12-Day tour; 4-night Nile River cruise included
Explore the Wonders of the Ancient World! And, of course we will discuss Egypt’s many Biblical connections: Abraham spent time in Egypt and taught the astronomy to the Egyptians; Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, carried into Egypt, Joseph (later) was able to save his family from famine, the Children of Israel were later oppressed as slaves and grew in numbers; Moses was born, raised by Pharoah’s daughter, discovered his identity as an Israelite, thru many miracles obtained freedom of the people, led them out of the land; Jeremiah was carried to Egypt and prophesied against the Egyptians; Mary & Joseph fled to Egypt with baby Jesus.
Places Visited
Days 1&2
April 28 Depart for flight to Cairo, change planes in Europe to fly April 29 into Cairo. Travelers who arrange own airfare to coordinate with tour schedule to meet up with group.
DAY 3
April 30 – Flight arrives Cairo early morning, transfer to hotel, sleep in (definitely!), then we'll head out to visit Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx at Giza plateau. Next, we travel to Sakkara pyramid, the first pyramid ever built. Overnight in Cairo.
DAY 4
May 1 – Fly to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes, 650 miles south of Cairo. This city is also called the "open air museum" due to its numerous monuments all around. Visit Karnak temple (the largest and most important religious complex in ancient Egypt). Board the cruise ship for a 4-night Nile River cruise - evening visit to Luxor temple, it's so impressive to see it all lit up at night. The temple was built by Amenhotep III (1390-1352 BC), but completed by Tutankhamun (1336-1327 BC) and Horemheb (1323-1295 BC), and then added to by Rameses II (1279-1213 BC).
DAY 5
May 2 – See the famous Valley of the Kings with colorful tombs of the royal king of ancient Egypt. Located on the west bank of the Nile River near Luxor, the valley of Kings contains a staggering amount of exquisitely-decorated tombs of Egypt's ancient kings. Next, visit Hatshepsut temple, built for the Eighteenth Dynasty pharoah, queen Hatshepsut and in dedication to the Deity Amun. Sailing to Edfu. Optional hot air balloon ride in the quiet, early morning hours (peacefully exciting!).
Day 6
May 3 – Visit Edfu temple (via carriage ride!), one of the most striking and complete of ancient Egyptian temples and is dedicated to the worship of the god Horus. Situated on the western bank of the Nile, its construction began in 237 BC during the reign of Ptolemy III (246-221 BC). Sail to visit Kom Ombo temple which is dedicated to two deities: the crocodile god Sobek, and the falcon god Harories.
DAY 7
May 4 – Fly to Abu Simbel Temple complex, located in Southern Egypt on the scenic shores of Lake Nasser. Built by Ramses II and re-discovered in 1813, the complex is a testament to the grandeur and engineering prowess of ancient Egypt. Fly back to Aswan for our last night on the cruise ship.
DAY 8
May 5 – Disembarkation after breakfast. Visit the Aswan High Dam. Take a motorboat to visit Philae Temple, dedicated to Queen Isis, the mother of Horus, the god of kingship. Visit the "unfinished" obelisk. End the day with a leisurely felucca and motorboat ride to visit one of the colorful Nubian Villages along the banks of the Nile. Fly back to Cairo for overnight.
Day 9
May 6 – Visit Cairo’s Egyptian Museum of Civilization showcasing the rich history of Egypt from prehistoric times to the modern era – vast collection of artifacts including royal mummies. We’ll next check out Old Cairo’s churches including the Hanging Church, St. Sergio, and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Visit Saladin’s Citadel and Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Day 10 & 11
May 7 & 8 – Visit the new billion-dollar Grand Egyptian Museum (the GEM) with its bold architecture housing incredible finds linking different eras and cultures throughout the region. See colossal royal statues carved in heroic scale, standing as guardians of the stories that unfold within the museum. Explore the Tutankhamun Galleries with the complete collection of objects from his tomb displayed for the first time together in one museum – view many previously unseen objects that reveal the daily and ceremonial life of the “Golden Pharaoh.” Dinner in Cairo. Late-night transfer to Cairo airport for May 8 flights home, likely 2 or 3am take-off.