OPTIONAL EXTENSION – MT. SINAI – ST. CATHERINE’S MONASTERY – THE DEAD SEA – PETRA – AMMAN
January 18, Sunday, Day 11: ST. CATHERINE’S MONASTERY
Following breakfast, we check out of our hotel and drive to St. Catherine’s Monastery, taking the Moses Exodus Route through the Sinai Desert. Mass will be celebrated. Dinner and overnight at St. Catherine’s Monastery (simple accommodations). (B.L.D)
January 19, Monday, Day 12: MT. SINAI – TABA
Early this morning, we climb up to Mt. Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments. We see the possible site of the Burning Bush where the Lord spoke to Moses, and enjoy a spectacular moment as we watch the sun rise over Mt. Sinai. We descend the mountain for breakfast at the hotel before visiting St. Catherine’s Monastery and
Museum. The monastery was dedicated to St. Catherine, who was tortured to death because she became a Christian. Our two-hour drive takes us to the seaside resort of Taba. Check into our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day on the shores of the Red Sea. Mass will be celebrated. Dinner and overnight in Taba. (B.L.D)
January 20, Tuesday, Day 13: TABA – AQABA – WADI RUM, JORDAN
We check out of our hotel and are transferred to the ferry, which takes us from Taba, Egypt, to Aqaba in Jordan, where we meet our Jordanian guide and bus. We explore the ruins of the Aqaba Church, a historic 3rd-century church unearthed in 1998 by a group of American archaeologists. It is considered to be the world’s oldest-known purpose-built Christian church. Adventure awaits us in Wadi Rum, where we enjoy a jeep ride in the desert and an overnight in tents under the stars. Mass will be celebrated. Overnight in the desert. (B.D)
January 21, Wednesday, Day 14: WADI RUM – THE DEAD SEA
This morning, we depart for the Dead Sea. We visit Mt. Nebo, the place where Prophet Moses gazed at the Promised Land before he died, and is alleged to be his burial place. We see the Plains of Moab to the north, the area where the tribes of Israel camped before crossing the Jordan River, and view Bethany beyond. We also visit the Baptismal site on the River Jordan, where tradition tells us Jesus was baptized. Then we visit the town of Madaba, where we find the famous 6th-century mosaic map of Palestine in St. George’s Church. Mass will be celebrated. Dinner and overnight at the Dead Sea. (B.L.D)
January 22, Thursday, Day 15: PETRA
We drive on the King’s Highway to Petra, where we enjoy a sightseeing tour of magnificent Petra, one of the wonders of the world. A visit to this ancient Nabatean City, carved out of red rose rock, includes the Treasury, Monastery, and Theatre. Mass will be celebrated. Dinner and overnight in Amman. (B.L.D)
January 23, Friday, Day 16: RETURN TO USA
We are transferred to the airport for our flight home to the USA. (B)