"The Exodus"
Egypt, Jordan & Israel
17 Day Tour

Price Per person double occupancy

Dates	Land Only No Transfers	Early Reservation Discount (6 Mo. Adv.)
2024
December 19-January 4	$4,499	$4,379
2025
February 25-March 13 April 22-May 8 May 13-29 June 3-19 July 22-August 7 September 2-18	$4,749	$4,629
October 14-30 October 28-November 13 November 22-December 8 December 19-January 4	$4,849	$4,729
Single Supplement: January, February, December 2024: $1,000 March-November 2024: $1,100 January-February 4th 2025: $1,300 February 25th-December 2025: $1,400
Deposit Required: A $300 per person US Dollar deposit (which includes a $100 non-refundable service fee) is required to secure a reservation.

Click here for "Frequently Asked Questions"

Price Includes: 5 star lodging in Cairo, 2 1/2 star lodging in Mt. Sinai, good 4 star lodging in Jordan and Israel, expert Biblical guides, admissions, baggage handling, sightseeing, breakfast & dinner daily, 1 lunch, border taxes ($26), Jordan entry visa for most countries (see "Not Included" section below).
Hotel Ratings Chart

Please Note: Egypt, Jordan and Israel gratuities will be paid in advance ($220 per person will be added to your final invoice for gratuities to be paid to drivers, guides and hotel staff).

Not Included: Flight departures (low cost fares available nationwide), transfers (not included unless airfare is purchased from Pilgrim Tours), gratuities, Egyptian visa ($25 Visa obtained for U.S. Citizens). Egypt visa fee is payable upon arrival at the Cairo airport and does not need to be purchased in advance (except for Canadian citizens). Jordan visa payments are not required for Pilgrim clients originating from USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, & New Zealand. Clients from other countries must be responsible for obtaining Egypt, Jordan, & Israel Visas in advance if required.

Airport transfers are included only when airfare is purchased from Pilgrim Tours. Taxi service is available for those purchasing their airfare elsewhere.

Please Note: Travelers from Visa Exempt countries visiting Israel must apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online at Israel ETA-IL Application | Apply for your Israel eVisa online (https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/). Once approved, an ETA confirmation will be emailed to you. There is no need to print this confirmation; simply save it on your phone. The cost of the ETA permit is 25 shekels (approximately 7 USD), and it permits stays of up to 90 days. The permit remains valid for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever occurs first. Failure to meet these entry requirements may result in loss of tour participation and associated penalties.

*Customers traveling to Israel that do not provide their full passport information will incur an additional fee of $160 per person to cover the Israel VAT (value-add tax) on their final invoice.

Deposit Required: A $300 per person US Dollar deposit (which includes a $100 non-refundable service fee) is required to secure a reservation.

Day 1: Departure

Our life-changing journey begins this evening as we board our overnight flight to Cairo, Egypt.

Day 2: Arrival Cairo

We arrive in the land of the Pharaohs, Jacob, Joseph and Israel during the famine! Upon arrival in Cairo we meet our guide and driver who will transport us to the hotel for dinner and rest for the remainder of the evening. We relax tonight as we prepare for the adventurous travel ahead.

 

Day 3: Coptic Cairo, Hanging Church & Alabaster Mosque

We begin our sightseeing with a visit to the Hanging Church - the most famous Coptic church in Cairo. The Hanging Church was named so as it was built by the Nile River over the Roman Gate of Babylon. During a walking tour, our guide will point out that this section of the old city was definitely the route taken by Abraham, Joseph, Moses and the family of Jesus - an inspiring thought. Next we visit the beautiful Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali to better understand Moslem religious practices. Completed in 1848, the Ottoman-style Muhammad Ali Mosque is the most noticeable in all of Cairo and has dominated the skyline for the past 150 years. A stop will be made at the papyrus factory store, where we see the process of creating lovely Egyptian art pictures.

Day 4: Memphis, Sakkara, Joseph's Storehouses

We enjoy a day of touring in and around Cairo with a short bus ride to Memphis. Founded around 3,100 BC, Memphis is the legendary city of Menes, the King who united Upper and Lower Egypt. From a Biblical perspective, Memphis is most likely where Abraham lied to Pharaoh about his wife Sarah being his sister and where Joseph served as second in command. While in Memphis we will view a very large and well-preserved statue of Ramses II. Next is Sakkara, which is one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Egypt! Sakkara is dominated by the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, dating back to 2700 BC. It is one of the oldest stone structures in the world! Following an interesting stop to see how local Egyptian carpets are made, a short drive to the south finds us in Faiyum, the region created by the divinely inspired wisdom of Joseph. Here you will find ancient storehouses and a man-made lake created by a canal, who's construction was ordered by Joseph. It was this lake that provided irrigation for a desert land and supplied the food needed to survive his prophesied seven year famine.

Day 5: Cairo Pyramids & Tutankhamen’s Treasures

Today we travel back to ancient Egypt with a full day of touring to the wonders of the ancient world, some of which date back to 1000+ years prior to Abraham. We spend time at one of the seven wonders of the world- the pyramids. Cheops, with an original height of 496 feet, is the most colossal pyramid ever built. Today, we will also see the Sphinx and tour the Grand Egyptian Museum, location of Tutankhamen's treasures and ancient remains.

Day 6: Marah, Amalekites, Mt. Moses

This morning we depart Cairo with stories of the "Land of Goshen" to the north and travel the southward route of the Exodus through the Wilderness of Shur. We learn of the terrain and the history of this region en-route as we stop at Marah (Springs of Moses), the Wilderness of Sin, and further to the south, the Oasis of Feiran. For those who are able, we climb a small hill to the ruins of an ancient chapel that overlooks the palm tree valley where Israel battled with the people of Amalek. One may have his picture taken with arms raised in remembrance of God's victory as Moses' arms were held high by Aaron and Hur. Arriving in the afternoon to the hotel at Mt. Sinai (Mt. Horeb). Those who desire and are physically capable will depart for a memorable walk up Mt. Moses. You may choose to ride a camel part way, stop at one of the stations to take in scenery along the climb to the summit (750 steps) for a sunset to remember. Once at the top, enjoy a time of reflection and praise before departing down the mountain.

Day 7: St. Catherine's, Red Sea, Aqaba

A visit to St. Catherine's Monastery, claimed to be built around the area of Moses' Burning Bush, will be followed by a short ride to the Red Sea. A stop for lunch along the shore will provide a view of Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel to the north. Gazing across the Gulf of Aqaba, we can begin to imagine the miracle of the parting of the sea. We then travel north viewing the Red Sea en-route to the border crossing between Egypt and Israel. Transferring through Eilat in southern Israel, we arrive in Jordan Aqaba, Biblical Ezion Geber - the lovely seaport of King Solomon. Our lodging this evening will be in Aqaba or Petra.

Day 8: Petra

This morning we visit the amazing mountain fortress of Petra, known to be inhabited by the Edomites - the descendants of Esau. Begin the tour with a walk through the "Siq," an immense crack in the Nubian sandstone, to the city of Petra carved out of the rose red rock. The Treasury, El Khazneh, is one of the most elegant remains of antiquity. Beyond El Khazneh we are surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra's carved and built structures. Departing Petra, we travel northward on the King's Highway where to the west we view the hills bordering the Dead Sea. This is the area of the hilltop palace/fortress of Machaerus, where John the Baptist was beheaded. We overnight in Amman for this evening.

Day 9: Mt Nebo, Madaba, Tel Aviv

Our morning tour begins in the town of Madaba, the biblical Medeba, 30 kilometers south of Amman. Madaba is best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics and at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George we view the earliest surviving mosaic map of the Holy land. Mt. Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of Moses, commands a spectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Study the panorama as we read the scripture of God showing Moses the "Promised Land" before He brought him home to heaven. As we travel west toward the Allenby Bridge, we view to the north the Plains of Moab, the area where the tribes of Israel camped before crossing the Jordan and picture Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the place where Jesus was baptized. Crossing back into Israel, we drive to Tel Aviv area with the remainder of the afternoon free. You may wish to take a devotional time with the sunset over the “Great Sea,” a time of prayer and thanks for the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of this land, and then enjoy a good night’s rest.

Day 10: Caesarea, Megiddo, & Nazareth

After breakfast, we travel by private motor coach along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. We’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre, hippodrome, a film on history and the remains of this famous port city, an aqueduct, and then journey through the Mt. Carmel range, where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Next we travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, the Armageddon battlefield, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization. We drive through the area of Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, where we visit the Nazareth Village, a wonderful recreation of Biblical times with costumed guides. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next three nights along the Sea of Galilee.

Day 11: Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Jesus Boat, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride, Magdala

Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable northern sites. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of alternative sacrifice and Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter’s confession and pagan worship. We pass the possible site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes in Bethsaida and the Mount of the Beatitudes. Returning to Galilee for a St. Peter’s fish lunch (other selections available), we then visit the ancient fisherman boat followed by a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee. A brief scripture reading and devotional on board brings to life the experiences of Jesus and the fishermen disciples. We conclude our day with a visit to Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene. The recent excavation of the first century synagogue and well-preserved village makes Magdala one of the most interesting Biblical sites in Israel.

Day 12: Capernaum, Corazin, Mt. Arbel, Jordan River Baptism Site

Today we visit the Biblical towns of Capernaum and Corazin. Capernaum is located along the Sea of Galilee and was the hometown of Peter. It is likely where Jesus and the disciples lived during much of His ministry while in Galilee. Next, we visit Corazin which offers another example of a Jewish synagogue and a replica of the “Seat of Moses” which was carved out of the local basalt block and from which the scribes and Pharisees would have read the Torah. We enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Galilee region atop Mt. Arbel. Mt. Arbel could likely be the location that Jesus would get away from the crowds to take time in prayer with His heavenly Father. Here our guide will point out the various towns listed in scripture during the time of Jesus. We conclude our day with an opportunity to be baptized at the Jordan River Baptismal Site.

Day 13: Beit Shean, Bethany Beyond Jordan, Abraham's Tent, Mt. of Olives & Garden of Gethsemane

We travel southward this morning to Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, the most magnificent archeological site in Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys. Like Jericho, it has been almost continuously occupied throughout history. After defeating Saul and his sons on Mt. Gilboa, the Philistines hanged their bodies on the walls of Beit-Shean. During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis - a league of ten cities sharing Greek culture and government. Following the fertile Jordan Valley southward, your guide will point out the agricultural restoration of the “Land of Milk and Honey” and Israel’s intricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho and view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world. To the east of Jericho along the Jordan River Valley (Queser El Yehud) is the Israeli side of Bethany Beyond the Jordan. In this area Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist; Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan; and the children of Israel, led by Joshua, entered the Promised Land. This afternoon we will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent, where we enjoy a trip back in time to relive life in the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, camel ride and authentic food. Arriving in Jerusalem we’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the Old City atop the Mt. of Olives and then the Garden of Gethsemane. How many have wished to be whisked back in time to get a glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment? To walk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer and take time for personal reflection is important here. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next four nights in Jerusalem.

Day 14: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Scrolls, Dead Sea Swim

Our day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top fortress of Masada. Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous zealot stand. Afterwards we proceed to Ein Gedi, "Spring of the Goat," an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. This is where King David hid from Saul and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. Next, we visit the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This afternoon we have an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing float in the Dead Sea.

Day 15: Jesus’ Steps, Western Walls, Southern Steps, Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb

Today we walk where Jesus walked, beginning the day with a visit to the Wailing Wall and then the fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the Second Temple era. The tunnel and exhibit give a clear understanding of the amazing construction of the Temple Mount, giant stones, water supply and Roman street where our Lord was led to judgment. Before exiting the tunnel, we see the immense cornerstone rejected by the builders. Next, we visit the Southern Wall Excavations. This southern side of The Temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs, which led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard have been unearthed along with the purification pools. From here Jesus entered the Temple Mount and drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploiting the people. It is also likely that this is the place where Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. This afternoon we move on to the Judgment Hall of Pilate, hear of those who conspired against Him and are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation. From here we will also be able to see the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen's Gate, and St. Anne’s Church. While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering along with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Our guide will explain the differing opinions on the route where Christ was led. (The actual place of crucifixion and burial is a very interesting study!) The climax of the day is the area of Golgotha (place of the skull) and the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise.

Day 16: Israel Museum, Friends of Zion Museum, Bethlehem

An interesting and educational time awaits us today at the Israeli Museum. Walk through collections of century’s old Israeli artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and then a guided walk through an accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem. This model will help put into perspective all that you have seen over the previous days’ touring. We then visit the Friends of Zion Museum to learn of the 19th and 20th century heroes of the Jewish people. We spend the remainder of the day surrounding the birth of Christ with a visit to Bethlehem. This evening we enjoy a special lecture by a local believer prior to dinner, giving us a perspective of Messianic life in Israel.

Day 17: Home

A very early morning departure for the Tel Aviv Airport for our flight homeward will allow for arrival home by early afternoon.

Important Note: Although the itinerary above obviously emphasizes the spiritual aspect of this marvelous country, our guides are also experts in and passionate about the miracle of the return of the Jews and the restoration of the state of Israel. This fact, along with many modern day topics (military, politics, education, and other cultural aspects), will be woven into the commentary in order to give you well rounded information.

*The tour itinerary is subject to change or be slightly modified in order to best meet the interests of the group.