Follow The Holy Family In Egypt, 8 Days

Day 1 Arrive In Cairo

On arrival in Cairo, you will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel for overnight.

Meal(s) Included: Dinner

Overnight at Safir Hotel or Similar

Day 2 Giza Plateau - Memphis - Sakkara

Tour of The Pyramids of Giza, including the famous Sphinx and the museum, where the remains of the Solar Boat of Cheops are displayed. In the afternoon drive to Sakkara, the ancient "Necropolis" of the Old Kingdom's Capital. Visit other pyramids and tombs, including "The Step Pyramid", the oldest known Pyramid. In the evening, visit Khan El Khalili Bazaar, an Oriental Bazaar that goes back to the 10th century. Dinner is at a local restaurant.

Sakkara Pyramid (Courtesy of Egyptian Tourist Authority) © Gardel

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Safir Hotel or Similar

Day 3 Samanoud - Sakha

In the morning, travel to Samanoud. Located on the Damietta branch of the Nile, it is also the site where a church was built to commemorate the resting place of the Holy Family. Continue to Sakha, where the Holy Family is also believed to have visited. It was also known for its large Christian community in the Middle Ages. Return to Cairo for overnight.

Church in Cairo's Coptic Quarter (Courtesy of Egyptian Tourist Authority) © Gardel

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Safir Hotel or Similar

Day 4 Wadi Natroun

Today, visit Wadi Natroun, a desert area which many believed was blessed by Jesus Christ. Three monasteries still exist in the area. Return to Cairo for overnight.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Safir Hotel or Similar

Day 5 Cairo

Today, visit the holy well and sacred tree at Matariya just outside of Cairo.  It was a resting place of the Holy Family and a popular destination for medieval pilgrims. Also, see the Church of St. George, as well as the Fortress of Babylon in Old Cairo, where the Holy Family passed. Tour the ancient churches, including the Hanging Church and St. Sergius.

St. George's Church (Courtesy of Egyptian Tourist Authority) © Gardel

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Safir Hotel or Similar

Day 6 Cairo - Minya

Today, travel to the Church of the Holy Virgin on the banks of the Nile at Maadi, south of Cairo.  This is where Jesus and his Virgin Mother boarded a sail boat and set out for the village of Deir Al-Garnousin, Upper Egypt. Drive to this village near the town of Maghagha, where the Monastery of Arganos was later founded. It is believed that  Jesus and his Virgin Mother drank the water they needed from a well by the Church of the Virgin. Also, see the beautiful church hewn out of the cliff on the bank of the river in Gabal Al-Teir in Minya. Overnight in Minya.

Church of the Virgin Mary (Courtesy of Egyptian Tourist Authority) © Gardel

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Mercure Nefertiti & Aton or Similar

Day 7 Minya

Today's excursion is to the Monastery of the Holy Virgin in Al Qusiya, a popular place for pilgrims to journey to in ancient times. Jesus and his Virgin Mother are believed to have stayed at this site for over three years. Return to Cairo for overnight.

Church in Cairo's Coptic Quarter (Courtesy of Egyptian Tourist Authority) © Gardel

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Safir Hotel or Similar

Day 8 Depart Cairo

Transfer to Cairo's international airport for your departure flight.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast