Exploring Egypt

Luxor is more than Ruins—it’s where History Feels Personal

Mark holds a basket.

Nouby holds a papyrus painting.

Luxor, Egypt, is a spectacular place to visit. The tombs and temples are amazing. The food is great. And the people are among the kindest you will ever meet.

An amazing hike

Back in 2024, I had an opportunity to nose around Luxor with my dear friend Nouby. We scurried over ruins, crawled into a tomb or two, shared tea, and enjoyed all that this area of Upper Egypt has to offer. While hiking the wetlands on the West Bank, Nouby borrowed a basket from a local woman and we took turns pitching it into the water with a rope. Of course, we chatted about the story of Mussa/Moses and how this special baby experienced a basket ride among the bulrushes (Exodus 2).

An amazing Gift

Imagine my surprise (last November) when I returned and he presented me with a painting of that memory! An artist from the Isis 2 gallery hand-painted it on a papyrus sheet. Thanks also goes to Ahmad el-Shaer, the owner of Isis 2 who made this happen. What a treasure!

Experience the Video

Check out “Basket in the Bulrushes” by clicking the picture below.

From crawling into ancient tombs to pitching baskets into the Nile, our time in Luxor is always unforgettable. We're retracing the steps of Moses and exploring the heart of Upper Egypt.

Some more amazing opportunities

For curated itineraries that offer deeper cultural connections and biblical study, email us a BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com to learn about these four upcoming Egypt study-tours.

  • May 5 - 15, 2026

  • January 1 - 9, 2027

  • January 23 - February 7, 2027

  • March 30 - April 8, 2027

Got questions? Email us here.

Felucca Ride: Sunset on the Nile

Our Felucca crew rows to position the boat on the Nile.

The felucca experience

As the sun dips toward the horizon, a traditional felucca glides silently across the Nile, its white lateen sail catching the desert breeze. These ancient wooden vessels have navigated Egypt’s iconic waterway for millennia, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling riverbanks. Drifting past the timeless temples of Luxor and Aswan, a felucca journey remains the most authentic way to experience the rhythmic heart of the Nile.

Check out the video

Click the photo link below, “Sunset on the Nile.”

If you enjoyed this snippet, you really should check out our in-depth video experience here.

Pi3y the Doorkeeper: An Egyptian Statue and a Biblical Psalm

Ancient Egyptian acacia wood statue of Pi3y the doorkeeper, 18th Dynasty New Kingdom.

the Egyptian Statue in the Louvre

This statue from ancient Egypt presents a young man by the name of Pi3y (possibly pronounced “Pee-ah-ee”).* The figure is carved from acacia-wood, stands about 20 inches tall, and is remarkable for at least three reasons.

A Masterpiece of the New Kingdom

One reason has to do with the date of manufacture and artistic presentation. Scholars place this piece at the end of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, approximately the time of biblical Moses. Pi3y’s details are amazing (check out his curls and pleats). We see here a blend of older traditional elements and newer naturalistic tendencies.

The Name Pi3y

Second, the name of the young man is recorded four times on the piece, once on the base and three times on the back. Pi3y is a common name in New Kingdom Egypt but is not attested earlier.

The Role of a "Doorkeeper"

Third, not only does this personal name affix itself to the figure, so too a title. Pi3y was a “keeper” or “doorkeeper” to the palace. Some believe this to be the position of a guardian, porter, bouncer, or some type of administrator.

The Doorkeeper in Psalm 84:10

I find it fascinating to compare Pi3y’s status with the sentiment found in Psalm 84:10:

"For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."

In the biblical context, the doorkeeper is one who stands at the threshold (Hebrew: histofef), likely at the Temple in Jerusalem. While Pi3y’s inscription on his back pillar begs the goddess Werethekau to let him remain in the service of his master, the Psalmist makes a counter-cultural claim: that the humblest position in the presence of God is superior to any status among the godless.

The author proposes that being near to the presence of God is better than human status or ease among the godless.

A Prayer for Service

Returning to the wooden statue of Pi3y, consider the inscription on its back:

“O Werethekau, lend me your ear, I am your doorkeeper grant that (I) may remain in the service of my master, that (I) may open (?) his doors.”**

Whether in the palaces of Egypt or the courts of Zion, the "doorkeeper" reminds us that who we serve is far more important than the threshold we stand upon.

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*This statue is on display in the Museum of the Louvre, Paris, Pavilion Sully, Hall 26, Showcase 4.

**For more on the statue of Pi3y, see the article here: https://www.academia.edu/19956252/The_statue_of_the_Doorkeeper_of_the_palace_Pi3y_Louvre_E_124_ (accessed 1/15/2026).

Shishak’s Canaanite Campaign: Pharaoh Sheshonq I’s Great Raid

The Raid of Pharaoh Shishak

Following his victory over the Kingdom of Judah, Pharaoh Shishak (or Sheshonq I) launched a devastating military campaign throughout Canaan, aiming to re-establish Egyptian dominance over the Levant. The raid targeted dozens of cities, from Gaza to the Jezreel Valley, systematically dismantling local defenses and extracting massive tributes of gold and silver. Today, we find a record of this conquest is immortalized in the Ballas Relief at Karnak, providing an invaluable link between Egyptian records and biblical history.

Watch the video from Karnak

“An Egyptian raid in Scripture and Stone.” Check out the video below.

If you found this video interesting, you’ll probably like this one too. Follow the link here.

Carter House: The Restored Home of the Archaeologist who Discovered King Tut

The Carter House, West Bank, Luxor, has been fully restored.

Howard Carter’s house

While many travelers focus solely on the Valley of the Kings, the nearby Howard Carter House offers a fascinating, intimate look at the man behind the century's greatest archaeological find. This mudbrick home, designed by Carter himself in 1910, served as his primary base during the grueling years spent searching for and eventually excavating King Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Today, the house has been meticulously restored as a museum, preserving the atmosphere of a 1920s excavation headquarters. Inside, you can explore the following rooms and features:

  • The Study and Library: Filled with Carter's original maps, drawings, and specialized books.

  • The Laboratory and Darkroom: Where historical artifacts were processed and photographed shortly after discovery.

  • Personal Living Quarters: Features original furniture, including his bed, typewriter, and gramophone, providing a glimpse into his daily life.

  • The Garden Replica: A high-quality replica of Tutankhamun's burial chamber is located in the garden, allowing for a close-up study of the tomb's intricate details away from the crowds.

Experience a tour of the Carter house

Clicking on the link below to open the video.

Interested learning more about Howard Carter’s discovery? See our post, Beyond the Golden Mask: Entering Tutankhamun’s Tomb (KV62).

A Big Adventure on a Small Sambuk

A small sambuk and its captain in the Nile wetlands.

A wetland adventure

Leaving the famous monuments behind, a journey into the Nile’s vast wetlands reveals the rhythmic heart of Egypt. These lush, papyrus-lined waterways are the domain of traditional fishing families who have lived in harmony with the river’s cycles for generations. Meeting these families offers a rare glimpse into a lifestyle that has remained largely unchanged for millennia, where the day's success is measured by the weight of a hand-cast net.

One of the most immersive ways to experience this culture is to join a local family on their small, wooden fishing boats. As you glide through the quiet reeds, you can learn centuries-old techniques for catching Nile perch, tilapia, or catfish while observing the diverse birdlife that calls the wetlands home. This intimate encounter—sharing a boat, a story, and perhaps a simple meal of tea and bread—connects you to the living history of the world's longest river in a way no cruise ship ever could.

Watch the video

Click on the link below.

Interested in a big adventure of your own? We are planning several Egypt trips in the next year and a half. Here’s the dates. Email us here with your comments and questions.

  • May 5 - 15, 2026

  • January 1 - 9, 2027

  • January 23 - February 7, 2027

  • March 30 - April 8, 2027

Luxor Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Experience

Balloons over the Nile!

I must confess: even though I signed up for this sunrise ride to scout the best experiences for our clients, I quickly realized it was a gift to myself. And boy, am I glad I did!

The World’s Greatest open-air museum

Floating in the morning air, you can truly appreciate why Luxor is often called the world's greatest open-air museum. From a thousand feet up, the landscape reveals secrets that ground tours simply can't match.

Why an Aerial Perspective Matters

For those fascinated by archaeology, this ride is critical. It allows you to visualize the layout of the region, seeing how temples and workers' villages were once connected by the same soil that local farmers irrigate today

Watch the video

Click the image below to share our sky-high experience.

Want to try it yourself?

For curated itineraries that offer deeper cultural connections and biblical study, email us here to learn about these four upcoming Egypt study-tours. Of course you’ll have the option to ride the balloons yourself!

  • May 5 - 15, 2026

  • January 1 - 9, 2027

  • January 23 - February 7, 2027

  • March 30 - April 8, 2027

Tips for “Reading” Egyptian Temples

The Temple of Philae, near Aswan.

Reading Temples is not a natural skill

While the towering pylons and golden sandstone of Egypt’s ancient temples are breathtaking at first glance, they truly come alive once you learn to decipher their hidden language. Most visitors simply walk past the intricate carvings, but these stone walls are actually vast, open-air history books waiting to be read. By understanding the basic layout and recurring symbols—from the Lotus and Papyrus representing Upper and Lower Egypt to the specific gestures of the Pharaohs—you can transform a standard sightseeing stop into a deep dive into the minds of the ancients.

Five tips to enhance your “reading” skills

To help you get the most out of your next visit, we’ve put together a quick guide on how to look past the scale and see the story. In the video below, we break down five essential tips to improve your temple “reading” skills. Whether you’re standing in the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak or the intimate chambers of Philae, these strategies will change the way you see Egypt forever.

Watch the video

Click on the link below.

Ready to practice your new skills?

For curated itineraries that offer deeper cultural connections and biblical study, email us here to learn about these four upcoming Egypt study-tours.

  • May 5 - 15, 2026

  • January 1 - 9, 2027

  • January 23 - February 7, 2027

  • March 30 - April 8, 2027

Medinet Habu: The Pharaoh’s Battle Against the Philistines

The Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu.

The Desperate struggle

The Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu serves as a monumental record of one of ancient Egypt’s most desperate struggles. Its exterior walls are famously covered in vivid reliefs depicting the Pharaoh’s victory over the “Sea Peoples,” a confederation that included the Peleset, who are widely identified as the biblical Philistines. These carvings provide historians with a rare, detailed look at the distinct feathered headdresses and ox-drawn wagons of the Philistines as they migrated toward the Levant.

Watch the video

Click on the image below to experience the Philistine wall at the Habu Temple.

If you found this video interesting, you’ll probably like this one too. Follow the link here.

Experience Egypt

For curated itineraries that offer deeper cultural connections and biblical study, email us here to learn about these four upcoming Egypt study-tours.

  • May 5 - 15, 2026

  • January 1 - 9, 2027

  • January 23 - February 7, 2027

  • March 30 - April 8, 2027

The Ptolemaic Sphinx at NMEC: A Fusion of Egypt and Greece

Detailed view of the Ptolemaic sphinx at NMEC, highlighting the unique Greek-influenced facial features on a traditional Egyptian body.

The Ptolemaic Sphinx at NMEC

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) continues to surprise with its world-class collection, and this Ptolemaic-period sphinx is no exception. While many associate sphinxes strictly with the Old Kingdom, this stunning piece proves that the majestic legacy of Egyptian art evolved beautifully under Greek influence. The craftsmanship captures a unique fusion of traditional Pharaonic strength and soft Hellenistic facial features, making it a must-see for any history lover visiting Cairo.

On tour in Egypt

Our day in Cairo with our group of Bible Land Explorers from Burlington, Kentucky, was filled with awe-inspiring history. We are now en route to the airport, leaving the bustling energy of the capital behind as we fly south to Luxor to continue our journey through the wonders of the Nile.

Fact: Did you know that the bodies of 17 kings and 3 queens are on display in the Royal Mummies Gallery at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization? Don’t miss this stop. Here’s a link to their website.

Reunion of Seminary Friends

Mark caught up with Safaa and Mona Fahmi of Christian Arabic Services in Cairo.

It was a delight to share a meal in Cairo with Safaa and Mona Fahmi, friends from seminary days. We caught up on news and learned about the recent work of Christian Arabic Services (CAS).

To learn more about the ministry of CAS, follow the link here.

Daily Life from the time of Moses at the Tomb of Rekhmire

Inside the Tomb of Rekhmire.

Scrambling in the Tombs of the Nobles: The Tomb of Rekhmire

Stepping into the Tomb of Rekhmire (TT100) in the Theban Necropolis is like opening a 3,500-year-old time capsule. Dating back to approximately 1400 BC—the reigns of Thutmose III and Amenhotep II—this isn’t just a burial site; it’s a vivid record of the ancient world.

Exterior views to TT100.

A Window into Daily Life in Ancient Egypt

While the Valley of the Kings focuses on the journey to the afterlife, the Tombs of the Nobles offer a rare glimpse into the "here and now" of the 18th Dynasty.

What makes TT100 truly unforgettable are the lavishly illustrated panels depicting daily life. These scenes cover everything from tax collection and foreign tribute to the intricate work of craftsmen.

Laborers making mud bricks illustrated on the tomb wall.

The Biblical Connection: Brick-Making and the Exodus

For those tracking biblical history, the "brick-making" scenes in Rekhmire's tomb are particularly striking. Living during the era many scholars associate with the time of Moses, Rekhmire was the Vizier (the highest-ranking official) under two powerful Pharaohs.

The tomb's wall paintings provide a vivid visual commentary on the labor conditions described in the Book of Exodus:

  • The Process: You can see workers fetching water and mixing mud with straw.

  • The Labor: Figures are shown using molds to sun-dry bricks, exactly as described in the biblical narrative.

  • The Context: Seeing these ancient laborers at work brings the historical reality of Egyptian servitude into colorful focus.

Khalid, a resident of Qurnah, gave me a great tour of the Tombs of the Nobles.

Why TT100 is a "Must-Visit"

Unlike the crowded royal tombs nearby, the Tomb of Rekhmire allows for a quieter, more intimate experience with history. The high-quality pigments and the sheer scale of the scenes make it one of the most important archaeological sites for understanding the socio-economic life of the New Kingdom.

Nubians presenting a giraffe and an monkey as tribute, as depicted in the Tomb of Rekhmire (TT100).

Come explore Egypt with us!

We have four upcoming Egypt study-tours. Email us here for details.

  • May 5 - 15, 2026

  • January 1 - 9, 2027

  • January 23 - February 7, 2027

  • March 30 - April 8, 2027

Whether you’re a Bible reader, history buff, or a modern-day explorer, the West Bank of Luxor offers an gripping experience of the world of the Bible.

The Hoopoe: The Bird of Kings and Wisdom

A hoopoe in the grass outside my Luxor hotel.

While stepping out of my hotel in Luxor I encountered this marvelously crested fellow: the Hoopoe (Upupa epops). I watched him grub the soft ground with that long beak.

Beyond its striking colors, this bird carries a heavy crown of history. In ancient Egypt, the hoopoe was a symbol of royalty. In Islamic folklore, they were messengers for King Solomon. In the Bible they made the “do not eat” list (Lev 11:13-19 and Deut 14:11-18).

Did you know? In Arabic, the hoopoe is called a hudhud. Go ahead and say it out loud—it’s as fun to say as this marvelous bird is to watch.

St. Catherine’s Monastery: A Fortress of Faith at the Base of Mt. Sinai

The fortified stone walls of St. Catherine's Monastery at the base of the rugged granite peaks of Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa).

A Fortress of Faith at the Base of Mt. Sinai

At the base of Jebel Musa (the traditional Mount Sinai) sits the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery in the world. A cornerstone of the Greek Orthodox tradition, this sacred site is named after St. Catherine, the famed Alexandrian martyr.

The Legacy of Justinian I

The history of this desert fortress stretches back to the mid-6th century AD. It was constructed by order of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, purposefully built over the site where tradition holds that God confronted Moses at the Burning Bush.

The Legend of St. Catherine

Beyond its architectural history lies a miraculous legend. After Catherine was martyred by a Roman blade, it is said her remains were carried away by angels and hidden deep in the Sinai desert. Centuries later, Christian monks discovered her body—entirely uncorrupted—and established the monastery in her honor.

Witness the Wilderness

There is nothing quite like the austere beauty of this amazing mountain. We invite you to stand where history and scripture meet and witness the wilderness of Mt. Sinai for yourself.

  • Next Year’s Journey: We are returning to Egypt for an immersive historical and spiritual experience. May 5-15, 2026. See brochure here.

  • Itinerary Highlights:

    St. Catherine's Monastery

    Optional climb of Mt Sinai

    Red Sea Swim

The Lighthouse of Alexandria is under it?

It is believed that remains of the legendary lighthouse of Alexandria rest beneath the 15th-century walls of the Citadel of Qaitbay. Alexandria, Egypt.

The Layers of Pharos Island

When you stand before the towering limestone walls of the Citadel of Qaitbay in Alexandria, you are looking at a brilliant example of 15th-century military architecture. Built by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay to defend the Mediterranean coast, it remains one of the most iconic sights in Egypt. But for the traveler with a keen eye, the fortress is only the top layer of a much deeper story.

A Wonder Beneath Your Feet

The Citadel was famously constructed using the fallen stones of the Lighthouse of Alexandria (The Pharos). Once soaring over 300 feet high, the lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, as you explore the fortress, realize you are walking atop the massive granite blocks that once guided mariners through the harbor of the Hellenistic world.

The Birth of the Septuagint

For those of us traveling with a focus on Biblical history, Pharos Island holds a significance that rivals its architectural fame. Ancient tradition, beginning with the Letter of Aristeas, suggests that Ptolemy II established a quiet retreat center here. It was in this secluded environment that 72 Jewish scholars were tasked with translating the Hebrew Bible into Greek.

This monumental effort resulted in the Septuagint (LXX). This translation was not just a linguistic feat; it was the version of the Old Testament most frequently quoted by the Apostles and the early Church. To visit this island is to visit the birthplace of the bridge that brought the Word of God to the wider Greek-speaking world.

Join Us in May 2026

History like this isn’t meant to be read from a distance—it’s meant to be walked. We are thrilled to be returning to Alexandria as part of our comprehensive Biblical Egypt Tour. Dates are May 5–19, 2026. For more information, see the link here.

We will explore the Citadel, stand where the lighthouse once glowed, and reflect on the scholars who labored here to preserve the Scriptures for generations to come.

Video Tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

What’s ahead for the Fall of 2025

Get ready for an exciting look at what’s ahead for the Fall 2025 GEM! Watch our quick update below to catch the latest news and get a firsthand glimpse into the mission and vision of this upcoming season.

Watch the video

Click below to view “Egypt’s New Museum: it’s Grand!”

Sinai flyover: The Meeting place of Continents

Arid and austere

The Sinai Peninsula forms a vital triangular connection between Africa and Asia, uniquely bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the strategic Suez and Aqaba rift zones. Its diverse geography transitions from flat northern coastal plains to the expansive Tih Plateau and the rugged southern peaks of Mount Catherine, Egypt’s highest mountain. While the climate is predominantly arid, seasonal wadis dramatically carve the desert landscape, and high-altitude summits can experience surprising winter frost and snow.

Watch the video

Traverse the Sinai Peninsula from the Gulf of Aqaba to the Gulf of Suez. Click the panel below: “Sinai Flyover: Between Gulfs.”

Sharm el-Sheikh: A Red Sea Resort

View to the Red Sea from the Savoy Hotel in Sharm al-Sheikh.

A crisp, clean and contemporary place to play on the Red Sea

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, is a crisp, clean, and contemporary place to play on the Red Sea. Welcome to Sharm el-Sheikh, a world-class coastal destination where the golden sands of the Sinai Desert meet the electric blue waters of the Red Sea. Dive into the heart of Egypt’s premier resort town, famous for its luxury stays and the vibrant coral reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park. Whether you’re here for the legendary underwater adventures or just relaxing in Naama Bay, get ready to experience the ultimate sun-soaked escape.

Watch the video

Click on the panel below to watch the video: “A Red Sea Resort in Egypt”