Footsteps of Faith: A Biblical Exploration of Egypt

Main Egypt Tour: October 30–November 13, 2026

• Optional Sinai Post Tour: November 13–16, 2026
• Optional Extension to Jordan: November 16–20, 2026

This trip is full. Please let us know if you would like to join the waitlist.

Trip Overview

Main Egypt Tour: October 30–November 13, 2026

Explore Egypt's rich biblical and archaeological heritage with Bible scholar Madelon Maupin. While Egypt is mentioned almost 600 times in the Bible, we often think of it only as a slave-holding civilization finally disrupted by God’s direction of Moses. On this trip, you’ll learn how Egypt was also a place of refuge and protection. Explore Egypt’s connection with Biblical figures such as Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Jeremiah, and Jesus.

Highlights include the grandeur of the pyramids, the splendor of Luxor's temples, and the mystery of the Valley of the Kings. Sailing on a dahabiya also provides a unique and intimate experience on the Nile, with stops at Edfu, Besaw Island, and Kom Ombo Temple. The Nile journey concludes in Aswan, with a visit to Elephantine Island before you fly to Abu Simbel Temple to view the colossal statues of Pharaoh Ramesses II and a unique sound and light show.

Optional Sinai Post Tour: November 13–16, 2026

Sinai is steeped in both history and spiritual significance. This land is the heart of the Exodus journey — where Moses encountered the burning bush and later received the Ten Commandments atop Mount Sinai. On this post-tour, we’ll trace the Exodus route from Cairo through the Wilderness of Shur to Mount Sinai and visit the revered St. Catherine’s Monastery. The journey concludes with time to relax and reflect by the Red Sea in Sharm El Sheikh.

Optional Extension to Jordan: November 16–20, 2026

Extend your journey by exploring the biblical heartland and breathtaking landscapes of Jordan. From the Roman ruins of Jerash and the spiritual heights of Mount Nebo to the baptismal site at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, this extension offers a rich blend of history, biblical significance, and natural wonder. We’ll also visit the rose-red city of Petra at sunrise, the 6th century mosaic map at Madaba, and the famous waters of the Dead Sea.

A land of quiet significance, Jordan features prominently in biblical history and theology. First, the Jordan River is the source of baptism for Christ Jesus. It is the literal geographical boundary between Jordan and Israel today. And centuries earlier, Joshua crossed the Jordan, as recorded in the book of Joshua, marking a transition from the wilderness period of Israel to their new life in the Promised Land. Mount Nebo is where Moses went to look into the Promised Land, passing his leadership to Joshua before he died there. But Moses got to see the land the Israelites would inherit, marking the fulfillment of his journey from slavery to freedom.

Later in the New Testament, John was imprisoned in one of Herod the Great's summer palaces, located in Machaerus, Jordan, a site whose remains can be seen when driving through the country on the way to Petra. Jesus healed the "Gadarene," as the King James Version calls him.  The town was Gadara, a site near the Sea of Galilee where Jesus healed him of insanity.  There are many other instances, but Jordan is where Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Elisha, John the Baptist, and Jesus all had experiences, and it is the privilege of the Bible student to visit this peaceful Arab country today. 

Duration

• Main Tour: 14 Nights/15 Days

• Sinai Post Tour: 3 Nights/4 Days

• Jordan Extension: 4 Nights/5 Days

Activity Level: Moderate to Active

The main tour's activity level is classified as Moderate to Active, indicating a moderate to active level of physical exertion. Walking is an integral aspect of this trip, and participants should be in good health to fully enjoy the experience. Engaging in a demanding daily schedule of physical activities is expected. This may include walking distances of 3–5 miles, navigating stairs (with and without railings), traversing uneven terrain, and embarking/disembarking from motor vehicles and boats. There will also be times when the group will stand for periods of time to listen to the guide at sites where seating is not available.

In some ports, dahabiyas may be moored side by side, necessitating crossings with gaps between them. Guests undertake such crossings at their own risk, with crew assistance recommended. During rough weather, movement on the ship should be minimized due to potentially slippery surfaces.

The post tour to Sinai includes the option to climb in the Sinai Mountains for approximately 6–7 hours at an altitude of 7,750 feet or choose to rest.

Travelers should be prepared for an active trip.

Enjoy this article from Francine Kiefer about her visit to Besaw Island on the PLL Egypt trip in 2025. Francine is the West Coast Bureau Chief for The Christian Science Monitor.