Pilgrimage Through Ancient Egypt
A Journey of Faith and History
(11 Days / 9 Nights)
Embark on a transformative pilgrimage through Egypt, exploring the profound biblical history and the ancient wonders of the Pharaohs. This 11-day journey offers a deep connection to early Christian stories and the rich cultural heritage of Egypt, providing an unforgettable spiritual and historical experience.
Tour Highlights
Tour Inclusions
Tour Exclusions
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Departure for Egypt
Begin your pilgrimage by boarding an overnight flight to Cairo, Egypt. Prepare for a journey filled with historical and spiritual exploration.
Day 2: Arrival in Cairo
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. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Day 3: Alexandria
After breakfast, we embark on a day tour to the ancient seaport of Alexandria, where we will see the Greco-Roman culture in Egypt. Known as “The Pearl of the Mediterranean,” Alexandria’s atmosphere is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern. Our first stop is the Fort at Quit Bay, followed by a visit to the ancient Catacombs of Kom and Pompay’s Pillar. Before returning to Cairo, we will relax with the breathtaking views of the Montaza Palaces. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Day 4: Coptic Cairo, Hanging Church & Alabaster Mosque
We begin our sightseeing with a visit to the Hanging Church, the most famous Coptic church in Cairo. Named so as it was built over the Roman Gate of Babylon by the Nile River, this old city’s section was definitely the route taken by Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and the family of Jesus. Next, we visit the beautiful Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali to better understand Muslim religious practices. Completed in 1848, the Ottoman-style Muhammad Ali Mosque is the most noticeable in all of Cairo. A stop will be made at the papyrus factory store, where we see the process of creating lovely Egyptian art pictures. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Day 5: Esna to Luxor, Karnak
This morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, we board our river cruise boat and have free time for lunch. This afternoon, we visit the Temple of Karnak and the East Bank of the Nile. We will also see the famous Temple of Luxor, founded during the reign of Amenhotep III, grandson of the Pharaoh of the Exodus. The grandeur of these temples, with their towering columns and intricate hieroglyphs, will leave you in awe. We re-board our ship for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Valley of the Kings
Today, we 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. Explore the tombs of the pharaohs, decorated with vivid scenes from Egyptian mythology that tell the story of the journey to the afterlife. We have dinner and overnight on board.
Day 7: Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna
Breakfast is served on board before we spend time touring Edfu, the location of one of the best-preserved Egyptian temples, dedicated to the falcon god Horus. This afternoon, we visit the remains of Kom Ombo Temple, situated on the riverside and dedicated to two gods: the crocodile god Sebek and the solar god Horus the Great. The duality of this temple reflects the balance of ancient Egyptian beliefs. We have dinner and overnight on board.
Day 8: Aswan, Optional Abu Simbel
While docked in Aswan, the morning is free to enjoy breakfast, relax on the sun deck, and shop along the waterfront. Alternatively, you may choose an early departure optional tour to Abu Simbel, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Nubian Monuments.” Our Egyptologist guide will discuss the relevance of this spectacular site from Egyptian history. We visit the massive temple of Pharaoh Rameses II and the temple of Queen Nefertari, Rameses’ most beloved wife. This afternoon, we visit the High Dam and the Philae Temple on the Island of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Our sightseeing continues with a Felucca ride around the Agha Khan Mausoleum before returning for dinner and overnight on board.
Day 9: Memphis, Sakkara, Joseph’s Storehouses
This morning, we take a flight back to Cairo and then a short ride to Memphis, the legendary city of Menes, the King who united Upper and Lower Egypt. From a biblical perspective, Memphis is where Abraham lied to Pharaoh about his wife Sarah being his sister and where Joseph served as second in command. View a very large and well-preserved statue of Ramses II. Next is Sakkara, one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Egypt, dominated by the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, dating back to 2700 BC. We also visit Faiyum, the region created by the divinely inspired wisdom of Joseph, where we find ancient storehouses and a man-made lake. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Day 10: Cairo
Today allows for a full day of touring 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. We will also see the Sphinx and tour the Egyptian Museum, location of Tutankhamen’s treasures and ancient remains. The museum’s vast collection includes artifacts spanning over 5,000 years of history, providing deep insights into ancient Egyptian civilization. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Day 15: Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Cairo Airport for our flight homeward, carrying cherished memories and a renewed faith from our journey through the ancient lands of Egypt.