March 27-April 8, April 24-May 6, May 8-20, June 6-18, July 17-29, August 21-September 2, October 2-14, October 9-21, October 23-November 4, October 30-November 11, November 20-December 2, November 27-December 9, 2008, January 1-13, January 15-27,  January 29-February 10, February 12-24, 2009   

Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Nile Cruise, Mt. Sinai
from a Christian Perspective

Introduction to 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 •  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 4 •  Coptic Cairo, Hanging Church & Alabaster Mosque
We begin our sightseeing with a visit to the Hanging Church - the most famous Coptic church in Cairo.  The Hanging Church was named so as it was built by the Nile River over the Roman Gate of Babylon.  A stop will be made at the papyrus factory store, where we see the process of creating lovely Egyptian art pictures. Next we tour the Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali.  Completed in 1848, the Ottoman-style Muhammad Ali Mosque is the most noticeable in all of Cairo and has dominated the skyline for the past 150 years.  We conclude our day at the shopping bazaar for those who wish to purchase a few souvenirs.

Day 5 •  Memphis, Sakkara
We enjoy a day of touring in and around Cairo with a short bus ride to Memphis.  Founded around 3,100 BC, Memphis is the legendary city of Menes, the King who united Upper and Lower Egypt.  From a Biblical perspective, Memphis is most likely where Abraham lied to Pharaoh about his wife Sarah being his sister and where Joseph served as second in command.  While in Memphis we will view a very large and well preserved statue of Ramses II.  Next is Sakkara which is one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Egypt!  Sakkara is dominated by the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, which goes back to 2700 BC. It is one of the oldest stone structures in the world!  Time will be allowed this afternoon for those who wish to visit one of Cairo's famous perfume factory stores. 

Day 6 • Transfer to Luxor, Nile Cruise
This morning after breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Luxor.  Then 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. We re-embark for lunch, traveling to a PM at the famous Temple of Luxor, which was founded in the reign of Amenhotep III, grandson of the pharaoh of the Exodus.  Dinner and overnight.  Nile Cruise Boat

Day 7 •  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 8 • 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 9 •  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 10 • Cairo Pyramids & Tutankhamen’s Treasures
An early morning flight back to Cairo will allow for a full day of touring 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 11 • Mt. Sinai
This morning we depart Cairo, pass through the southern edge of the "Land of Goshen" 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 pass Marah (Springs of Moses) and further to the south, the oasis of Elim. Arriving in the late afternoon to the hotel at Mt. Sinai (Mt. Horeb), we have dinner and rest for our early morning activity.

Day 12 • 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 13 • Homeward 
After breakfast at the hotel we will go to the Cairo Airport for our flight homeward.