Egypt 2026 Pilgrimage – “Faith, Pharaohs, and the Nile”
Journey into the land where faith and history intertwine. In 2026, we invite you to join Pastor Jennifer Sung on a pilgrimage through Egypt—a place of refuge for the Holy Family, a land of prophets and kings, and a witness to the earliest Christian communities. Together we’ll gaze upon the Pyramids of Giza, monuments that have stood since long before Moses; explore temples and tombs that echo with ancient stories; and sail peacefully down the Nile, watching the timeless river bring life to its banks.
In Cairo, we’ll enter the heart of Coptic Christianity, visiting sacred churches that still carry the prayers of centuries and learning about the enduring witness of the Egyptian church. Along the way, there will be time for worship, study, fellowship, and joy as we share meals, stories, and discoveries. This pilgrimage promises not only a journey through Egypt’s wonders but also a journey deeper into the story of God, alive in both past and present.
Come ready for awe, and leave renewed by the Spirit that still whispers in desert winds and riverside breezes.
DETAILS:
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Trip departs on November 11, 2026, and returns on November 21, 2026
PRICING:
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$3,790.00 per person based on double occupancy
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Single room supplement - $890.00
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 July 9, 2026
REGISTRATION:
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Registering online? Click the "BOOK NOW" button and fill out the online form; you can pay by check or with a credit card (a nonrefundable 4% platform fee applies when paying with a card)
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Registering by mail? Please download and complete the registration form (both the personal information page and the terms and conditions page signed at the bottom) with a copy of your passport and a deposit of $300.00 per person made payable to Elias Tours and mailed to 4941 Chalden Ln NE, Marietta, GA 30066
FLIGHT SCHEDULE:
Flight cost and itinerary will be posted here in January 2026.
* Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information, check the airline website.
What is included in the tour
- 9 nights in 4-star hotels (Double Occupancy)
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner daily
- Entrance fees to all sites
- All ground transportation is in a private tour bus
- Domestic flights in Egypt
- Entry Visa into Egypt
What is NOT included in the tour
- Gratuities for Guide, Driver.
- Personal expenses
- Airfare
- 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.
Step into the wonders of Egypt on this unforgettable adventure along the Nile. From the mighty Pyramids of Giza and the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum to the ancient temples of Luxor and Karnak, each day reveals a new chapter of history. We’ll sail the Nile in comfort, stopping to explore Edfu, Kom Ombo, and the island sanctuary of Philae, while also experiencing the warmth of Nubian culture. In Cairo, we’ll trace the footsteps of the Holy Family in Coptic Cairo, wander through the bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, and stand before the Royal Mummies at the Museum of Civilization. Blending breathtaking sights with cultural encounters, this journey offers the perfect balance of history, faith, and discovery.
Day 1 – Nov 11: Departure from USA
Your journey to the land of the Pharaohs begins today! As you board your overnight flight to Egypt, let anticipation build for what lies ahead—mighty temples, golden treasures, and stories as old as time itself. Sit back, relax, and dream of standing before the Great Pyramids or sailing the timeless Nile beneath a glowing sunset.
Day 2 – Nov 12: Arrival in Cairo
Welcome to Cairo, a city where ancient wonders rise beside the pulse of modern life. After airport assistance and a warm greeting from your local team, transfer to your hotel and settle in. Enjoy a relaxing dinner and your first evening in Africa’s largest city. Step onto your balcony or stroll through the hotel gardens tonight—you’ll feel the energy of a city that never truly sleeps, humming with faith, history, and possibility.
Day 3 – Nov 13: Pyramids of Giza & Grand Egyptian Museum
Wake up to your first full day in Egypt! After breakfast, travel to the Giza Plateau where the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx have guarded the desert for over 4,000 years. Take in the view of these colossal monuments that once inspired ancient travelers and still leave modern visitors speechless. After lunch, enter the Grand Egyptian Museum—one of the most anticipated museum openings in the world—where thousands of ancient artifacts, including the treasures of King Tutankhamun, are beautifully displayed. This day captures the essence of Egypt—where eternity and discovery meet face to face.
Day 4 – Nov 14: Coptic Cairo
Today you’ll explore the spiritual heart of Egypt. Walk through Old Cairo’s winding alleys to discover the Church of Saint George, Saint Barbara, and the serene Hanging Church. At Abu Serga, pause at the spot believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt—a moving experience that connects faith and history in a powerful way. Over lunch, savor Egyptian flavors before returning to your hotel for a restful evening. Cairo’s lights will shimmer across the Nile, reminding you how the city has cradled countless stories of faith for centuries.
Day 5 – Nov 15: Flight to Luxor & Start of Nile Cruise
An early morning flight brings you to Luxor—ancient Thebes, the city of temples and kings. Step aboard your luxurious 5★ Nile cruise ship and settle into your cabin as the crew welcomes you aboard with warm smiles. This afternoon, visit the majestic Luxor Temple and the vast Karnak Temple complex, connected once by a grand avenue lined with sphinxes. As evening falls, return to your ship for dinner. Watching the sun set over the Nile’s gentle waters, you’ll understand why so many travelers fall in love with this timeless river.
Day 6 – Nov 16: West Bank of Luxor & Sail to Esna
Cross to the West Bank of the Nile, where Egypt’s greatest secrets lie buried in golden sands. Visit the Colossi of Memnon, the towering guardians of an ancient temple, and the breathtaking Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut—Egypt’s only female pharaoh who ruled with unmatched vision. After exploring, enjoy lunch on board as your ship begins its serene journey southward. Glide past palm groves, fishermen, and small villages—life along the Nile unfolding just as it has for thousands of years. As you pass through the Esna Lock, toast to another incredible day on deck under the stars.
Day 7 – Nov 17: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples
Wake up to the sounds of the river and step ashore at Edfu, home to one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Its towering walls and intricate carvings bring the myths of ancient Egypt vividly to life. Continue sailing toward Kom Ombo, where the only double temple in Egypt honors both Sobek—the crocodile god—and Horus the Elder. Here, you’ll even see mummified crocodiles once revered by temple priests. Return to your ship for dinner as the Nile glows with the last light of day, the desert beyond fading into twilight.
Day 8 – Nov 18: Philae Temple & Nubian Village (Aswan)
Arrive in Aswan, a place of calm waters and granite hills. Take a small motorboat across the river to the enchanting island of Philae, home to the Temple of Isis, goddess of love and magic. The setting is pure serenity—the temple reflected perfectly in the Nile’s blue surface. Later, visit a colorful Nubian village where you’ll be welcomed with tea, music, and smiles that speak the language of hospitality. Wander through narrow alleys painted in bright blues and oranges, meet local families, and enjoy a glimpse of a culture as warm as the desert sun.
Day 9 – Nov 19: Travel to St. Catherine (Sinai)
This morning, fly to Cairo and begin your scenic drive across the Sinai Peninsula—a land sacred to three faiths. Stop for lunch by the sparkling Red Sea, where turquoise waves lap gently against golden shores. Continue your journey through rugged mountain landscapes until you reach St. Catherine’s, resting in the shadow of Mount Sinai. The air here feels different—quiet, thin, and holy. Settle into your guest house and enjoy a peaceful evening before tomorrow’s climb.
Day 10 – Nov 20: Mount Sinai & St. Catherine’s Monastery
Rise in the early hours and begin your climb up Mount Sinai beneath a canopy of stars. Step by step, follow the path of pilgrims who’ve journeyed here for centuries. As the first rays of dawn break over the peaks, the scene will leave you breathless—golden light spilling over the sacred mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments. After descending, enjoy breakfast and a visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of Christianity’s oldest living monasteries. Its ancient icons, burning bush, and quiet courtyards hold centuries of prayer and devotion. Later, return to Cairo for a well-earned rest and final reflections.
Day 11 – Nov 21: Departure – Back to the USA
After breakfast, bid farewell to Egypt—the land that has welcomed you with history, beauty, and faith at every turn. As you fly home, carry the memories of the Nile, the echo of ancient prayers, and the warmth of the Egyptian people. This journey may be ending, but its stories will stay with you forever.
