Best of Egypt: Walk in the Footsteps of Moses & the Holy Family with Rev. Leta Behrens

Day 1 – January 13 - Departure from the United States

Your journey begins today as you depart the United States on your overnight flight to Egypt. As you cross the Atlantic, imagine the wonders ahead — ancient pyramids, magnificent temples, and the timeless Nile River that has shaped life here for thousands of years.

Day 2 – January 14 - Arrival in Cairo - Welcome to Egypt.

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be greeted by our Elias Tours team and assisted through arrival procedures before transferring to your hotel. As you drive through Cairo, the energy of this vast city begins to unfold — a vibrant metropolis where ancient history and modern life exist side by side. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.

Day 3 – January 15 - The Pyramids of Giza & The Grand Egyptian Museum

Today you encounter one of the most awe-inspiring sights on earth. The Pyramids of Giza rise from the desert just outside Cairo — monuments of astonishing scale and mystery built more than 4,500 years ago. Standing before the Great Pyramid of Khufu is a moment few travelers ever forget. Nearby, the legendary Great Sphinx gazes silently across the plateau as it has for millennia. Later visit the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization, home to thousands of treasures including the remarkable artifacts of King Tutankhamun. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.

Day 4 – January - 16 - Cairo – Luxor – Begin Your Nile Cruise

This morning fly south to Luxor, ancient Thebes and one of the greatest archaeological regions in the world.

Begin your exploration at the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex, where towering columns and massive stone gateways tell the story of Egypt’s powerful pharaohs. Later board your Nile River cruise ship, your home for the next four nights. As the sun sets over the river and palm trees drift past the banks, you begin one of the most magical journeys in travel — sailing the Nile. Dinner and overnight on board the cruise.

Day 5 – January - 17 Valley of the Kings & Temple of Hatshepsut

Cross the Nile to Luxor’s West Bank, where the desert hills hide the royal tombs of Egypt’s greatest rulers.

Explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs including Tutankhamun were buried in elaborately decorated tombs carved deep into the mountains. Continue to the elegant Temple of Hatshepsut, dramatically rising from the cliffs and honoring one of Egypt’s most powerful female rulers. Before returning to the ship, stop at the towering Colossi of Memnon, silent guardians of this ancient land. Overnight on board as the cruise sails south.

Day 6 – January - 18 Edfu & Kom Ombo

Today the journey along the Nile continues. Visit the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Later explore Kom Ombo, a fascinating double temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. Return to the cruise ship as the Nile carries you toward Aswan.

Day 7 – January 19 - Aswan – Philae Temple & Nubian Village

Arrive in the beautiful southern city of Aswan, known for its relaxed pace and stunning scenery. Take a boat ride to the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and located on an island in the Nile. Later visit a colorful Nubian village, where you will experience the rich traditions and hospitality of Nubian culture. Overnight on board.

Day 8 – January 20  – Cairo – Sinai Desert

Early this morning, fly back to Cairo and begin the journey across the Sinai Peninsula, traveling through dramatic desert landscapes toward St. Catherine. Dinner and overnight near St. Catherine’s Monastery.

Day 9 – January 21 - Mount Sinai & St. Catherine’s Monastery

Before dawn, those who wish may hike Mount Sinai, reaching the summit in time to watch the sun rise over the desert mountains. Later visit St. Catherine’s Monastery, home to ancient icons, manuscripts, and the site believed to be the biblical Burning Bush. Return to Cairo. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.

Day 10 – January 22 - Coptic Cairo 

Explore Coptic Cairo, the historic center of Egypt’s ancient Christian community. Visit the Hanging Church and the Church of Saints Sergius, believed to be built over the cave where the Holy Family found refuge during their journey through Egypt. Later wander through the historic Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s famous marketplace filled with artisans, spices, jewelry, and traditional crafts. Farewell dinner.

Day 11 – January 23 - Departure from Cairo

Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your return flight home. You leave Egypt with unforgettable memories — standing before the pyramids, sailing the Nile, walking through ancient temples, and experiencing the deep history and living faith of this extraordinary land.

JORDAN EXCURSION - OPTIONAL (+$990 per person double occupancy, $1280 for single occupancy)

Day 1 – January 23, 2027

Cairo – Amman – Petra

Depart Cairo on your short flight to Amman, Jordan, where you will be warmly welcomed upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport. After meeting your local guide and driver, begin your journey south through the beautiful desert landscapes of Jordan.

Enjoy the scenic drive of approximately 2.5 hours along the historic Desert Highway toward Petra. Along the way, take in views of Jordan’s rugged hills and vast open landscapes that have connected civilizations for thousands of years.

Upon arrival in Petra, check in to your hotel and settle in for the evening. Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at the hoteland prepare for tomorrow’s exploration of one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world.

Overnight in Petra.

Day 2 – January 24, 2027

Petra – The Red Rose City – Amman

After breakfast at the hotel, begin a full exploration of Petra, the legendary “Red Rose City” carved directly into sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago.

Enter the ancient city through the narrow canyon known as the Siq, a dramatic natural passageway that gradually reveals Petra’s most iconic monument—the magnificent Treasury (Al-Khazneh). Continue your guided walk through the ancient city, discovering impressive structures such as the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, and the Roman-style Theatercarved into the rock.

Learn about the Nabataean civilization that controlled the spice and incense trade routes and transformed Petra into one of the wealthiest cities of the ancient world.

After time to explore and take in the breathtaking scenery, depart Petra and travel north to Amman, Jordan’s vibrant capital city.

Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Amman.

Day 3 – January 25, 2027

Amman – Madaba – Mount Nebo – Dead Sea – Amman

After breakfast, depart Amman for a day exploring some of Jordan’s most meaningful biblical and historical sites.

Your first stop is Madaba, often called the “City of Mosaics.” Visit St. George’s Church, home to the famous 6th-century Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land, one of the oldest surviving maps of Jerusalem and the surrounding region.

Continue to Mount Nebo, the place where Moses is believed to have seen the Promised Land before his death. From the summit, enjoy sweeping views across the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and on clear days even Jerusalem. Visit the memorial church and admire its beautifully preserved mosaics.

From here, descend to the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. Arrive at a relaxing Dead Sea resort, where you will enjoy lunch followed by free time to experience the unique sensation of floating in the mineral-rich waters or relaxing by the pools and spa facilities.

In the afternoon, return to Amman.

Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Amman.

Day 4 – January 26, 2027

Amman – Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning before transferring to Queen Alia International Airport for your departure flight.

Depart Jordan with wonderful memories of Petra’s rose-colored cliffs, the breathtaking landscapes of the Jordan Valley, and the rich biblical history of this remarkable land.