Egypt in the Footsteps of the Holy Family – EGP

Visit the places where God revealed His presence and where Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child found refuge during their flight into Egypt.

Experience the wonders of Egypt and some of the world's greatest archaeological treasures, while enjoying the fellowship of your fellow travellers on this journey of faith, in the comfort of our easy paced and fully escorted small group. Tour commences and concludes in Cairo.

Itinerary

Day 1 Cairo

Welcome to Egypt, a land where ancient civilisation and biblical history come together.

Make your way to our hotel before meeting your fellow pilgrims for our included welcome dinner and the opportunity to become acquainted as we begin our remarkable journey of faith.

Accommodation and meals: Cairo • Dinner

Day 2 Giza Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum

Our pilgrimage begins with the timeless wonders of Ancient Egypt. Visit the magnificent Pyramids of Giza, including the Great Pyramid of Cheops, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and stand before the mysterious Sphinx. We also explore the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the priceless treasures of Tutankhamun and remarkable artefacts spanning more than 7,000 years of Egyptian history.

Accommodation and meals: Cairo • Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 In the Footsteps of the Holy Family, Tel Basta, Belbeis

Today we begin tracing the sacred journey of the Holy Family through Egypt. At Tel Basta, tradition tells us Jesus caused a spring of fresh water to flow. Continue to Belbeis, where Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus are believed to have rested beneath the tree now known as the Virgin Mary’s Tree. Visit Saint George Church before returning to Cairo.

Accommodation and meals: Cairo • Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 Sakha, Virgin Mary Church, Samanoud

Travel north to Sakha, where the Virgin Mary Church marks the place where the Holy Family stayed. Here you will see the revered stone said to bear the footprint of the Child Jesus. Crossing the Nile to Samanoud, visit St Abanoub Church, where the Holy Family is believed to have drunk from a well that still flows today. Discover the inspiring story of the young martyr St Abanoub, whose relics remain honoured here.

Accommodation and meals: Cairo • Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 Christian Cairo, Holy Family Refuge, Maadi

Explore the heart of Egypt’s Christian heritage in Coptic Cairo. Visit the famous Hanging Church, built above the ancient Roman Fortress of Babylon, before continuing to the Church of St Sergius, where tradition says the Holy Family found refuge in a cave during their flight into Egypt. We also visit St George Church and, after lunch, continue to the Church of the Holy Virgin at Maadi, marking the place where the Holy Family crossed the Nile. Our day concludes at the Church of the Martyrs in Mataria, dedicated to the twenty-one Coptic Christians martyred in Libya.

Accommodation and meals: Cairo • Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 Minya, Gabal Al Teir

Journey south along the Nile to Minya, following the route believed to have been taken by the Holy Family. Visit the beautiful Church of the Virgin Mary at Gabal Al Teir, perched high above the Nile and one of Egypt’s most treasured pilgrimage sites. The peaceful setting offers time for quiet reflection before continuing to our hotel.

Accommodation and meals: Minya • Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 Asyut, Luxor

Continue to Asyut and visit the Monastery of the Holy Virgin, where the Holy Family is believed to have lived for more than six months. The ancient altar, dating from AD 747, stands on the site where the infant Jesus is said to have rested. Later, travel to the magnificent city of Luxor.

Accommodation and meals: Luxor • Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 Karnak, Nile River Cruise

Discover the extraordinary Temple of Karnak, one of Egypt’s greatest archaeological treasures and closely associated with the biblical era of Moses and the Exodus. Afterwards, board our elegant Nile River cruise and settle into our comfortable cabins as we begin a relaxing voyage along one of the world’s most famous rivers.

Accommodation and meals: Nile River Cruise • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut

Explore the Valley of the Kings, where generations of powerful pharaohs were laid to rest. Visit the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most remarkable architectural masterpieces, before cruising through the Esna Lock towards Edfu.

Accommodation and meals: Nile River Cruise • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Edfu, Kom Ombo

Visit the remarkably preserved Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, before returning to the ship to continue cruising the Nile. Later we stop at Kom Ombo before sailing on to Aswan, enjoying the ever-changing scenery along the river.

Accommodation and meals: Nile River Cruise • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Aswan, Abu Simbel

This morning visit Aswan High Dam, an engineering achievement that transformed modern Egypt, before exploring the beautiful Philae Temple, carefully relocated to protect it from rising waters. This afternoon travel to the breathtaking temples of Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the colossal monuments built by Pharaoh Ramesses II and the exquisite temple dedicated to his beloved Queen Nefertari.

Accommodation and meals: Nile River Cruise • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 Cairo

Fly back to Cairo and enjoy time exploring the historic Moez Street, renowned for its beautifully preserved Islamic architecture. Browse the colourful Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where spices, jewellery, handicrafts and traditional treasures abound. This evening we gather for a memorable farewell dinner, celebrating the friendships formed and the blessings shared throughout our pilgrimage.

Accommodation and meals: Cairo • Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13 Cairo

Following breakfast, our inspiring pilgrimage tour comes to an end as you transfer to Cairo Airport for onward travel.

Meals: Breakfast

N.B. Tour inclusions and the order may be adjusted subject to local conditions or circumstances beyond our control, or at the discretion of the tour host.