Explore the Wonders of the Ancient World! 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
May 2
Depart for flight to Cairo. For SLC travelers, we recommend: Delta non-stop SLC to Paris, 10hr layover—explore a little of Paris on your own! Then May 3 non-stop Paris to Cairo. Travelers from other cities could meet the group in Paris for the flight to Cairo (or meet in Cairo if times match up).
May 4
12:05am Delta flight arrives Cairo, transfer to hotel, sleep in, explore the city, orientation meeting.
May 5
Cairo sites: Great Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum to see amazing artifacts including treasures of Tutankhamun (aka King Tut).
May 6
Fly to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes. 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, 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).
May 7
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.
May 8
Visit Edfu temple (via carriage ride!). Edfu Temple is 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.
May 9
Take a motor boat to visit Philae temple dedicated to Queen Isis, the mother of Horus, the god of kingship. Next, visit the high dam, unfinished obelisk.
May 10
Explore Abu Simbel temple complex, built by Ramesses II and re-discovered in 1813. Fly from Aswan back to Cairo.
May 11
Visit Old Cairo including the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Islamic Cairo tour – the Citadel of Saladin and Alabaster Mosque. Khan El Khalili bazaar (vibrant open-air bazaar–a treasure trove of Egyptian culture–bustling streets filled with local artisans and vendors). Late-night drive to airport for flight home.
May 12
Flights home, 2am take-off.