Egypt and Jordan Tour
Departing from Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town South Africa.
Day 1: Departure Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town
Depart for our flight to Cairo from South Africa- Dinner and Overnight-Aircraft
Day 2: Arrival in Cairo- Pyramids – Sphinx- Khan el-Khalili
Welcome to Egypt, upon arrival into Cairo International Airport you will clear immigration, we will be led by our expert Egyptologist guide to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient World, the Sphinx and three Pyramids of Giza. The Cheops Pyramid is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis built in the third dynasty about 2690 B.C as a tomb for Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu), Pyramid of Chechen, and at the bottom of the Pyramid Chechen lies the majestic Great Sphinx, which is the largest single block sculpture. Later get an opportunity to ride a camel by the Pyramids.
Our last time stop will be for some shopping for gifts, spices and silks in the medieval bazaar of Khan el-Khalili, one of the biggest bazaars in the Middle East and North Africa’s most famous bazaar. We will have dinner as we cruise on the River Nile. Overnight Cairo.
Day 4: Cairo to the Sinai Desert
After Breakfast we depart via our private air-conditioned mini-coach or bus to St. Catherine via the tunnel underneath the Suez Channel to the west branch of the Red Sea, following what is thought to be the route of the Biblical Exodus (Genesis16-18). Our drive through the Sinai Peninsula to the Mount Sinai area is around 6 hours.
we see Marah, where the children of Israel found the water bitter. We continue to Alim and see the desert oasis and make our way to Wadi Feiran ( Rephidim), where the children of Israel fought against Amalekites. On our way see Mount Serbal, the possible site where Moses held his arms up for victory, we continue inland heading towards the granite mountains of Mt. Sinai and Wadi El Raha According to traditions the area where the Israelites camped, and the golden calf was forged (Exodus 32). We will arrive to the hotel near Mt Sinai and St Catherine’s Monastery. Dinner and Overnight
Day 5: Mt Sinai – St. Catherine Monastery- Jordan
At daybreak, if you wish, climb up Mt. Sinai, where Prophet Moses received the ten commandments from God.
You may choose to rent a camel for assistance until two thirds of the journey to see the sunrise. Enjoy a time of praise and incredible views of the Sinai wilderness, we read from the Book of Genesis God revealed himself to Moses in the Burning Bush and where he received the Ten Commandments. Descending the mountain, we return to the hotel to rejoin the rest of the group for Breakfast.
After breakfast, we will visit the St. Catherine Monastery with its History, constructed at the foot of Mt. Sinai the oldest working Christian Monastery. St. Catherine Monastery was built in ( 527 and 565 A.C) by the Roman Emperor Justinian, and where it’s believed God appeared to Moses in the form of a burning bush. The Greek Orthodox Church building is the oldest continuously used church building in the world. we will cross the border and make our way to Jordanian side Dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Taba -Nabatean City of Petra
After enjoying our delicious buffet breakfast, we visit Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . We start the tour by horse-drawn carriage (additional cost) or on foot to the ancient Rose City. This was a city of Edom from the times of Israel and Judah.
We see Petra’s most famous monument, the Treasury, the Siq, and various walks and climbs reveal literally hundreds of buildings facades, tombs, baths, funerary halls, temples, and a 3000-seat theatre, from the First Century AD.
Proceed to visit the Christian Town of Madaba, which is known as ‘The City of Mosaics’. You will be visiting the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, where you will see the masterpiece of Madaba (a Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land that goes back to the 6th century, showing Jerusalem and other cities), you will also visit the Archaeological Park, which houses the remains of several Byzantine churches, including the amazing mosaics of the Church of the Virgin. The park complex includes a school for the restoration and conservation of ancient mosaics. We will then go to Mt. Nebo, which is considered to be one of the most important holy sites in Jordan, as it is believed to be the place where Moses climbed from the Valley of Moab, and from where God showed him the Promised Land, as well as Moses’ last resting place. It features ruins from the 4th to the 6th century with marvelous mosaics adorning the grounds of the church still visible. Do a city tour of Amman. Dinner and overnight Amman
Day 7: Amman to Johannesburg South Africa
After breakfast we will be transferred to the airport for our flight back to South Africa.
Day8: Arrival In South Africa
We arrive with beautiful memories of trip to Egypt and Jordan