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 New Egyptian Museum; the Luxor Temple; the the Valley of Kings, Queens and Nobles; and more. Join us for an optional four-day 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 and Christian guide will create an unforgettable experience you’ll never want to end. We are going to have a great time. Come join us!
Arrival
Fly IN to Cairo International Airport (CAI) no later than Tuesday, 13, 2026
Departure
•Tour Only – Depart out of Cairo International Airport (CAI). Departures can be scheduled following the day of touring on Monday, January 19 after 9 p.m. and throughout Tuesday, January 20. The tour fee includes dinner and hotel accommodation for 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 Thursday, January 22 after 10 p.m. and throughout Friday, January 23. The tour fee includes dinner and hotel accommodation for Thursday, January 22.
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. The CMDA Tours Team can assist with additional hotel nights.
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 [email protected] 90 days prior to travel. If you prefer, you may mail a copy to CMDA Tours CMDA, P.O. Box 7500, Bristol, TN 37621-7500.
VISA
Individuals with a U.S., Canadian or E.U. passport can purchase a single entry VISA for $25 at http://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg or 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 a member of the Tours Planning Team before registering. [email protected] or Phone: 423.844.1063
Insurance
International Travel Insurance included with the tour is not trip cancelation insurance. This coverage includes Medical Expenses, Disability Income, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Crisis Management, including the expense and coordination of a security evacuation, Personal Property, General Liability and accidental death and dismemberment. Trip cancelation, flight cancelation, or trip interruption is available purchase through: Travelex https://www.travelexinsurance.com/ Travel Guard https://www.travelguard.com/ Allianz Travel https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/ CMDA does not endorse any of these companies or benefit from insurance purchased by those who travel on a CMDA tour.
Double Occupancy Member (per person): $3,876
Double Occupancy Non-member (per person): $3,976
Single Occupancy Member: $4,855
Single Occupancy Non-Member: $4,955
Optional Nile River Cruise Extension Double Occupancy (per person): $2,135
Optional Nile River Cruise Extension Single Occupancy: $2,125
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 | $500 per person |
| October 1 – November 15 | $900 per person |
| November 16 – November 30 | $1,800 per person |
| December 1 – December 15 | $2,600 per person |
| After December 15 | No Refund |
Tour Includes the Following
• Meet and assist at Cairo international airport upon arrival
• Seven nights lodging
• Cairo/Luxor/Cairo domestic flight tickets
• Land transportation including shuttle transfer on arrival from Ciro International Airport.
• Daily breakfast and Six dinners, beginning with dinner Tuesday, January 13
• Christian tour guide, English speaking and licensed
• PhD level biblical scholar
• Entrance fees to museums, archaeological sites included in the itinerary
• Use of whispers wireless headset system to assist hearing guides
• All tips and gratuities, excluding tip for lunches
• Portage for one piece of luggage at the hotels.
• International Travel Insurance (NOT Trip Cancelation Insurance) from Sunday, January 11 – Wednesday, January 21, 2026 (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 Medical Expenses, Disability Income, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Crisis Management, including the expense and coordination of a security evacuation, Personal Property, General Liability and accidental death and dismemberment. Coverage does not include trip cancelation, flight cancelation, or trip interruption. Coverage does not include trip cancelation, flight cancelation, or trip interruption. This level of coverage is available purchase through: Travelex https://www.travelexinsurance.com/ Travel Guard https://www.travelguard.com/ Allianz Travel https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/ CMDA does not endorse any of these companies or benefit from insurance purchased by those who travel on a CMDA tour.
Optional Four-Day Cappadocia Extension Includes
• Three Nights onboard the Steigenberger Regency Cruise
• Excursions/sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
• PhD level biblical scholar
• English Speaking licensed tour guide throughout the itinerary.
• Daily breakfast, lunch onboard and four dinners
• Aswan/Cairo domestic flight following cruise
• One night at Marriott Le Meridien Cairo Airport Hotel following cruise
• International Travel Insurance (NOT Trip Cancelation Insurance) from Monday, January 19 – Saturday, January 24, 2026 (allows for an extra day of travel following extension). Additional days are available for $7 per person per day. This coverage includes Medical Expenses, Disability Income, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Crisis Management, including the expense and coordination of a security evacuation, Personal Property, General Liability and accidental death and dismemberment. Coverage does not include trip cancelation, flight cancelation, or trip interruption. This level of coverage is available purchase through: Travelex https://www.travelexinsurance.com/ Travel Guard https://www.travelguard.com/ Allianz Travel https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/ CMDA does not endorse any of these companies or benefit from insurance purchased by those who travel on a CMDA tour.
Tour Package Does NOT Include
• International flights
• Egypt Tourist Visa ($25) purchased online or through guide after arrival
• Camera permit (unique to Egypt, smart phones are excluded) at museums/sites.
• Lunches and gratuities for lunch
• Beverages, including water
• Personal expenses, items not listed in “Tour Package Includes”
• TRIP CANCELATION available for purchase through: Travelex https://www.travelexinsurance.com/ Travel Guard https://www.travelguard.com/Allianz Travel https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/ CMDA does not endorse any of these companies or benefit from insurance purchased by those who travel on a CMDA tour.
Have Additional Questions? Please contact a member of our Tour Planning Team for additional details or questions:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 423.844.1063
Mail: PO Box 7500 Bristol, TN 37621
Cairo: Movenpick Media City Hotel
Luxor: Steigenberger Nile Palace Hotel
Cairo: Marriott Le Meridien Airport Hotel
Nile River Cruise: Steigenberger Legacy, Nile Cruise
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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. |
Tentative Tour Itinerary
The intent of the tour is to visit each of the sites listed below. Sites closed because of weather, renovation or other unforeseen circumstances will not be visited. The tour guide is given the freedom to use their discretion in the order in which sites are visited. At times they may visit sites in a different order/day than listed.
Monday, January 12: Depart from the U.S.
Tuesday, January 13: 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 (2 nights)
Wednesday, January 14: 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. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Thursday, January 15: Cario – Fly to Luxor
After breakfast we will check out of the hotel and make our way to the New Grand Egyptian Museum, set to be the world’s largest archaeological museum. Covering 50 hectares, it will feature over 100,000 artifacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection. The museum’s design, inspired by the pyramids, includes geometric forms and extensive galleries that explore Egypt’s rich history through themes of religion, kingship, and society.
Then we will make our way to Old Ciro, visiting the churches in Old Cairo offers a fascinating glimpse into Egypt’s rich Christian heritage. This area, known as Coptic Cairo, is home to several ancient churches, including the Hanging Church, the Church of St. Barbara, and the Church of St. George. One of the most significant sites is the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, believed to be built on the spot where Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus rested during their flight into Egypt to escape King Herod’s wrath. The crypt of this church is said to be where they took refuge, making it a place of deep historical and spiritual significance.
Cave Church is an architectural marvel with a seating capacity of over 20,000, making it one of the largest churches in the Middle East. This remarkable Coptic Christian church carved into the cliffs of Mokattam Mountain. Established in the 1970s by the Zabbaleen community. The church’s walls are adorned with intricate carvings and murals depicting biblical scenes, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Visiting the Cave Church offers a unique spiritual and cultural experience, showcasing the resilience and faith of the local community. This church is located near 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)
Friday, 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 meters (33 ft) tall, and the other 12 are 21 meters (69 ft) tall with a diameter of over 3 meters (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 and along the avenue of the Sphinxes. We will then return to rest and enjoy dinner before our evening visit to Luxor Temple.
In the evening, you will 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. Return to hotel.
Saturday, January 17 Luxor
Weather permitting you will have an opportunity to get a optional 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 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 the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Sunday, 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.
Monday, 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 Monday, January 19 after 10 p.m. and throughout Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The tour fee includes dinner and hotel accommodation on the night of Monday, 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 is organized by the cruise and included in the cruise package. Travelers’ participation is optional each day. Dr. Jim and Cathy Hoffmeier along with our guide will provide insights about the various sites and will help our CMDA travelers gain additional information as we travel on the extension.
Monday, January 19 Luxor – Embark Nile River Cruise
Following the day of touring in the Luxor region, check in on the Nile River Cruise. Dinner and overnight onboard Steigenberger Legacy, Nile Cruise (4 nights)
Tuesday, January 20
Free morning on board. Sail to Esna, cross the lock and continue sailing to Edfu. Dinner and overnight onboard.
Wednesday, January 21
After breakfast 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 Kom Ombo, where you will visit the unusual double temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the god Haroeris. Lunch on board. Sail to Aswan. Dinner and overnight onboard.
Thursday, January 22 – FLY CAIRO
After breakfast you will visit the unfinished Obelisque and Philae temple dedicated to the goddess ISIS. Afternoon visit High Dam, rock-fill dam across the Nile River, at Aswan. Transfer to Aswan airport to fly to Cairo (flight included 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 Thursday, January 21 after 10 p.m. and throughout Friday, January 23. The tour fee includes dinner and hotel accommodation on the night of Wednesday, January 24.
Friday, January 23 – Departing international flights from Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 423.844.1063
