Master Minded Ministries: Exceptional Trip to Egypt

Overview

Videos

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

• Check in for your flight to Cairo

Day 2 Cairo

• Arrive in Cairo in the evening and transfer to your hotel

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive in Cairo, where East and West come together in a wonderful mix of old and new. After customs formalities, you'll be met by our representatives in Cairo and then escorted to your centrally located 5-star hotel overlooking the Nile River. 

Day 3 Cairo

• Embark on a full day of sightseeing in Cairo
• Walk along El Moez & tour Old Cairo
• See the Citadel of Saladin and the Alabaster Mosque
• Experience the sights and sounds of the Khan El Khalili Bazaar
• Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning,  enjoy a guided walk along El Moez Street, one of the oldest and most impressive streets in Cairo, dating back to the Fatimid period. Begin at Azhar mosque, one of the best medieval architectural treasures in the Islamic world. Continue to Bab Zuweila, a medieval gate in Cairo considered one of the city's significant landmarks, and Al Hussein Mosque, named for the grandson of the Prophet Muhammed and one of the holiest Islamic sites in Cairo. Walk by Al-Hakim Mosque, Bab al-Fetouh, and Bab al-Nasr, a massive fortified gate with rectangular stone towers flanking the semicircular arch of the eastern Portal. Proceed to Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, remarkable for its size and innovative architectural components, Al-Rifa'I Mosque, then to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, the oldest mosque in the city surviving in its original form.

Continue exploring Cairo's Old City. See the Hanging Church, named for its location atop the southern gate of the Roman Fortress. Continue to Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope. Visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, believed to be Cairo's oldest synagogue.

Your day of sightseeing continues with the Citadel of Saladin, built on the remains of a Crusader-style fortress and the Alabaster Mosque. Then, visit the famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where the sights, sounds, spices, exotic clothing and jewelry, hand-hammered copper, ceramic ware, and other treasures await your deft bargaining to win them at astounding prices.

Later this evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4 Cairo, Pyramids, Sphinx & Luxor

• Tour the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren
• Optional Excursion: Inner Chamber of the Great Pyramid at Giza (purchased locally)
• Visit GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum)
• Evening flight from Cairo to Luxor

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, your guide will escort you on a fascinating tour of the most famous of all sites in Egypt—the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren. These monuments have stood for 46 centuries and are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, possibly the most visited monuments of Egypt. The Sphinx, a feline character with the body of a lion and the face of Khufu (Cheops in Greek), is 50 meters long and 22 meters high. Carved from a single stone, it lies just before the Pyramids, and even today, its meaning and origin remain shrouded in mystery.

Take advantage of a unique opportunity to explore the interior of the pyramids. This 30-minute visit to the interior is unguided.

Important notice: You must be in good physical condition to fully enjoy this tour, which involves traversing narrow passages and steep stairways. Some areas have shallow ceilings preventing visitors from standing upright. This excursion is not recommended to anyone suffering from heart conditions, back problems, asthma, or claustrophobia.

After lunch, be prepared to be captivated by the world of Ancient Egypt and visit one of the largest archaeological museums in the world, situated near the Giza pyramids. The museum exhibition is only partially open to a limited of visitors. The experience will include The Grand Staircase Gallery and King Tutankhamen show. This is a 30-minute immersive show and a 45-minute guided tour of the museum's Grand and Glass Halls.

Later this evening, transfer to the airport for a flight to Luxor, the capital of the New Kingdom when in 1580 BC, Pharoah Ahmos drove foreign invaders (the Hyksos) from Lower Egypt. Then, Luxor became a grand city of luxurious palaces, massive temples, extensive gardens, and a significant diplomatic and trade center of the ancient world. Transfer from the airport to your hotel.

Day 5 Luxor

• Embark on your Nile cruise and enjoy lunch aboard
• Tour the East Bank of the Nile and the Temple of Karnak

MS Tamr or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the pier for embarkation aboard your deluxe Nile cruise ship. Settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch aboard.

This afternoon, visit the East Bank of the Nile. Highlights of today's tour include visits to the Temple of Karnak, one of the most significant monuments of the Pharaonic legacy, with work carried out on the temples over 1500 years, and Luxor Temple, strikingly graceful and added to over the centuries by Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Alexander the Great, and others.

Day 6 Luxor, Esna & Edfu

• Hot Air Balloon ride over the Nile River
• Tour the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings via motor coach
• Visit the mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
• Discover the ancient tomb of King Tutankhamun

MS Tamr or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, disembark and board your touring coach to visit the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings, where 64 of Egypt's Pharaohs have their royal tombs hewn into the sheer rock. Continue to the impressive Deir El Bahari mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural wonder built against a looming cliff face, and the Colossi of Memnon, two giant seated statues of Amenhotep III. Afterward, discover the ancient tomb of King Tutankhamun. Explore the rooms covered in mural paintings and the burial chamber, which still contains the pharaoh's mummy in its original sarcophagus.

Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride (purchased locally), $170

Wake up early to embark on a Hot Air Balloon ride for an incredible bird's eye view over the Nile. (Subject to weather conditions.)

Day 7 Esna, Edfu & Kom Ombo

• Tour of Edfu including the Temple of Horus
• Sail along the Nile River to Kom Ombo
• Sail to Aswan overnight

MS Tamr or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Sail from Esna to Edfu. As you go south, have an opportunity to view rural life in Egypt. The crops, farming methods, animals, and irrigation systems have changed little from 4,000 years ago. Appreciate the fascinating contrast between ancient and modern ways of life, which coexist in Egypt and make it one of the world's most interesting travel destinations.

At Edfu, you'll see the Temple of Horus, Egypt's best-preserved temple. Afterward, board your ship and sail to Kom Ombo, where, in ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the river bank. The Temple of Kom Ombo is unique in all of Egypt and is shared by the two gods Sobek and Haroeris. These Ptolemaic temples overlook the Nile and feature fascinating drawings on the walls, including detailed drawings of surgical instruments.

Day 8 Aswan

• Abu Simbel tour
• Optional early morning excursion to Abu Simbel
• Take a tour by felucca
• Enjoy High Tea at the Historic Old Cataract
• Enjoy a festive dinner on board

MS Tamr or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Early this morning, fly from Aswan to nearby Abu Simbel, the site of the Great Temple of Ramses II, one of the most magnificent temples in Egypt and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Part of the Nubian Monuments, the twin temples of Abu Simbel were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Ramses II in the 13th century B.C. as a lasting tribute to himself and his queen Nefertiti. After the creation of Lake Nasser, formed by the building of Aswan High Dam in 1968, the Abu Simbel complex was relocated entirely above the reservoir. After exploring the temple complex, return to Aswan. 

Originally named "Syene" for the coarse-grained syenite extracted from its quarries, Aswan became a trading hub for spices, leather, ivory, fruit, grains, baskets, and mummified and living crocodiles. Enjoy a tour aboard a felucca (a small, swift Egyptian sailboat).

Afterward, visit The Terrace in the Historic Old Cataract to enjoy High Tea. The Terrace is a legendary venue where Dame Agatha Christie once settled for hours, intently penning chapters of her celebrated Death on the Nile. Look out over the Nile, Khnum Temple, and Elephantine Island while savoring an authentic High Tea experience enriched with mouthwatering international pastries.

Later this evening, enjoy a festive dinner on board.

Day 9 Aswan & Cairo

• Visit Philae Temple, the former holiest site for Isis worshipers
• Admire Aswan's High Dam and the granite quarries
• In the early afternoon, board your flight to Cairo

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

This morning visit Philae Temple, considered the holiest site for Isis worshipers for centuries. The temple was officially closed down in the 6th century A.D. by the Byzantine emperor Justinian and was the last pagan temple to exist in the Mediterranean world. After the construction of the Aswan Dam, the half-submerged temple complex was completely dismantled and rebuilt to the original specifications on the nearby island of Agilika, which was reshaped and landscaped to resemble the original Philae. Metal pylons on the old island of Philae can still be seen rising from the water to the south of Agilika.

Then, visit Aswan's High Dam, which controls the Nile and is a significant source of hydroelectric power in Egypt. See the granite quarries where a partially carved and cracked obelisk demonstrates how the giant forms were hewn from the solid rock.

Transfer to the airport to board your short flight back to Cairo. After settling into your hotel, enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 10 Cairo

• Discover the treasures of the Egyptian Museum
• Visit Memphis & Sakkara
• Enjoy a farewell dinner

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning enjoy a full day tour of Cairo, starting with the National Egyptian Museum, where you'll see, among other treasures, the priceless antiquities of Tutankhamun's tomb.

Later, visit the royal burial ground of Sakkara, located in the ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis. Discover the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest known complete stone building from the Third Dynasty.

On your last evening in Egypt, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at your hotel.

Day 11 Cairo/USA

• Bid farewell to Egypt as you're escorted to the airport for your return flight
• Arrive in the USA later today

Breakfast

Hotels & Ship

Hotels

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino

Deluxe

See Egypt in a new way at the Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino. Sitting on the west bank of the Nile River, the hotel proudly stands as one of Cairo's most recognizable landmarks. Try your luck at Blackjack or the slots in our dazzling casino or take a short walk to the Cairo Opera House, Egyptian Museum or Cairo shopping centers. The Pyramids of Giza are just 20 minutes away.

More information

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa

Deluxe

Enjoy modern luxury on the Nile River at Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa. Located less than 4 miles from the city center and a few miles from both Karnak and Luxor temples, Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa offers stylish decor with breathtaking views of the West Bank.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Cruise Ship

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.