LET MY PEOPLE TOUR

Joey Freudmann and Ophir Tours are proud to present an in-depth journey covering 5,000 years of history

Egypt is one of those countries whose name is synonymous with a fascinating world. It is the largest oasis in the world and the source of an ancient culture. We will view the golden scarab that symbolizes life and the Sphinx, which symbolizes death, as well as the immortal Pyramids. We will enjoy the yellow of the desert, the abundance of green in the river valley, the blue waters of the Nile.

A trip to Egypt is first and foremost a first-class cultural experience. This is a land that flourished a thousand years before our ancestors left their life of slavery for the land of Canaan. The Egyptians discovered new materials, erected the pyramids in Giza, and over centuries placed on the sides of the river, more than 1,600 miles long, huge stone monuments, some of the most magnificent in the world.

Along with architecture, Egyptian art appeared and flourished. The ancient Egyptians left behind spectacular architectural and artistic remains. The pyramids are indeed very impressive, but the remains of the temples in the Nile Valley rise above them, including the tombs with their colorful wall frescoes. Afterwards, the Pharaohs, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Mamluks and Turks swept through Egypt. They left their mark on literature and language and perpetuated their culture with impressive structures.

For Jewish tourists, Egypt is no longer a country on the world tourism map, but many chapters in the history of the people of Israel are woven into the long history of Egypt. This is a special opportunity for us to visit an Arab country and to get to know up close what was once an enemy and is now a neighbor. It is a journey covering 1,000 to 5,000 years of history.

ACCOMMODATION

CAIRO

4 nights at 5* Movenpick Media City Hotel (classic rooms)

or similar on full board basis.

https://movenpick.accor.com/en/africa/egypt/cairo/hotel-cairo-media-city.html

ASWAN

3 nights at 5* Tolip Aswan Hotel (in standard rooms – Nile view) or similar on full board basis.

https://tolipaswanhotel.com-egypt.com/

LUXOR

2 nights at 5* Sonesta San George Luxor Hotel or

similar on full board basis.

https://www.sonesta.com/sonesta-hotels-resorts/luxor-governorate/luxor/sonesta-st-george-hotel-luxor

OUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Tuesday – Cairo

Upon arrival, we will be met by our Egyptian representatives and transferred to our hotel for dinner and a good night’s sleep before beginning our incredible adventure.

Day 2: Wednesday – The Pyramids of Giza

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head out for one of the tour’s highlights – the Pyramids at Giza. We will visit the Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren and Mikarinus.

Located at a short distance from Saqqara, the Red Pyramid at Dahshur was built for the pharaoh Snefru, father of Khufu for whom the Great Pyramid of Giza was built. The Red Pyramid is the first true pyramid, and it has the second largest base of all Egyptian pyramids. What makes it yet more interesting is that it can be fully accessed, including the chance to see the burial chamber.

After driving through the Pyramids Plateau, we will arrive at the giant single-stone Sphinx, with its man’s head and lion’s body, representing the intellectual and physical power of the ancient Egyptian.

Then we move on to Memphis (the ancient capital of Egypt and believed to be the site visited by Abraham to address the Pharoah of Egypt), and the Step Pyramid of Sakkara (the oldest stone structure in the world).

Those who wish will be able to enjoy a camel ride before we head back to Cairo.

This evening we will experience a traditional Tannoura Egyptian dance show at Wekalet El Ghouri.

Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Cairo.

Day 3: Thursday - Alexandria

After an early breakfast we will drive to Alexandria (210 Km – about three hours), known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean”, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 C.E. We will visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina,which commemorates Alexandria’s ancient Great Library. This cylindrical cultural center contains museums as well as one of the modern world’s most ambitious libraries, with more than eight million books. It is dedicated to recapturing the spirit of openness and scholarship of the original Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

We will continue to Qaitbay Citadel, considered one of the most important defensive strongholds.

After a short lunch break we will visit Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue, one of the two remaining synagogues in Alexandria, where once there were twelve.

If time allows, we will continue to The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa These tombs were tunneled into the bedrock in the age of the Antoine emperors (2nd century A.D.) for a single wealthy family still practicing the ancient religion. These tombs represent the last existing major construction dedicated to the old Egyptian religion.

Pompey’s Pillar, an approximately 25 meter red Aswan granite column with a circumference of nine meters was constructed in honor of the Emperor Diocletian; it was once a magnificent structure rivaling the Soma and the Caesareum.

Back to Cairo.

Dinner and overnight in Cairo.

Day 4: Friday – Aswan

Today we begin with an early wake up – 3:00 am

Breakfast boxes will be given out and we will then check out of our hotel and on to the airport for the flight to Aswan.

Flight MS382 (Egyptair) departs at 6:15 am

Arriving in Aswan – 7:15 am

We will stop at the hotel for a short refreshing break and then start our tour.

Visit Elephantine Fortress, the site of the oldest known diaspora community. From the many papyri found there, we will learn about Pesach observance at the time when the second Temple had only recently been built. We will travel to the island of Philae to visit Philae Temple, unmatched in beauty and majesty.

Next we will visit Aswan High Dam, the world’s largest embankment dam, which was built across the Nile between 1960 and 1970. With its ability to better control flooding, provide increased water storage for irrigation and generate hydroelectricity, the dam was seen as pivotal to Egypt’s planned industrialization. It has had a significant effect on the economy and culture of Egypt.

We will visit the unfinished Obelisk. If it had been erected, this obelisk would have been the largest one of Ancient Egypt and would have reached a stunning height of 137 feet. The work was abandoned due to clearly visible cracks that appeared in the granite.

We will return to our hotel by 3:30 pm. Shabbat candle lighting is at 5:08 pm

Shabbat dinner at the hotel Tolip Aswan

Day 5: Shabbat– Aswan

8:00 Enjoy coffee and cake.

8:30 Shabbat davening at the hotel, followed by kiddush and breakfast.

Lecture by our scholar in residence, Rabbi Dr Yitzchak Askof.

Time for a rest.

Mincha will be followed by lunch/ seudah shlishit.

Motzei Shabbat – Havdalah after Maariv at 6:05 pm

After Shabbat we will travel to Nubian Island for the Nubian Show.

A light supper will be served on our return to our hotel.

Day 6: Sunday – Abu Simbel

After an early breakfast, we will visit the Abu Simbel complex.

Abu Simbel is located close to the Sudanese border and the drive there takes about 4 hours.

It was built by the greatest of the pharaohs, Ramesses II, the Pharaoh of the Exodus. These huge rock-cut temples marked the southern boundary of the Egyptian Empire at the peak of its power. They were intended to convey the power of Egypt’s rulers to all who laid eyes on them. We will see how the Torah appropriates many of its symbols. The four statues guarding the doorway to the larger of these temples are the largest sculptures that survive from the ancient Pharaonic era

Back to Aswan.

Dinner at the hotel

Day 7: Monday – Luxor

After breakfast we hit the road towards Luxor, once an ancient Egyptian capital. We will visit the great temples of Karnak and the temples of the god Amun. Other significant landmarks are the sacred lake, the hypostyle hall and some colossal statues.

We will visit the sites that shed light on the instructions for the construction of the Mishkan and the account of Pharaoh Shishak’s campaign of Canaan, reported in Melachim Alef and in Chronicles.

Tonight, we will visit the exquisitely lit temple at Luxor where we will see more inscriptions relating to the Exodus. Later we will go to the light show at Karnak Temple.

Dinner at the hotel Sonesta St. George

Day 8: Tuesday – Luxor – Valley of the Kings

Those who wish can take a very early morning hot-air balloon ride over the city and the Valley of the Kings and see the sunrise over Luxor.

We start the day by crossing via ferry to the west bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings.

It was there that the fabulous treasures of Tutankhamun, which dazzled the world, were discovered.

Visit the Medinet Habu, the memorial temple of Pharaoh Ramesses II.

Dinner at the Hotel Sonesta St. George in Luxor

Day 9: Wednesday – Cairo

After checking out of our hotel we will transfer to Luxor airport for our flight to Cairo.

Flight MS063 (Egyptair) at 08:10 - Arriving in Cairo at 09:20

Upon arrival, we will visit the Citadel (Mohamed Ali Mosque). The mosque, the largest such structure built during the first half of the 19th century, is more impressive at a distance than close up. It is an unparalleled contribution to the skyline of Cairo. Its great dome and towering minarets give the Citadel a romantic, oriental quality that makes up for any shortcomings in its detail.

We will visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the first of its kind in Egypt and the Arab world. It presents the full range of the richness and diversity of Egyptian civilization throughout the ages, from prehistoric times to the present day, by focusing on its continuity and stability as demonstrated by its tangible and intangible heritage. The museum’s exceptional collection includes the royal mummies, which are exhibited in a new interactive display using 21st century cutting-edge technology to go beneath the wrappings and reveal their secrets, in addition to shedding light on the rituals and religious beliefs surrounding mummification in ancient Egypt. Enjoy some free time at El Chalili Market.

Tonight, is our farewell dinner and overnight in Cairo.

Day 10: Thursday - Cairo

Today, we will visit the famous ‘Shaar Hashamayim’ synagogue, also known as the Ismailia Temple.

We will also visit ‘Etz Hachayim’ synagogue and listen to its story from the keeper,

who was born in the synagogue.

We will then take a Felucca boat ride over the Nile to Nasr City where we will visit the Sadat Memorial, also known as the Unknown Soldier Memorial. Its construction was ordered by President Anwar Sadat in 1974 and it was inaugurated in October 1975. President Sadat was the first Arab leader to make peace with Israel and after his murder in 1981 this monument became his tomb and memorial.

After this visit we will make our way to the airport for our journey home.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

Itinerary subject to change; the order of visits may be altered due to weather and/or time restrictions. There may be changes in the itinerary due to changes of flight times and other reasons beyond our control.

In the event of a change, cancellation or malfunction related to flights, sailing or other method of transportation, the airline or transporting company alone shall be responsible.

We reserve the right to change original Itineraries, hotels or flight schedules due to reasons that are beyond our control.

We are visiting a country where the pace of life is different from any we are used to. Please be prepared to be patient and to adapt to the local way of life. lease leave the first row on the bus for the guides and security

Kashrut on Tours

Egypt has no kosher restaurants, Chabad or any certified kosher caterer. Our meat and cheese are brought from Israel, as are some other products. The chicken is Mehadrin and the meat is Bet Yosef and/or Machpud. Any products provided by the hotel are approved by Rabbi Jacob Hoffman, who serves as the community Rabbi in Cairo. Separate kitchens and ovens are made kosher in advance of our arrival at each hotel. We have our own pots, pans, utensils, cutlery, dishes etc which are stored away when not in use.

Breakfast will be served on disposable dishes. Lunch boxes will be prepared under supervision. However, we cannot guarantee Chalav Israel and Pat Israel.

Soft drinks (sodas) included.

Alcoholic drinks will be available at an additional cost.

Security

No security instructions are necessary, apart from sticking to the group and following the guides’ instructions. There will be a security guard on each bus. There are places were wearing a kippa could be unsafe and in general, it would be wise not to draw special attention of passers-by to the group.

Insurance

Taking out comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect yourself against the risk of cancellation or interruption, loss of baggage, medical expenses and travel delay is highly recommended.

Flights and luggage policy

Owing to space limitations on the motor-coaches and on domestic flights, passengers are allowed one suitcase only per person, not more than 23 kg/50 lbs. Carry-ons may be up to 8 kg/18 lbs per person.

You will be able to store luggage in the hotel in Cairo until we return from the south.

Tour price includes handling of one piece of luggage per passenger. Excess baggage will be charged at the established rate.

All baggage conveyance is at passenger’s risk throughout the tour.

Sightseeing/Transportation:

Tours: By air-conditioned private motor-coaches. The driver‘s hours are often limited by local regulations. We can offer no refund for missed tours.

Transfers: Airport transfers are provided for group flights only. Transfers for any deviations will be the sole responsibility of the passenger.

Tour Escort

Professional and experienced Shomer Shabbat English speaking tour escorts will accompany you throughout your trip. Our escort is at your disposal for any information or assistance.

Tips and Taxes:

All local taxes and tips to drivers and local guides are included. You may acknowledge any special services that you received with additional tipping.

Travel Documents:

Owing to airline security measures, the name on your ticket should match the name on your passport. Any name change including minor spelling corrections may require airline reservations to be cancelled and rebooked. Reservations

are subject to availability at the time of rebooking and may be subject to an increase in fare by the airline.

Passengers are responsible to ensure that they have the proper travel document and make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months for international travel.

Currency

The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Many places (restaurants, bars, tourist attractions) will take US dollars, Canadian dollars and Euros. However Egyptian money will be required for small expenses, such using the toilets… You will be able to change money in the hotel in Cairo.

Exchange rates: $1US = 31 EGP.1 NIS ₪ = 8.62 EGP

·No shekels accepted.

·Credit cards are accepted in most stores with your PIN #

Weather

The average daily maximum is low to mid 20’s. Evenings may be considerably cooler, and a cover-up is recommended.

Packing

When travelling as a couple, we recommend not packing one suitcase for each person. Instead split each suitcase 50/50 so that in the unlikely event one of your suitcases gets lost, you will have some of your items. Place inside each suitcase name, address, telephone number, departure, and full flight details. Write only your name and destination address on outside labels.

We suggest you pack only essential items for daytime use in your hand-baggage, both for your flight and while on the bus. For example, your laptop, rechargeable batteries, camera, medicines, travel documents, etc., and anything that you use frequently or is particularly valuable.

Feel free to bring any snacks you might want to have with you for the flight and for during the trip.

Additional packing tips:

• Swimsuit (the hotel has a pool and sauna)
  
• Long, baggy skirts and/or pants
  
• Long and short sleeved t-shirts
  
• Sunglasses
  
• Mosquito repellant
  
• Toilet paper
  
• A scarf or shawl for women to cover their hair when visiting mosques.
  
• Shabbat – casual smart.
  
• Camera/recharger/batteries. Lots of memorable moments to capture!
  
• Sunscreen
  
• Religious items such as Siddur/Chumash/Tefillin/Tallit
  
• Good, comfortable walking shoes/sneakers are highly recommended.
  
• Expensive jewelry and other items should be left at home unless absolutely needed.
  

Water

Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Best to drink bottled water (will be provided in the hotels and on the bus) and use that to brush your teeth.

Shabbat

• Candle lighting: you will receive Shabbat candles for erev Shabbat. Candle lighting is not allowed in rooms and poses a fire hazard and endangers all travelers.
  
• All Shabbat Tefillot will be in the hotel.
  
• There is no Eruv in Aswan
  
• Shabbat meals will be at the hotel.
  
• Siddur/Chumash/Tefillin/Tallit are not provided!
  

Electrical Sockets For Egypt there are two associated plug types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Egypt operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/egypt/

The standard voltage in USA is in the range of 100 V - 127 V. Please check if the appliances you're going to use in Egypt such as phone and tablet chargers, camera chargers, laptops, shavers or hair driers are suitable for 220V. If not you will need a voltage converter. You can find voltage converters at Amazon or at the airport. You can also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.

Visa Requirements for USA Citizens

• U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Egypt.
  
• U.S. citizens can obtain a renewable single-entry 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Egyptian airports for a 25 USD fee. A multiple entry visa is also obtainable for 60 USD.
  
• The Government of Egypt has created a website for the issuance of “e-visas.” There are other websites purporting to offer electronic visas, some of which reportedly charge double the official price, but this is the only official Government of Egypt portal for this service. U.S. citizens and the citizens of 44 other countries are eligible to apply through this means in advance of their travel.
  
• Egyptian immigration officials occasionally have denied entry to travelers without explanation.
  

Packing

When travelling as a couple, we recommend not packing one suitcase for each person. Instead split each suitcase 50/50 so that in the unlikely event one of your suitcases gets lost, you will have some of your items. Place inside each suitcase name, address, telephone number, departure, and full flight details. Write only your name and destination address on outside labels.

We suggest you pack only essential items for daytime use in your hand-baggage, both for your flight and while on the bus. For example, your laptop, rechargeable batteries, camera, medicines, travel documents, etc., and anything that you use frequently or is particularly valuable.

Feel free to bring any snacks you might want to have with you for the flight and for during the trip.

Additional packing tips:

• Swimsuit (the hotel has a pool and sauna)
  
• Long, baggy skirts and/or pants
  
• Long and short sleeved t-shirts
  
• Sunglasses
  
• Mosquito repellant
  
• Toilet paper
  
• A scarf or shawl for women to cover their hair when visiting mosques.
  
• Shabbat – casual smart.
  
• Camera/recharger/batteries. Lots of memorable moments to capture!
  
• Sunscreen
  
• Religious items such as Siddur/Chumash/Tefillin/Tallit
  
• Good, comfortable walking shoes/sneakers are highly recommended.
  
• Expensive jewelry and other items should be left at home unless absolutely needed.
  

Water

Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Best to drink bottled water (will be provided in the hotels and on the bus) and use that to brush your teeth.

In order to prevent any difficulties or standing in a long line upon arrival to obtain the visa, our Egyptian agent can arrange your visa in advance so that when you arrive, our staff will be waiting for you and assist you through immigration and customs. There won’t be any extra charge for this service.

We will collect the payment for the visa, $25 per person, later in the hotel, so that you won't have to buy the visa from the bank.

IMPORTANT: Use only your US or UK passports. Not your Israeli passport (if you have one). Israeli passports holders must apply at the Egyptian embassy in Tel Aviv, and they might be refused for no reason.

Photography

As in all foreign countries, it is considered polite to adhere to and show respect for local customs. In rural areas traditional values and customs survive, so you should always ask permission before taking photographs of local people as an offence could easily be taken. Some locals may ask for some money when being photographed.

General

• Time in Egypt is the same as in Israel.
  
• Any items consumed from your hotel mini bars will be charged to your account and must be settled before checking out of hotel.
  
• Please leave the front row on both sides of the bus for the guides.
  
• Our tour hosts are Joey and Vera Freudmann, and they will be available for your queries and questions during the trip. Don't hesitate to let us know if we can help in any way. There will also be a WhatsApp group which will be used for important information, last-minute changes etc. during the trip.
  

Responsibility

Any local agencies and suppliers, Shepherdtours and Michael Tuchfeld act only in the capacity of an agent for the passenger in making all arrangements for transportation, hotel accommodations and sightseeing. All arrangements are made under the express condition that Shepherdtours, local agencies and suppliers and Michael Tuchfeld shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity that may be the result of defects in any vehicle, through acts of default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour or by any hotel proprietor, employee or otherwise. By utilizing these services provided, the participant agrees that Shepherdtours, local agencies and suppliers, their subsidiaries or affiliates and Michael Tuchfeld shall not be liable for any of the aforementioned injury, damage, loss, accident, strikes, weather conditions, quarantine, theft, acts of war, terrorism or other causes or delays and schedule changes incurred in connection with any services offered which may be beyond the control of Shepherdtours, local agencies and suppliers and Michael Tuchfeld.

The right is reserved for the Tour Operator, at its sole discretion, to refuse or cancel the participation of any person(s) before or during the tour. In the event of exercising this right, the Tour Operator shall be under no liability to that person or persons except to refund such amount as the Tour Operator, in its sole discretion, thinks reasonable to attribute to the uncompleted portion. Tour participant, by registering for a tour, releases and holds harmless all Operators listed, from any delays, injuries, deaths, or damage while on.

The sole and exclusive responsibility and liability of the Airlines shall be in accordance with, and as limited by, the contract of carriage in the passenger’s ticket, the applicable tariffs and the provisions of the Warsaw convention, if applicable. The airline shall not be responsible or liable for any act, omission or occurrences during the time passengers are not on board its airplanes. The airlines shall not be responsible or liable in any way for the accuracy of any representations of the tour operator and its agents on tour services other than those contained in this website. Delays, cancellations and overbooking may occur on air flights. Although the tour operator's attempts to do all possible to avoid these inconveniences, it cannot assume any responsibility for the acts of respective airlines.

Travel Documents:

Owing to airline security measures, the name on your ticket should match the name on your passport. Any name change including minor spelling corrections may require airline reservations to be cancelled and rebooked. Reservations are subject to availability at the time of rebooking and may be subject to an increase in fare by the airline.

Passengers are responsible to ensure that they have the proper travel document. US citizens must possess a passport valid for at least six months for international travel. You must check with the consulate or tourist office of individual countries for specific health and visa requirements or additional information.

Travel Documents:

Owing to airline security measures, the name on your ticket should match the name on your passport. Any name change including minor spelling corrections may require airline reservations to be cancelled and rebooked. Reservations are subject to availability at the time of rebooking and may be subject to an increase in fare by the airline.

Passengers are responsible to ensure that they have the proper travel document. US citizens must possess a passport valid for at least six months for international travel. You must check with the consulate or tourist office of individual countries for specific health and visa requirements or additional information.