After breakfast at your Cairo hotel, depart to begin your journey to the remains of Tanis, the ancient Egyptian capital of the Ramassied era, where it is thought that Moses was born and raised. East of the Delta, in lower Egypt, lies a grazing pasture called GOSHEN (Heb. גϼϹשρ϶ןa). The Israelites dwelt in Goshen, Egypt, which was Jacob and his family’s designated dwelling (Gen. 45:10; Ex. 9:26). Not in Egyptian records, but only in the Bible is the name “Land of Goshen” used. On the other hand, the cities that the Hebrews constructed before the Exodus, Pithom and Pi-Rameses (Ex. 1:11), have been located, During the excavation of Pithom’s ruins, the Austrian Institute discovered the remnants of several temple structures and grain storage. The Egyptians relocated their capital from Memphis to Pi-Rameses in the fourteenth century B.C. due to threats originating from the east, which makes Pi-Rameses significant. When Moses lived in Egypt, the country’s capital was Pi-Rameses. Tanis, the capital of Pharaoh Sheshonk I [Shishak in the Bible] (935–914), who pillaged the Jerusalem temple, has remnants discovered in the same area (2 Chronicles 12:9). According to some researchers, Joshua might have brought the Ark of the Covenant to this city.
Now, you can see some of the ancient city’s ruins scattered all over the place. This temple was dedicated to the god Amun, and it also has some lovely tombs with treasures that have been discovered and are currently on display at the Egyptian museum. After this visit, head to Sinai Saint Catherine’s Monastery, stopping along the way at Moses Springs, Egypt, or Oyun Musa in Arabic. This is located about 16 miles south of the Tunnel that connects the Egyptian mainland with Sinai. It is thought that Moses drew water from these springs, and that he did so on God’s advice.
The spring is still brackish today, and there is no tree in sight, but seven of the original 12 springs remain. After that, Saint Catherine’s Monastery has dinner and stays overnight at The Holy Valley Hotel, gets some rest, and prepares to climb Mount Sinai (your choice to stay at the hotel if you are unable to hike) at around 3:00 AM. Overnight in the Holy Valley.