Dr. & Mrs. Shane B. Scott, 12-Day Adventure to Egypt & Dubai, April 1 – 12, 2024

Questions? Email us at info@signaturetours.com

Under the Leadership of Dr. Shane B. Scott

Dear Macedonia & Friends,

I was once told that life isn’t just to be lived, but it should also be experienced! 

I want to invite you to join us on this incredible journey to Egypt and Dubai on April 1 – 12, 2024. We will explore the Great Pyramids of Giza and other treasures of Egypt as you piece together the life and times of one of the world's greatest ancient civilizations. Cruise the ancient Nile in style like the pharaohs once did, disembarking at iconic sites along your route. Discover the Aswan islands, the Valley of Kings, and tour the famous Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to artifacts recovered from the great Tutankhamun's tomb. We will continue on to the amazing city of Dubai, UAE. Here you enjoy a desert safari, shopping in the Gold Souk, and an excursion to see the Grand Mosque. 

This will be an unforgettable experience! Register now, as space is limited.

Faithfully,
Dr. Shane B. Scott, Senior Pastor

Macedonia Baptist Church

ITINERARY

12-Day Adventure to Egypt & Dubai
April 1 - 12, 2024

DAY 01 (APRIL 1): BEGINNING OF OUR TOUR Depart from LAX for an overnight flight to Cairo, Egypt.

DAY 2 (APRIL 2): CARIO, EGYPT – Arrive in Cairo, where you will be met by your tour representative and transferred to the hotel in Cairo for dinner and overnight. 

DAY 3 (APRIL 3): OLD CAIRO – Begin the day with a visit to the famous cave church of St. Simon in Cairo. There are seven cave churches carved into the nearby Moqattam Mountain. The Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner is the largest. Next, visit the Cairo Citadel, an imposing medieval fortress towering above the city. Explore the opulent Mohamed Ali Mosque, showcasing Ottoman architectural style from the early 19th century. Journey through the centuries with a visit to Old Cairo, a city dating back to the sixth century BC. The Hanging Church, perched above the Babylon Fortress, features intentional design elements from the seventh century and a long, fascinating history rooted in the third century. Then, visit Abu Serga Church, built on the site believed to house Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus during their time in Egypt. Explore Ben Ezra Synagogue, Cairo’s oldest Jewish synagogue. Tradition holds that the building is located on the site where baby Moses was drawn out of the water by the pharaoh’s daughter. Dinner and overnight in Cairo. 

DAY 4 (APRIL 4): PYRAMIDS OF GIZA - Begin the day with a visit to the infamous Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Among the ruins, view the Pyramid of Menkaure flanked by the Pyramids of Queens. The iconic Sphinx, a massive monolith carved into the shape of a lion with the head of a man, rests in front of the Pyramid of Khafre. Khufu Pyramid, the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza complex, towers 481 feet above the plateau. Then continue to visit Egyptian Museum. Step into history at the Egyptian Museum. Admire antiquities from Egypt’s Pharaonic period, dating back fifty centuries and including the fabulous treasures of King Tut-Ankh-Amon. Next, showcasing Ottoman architectural style from the early 19th century. Journey through the centuries with a visit to Old Cairo, a city dating back to the sixth century BC. The Hanging Church, perched above the Babylon Fortress, features intentional design elements from the seventh century and a long, fascinating history rooted in the third century. Then, visit Abu Serga Church, built on the site believed to house Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus during their time in Egypt. Explore Ben Ezra Synagogue, Cairo’s oldest Jewish synagogue. Tradition holds that the building is located on the site where baby Moses was drawn out of the water by the pharaoh’s daughter. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.

DAY 5 (APRIL 5): ASWAN/NILE CRUISE Take a flight to Aswan and step aboard the Sonesta for a luxury cruise on the famed Nile River. Enjoy a felucca boat cruise down the Nile to a traditional Nubian village on Elephantine Island. Visit the Aga Khan Mausoleum constructed of pink limestone and lined with crenelated parapets. See the high dam, one of the world’s largest embankment dams, stretching two miles across the Nile. Marvel at the granite quarries essential for the construction of the illustrious Egyptian obelisks. Continue to the majestic island of Philae, a sacred complex of monuments built for the worship of Isis. Savor the ancient artistry as you pass through the grand entryways, awe-inspiring colonnades, and various chambers of the sprawling temple complex. Dinner and overnight aboard the ship.

DAY 6 (APRIL 6): KOM OMBO Spend the day discovering Kom Ombo. Explore the Temple of Kom Ombo, a double temple dedicated to the worship of two gods—Sobek and Haroeris. Observe the stunning columns, unique inscriptions, and duplicate design features of this distinctive landmark. Continue cruising the Nile to Edfu. Dinner and overnight aboard the ship.

DAY 7 (APRIL 7): EDFU After breakfast, disembark the Sonesta to explore the Temple of Horus in Edfu. The temple, dedicated to the Egyptian god Horus, is one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Egypt, showcasing traditional Pharaonic architecture and providing a wealth of information about ancient life through its inscriptions and reliefs. Sail to Esna and cross the lock en route to Luxor. Dinner and overnight aboard the ship.

DAY 8  (APRIL 8): VALLEY OF THE KINGS/LUXOR Travel across the Nile for a visit to the west bank. Admire the splendor of the Valley of the Kings. Many New Kingdom pharaohs and royalty were interred in extravagant tombs concealed by the mountains of this valley. Next, explore the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the foremost female pharaoh. Marvel at the elaborate reliefs and exquisite architecture. Stand in the shadows of the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Amenhotep III built to guard his mortuary temple. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the beautiful Luxor Temple, built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II. Walk along the Avenue of Sphinxes, an ancient pathway lined with large statues of human-headed sphinxes, once connecting the temple of Luxor to the temple of Karnak. Wander through the enormous Karnak Temple Complex, the religious hub of Ancient Egypt. Gaze at the vast array of temples, chapels, and statues constructed over a span of 2,000 years. Transfer to Cairo for dinner and overnight.

DAY 9 (APRIL 9): CAIRO/DUBAI – Transfer to the airport for your flight to Dubai. Upon arrival, journey to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood to explore Old Dubai. Meander through the narrow streets, admiring the creative art spaces, museums, and cafés. Experience the Textile Souk full of colorful fabrics, embellishments, and souvenirs. Visit the Saruq Al Hadid Museum and view the plethora of archaeological treasures discovered in and around Dubai. Embark on a water taxi ride from Bur Dubai Abra Station. Board a traditional wooden boat and cross the creek to Deira. Continue to the Gold Souk and bargain with shopkeepers for beautiful jewelry. Finish the day at the Spice Souk where aromas of cardamom, turmeric, dried lemons, and rose petals envelop the senses. Dinner and overnight in Dubai

DAY 10 (APRIL 10): DUBAI/DESERT SAFARI – Visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Its viewing platform is almost 1500 feet high, and the 360-degree view encompasses all of Dubai. Have lunch and enjoy shopping at the Dubai Mall. At over 12 million square feet, the Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world. After lunch, choose to stay at the Dubai Mall or return to the hotel to enjoy the afternoon by the pool, in the spa, or other pampering amenities. In the evening, visit the remote Lahbab Desert that lies outside of Dubai. Bright red dunes look like giant beanbags of sand. Make use of optional quad bikes. Send plumes of red sand flying. Your adrenaline will surge as your vehicle plows up the dunes and slip-slides back down. Enjoy the evening views. The desert landscape at sunset is truly captivating. Dinner and overnight in Dubai. 

DAY 11 (APRIL 11): ABU DHABI – Embark on an exhilarating tour of Abu Dhabi. On the way, you’ll visit a grand church in the Jebel Ali area and hear from a local Christian church on what life is like in a predominantly Muslim country. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the acclaimed symbol of contemporary Islam. Abu Dhabi Corniche exudes a relaxing vibe with its sweeping harbor, pearl white sand beaches, and beautiful promenade. The next stop is Emirates Palace. Be sure to capture your visit with a photo in front of this eminent destination. Travel to the stunning Etihad Towers. Its five towers shout out the aggregate story of everything Abu Dhabi, combining luxury and modernity. Qasr Al Watan is a palatial reflection of Emiratis and its leaders. Get a glimpse into Emirati governance and culture via exhibits at the palace. Freshen up at your hotel before embarking on your special dinner cruise on board the Bateaux Dubai. As you sail, you will pass the illuminated Maktoum Bridge, Clock Tower, Twin Towers, and Grand Mosque. Dinner and Overnight in Dubai.

DAY 12 (APRIL 12): DUBAI/USA – Transfer to Dubai airport for your return flight home with luggage packed with keepsakes and your heart full of memories!

NOTE: Schedule is subject to change due to various factors and your tour guide’s discretion.

PRICING:

• $5895 per person based on double occupancy.
• Single room supplement $1295
• $500 per person with registration to secure space.
• 50% of the total amount is due on or before October 1, 2023
• Balance due on or before January 1, 2024

FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

• EK 216  01APR  LAX-DXB  440P 730P 02APR  
• EK 925  02APR  DXB-CAI   955P1145P 
• EK 215  12APR  DXB-LAX   855A 215P

* Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE REGISTERING

PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date of at least six months beyond the return home date of the tour. Participants with non-US passports are responsible for country-specific entry requirements. If you do not have a valid passport or need to renew your passport, enter "RENEWING" or "APPLIED FOR" when completing registration.

CANCELLATION POLICY: The $500 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Other payments exceeding the $500 per person are refundable in full up to ninety days prior to departure. After this date, refunds for unused accommodations and services will be limited to the amount received from and/or credited by all carriers, sightseeing operators, and hotels. All funds, including the deposit, are non-transferable.

AIR: The Standard Tour includes round-trip, economy-class airfare from the departure city listed in the itinerary. All group seating is assigned by the airline and cannot be changed by Signature Tours. Seat changes can only be made during check-in at the airport. Upgrades such as Comfort, Premium, Business, or First Class are not available with the standard tour. Participants who wish to upgrade or purchase a specific seat should choose the Land Only option when registering. Frequent flyer, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry numbers can only be added at check-in.

LAND ONLY: Participants who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. $1000pp will be deducted from the standard tour price when selecting this option. Participants arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date. Land Only Passengers arriving with or before the group are welcome to join the group bus at no additional charge. For those not traveling with the group, Signature Tours can provide contact information to arrange a private transfer.

GROUND/TRANSFERS: The group will be met by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only participants are responsible for scheduling ground transfers.

HOTELS: Superior first-class hotels throughout. Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of single rooms are available at additional supplement prices. Signature Tours and/or the group leader will make every attempt to pair single participants requesting a roommate. However, the single supplement fee will be charged for each person occupying a single room, whether by choice or circumstance.

MEALS: Breakfast and dinner are provided daily. Lunch is provided on days as noted in the itinerary. 

SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees to all places listed in the itinerary are included, as well as an expert English-speaking guide.

LUGGAGE: Space is limited on the tour buses. Participants are allowed one suitcase weighing 50lbs or less and will be transported in storage under the bus. Participants are allowed one backpack/daypack or personal bag to carry on the bus during the tour. These requirements will meet most airline carrier restrictions. See the carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements. Medical devices are not included in these restrictions. 

TIPS, SERVICE CHARGES, AND TAXES: Tips, service charges, and taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. Taxes, as imposed by national and/or local governments, that are not included at the time of booking are the responsibility of the participant.

NOT INCLUDED: Excess baggage fees, passport fees, visa fees, food or drink items not listed on the regular table menu for included meals, and items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, etc. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the above list of included features.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: This tour requires a substantial amount of walking. Many of the sites are not accessible by wheelchair, and the uneven terrain is not feasible for rollators. Signature Tours reserves the right to refuse individuals who may require special attention beyond what the tour guide and tour host can provide.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price. For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Travelex Insurance Services. For more information and rates, please review the product flyer or Click Here to enroll in the plan.
* Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC # 16535).

Signature Tours
PO Box 956817 Duluth, GA 30095
info@signaturetours.com