Your holy trip starts with the well-known Rose Red City of Petra. The city is thought to have been first established in the 6th century BC by Nabataean Arabs, a nomadic tribe who settled in the area and laid the foundations of a commercial empire that extended into Syria. Despite successive attempts by the Seleucid king Antigonus, the Roman emperor Pompey and Herod the Great to bring Petra under the control of their respective empires, Petra remained largely in Nabataean hands until around 100 AD, when the Romans diverted to the north the caravan routes that had brought Petra its wealth. It was still inhabited during the Byzantine period, when the former Roman Empire moved its focus east to Constantinople, but declined in importance thereafter. The Crusaders constructed a fort there in the 12th century, but soon withdrew, leaving Petra to the local people until the early 19th century, when it was visited by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. The approach to Petra is unforgettable, made either on foot or horseback through the Outer Siq and then on foot through the Siq itself. The Siq ends in an open space which is dominated by the Treasury, Petra’s most famous building.
Also you will visit Jerusalem, a city of overwhelming emotions, a city that promises a religious and spiritual experience, excitement and pleasure, interesting tours and entertaining adventures. Here, alongside Jerusalem’s fascinating historic and archeological sites, there are amazingly modern tourist attractions for all lovers of culture, the arts, theater and music, architecture and gastronomic delights.
What has not already been said about the holiest city in the world, the city that has been united, the eternal city first built thousands of years ago, whose history can be heard in the whispering of the wind along the walls, where every stone tells a wondrous story of a city that has d rawn millions of faithful pilgrims for thousands of years. Such is Jerusalem, the only city in the world that has 70 names of love and yearning, the city that in old maps appears at the center of the world and is still adored like a young bride.
Enjoy your tour to Bethlehem, which is located in the central, about six miles south of Jerusalem. Its population is approximately 25,000 people. It is the capital of the Bethlehem Governorate. It is thought the original name was Beit Lachama, from the Canaanite god Lachama. The earliest mention of the city is in the Amarna correspondence c.
Without a doubt the world’s most amazing place, beautiful landscape, which at the Dead Sea, is over 400m (1,312 ft.) below sea level. The lowest point on the face of the earth, this vast stretch of water receives a number of incoming rivers, including the River Jordan. Once the waters reach the Dead Sea they are land-locked and have nowhere to go, so they evaporate, leaving behind a dense, rich, cocktail of salts and minerals that supply industry, agriculture and medicine with some of its finest products.
The Dead Sea is flanked by mountains to the east and the rolling hills of Jerusalem to the west, giving it an almost other-worldly beauty. Although sparsely populated and serenely quiet now, the area is believed to have been home to five Biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin and Zoar (Bela).
Upon arrival to QAI Airport, you will be met by English-speaking representative who will assist you with getting your visa, retrieving your bags and going through customs. You will then be transferred by private A-C van to Petra. Arrive to Petra and proceed to your chosen hotel for check in and overnight. [No Meals]
Breakfast at the hotel followed by the tour of the Rose Red City of Petra. The city is thought to have been first established in the 6th century BC by Nabataean Arabs, a nomadic tribe who settled in the area and laid the foundations of a commercial empire that extended into Syria. Despite successive attempts by the Seleucid king Antigonus, the Roman emperor Pompey and Herod the Great to bring Petra under the control of their respective empires, Petra remained largely in Nabataean hands until around 100 AD, when the Romans diverted to the north the caravan routes that had brought Petra its wealth. It was still inhabited during the Byzantine period, when the former Roman Empire moved its focus east to Constantinople, but declined in importance thereafter. The Crusaders constructed a fort there in the 12th century, but soon withdrew, leaving Petra to the local people until the early 19th century, when it was visited by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. The approach to Petra is unforgettable, made either on foot or horseback through the Outer Siq and then on foot through the Siq itself. The Siq ends in an open space which is dominated by the Treasury, Petra’s most famous building. After that, you will drive to Jerusalem via Allenby borders. Arrive to Jerusalem and proceed to your chosen hotel there for check in and overnight. [Breakfast]
Breakfast will be served at your hotel. After that you will join our professional tour guide to visit Mount of Olives and enjoy a panoramic view of the City of Jerusalem. Continue towards Gethsemane Garden and visit the Church of the Agony. Later on, we will drive to Ein Karem and visit the Church of the Visitation and the Church of San Juan the Baptist. Finally, we will drive to Bethlehem, where we will visit the Nativity Church, the Milk Grotto and the Shepherd’s Field. After finishing your day tour, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Jerusalem for overnight. [Breakfast]
Breakfast will be served at your hotel. Enter the Old City of Jerusalem and visit the Wailing Wall. Walk through the stations of Via Dolorosa arriving at Holy Sepulcher. Visit the Jewish Quarter and the Cardo. Then proceed to Mount Zion and visit the Dormition Abbey, King David’s Tomb, the Upper Room. Finally, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and overnight in Jerusalem. [Breakfast]
Breakfast will be served at your hotel. After that, you will be transferred by Cable car to visit Masada. Then, we will proceed to the Dead Sea to enjoy the wonderful view of this natural area. The Dead Sea is flanked by mountains to the east and the rolling hills of Jerusalem to the west, giving it an almost other-worldly beauty. Although sparsely populated and serenely quiet now, the area is believed to have been home to five Biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin and Zoar (Bela). Finally, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in jerusalem for overnight. [Breakfast]
We will then ride in a motorboat to reach Agilika Island, the new location of the marvelous Philae Temple, constructed in the 3rd century BC in the Greco Roman era as the center of the worship of the goddess Isis. It is one of the most remarkable ancient Egyptian temples that were relocated after the construction of the High Dam and the water of the River Nile affected many historical monuments, the temple was transferred under a huge project funded by many nations and supervised by the UNESCO.
Our last visit of the day will be to the Unfinished Obelisk, which was found in the granite quarry in the Southern part of the city of Aswan. If completed, the unfinished obelisk would have been the largest piece of stone humans ever dealt with. Dating back to the New Kingdom, it documents however the miraculous process of the construction of obelisks in ancient Egypt.
After the day tour, we will drive back to our Nile cruiser for rest and refresh. Afternoon, free at leisure on board in order to relax beside the pool on the sundeck and enjoy the incomparable view of the River Nile. Evening time is free at leisure in Aswan or there is a wonderful opportunity to go for an optional tour to the sound and light show at Philae Temple, in order to know the full story of the goddess Isis and her husband Osiris in the most marvelous ambience. There are in fact many legends and interesting stories which date back to the era of ancient Egypt. After that, you’ll get back to your Nile cruise ship for dinner and overnight. [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]
Check out after breakfast. Later on, you’ll be met with our English-speaking representative who will transfer you by private A-C van to Ben Gurion Airport in order to catch your flight to back home. [Breakfast]
