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Egypt and the Nile Cruise
(Cairo, Abu Simbel, Luxor, Nile Cruise, Mt. Sinai)
from a Christian Perspective
To view pictures from this past trip please click here.
Day 1 • (Friday, April 4, 2008) Overnight Flight (Depart LR at 10:50 a.m. on American # 3959; arrive Chicago at 12:35 p.m.; Depart Chicago at 3:30 p.m. on Alitalia # 627 for Milan.
Our life-changing journey begins this evening as we board our overnight flight to Cairo, Egypt.
Day 2 • (Saturday, April 5, 2008) Cairo (arrive in Milan at 7:25 a.m.; depart Milan at 10:20 a.m. on Alitalia # 627; Arriving in Cairo at 2:10 p.m.)
We arrive in the land of the Pharaohs, Jacob, Joseph and Israel during the famine! Upon arrival at the airport we meet our guide and are immediately transported into Cairo, the capital of Egypt. We transfer to our hotel to settle in and start soaking up the atmosphere of this exciting city.
Day 3 • (Sunday, April 6, 2008) Alexandria
Breakfast and then a day tour to the ancient seaport of Alexandria where we will see the Greco-Roman culture in Egypt. The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria, known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean", has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern; its ambience and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country. First stop is the Fort at Quit Bay which will be followed with a visit to the ancient Catacombs of Kom and Pompay's Pillar. Before returning to Cairo we will relax with the breath-taking views of the Montaza Palaces.
Day 4 • (Monday, April 7, 2008) Coptic Cairo
Our tour today includes the history of the Coptic Church in Cairo with stops at those of greatest interest. Those familiar with Christian life in Egypt will know of the miracle of the Cave Church and the Cairo Trash Dump craft shops. During the past 35 years, thousands of Christians, fleeing poverty in rural Upper Egypt, have congregated into villages within Cairo's garbage dumps, collecting trash and recycling metal, plastic, paper and bones. Although the villages are disease-prone and poverty-stricken, an incredible Christian community has emerged as believers have developed schools, health clinics and churches. The incredible 'Cave Cathedral' is the largest church in the Middle East. It seats 20,000 and would do justice to the Hollywood Bowl with its modern sound system, and closed-circuit television. It is spectacular, as a huge overhanging rock covers most of the amphitheatre.
Day 5 • (Tuesday, April 8, 2008) Abu Simbel
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Abu Simbel, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Nubian Monuments." Our Egyptologist guide will discuss the relevance of this spectacular site from Egyptian history. We will also try to put in perspective the long history of Egypt. Here we will visit the massive temple of Pharaoh Rameses II, perhaps the greatest builder of temples in ancient Egypt (13th Century BC) and a second one of Queen Nafertari, Rameses's most beloved wife. We overnight in Aswan this evening.
Day 6 • (Wednesday, April 9, 2008) Aswan, High Dam, Nile Cruise
This morning we take time to visit the High Dam, built from 1960 - 1971 and is a major factor in Egypt’s agricultural success. We then also spend time at Philae Temple on the Isi-Island. This complex was moved from up river due to the impending destruction upon the completion of the High Dam. We have a Felucca ride around the Agh Khan Mausoleum before boarding our cruise ship and heading south to Kom Umbo. We then have dinner and overnight on board.
Day 7 • (Thursday, April 10, 2008) Kom Ombo - Edfu - Esna
Breakfast is served on board before traveling to visit the remains of Kom Ombo Temple, situated on the riverside. Unlike most, this temple is dedicated to two gods - the crocodile god of Sebek and the solar god of war, Horus the Great. We spend time here before continuing on to Edfu, the location of one of the best preserved Egyptian Temples. This site was initially developed 1000 years before Abraham came to Egypt! After our visit we continue through the Esna Lock to Luxor. We have dinner and overnight on board.
Day 8 • (Friday, April 11, 2008) Esna to Luxor, Karnak
After breakfast our travels continue to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor we have free time for lunch before visiting the Temple of Karnak (temple of the New Kingdom period) and the East Bank of the Nile. It was during this period that the bondage and Exodus occurred. Karnak second to Giza’s Pyramids, is one of Egypt’s most important Pharaonic sites. We visit the famous Temple of Luxor, which was founded in the reign of Amenhotep III, grandson of the pharaoh of the Exodus. Re-board our ship for dinner and overnight.
Day 9 • (Saturday, April 12, 2008) Valley of the Kings, Flight to Cairo
Today we will visit the Valley of the Kings (where many ancient pharaohs were buried) and the famous Temple of Hatshepsut, the princess who perhaps pulled baby Moses out of the Nile River. This temple may have been designed by Moses. This afternoon we board our flight back to the city of Cairo.
Day 10 • (Sunday, April 13, 2008) Cairo
Today we travel back to ancient Egypt with a full day of touring to the wonders of the ancient world, some of which date back to 1000+ years prior to Abraham. We spend time at one of the seven wonders of the world- the pyramids. Cheops, with an original height of 496 feet, is the most colossal pyramid ever built. Today, we will also see the Sphinx and tour the Egyptian Museum, location of Tutankhamen's treasures and ancient remains.
Day 11 • (Monday, April 14, 2008) Mt. Sinai
This morning we depart Cairo, pass through the southern edge of the "Land of Goshen" and travel the southward route of the Exodus through the Wilderness of Shur. We learn of the terrain and the history of this region en-route as we pass Marah (Springs of Moses) and further to the south, the oasis of Elim. Arriving in the late afternoon to the hotel at Mt. Sinai (Mt. Horeb), we have dinner and rest for our early morning activity.
Day 12 • (Tuesday, April 15, 2008) Mt. Moses, Return to Cairo
Just into the new day we wake and depart for a memorable candle light walk up Mt. Moses for a sunrise to remember. Once at the top we have a short service and then depart down the mountain for breakfast. We transfer back to Cairo today with the remainder of the day free.
Day 13 • Wednesday, April 16, 2008 )Homeward
After breakfast at the hotel we will go to the Cairo Airport for our flight homeward. Depart Cairo at 3:00 a.m. on Alitalia # 883, arriving in Milan at 7:05 a.m.; Depart Milan at 10:30 a.m. on Alitalia # 626, arriving in Chicago at 1:45 p.m.; depart Chicago at 5:30 p.m. on American # 3938, arriving in Little Rock at 7:20 p.m.
The cost of the tour is $3295 (as of September 1, 2007. This includes $304 in air taxes)
The tour includes a round trip ticket from Little Rock, AR, domestic flights in Egypt, 11 nights of lodging at first class and deluxe Egypt hotels, deluxe Nile River cruise, breakfast and dinner daily and all meals while on the Nile cruise, a full-time English speaking Egyptian tour guide, services of long distance deluxe motor coach as appears on itinerary, all guides and entrances and transportation as appears in above itinerary, $304 in air taxes, and gratuities for drivers, guides and hotel/cruise staff.
The cost does not include the Egyptian visa (currently it is $20 and payable upon entry); lunches while not on cruise, and travel medical and cancellation insurance (from Adams and Associate at a cost of $106.60) This insurance should be purchased at the time of reservation. Any personal changes in air schedules may involve an additional cost.
A deposit of $500 is payable upon application, and can be made to Ouachita International Travel Program by check or credit card.
Delays, Cancellation and Refund: Ouachita International Travel Program is not responsible for changes and delays in airline schedules and cannot reimburse passengers for expenses resulting from delays, etc. If one cancels and is not covered by cancellation insurance, the following schedule will be followed: 91+ days prior to departure, $100; 90-61 days prior; $300; 60-46 days, 35 % of trip cost ($1153); 45-31 days prior; 60% of tour cost ($1977); 30-15 days prior, 80% ($2636); 14 days or less, 100% of cost of tour. This is the reason that everyone should include the very reasonable travel medical and cancellation insurance mentioned above. Travel insurance is not refundable.
Confirmed Air Schedule
April 4: Departing Little Rock at 10:50 AM on American Flight # 3959
Arriving in Chicago at 12:35 PM
Departing Chicago at 3:30 PM on Alitalia Flight # 627
April 5: Arriving in Milan at 7:25 AM
Departing Milan at 10:20 AM on Alitalia Flight # 882
Arriving in Cairo at 2:10 PM
April 16: Departing Cairo at 3:00 AM on Alitalia Flight # 883
Arriving in Milan at 7:05 AM
Departing Milan at 10:30 AM on Alitalia Flight # 626
Arriving in Chicago at 1:45 PM
Departing Chicago at 5:30 PM on American Flight # 3938
Arriving in Little Rock at 7:20 PM
Contact Information:
Ouachita International Travel Program
(a division of the Grant Center for International Programs)
106 N. 5th Street
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
dixonb@obu.edu
Home: 870-246-7271
Cell: 870-245-8804