Join Elias Nawawieh for a truly special clergy journey through Egypt—an unforgettable experience filled with wonder, faith, and renewal. We’ll begin in Cairo, standing before the Pyramids of Giza and exploring the city’s sacred Coptic heritage, then we’ll set out for the highlight of the trip: a 4-night Nile cruise, sailing the timeless river that has carried Egypt’s story for thousands of years.
And just when you think it can’t get more meaningful, we’ll continue to St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai and hike Mount Sinai—a powerful, once-in-a-lifetime moment as the sun rises over the desert mountains.
This will be Elias’s third dedicated clergy tour—built on the experience of leading many unforgettable journeys across Egypt, and personally guided with the care, depth, and local expertise that make every Elias Tours trip truly extraordinary.
At Elias Tours, we honor the dedication of pastors and church leaders. Each year, we sponsor a significant portion of the cost for one special Pastors & Church Leaders Tour—a reduced-cost journey designed for rest, renewal, and a deeper connection with Egypt’s sacred sites.
Why we do this: to give leaders a meaningful time away (between Christmas and Easter), offer an experience that goes beyond sightseeing, and provide a preview of what a future church pilgrimage with Elias Tours could look like.
We are honored to have our speaker and teacher:
Dr. Karoline M. Lewis
Karoline M. Lewis is the Marbury E. Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary, St.Paul, MN, where she has taught since 2007. She is the Program Director for the Festival of Homiletics, a contributing writer for Working Preacher, and co-host of the weekly podcast, Sermon Brainwave. Lewis is the author of a number of books on the Gospel of John, biblical interpretation, preaching, leadership, and women in ministry. You can connect with Karoline on Facebook, Instagram and on www.karolinelewis.com.
Join us for this incredible experience – a time of renewal, discovery, and inspiration. Let’s explore the sacred together!
*****
DETAILS:
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Trip departs on January 6, 2027 and returns on January 16, 2027
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Departure Airport: Chicago (ORD)
PRICING:
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$2,490.00 per person based on double occupancy - space is limited!
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Spouse: $2,790
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Single room supplement: $790.00
PAYMENT PLAN:
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$300.00 deposit per person with registration to secure space
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Balance due on or before September 1, 2026
REGISTRATION:
info@eliastours.com / 406-261-7791
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This Trip is by invitation. If you are interested please contact us and we will send you the registration form.
FLIGHT SCHEDULE:
* Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.
For more information, contact us at info@eliastours.com or (406) 261-7791
What is included in the tour
- 4 nights in 5-star hotels (double occupancy)
- 1 night at Saint Catherine’s Monastery
- 4 nights aboard a luxury 5-star Nile River cruise
- Airfare from Chicago (ORD)
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- All entrance fees
- Private deluxe motor coach transportation
- Expert local guides with Elias Tours
What is NOT included in the tour
- Gratuities for Guide, Driver
- Personal expenses
- Your Demostic flight to and from ORD
- TRAVEL INSURANCE: For questions, quotes, or to purchase travel insurance, visit Travelex Insurance or call (800) 228-9792 and use the code 26-0057 for Elias Tours.
This is more than a tour — it is an immersive journey through ancient Egypt, led by true specialists who know the country from the inside. You will be traveling with Elias Tours, owned and operated by Elias Nawawieh, Egypt expert, storyteller, and author of Beyond the Pyramids: Your Guide to Egypt’s Treasures.
With decades of experience, deep local partnerships, and a passionate on-the-ground Egyptian team, Elias Tours offers insider access, premium hotels, expert guides, and seamless logistics — creating a journey few agencies can match.
From the sacred churches of Coptic Cairo to the timeless temples along the Nile, from bustling bazaars to quiet desert horizons, this is Egypt as few ever experience it.
Discover Egypt with Elias Tours.
You don’t just visit Egypt. You experience it.
Egypt Journey | January 6 – 16
Day 1 – January 6 | Departure from the USA
Your journey begins as you depart for Cairo, Egypt, embarking on an unforgettable adventure through history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Sit back and relax as you travel across continents toward the land of the pharaohs.
Day 2 – January 7 | Arrival in Cairo – Gateway to Ancient Wonders
Arrive late this evening in Cairo, a city where the ancient and modern worlds blend seamlessly. After airport assistance and visa processing, transfer to your hotel for check-in and rest in preparation for the days ahead.
Day 3 – January 8 | Pyramids of Giza & the Great Sphinx
After breakfast, begin your journey at the legendary Giza Plateau, home to one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites. Stand before the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, and marvel at the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, each reflecting the power and ambition of ancient Egypt. Gaze upon the Great Sphinx, the mythical guardian that has watched over these monuments for more than 4,500 years.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for time to relax and dinner.
Day 4 – January 9 | Flight to Luxor & Begin Nile Cruise
Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Luxor, once the capital of ancient Egypt. Upon arrival, board your elegant 5-star Nile cruise ship and enjoy lunch onboard.
This afternoon, explore Luxor Temple and the vast Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious site ever constructed. Walk among towering columns and sacred avenues once traveled by pharaohs and priests.
Return to the cruise for dinner and overnight in Luxor.
Day 5 – January 10 | West Bank of Luxor & Sail to Esna
After breakfast onboard, cross to Luxor’s West Bank to explore the burial grounds of Egypt’s greatest rulers. Visit the Colossi of Memnon and the stunning Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, carved dramatically into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Continue to the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of pharaohs such as Tutankhamun and Ramses VI reveal magnificent wall paintings and sacred texts.
After lunch onboard, sail south toward Esna, passing through the historic Esna Lock before continuing on to Edfu. Dinner and overnight onboard.
Day 6 – January 11 | Edfu & Kom Ombo – Temples of Gods and Crocodiles
This morning, travel by horse-drawn carriage to the remarkably preserved Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus, the falcon god. Its towering pylons and carved reliefs bring ancient mythology vividly to life.
Sail onward to Kom Ombo and explore its unique double temple dedicated to Horus the Elder and Sobek, the crocodile god. Visit the Crocodile Museum, home to mummified crocodiles from ancient times.
Continue sailing toward Aswan for dinner and overnight onboard.
Day 7 – January 12 | Aswan & Nubian Village – Island Temples and Desert Traditions
Enjoy a peaceful morning on the Nile before taking a motorboat to the island sanctuary of Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and surrounded by shimmering waters.
Later, visit a traditional Nubian village where brightly painted homes and warm hospitality reflect a rich and enduring culture. Spend time with local families and learn about their daily life along the river.
Return to the cruise for dinner and overnight in Aswan.
Day 8 – January 13 | Journey to St. Catherine – Into the Heart of the Sinai
Depart Aswan in the morning by flight to Cairo, then continue by private coach across the dramatic desert landscapes of the Sinai Peninsula. Stop for lunch along the Red Sea at Ras Sudr before continuing toward the sacred mountain region.
Arrive at St. Catherine in the evening and check into the guest house near the monastery. Dinner and overnight in this peaceful and historic setting.
Day 9 – January 14 | Mount Sinai & St. Catherine’s Monastery
In the early hours of the morning, begin the optional climb of Mount Sinai under a star-filled sky. Reach the summit in time for a breathtaking sunrise, a powerful and reflective moment where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments.
After descending, enjoy breakfast and visit St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries in the world. Explore the Burning Bush and view priceless ancient manuscripts and icons preserved for centuries.
Later, drive back to Cairo for an evening of rest.
Day 10 – January 15 | Grand Egyptian Museum & Coptic Cairo
After breakfast, visit the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest archaeological museum in the world. Discover the complete treasures of King Tutankhamun, colossal statues of Ramses II, and beautifully preserved mummies, along with interactive exhibits that bring ancient Egypt to life.
After lunch, continue to Coptic Cairo to explore some of the oldest Christian churches in the world, including Saint Barbara Church, Abu Serga Church where the Holy Family is believed to have taken refuge, and the Hanging Church built over an ancient Roman fortress.
Transfer to your hotel for check-in, dinner, and overnight.
Day 11 – January 16 | Departure – Farewell to Egypt
Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your return flight home, carrying unforgettable memories of Egypt’s ancient wonders, sacred mountains, and timeless Nile landscapes.
