This 14 day tour takes you on an adventure through Egypt and to up Mount Sinai with plenty of stops to see other sights in between! You'll explore temples, shop in Cairo, snorkel in the Red Sea, and learn all about customs in monasteries and mosques. To see all that Egypt has to offer while engaging in a culture rich journey, book this package today!
Day 1 • Departure
A transatlantic flight will take you to Cairo. An exploration of over 5,000 years of history and culture await you on this adventure!
Day 2 • Cairo
You'll arrive in Cairo in the afternoon and meet with a representative that will help you navigate airport customs. You'll then be transfered to your hotel by coach and meet your tour leader/driver.
Day 3 • Cairo
You'll visit Old Cairo after breakfast. Attendance for mass at the Church of St. Barbara will introduce you to the relics and legend of St. Barbara. Next you'll visit an 11th century icon, the Church of Abu Serga. You'll also visit the Ben Ezra Jewish Synagogue, the Al-Muallaqa Church, and the Egyptian Museum where you can view antiques and artifacts dating back to the time of Pharaohs.
Day 4 • Cairo
Today includes a visit to some of the most awe-inspiring wonders of the world, the Great Pyramids of Giza! These 4,500 year old marvels are examples of Egyptian ingenuity and have survived many different dynasties and invasions. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant and then you'll visit the Step Pyramid of King Zoser and a tomb at Sakkara, a necropolis housing the pharaohs during the time of the old kingdom.
Day 5 • Overnight Train To Aswan
The St. Simon Monastery by the Mokattam Mountain in the Garbage Collectors quarter is your first stop on your tour today. St. Theresa Charity House and the Sultan Hassan Mosque are also stops on your journey. You'll tour the grounds of the mosque and law school as well as engage in a discussion with the Imam. You'll board an overnight train going to Aswan in the evening.
Day 6 • On Board the Nile Cruise, Aswan
You'll arrive at the Aswan Train Station today and then head over to your cruise boat where you'll enjoy lunch. You'll then visit the Philae Temple of Goddess Isis and the Aswan Dam. You'll stay overnight in Aswan.
Day 7 • On Board the Cruise, Edfu
Spend the morning relaxing or taking a flight over the two Temples of Abu Simbel. You'll return to the cruise boat for lunch and then sail on to Edfu with a brief stop to visit the Kim Ombo Temple in Kom Ombo.
Day 8 • On Board the Cruise, Luxor
You'll visit the Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the god Horus and one of the best preserved temple in the ancient world. You'll then continue sailing on to Luxor where you'll be spending the night.
Day 9 • On Board the Cruise, Luxor
Start your morning off early with an optional hot-air balloon ride over Luxor's west bank. You'll visit the Valley of the Kings which includes a tour of tombs inscribed with hieroglyphics telling the story of the king in life and after death. Then, you'll take a stop at the temple of Queen Hatshepsut overlooking the Valley of the Kings. A drive to the alabaster workshop afterwards will offer you the opportunity to buy jewelry and other goods made of this mineral. On your way back to your lodging, you'll view the Colossi of Memnon. Made in commemoration of Amenophis III, these statues stand at over 60 feet tall! Enjoy an afternoon to spend at your leisure and then prepare to embark on a carriage ride through Luxor and it's local market. You'll then board your cruise to prepare for departure.
Day 9 • Red Sea, Hurghada
You'll leave the cruise boat this morning for a tour of the Temples of Karnak and Luxor as well as a stop by the papyrus institute. You'll then join a convoy heading overnight to Hurghada after lunch.
Day 10 • Red Sea, Hurghada
Today, you can enjoy snorkeling near Gifton Island and enjoy fresh fish aboard your cruise for lunch. The beautiful colors of the marine life in the Red Sea are dazzling! You'll return to your hotel for an overnight stay later on in the evening.
Day 11 • St. Catherine
A ferry to Sharm El Sheikh awaits you after breakfast. Lunch and time to explore will be available before a drive to St. Catherine Monastery area.
Day 12 • Mount Sinai, Cairo
A climb to the top of Mount Sinai to watch the sunrise will be the highlight of your morning if you choose to go. If not, you can spend the morning relaxing at the monastery and watching the monks engage in their daily morning worship. After breakfast, you'll stop to see the Monastery Museum and the Burning Bush before your departure for Cairo.
Day 13 • Cairo
Last minute shopping and packing are the activities for the day. In the evening, you'll partake in a farewell dinner.
Day 14 • Cairo, Return
Departure for Cairo International Airport is the first leg of your trip home. Remember all you have learned in Egypt and cherish the souvenirs and memories you'll have for years to come.
Packed full of sightseeing, cultural excursion, and fun, you won't regret a moment spent on this tour!
