Join us for an unforgettable tour of the land where Jesus likely took His first steps! Walk the same paths Moses walked as he stood face-to-face with Pharaoh in the time of the Exodus.
Egypt—the land of Pharaohs, Jacob, Joseph and the nation of Israel during the famine. This country is not only one of the most culturally rich in the world, but it has so many fascinating biblical and historic landmarks to discover.
Together we will explore the Pyramids of Giza; the Egyptian Museum; the Luxor Temple; the Step Pyramid; Solomon’s Column; the Valley of Kings, Queens and nobles; and more. Join us for an optional four-night Nile River cruise from Luxor to Aswan to see more of this country’s beautiful landscapes.
Dr. Jim Hoffmeier, Ph.D. will be our biblical scholar and lecturer throughout the tour. Dr. Hoffmeier is Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern History and Archaeology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and is recognized for his extensive research, writings and contributions to understanding biblical history and the ancient Near East. Having grown up in Egypt as the son of missionaries, Dr. Hoffmeier brings a unique perspective to his teaching. We are delighted that he and his wife, Cathy, are joining us for this tour.
Experiencing the history and culture of Egypt with the insight of our biblical scholar will create an unforgettable experience you’ll never want to end. We are going to have a great time. Join us!
Space is limited to 40 people. For additional information, contact Kim Hodge at kim.hodge@cmda.org or (423) 844-1063.
Thursday, January 11: Depart from the U.S.
Friday, January 12: Cairo
Welcome to the land of the Pharaohs, Moses, Jacob, Joseph, and Israel during the famine. After passing through immigration and claiming your luggage, transport to the Movenpick Media City Hotel. Check into your room and rest before our first meal together, dinner at 7 p.m. in the dining room. You will meet other tour participants, CMDA tour leaders, guide, and our biblical scholar. We will meet for a short orientation following dinner as we prepare for our first day of exploring Egypt. Movenpick Media City Hotel, Cairo, or similar (3 nights)
Saturday, January 13: Cairo
We begin our day by traveling back in time to ancient Egypt with a full day of touring the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx. Some of these pyramids date back to more than 1,000 years before Abraham. Cheops is the biggest Egyptian pyramid and the tomb of Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Khufu. Built in the early 26th century B.C. during a period of 27 years. This pyramid is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one to remain largely intact. This afternoon we will drive to downtown Cairo to visit the Cairo Museum at Tahrir Square. This is the largest museum in Africa and houses the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world. Among its masterpieces are Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s treasure, including its iconic gold burial mask, widely considered one of the best-known works of art in the world and a prominent symbol of ancient Egypt. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Sunday, January 14: Cario
This morning we will drive to the Memphis region. Memphis was one of the oldest and most important cities in ancient Egypt, located at the entrance to the Nile River Valley near the Giza plateau. It served as the capital of ancient Egypt and an important religious cult center. We will visit Saqqara, where we will see the Step Pyramid of Djoser. This archaeological site is northwest of the ruins of Memphis. The six-tier, four-sided structure is the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt. These necropolises were the burial grounds for the kings and elite of the nearby capital, Memphis. Then we will visit the outdoor museum of Memphis, including a colossal statue of Ramesses II. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Monday, January 15: Cario – Fly to Luxor
Our day will begin with a visit to the National Museum of Egyption Civilization. The Museum is home to some of the most famous and well-preserved artefacts from ancient Egyptian civilization from prehistoric times to the present day, including the Replica of the Rosetta Stone, a statue of Pharaoh Ramses II and the Royal mummy of Hatshepsut. While in Old Ciro we will visit some of the earliest churches including a visit to the Cave Church, the largest church in the Middle East. This church set in a big cave at the heart of Mokatam Hill. It is located by one of Cairo’s garbage collectors area, where there are about 50,000 Christians living on manual garbage separation. We will then take an evening flight (ticket included with tour) to Luxor. Where we will transfer to Steigenberger Nile Palace Hotel or similar for dinner and overnight. (4 nights)
Tuesday, January 16: Luxor
After breakfast we will visit the Karnak Temple, the cult center of Amun, No-Amon (Thebes) of the Bible. Here Thutmose Ill’s Annals record his famous battle at Megiddo and Shishak’s relief records the campaign of 925 BC against Israel and Judah. The temple is also home to the Egyptian text of the treaty of Ramesses and Hatusili the Hittite ruler and the classic Hypostyle Hall. The Great Hypostyle Hall covers an area of 50,000 sq ft with 134 massive columns arranged in 16 rows. One hundred and twenty-two of these columns are 10 metres (33 ft) tall, and the other 12 are 21 metres (69 ft) tall with a diameter of over 3 metres (9.8 ft). The architraves, on top of these columns, are estimated to weigh 70 tons. During our visit we will walk among these pillars along the avenue of the Sphinxes.
In the evening, visit the illuminated Luxor Temple. This temple is dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship; it may have been where many of the pharaohs of Egypt were crowned in reality or conceptually (as in the case of Alexander the Great, who claimed he was crowned at Luxor but may never have traveled south of Memphis. The Pylon contains reliefs of Ramesses ll’s battle of Kadesh and a portrayal of his tabernacle-like camp. We will then return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Wednesday, January 17 Luxor
Optional hot-air balloon flight over west Luxor. Weather permitting you will have an opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of Luxor’s ancient sites from aboard a hot air balloon. Flights typically launce early morning for sunrise and include a local guide on to point out sights and tell you about their history and relevance. The additional cost will be announced in advance to making reservations.
Today, we’ll cross the Nile river then drive west to explore the great Valley of Kings, where generations of Pharaohs were buried in crypts cut into the cliffs. You will have the opportunity to visit several tombs including Tut Ankh Amon’s tomb. After a stop to see the Colossi of Memnon we will visit the temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Thursday, January 18 Luxor
Following breakfast we will cross the Nile to visit the Tombs of the Nobles include remarkable painted and carved scenes. In the Tomb of Rekhmire we will see the famous scene in which foreigners are forced to make bricks. After lunch we will visit Medinet Habu one of the best preserved temples of the New Kingdom and contains the renowned panorama of the Sea Peoples (including the Philistines) invasion of Egypt. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Friday, January 19 Luxor, Flights to Cairo
We will begin the last day of the tour with a visit to the Valley of the Queens. This is the location where the wives of pharaohs were buried in ancient times. It was known then as Ta-Set-Neferu, meaning “the place of beauty”. We will then visit Deir el-Medineh, an ancient Egyptian workmen’s village which was home to the artisans who worked on the tombs in the Valley of the Kings during the 18th to 20th Dynasties of the New Kingdom of Egypt. We will finish our day of tour with a visit to Ramesseum, funerary temple of Ramses II. The temple, famous for its 57-foot (17-metre) seated statue of Ramses II, was dedicated to the god Amon and the deceased king. The walls of the Ramesseum are decorated with reliefs, including scenes depicting the Battle of Kadesh, the Syrian wars, and the Festival of Min.
Travelers NOT continuing for the Nile River Cruise extension will be transported to Luxor airport for return flights to Cairo (flight included in tour package). In Cairo you will enjoy dinner and spend the night at the Marriott Le Méridien Cairo Hotel connected to Terminal Three by a convenient pedestrian bridge. Departing international flights from Cairo International Airport (CAI) can be scheduled on Friday, January 19 after 10 p.m. and throughout Saturday, January 20, 2024. The tour fee includes dinner and hotel accommodation on the night of Friday, January 19.
Travelers continuing on for the Nile River Cruise extension will return to the Steigenberger Nile Palace Hotel for dinner and overnight.
—— OPTIONAL NILE RIVER CRUISE EXTENSION ——
PLEASE NOTE: The excursion listed for each day during the cruise extension are organized by the cruise and included in the cruise package. Travelers’ participation is optional each day. Dr. Jim and Cathy Hoffmeier will provide insights about the various sites and will help our CMDA travelers gain additional information as we travel on the extension.
Saturday, January 20 Luxor – Embark Nile River Cruise
Enjoy a late start to our day, shopping and visiting the sites in Luxor and check in on the Nile cruise. In the Evening visit Luxor Museum. Dinner and overnight onboard Steigenberger Regency (4 nights)
Sunday, January 21
Morning transfer to visit the Ramesseum, the funerary temple of Ramesses II and see the colossal Ozymandius statue, and mudbrick storehouses. Visit Deir el-Medineh Temple. Then sail to Esna, cross the lock and continue sailing to Edfu. Dinner and overnight Onboard.
Monday, January 22
Admire the beautiful scenery of the Nile while sailing to Edfu where you will discover the huge temple dedicated to the god Horus by horse carriage and tours it with your guide. The boat sail to Komombo, where you will visit the unusual double temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the god Haroeris. Lunch on board. Complete sailing to Aswan. Dinner and overnight Onboard.
Tuesday, January 23
Today you will have the opportunity to visit the unfinished Obelisque and Philae temple dedicated to the goddess ISIS. Afternoon visit Aswan High Dam. This dam is one of the world’s largest embankment dams, which was built across the Nile between 1960 and 1970. With the ability to better control flooding, provide increased water storage for irrigation and generate hydroelectricity, the dam was seen as pivotal to Egypt’s planned industrialization. Dinner and overnight onboard in Aswan.
Wednesday, January 24 – Fly to Cairo
Check out after breakfast, and transfer to Aswan airport to fly to Cairo (flight with extension package). In Cairo you will enjoy dinner and spend the night at the Marriott Le Méridien Cairo Hotel connected to Terminal Three by a convenient pedestrian bridge. Departing international flights from Cairo International Airport (CAI) can be scheduled on Wednesday, January 24 after 9 p.m. and throughout Thursday, January 25. The tour fee includes dinner and hotel accommodation on the night of Wednesday, January 24.
Thursday, January 25 – Departing international flights from Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Tour Package Includes
- Cairo/Luxor/Cairo domestic flight tickets
- Eight nights lodging
- Hotel city tax and porterage at hotels
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- Seven dinners, beginning with dinner Friday, January 12
- Christian tour guide and PhD level biblical scholar, English speaking and licensed
- Entrance fees to museums and other sites included in the itinerary
- Use of whispers wireless headset system to assist hearing guides
- All tips and gratuities, excluding tip for lunches
- Land transportation including shuttle transfer on arrival from Ciro International Airport on Friday, January 12. Transfers included for arriving flights will be offered at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., or 6 p.m. Personal transfers will be available at other times for an extra charge.
- Portage for one piece of luggage at the hotels.
- International Travel Insurance from Thursday, January 11 – Saturday, January 20, 2024 (allows for an extra day of travel at the beginning and end of the tour). Additional days are available for $7 per person per day. This coverage includes Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Medical Expenses, Disability Income, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Crisis Management, including the expense and coordination of a security evacuation, Personal Property, and General Liability.
Optional Four-Day Cappadocia Extension Includes
- Four Nights onboard the Steigenberger Regency Cruise
- Excursions/sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
- Aswan/Cairo domestic flight following cruise
- One night at Marriott Le Meridien Cairo Airport Hotel following cruise
- English Speaking licensed tour guide throughout the itinerary.
- International Travel Insurance from Saturday, January 20 – Friday, January 26, 2024 (allows for an extra day of travel following extension). Additional days are available for $7 per person per day. This coverage includes Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Medical Expenses, Disability Income, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Crisis Management, including the expense and coordination of a security evacuation, Personal Property, and General Liability.
Tour Package Does NOT Include
- International flights
- Egypt Tourist Visa ($25) purchased online or through guide after arrival
- Charges for camera permit (smart phones are excluded) at museums and some sites.
- Lunches and gratuities for lunch
- Beverages
- Personal expenses, items not listed in “Tour Package Includes”
Hotels for main tour:
Cairo – Movenpick Media City Hotel or similar
Luxor – Steigenberger Nile Palace Hotel or similar
St. Catherine – Morgan Land Hotel or similar
Cairo – Marriott Le Meridien Airport Hotel or similar
River Cruise Boat – Steigenberger Regency
Cairo – Marriott Le Meridien Airport Hotel or similar
Main Tour:
| Double Occupancy (per person) | |
| CMDA Member and Spouse/Family | $3,370 |
| Non-Member | $3,470 |
| Single Occupancy | |
| Member Non-Member | $4,195 |
| Non-Member | $4,295 |
Optional Extension:
| Double Occupancy (per person) | $1,890 |
| Optional Extension Single Occupancy | $2,734 |
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations and requests for refund must be submitted in writing to the Christian Medical & Dental Associations at the address below or by email.
Cancellation charges will be assessed as follows:
| Before or on October 1 | $400 per person |
| October 1 – November 15 | $800 per person |
| November 16 – November 30 | $1,800 per person |
| December 1 – December 15 | $2,600 per person |
| After December 15 | No Refund |
Additional lodging for pre-tour and post-tour hotel stays are non-refundable once reservation is confirmed.
Email: kim.hodge@cmda.org
Mail:
CMDA
Attn: Kim Hodge
PO Box 7500
Bristol, TN 37621
Arrival
Fly IN to Cairo International Airport (CAI) no later than Friday, January 12, 2024
Departure
Tour Only – Depart out of Cairo International Airport (CAI). Departures can be scheduled following the day of touring on Friday, January 19 after 9 p.m. and throughout Saturday, January 20, 2024. The tour fee includes dinner and hotel accommodation on the night of Friday, January 19.
Tour and Extension – Depart out of Cairo International Airport (CAI). Departures can be scheduled following domestic flights from Aswan to Cairo on Wednesday, January 24 after 9 p.m. and throughout Thursday, January 25. The tour fee includes dinner and hotel accommodation the night of Wednesday, January 24.
You may consider arriving a day or two before the tour begins to recover from jet lag or staying a few days following the tour. Kim Hodge can assist with additional hotel nights*.
*Once confirmed, additional lodging nights for pre-tour and post-tour hotel reservations are non-refundable*.
Passport and VISA
Passport
Each participant must have a valid passport. Passport expiration date must be 6 months beyond the last day of the tour or extension. CMDA requests a photo of the first two pages of your Passport be emailed to Kim Hodge (kim.hodge@cmda.org) 60 days prior to travel. If you prefer, you may also copy and mail to Kim’s attention at CMDA, P.O. Box 7500, Bristol, TN 37621-7500.
VISA
Individuals with a U.S., Canadian or E.U. passport can purchase VISA for $25 at http://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg or purchase a VISA for $25 through a kiosk in the Cairo airport before getting in line to present your passport at immigration.
Activity Level
All participants should be in good health and able to walk moderate distances to fully participate and experience the sightseeing opportunities included in this tour. The activity level for this tour is moderately strenuous. You should be able to walk a few miles on uneven terrain without difficulty each day. If you have mobility issues, this tour may not be for you.
By registering for this tour, travelers are acknowledging they are of reasonable health and considered fit to travel and are not travelling contrary to any medical advice. By acknowledging their health and fitness to participate, travelers are indemnifying CMDA from all actions, claims and demands arising out of any lack of health and fitness. We reserve the right to remove a traveler from a tour activity if their health or fitness interferes with any other passenger’s experiences or the day-to-day running of the tour. In this instance, our normal cancellation terms and conditions will apply.
If you have questions, please contact Kim Hodge before registering.
Dr. David Stevens, MD, MA (Ethics) From 1981 to 1991, Dr. Stevens was a missionary doctor in Kenya where he helped to transform Tenwek Hospital into a premier mission healthcare outreach. He then became the medical director of Samaritan’s Purse, assisting mission hospitals and he started their outreach of sending medical relief teams into war and disaster zones.
In 1994, he became the CEO of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations where he led the organization through significant ministry growth in campus ministries, missions, bioethics and public policy. After stepping down as CMDA’s CEO in 2019, he is focused on helping mission hospitals and is sought after to do speaking and training around the world. Dr. Stevens is a graduate of Asbury University, an AOA graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine, board certified in family practice and has a master’s degree in bioethics. He has been married to Jody for 48 years and they have three children and eight grandchildren. All three of his children are graduates of Asbury University and have been involved extensively in domestic and international missions.
Dr. Jim Hoffmeier, Ph.D., is an esteemed scholar in Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern History and Archaeology. He is recognized for his extensive research, writings, and contributions to understanding biblical history and the ancient Near East. Dr. Hoffmeier is an Emeritus Professor of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern History and Archaeology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He taught students in Old Testament, archaeology, and ancient civilizations.
Throughout his career, Dr. Hoffmeier focused on the intersection of biblical studies and archaeology. He conducted numerous archaeological excavations in Egypt, particularly in the area of the biblical city of Rameses, providing valuable insights into the historical context of the biblical narratives. His work also included research on the Exodus and the Israelite settlement in Egypt.
Dr. Hoffmeier has published several books and scholarly articles as an accomplished author. His notable works include “Israel in Egypt: The Evidence for the Authenticity of the Exodus Tradition,” critically examining the biblical account of the Israelite Exodus from Egypt and presenting archaeological evidence supporting its historicity. Another prominent publication, “Ancient Israel in Sinai: The Evidence for the Authenticity of the Wilderness Tradition,” explores the Israelite sojourn in the wilderness and the journey to the Promised Land based on archaeological findings.
Dr. Hoffmeier’s contributions to academia and biblical studies have earned him respect and recognition. He has been invited to present his research at various conferences and symposiums, sharing his expertise with fellow scholars and students. His work has provided a nuanced understanding of the biblical text and its historical background, shedding light on the ancient civilizations and cultures of the Near East.
We are delighted that Dr. Hoffmeier and his wife, Cathy, have agreed to help lead this tour as our Biblical Scholars. In addition to teaching during our visits to the many sites in Egypt, Dr. Hoffmeier will offer a couple of optional lectures that will significantly enhance your biblical knowledge and visit to Egypt.
For more than 30 years, George Courtney has found much joy in helping families navigate their personal stewardship and legacy giving journeys. He helped lead CMDA’s first capital campaign allowing CMDA to build its national ministry headquarters in Bristol, Tennessee. Earlier in his career, George served in leadership roles in Christian day schools, higher education, and international mission organizations. He currently serves CMDA as the Vice President of Stewardship Development & Legacy Giving. George’s wife, Rose, has served CMDA members for more than 28 years as a placement specialist in CMDA Placement Services.
Please contact Kim Hodge for additional details or questions
Email: kim.hodge@cmda.org
Phone: (423) 844-1063
Mail:
CMDA
Attn: Kim Hodge
PO Box 7500
Bristol, TN 37621
