Saudi Arabia / Jordan
GTI SIGNATURE TOUR

Mar 16-24, 2025

Jordan / Saudi Arabia
GTI SIGNATURE TOUR

Mar 16-24, 2025

Experience Saudi Arabia & Jordan on a GTI Signature Study Tour and you'll see Scripture in a new light.

See The Sites

Mount Sinai has been identified with a mountain in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt since the 4 th century A.D. However, several biblical passages seem to indicate that Mount Sinai is in Arabia. Could the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites have taken place in Arabia rather than Egypt?

In Exodus 17, the Israelites are camped at a place called Rephidim where there was no water for them to drink. God commanded Moses to strike a rock known as the Rock of Horeb, which opened the rock causing water to come out of it for the people to drink. In the Arabian Desert at the foot of the Arabian Mount Horeb, stands stands a large, split rock. Could this have been the site where this biblical story took place?

Right along the coast of the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba, a wadi or canyon leads from the shore inland to the wilderness. This canyon is flowing with water from a spring, feeding a grove of palm trees. In Exodus 15, the Israelites are provided fresh water and a grove of 70 palm trees at Elim. Could this have been the area where the Israelites crossed?

An outcropping of granite boulders form a type of high place at the foot of the Arabian Mount Sinai. The boulders are etched and painted with multiple depictions of bulls and calves. Could this have been the site of Israel’s rebellion against the Lord when they formed a golden calf?

One of the more unusual places we encountered in Arabia was an ancient installation at the foot of the ascent to the Arabian Mount Horeb. Unlike anything else seen in Arabia, this installation appears to have been used for cultic purposes. Could this facility have been used by the ancient Israelites during their time at Sinai?

If the biblical Mount Sinai is in Arabia, then ascending to the summit of the mountain would be an extraordinary experience. The anticipation of standing on the very site where Moses received the Ten Commandments is overwhelming.

Throughout history, people have left their mark as they traveled. Prominent rocks or sacred spaces along a route through the desert became waystations for weary travelers. The Arabian Peninsula has been a caravan and pilgrimage route for millennia. Caravans brought incense and spices from Yemen and Southern Arabia to trade throughout the Mediterranean. Muslim pilgrims, making their way to Mecca, traversed the western deserts of Arabia.

A 4X4 vehicle is a must in the Arabian Desert. Exploring the backroads of this austere landscape is both exhilarating and challenging. No tour buses allowed!

What to Expect

The quest to identify the biblical Mount Sinai has been an ongoing venture for many years. As many as six or seven different sites have been suggested as candidates for that enigmatic mountain, ranging from the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt across southern Israel into Saudi Arabia. Since the fourth century A.D., a site in the southern Sinai Peninsula at Saint Catherine’s monastery has been the preferred location. Recently, however, a mountain in the Arabian Peninsula, which has long been identified as Moses’ Mountain by Arabs, has garnered interest as a possible site for Sinai. The mountain known as Jebel Lawz, and several sites around it, could quite possibly figure into the biblical story of the Exodus.

Travel with us to the Arabian Desert as we explore fantastic sites in Saudi Arabia and Jordan that raise the question of exactly where the exodus of the Israelites took place. Visit a split rock (Exodus 17), a grove of palm trees (Exodus 15), and an altar and high place with bull/cow carvings at the foot of the Arabian Mount Horeb (Exodus 32), as well as the desert of Wadi Rum, a possible location of the Wilderness of Paran. We will also visit Petra and other historic sites in Jordan. This will be an exciting and ground-breaking tour into the extraordinary deserts of Arabia.

Your Leader

Rich Ferreira

General Manager, GTI Tours

After graduating with his Masters from Talbot Theological Seminary, Rich and his wife Becky began working full-time for Hume Ministries in 2001. Rich’s passions are discipleship and teaching God’s word in a way that brings it alive in today’s world. In his spare time, Rich enjoys leading Biblical Study Tours (50 trips and counting), motorcycle riding, snowboarding, and spending time with his wife, daughters Ellie and Carmel, and his two sons Jaron and Ronen. In 2016 Rich and his family moved from California to Michigan to join the GTI Tours staff full-time, where he serves as General Manager.

The Details

Itinerary

Sun Mar 16

Depart from Home

Your journey begins as you fly to Jordan.


Geneva Hotel
Mon Mar 17

Welcome to Jordan

Welcome to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. A representative will meet you at the Amman airport to help you collect your luggage and transfer you to our hotel. Depending on when you arrive, the day is yours to explore Amman on your own or relax at the hotel.

Tue Mar 18

Day 1

Today, we explore the ancient city of Jerash. This Decapolis city is considered one of the largest and most well-preserved sites of Roman architecture outside of Italy, and its history goes back more than 6,500 years. After lunch, we drive south toward the enchanting rose-red façades of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Jerash

Jerash

Petra
Wed Mar 19

Day 2

Today, we venture into the amazing Nabataean city of Petra, with breathtaking canyons and rock-cut architecture. To finish up our time in this picturesque landscape, we will enjoy a memorable donkey ride. Continuing south, we arrive in the port city of Aqaba, which is uniquely situated next to Egypt, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.

Petra
Thu Mar 20

Day 3

This morning, we begin our day by crossing from Jordan to Saudi Arabia. Today's journey focuses on the Western side of Jabal al Lawz, where Moses met his father-in-law Jethro, possible crossing points on the Red Sea, and the famous Split Rock of Horeb from Exodus 17. Tonight, we camp out under the stars near the mountain.

Al Durra Border Crossing, Split Rock, Jethro Caves, Tayyib Al Ism, Moses Spring
Desert Camp
Fri Mar 21

Day 4

Waking up, you will enjoy a great breakfast and amazing views of the desert. Today, we spend time on the east side of Jabel al Lawz exploring parts of this mountain. See the calf altar from Exodus 32 and the ancient sacrificial high place. As we finish our day, we will spend the night in the Saudi city of Tabuk.

Calf Alter, Ancient High Place, Mt Harob
Sat Mar 22

Day 5

Today, we conclude our time in Saudi Arabia and return to Jordan, heading to the spectacular Wadi Rum. Once we check into our tents we will head out for a jeep ride as we explore the sites and watch an amazing sunset. Our Bedouin friends will have a traditional supper called Zarb, (a roasted lamb and/or chicken feast) waiting for us when we return. We’ll say goodnight and make our way to our personal tents, where we’ll spend the evening “glamping” at Sun City Camp. An option to join a star gazing group will be available depending on the weather.

Al Mdawara Border Crossing, Wadi Rum, Wadi Rum Jeep Tour
Sun Mar 23

Day 6

Start the morning with an option to see the sunrise and majestic landscape of Wadi Rum from a hot air balloon. After breakfast, we go north to Mount Nebo, where God brought Moses to look into the Promised Land. You'll see the Madaba Mosaic Map that covers the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George and have the opportunity to watch local artists create beautiful mosaics. We arrive back in Amman with time to relax at our hotel and reflect on our trip before we prepare for our flights the next day.

Madaba, Mt Nebo
Mon Mar 24

Depart for home

It has been a great trip. Fly home or continue to another adventure.

Flight Details

Payment Details

Base Cost
  • $4100 base cost
Options:
  • Add $300 for Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride in Wadi Rum
  • $900.00 single-occupancy supplement available
  • Optional payment schedule available:
    • $500.00 per-person deposit upon registration
    • $2245.00 per-person due by October 25, 2024
    • Remaining balance due by January 24, 2025
    • Hotel accommodations as indicated
    • Daily breakfast and dinner buffet
    • Lunches on site
    • GTI Osprey hydration packs with bottled water on tour
    • All entrance fees
    • Guide/Driver Tips
    • Porterage fees and taxes
    • Journal, flashlight
    • GTI plug adapter
    • Jordanian visa
    • Flights to and from Amman Jordan
    • Drinks with meals
    • Saudi visa https://visa.visitsaudi.com
    • Optional hot air balloon ride $300 per person (register with GTI)
    • Star Gazing $30 (weather permitting) pay onsite

    Why GTI Tours?

    All Inclusive

    More than simply a statement about pricing, “All Inclusive” describes GTI’s holistic approach to facilitating purposeful travel and experiential learning in cooperation with our Ministry Partners.

    Biblically Focused

    Your tour leader, study materials, and even itinerary are biblically focused, creating a journey that will draw you more deeply into God’s Word with each step you take.

    Experiential Itinerary

    Each stop on your itinerary is selected because it provides an experience than brings meaning and emotional significance to the information you will be learning.

    All Expenses Covered

    There’s no need to worry about wasting time and money haggling or being surprised by hidden costs. Except for souvenirs and optional upgrades, every part of your trip is covered.

    Online Registration

    Our secure online payment and registration system allows for payment plans and reminders, easy passport and document uploads, and confidence that your money and information is safe.

    Online Tour Journal

    Friends and family can receive daily updates of text, photos, audio, and video from you and other participants to keep up with where you are and what you’re learning via the GTI Online Tour Journal.

    Backpacks and Gear

    We take care of everything so you can stay focused during your Study Tour, including providing you with a hydration backpack, study guide, plug adapter, and even a flashlight (when the trip calls for it).

    Local Guides & Drivers

    We have spent years developing relationships with experienced guides and drivers because they are an integral part of a study tour. And if you already have a trusted guide/driver you prefer that’s ok too!

    Any Questions?

    If you have questions, you're not alone! Use the following form to submit any questions you may have and we'll get back to you.

    And of course, you can always give us a call during business hours at 616-396-1234 or 800-829-8234.

    Verification

    What is the first book of the Bible?