Egypt, Saudi Arabia & Jordan · April 10 to 22, 2027
Footsteps of Moses
with Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
Thirteen days in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan with Brad Pontius and Allen Burris, from the pyramids of Giza and Mount Sinai to Jabal Laws, Petra and Mount Nebo.
- From
- $5,620 per person, double room
- Duration
- 13 days April 10 to 22, 2027
- Hotels
- 7 hotels Cairo, Ismailia, Mount Sinai, Tabuk, Aqaba, Petra and Amman
- Hosted by
- Brad Pontius & Allen Burris Your hosts
- Departs in
- days April 10, 2027
Your hosts
Host
Brad Pontius
Host
Allen Burris
Egypt, Saudi Arabia & Jordan, April 10 to 22, 2027
13 days, day by day. Meals and the hotel for each night are listed at the end of each day.
Begins in Cairo, ends in Amman
Cairo, Giza and Sakkara, Goshen and Tanis, Ismailia, Mount Sinai, Taba (ferry to Aqaba), Tabuk, Al Bad and Tayyab al Ism, Jabal Laws and Jabal Maqla, Aqaba, Petra, Medaba and Mount Nebo, and Amman. Some days by 4×4 SUV in Saudi Arabia.
Three nights in Cairo, one in Ismailia, one near Mount Sinai, three in Tabuk, one in Aqaba, one in Petra and one in Amman (if required).
- Day01
Saturday, April 10
Depart the U.S.
The day has arrived, and we board our motorcoach at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church and drive to the airport. Once there, we will board our flight, depart the U.S. and begin our overnight journey to Egypt.
Meals in flight. Overnight in flight.
- Day02
Sunday, April 11
Arrive in Egypt
Today we arrive in Egypt at Cairo International Airport (CAI). Upon arrival we will be met by our guide and driver, who will bring us to our hotel. Whatever remains of the day will be spent at leisure.
Dinner included. Overnight Cairo. Radisson or similar.
- Day03
Monday, April 12
Pyramids, Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum
Today we visit the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at the Giza plateau, then continue on to the Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization.
Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight Cairo. Radisson or similar.
- Day04
Tuesday, April 13
Sakkara, Old Cairo Churches
Breakfast at the hotel in Cairo. We visit the Step Pyramid of Sakkara, the first pyramid ever built. We continue to the Old Cairo churches, including St. Sergius (Abu Serga), where tradition holds the Holy Family lodged while fleeing Herod; the Hanging Church; and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, believed by some to mark the site where the infant Moses was found among the reeds of the Nile.
Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight Cairo. Radisson or similar.
- Day05
Wednesday, April 14
Goshen, Tanis
Today we drive (approximately 3 hours) to the region of Goshen, where the Hebrews lived during the time of Moses and from which they fled during the Exodus. We visit the city of Tanis, possibly the site of the biblical city of Zoan and the place where Pharaoh dwelt at the time of the Exodus, the setting for Moses’ meetings with Pharaoh (Psalm 78:12, 43).
Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight Ismailia. Mercure El Forsan or similar.
- Day06
Thursday, April 15
Travel Through the Sinai
Today we depart Ismailia and drive towards the traditional site of Mount Sinai. If this is truly the site of Mount Sinai, we will be driving approximately along the route that the Israelites took on their way to the mountain.
Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight traditional Mount Sinai area. St. Catherine’s Monastery or similar.
- Day07
Friday, April 16
Traditional Mount Sinai Climb
Very early this morning we will climb the traditional Mount Sinai. We will descend the mountain and enjoy breakfast together. We will then drive to Taba and take a ferry to Aqaba, in Jordan. Once there, we will drive on to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. (Please note that, if for any reason the ferry is not operational, we will fly from Sharm El Sheikh to Tabuk via Cairo.)
Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight Tabuk. Swiss Inn or similar.
- Day08
Saturday, April 17
Al Bad, Tayyab al Ism
After an early breakfast, we transfer by 4×4 SUV to Al Bad, where we see the tombs traditionally known as Jethro’s Caves, and visit Beer Musa (Moses’ Well) and Ain Mousa (the Oasis of Moses). In the afternoon, we plan to visit the Tayyab al Ism Oasis, believed by some to be the biblical Elim, where the Israelites found palm trees and twelve wells of water after crossing the Red Sea.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight Tabuk or area. Swiss Inn or similar.
- Day09
Sunday, April 18
Jabal Laws
After breakfast, we transfer to Jabal Laws to see the Split Rock of Horeb, the massive rock some identify as the one Moses struck, from which water poured forth for the Israelites (Exodus 17). We return to our hotel in the afternoon.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight Tabuk or area. Swiss Inn or similar.
- Day10
Monday, April 19
Jabal Maqla, Golden Calf, Jordan Border
After breakfast and check-out, we transfer to Jabal Maqla, a proposed site of the biblical Mount Sinai, where we visit the Altar of Moses and see the Golden Calf rock carvings. Afterward we transfer to the Saudi-Jordan border, crossing at the Durra Border Crossing, where we meet our Jordanian bus and transfer to our hotel.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight Aqaba area. DoubleTree by Hilton or similar.
- Day11
Tuesday, April 20
Petra
Today we visit Petra, one of the wonders of the ancient world, built by the Nabateans around the 2nd century BC. We enter the city through the gorge known as the Siq, arriving at the iconic Treasury. We also see the Roman Theater, the Nabatean burial caves, and the Byzantine basilica.
Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight Petra area. Petra Moon or similar.
- Day12
Wednesday, April 21
Medaba, Mount Nebo
Continuing north, we come to Medaba, home to a famous 6th-century Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land. We then visit Mount Nebo, where Moses stood and viewed the Promised Land he would never enter. Your flight home may depart late tonight or tomorrow; if an overnight is required, we stay in Amman.
Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight Amman (if required). Amman International or similar.
- Day13
Thursday, April 22
Return Home
Your flight home may depart either the previous night or today. If today, and time allows, breakfast is included. Either way, later today we arrive back home and take a motorcoach back to Sherwood Oaks Christian Church.
Breakfast included if flight time permits.
Optional Pre-Tour Nile Cruise
April 5 to 11, 2027. 7 days, day by day.
- Day01
Monday, April 5
Depart the U.S.
The day has arrived, and we board our motorcoach at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church and drive to the airport. Once there, we will board our flight, depart the U.S. and begin our overnight journey to Egypt.
Meals in flight. Overnight in flight.
- Day02
Tuesday, April 6
Arrive in Egypt
Today we arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI). We are greeted by our guide and driver and transfer to our hotel.
Dinner included. Overnight Cairo. Gewan Cairo or similar.
- Day03
Wednesday, April 7
Fly to Aswan, Embark
Early domestic flight to Aswan. Time permitting, we visit the High Dam, one of the largest embankment dams in the world, and the Unfinished Obelisk, then the Temple of Philae, on an island in the Nile dedicated to the goddess Isis, before boarding our cruise ship. Lunch is served on board, and the afternoon is free to relax and settle in. Dinner and entertainment aboard this evening.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight aboard ship. Jaz Crown Prince or similar.
- Day04
Thursday, April 8
Edfu, Kom Ombo
We sail to Edfu, on the Nile’s west bank, to visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Egypt (237 to 57 BC). We continue to Kom Ombo, on the Nile’s eastern bank, for the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haeroris and known for its unique dual design and mummified crocodiles. Dinner and entertainment aboard this evening.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight aboard ship. Jaz Crown Prince or similar.
- Day05
Friday, April 9
Sail to Luxor
Today we sail toward Luxor, enjoying the cruise and its onboard entertainment. This evening we arrive in Luxor and visit Luxor Temple, beautifully lit at night.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight aboard ship. Jaz Crown Prince or similar.
- Day06
Saturday, April 10
Luxor
After breakfast and disembarkation, we explore Luxor and its surroundings. On the west bank, we visit the Valley of the Kings, burial site of generations of pharaohs including King Tut, and the Valley of the Queens, where Queen Nefertari, theorized by some to be the pharaoh’s wife of the Exodus narrative, was laid to rest. We also visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, built for one of Egypt’s female pharaohs. On the east bank, we visit the massive Karnak Temple complex.
Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight Luxor. Steigenberger Achti Luxor or similar.
- Day07
Sunday, April 11
Luxor to Cairo, Join the Main Tour
After breakfast and check-out, we transfer to the airport and fly to Cairo, where we merge with the main Footsteps of Moses group.
Breakfast included.
What is included
- Round-trip domestic airport transfersBetween Sherwood Oaks Christian Church and the airport
- Economy-class group airfareTo Cairo, and home from Amman. One checked bag and one carry-on on all flights (exact baggage specifications to be determined by airline)
- Ground transportation in motorcoach on most daysWhen required, ground transportation in 4×4 equipped SUVs
- Nightly hotel accommodations in 4-star hotels
- Breakfast and dinner daily3 picnic lunches in Saudi Arabia
- Christian Expedition tour director(s) and/or licensed guide(s)
- Driver(s)
- Gratuities for hotel and restaurant staffFor included meals
- Gratuities for portersIf applicable
- Egyptian and Jordanian visasIf required
- Entrance fees as per the itinerary
- All airport and hotel taxes
- Audio headsets when touringExcept in Saudi Arabia
- Name badge & luggage tag
- 9am to 5pm (EST) reservation supportExcluding holidays
- 24/7 travel emergency support
Not included
- Drinks at mealsBeyond basic drinks
- The cost of meeting any national entry requirementsIncluding but not limited to the cost of obtaining or renewing a passport and obtaining a visa or e-visa if required. It is expected that American citizens will be required to obtain a visa for entry into Saudi Arabia. At the time of writing, Saudi visas cost approximately $128, including the cost of mandatory insurance.
- Travel insuranceAvailable at registration (cost dependent on age)
- Tips for guide and drivers
- Listening devices in Saudi Arabia
- Personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned as included
Your hotels
Subject to change.
Radisson or similar
Cairo, Egypt. Three nights.
St. Catherine’s Monastery or similar
Traditional Mount Sinai area, Egypt. One night.
Swiss Inn or similar
Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Three nights.
DoubleTree by Hilton or similar
Aqaba area, Jordan. One night.
“Our church has absolutely enjoyed every aspect of planning travel with Christian Expedition!”
“Every time a new question came up they were right there with an immediate response.”
Questions travelers ask
- How much walking is there?Expect about 2 to 3 miles of walking on a typical touring day, often on sand, rock and uneven ground. The hardest day is the very early climb of the traditional Mount Sinai, and Petra means a long walk through the Siq. Arrival, flight and departure days have very little walking, and we travel between cities by motor coach, with 4×4 SUVs on some days in Saudi Arabia.
- Traveling alone?You can have a room to yourself, with a single supplement of $800 ($500 more on the optional Nile cruise), or share a room. If you would like to share, we will do our best to match you with a traveler of the same gender and a similar age. If no match is found, the single supplement applies.
- What will I spend beyond the price?Lunches (three picnic lunches in Saudi Arabia are included), drinks at meals beyond the basics, tips for your guide and drivers, the Saudi visa (about $128), travel insurance if you choose it, and your own shopping. A typical lunch costs about $15 to $20. Tips are at your discretion: as a guide, $8 to $10 per person per day for your guide and $6 to $8 for your driver. We recommend paying for most things by credit card: cards are accepted almost everywhere you will go, and credit card purchases usually come with protection that cash does not. We suggest bringing a couple hundred U.S. dollars in cash for emergencies and small purchases. When a card machine or ATM asks whether to pay in dollars or in the local currency (Egyptian pounds in Egypt, riyals in Saudi Arabia, dinars in Jordan), choose the local currency; it is almost always cheaper.
- What if I need to cancel?Cancel in writing. Up to January 10, 2027 (90 days before departure), everything you have paid is returned except $200. After that date, the $450 deposit and any costs we cannot recover are kept. Travel insurance may cover a cancellation, depending on the reason.
- Who is going?This expedition is organized for Sherwood Oaks Christian Church and led by Brad Pontius and Allen Burris.
More answers in our Traveler Support Center, or call us at (877) 234-3002.
Price per person
Payment schedule
Today
$450 due per person
$200 per person is non-refundable.
January 10, 2027
Remaining payment due
If you cancel less than 90 days before departure, the $450 deposit plus any charges imposed by our vendors is non-refundable. In the event of postponement, this still applies.
Group flights
- Chicago (ORD)Included
- I plan to book my own flights−$1,000
Can I book my own flights?
You are always welcome to arrange your own flights. Arranging airfare on your own gives you the ability to spend personally-earned airline miles for your ticket, handpick your seats, upgrade directly with the airline, or deviate from the group in other ways.
What is group airfare?
We work with airlines on booking group airfare from anticipated departure airports. This allows us to get the best rates to fly you and the rest of the group to and from your destination. Group air contracts do not allow deviations, date changes, or upgrades, and in some cases issuing tickets at individual rates may be necessary.
Select your preferred departure airport during registration. If you don’t see your preferred airport listed, please select “send me a flight quote”.
Can I apply TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
If you have booked airfare through us and would like to apply your Known Traveler Number (for TSA PreCheck) and/or your CBP PASSID (for Global Entry), you may provide it to us during registration. Forgot your KTN? Retrieve it here: https://tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov/ktn-lookup
Can I use frequent flyer miles or airline vouchers?
We cannot book your airfare using earned frequent flyer miles or airline vouchers. However, if the airfare we book for you coincides with an airline you are a member of, we are happy to apply your frequent flyer # to your booking for any mile accrual (if applicable).
Can I upgrade my flights and/or depart earlier/return later than the group?
Absolutely. If you would like to arrive earlier/depart later than the group and/or upgrade your airfare, please contact us at hello@christianexpedition.com
When will I receive my flight schedule?
The group’s flight schedule will be provided to you digitally and in the mail about 30 days before the trip.
Reserve your place
Footsteps of Moses with Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, April 10 to 22, 2027. Reserve today with a deposit, or call us at (877) 234-3002 with any questions.