Holy Family Tours

Welcome to the mystical land of Egypt, where the Ancient Egyptians ruled for thousands of years. Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, our representative will warmly greet you and escort you through the vibrant streets of Cairo in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Once you arrive at your selected hotel, your dedicated tour manager will assist with your check-in and confirm the details of your itinerary, including pick-up times for each scheduled activity. Enjoy dinner and a restful night at your hotel.

Pyramids of Giza: After breakfast, your Egyptologist will guide you on an unforgettable journey to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the last remaining wonders of the ancient world. These awe-inspiring monuments, renowned as some of the world’s greatest tourist attractions, never fail to inspire and overwhelm visitors with their grandeur and historical significance.

Sphinx: Step into the presence of the enigmatic Sphinx, an ancient figure cloaked in mystery and legend. Your Egyptologist will captivate you with the intriguing stories and myths surrounding this iconic monument.

Egyptian Museum: Next, visit the Egyptian Museum, home to more than 140,000 artifacts. Here, you can view some of the most important masterpieces and royal statues from throughout Egyptian history.

After the museum, enjoy lunch before heading to Khan el-Khalili. Established between 1382 and 1389, this famous bazaar in Cairo's historic center has served as a vibrant hub of commerce since the Mamluk era. Named after one of its many historic caravanserais, it offers an authentic glimpse into Egypt’s trading history. After exploring its bustling alleys, you’ll return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cairo.

After breakfast, you will begin your pilgrimage by following the steps of the Holy Family.

Mostorod:
The Holy Family rested in a cave now located within the ancient Church of the Virgin Mary, built in 1185 AD. This church is also known as Al-Mahma, meaning "the place of bathing," as it is believed that the Virgin Mary bathed the baby Jesus and washed His clothes there. On their return, the Holy Family passed through Mostorod, where the Child Jesus miraculously caused a spring of water to flow, which still exists today.

Belbeis:
From Mostorod, the Holy Family journeyed to Belbeis, located in the Al-Sharkia Governorate, 55 km northeast of Cairo. This area has biblical roots, as it was part of the land of Goshen where the children of Israel resided. In ancient times, it was known as “Barbes,” the house of the god Bes-al-Qott. Local tradition holds that the Holy Family took shelter under a centuries-old tree known as Mary’s Tree, located outside the city.

Lunch

Sanmoud:
The Holy Family then crossed the Nile branch (Damietta branch) from Minyat Sanmoud to the present city of Samanoud, located about 70 miles north of Cairo. According to church tradition, the Virgin Mary kneaded bread in a basin while in the city. This basin was preserved until it was lost but was rediscovered in the 1960s during excavations for the priest’s house, found at a depth of approximately 3 meters. Archaeological reports confirm it dates back to the first century AD. After Communion, water from the basin is blessed for visitors, and many miracles have been attributed to it, the most notable occurring on Pentecost, June 7, 1987, when all the water miraculously turned into oil.

Sakha:
Continuing west, the Holy Family reached the Sakha region, where they found no water despite their thirst. The Child Jesus touched a stone with His foot, causing a spring of water to emerge, leaving an imprint of His foot on the stone. This site is known as “Pekha Isos,” meaning “the foot of Christ,” and can be found inside the Church of the Virgin Mary. Sakha is one of the few locations along the Holy Family's path that bears the name of a significant event. The stone was discovered at Al-Maghtas Monastery, renowned for the baptism of Copts, including St. Demiana.

Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Cairo.

After breakfast, you will continue following the steps of the Holy Family to Wadi Al Natron, located 95 miles northwest of Cairo.

Wadi Al Natron:
This desert depression has had various names, the earliest being “Sakht Hamat,” meaning “salt field,” due to the abundance of natron salt found here. It was also referred to as “Mount al-Natrun.” In the fourth century AD, it became known as the “Wilderness of Shehit,” a Coptic term meaning “the balance of hearts,” as it is a site of worship, asceticism, and spiritual renewal. During the Holy Family's journey in this area, they blessed the region, which later became home to many monasteries and monks. It is said that the divine Child told His mother, “Know, my mother, that many monks, hermits, and spiritual fighters will live in this desert and serve God like angels.” While there, they passed by Al-Hamra spring, where Jesus caused a fresh water spring known as “Maryam's Spring” to emerge. This spring is located about three kilometers from the Baramous Monastery, amidst a landscape saturated with natron salt.

Abu Makar Monastery:
Your first stop is Abu Makar Monastery, located 58 miles northwest of Cairo. Founded in 360 AD, it has attracted generations of pilgrims, with countless pious souls journeying to heaven after witnessing the faith of Christ on earth. The monastery is home to the relics of many popes of the Egyptian church, saints, and martyrs, including those of John the Baptist and Elijah the Prophet.

Suryan Monastery:
About 40 miles northwest of Abu Makar Monastery lies the Suryan Monastery. Here, at the end of the church of the Virgin Mary, stands the Ancient Table. In the early centuries, the monastic fathers lived in separate cells but would gather in the church every Saturday night for prayer and praise. On Sunday mornings, after the liturgy, they would come together at the table of agape (meaning “love”) to share a meal, during which a monk would read the lives of the saints, making mealtime a moment of spiritual enrichment.

Anba Bishoy Monastery:
Next, you will visit Anba Bishoy Monastery, known for its rich archaeological heritage, which includes an ancient baptistery, refectory, mill, and fortress dating back to the fifth century.

Baramos Monastery:
This monastery features five churches dedicated to saints and martyrs. Some structures date back to the ninth century, including the first monks' dining room and the old fortress from the seventh century. The water source used by the Holy Family is located about a mile and a half from the monastery.

After a full day of exploration, return to your hotel in Cairo for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, you will check out and continue your journey south, following the steps of the Holy Family.

Matariya:
After the Lord Jesus blessed Wadi Al-Natrun, the Holy Family traveled south, crossing the Nile to reach the ancient city of Oun—now known as Ain Shams. From there, they proceeded to the city of Betari, today called Al-Matareya. This northern Cairo district is significant as the Holy Family resided here for several days. It is believed they sheltered under a sycamore tree known as “Mary’s Tree.” The Child Jesus caused a well to spring forth, where He drank and blessed the water. The Virgin Mary washed His clothes there, leading to the growth of a fragrant elderberry plant (balsam), used in medicinal preparations and holy chrism.

Bab Zuweila:
The Holy Family then moved from Matariya towards Old Cairo, traversing the ancient Egyptian Gulf Street (now Port Said Street) and passing through the Haret Zuwaila area, where they drew water from a cistern. This area was named Haret Zuwaila after a Moroccan tribe that contributed to the city’s founding by Jawhar al-Siqilli in 992 AD.

Old Cairo:
In the Coptic area of Old Cairo, you will visit the Hanging Church, also known as the Suspended Church or Al-Moallaqa. This church, dating back to the seventh century, is uniquely built on the southern gate of the Roman Fortress.

Abu Sarga:
Abu Sarga Church, the oldest church in Egypt, dates back to the 5th century AD. It is renowned for being built above the crypt where the Holy Family is believed to have stayed for three weeks during their time in Egypt.

Church of St. Barbara:
The Church of St. Barbara, also located in Old Cairo, holds significant historical importance. Originally dedicated to St. Cyrus and St. John—known for their healing powers—it features a small church in its northeastern corner to commemorate these martyrs. Historical documents from the 13th century indicate that the relics of St. Barbara were housed here.

After your visit, you will enjoy lunch before heading south to Al Minya. The journey is approximately 152 miles (about three hours) from Cairo. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Gabal Al Tayr:
After breakfast, you’ll check out and visit Deir Gabal Al Tayr. This site, where the Holy Family stayed for three days, features a cave on a mountain in the desert, accessible via a long staircase. Originally, this location was an ancient Roman temple carved into the rock and has Pharaonic and Greek inscriptions on its columns. Following the Holy Family's presence, it remained intact for 300 years until the establishment of the Church of Mother Mary and a monastery surrounding it.

Dayrut al-Sharif - Monastery of Martyr Anba Sarabamon:
The Holy Family resided in Dayrut al-Sharif (Phileas) for a few days, where they stayed with a Jewish carpenter named Dianus, who was acquainted with Saint Joseph. Here, they rested under a tamarisk tree located in the Monastery of Martyr Anba Sarabamon, which is situated in the Christian cemetery area. This tree is now known as the “Maryam Tree” and, despite being over 2000 years old, still boasts massive trunks and green leaves.

Al Muharraq:
The Monastery of Mount Qasqam, or the Monastery of Muharraq, is one of the most significant locations where the Holy Family settled during their flight into Egypt. Covering over 20 acres, this monastery is among the largest in the Egyptian desert. The Holy Family stayed here for just over six months.

Drunka:
The Monastery of the Virgin at Drunka is a key tourist attraction in Egypt. Each year, thousands of visitors come to explore the site where the Holy Family concluded their journey before returning to the Holy Land.

After your visit, enjoy lunch and then proceed to Abydos. Check into your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out and begin your drive to Luxor. Upon arrival, you’ll board your Nile cruise and enjoy lunch.

Luxor:
The name "Luxor" is derived from Arabic, meaning "places," and refers to the numerous temples scattered throughout the city. The ancient Egyptian name for Luxor was "Waset," meaning "the scepter," which relates to the natural curb formed by the Nile about 40 miles north of the city.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Karnak temple complex, followed by the Luxor temple. UNESCO designates Luxor City as the largest open-air museum in the world, housing one-third of humanity's monuments.

Karnak Temple Complex:
Karnak is the largest temple complex on Earth, primarily dedicated to the triad of Luxor, with the chief deity being Amun Ra. You'll marvel at remarkable inscriptions, including the Zoo and Garden of Thutmose III, which depict his commercial expeditions, and scenes featuring Philip Arrhidaeus, Alexander's half-brother. The Great Hypostyle Hall, often referred to as the "jungle of columns," showcases its western walls adorned with war scenes from Seti I.

Luxor Temple:
This temple was constructed to celebrate the Opet Festival and to solidify King Amenhotep’s legitimacy as a successor to the god Amun Ra. The temple was buried during the early Christian period, leading to the construction of a church and a mosque on its site. Notably, Alexander the Great also built a chapel in the Prenaos area.

Enjoy dinner and overnight on your Nile cruise.

Optional Tour: Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple.

After breakfast, enjoy a fantastic day trip to the West Bank of Luxor, where you’ll visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.

The Valley of the Kings:
Historically known as "The Gates of the Kings," the Valley of the Kings is home to 64 tombs, of which only 24 belong to kings and queens of the New Kingdom. Your tour will include a visit to the renowned tomb of Tutankhamun, celebrated as the most famous tomb in the valley.

The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut:
Following your visit to the Valley of the Kings, you’ll explore the striking Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, designed in a terraced style. Here, she documented her notable commercial expedition to the land of Punt. You’ll also have the opportunity to stop by an alabaster factory, where you can purchase handcrafted items made using ancient techniques.

The Colossi of Memnon:
These impressive statues are the remnants of the mortuary temple built by King Amenhotep III.

After concluding your visits to the West Bank, return to your cruise and begin sailing towards Edfu while enjoying a delicious lunch on board. Spend the rest of the day relaxing as you sail toward Edfu, where you’ll overnight on your cruise.

Dinner and overnight on board.

After enjoying breakfast on board your cruise, you’ll visit the Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples from the Greco-Roman era, dedicated to the god Horus. Experience a charming horse-drawn carriage ride to and from the temple, allowing you to take in the local life of Upper Egypt. As you travel, witness the slow-paced, rural lifestyle of local farmers and fishermen amidst breathtaking landscapes filled with lush banana and date palm trees.

Following your visit, return to your cruise and set sail to your next destination, Kom Ombo.

Kom Ombo:
Your final stop of the day is the Kom Ombo Temple, notable for its two identical entrances, hypostyle halls, and sanctuaries. After exploring this unique site, head back to your cruise, where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner while sailing toward Aswan.

Overnight on board your cruise in Aswan.

Aswan Sightseeing
After enjoying a delicious breakfast on board your cruise, you'll head out for a day of sightseeing in the beautiful city of Aswan, where you'll meet the warm and welcoming locals. Upon arrival at Aswan airport, your Egyptologist will greet you and take you on a tour of the city's highlights, including the Temple of Philae, the Unfinished Obelisk, the Nubian Museum, and a visit to a Nubian village in the afternoon.

Temple of Philae:
The name "Philae" translates to "the Limit" or "the End," marking the boundaries between Egypt and Nubian land. The temples here date back to the Ptolemaic period (332-30 B.C.) and are significant for containing the last Demotic inscriptions. The temple later served as a church during the early days of Christianity. In 1960, UNESCO relocated the temple to Agilkia Island due to the construction of the High Dam.

Unfinished Obelisk:
Located in the northern region of the ancient stone quarries in Aswan, the Unfinished Obelisk is remarkable for its potential height of 137 feet and weight of 1,168 tons had it been completed. Unfortunately, the work ceased when a crack appeared during extraction, dating back to the reign of Queen Hatshepsut (1458-1473 B.C.).

Nubian Museum:
The Nubian Museum was established in response to the international effort to save ancient Nubian monuments, initiated by UNESCO at the request of the Egyptian government in 1960. Work on the museum began in the early 1980s, involving specialists from the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Egyptian universities, and UNESCO.

After your day tour, you’ll check in to your Nile cruise for lunch on board.

Nubian Village:
Your adventure continues with a visit to a Nubian village, accessible by a combination of motorboat and camel ride in the late afternoon. As you travel, you'll pass the Salouga and Ghazal Nature Reserve, home to various bird species, including the Egyptian Goose and the Moorhen, as well as 90 plant species that thrive along the Nile banks.

While in the village, you’ll have the opportunity to meet a Nubian family member, with the chance to purchase a henna tattoo. Explore the vibrant village market, filled with handmade crafts from the local artisans.

Enjoy dinner on board your cruise and spend the night in Aswan. You can also stroll through the streets of Aswan and explore the local market before returning to the ship for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, you'll check out from your Nile cruise and enjoy a free day in Aswan to explore at your leisure. For lunch, savor a meal at El Dokka restaurant.

Later, you'll fly to Cairo. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your hotel for an overnight stay.

Fly Back Home

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore the vibrant streets of Cairo. Take some free time at your leisure to shop for souvenirs, chat with locals, or relax with a cup of Egyptian tea at a local café. As your flight approaches, you’ll be transferred through the bustling streets of Cairo to Cairo International Airport for your final departure back home.

Meals: Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Cairo International Airport for departure.