Sinai, Jerusalem, Petra - a journey through history




Three Country Highlights Sinai - Jerusalem - Petra
This 8 days tour is an excellent opportunity to take full advantage of a rare unique location of three countries with fantastic ancient history neighbouring each other. Arrive to Taba which is nestled between the most picturesque Sinai mountains with dramatic mountain backdrops to stretches of golden beaches. Visit the 6th century Greek Orthodox Monastery in St. Katherine, one of the oldest monasteries with the world's richest collection of icons. The monastery is built at the foot of the mountain, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments. Our journey takes us to the land of 'milk and honey'. We cross from Taba into Israel and drive through the Arava Valley passing the Dead Sea and continue to Jerusalem. The Old City of Jerusalem is holy to the three major monotheistic religions. The Mount of Olives promises a panoramic view of the city. Jews believe that the Messiah will arrive in Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. In the garden of Gethsemani, Jesus spent his last hours before he was taken prisoner. We pass the Dome of the Rock with Al Aqsar, the second oldest mosque in Islam after the Kaaba in Mecca , and the third in holiness and importance after the mosques in Mecca and Medina. Via Dolorosa is held to be the path that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion beginning at Pilate's Judgment Hall and ending at the Church of The Holy Sepulchre. Modern Jerusalem features Ein Kerem, the reputed birthplace of John the Baptist, with its beautiful old stone houses today mostly inhabited by Israeli artists and sculptors, a wide variety of art galleries and a large number of religious sites. We also take a look at Yad Vashem, a memorial of the Holocaust. The Red Rose city of Petra in Jordan is only a 3 hours drive away. Nabateans carved this capital of theirs from the living rock of the surrounding mountains. The impressive entrance leads steeply down through a dark and narrow gorge. The Siq is a natural geological feature formed from a deep split in the sandstone, allowing stunning views upon Petra 's monuments, among them the most elaborate ruin, the Treasury or Khazne. Along the Arava Valley we travel to Jordan 's only port town Aqaba, from here we take the boat across the Red Sea back to Taba. Simply relax and take in the natural beauty of Taba's unique scenery and enjoy the treasures of the underwater world and the pleasures of the Red Sea. For itinerary and prices please contact Excel Travel.

Excel Travel's Homepage published November 30, 2007 Source: Angela