You made it! After getting through customs, we will be transferred to our hotel for a restful overnight stay.

Day 3 – Ancient Wonders and Timeless Faith
Sites: Grand Egyptian Museum, Great Pyramids, Papyrus Factory
Theme: God’s Greatness Through the Ages

Our journey begins with a step back in time—to the cradle of civilization. At the Grand Egyptian Museum, we’ll encounter the treasures of King Tutankhamun, a boy-king whose short reign still whispers of human glory fading before divine eternity. Yet as we gaze on gold and grandeur, we’re reminded that even Egypt’s splendor pales beside the everlasting majesty of our God.

This afternoon, we travel to Giza, home of the Great Pyramids—ancient monuments that stood tall long before Abraham journeyed from Ur. These silent giants testify to the ingenuity of man, but they also remind us of God’s timeless sovereignty. He was God then—and He is God now. As you stand before the pyramid of Cheops, reflect on Psalm 90: “Before the mountains were born, from eternity to eternity, You are God.”
We’ll finish the day with a cultural visit to a papyrus factory, learning how Egypt’s earliest writing materials helped preserve stories that still speak truth today.

Day 4 – The Exodus Route: From Cairo to Sinai
Sites: Citadel of Saladin, Suez Canal, Mount Sinai
Theme: Following the Path of God’s Deliverance

After breakfast, we visit the Citadel of Saladin, a fortress of history overlooking Cairo. From there, we travel eastward—toward the wilderness route of Moses and the Israelites. As our coach rolls toward Sinai, imagine the weary but hopeful steps of God’s people, freshly freed from bondage, crossing the wilderness with the pillar of cloud before them.

Lunch along the Mousa Coast (the “Coast of Moses”) reminds us that this region echoes with divine deliverance. Every mile traveled today draws us nearer to Mount Sinai, where God’s presence shook the earth and His voice thundered His covenant to mankind.

We rest tonight in Santa Caterina, in the shadow of holy ground.

Day 5 – Holy Ground: Mount Sinai
Sites: Mount Sinai, Monastery of St. Catherine
Theme: Hearing God’s Voice on the Mountain

In the early morning hours, those who want to will take the hike up the sacred slopes of Mount Sinai, retracing the steps of Moses as he met God face to face. As the sun rises over the rugged peaks, let the light remind you of the moment God engraved His law on stone and wrote His love on human hearts.

BE ADVISED: this is a very strenuous hike composed of almost 4,000 steps. Camels are available (for a fee) to take hikers much of the way, but you will still need to walk up approximately 750 steps to reach the summit. For those who choose not to ascend Mount Sinai, you will enjoy a few extra hours of sleep and can spend the cool morning reflecting on God’s glory and all that happened here at the base of the mountain. 

Descending, we visit the Monastery of St. Catherine, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, built near the site of the burning bush that was not consumed. Here, history and holiness intertwine. As you stand among the icons and ancient stones, remember that the same God who spoke to Moses here in this place still speaks to us today through His Word.

After lunch, we journey back toward Cairo, our hearts stirred by what we’ve seen and experienced in this sacred place.

Day 6 – Setting Sail: The Nile Cruise Begins
Sites: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Luxor Temple
Theme: Earthly Power vs. Eternal Purpose

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our short flight to Luxor, ancient Thebes—the city of Pharaohs. On arrival, we cross to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, where Egypt’s monarchs sought immortality through tombs, yet all returned to dust. Here we can contrast that with our living Savior, whose tomb stands empty!

Next we will visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural marvel built by Egypt’s only female pharaoh, and pause at the massive Colossi of Memnon, silent sentinels of a vanished empire.

Then, it’s time to climb aboard our luxurious Nile River cruise ship which will be our home for the next four nights. It’s time to begin our unforgettable journey sailing up the Nile. After lunch and some rest, we visit the Temple of Luxor, glowing beautifully at sunset. As evening settles over the Nile, we stroll along the city corniche before returning for dinner on board.

Day 7 – Worship by the Waters
Sites: Karnak Temple, Esna Lock
Theme: The Majesty of God’s Name

We begin with the awe-inspiring Temple of Karnak, an ancient complex devoted to false gods, yet now a silent monument to man’s search for meaning. Each towering pillar invites us to lift our gaze higher—to the true and living God whose name endures forever.

As our ship sails toward Edfu, we relax on deck, watching life unfold along the Nile’s fertile banks. From the comfort of our ship we have a glimpse of the same river that once nourished Egypt and shaped its history. As the sun sets over the water, remember: God’s plans always flow forward, like the river beneath us.

Day 8 – Idols and Insights
Sites: Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Aswan
Theme: The Folly of Idols and the Faithfulness of God

Riding horse-drawn carriages to the Temple of Edfu, we see one of Egypt’s best-preserved sanctuaries, dedicated to Horus. Yet its walls whisper the futility of idol worship. Scripture reminds us: “Those who make them are just like them.”
Later, at Kom Ombo, a temple shared by two gods, we ponder divided devotion. Let this serve as a call to wholehearted worship of the One True God. By evening, we reach Aswan, where we’ll rest along the peaceful Nile.

Day 9 – The Warm Heart of Aswan
Sites: Felucca Ride, Nubian Village, Agha Khan Mausoleum
Theme: The Glory of God in Creation and Culture

Today offers a slower rhythm—a day to savor God’s creation and connect with the people who call this place home. We begin with a felucca sail along the gentle currents of the Nile, where the desert meets the water in a breathtaking display of contrast and beauty. The quiet wind in the sails reminds us of the Holy Spirit—moving unseen, yet powerfully guiding our journey.

Next, we’ll visit a traditional Nubian village, a true cultural highlight. Traveling by motorboat, we’ll glide past palm-lined shores and golden dunes before arriving at a village bursting with color and life. The brightly painted homes, smiling families, and warm hospitality of the Nubian people will touch your heart. We’ll learn about their ancient culture, music, and traditions—and possibly even see live crocodiles, kept as symbols of protection and heritage by the locals. We will have time to shop and stroll through the streets while we support local artisans by purchasing handmade crafts and jewelry that reflect the creativity God placed in the people of this unique culture.

As we return to our ship, the golden hues of sunset bathe the Agha Khan Mausoleum perched on its desert hill—a tranquil scene that calls us to reflect on the beauty of diversity and the unity of all people under God’s creation. Dinner and overnight on board our ship as the cruise continues. 

“From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” — Psalm 113:3

Day 10 – From Aswan to Cairo
Sites: Unfinished Obelisk, Philae Temple, High Dam, Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Theme: God’s Power Over All Nations

Today we disembark our ship and start with a tour of the Unfinished Obelisk and the Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis and Osiris. Yet even these tales of myth cannot compare to the resurrection story that changed the world. At the High Dam, consider the mighty Nile held back by human engineering—then ponder the greater power of the Creator who parts seas and stills storms.

Back in Cairo, we wander through the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, soaking in sounds, colors, and scents that have filled these streets for centuries. Let every voice and face remind you: God’s love reaches every nation, tribe, and tongue.

Day 11 – Memphis, Sakkara, and Coptic Cairo
Sites: Memphis, Sakkara, Hanging Church, Cave Church of St. Simon
Theme: From Pharaoh’s Palace to the Foot of the Cross

Our final day in Egypt draws the biblical narrative together. In Memphis, the most likely city where Abraham deceived Pharaoh and where Joseph ruled under God’s providence, we see the enduring statue of Ramses II—a reminder that kingdoms rise and fall, but God’s Word stands firm forever.

At Sakkara, the Step Pyramid of Zoser marks humanity’s attempts at reaching heaven by human effort—a stark contrast to the Gospel truth that God reached down to us through His Son. In Coptic Cairo, we visit the Hanging Church, St. Simon the Tanner Monastery, and the Cavern Church, believed to be the very place where Joseph and Mary brought Jesus at God’s direction when He was an infant. They remained here until the death of King Herod (Matthew 2:13–15). These sacred sites remind us that Egypt once served as a refuge of divine protection—proof that God’s plans always prevail. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. 

Day 12 – Departure
Theme: Carrying the Journey Home

As we load our bags and prepare to fly home, remember that this journey is more than miles traveled—it’s a pilgrimage of the heart. From pyramids to monasteries, from Pharaoh’s tombs to God’s mountain, we’ve seen the echoes of history and the fingerprints of grace.

May this trip inspire us to live as witnesses of the same God who delivered Israel, spoke on Sinai, and sent His Son to deliver us from sin and death.

“The LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.” — Isaiah 60:19