ISRAEL
Israel, central to the Holy Lands of the Bible, is a small country packed with archaeological sites and diverse terrains - desert and lush green hills full of tradition and history.
Start in Jerusalem – City of Peace, a holy city for Jews, Christians and Muslims. The Western (Wailing) Wall, the holiest shrine of the Jewish world, is part of the walls which surround the Temple Area in Herod's time.
The Via Dolorosa where Jesus Christ walked to the place of His crucifixion, a sacred site to Christians. Mount Zion where Kind David's tomb is a particularly hallowed site for the Jew. Above the tomb is the "traditional" chamber of the Last Supper, the Upper Room.
Explore the Garden Tomb, north of the Damascus Gate - a place for quiet meditation and communion. The garden is a quiet and tranquil spot, lying at the foot of a rolling green hill, just outside the city wall. One can see "Calvary" - a rounded hill that resembles that of a human skull and traditional place of Christ's Crucifixion.
Walk through Mount of Olives, a most conspicuous landmark of the Holy City. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Tour the Garden of Gethsemane where one can see olive trees dating back 2000 years and still bearing fruit. Visit the Shrine of the Book where the ancient scrolls found by a Bedouin boy are housed.
Bethlehem is one of the very early towns of Israel and in many respects is second only to Jerusalem in Biblical interests. Explore the Church of the Nativity, which from the earliest of Christendom has been held by the local inhabitants to be the grotto connected with the inn to where Joseph and Mary went on the eve of the first Christmas.
Masada, a fortress built about 36 BC, was the scene of one of the most remarkable and tragic last stands for independence made by the Jews against the Romans. A magnificent fortress built and preserved as a testament to the zealots of Israel. This is just a fraction of what can be seen on your Christian Israel Holy Land tour.
EGYPT
Egypt is a country dominated by sand and water but home to many ancient artifacts and deep history. A land of pyramids, sphinxes and mummies. Home to Karnak Temple in Luxor, The Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, ancient temples and the Nile River are Egypt's main attractions.
The adventure of entering a pyramid, crawling through the narrow space only to enter a full sized room complete with hieroglyphics on the walls still vibrant in color is a spectacular vision. Cairo, the New York City of Egypt, is a bustling town of museums. Among the major attractions is a dozen mummies which have been in storage for years, but now displayed in oxygen free cases. The mummies include the pharaohs Ramses II and Ramses III. The content of Tutankhamen's (King Tut) tomb is still the most popular attraction. Visit the local bazaar, a high point for those souvenir seekers.
Giza is home to the Great Pyramid, Cheops, which is the largest and oldest - over 5000 year old. The Sphinx, the monumental half lion, half man presents a mystery to scholars and scientists for centuries. Lastly, no trip to Egypt is complete unless a trip down the Nile River is included. Truly a once in a lifetime event that must be experienced.
JORDAN
The Holy Lands of Jordan, inhabited since 6000 B.C., hold many archaeological sites and ancient castles. Aqaba, the barren seaport town, provides Jordan's only access to the sea. Solomon, the Queen of Sheba and Lawrence of Arabia were Aqaba's past guests.
One of the most beautiful places in Jordan is Petra. The ancient rose-colored city in the Wadi Musa Canyon should not be missed on your trip to the Holy Land. Carved nearly entirely out of the living rock, the city is unlike any we have seen before. Entry to this beautiful city is only made by walking, camel or horse through a narrow gorge called the Siq. It takes about a ½ hour to traverse but well worth the effort. Petra is truly a magnificent site to behold in the Holy Land.
GREECE
Greece holds many historical events throughout Christian history - the place where Apostle Paul appealed to both Jew and Gentile, the Agar, Mars Hills (Areopagus) and the Synagogue. Athens, full of ancient market places, the famous Acropolis, the Parthenon which was built 400 years before Jesus was born is a must-see.
Thessalonica, the ancient seaside city where Paul makes references to in his letters, is the early community of faith and the heart of Greece. A spectacular view of Mt. Olympus awaits and the beautiful central battle site at Thermopylae. A visit to the Agora (market place) and other remains from the early church.
Travel along the Via Egnatia to the impressive remains of Philippi where you can trace the second and third mission of Paul spoken about in Acts 6 and Acts 20 and the traditional site of the Philippian jail.
Corinth, the historic battle site of Marathon and where the ancient hospital (Asklepion), one of the Gymnasia, a Theatre, Odeon, and the temple of Apollo can be found. The Bema which has been reconstructed by archaeologists (1Cor3:2), is also located here. Cenchrea, the port where Paul said goodbye to Greece as he began his return to Jerusalem.
Patmos, the islands known as the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of John, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he lived is now the site of Monastery of the Apocalypse, built on the islands' highest points and houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its treasure.
TURKEY
Istanbul – the city of a thousand and one delights! Capital of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, Hagia Sophia, the legendary Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, the remains of a sports stadium where chariot races were held are all found in Istanbul. The famous Topkapi Palace, the principle residence of the Ottoman Sultans between the 15 -19 centuries, is now a must-see museum with spectacular treasures. Next, visit Kusadasi – Ephesus, one of the 7 wonders of the world, the most complete Roman city ever uncovered. Meander to Bodrum, the St. Tropez of Turkey. Steeped in history and culture it is home of St. Peter's castle - housing an underwater archaeology museum and fine example of crusader architecture.
ROME
Home to Christianity's many monumental sites - Rome is captivating, romantic and full of history! In Paul's day, it was considered the greatest city in the world. The Vatican and its famous museums, San Peter Basilica Square and the Sistine Chapel, can be found nearby. It is exhilarating to see the still vibrant most famous painting of Michelangelo's "The Nine Stories of Genesis" on the ceiling and his painting of the Last Judgment and famous sculpture, La Pieta.
"Ancient" Rome includes Via Fori Imperiali, a road which links the Coliseum, which was built between 70-72 A.D and completed in 80 A.D. Toss a coin into the iconic and famous Fountain of Trevi, which has been a back drop to many of a romantic movie.
See the catacombs of San Callisto, which consist of a vast maze of passages, galleries, and halls several stories in depth and reaching as far down as 65 feet. The ancient Romans most often turned to cremation as burial custom. The history of Roman catacombs begins with the advent of Christianity. It was desirable that bodies not be destroyed in order that they are available for resurrection. Since space was at a premium, the early Christians went