IN THE STEPS OF MOSES
February 28 - March 9, 2025
The focus of this study tour is to concentrate on the biblical traditions surrounding the Hebrew sojourn in and exodus from Egypt. We will visit sites directly connected to the geography of the sojourn and exodus and pass through the land of Goshen, and onwards to Sinai to visit some of the traditional locations where it is thought Moses and the Israelites traversed, such as “the Springs of Moses,” Wadi Feiran, Gebel Serbal, St. Catherine’s Monastery and Gebel Musa. Additionally, we will spend time at sites and in museums where background information on the exodus and sojourn can be witnessed first-hand. In addition to on-site explanations of the exodus story and its related sites, Dr. Hoffmeier will offer three Powerpoint lectures: “Israel in Egypt,” “Israel out of Egypt,” and “Where is Mt. Sinai and why it does not matter!”
Feb 28 Fri
Depart from US
Mar 1 Sat
Arrival at Cairo International Airport. Meet and assist through customs and formalities. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Mar 2 Sun
After breakfast, transfer to Giza. Visit the Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren & Mikarinus. Optional: enter inside any pyramid. After viewing the three great Pyramids from a panoramic viewpoint, visit to the giant one stone Sphinx. Visit the Egyptian Museum located in downtown Cairo, housing thousands of pieces of the ancient Egyptian civilization, including the most famous collection of the young king Tut Ankh Amoun with its fascinating treasures. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Mar 3 Mon
After breakfast transfer to visit Grand Egyptian Museum. Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization , which provides a comprehensive history of Egypt and houses 20 royal mummies of the New Kingdom. Visit the Cave Church; a big 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. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Mar 4 Tue
Check out after breakfast then transfer to visit the Land of Goshen, Tanis and Bubastis, Tanis is the Delta capital after Pi-Ramesses (Rameses/Raamses of Gen 47:11 & Exodus 1:11 & 12:37) was abandoned around 1130 B.C. Many of the statues, inscribed blocks and remains at Tanis came from Pi-Ramesses. Drive through to Land of Goshen and pass by Tell el Dab’a (Avaris). Dinner and overnight in Ismailia.
Mar 5 Wed
Check out after breakfast then drive north of Ismailia and see some of the only surviving traces of the “Sea of Reeds (Yam suf) and then pass through the Wadi Tumilat and visit Tell el-Maskhuta (Succoth) and Tell el-Retaba (Pithom). Visit Suez Museum. Dinner and overnight in Suez.
Mar 6 Thu
Drive to Sinai, stopping along the way at the Springs of Moses (Ayun Musa), Wadi Feiran and Gebel Serbal. Dinner and overnight in St Catherine.
Mar 7 Fri
01.30 Start to climb Sinai Mountain for sunrise. Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the monastery and see the chapel of the burning bush. Dinner and overnight in St Catherine.
Mar 8 Sat
Drive back to Cairo. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Mar 9 Sun
Transfer to the airport for final departure.
Including
- 3 night in Cairo at 5* Sonesta Cairo Hotel (or similar)
- 1 night in Ismailia at 4* Mercure Ismailia Hotel (or similar)
- 1 night in Suez at 4* Lusinda Hotel (or similar)
- 2 nights in St Catherine at 4* Morgan Land Hotel (or similar)
- 1 night in Cairo at 5* Le Meridian Airport Hotel (or similar)
- Open buffet daily breakfasts
- 8 dinners
- Entrance fees to all archeological sites incuded in the program.
- English Speaking licensed tour guide throughout the itinerary.
- Transfers & transportation by private A/C motorcoach based on the size of the group.
- Portage for one piece of luggage at the hotels.
- Guide wireless headset system.
Excluding
- International flights
- Egypt Visa ($25)- Subject to increase if applied by the government
- Lunches.
- Drinks (including water bottles).
- Tips to tour guide and driver and hotel staff.
- Optional tours or entrance to additional sites.