Depart USA - Amman, Jordan

Today we leave our home cities to travel to Amman, Jordan! Travel safe!

Arrive in Amman

After we arrive, we will travel to our hotel where we will check in and attend our group orientation. Get a good night's rest tonight!

Jerash - Amman City Tour

Today we will start our exploring by visiting the ancient city of Jerash, which boast of an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years. Jerash lies on a plain surrounded by hilly wooded areas and fertile basins. This afternoon we will return to the modern city of Amman to see the Citadel and Kind Abdullah Mosque during our city highlight tour. Tonight, we'll have our welcome dinner to get to know each other better.

Mt. Nebo - Petra

Traveling south from Amman we pass Mt. Nebo where, like Moses, we get a sweeping view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to the Promised Land. Then we spend the day in Petra, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, where the Nabataea’s carved magnificent buildings out of red sandstone (you've seen it in the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade movie). We will walk through an immense crack in the stone along a pathway that will take you to Petra's most impressive monument—the Treasury. You walk along the Street of Facades, see the Royal Tombs and more. That night we dine and stay in the 7 Wonders Bedouin Camp where red cliffs soar and the stars shine. We eat and dance around the fire and feel a little like both Nephi and the Children of Israel. This is really unforgettable. (You may get a lesson in nighttime photography.)

Wadi Rum - Dead Sea

Drive to Wadi Rum, associated with Lawrence of Arabia, where we will four-wheel out into the desert to see one of the most impressive desert landscapes in the world. The scenery here is almost beyond imagination! We then cross the border into Israel at Eilat and begin our journey north towards the Dead Sea. Later this afternoon we float in the Dead Sea and demonstrate how you can do perfect water ballet without sinking! Stay that evening at the base of impressive Masada.

Masada – Qumran – Beit Shean

This morning, we will take a Gondola ride to the top of Masada! You will never forget the views of the Dead Sea while exploring one of Herod's grand palaces, but also the last stand of the Jewish resistance when they were overrun by the Romans in 73 AD. It is an amazing and heartbreaking story. We visit Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, then drive through the wilderness of Judea to Jesus's baptismal site on the Jordan River then past Jericho and the Mt. of Temptation. This afternoon we are reminded how the Romans lived during Jesus' time as we visit Beit Shean, impressive Roman city, which was one of the Decapolis where Christ's apostles preached. Stay tonight by the Sea of Galilee.

Mt of Beatitudes – Banias – Mount Hermon

Today we walk where Jesus walked in the Valley of the Doves, followed by a visit to the Mt. of Beatitudes where He gave his Sermon on the Mount, and you will be able to see how he could address so many people at once. This is always a highlight of the tour. Then it is on to Banias, a place of natural beauty and a cascading waterfall. We come to the origins of the Jordan River. This is also the site of Caesarea Philippi, where Peter declared that Christ was the “Son of the living God.” We will also see Mt. Hermon, a candidate for the Mt. of Transfiguration.

Sea of Galilee – Magdahla – Capernaum – Mt Arbel

In first light we sail today where Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee. We stop by the Boat Museum, to see a boat that was discovered from the time of Jesus. We next visit the newly excavated ruins of Magdahla where Mary Magdalene called home. Then it is on to the town where Peter lived and where Jesus ministered for three years, Capernaum. Here Christ performed so many miracles and taught in the synagogue. You can close your eyes and almost be in the scene at the healing of the daughter of Jairus. At St. Peter’s Primacy on the Galilee we remember both the miracle of the loaves and the fishes and also the resurrected Jesus preparing fish on the seashore for his hungry apostles. We will eat St. Peter’s fish today. Late this afternoon, we will go to the top of the Mt. Arbel, overlooking the Galilee for the best view in the region, a place so beautiful we made it the cover of one of our books.

Nazareth village – Caesarea – Jerusalem

We are on to Nazareth today, first to Mt. Precipice overlooking the Jezreel Valley. When the people of Nazareth rejected the Savior, this is where they tried to kill Him. Below is also the scene of the last battle of Armageddon and to the east Mt. Tabor, another candidate for the Mt of Transfiguration. Then it is on to one of our favorite stops, Nazareth Village where you see what Nazareth would have looked like in the time of Christ, including villagers and shepherds who are dressed up as in the period to enhance the scene. Next, we go to Caesarea Maritima, which was once a grand Roman city with a beautiful aqueduct that is still standing. It is also the site of Paul’s trial before King Agrippa. Tonight, we visit Jerusalem’s Western Wall and see how the Jews celebrate Shabbat. We stay tonight (for four nights) in Jerusalem.

Sacrament at the Jerusalem Center – Bethlehem – Shepherd’s Fields

Shabbat Shalom. Today we attend sacrament meeting at the unforgettable BYU Jerusalem Center. We will arrive early to see the magnificent views from the center. Following this, we will head to a wonderful lunch in Bethlehem’s Tent Restaurant. Then we see Shepherd’s Fields, where we celebrate Christmas once again. Next, we visit the Church of the Nativity, which has been standing since 330 AD. over a cave where many believe Christ was born. Tonight, when Shabbat is over, we visit Jimmy’s Olive wood shop to look for treasures.

Temple Mount – Dead Sea Scrolls Museum – Yad Vashem

Arise early because we are going to the Temple Mount, a sacred place to Jews, Muslims and Christians, a place some believe is the very origin of creation. We will see the Dome of the Rock, Al Aqsa Mosque and more. Then we go to the Pool of Bethesda, where Christ healed a paralytic man and to St. Anne's Church where the acoustics make us all sound like angels when we sing. We will stop at Pilate's Judgment Hall, Chapel of Flagellation and show you where Antonia's Fortress was that housed the Roman soldiers who scourged Christ. We then follow the Via Dolorosa (the way of the Cross) to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site believed by many Christians to be where Christ was crucified and resurrected. This afternoon we visit Yad Vashem, the vivid Holocaust Museum, followed by a visit to the Dead Sea Scrolls Museum, and the Second Temple Model of Jerusalem. This gives you a picture of what Jerusalem once looked like and helps you understand today's layout.

Mt Scopus – City of David – Hezekiah’s Tunnel

Antiquities Day! This is a favorite since you will do things you would never get to do. We begin on Mt. Scopus, just below the BYU Jerusalem Center, working with archaeologists to sift some layers of material that came from the Temple Mount looking for shards, pottery, coins etc. You will feel like an explorer and a treasure hunter all at once. Next, we go to the City of David, the most ancient area of Jerusalem. We will walk through Hezekiah’s tunnel, one of the most outstanding engineering feats of the ancient world. Then we head to the Archaeological Park that is part of the temple complex where you will learn about the temple Jesus knew and walked on the very step’s he walked on that once led into the temple. Finally, Joseph Zanbil, an antiquities dealer will teach us about the antiquities of Israel—how he has found them and what they are. This afternoon you’ll have free time to explore the Old City on your own.

Mt of Olives – Garden of Gethsemane – Garden Tomb

Our last day in the Holy Land is the highlight of the tour. We start at the top of the Mt. of Olives and then walk down the route Jesus may have come on his last week. We have a special meeting in the Garden of Gethsemane and see olive trees that are at least one thousand years old. Then we visit the Orson Hyde gardens and talk about the dedication of Israel for the gathering of the Jews. Next, we visit the Upper Room, believed to have been built on the site of the Last Supper, then move to the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, built on Caiaphas’s palace where Jesus was tried. Our tour is capped with a visit to the Garden Tomb where we will remember that “He is not here for he has risen.”. Here will have a testimony meeting. We end with our final feast together and go on to the airport.

Flight Home

Today we travel back to our home cities with memories to last a lifetime!

POST-TOUR OF EGYPT

Day 1: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - Amman to Cairo

Depart today for your flight from Amman to Cairo. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel to rest from the travel.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel in Amman

Day 2: Thursday, May 14, 2026 -Cairo - Giza Pyramids – Grand Egyptian Museum

Today we start our exploration of the mysteries Egypt holds at the pyramids in Giza and discover the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. We have a safari on camels, or horse buggy if you prefer, on our way to see the solar boat museum which sits with the pyramids. We continue to the Great Sphinx which was carved out of solid natural rock around 2500 B.C. After a stop for lunch, we visit the Papyrus institute to see how it is made and introduced to ancient Egyptian writing. An explanation is also provided as to what a cartouche is, as we will see them throughout our tour! After a stop for lunch, we continue our tour to the Grand Egyptian Museum, home of the treasures of ancient Egyptian Pharaohs and the most important depository of Egyptian antiquities in the world. Back to hotel & overnight.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Friday, May 15, 2026 - Sakkara & Memphis- Flight to Luxor

Breakfast & check out.

Today we enjoy a tour to Sakkara which is one part of the old great necropolis of Memphis. Sakkara is probably best known as the location of King Zoser's Step Pyramid, one of the oldest on record. Our excursion proceeds to the old capital of Memphis, which was the capital city of the Old Kingdom. We see the ruins of the Temple of Ptah, and the gigantic colossi of king Ramses the second. While in this area, we visit a local carpet school, and we are able to watch the fascinating skills of those who make rugs by hand. Transfer to Cairo Airport to take our flight to Luxor. We will be met and transferred to our hotel for the night.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Saturday, May 16, 2026 - Valley of the Kings - Nile Cruise

We start the tour today by visiting the Valley of the Kings and admire the magnificence of the grandeur of architecture which was used for many kings' burial sites. We visit 3 famous tombs, including the tomb of King Tut Ankh Amen! We pass by the temple built by Queen Hatshepsut, the daughter of Thutmosis I, for a photo opportunity. After our visit, we embark on our deluxe Nile Cruise boat (Radamsis I or similar) which is our home for the next four nights. Tonight, after dinner we have a unique experience of enjoying a fascinating tour around the city of Luxor by night on horse-pulled buggies.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Sunday, May 17, 2026 - Nile Cruise - Karnak Temple – sailing to Edfu Via Esna.

For those who are adventurous and up for a thrill, there is an opportunity for an optional hot air balloon ride this morning over the Valley of the Kings in Luxor (a separate additional fee is required). The view is incomparable and lets you appreciate the large scale of the burial place of many famous pharos. This Morning, we enjoy visiting the Karnak Temple, the greatest example of worship in the history of Egypt. It is dedicated to the god Amon, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu. Back to the ship, we have lunch and enjoy sailing. As our riverboat moves south to Edfu Via Esna. We pass through a lock on the Nile in Esna which is exciting to see.</>

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Monday, May 18, 2026 - Nile Cruise - Edfu Temple – Kom Ombo temple – sailing to Aswan

Our first visit today is to Edfu the most complete temple in Egypt. This afternoon we return to our ship and continue sailing to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple in Egypt, which is dedicated to Horus the falcon, and Sobek the crocodile. Then we sail to Aswan. Tonight, after dinner, there is an opportunity to attend a traditional Egyptian celebration, with participants dressed in traditional attire, for those that would like to attend.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - Optional Tour to Abu Simbel– Optional tour to the Nubian village.

Optional this morning we have a chance to visit the two spectacular massive rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel (a separate additional fee is required).

Back to the ship and enjoy lunch.

For those who wish, we may take a motorboat up the Nile to a local Nubian village and learn about their culture and visit a local family (a separate additional fee is required).

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - Aswan - The Famous High Dam - Philae Temple – flight to Cairo – flight back home.

Today we say goodbye to our home on the Nile as we disembark the ship.

After that we visit one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt, the Philae Temple, which is the temple of ISIS, the goddess of magic and maternity. To access this temple, we ride a motorboat, which also provides us our first views of the local terrain and interaction with people. A stop for lunch. We continue to visit the famous High Dam which was built to save Egypt from the wild Nile floods.

Evening flight back to Cairo, arrival into Cairo. Then you take your flight home with memories to last a lifetime early morning flight on April 9th.

Optional for those who would like to spend 1 additional night in Cairo before they travel home, we can offer 1 night at (Novotel Cairo Airport or similar – for a supplement USD 105 per person in double / USD 175 per Single - including breakfast and complimentary Farewell dinner in a local restaurant).

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Pricing: 

• Double Occupancy: $4179 per person
• Triple Occupancy:: $4179 per person
• Single Occupancy: $5079 for private room 

*Please note: A minimum number of 20 passengers is needed for this tour

Tour Highlights of this tour: 

• 1 tour-bus experience for the whole tour!
• Morris Murdock LDS tour Director for the whole trip along with local guides
• Licensed, insured, and bonded travel agency with 65 years of experience!! IT MATTERS!

Tour Includes: 

• Meet and greet service by our representatives at airports
• Accommodations in Cairo in a 4+ Stay hotel including daily breakfast
• 3-night Nile Cruise - all meals and tours included
• 2 inter Egypt flights (Cairo/Aswan - Luxor/Cairo)
• All sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary and entrance fees
• English-speaking tour guide
• Entry Visa into Egypt
• Tipping for local guide/cruise tips and driver

Not Included:

• Round-trip air from your home city
• Additional transfers when not arriving or departing with the group
• Items of a personal nature
• Cancellation & Travel insurance (highly recommended!)
• Meals not specified in the itinerary