Overview

Join Bishop Craig A. Schweitzer and the Western North Dakota Synod on an unforgettable journey to Egypt—a land where ancient wonders and vibrant culture come to life.

Stand in awe before the Pyramids of Giza, sail along the majestic Nile River, and wander through temples that have stood for thousands of years. Feel the pulse of Cairo’s bustling bazaars, marvel at sweeping desert landscapes. 

Discover Egypt’s deep Christian heritage as you visit historic Coptic churches, including the Hanging Church and the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus—believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their time in Egypt—as well as the sacred St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai.

From exploring its pharaonic treasures to savoring the bold flavors of Egyptian cuisine, every moment in this captivating country will leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime.

DETAILS:

  • Trip departs on January 21, 2027, and returns on January 31, 2027

PRICING:

  • $3,790.00 per person based on double occupancy (Land Only)

  • Single room supplement - $790.00

PAYMENT PLAN: 

  • $300.00 deposit per person with registration to secure space

  • Balance due on or before September 26, 2026

REGISTRATION:

  • 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)

  • 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
     

  • Registration Form

FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

Flight costa and itinerary will be post it here in March 2026.

* Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.

January 21 – 31, 2027 21 Jan
Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

 

  • 4 nights in carefully selected 5-star hotels (double occupancy)

  • 1 night at Saint Catherine’s Monastery

  • 4 nights aboard a luxury 5-star Nile River cruise

  • Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner included 

  • All entrance fees to scheduled sites and attractions

  • Private deluxe motor coach transportation

  • Expert local guides with Elias Tours

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Gratuities for Guide, Driver.
  • Airfare
  • Personal expenses.
  • 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.
Highlights
What makes this tour special

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.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Jan 21: Departure from the USA

Begin your adventure as you depart for Egypt, a land of timeless wonders and spiritual depth.

Day 2 – Jan 22: Arrival in Cairo

Arrive in Cairo. After airport assistance, transfer to your hotel and enjoy dinner.
Highlight: Cairo—Africa’s largest city—is where ancient history meets modern hustle and sacred traditions.

Day 3 – Jan 23: Pyramids of Giza & Grand Egyptian Museum

After breakfast, visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Sphinx. Enjoy lunch, then explore the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of ancient artifacts including the treasures of King Tutankhamun.
Highlight: Stand before the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World and walk through one of the most impressive museums on the planet.

Day 4 – Jan 24: Coptic Cairo

Visit the sacred Christian sites in Old Cairo, including the Church of Saint George, Saint Barbara, Abu Serga (where the Holy Family is believed to have stayed), and the Hanging Church. Lunch included, with dinner back at the hotel.
Highlight: Step into some of the earliest Christian landmarks in the world and connect with Egypt’s rich spiritual heritage.

Day 5 – Jan 25: Flight to Luxor & Start of Nile Cruise

Early morning flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, transfer to your 5★ Nile cruise ship and check in before lunch. In the afternoon, visit Luxor Temple and the vast Karnak Temple complex.
Highlight: Walk among the towering columns and sacred sanctuaries of ancient Thebes, once the spiritual center of the pharaohs.

Day 6 – Jan 26: West Bank of Luxor & Sail to Esna

Explore the West Bank of Luxor: visit the Colossi of Memnon, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut (Egypt’s powerful female pharaoh), and enjoy lunch on board. Begin sailing south, passing through the Esna lock en route to Edfu.
Highlight: Stand in awe before grand temples carved into cliffs and watch daily life unfold along the Nile.

Day 7 – Jan 27: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples

Visit the Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus—one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Continue sailing to Kom Ombo and visit its unique twin temple dedicated to Sobek (crocodile god) and Horus.
Highlight: Discover myth, medicine, and mummified crocodiles in Egypt’s remarkable riverside temples.

Day 8 – Jan 28: Philae Temple & Nubian Village (Aswan)

Take a motorboat to visit Philae Temple, beautifully located on an island and dedicated to the goddess Isis. Then, visit a colorful Nubian village to experience local hospitality before returning to your cruise.
Highlight: Feel the grace of ancient love stories and the warmth of Nubian culture—all in one day.

Day 9 – Jan 29: Travel to St. Catherine (Sinai)

Fly to Cairo, then drive across the dramatic Sinai Peninsula. Stop for lunch by the Red Sea in Ras Sudr before arriving at St. Catherine’s Guest House. Dinner and overnight stay.
Highlight: Journey across sacred landscapes to one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world.

Day 10 – Jan 30: Mount Sinai & St. Catherine’s Monastery

At 1:00 AM, begin the climb up Mount Sinai to watch the sunrise from its summit—where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments. After descending, enjoy breakfast and visit St. Catherine’s Monastery. Drive back to Cairo for overnight.
Highlight: A spiritual moment at the top of Sinai—an unforgettable sunrise in one of the most meaningful places on Earth.

Day 11 – Jan 31: Departure – Back to the USA

Fly back home, ending your journey enriched with deep faith, ancient history, and unforgettable experiences.