Journey to Egypt with Bishop Hutterer: Faith, History, and the Nile – January 27–February 5, 2027

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The Grand Canyon Synod invites you to join Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer on an unforgettable pilgrimage to Egypt from January 27–February 5, 2027. This ten-day journey, organized by Elias Tours, offers a powerful blend of ancient history, Christian heritage, and spiritual reflection along the Nile. Learn more and book now here.

  • Cost: $3,890 per person (land only, double occupancy)

  • Single supplement: $890

  • Deposit: $300 per person to secure your space

  • Balance due: September 29, 2026

  • Estimated airfare: $1,200 (details posted March 2026)

Registration is now open through Elias Tours (online or by mail). A 4% platform fee applies to credit card payments. Questions? Contact Elias Tours at 470-455-6373 or info@eliastours.com.

An Active Pilgrimage

This will be an active journey, with approximately 3–4 miles of walking most days, including uneven paths, stairs without handrails, and some steep climbs. Participants are encouraged to prayerfully consider mobility and comfort as part of their discernment.

What You’ll Experience

This pilgrimage brings Scripture and history into vivid focus:

  • Stand before the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx.

  • Explore the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum.

  • Sail four nights on a 5-star Nile River cruise.

  • Walk through Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.

  • Visit historic Coptic churches in Cairo, including the Hanging Church and the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus—traditionally associated with the Holy Family’s time in Egypt.

From the bustling streets of Cairo to the quiet beauty of Upper Egypt, this journey weaves together pharaonic history and early Christian witness.

Why Travel with Elias Tours?

Elias Nawawieh, founder of Elias Tours and author of Beyond the Pyramids, leads a team with deep local expertise and longstanding partnerships across Egypt. The tour includes:

  • 4 nights in carefully selected 5-star hotels

  • 4 nights aboard a luxury 5-star Nile cruise

  • Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • All entrance fees to scheduled sites

  • Private deluxe motor coach transportation

  • Expert local guides

Not included: airfare, gratuities, personal expenses, and travel insurance (available through Travelex; code 26-0057).

A Journey of Faith and Perspective

For Lutherans shaped by Word and Sacrament, pilgrimage is not about earning grace—it is about deepening gratitude. To stand in Coptic Cairo, to walk in places tied to the Holy Family, and to see the layers of civilization that shaped biblical imagination is to encounter the vastness of God’s story.

As a synod that spans desert landscapes—from Arizona to Nevada and the Navajo Nation—we know something about sacred space and long horizons. Egypt offers another horizon: ancient, enduring, and deeply connected to the history of our faith.

This is more than sightseeing. It is an opportunity for spiritual growth, shared community, and renewed perspective as we continue to live out Christ’s call in our own context.

Space is limited. We invite you to pray, discern, and consider joining this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardComment