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Day 1 • Departure
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 Luxor, Nile Cruise
Early this morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Luxor. Check in to your 5 star river cruise and then we are off to 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. We visit a courtyard that was likely to be frequented by Moses during his days of princely training. Time will be allowed for those who wish to visit one of Luxor's famous perfume factory stores. We re-embark for lunch, enjoy the sundeck and pool before an evening tour of the famous Temple of Luxor, which was founded in the reign of Amenhotep III, grandson of the pharaoh of the Exodus. Nile Cruise Boat
Day 4 • Karnak, Esna to Edfu
After breakfast, visits include 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. Re-board our ship for lunch and continue sailing towards Edfu, having dinner as we cross through the Esna lock. Overnight on board.
Day 5 • Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan
This morning after breakfast we visit Edfu, the location of one of the best preserved Egyptian Temples. This site was initially developed 1000 years before Abraham came to Egypt! Lunch and sailing to Kom Ombo, where we 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. Overnight on board.
Day 6 • Aswan High Dam, Free Time, Abu Simbel Option
Our touring today is in and around the modern city of Aswan. Included will be a 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. This afternoon we disembark for free time to stroll through the city markets.
An optional (half day including flights) tour is also offered to Abu Simbel, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Nubian Monuments." Our Egyptologist guide will discuss the relevance of this spectacular site from Egyptian history. We will also try to put in perspective the long history of Egypt. Here we will visit the massive temple of Pharaoh Rameses II, perhaps the greatest builder of temples in ancient Egypt (13th Century BC) and a second one of Queen Nafertari, Rameses's most beloved wife. Overnight on board.
Day 7 • Cairo Pyramids & Tutankhamen’s Treasures
An early morning flight back to Cairo will allow for a full day of touring beginning with some sights of ancient Egypt - some of which date back to 1000+ years prior to Abraham. 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 • Mt. Sinai
This morning we depart Cairo with stories of the "Land of Goshen" to the north and travel the southward route of the Exodus through the Wilderness of Shur. We learn of the terrain and the history of this region en-route as we stop at Marah (Springs of Moses), the Wilderness of Sin and further to the south, the Oasis of Feiran. For those who are able, we climb a small hill to the ruins of an ancient chapel that overlooks the palm tree valley where Israel battled with the people of Amalek. Have your picture taken with arms raised in remembrance of God's victory while Moses' arms were held high by Aaron and Hur. Arriving in the late afternoon to the hotel at Mt. Sinai (Mt. Horeb), we have dinner and rest for our early morning activity.
Day 9: Mt. Moses, Return to Cairo
Just into the new day, those who desire and are physically capable will depart for a memorable early morning walk up Mt. Moses. You may choose to ride a camel part way, stop at one of the stations to take in scenery along the climb to the summit (750 steps) for a sunrise to remember. Once at the top, enjoy a time of praise and then depart down the mountain for breakfast. A visit to the Mt. Sinai Monastery will be followed by a transfer back to Cairo for our last evening.
Day 10: Homeward
After breakfast at the hotel we will go to the Cairo Airport for our flight homeward.
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