November 18-26, 2007

Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, Nile Cruise
from a Christian Perspective

Introduction to Biblical Egypt

Day 1: Overnight Flight 
Our life-changing journey begins this evening as we board our overnight flight to Cairo, Egypt.   

Day 2: Cairo
We arrive in the land of the Pharaohs, Jacob, Joseph and Israel during the famine!  Upon arrival at the airport we meet our guide and are immediately transported into Cairo, the capital of Egypt. We transfer to our hotel to settle in and start soaking up the atmosphere of this exciting city.

Day 3: Transfer to Aswan, High Dam, Nile Cruise 
This morning after breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to the modern city of Aswan. Upon arrival we take time to visit the High Dam, built from 1960 - 1971 and is a major factor in Egypt’s agricultural success. We then also spend time at Philae Temple on the Isi-Island. This complex was moved from up river due to the impending destruction upon the completion of the High Dam. We have a Felucca ride around the Agh Khan Mausoleum before boarding our cruise ship and heading south to Kom Umbo. We then have dinner and overnight on board.

Day 4: Kom Ombo - Edfu - Esna
Breakfast is served on board before traveling to visit the remains of Kom Ombo Temple, situated on the riverside. Unlike most, this temple is dedicated to two gods - the crocodile god of Sebek and the solar god of war, Horus the Great. We spend time here before continuing on to Edfu, the location of one of the best preserved Egyptian Temples. This site was initially developed 1000 years before Abraham came to Egypt!  After time for visit we continue through the Esna Lock to Luxor. We have dinner and overnight on board.

Day 5: Esna to Luxor, Karnak
After breakfast our travels continue to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor we have free time for lunch before visiting the Temple of Karnak (temple of the New Kingdom period) and the East Bank of the Nile. It was during this period that the bondage and Exodus occurred. Karnak second to Giza’s Pyramids, is one of Egypt’s most important Pharaonic sites. We visit the famous Temple of Luxor, which was founded in the reign of Amenhotep III, grandson of the pharaoh of the Exodus. Re-board our ship for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Valley of the Kings, Flight to Cairo
Today we will visit the Valley of the Kings (where many ancient pharaohs were buried) and the famous Temple of Hatshepsut, the princess who perhaps pulled baby Moses out of the Nile River. This temple may have been designed by Moses.  This afternoon we board our flight back to the city of Cairo.

Day 7: Cairo
Today we travel back to ancient Egypt with a full day of touring to the wonders of the ancient world, some of which date back to 1000+ years prior to Abraham. We spend time at one of the seven wonders of the world- the pyramids. Cheops, with an original height of 496 feet, is the most colossal pyramid ever built. Today, we will also see the Sphinx and tour the Egyptian Museum, location of Tutankhamen's treasures and ancient remains. 

Day 8: Alexandria
Breakfast and then a day tour to the ancient seaport of Alexandria where we will see the Greco-Roman culture in Egypt. The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria, known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean",  has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern ; its ambience and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country. First stop is the Fort at Quit Bay which will be followed with a visit to the ancient Catacombs of Kom and Pompay's Pillar. Before returning to Cairo we will relax with the breath-taking views of the Montaza Palaces.

Day 9: Homeward 
After breakfast at the hotel we will go to the Cairo Airport for our flight homeward. 

Price Includes: Hotel and cruise transfers, 3 nights 5 star cruise on the Nile, English-speaking tour guide, breakfast & dinner daily, 4 star hotels, baggage handling.

Not Included:  Airfare, lunches on land portion, Egypt visa (U. S. Citizens - $20 at arrival airport) and gratuities.