For 30 centuries, from 3100 B.C. to its conquest by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C., Egypt was the dominant empire in the Mediterranean world. The history of this lengthy civilization is divided into Old and New Kingdoms. For years understanding this major culture was limited to monuments and artifacts covered with hieroglyphics recovered by archaeologists. Only recently has this language been deciphered and the carvings translated.
Explore St. Catherine’s Monastery which was established in the 3rd century and houses some of the most significant writings in Christian history (discovered here was Sinaiticus, a fourth-century hand-written copy of the Greek NT; considered the most important copy of the NT existing today). The monastery’s library contains 3500 manuscripts and 2000 scrolls). Tradition suggests this is where Moses encountered the burning bush. The bush still grows there, healthy and undisturbed from the divine fire. Time permitting (an overnight required) the mountain can be ascended by 3,700 steps carved by a monk (known as the “steps of repentance”). On the summit is the Chapel to the Holy Trinity and a cave, the traditional place Moses spent forty days. Many visitors ascend the mountain at 2:00a to watch the sun rise over the mountains.
On our way to Cairo, pass the Suez Canal, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Cairo holds a great number of sites and museums that provide information on the development and reign of the many Pharaohs of Egypt. Here we will visit the famous Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza. In Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt and the city referred to in the Bible as Noph, lies the massive statue of Pharaoh Ramses. We’ll move to the edge of the Sahara Desert where we’ll visit the iconic Step Pyramid in Saqqara, the first pyramid built (early 3rd Dynasty, 2667-2648 B.C.) and the oldest ancient Egyptian stone structure.
Explore the immense collection of antiquities at the Egypt Museum, including many of the finds from King Tutankhamen’s tomb. Enjoy Old Cairo and the ancient citadel, visit Coptic churches, and wonder through the busy Khan al Khalili bazaar.
CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS