DAY 1 —JERUSALEM • PETRA
This morning depart Jerusalem by motorcoach for Petra, Jordan and cross the Allenby Bridge. We arrive in Petra in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 2 — PETRA
This morning we tour the city of Petra, lost to the world for centuries, the “Rose-Red City Half as Old as Time”, lay hidden in the mountains of southern Jordan. It had been a stronghold and capital for the Nabateans. It had a fatally vulnerable fault: its water came by aqueduct from nearby Wadi Musa. When the secret was discovered and the aqueduct cut, it fell to Rome in 106 A.D. When Rome entered, already there were Nabatean tombs, temples and monuments cut directly out of the red rock. This afternoon we travel part of the way on horseback and the rest on foot through the deep and narrow passages which occur naturally, carved millions of years ago by erosion. (As a great deal of walking is included in the visit, we suggest good walking shoes.) The Treasury finally appears magnificently and immediately in front of us after we emerge from what seems like a hundred turns in the ravine. Now we begin our exploration of what both the Nabateans and Romans left for us to witness. The most adventurous will be invited to hike up to the spiritual “High Place”, site of the sacrificial alter and offering a spectacular view of the ancient city and environs. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3 — PETRA • MT. NEBO • JERUSALEM
Depart this morning for Jerusalem, re-crossing the Allenby Bridge. En route visit the city of Madaba. It is well known for its outstanding Byzantine mosaics. We will see St. George’s Cathedral, including the earliest surviving original map of the Holyland in a mosaic floor dating to 560 AD. Continue on to visit Mt. Nebo which is reputed to be the burial place of Moses. Arrive in Jerusalem in time for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4 — JERUSALEM • USA
Early morning transfer to the airport. Our guide will assist us with check-in procedures. Depart on our hometown flight. We will arrive home this evening with wonderful memories of a visit to the Land of the Bible!
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