A tour of biblical proportions...

Besides their ancient history and striking natural beauty, Egypt and Jordan are also significant as parts of the Holy Land. Here's just a sampling...




The burning bush, at St. Catherine's Monastery in the Sinai in Egypt, where Moses learned of his destiny as the one who was to deliver the Israelites from Egypt.




Mt. Sinai, where he was passed the Ten Commandments.




And Mt. Nebo in Jordan, from which he finally viewed the promised land (today, you can just make out the cityscape of Jerusalem on the horizon from here), and where he passed away.




In Cairo, St. Sergius church is built above a room where tradition dictates the Holy Family took shelter while hiding in Egypt from Herod.




Finally, the Jordan river on the border between present day Jordan and Israel, in the spot believed to be where Jesus was baptized by John.