Following breakfast we will be touring the wonders of the ancient world, some of which date back to 1000+ years prior to Abraham. We spend time at one of the seven wonders of the world- the Pyramids. Cheops, with an original height of 496 feet, is the most colossal pyramid ever built. Today, we will also see the Sphinx and tour the New Grand Egyptian Museum, location of Tutankhamen’s treasures and ancient remains. The museum contains historical artifacts dating back more than 7,000 years.

Cairo overnight (BD)

After breakfast we will start our Holy Family journey in Egypt.

We will drive to Tel Basta, where Jesus miraculously caused a spring to gush forth. We then visit Belbeis, where the Holy Family rested under a tree, now commemorated as “The Virgin Mary’s Tree”, and remains a significant religious site for Christians. After visiting Saint George Church we will return to Cairo for dinner and overnight.

Cairo overnight (BD)

Following breakfast we will board our coach to travel to Sakha. The Virgin Mary Church here is believed to be built on the very site where the Holy Family stayed and contains a stone bearing the footprint of Jesus. We then cross the Nile to Samanoud, visiting St Abanoub Church, where Jesus, Mary, and Joseph drank from a well that still flows today. St Abanoub was only twelve years old when he was martyred by the Roman ruler.  His relics are still preserved in these churches. Numerous apparitions and miracles occur in the church till this very day.

Cairo overnight (BD)

Today we visit the churches of Coptic Cairo, commencing with the Hanging Church, named because it’s built on top of the ruins of the Roman Fortress of Babylon. The church seems to float in the air, giving it the name “Hanging Church. 

Continue to the Church of St Sergius, also known as Abu Serga, is one of the oldest Coptic Christian churches in Egypt. It’s located in Old Cairo. According to Coptic tradition, the Holy Family sought shelter in a cave beneath the church during their flight from King Herod.  Next, we will visit the Church of St George, located within the Roman Fortress of Babylon in Old Cairo. After lunch we continue to proceed to visit the Church of Holy Virgin Mary at Maadi, built on the site where the Holy Family crossed the Nile.

We will also visit the new Church of the Martyrs in Mataria, dedicated to the 21 Coptic Christians who were killed in Libya by ISIS. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Cairo overnight (BD)

The Holy family traveled in a boat on the Nile toward the south.

Following breakfast we will travel south to Minya City.  Upon arrival in Minya we will visit the “Church beside the River at Gabal Al Teir”, it refers to the Church of the Virgin Mary located on the mountaintop of Gabal Al Teir, a significant stop on the journey of the Holy Family according to Coptic tradition. The church is built near the Nile River, hence the “beside the river” description Gabal Al Teir. Continue to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Minya City overnight (BD)

Today we will continue our journey south to Asyut City to visit the Monastery of the Holy Virgin. The holy family spent over 6 months here. The monastery’s altar dated 747 AD, is said to be located on the very spot where the baby Jesus rested and is claimed to be the oldest in the world. We continue our way to Luxor for dinner and overnight.

Luxor overnight (BD)

This morning we visit the Temple of Karnak, a vast complex from the New Kingdom period, linked to the time of Moses and the Exodus. Karnak, second to Giza’s Pyramids, is one of Egypt’s most important Pharaonic sites. We then embark on our Nile River cruise, enjoying lunch onboard and the remainder of the day at leisure.

Nile Cruise overnight (BLD)

Visit the Valley of the Kings (where many ancient pharaohs were buried) and the famous Temple of Hatshepsut, the princess who perhaps pulled baby Moses out of the Nile River. This temple may have been designed by Moses. Continue our cruise towards Edfu passing through Esna lock.

Nile Cruise overnight (BLD)

After breakfast aboard the cruise, we will be transferred to visit the famous Edfu temple, then back to the cruise ship to continue sailing to Kom Ombo. Return to your cruise ship to sail to Aswan for dinner.

Nile Cruise overnight (BLD)

Visit the High Dam, built from 1960 – 1971 and is a major factor in Egypt’s agricultural success. We then also spend time at Philae Temple on the Island of Isis. This complex was moved from upriver due to the impending destruction upon the completion of the High Dam.

This afternoon we visit Abu Simbel, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Nubian Monuments.” Our Egyptologist guide will discuss the relevance of this spectacular site from Egyptian history. Here we visit the massive temple of Pharaoh Rameses II, perhaps the greatest builder of temples in ancient Egypt (13th Century BC) and a second one of Queen Nafertari, Rameses’s most beloved wife.

Nile Cruise overnight (BLD)

This morning we fly back to Cairo and spend our final evening strolling through the vibrant Moez Street, rich in Fatimid architecture, and browsing the bustling stalls of Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Tonight, we share a farewell dinner, reflecting on the graces received throughout our sacred journey.

Cairo overnight (BD)