The day begins with a visit to Mount Nebo, where the lawgiver Moses viewed the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34)—the closest he ever came to entering it. For lunch, we transfer to Madaba (Numbers 21:30 and Joshua 13:9), a small village known for its Byzantine churches and remarkable mosaics, including a 6th-century map of the Holy Land, offering insight into the Christian pilgrimage during its Golden Era. Our final stop is Mukawir, the site of Herod’s palace and, according to Josephus Flavius, the likely location of the tragic events surrounding the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1–12; Mark 6:14–27; Luke 9:9). From there, we journey three hours South to the “rose city” of Petra for dinner and overnight. Overnight: Petra

Petra is identified by many scholars with the Biblical Sela (likely mentioned in Isaiah 16:1 and 2 Kings 14:7) and traditionally recognized as the burial place of Aaron, the brother of Moses (Numbers 20:27–29) is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world. This ancient Nabatean city, carved entirely into rose-colored rock cliffs, stands as a breathtaking testament to human ingenuity and endurance. Once a thriving center of trade and culture, Petra later became a refuge for early Christians and even housed churches carved into the rock, indicating a vibrant Christian presence in later centuries. We will spend most of the day exploring its remarkable ruins, including temples, tombs, fortifications, a Roman-style theater, and other structures etched into stone. Before our main visit, we will begin the day at Little Petra, a smaller but equally captivating site just a few miles away, believed to have served as a suburb or lodging area for visiting traders and travelers. We remain in Petra for dinner and overnight. Overnight: Petra

This morning, we depart Petra and begin our journey back toward Madaba. Along the way, we’ll stop at Shobak Castle, originally known as Krak de Montreal or Mons Regalis. Built by King Baldwin I of Jerusalem, it was the first Crusader outpost established east of the Jordan River, strategically positioned to guard the vital trade route between Egypt and Syria. Despite withstanding numerous sieges, the fortress eventually fell to Saladin’s forces in 1189. Today, many of its towers and walls remain intact, adorned with Islamic inscriptions dating back to the 14th century. From there, we continue to the ruins of Um Rassas (Roman and Byzantine Kastron Mefaa or Biblical Mephaat as per Jeremiah 48:21), a remote Byzantine-era settlement and monastic complex. Among its notable remains is what is believed to be the only surviving stylite column—a pillar once used by an ascetic monk who lived atop it in devotion and prayer. In the evening, we arrive at a pilgrim guest house near the Jordan River, in the very place where our Lord Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-15). Dinner at the guest house. Overnight: Pilgrim Guest House

We begin our day with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. After breakfast, we will visit the site recently identified as the most likely location of "Bethany beyond the Jordan" (John 1:28), the place where our Lord Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. Nearby is the hill from which, according to tradition, the Prophet Elijah (2 Kings 2) was taken up into Heaven in a fiery chariot. This sacred area is rich in early Christian history and marked by numerous Byzantine ruins. The site is also closely associated with the Venerable Mary of Egypt, whose life and witness are still venerated by local Christians today. We then continue to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities of the biblical Decapolis (Matthew 4:25; Mark 5:20; Mark 7:31). With its grand colonnaded streets, temples, theaters, and plazas, Jerash is often referred to as the “Pompeii of the East” for its remarkable state of preservation. Following our visit, we transfer to the border and cross into Israel, continuing on to Nazareth for check-in at our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Nazareth.

Our pilgrimage continues with visits to the sacred sites surrounding the Sea of Galilee. We begin the day in Magdala (Luke 8:2), the hometown of Mary Magdalene, where we’ll visit the recently uncovered first-century synagogue, one of the few from the time of our Lord. Next, we travel to Ginosar to see the remarkable discovery known as “Jesus’ boat,” an ancient fishing vessel dating back to the first century. We then proceed to Tabgha (Luke 9:10–17), the traditional site of the miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fishes, where we will pause for prayer and reflection. In the afternoon, we explore the ruins of Capernaum, referred to in the Gospels as “His own city” (Matthew 9:1). Here we’ll see the remains of Peter’s house and the ancient synagogue where Christ preached. Nearby, we will also visit the Church of the Twelve Apostles, a beautifully preserved site adjacent to the ruins and under the care of an Orthodox monk. Our final stop of the day is Kursi (Luke 8:35), traditionally identified as the place where Jesus healed the Gadarene demoniac and sent the herd of swine into the sea. Overnight: Nazareth

Our second day in Galilee, we will start in the town of Nazareth (Luke 1:26), where the good news to the World were announced by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-33) and where Christ spent his young years (Matthew 2:23, Luke 2:39) with His Most-Holy other and the righteous Joseph and started His initial ministry (Luke 4:16-30). There are two important churches in town that share the glory and importance of the event. One is an Orthodox Church built over a well with a spring where according to local tradition the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-38). Another shrine is the much larger Catholic foundation that is built over the remains of the house of the carpenter Joseph. Just before lunch, we will ascend to Mt. Tabor (Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, Luke 9:28–36 and 2 Peter 1:16–18), the place of the Lord’s glorious and wondrous Transfiguration. From Mt. Tabor we will proceed to the small town of Lod (Acts 9:32-35), ancient Lydda, to pray at the tomb of the Holy Great Martyr and Warrior George. After some prayers and the anointing at the tomb of the Holy Marty we will start or ascend toward the Holy City, Jerusalem. The last stop of our day will be at Emmaus Nikopolis (Luke 24:13–35), an ancient site believed to be the place of the apparition of the Risen Lord to His disciples upon His glorious Resurrection. Hotel: Bethlehem

Today, we will begin our day with a Liturgy and a visit to the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem (Luke 2), built on the very spot where our Savior was born. From there, we will continue to the Shepherds’ Field (Luke 2:7), where a Greek Orthodox monastery marks the traditional site of the angelic apparition announcing the birth of the Messiah to humble yet devout shepherds. In the afternoon, we will visit Ein Karem, a historic village that was an important Jewish settlement during the late Second Temple period and later gained great significance in Christian tradition. According to the Gospel of Luke, John the Baptist was born here, in what is described as a “town in the hill country of Judea.” (Luke 1:39).

Time permitting: we will visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross. According to Church tradition, it was on this very site that the tree from which the Holy Cross was made once grew. Pious pilgrims continue to visit this sacred place, which lies tucked behind the main altar of one of Jerusalem’s oldest and most remarkable monasteries. Return to Bethlehem for dinner and overnight

In the morning, we will visit the Convent of St. Mary Magdalene, a Russian Imperial foundation that houses the relics of the martyred Grand Duchess Elisabeth. Located nearby is the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36; Mark 14:32), the place where Christ’s Passion began. Here, we will also visit the beautiful Basilica of the Agony.

Then we will transfer to the Old City for a visit of a captivating and educational exhibit dedicated to the Shroud of the Lord, offering insights into His Passion and the burial practices of antiquity. After a brake, we will continue our pilgrimage in the Holy City, praying at the sacred sites associated with our Lord’s Passion. Our first stop will be the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, a vast and awe-inspiring ecclesiastical complex that includes some of the holiest sites in all of Christendom: Golgotha (Matthew 27:33; Mark 15:22; Luke 23:33; John 19:17), the Stone of Anointing, and the Tomb of the Lord—the place of His Glorious Resurrection. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Today, we begin by ascending the Mount of Olives to visit the Monastery of the Ascension (Luke 24:50–53), traditionally believed to be the site from which our Lord ascended into heaven. From there, we will explore the Mount of Olives and the Kidron Valley, retracing the steps of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and His saving Passion. One of our stops will be the Tomb of the Prophets, an intriguing underground catacomb-like site considered one of the earliest places of Christian worship in Jerusalem. Nearby, we will pause at a scenic viewpoint offering a breathtaking panorama of the Holy City—traditionally believed to be where the Savior wept over Jerusalem and its people, who tragically rejected their salvation.

In the afternoon, we will visit several holy sites connected to the Passion and miracles of our Lord, including the site of His imprisonment, the Lithostrotos (John 19:13), and the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:2), where Christ healed the paralytic.

Time permitting, we will visit Mount Zion to see the recently reopened Basilica of the Dormition of the Mother of God, beautifully restored and built over the traditional site where the Most Holy Theotokos fell asleep in the Lord. Nearby, we will stop at the so-called Tomb of David, venerated as the burial place of King David.
Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Today, we begin our journey in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem cherished by the Lord and home to His dear friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. We will visit the Tomb of Lazarus (John 11:1–44), where the miracle of his resurrection took place, and the Russian Ecclesiastical School for Palestinian Girls, a center of faith and education.

Next, we travel to the ancient city of Jericho (Joshua 6; Matthew 20:29–34; Mark 10:46–52; Luke 18:35–43), one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Within its boundaries lie numerous significant biblical sites, inviting reflection on pivotal moments from both the Old and New Testaments.

Our final visit will be to the Monastery of St. Gerasimos of the Jordan, dedicated to the revered 5th-century ascetic known for the beloved story of the lion he rescued and cared for.

We return to Jerusalem for a farewell dinner and overnight stay.

Today is your at leisure. Alternatively, we invite you to join us on a unique archaeological journey through Jerusalem. This optional tour will include visits to the Temple Mount and the Davidson Archaeological Park, which surrounds the southern part of the Temple Mount. We will also explore the Jewish Quarter, featuring the Roman Cardo and the ancient fortifications of pre-Babylonian Jerusalem. After a lunch break, we will visit the Museum of Israel —the country’s largest archaeological museum. Highlights include a detailed scale model of Jerusalem as it appeared in the 1st century AD, as well as a remarkable collection of antiquities spanning all the Biblical periods. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Jerusalem.

FIRST DAY OF SINAI EXTENSION:

Those who choose to join the Sinai extension will begin an early morning transfer along the shores of the Dead Sea toward the Egyptian border. In the afternoon, after crossing the border and changing buses, the journey will continue to the guesthouse of St. Catherine's Monastery for dinner and an overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) and departure home.

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Day 2 of the extension:

In the morning, we will visit St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries in the world. Located at the foot of Mount Sinai, the monastery has been active since the late 4th century, originally established by early Christian hermits drawn to the sacred traditions of the region.

The current fortified complex, including its impressive stone walls and the main basilica (the Church of the Transfiguration), was constructed in the mid-6th century under the patronage of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The site was built to enclose what was believed to be the Burning Bush—the very place where, according to the biblical account, God spoke to Moses.

Today, St. Catherine’s is not only an active monastery of the Eastern Orthodox Church, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most important repositories of Christian antiquities. Its library is considered second only to the Vatican in its collection of early biblical manuscripts, and its ancient icons and sacred relics offer a unique glimpse into early Christian spirituality and Byzantine art.

After our visit to the monastery and its renowned museum, we will begin our journey toward the guesthouse at St. Paul’s Monastery, where we will enjoy dinner and stay overnight.

Today, we will explore the birthplace of Christian monasticism. While St. Anthony the Great is honored as the "Father of Monasticism," he was not the first monk. During his lifetime, he sought out and visited an elder ascetic—Paul of Thebes—who is traditionally recognized as the first Christian hermit. Paul had spent many decades living in seclusion in a cave near the Red Sea.

Thanks to a recently constructed road from Cairo, we will travel directly to Deir Anba Bola, or the Monastery of St. Paul the Hermit, which was established near the site of Paul’s cave. After our visit to the monastery and a lunch at a nearby guesthouse, we will continue on to the Monastery of St. Anthony the Great.

The Monastery of St. Anthony is one of the largest and most significant monasteries in the Coptic Orthodox Church. Founded near the cave where St. Anthony lived as a hermit in the 3rd and 4th centuries, the monastery became a focal point for monastic life in Egypt and beyond. Although Anthony began his ascetic life in solitude, by the end of his life a community of disciples had gathered nearby, drawn by his spiritual wisdom and way of life.

Today, the monastery is a sprawling complex that includes churches, chapels, and architectural remnants from various periods of its long history. For those who are physically fit and adventurous, the cave of St. Anthony is accessible via a challenging climb of approximately 2,000 steps. The site offers not only a powerful spiritual experience but also stunning views of the surrounding desert.

In the evening, we will return to Cairo.
Dinner and overnight stay: Cairo

Today, we will explore the rich historical and spiritual heritage of the Old City of Cairo. Our visits will include several of the most significant ancient Coptic churches, such as the Hanging Church (Al-Muallaqa), built over the Roman gatehouse of the Babylon Fortress; the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga), traditionally believed to be built over the site where the Holy Family rested during their flight into Egypt; and the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, one of the few round churches in the East. We will also visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in Egypt, which—according to tradition—was originally a Coptic church sold to the Jewish community in order to pay heavy taxes imposed by Islamic rulers.

After lunch, we will travel to the most iconic site in all of Egypt: the Giza Plateau, home to the legendary Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. While the pyramids are familiar to most of us from childhood images and history books, nothing can truly prepare you for the awe of standing before these monumental structures, built over 4,500 years ago. They remain a testament to the ingenuity, ambition, and spirituality of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Dinner and overnight stay: Cairo

Let me know if you'd like additional historical or biblical context added to the churches or monuments.

Breakfast. Check-out from the hotel. Departure from the Cairo International Airport (Airport code: CAI).