If you might find a 12 day trip to Israel, Egypt, and Jordan fascinating as it relates to the “Ancient Wonders of the Bible Lands” as the itinerary is called, you might want to check out this incredible itinerary from one of my favorite Holy Land tour operators.
Ancient Wonders of the Bible Lands 2022
Visit Egypt, Jordan, & Israel, as low as $4,498 including airfare from New York, NY. Visit Giza, Cairo, Sphinx, Petra, Babylon Fortress, Galilee, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Western Wall, Capernaum, Shepards’ Field, and so many more! Read on to learn more!
What a trip like this includes:
- Mostly Inclusive pricing (they call it all inclusive but there are a few things not included)
- Airfare
- First Class hotels
- Breakfast and dinner each day
- Deluxe Air conditioned motor coaches (buses)
- Fuel Surcharges & Government taxes
- Entrance fees, program fees, guided tours
- Study guide
- overseas transfers
- Gratuities
In 2022, this particular trip will depart on January 11, March 1, October 18, or November 29.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1 – Depart the USA
Begin your trip to the land of antiquities departing from the United States on an overnight flight.
Pre-Tour Option for Luxor: (starts around $1098 to add on)
Pre 3 Days if chosen – Depart USA
Pre 2 Days if chosen – Arrive in Luxor / Transfer to Hotel
Pre 1 Day if chosen – Valley of Kings and Queens
Enjoy sunrise over the Nile River before your visit to the Valley of the Kings. Tombs were constructed here for the kings and powerful nobles of Egypt for nearly 500 years. The valley stands on the west bank of the Nile, across from Thebes (modern Luxor), within the heart of the Theban Necropolis. See the Colossi of Memnon, made of sandstone brought from Gebel El Silsila. Each colossus, including the pedestal and the crown, is about 21m tall and represents King Amenhotep III. See the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of only a handful of female rulers in Ancient Egypt. Her reign was the longest of all the female pharaohs.
Pre-Tour Day 1 –Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple
Visit the magnificent Temple of Luxor with its avenue of sphinx statues and mighty monumental columns. Continue to the Karnak Temple which was built over 2,000 years and is the largest religious building ever constructed. See the famed Hypostyle Hall, the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Thutmose III, the temple of Amon, the Granite Scarabeus and the Sacred Lake.
Pre-Tour Day 2 – Flight to Cairo
Meet up with the basic tour group. Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion. Taxes, tips & fees for extensions are charged separately.
Day 2 – Arrive in Cairo
Arrive in Cairo International Airport & you will be met and assisted through customs by our representatives. Transfer to the hotel in Cairo.
Day 3 – Memphis & Giza, Egypt
Your trip begins with a visit to Memphis, the 1st capital of ancient Egypt, destroyed by Emperor Theodosis. The stones and blocks were used by the Islamic conquerors to build their mosques and palaces.
Continue to the Step Pyramid of Saqqara, designed by the innovative architect Imhotep, and forerunner of the pyramids. The tomb of King Zoser is over 200 feet high and resembles a giant set of stairs.
Continue to Giza and the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Cheophreh, and Mykerinos, guarded by the colossal Sphinx monument which is symbolic of Egypt throughout the ages.
Day 4 – Cairo, Egypt
In the morning your guide will take you on a tour of 7,000 years of Egyptian history with a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, including the world-famous golden treasures from King Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Tour the Citadel of Saladin built in 1183 A.D. and visit the Hanging Church which is named for its location above a gatehouse of Babylon Fortress, the Roman fortress in Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo).
Later, enjoy a ride on the Nile aboard a traditional Egyptian Felucca.
Day 5 – Fly to Jordan
This morning fly to Amman, Jordan. Visit Mount Nebo, where Moses caught a glimpse of the Promised Land (Deut. 34).
On a clear day, you can see all the way across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea, to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Continue to Madaba, the City of Mosaics, to visit the Church of Saint George with its sixth-century, Byzantine, mosaic map showing Jerusalem and other holy sites.
Day 6 – Petra, Jordan
Travel south for a visit to the city of Petra. Its entrance passes through a long, narrow gorge known as the Siq and can only be accessed by carriage, horseback or on foot. Once inside the city, marvel at the intricate detail of a city that was cut into the cliff sides of rose-colored rock.
Day 7 – Cross to Israel
Explore Jerash, which is 1 of the best preserved Roman cities. Stroll through the oval piazza & wander along colonnaded streets etched by the wheels of ancient chariots. Stand in the grand theatre where an onstage whisper can be heard in the top row.
Cross the Hussein Bridge into Israel. At the River Jordan, you can remember your baptism at the Yardenit Baptismal Site (I did this in December 2018 and it was an amazing experience!). Check in to your Galilee hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 8 – Galilee, Israel
In Magdala, once home to Mary Magdalene, visit a recently discovered first-century synagogue.
Enjoy the beautiful, quaint town of Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry, & visit the synagogue located on the site where Jesus taught (Matthew 4:13, 23).
Sail across the Sea of Galilee and experience a special onboard worship service. (My favorite part of my Israel Holy Land tour!)
Below in the photo I took of myself in front of the water, do you see how the mountain/hills there splits wide open at one part? That’s how and why it’s actually meteorologically accurate that a storm could come out of nowhere. You can’t see much but a storm can slip through there quickly.
Day 9 – Bethlehem, Israel
In Bethlehem, you’ll get to visit the cave revered as Jesus’ birthplace and see the Church of the Nativity constructed over the site (Luke 2).
Gaze out over the Shepherds’ Field, where the angels first proclaimed the Good News.
Be inspired by the breathtaking beauty of Jerusalem (“the Golden City”) as you stand on the Mount of Olives, the place from which Jesus ascended into heaven forty days after His resurrection (Acts 1:9-12).
Day 10 – Jerusalem, Israel
Explore the Davidson Center and the Southern Wall Excavations, including the Teaching Steps and the Western Wall. Wander the streets of the Jewish Quarter and explore the Cardo, the ancient marketplace still alive with shops.
Stand on the steps of the Pool of Siloam, where the blind man was healed (John 9). Visit St. Peter in Gallicantu, the home of the High Priest Caiaphas, where Jesus was held after His arrest (Matthew 26:57).
Day 11 – Jerusalem, Israel
View the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus performed the Sabbath miracle (John 5: 1-31). Walk the Via Dolorosa, “the Way of the Cross,” and stand in reverence at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Cross the Allenby Bridge back into Jordan. Continue to Amman and prepare for your return flights. (B,D)
Day 12 – Return to USA or enjoy Dubai Extension
Return to USA or Dubai Extension.
Optional Dubai Extension Details (from $1198 to add on):
After being picked up at the airport, journey to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood to explore Old Dubai. Part of the attraction of the district, which showcases the traditional way of life in Dubai from the mid 19th century until the 1970s, is simply wandering through its narrow lanes. Here you’ll discover creative art spaces, museums and cafés housed in traditional L-shaped homes made from gypsum, coral and limestone. Look up and you can’t miss the buildings topped with distinctive wind towers. While exploring this neighborhood, you will visit the Textile Souk full of colorful fabrics and kitsch souvenirs. Next visit the Saruq Al Hadid museum to see the archaeological treasures that have been discovered in and around Dubai. Embark on a water taxi ride at Bur Dubai Abra Station by Dubai Creek. This waterway continues to reflect Dubai’s historic roots, back when early settlers relied on its waters for their livelihood. You will queue for a short trip across the Creek to Deira on traditional wooden boats known as abras. Once on the other side, visit the Gold Souk where you can haggle with shopkeepers for beautiful jewelry before continuing to the Spice Souk. As you wander through the stalls, you can savor the aromas of cardamom, tumeric, dried lemons and rose petals. After touring, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner and rest.
Optional Extension to Dubai: Day 13 – New Dubai
Visit the Burj Khalifa, which at 828 meters is currently the tallest building in the world, located next to the Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping centers with 1,200 shops. Visit the viewing platform at 452 meters above sea level. Ride the building’s express elevator to the 124th floor at a speed of 10 meters per second. From there you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of all of Dubai and its unique skyline. Enjoy free time at the impressive Dubai Mall afterwards. Visit a local church in the Jebel Ali area south of Dubai and hear from a local Christian Church on what life is like in a predominantly Muslim country. This afternoon zoom into the remote Lahbab desert that lies outside the city. During the drive, your guide will answer any questions and share information about the region. Head off-road into bright red dunes and have your camera ready to capture what looks like giant beanbags of sand. During a break to gather the convoy, make use of optional quad bikes on-site. Then hold tight as you cruise toward the highest slopes. Feel the adrenaline race as your vehicle plows up the dunes before sliding and slipping back down the slopes, churning up billowing clouds of sand in the process. Reach a high desert dune for a photo stop and admire 360-degree views of the desert landscape as the sun slowly sets. Take a camel ride and surf the dunes on a sandboard before you return to your hotel.
Optional Extension to Dubai: Day 14 – Abu Dhabi
Embark on this exhilarating tour to the highlight destinations of Abu Dhabi. As you travel to your first destination along the Gulf coast of Abu Dhabi, listen to the region’s rich history and culture. Visit the architectural beauty of the country’s largest mosque, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is known as the acclaimed symbol of contemporary Islam. This place offers a feast to the eyes as it blends the cultural diversity of Islamic art and contemporary design. You will be driven to the next destination, Abu Dhabi Corniche. Feel relaxed seeing the sweeping curve of the clean water harbor, pearl white sand beaches and the beautiful promenade that stretches along the northwest city shore. Next stop is Emirates Palace, a highly celebrated destination in the UAE. Get a chance to pose in front of this notable destination and take a lot of photos. Later on, travel to the next photo stop destination, the stunning five towers of Abu Dhabi, Etihad Towers. The towers shout out the aggregate story of everything Abu Dhabi is and the futuristic view of the Emirate. Being the combination of luxury and modern views, this place is an ideal destination during the Abu Dhabi visit. Your next stop is the Qasr Al Watan. The Palace is the reflection of Emiratis and their leaders. Absorb the essence of culture, architectural features and the awe-inspiring history of Emirates. Learn about the amazing journey of the early Arabian design to the present state. Peep into the Emirati governance and culture through the exhibits at the Palace.
Optional Extension to Dubai: Day 15 – Return to USA
Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion. Taxes, tips & fees for extensions are charged separately.
I absolutely had the most amazing time on my trip and can’t wait to go again! How about you – maybe you have a church group who would like to go together! Trips are always better together!