Day 1: Arrival in Cairo
Welcome dinner and orientation. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 2: Pyramids & Biblical Context
Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, discussing the biblical context of ancient Egypt. Continue to the Egyptian Museum to view artifacts from the time of the patriarchs and Moses. Evening presentation on Egypt in the Bible.
Day 3: Coptic Cairo
Full day exploring Coptic Cairo, the ancient Christian quarter. Visit the Hanging Church, Church of St. Sergius (built over a cave where tradition says the Holy Family stayed), Ben Ezra Synagogue (traditional site where Moses was found in the bulrushes), and the Coptic Museum with its rich collection of Christian artifacts. Meet with Coptic Church representatives to learn about this ancient Christian community.
Day 4: Alexandria
Day trip to Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great and once home to the world's greatest library. Visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the Roman Amphitheater, and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Discuss Alexandria's importance in early Christianity as a center of theology and the home of influential Church Fathers like Clement and Origen.
Tour Details
Day 5: Cairo to Luxor
Morning flight to Luxor. Afternoon visit to Karnak and Luxor Temples, discussing the religious world of ancient Egypt that formed the backdrop for the Exodus narrative. Evening reflection on the plagues of Egypt and their theological significance.
Itinerary - Biblical Egypt Journey (8 Days)
Day 6: Valley of the Kings & Desert Monasticism
Morning visit to the Valley of the Kings and Queen Hatshepsut's Temple, discussing connections to Moses' upbringing in Pharaoh's court. Afternoon journey to a desert monastery to learn about the beginnings of Christian monasticism in Egypt's deserts.
Day 7: Luxor to Cairo
Morning flight back to Cairo. Visit the Khan el-Khalili bazaar and medieval Islamic Cairo to understand the context in which Coptic Christianity has survived for centuries. Farewell dinner with Coptic music and cultural program.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Cairo International Airport for return flights.
Includes/Excludes
Package Inclusions
✓ 7 nights accommodation in 4-star hotels (5 nights Cairo, 2 nights Luxor)
✓ Daily breakfast and dinner
✓ Domestic flights (Cairo-Luxor-Cairo)
✓ Air-conditioned transportation throughout
✓ Egyptologist guide knowledgeable in biblical connections
✓ All entrance fees to sites listed in itinerary
✓ Meeting with Coptic Church representatives
✓ Evening presentations on biblical themes
✓ Tips for guide, driver, and hotel staff
✓ Bottled water daily
✓ Pre-trip preparation materials on Egypt in the Bible
Package Exclusions
✗ International airfare
✗ Entry visa for Egypt (available on arrival)
✗ Travel insurance
✗ Lunches (approximately $15-20 per day)
✗ Personal expenses and souvenirs
✗ Any items not specifically mentioned in inclusions
Explore the biblical connections to Egypt, from the Exodus narrative to the Holy Family's journey, while also experiencing the magnificent ancient civilization that forms the backdrop for these sacred stories.
Price $ 1, 200
Egypt & Sinai: Exodus Journey (11 Days)
An extended pilgrimage focusing on the Exodus narrative, including a visit to Mount Sinai and the Sinai Peninsula, with deeper exploration of Old Testament connections.
Sample Itinerary Highlights
This comprehensive 11-day journey includes key sites from our Biblical Egypt package plus:
Sinai Peninsula: Journey through the possible routes of the Exodus, discussing geographical and archaeological perspectives on this pivotal biblical narrative.
Mount Sinai Experience: Overnight stay near Mount Sinai with optional pre-dawn climb to the summit to witness sunrise from the traditional site where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
St. Catherine's Monastery: Visit to one of the world's oldest continuously operating monasteries, home to the Burning Bush Chapel and an extraordinary collection of ancient manuscripts and icons.
Red Sea Crossing Sites: Exploration of potential Red Sea crossing locations, with discussion of various theories about the Exodus route.
Additional Inclusions Beyond Biblical Egypt Package
✓ 10 nights accommodation including special lodging near Mount Sinai
✓ 4x4 transportation in Sinai desert regions
✓ Special biblical scholar guide for Exodus portions
✓ Bedouin dinner experience
✓ Detailed study materials on Exodus narratives
Coptic Christian Heritage (9 Days)
A specialized journey focusing on Egypt's ancient Christian tradition, with extended visits to historic Coptic sites, desert monasteries, and engagement with contemporary Coptic communities.
Spiritual Focus Areas
Early Christian Egypt: In-depth exploration of early Christianity in Egypt, including sites associated with the Holy Family's flight into Egypt and the missionary work of St. Mark.
Desert Monasticism: Extended visits to the ancient monasteries of Wadi Natrun and St. Anthony's Monastery (the world's oldest), with opportunities to learn about monastic spirituality and the birth of organized monasticism.
Coptic Art and Worship: Focus on distinctive Coptic iconography, architecture, and liturgical traditions, with expert guidance on their theological significance and historical development.
Contemporary Coptic Life: Meetings with Coptic clergy and community members to understand the challenges and vitality of this ancient church in modern Egypt.
This specialized package is particularly appropriate for those interested in early church history, Eastern Christian traditions, or the study of Christianity in non-Western contexts. The itinerary can be customized based on particular theological or historical interests.
