We flew in to Istanbul (Constantinople) and stayed at the Orientbank Hotel Istanbul – which was fantastic. Breakfast each morning was substantial.
We started at Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), but the line was so long, we went to the Basilica Cistern.
Afterwards, we went to the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) then walked around the plaza where the Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Square)is partially uncovered.
Afterwards, we visited the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı).
Today, we took the "Pyramids, Memphis, & Sakkara" tour. The tour met at 6AM, so we woke before any reasonable time and drug ourselves to the buses. The bus ride was about 2 1/2 hours to Memphis. In the Sakkara necropolis, we saw the Step Pyramid of Zoser (Pyramid...
Today, we took the "Best of Alexandria" tour. We walked through the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. We then took a short ride to Pompey's Pillar, which actually honors Diocletian, and the Roman Amphitheater. We toured the Library of Alexandria - the new one of course. ...
Jordan River Friday, February 7th We left Mt. Nebo and took the Exodus route & King's Highway to cross the Sheik Hussein border from Jordan to Israel. Chris was able to get re-baptised in the Jordan River. We also were able to view Mount Hermon from our bus.
Mt. Nebo Friday, February 7th After our last night at Mövenpick Hotel Amman, we drove to Mt. Nebo. Mt. Nebo is where Moses was promised a view of the Holy Land and on a clear day you are supposed to be able to see the Dead Sea and Jerusalem. But we were not there on a...
Petra Thursday, February 06 We traveled with a large group of mostly couples to Jordan and Israel. On Feb 4, we rode a bus to Houston to catch a flight to Turkey then Amman, Israel. Even though the flight started February 4th, we did not arrive at the hotel until...