15 Days Route of the Holy Family Christian Egypt

Overview

Follow the Holy Family’s journey through Egypt: Delta churches, the Wadi El Natrun monasteries, Coptic Cairo and Middle Egypt, then a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, with your own Egyptologist guide throughout.

• Giza pyramids and Sphinx, then the Grand Egyptian Museum
• East Delta day trip to Tell Basta (ancient Bubastis) and Belbeis, two early stops on the Holy Family's route
• Sakha's Church of the Virgin Mary, Samanoud and the Church of St. Abanoub
• Desert monasteries of Wadi El Natrun
• he Hanging Church, the Church of St. Sergius (Abu Serga) and St. George, then the Virgin Mary Church at Mostorod
• Drive south along the Nile to Minya

1. Day 1

   Arrival in CairoCairo

   Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and assisted with the arrival procedures. You will then be transferred by private air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Cairo or Giza. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

   • Overnight: Cairo.

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2. Day 2

   Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian MuseumCairo

   After breakfast, meet your Egyptologist guide and begin your exploration of the Giza Plateau. Discover the three great pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and learn about their construction and significance in ancient Egyptian civilization. Continue to the Great Sphinx, the iconic monument with the body of a lion and the head of a king. Later, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum to explore its remarkable collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and learn more about the country's fascinating history.

   • Overnight: Cairo.

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3. Day 3

   Tell Basta and BelbeisCairo

   After breakfast, travel to the eastern Nile Delta to visit Tell Basta, the ancient city of Bubastis, which is associated with the traditional route of the Holy Family in Egypt. Continue to Belbeis, a historic town also connected with the traditional accounts of the Holy Family's journey. Learn about the religious and historical significance of these locations before returning to Cairo.

   • Overnight: Cairo.

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4. Day 4

   Sakha and SamanoudCairo

   Travel to the central Nile Delta to visit the Church of the Virgin Mary in Sakha, one of the sites associated with the Holy Family's journey according to Coptic Christian tradition. Continue to Samanoud to visit the Church of Saint Abanoub, an important religious site with a long history in the Coptic Orthodox Church. Explore the area's Christian heritage before returning to Cairo.

   • Overnight: Cairo.

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5. Day 5

   Wadi El Natrun MonasteriesWadi El Natrun

   After breakfast, travel to Wadi El Natrun, one of Egypt's most important centers of Christian monasticism. Visit historic Coptic monasteries and discover the origins of monastic life in Egypt, the traditions of the early monks, and the role these monasteries played in preserving Christian religious heritage. Admire the ancient churches, architecture, and religious artwork.

   • Overnight: Wadi El Natrun

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6. Day 6

   Coptic Cairo and the Church of the Virgin Mary in MatariyaCairo

   Explore Coptic Cairo, one of the most historically significant Christian areas in Egypt. Visit the Hanging Church, the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga), and the Church of Saint George. Learn about the history of Christianity in Egypt and the traditions connecting the area with the Holy Family. Continue to the Church of the Virgin Mary in Matariya, associated with the Holy Family's stay in the area according to Coptic tradition.

   • Overnight: Cairo.

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7. Day 7

   Travel to MinyaMinya

   Depart Cairo and travel south toward Minya, enjoying views of the Nile Valley, agricultural landscapes, and traditional Egyptian villages along the way. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and learn more about the historical and religious importance of Upper Egypt in the development of early Christianity.

   • Overnight: Minya

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8. Day 8

   Deir El Muharraq, the White Monastery and Dendera TempleLuxor

   Travel toward Assiut to visit Deir El Muharraq, one of the most important monasteries associated with the Holy Family's stay in Egypt according to Coptic tradition. Continue to the White Monastery near Sohag, renowned for its historic architecture and Christian heritage. Later, visit the Temple of Dendera, dedicated to the goddess Hathor. Admire its beautifully preserved reliefs, astronomical ceiling, and impressive ancient Egyptian architecture before continuing to Luxor. check in at your hotel in Luxor.

   • Overnight: Luxor.

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9. Day 9

   Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and Nile CruiseLuxor

   After breakfast, visit Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest religious complexes in ancient Egypt. Explore its monumental gateways, obelisks, and Great Hypostyle Hall, while learning about the pharaohs who expanded the complex over centuries. Continue to Luxor Temple, an important ceremonial center in ancient Thebes. Discover its colossal statues, columns, and historical connections to the Opet Festival. Later, board your Nile cruise and enjoy the onboard facilities and meals according to the cruise arrangements.

   • Overnight: Nile cruise.

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10. Day 10

    Valley of the Kings and Luxor's West BankLuxor

    Explore the West Bank of Luxor, beginning with the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground of many New Kingdom pharaohs. Visit the tombs open to visitors and admire their colorful wall paintings and funerary inscriptions. Continue exploring the West Bank's archaeological treasures according to the day's arrangements. Return to the cruise and continue your journey along the Nile.

    • Overnight: Nile cruise.

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11. Day 11

    Edfu and Kom Ombo TemplesEdfu and Kom Ombo

    Enjoy your Nile cruise as it continues south toward Aswan. Stop at Edfu Temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus. This remarkably well-preserved temple offers insight into ancient Egyptian religious practices, mythology, and temple architecture. Continue to Kom Ombo Temple, a unique double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Explore its reliefs and learn about its religious significance, including its fascinating medical and ritual inscriptions.

    • Overnight: Nile cruise.

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12. Day 12

    Abu Simbel Aswan

    An optional early-morning excursion takes you to Abu Simbel to visit the magnificent temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. Admire the colossal statues at the entrance of the Great Temple and learn about the temples' historical significance and the international effort to relocate them.

    • Overnight: Nile cruise, according to the confirmed arrangements.

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13. Day 13

    Aswan and Overnight Train to CairoAswan

    Arrive in Aswan and visit the Aswan High Dam, a major engineering project that transformed water management and electricity generation in Egypt. Continue to Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Learn about the temple's religious significance and its remarkable relocation to Agilkia Island as part of the international campaign to protect Nubian monuments from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. After the excursion, proceed according to the confirmed transportation arrangements to board the overnight sleeper train to Cairo.

    • Overnight: Sleeper train.

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14. Day 14

    Arrival in Cairo and Free TimeCairo

    Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a free day to relax, explore the city independently, shop for souvenirs, or arrange optional activities depending on your interests and available time.

    • Overnight: Cairo.

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15. Day 15

    Final DepartureCairo

    Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, depending on your departure time. You will then be transferred by private air-conditioned vehicle to Cairo International Airport for your international departure.

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