Pilgrimage Tour Egypt HolyLand Jordan November December 2018
Pilgrimage Tour Egypt- HolyLand-Jordan
27th November - 9th December 2018
with Topaz Travel&Tour
Malaysia
edited on 19.1.2019
I write on this blog for my own safe keeping of memories to Holy Land and for reference to those who plan to go for Holy Land pilgrimage tour. What to expect and what to prepare.
Basic information eg Weather, currencies and hotel will be explained by most of the travel agent.
What I want to share is more to personal preparation eg how much money, what really worth buying or not so that you will have an enhanced experience.
The photo was taken at town of Jericho, tree sycamore tree which was climbed by Zaccheus, who was a tax collector and despised as traitor, being corrupt and sinful. He was short in stature and unable to see Jesus but he ran ahead and climbed the sycamore tree.
Jesus looked up at the tree and called Zachaeus by name and told him to come down for he intended to visit his house. Crowd was shock that Jesus a religious and prophet wanted to be the guest of a sinner.
The story to symbolizes "Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God"
27/11/2018 Day 1 (Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia)
- This trip is organized with Topaz Travel and Tour. The Package includes Air Ticket, 10 nights Hotel accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner, local transportation and ticket entrances to places of attraction.
- Ex Borneo (Kch/Btu/Miri/KK) price was around RM9950
- Kuching - Kuala Lumpur (return) on Air Asia
- Kuala Lumpur - Cairo (Etihad Airways)
- Amman- Kuala Lumpur ( Etihad Airways).
- For Malaysian need special pilgrimage visa to enter Israel, which was arranged by the Travel agent.
Departure from Kuala Lumpur on Etihad Airways 19.45 hrs ( KL- Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi- Cairo). The Journey was round 7 hours for KL- Abu Dhabi sector.
28/11/18 - Day 2 ( Cairo, Egypt)
Normally the flight will reach Abu Dhabi around midnight in Abu Dhabi. Transiting at Abu Dhabi for 3 hours, here you may need to spend few $$ for coffee or supper,
Cup of cappuccino is around USD3, a set of meal normally around USD10. Unless you plan to have lite food eg sandwich , which is also around USD5.
If you not planning to have any food, just straight to departure gate area. but sometimes the gate is not open yet. The gate will be informed for about 3 hours before departure of flight.
Cup of cappuccino is around USD3, a set of meal normally around USD10. Unless you plan to have lite food eg sandwich , which is also around USD5.
If you not planning to have any food, just straight to departure gate area. but sometimes the gate is not open yet. The gate will be informed for about 3 hours before departure of flight.
You will be expected to start your trip , no shower or change of clothes . However, it is good to make yourself fresh just before the flight land in Cairo or use washroom at the arrival area.
Landed at Cairo Airport around 8 am. We did some currency exchange at the arrival hall (after the immigration check). 1 USD = 17.9 Egyptian pound. We will be staying at Cairo for about 3 days, and was advised to change small amount of money to Egyptian pound. 50USD and we got around 880 Egyptian pound. USD also widely accepted in Cairo.
From airport we started sight seeing trip in city of Cairo, which includes;
- Cairo airport to Memorial of Anwar el Sadat( 3rd President of Egypt) where he was assassinated.
Anwar el Sadat Monument
Azhar University where 25000 Malaysian’s are studying. It is just opposite the Anwar el Sadat monument.
Background is Al Azhar University , Cairo. (photo taken was around 9 am)
After brief photo taking at few monuments in the center of Cairo, we was directed to a local restaurant for breakfast.
- Breakfast at Andrea Al Haram. This restaurant is around the Pyramids Complex.
This is our first encounter of this roti prata, which was served hot from oven. It was served with sesame oil, and vegetables. By this time, we was already quite hungry and just swallowed everything served.
My first Egyptian breakfast (meal) at Andrea Al Haram, at Pyramids vicinity.
- Mass in St Joseph church, a local church in Cairo City, is part of the daily program in pilgrimage tour.
After the mass, we proceeded to the Old Coptic of Cairo City.
- The Hanging Church ( Church of Virgin Mary)
Old Coptic Cairo Church, where the Hanging church ( Virgin Mary) located. This is one of the oldest church in Egypt and the history of church on the sit dates to the third century. It belongs to the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria.
The hanging Church is named for its location above a gatehouse of Babylon Fortress(pillar), the Roman Fortress.
Palm trees and stones were constructed above the ruin of the Roman fortress used as fundamental. It is unique church and has wooden roof in the shape of Noah's ark. From 7th to 13th century , the hanging Church served as residence of Coptic Patriarch, and witnessed important elections and religious ceremonies.
Hanging Church ( Church of Virgin Mary)
Inside the Virgin Mary Church.
Inside The Hanging Church.
Illustration outside the hanging church showing the The Holy Journey started in Egypt.
The Hanging Church
At the entrance of Hanging Church
- Church of Abu Serga
Abu Serga is the oldest church in Egypt dating back to the 5th century A.D. the church owes its fame for being constructed according to biblical narration evangelist Matthew, Virgin Mary, Joseph and infant Jesus fled from Palestine to Egypt fear of persecution of the Jewish King Herod. The Holy family traveled and spent few weeks in Old Cairo.
Abu Serga Church is located adjacent to the Hanging Church.
Walking to Church of Abu Serga
Entrance of the cavern (in Church of Abu Serga)
Cavern where Holy family stayed for 3 months
Both suffred matyrdom in Syria in 296 during the reign of Roman Emperor Maximinus. Some of their relics were kept in Abu Sega and their body buried in Syria.
- In Cairo, We stayed 2 nights at Le Meridien , El ramaya, Cairo .
With Topaz tour leader, very helpful Mr Jeffry.
Check in Le Meridien hotel,El Ramaya, Cairo.
Breakfast at Le Meridian,Cairo
29/11/18 - Day 3 (Cairo, Egypt)
After breakfast in hotel proceeded to the Pyramids and Sphinx.The famous pyramids are Egyptian Pyramid ( other ie Spain, Greece, Peru, India etc). Huge structures built of brick and stone shaped as reference to the rays of sun.
The biggest pyramid complex is Khufu Pyramid Complex.
- Pyramid Complex
Entrance Ticket of Pyramids Complexes and Sphinx of Giza
Huge gigantic limestone forming the Pyramid Complex
Limestones
- Sphinx of Giza
The Sphinx of Giza. a mystical creature of human head with body of a lion. it is generally associated structures such as royal tombs or religious temples.
Sphinx of Giza at the background
View from the restaurant in Giza.
Bought few souvenirs, which sold outside the Giza area. I was not dare to buy at the road side, but before our bus left, few sellers will come to the buy to sell in bulk. eg 4 bulky statue which included Quuen Cleopatra, Giza, Sphinx costs us USD4. It was so bulky and taken up half of the bag. It was quite light, made from 'POP material', to make it worse, the item was broken when arrived in the country. Advice, do not buy bulky poor quality souvenirs.
Bear in mind, shopping in Egypt, as the first country , out of 3 countries we visited. unnecessary buying will make the luggage overloaded.
- Perfume factory ( industry sight seeing and shopping).
Introduction to ouds and essential oil of Egypt.
Bought 4 bottles of 100 mls oud with smell of Lotus Flower essence. costs USD 180.
The perfume smell expected to last around 10-14 hrs with correct application.
Buyer's testimonial , it wouldn't last as said by the seller. Actually, the smell so soft, you may need to use a lot to produce the smell from the usual EDP/EDT eg DIOR, Lancome etc. Can buy, 1 is enough , something to bring from Egypt. Not buying, no problem, Very much commercial in this trip.
- Papyrus institute ( shopping) painting on the papyrus paper.
Demonstration on making paper from papyrus. shown is papyrus plant. papyrus was first used in Egypt , used to make paper for writing in ancient times.
I bought an Egyptian classic painting with glow in the dark for USD220, and 2 Jesus Last Supper painting for USD80. Again, this painting is quite big, more than 29 inches luggage size. It caused me quite a challenging task to pack and have to hand carry the whole journey. Not buying , no problem. Make your trip, lite and easy, not too much of carrying loose plastic or hand carry items. It causes more trouble when entering and exiting Israel border, where we have to carry and walk with all our luggage and hand carry items.
Mass in Franciscan church. A small church in Cairo city ( Mass for Day 2 of pilgrimage trip).
- Khan El-Khalili bazaar
walkway and shops in El Khalili Bazaar
El Khalili Bazaar
- River Nile Cruise Dinner
After the short sight seeing at the El Khalili Bazaar, we had dinner on River Nile Cruise.More modern side of Egypt, where most of the international hotel located eg Shangri La, Hilton, Marriott.
It is good also to move and sit at the upper deck to see Cairo light at night.
Dinner and buffet restaurant was served at the lower deck.
At the Upper Deck
30/11/18 - Day 4 ( Cairo - Sinai)
Check out from Le Meridien Hotel after breakfast , coach trip Cairo to Sinai pass through Suez Canal. The journey pass the Suez Canal.Stopped at Moses spring.
- Moses's Spring
Moses's spring at the desert
Near Moses's spring, by the Red Sea
After a long journey from Cairo to Sinai, we reached Morgenland Hotel at St Catherine, Sinai around 7pm. After dinner, we had mass at Morgenland Hotel before rest at night.
Some climbed Mt Sinai. Mount Sinai 2285 mtres (7497 ft) above sea level. Started hiking at 2330 hrs on 30th November 2018 , and reached the peak of Mt Sinai at 0345 hrs and descended and completed at 0630. Thanks for the fantastic 8 the finishers for making me pull through the challenging rocky mountain.
Mt Sinai, which written in Book of Exodus where Moses received the ten Commandments from God.
Generally weather at temperature at Cairo is around 19'C, short sleeve Shirt with thin jacket will do. However, Sinai at night was very cold, we have to wear winter clothing with proper hiking attire.
*TBA
01/12/18 - Day 5 ( Sinai,Egypt and Bethlehem,Israel)
Before leaving Sinai, a visit to foot hill of Mount Sinai, St Catherine Monastery and Burning bush. This is the same place we commenced our Mt Sinai hiking.
back ground is Mount Sinai, daytime . St Catherine Monastery at the below the mountain.
St Catherine monastery- Burning bush.
Leaving Sinai to Isreal , stopped at Taba for lunch.
Lunch near Taba border
The Restaurant is located by the Red Sea
Cross the border between Egypt and Israel.
Arrived in Israel
Checked in Grand Park hotel
Dinner in hotel.
02/12/18 - Day 6 (ISRAEL)
After breakfast in the hotel,which located at Bethlehem area , we started the tour.First venue to visit in Israel was Shepherd Field. This is a place where the shepherd received good news bout birth of Jesus.
- Sunday Mass at Shepherds field, Illustration on the Church Shepherd Field remembered that the Shepherd received good news of great joy about the birth of Jesus.
Luke 2:10 Just then, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!
Church of Shepherd Field.
Interior of Church Of Shepherd Field.
Interior of Shepherd Field Church
From Church of Shepherd Field we went to Mount of Olive. Mount Olive is located around 1 km east of Old City of Jerusalem. It is significant for many important event in life Of Jesus took place at Mount of Olives. It is also described as a place where Jesus ascended into heaven.
- Churches on Mount of Olive ; Church of Holy Ascension, Church of Dominus Flavit and Church of Dormition.
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| Walking through Mt Olive |
- Mount of Olives - Church of the holy Ascension .
- Dominus Flevit (on Mt of Olives)
Church Of Dominus Flavit ( in Latin Lord of Wept), where Jesus wept for Jerusalem. Jesus cried for Jerusalem at least three times. Luke 13 tells us about a day when He wept over the city before arriving there.
Picture taken at Mt Olive- overlooking Jerusalem city
Dome of Rock @ Temple Mount near Al- Aqsa Mosque at the background
Sign board at Mt Olive
Walkway around Mt OLive.
From Mt Olive we walked to Garden of Gethsemane.
- Garden of Gethsemane
Notice board outside Basilica of Agony at Garden Gethsemane.
Interior of Basilica of Agony.
- Room For Last Supper (Mount Olive).
The location where Jesus had his last meal with the apostles before his Crucifixion. It was believed to be on Thursday night and commemorated by Christian of Maundy Thursday, before Good Friday.
Mount Zion- The Last Supper,
- King David’s tomb
Not far from The Last Supper room is Tomb of King David.Who is King David? .. In Bible of Hebrews , he was the 2nd King in Kingdom of Israel and Judah, after King Saul. Strong young shepherd, who gained fame after killing of Goliath. he established the Kingdom of Israel, took the Ark of Covenant back into the city.
- Dormition Abbey, which is also located at Mount Olive.
Dormition Abbey, Jerusalem which believed to be a place where Mother Mary falling asleep (died).
- Church of Nativity.
Outside the church of Nativity
Outside the Church of Nativity
Entrance of Church of Nativity
Inside Church of Nativity
Church of Nativity
Church of Nativity
03/12/18 - Day 7 (Jerusalem)
Today the journey following the suffering of Jesus to the Crucifixion.
- Via Dolorosa
Starting the Station of The Cross at Herad Gate
along the stations ( Jesus annointed by Mother Mary before death)
Tomb of Jesus (14th Station)
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| Entrance of Jesus Tomb |
Entrance to Tomb of Jesus.
altar along the way to Jesus tomb
Place Jesus was anointed by Mother Mary
- Holy Sepulcher
Holy sepulcher church is a church at Jesus Tomb. The holiest place on earth.
Lunch in Armanian restaurant
Olive, vegetable and sesame seed oil
After lunch drive out from Old City of Jerusalem to Qumran
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| Dessert |
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| Old Letter found at Qumran |
Qumran near Dead Sea
Jericho- Mt Temptation
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| Mount Temptation, Jericho |
The oldest town, Jericho
In Jerusalem, we were brought to a cooperative shop to buy all souvenirs eg rosary, crosses and some diamond pendant. Good purchase for the rosaries and crossess. We was inform the profit from this shop is used for the good of Jerusalem people. The cross hand made from olive wood is better quality with a higher price , compared to from other shop along the road.
I purchased a diamond cross pendant with gold necklace, cost me USD2800. it supposed to be have dual use. as a Cross (Jerusalem Cross with 5 crossess), and can be exchangble to neck accessory with the magnet is off.
After wearing it for about 2 months, the magnet fell off from the cross. So, it couldnt join to form as cross. I have to make modification and tied with a tread to use as a cross.
I am not sure, the authenticity of this diamond and the quality of the magnet is poor , for price tag of USD2800 = RM13000.
My advice, think twice before purchase the expensive items.
Back to hotel for dinner and rest.
04/12/18 Day - 8 ( Jerusalem)
Checked out from Grand Park in Bethlehem.
- Wailing wall or western wall.
- St Peter Gallicantu
Peter denied Jesus 3 times before the cock crows.
way to the Dungeon
To Haifa lunch in Kalamari
Baha’i garden at Mt Carmel
Stella Maris
Aloe vera flower
Drive to Mt Tabor.
Transfiguration Church
Check in to Ramada Nazareth
Dinner in hotel.
05/12/2018 - Day 9
Breakfast
Head to Cana for mass celebration and renewal of marriage vows.
Drive to Galilee to visit Mt of Beatitudes
CHurch of Multiplication
Tabgha church of fishes and loaves.
Next to the Church of Fishes and Loaves was St Peter Primacy
Capernaum Town of Jesus.
Lunch in Tanurin where St Peters fish was served.
Boat of Jesus experience
in the rough sea of Galilee.
inside the Boat
Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.
Renewal of Baptism vows at Yardenit.
Entrance to the River JOrdan, located in Israel.
Rev Fr Kenneth, during the renewal of bapstism
Renewal of Baptism
06/12/2018 - Day 10
Breakfast in hotelChecked out from Ramada Htl.
Church of Annunciation
St Joseph church of Nazareth.
Just beside church of annunciation, where Joseph lived after he agreed to marry Virgin Mary.
Inside Church of St Joseph the Nazareth
Drive to border at Sheik Hussein to Jordan.
Had lunch in Talet Nebo restaurant.
Visit mosaic factory.
Check in to Grand East hotel in Dead Sea.
Some had fun with mud all over them in the Dead Sea including myself.
07/12/2018 - Day 11
Breakfast
Mass in Mt Nebo
Serpentine Cross,
which was erected by Moses at mount Nebo.
Drive to Petra and visit the Wadi Musa and the Treasury.
Holy water siteXXX
Petra, Jordan
Entrance to City of Rose.. , Mysterious City.
08/12/2018 - Day 12
BreakfastCheck out from hotel to Madaba
Enroute Amman town.
Visit St George Greek orthodox church.
Drive to Amman airport.
End of Pilgrimage.
My very important 2 cents advice when travelling to 3 countries Holy Land Pilgrimages;
This is a very packed and compact tour, moving from 1 hotel to another. In this trip we stayed in 6 different hotels.
1. Correct attires to bring. Our trip was considered during cold season. ( 27 Nov- 2 Dec) Winter. before going, I couldnt imagine the degree of coldness, is comparable to Europe Winter or Japan Winter. I was wrong, It was not that cold, probably I can say, like genting Highland or cameron Highland in Malaysia. So dont be so occupied to bring thick jumpers. 6 jumpers in a luggage is occupying the whole bag. You dont need this. The only very cold time was, during the hiking to mount Sinai at night, that was the only time I wear my winter jacket. the rest T shirt will do, with thin outer jacket.
Dont mess your look!!
2. Dont buy unnecessarily, when you arrived in Malaysia, you think you don't need the thing. Rethink before buy. The tour guide, will never stop you from buying, they will get commission from all your purchases.
Few commercial trip like diamond factory, mosaic factory selling vases and photo made from stone, perfumes shop, papyrus institute selling painting, wine shop. I bought 1 diamond necklace with pendant costed USD2800, after 2 months of daily wear the magnet was detached. The function of the magnet is make the necklace interchangeable from cross to different pattern of pendant. The necklace was also broke , that I need to send to goldsmith in my town.
One shop at Mount Temptation, Jericho selling premium dates and few souvenirs. I think this shop is reasonable place to shop for something to bring back home. The dates quality is good with good price.
3. Dont buy bulky souvenirs... even if it's cheap! Not easy to carry especially when you are changing from one hotel to another hotel. It's ok, for not buying, doesnt mean you cant afford it. The bulky item will cause a lot of hassle, especially hand carry. I have to upgrade my luggage weight purchased by the Tour agent 20 kgs to 30 kgs.
4. One duty free shop, at the border of Israel sell good branded perfume quite cheap around USD30. This is good buy. 3 perfumes for USD100. Probably good price also for liquor and whiskey.
5. If possible equip yourself with Bible and Jesus History, you will appreciate more on your trip and visit to each venue.
I hope this write up will help anyone to prepare for Holy Land Christian Pilgrimage ( Egypt, Israel, Jordan).
God Bless .
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