Itinerary 2023 

 After we gather together on our first night, we set out to explore the ancient and modern city of Cairo. A journey through Cairo is a pilgrimage through time and an intricate maze. Some highlights:

• experiencing awe at the only remaining of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramid at Giza

• pausing in silence at The Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha

• exploring the endless sensations, sounds, and surprises of the Khan El Khalili Bazar

• wondering at the many mysteries of the past at the new Grand Egyptian Museum

• walk in ancient footsteps through Old Coptic Cairo and the many ancient churches that have stood at the crossroads of history

• drink tea in the secluded monastery gardens with the coptic monks of Wadi Natrun

dates

October 17 – early arrivals
October 18 – Arrival in Cairo, settle into our five star hotel, and group orientation at 5:00 pm
October 19 – Visit the pyramids and the Sphynx, encounter ancient mummies
October 20 – The Grand Egyptian Museum - this new museum is dedicated to Egyptian history with over 100,000 rare artifacts; it is the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. Optional evening event.
October 21 – Old Coptic Cairo, Muhammad Ali Mosque, Khan El Khalili Bazaar
October 22 – Visit the ancient coptic monasteries of Wadi Natrun as invited guests

reflections from Cairo

 We fly to Southern Sinai and enter the desert for three days. The early desert Fathers and Mothers retreated into the desert to practice spiritual disciplines and listen deeply to the still small voice of God.

• take part in the joy and meditation of traveling through the great expanse of the Sinai on camel!

• witness the greatest light show you will ever see - the millions of stars over your head each night as you sleep on the soft sands

• enter into a deeper presence as we walk in silent meditation

• feast with our Bedouin friends on bread baked freshly each morning over our fire

dates

October 23 – Flight to Sharm El Sheik and drive to desert - Desert for 3 nights
October 24 – Camel trek through the Southern Sinai desert
October 25 – A day spent in silent walking meditation

reflections from the desert

 We continue our journey to the St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mt. Sinai and coast of the red sea as we begin to live more fully into our Here and Now.

• be welcomed as a guest in the tranquil Monastery of St. Catherine and visit the ancient sanctuary

• rise before dawn to climb to the peak of Mt. Sinai, one of the most sacred sites in the desert traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

• join Sheik and his family as old friends and experience true Bedouin hospitality

• rejoice as you dive into the cool waters of the Red Sea

• gather together as a group for a final time to reflect and give thanks, feeling forever changed

dates

October 26 – The monastery and museum – St Catherine’s Monastery for 2 nights
October 27 – Climb to peak of Mt. Sinai, see the famous icons and ancient sanctuary
October 28 – rest and swimming at the Red Sea - overnight at Sayadeen Village
October 29 – Final Communion Gathering, flight to Cairo, or flight to Luxor for those joining the Nile Cruise

reflections from Mt. Sinai

After our pilgrimage concludes, there is the option of a Nile Cruise. Here we will spend our nights on a floating hotel with panoramic views of the majestic Nile River and our days exploring ancient temples. Some highlights:

• dare to enter the tombs of the Valley of the Kings to discover the colorful hieroglyphics and murals

• soak in the views of the Nile River while sipping a coffee or a cocktail from the deck of our cruising ship

• feel the wind in your hair as we sail about Kitchner Island on a private Felucca

• learn the names of the many ancient Egyptian gods with our private Egyptologist as a guide and marvel at the splendor of their temples

dates

October 29 – Flight from Cairo to Luxor and visit Luxor with our own dedicated Egyptologist, with us for the duration of journey
October 30 - Board our boat, visit the East Bank with the Luxor and Karnak Temple
October 31 - visit the West Bank - the Valley of Kings and Temple of Queen Hatshepsut before sailing to Edfu
November 1 - visit the Horus temple in Edfu, sail to Kom Ombo and explore the temple shared by two gods: Sobek and Horus, then continue sailing on to Aswan
November 2 - visit the High Dam and the Temple of Philae before taking a private Felucca ride around Aswan
November 3 - after breakfast check out and fly back to Cairo
November 4 - departures

reflections from the Nile