13 Day Tour & Cruise

Introduction to Egypt

Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group

Day 1: Departure From US (February 10)
Our life-changing journey begins this evening as we board our overnight flight to Cairo, Egypt.

Day 2: Arrive Cairo (February 11)
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: Cairo Pyramids & Tutankhamen’s Treasures (February 12)
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 4: Transfer to Luxor, Nile Cruise (February 13)
This morning 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 5: Karnak, Esna to Edfu (February 14)
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 6: Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan (February 15)
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.  Dinner and overnight in Aswan.

Day 7: Aswan High Dam, Free Time (February 16)
Our touring today includes the modern city of Aswan. We take time after breakfast 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. This afternoon we disembark for free time to stroll through the city markets.  This afternoon we board our flight back to the city of Cairo.

Day 8: Alexandria (February 17)
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: Mt. Sinai (February 18)
This morning we depart Cairo, pass through 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 10: Red Sea Crossing, Aqaba (February 19)
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.  After a short ride to the Red Sea, while gazing across the Gulf of Aqaba, we can begin to imagine the miracle of the parting of the sea.  We board a catamaran ferry for a scenic crossing to Jordan and our lodging for the evening in Aqaba, Biblical Ezion Geber - the lovely seaport of King Solomon.

Day 11: Petra (February 20)
This morning we turn north toward the amazing mountain fortress of Petra, known to be inhabited by the Edomites - the descendents of Esau. Begin the tour with a walk through the "Siq," an immense crack in the Nubian sandstone, to the city of Petra carved out of the rose red rock. The Treasury, El Khazneh, is one of the most elegant remains of antiquity. Beyond El Khazneh we are surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra's carved and built structures. Departing Petra, we travel northward on the King's Highway through the land of the Moab where to the east we view the hilltop palace/fortress of Machaerus, the place where John the Baptist was beheaded.  We overnight in Amman for this evening.

Day 12: Mt Nebo, Mabada, Amman (February 21)
Mt. Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of Moses, commands a spectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. The drive continues to the town of Madaba, the biblical Medeba, 30 kilometers south of Amman. Madaba is best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics and at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George we may view the earliest surveying original map of the Holy land. Looking to the northwest we view the Plains of Moab, the area where the tribes of Israel camped before crossing the Jordan and picture Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the place where Jesus was baptized.

Day 13: Homeward (February 22)
After breakfast at the hotel we will go to the Amman Airport for our flight homeward.