Sacred Lands 12-Day Journey Through Egypt and the Holy Land

We depart from North America on an overnight flight, filled with anticipation for our journey to Cairo. Dinner and breakfast will be served aloft as we make our way to this historic city.

Upon our arrival in Cairo, Lionsgate Travel representatives warmly welcome us and assist with our transfer to the hotel. After settling in, we enjoy a delightful dinner and rest overnight, ready to begin our exploration of Egypt.

Start the day with breakfast, then set out to explore one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites—the Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx. Stand before the last surviving wonder of the ancient world and marvel at the engineering feats of the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the Pyramid of Chephren, and the Pyramid of Mykerinos. Continue to the Sphinx, the mythical guardian of the pyramids, and admire its timeless presence.

Next, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to an extensive collection of artifacts, including the treasures of King Tutankhamun. Walk through exhibits that showcase over 100,000 relics from ancient Egypt, providing deep insight into its fascinating history.

In the evening, embark on the Nile Pharaoh Cruise, a delightful dinner cruise along the Nile River. Enjoy a delicious meal while watching traditional Egyptian entertainment, including belly dancing and Tanoura performances, as the illuminated skyline of Cairo drifts by.

Return for an overnight stay.

Optional activities (not included):

• Enter the Cheops Pyramid to explore its internal corridors.
• Ride a camel or quad bike across the desert near the pyramids.

After breakfast, travel to the Salah el-Din Citadel, a medieval Islamic fortress that once served as Cairo’s seat of power. Explore its massive walls, towers, and courtyards, then visit the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, with its stunning Ottoman architecture and panoramic views of the city.

Continue to The Hanging Church, one of Egypt’s oldest and most beautiful Coptic Christian churches, built atop the gates of an ancient Roman fortress. Then, visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, steeped in Jewish history, and associated with biblical figures such as Moses.

Spend time at the lively Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s famous marketplace, where you can browse for unique souvenirs, jewelry, spices, and handcrafted goods.

In the evening, enjoy a memorable dinner at Sky Rim Restaurant, which offers breathtaking views of Cairo.

Return for an overnight stay.

Begin the day with breakfast, then set out on a scenic drive to Taba, a stunning coastal town on the Red Sea. Along the way, pass through the arid landscapes of the Sinai Peninsula, an area rich in biblical and historical significance.

Upon arrival, check in and relax. Spend some leisure time by the Red Sea, enjoying the serene atmosphere.

In the evening, gather for dinner, followed by an overnight stay.

Today is a day we cross to Israel. After breakfast we Cross the Taba Border into Israel. Travel to the Dead Sea with assistance from your guide and driver. Dinner and overnight at your Dead Sea hotel.

Start the day with breakfast, then travel to Masada, an ancient fortress atop a rugged plateau. Take a cable car ride to the summit and explore the well-preserved ruins of King Herod’s palace, storerooms, and the synagogue, while learning about the heroic stand of Jewish rebels against the Romans.

Next, visit Qumran, the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, providing invaluable insights into early Jewish and Christian history. Walk through the remains of the ancient settlement, including the scriptorium and ritual baths.

Stop at the Inn of the Good Samaritan, a site along the Jericho Road, traditionally linked to the biblical parable.

Continue to Jerusalem, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, begin the day with panoramic views from Mount Scopus and the Mount of Olives, offering a breathtaking perspective of Jerusalem’s Old City.

Visit the Chapel of the Ascension, believed to be the site where Jesus ascended to heaven. Continue to Pater Noster Church, where the Lord’s Prayer is displayed in multiple languages. Walk down the Mount of Olives to Dominus Flevit, the site where Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Arrive at the Church of All Nations, located in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before his arrest.

Explore Mount Zion, including the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, the Upper Room (Last Supper Room), and King David’s Tomb.

In the afternoon, visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial, to reflect on history.

Return for dinner and an overnight stay.

Start with breakfast, then embark on a walking tour of Jerusalem’s Old City. Visit the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism, then explore El Aksa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, two of the most sacred sites in Islam. Walk the Via Dolorosa, the path Jesus took to his crucifixion, leading to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where many believe Jesus was buried and resurrected.

Continue to The Garden Tomb and Golgotha, another site associated with Jesus’ burial and resurrection.

In the afternoon, travel to Bethlehem, where you will visit the Church of the Nativity, built over the grotto where Jesus was born. Stop at Shepherds’ Fields, where the angel announced Christ’s birth, and Field of Boaz and Ruth, connected to biblical history.  On the way back, pass by Rachel’s Tomb before returning for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive to Caesarea, the ancient Roman port city built by Herod the Great. Explore its Crusader fortress, aqueduct, and amphitheater, once used for gladiator battles.

Continue to Megiddo, a strategic city with deep biblical significance, believed to be the site of Armageddon as mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Walk through its ancient gates, water tunnels, and temples.

Visit Mount Carmel, where the prophet Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal.

Drive through Nazareth and Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle.

Dinner and overnight stay.

Enjoy breakfast, then experience a sunrise service on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

Take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee, reflecting on the stories of Jesus walking on water. Arrive in Capernaum, where you’ll visit the ancient synagogue and see the remains of St. Peter’s house.

Visit the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, then continue to Tabgha, site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes.

Travel to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter recognized Jesus as the Messiah.

End the day at the Jordan River, where an optional baptismal service can be performed.

Dinner and overnight stay.

We transfer to the airport early in the morning, filled with unforgettable memories and spiritual enrichment from our journey. Our flight home marks the end of a profound adventure through Egypt and the Holy Land.