the City of the Dead, marvel at the vast extent of these ancient Muslim cemeteries, encompassing everything from common graves to elaborate mausoleums.
Monday, April 19 Alexandria
The city of Alexandria was well known in ancient times as the intellectual and cultural capital of the known world. On a day trip to Alexandria, see into the city’s storied past on a guided tour. Visit the Greco-Roman catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa dating back to the first century. See Pompey’s pillar, a massive ancient monolith commemorating a victory by a Roman emperor, as well as surrounding monuments. And of course you’ll see the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the successor to the famous lost Library of Alexandria. Return to Cairo for the night.
Tuesday, April 20 Petra
After a flight to Amman, Jordan’s capital city, transfer to Petra to settle in.
Wednesday, April 21 Petra / Wadi Rum
Take in the grandeur of Petra, an ancient trade centre and burial grounds of the Nabataean people during New Testament times. See amazing temple-like tombs chiselled from rose-coloured sandstone at this world-famous site. Transfer to Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp where you’ll discover spectacular desert scenery and rock formations as well as traditional Bedouin hospitality.
Thursday, April 22 Madaba / Dead Sea
Travel along the King’s Highway to Madaba, and ascend the heights of Mount Nebo, where Moses surveyed the Promised Land that he could not enter. Then travel on to the Dead Sea and relax as you float in its buoyant salty waters.
Friday, April 23
Depending on departure times you may be able to do more relaxation this morning at the Dead Sea. Depart for home from Amman with rich new insights into ancient times.
Check the pricing page for what is included and excluded in the tour fare.
For further information, please contact us. We would be happy to be of assistance.
Click here for a printable PDF of the tour itinerary and costs.
