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The Lands of St Mark the Evangelist: Egypt & Libya
Introduction
St Mark is believed to have been born in the Pentapolis of North Africa, which included the area of Cyrenaica, and the present-day city of Benghazi. Mark returned here after preaching with St Paul in Rome, and Barnabas in Cyprus. From Cyrenaica, Mark made his way to Alexandria, in Egypt, where he founded the first Christian Church, appointing a bishop, three priests, and seven deacons, Mark suffered Martyrdom here in AD67, when the local population resisted his efforts to make them abandon worship of their traditional gods. They tried to burn his body, unsuccessfully, which the Christians of Alexandria recovered and buried in the church they had built.
Basic Itinerary
DAY ONE - TUESDAY 14TH OCTOBER
London - Cairo
Evening scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Cairo, with a late arrival. Transfer to our hotel for a welcome drink and two-night stay.
DAY TWO - WEDNESDAY 15TH OCTOBER
Cairo
After breakfast we visit the Coptic Christian area of old Cairo, including the Coptic museum, the ‘Hanging Church’, so-called because it was originally suspended 13 metres above the ground. From here we visit the Church of Abu Serga (St Sergius), a 10th century church which throughout the years has sunk below the street level, and lies over the place where it is believed that the Holy Family rested after the flight to Egypt. meet our guide and visit one of the seven wonders of the world, the great pyramid of Cheops and the other smaller pyramids. We then go down to see the symbol of wisdom and power, the Sphinx, who guarded the royal tombs. Dinner will be in our hotel. Today there will also be a visit with Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald.
DAY THREE - THURSDAY 16TH OCTOBER
Cairo - Alexandria
Today we visit the historical monastery of Wadi El-Natron, a site which was used as refuge for the early Christians in Egypt fleeing from the Roman persecution in the 4th century, who built the monastery and lived in caves in the surrounding area. Afterwards we transfer to Alexandria. We have a panoramic tour of the town and a visit to the Catacombs of Kom El Shougba. Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY FOUR - FRIDAY 17TH OCTOBER
Alexandria - Benghazi
This morning we visit the Greek Patriarchate, San Sava Church and the church of St Mark. Mark introduced Christianity to Alexandria in 62AD and by the 3rd century Alexandria was a leading Christian spiritual centre. Transfer to the airport for our flight to Benghazi, in Libya. Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY FIVE - SATURDAY 18TH OCTOBER
Benghazi - Tolmeita - Al Bayda
We drive North East from Benghazi to visit the ruined city of Tolmeita, one of the cities of the Pentapolis, and the last city to fall to the invading Arab armies in the 7th Century. The excavations date back to the 1st and 2nd Centuries B.C. Byzantine churches, Roman Villas and a Greek Theatre all form part of the excavations we will see. Continue to the town of Qask Libya, a real gem, where there is a museum containing possibly the most interesting collection of Byzantine mosaics in North Africa. Our journey’s end today is the pleasant seaside town of Al Bayda, where we check into our hotel for a two-night stay.
DAY SIX - SUNDAY 19TH OCTOBER
The Valley of St Mark
Today is devoted to the Valley of St Mark, which is to the east of Al Bayda. There caves were dug out of the mountains and transformed by St. Mark into churches. Mark worked for the Evangelisation of this land, when he returned here up to 20 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Visit the village of St. Mark, and the Roman church of L’atrun, as well as the church of St. Sophia, before returning to Al Bayda. Today an open-air Mass will be celebrated at the foot of one of the caves.
DAY SEVEN - MONDAY 20TH OCTOBER
Cyrene - Benghazi
Today we visit Cyrene, one of the most interesting places in Libya, an ancient Greek town with wonderful excavations (in a beautiful setting) including early Christian. After spending time here we returned to Benghazi for an overnight stay.
DAY EIGHT - TUESDAY 21ST OCTOBER
Beghazi - Tripoli - London
Morning transfer to Benghazi airport for the internal flight to Tripoli, and a visit to the Archaeological Museum, before our return British Airways flight to London Gatwick.
Travel Dates and Cost: | ||
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14th October 2008 - 21st October 2008
Eight days
£1639
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Terms of Payment:To book places on this tour please send £90 (plus the premium for travel insurance if the cover we offer is required) per person and a completed booking form to the Pax Travel address. | ||
THIS TRIP INCLUDES:Scheduled flights on British Airways, Heathrow – Cairo, Tripoli - Gatwick. U.K., Egypt and Libya airport taxes. Local Fights, Alexandria – Benghazi, Benghazi – Tripoli. 7-nights accommodation in shared twin-bedded rooms with private facilities in 4/5 star standard accommodation in Egypt and Libya. Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day (full-board), starting with breakfast on 15th October. All touring and transfers by air-conditioned coach as per the itinerary. Tourist visa for Libya. Meeting and assistance on arrival in Cairo and departure from Tripoli. English speaking guide to accompany the group throughout the pilgrimage. Entrance to all sites mentioned in the itinerary. Entrance fees during sightseeing. Gratuities to hotels, drivers and guides. Daily Catholic Mass (Where possible)
EXTRAS:Travel insurance at £44 per person. Single room supplement at £352 per person for the 8 nights. Drinks and souvenirs (N.B No alcohol permitted in Libya).
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS AND WORSHIP:Catholic |
