Optional Extension to Egypt
Thursday, April 22, Day 11: BORDER CROSSING ISRAEL – JORDAN – EGYPT
This morning, following Mass, we depart for the border with Jordan and Egypt. We overnight in St. Catherine’s Monastery Guest House, which has simple but comfortable accommodations. Overnight in St. Catherine. (B.L.D)
Friday, April 23, Day 12: MT SINAI - ST. CATHERINE MONASTERY
This morning we visit St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the world’s most famous monasteries. The monastery was dedicated to one of Alexander’s rulers, St. Catherine, who was tortured to death for the sake of her new faith. For those who wish to climb Mt. Sinai, we depart for an afternoon climb of Moses Mountain, where a Bedouin guide accompanies us for a climb up the sacred mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments. From the mountain’s summit, we can see the sunset. Then descend and return to the guesthouse for dinner. Overnight in St. Catherine. Mass will be celebrated. (B.L.D) *If you wish to climb via camel, the price is $40 USD cash, each way paid directly to the Bedouin guide.
Saturday, April 24, Day 13: ST CATHERINE – CAIRO
This morning, we depart for Cairo, driving across the Sinai desert. Upon arrival, settle into our hotel for dinner and a well-deserved night of rest. Mass will be celebrated. Overnight in Cairo. (B.L.D)
Sunday, April 25, Day 14: CHRISTIAN CAIRO – DINNER CRUISE ON THE NILE
Cairo defies imagination with its ancient sites and grand mosques, pyramids, and chaotic streets. But today we delve into the Christian heart of the city, where one of the oldest Christian communities lived and prayed. We explore Old Cairo to visit the Hanging Church – the most famous Coptic church in Cairo – named so because it was built over the Roman Gate of Babylon on the Nile River. During a walking tour of the old city, our guide will point out the route taken by Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and the family of Jesus – an inspiring thought. We visit St. Sergius and Bacchus, where, according to the Gospel of St. Matthew, the Holy Family stayed during their time in Egypt. We stop at the Coptic Museum to gain a better understanding of Christianity in Egypt and the Coptic Cathedral, where we see the relics of St. Mark. We celebrate Mass and have time to shop in the local bazaar, which dates back to the 14th century. In the evening, enjoy a dinner cruise on the Nile River. Overnight in Cairo. (B.L.Special dinner)
Monday, April 26, Day 15: ANCIENT CAIRO – THE PYRAMIDS
Following breakfast, another fascinating day awaits us as we visit the Egyptian Museum and the Great Pyramids of Giza, which consist of 3 million tons of granite and stand 150 meters high. Nearby is the Sphinx, carved almost entirely from one block of limestone. It remains a charismatic figure, standing 22 meters high and 50 meters long, representing a man with the body of a lion. Mass will be celebrated. Tonight, we return to the Pyramids to see the fascinating Light and Sound Show. (TBC) Dinner and overnight in Cairo. (B.L.D)
Tuesday, April 27, DAY 16: Return to the USA
Today, our fascinating tour comes to an end. Transfer to Cairo airport for our return flight home.