Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Munich and Oberammergau
Join us in touring Cairo, then follow the route of the Exodus to Mt Sinai, across the Red Sea to Petra, Mt Nebo. We then cross the Dead Sea to the Promised Land. We then embark on a wonderful tour of Israel.
Oberammergau is famous for its Passion Play which was first performed in 1634. In the middle of the 30 Years War, after months of suffering and dying from the “Black Death,” or plague, surviving villagers swore an oath to perform a “Play of the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ” every ten years. The Play, originally made up of just actors from the village itself, has grown to a stage production comprised of almost 2,000 performers, singers, musicians and stage technicians. The Play is performed in the 5,000 seat Passion Play Theater with its open air stage.
Before settling into ordained ministry in the Anglican Church I enjoyed nearly 2 years travelling around the world (India, Sri Lanka, Europe (east and west) America and Mexico), including 18 months living in and working for the Taizé Community in France. In 1988 I returned to India to work for a short time, again for the Taizé Community. In 2006 I travelled again to Europe, Turkey and Egypt and in 2007 to Sudan. In early 2009 I will be sharing leadership of a Youth Pilgrimage to Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt. I have met fascinating, engaging and faithful people across nearly 20 years of ministry (in South and West Australia), as well as in all of those places into which God has taken me. To journey through the Holy Land then share the faith which has produced the Oberammergau Passion Play will be another rich blessing.
Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPARTURE - 10 MAY Our life-changing journey begins this evening as we board our overnight fl ight 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 lunch. Remainder of afternoon is free. Tonight we shall attend the Sound and Light show at the Pyramids of Giza. The commentary might not impress you, but the dazzling light show and awe-inspiring backdrop of the Sphinx and Pyramids surely will. Three times a night in three different languages, the Sphinx plays the role of storyteller, narrating the history of ancient Egypt.(Lunch,Dinner)
DAY 3: CAIRO 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 Egyptian Museum, location of Tutankhamen's treasures and ancient remains.(BB,Dinner)
DAY 4: MT. SINAI This morning we depart Cairo, pass through the southern edge of the "Land of Goshen" 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 pass Marah (Springs of Moses) and further to the south, the oasis of Elim. Arriving in the late afternoon to the hotel at Mt. Sinai (Mt. Horeb), we have dinner and rest for our early morning activity. (BB,Dinner)
DAY 5: RED SEA TABA CROSSING TO ISRAEL Just into the new day, those who desire and are physically capable will depart for a memorable early morning 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 sunrise to remember. Once at the top, enjoy a time of praise and then depart down the mountain for breakfast. After a short ride to the Red Sea, while gazing across the Gulf of Aqaba, we can begin to imagine the miracle of the parting of the sea. We board a catamaran ferry for a scenic crossing to Israel and after a drive north, our lodging for the evening will be in Masada or the Dead Sea. Hotel (BB, Dinner).
DAY 6: MASADA. EIN GEDI, DEAD SEA SCROLLS 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 Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This evening we will take part in the Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent, where we enjoy a trip back in time: a reliving of life in the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, and authentic food. We continue on our journey today to overnight in Tiberius. Today is quite a long travelling day. (BB, Dinner)
DAY 7: CAESAREA, MEGIDDO & NAZARETH After breakfast, we travel by private motor coach along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where Gentiles fi rst heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized. We'll see the Roman Amphitheatre and aqueduct, and then journey on to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Next we travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo, the Armageddon Battlefi eld, 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. We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the in the Tiberius area on the Sea of Galilee. (BB, Dinner)
DAY 8: CAPERNAUM, DAN, CAESAREA PHILLIPI & MOUNT OF BEATITUDES Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to two valuable northern sites emphasizing the loss of God's blessing on Israel. Dan is where the children of Israel fell to the depths of pagan worship and Caesarea Philippi which is also the site of Peter's Confession. In order to save valuable time, a box lunch will be provided. In Capernaum we will visit the ruins of an ancient synagogue and Peter's home. Then we travel on to the site of the multiplication of loaves and fi shes and the Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea. After viewing the ancient Fisherman Boat at an operating Kibbutz, we enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee. (BB, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 9: JORDAN RIVER BAPTISM SITE,BETH SHEAN& DEAD SEA We begin our day with a visit to the Jordan River Baptismal site. Next we travel southward to Beit-Shean/Scythopolis, the most magnifi cent 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", the Kibbuzt system and Israel's intricate irrigation development. We pass ancient Jericho, view from a distance this city famed as the oldest in the world, before coming to our lodging for the evening in Jerusalem, the fi rst of our four nights here.(BB,Dinner)
DAY 10: AROUND JERUSALEM, BIBLE TIMES, AND HOLOCAUST MUSEUM Passing by the Protestant Cemetery, we visit the "Upper Room" just outside the Zion Gate where the disciple whom Jesus loved laid his head on His breast and where later Thomas cried, "my Lord & my God." An interesting and educational time awaits us at the Israeli Museum. Walk through collections of centuries old Israeli artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and then a guided walk through an accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem will help to prepare you for what you will experience in the following days.(BB, Dinner)
DAY 11: JESUS' STEPS, THE LAST DAYS Today we walk where Jesus walked; beginning the day with a panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from atop the Mount 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 refl ection is important here. Next we visit the House of Caiaphas where Jesus was beaten and spit upon. On our way into the city we will visit 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. 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. Ann's Church. (BB, Dinner)
DAY 12: WAY OF SUFFERING, GARDEN TOMB, PENTECOST, BETHLEHEM 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 that Christ was led and the actual place of crucifi xion and burial is a very interesting study. The climax of the day is the Garden Tomb, where we celebrate the resurrection with communion and a time of praise. This afternoon we visit the Southern Wall Excavations. 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 that Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost. Then we pay a visit to Jesus' birthplace of Bethlehem, provided security conditions permit. (BB, Dinner)
DAY 13: REST DAY OR OPTIONAL SCHEDULED DAY BELOW - CITY OF DAVID, JEREMIAH'S CISTERN, HEZEKIAH'S TUNNEL We begin our sightseeing just outside the Dung Gate on the southeastern hill below the Temple Mount in the City of David. It was during the time of Solomon that the city limits expanded past this part of Jerusalem. We visit Gihon Springs, the original water source for Jerusalem, view new excavations including a typical Israelite four-room house, the lower city wall and the cistern where Jeremiah was imprisoned. A highlight today will be a water walk through the incredible Hezekiah's Tunnel to the pool of Siloam, the place of Jesus' miracle in John 9. Before returning to our hotel, our guide will take us to an overview of the city from the hillside overlooking Jerusalem and the Gehenna Valley. (BB, Dinner)
DAY 14: JERUSALEM, AMMAN This morning we depart turning west towards Jordan. Transfer to Amman via en route: Madaba and Mt. Nebo. The drive continues to the town of Madaba, the biblical Medeba, 30 kilometers south of Amman. Madaba is best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics and the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George and then Amman International Airport for fl ight to Munich. (BB, Dinner)
DAY 15: MUNICH Start the day with a morning sightseeing tour of Munich. First visit the Palace of Nymphenburg, former residence of Ludwig I, King of Bavaria. It is famous for its "Gallery of Beauty", a collection of paintings of the most beautiful women of Ludwig's day. Pass the former Olympic grounds, see the classical buildings and many other interesting places as Royal Square (Koenigsplatz), Ludwigstreet, the University etc. Take a walk through the traditional center of the city with the Church of the Lady (Frauenkirche Cathedral) and Marienplatz where you can view the famous Glockenspiel. Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a dinner with Bavarian folklore show in the evening Overnight at hotel. (BB, Dinner)
DAY 16: OBERAMMERGAU A scenic drive takes you to the famous ski resort of Garmisch- Partenkirchen, site of the Winter Olympics. Continue on to Neuschwanstein Castle for a visit of this incredible fairytale fortress, built by Dream-King Ludwig II. In the afternoon drive through the Bavarian Alps to your destination - Oberammergau. En route you will see the Benectine Monastery at Ettal. Dinner and overnight at hotel in or around Oberammergau. (BB, Dinner)
DAY 17: OBERAMMERGAU The history of the Passion Play at Oberammergau goes back to 1634, when the quaint alpine village of Oberammergau was threatened by the deadly and contagious disease known as the Black Plague that scourged Europe, killing two-thirds of the population of Germany. The people of Oberammergau vowed that if the village could be spared, a re enactment of the life and suffering of Christ would be performed. The village was miraculously saved from the ravages of the Black Death. Since that date, the play has been performed every ten years. Spend a leisure morning in Oberammergau. After lunch take seats in the theater to attend the performance of the world-famous Passion Play. This Play is performed by local villagers - often roles are handed down from generation to generation within families. Dinner is included during a 3 hours break in the late afternoon. Performance lasts until 10:30 PM. Dinner and Overnight in or around Oberammergau. (BB, Dinner)
DAY 18: MUNICH Transfer to Munich airport for return or onward flights.(B)