15 Days Holy Family Tour in Egypt

Welcome to Cairo, Egypt! Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, a World Travel Path representative will greet you and assist with arrival formalities. Afterward, you’ll be transferred in a deluxe, air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Cairo.

Upon arrival at your hotel, the tour manager will help with a smooth check-in and review your itinerary, confirming pick-up times for upcoming tours. 

In the evening, enjoy a welcome drink and take the time to relax, preparing for the exciting journey ahead.

Overnight: Cairo

After a delicious breakfast, your personal guide will escort you to the Giza Plateau, home to the iconic Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus. Explore the Great Sphinx, the legendary guardian with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh. 

You will also visit the Valley Temple, located at the base of the pyramids, where ancient Egyptians performed rituals for deceased pharaohs.

Next, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to countless treasures, including the world-famous Tutankhamun exhibit. 

Discover artifacts such as ancient jewelry, mummies, statues, and other relics that provide an immersive experience of Egypt’s rich history.

In the afternoon, explore Islamic Cairo and the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Wander through narrow alleyways filled with spices, textiles, jewelry, and unique souvenirs while soaking in the bustling atmosphere of this historic market.

Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Cairo

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on the Holy Family Journey in Egypt. Your first stop is Tel Basta (ancient Babastis), located 100 km northeast of Cairo. 

According to Christian tradition, Jesus is believed to have created a spring of water here. Visit the holy well and learn about the significance of this sacred location.

Next, continue to Belbeis (ancient Philippos), where the Holy Family is said to have rested beneath a tree, now known as The Virgin Mary’s Tree. Visit the Saint George Church and reflect on the religious and historical importance of this area.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Cairo for an evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Cairo

After breakfast, travel to Sakha, a town approximately 140 km north of Cairo. Visit the Virgin Mary Church, an important site for Egyptian Christians, believed to be one of the places where the Holy Family sought refuge. 

Here, you will learn about the church’s history and see the preserved footprint of Jesus Christ.

Next, continue to Samanoud, a town with deep religious significance where the Holy Family is said to have crossed the Nile.

Visit Saint Abanoub Church, named after a local saint, and see the holy well, traditionally used by the Holy Family during their journey.

Enjoy lunch in Tanta, a city known for its historical sites, before returning to Cairo. Relax at your hotel after this meaningful day of exploration.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Cairo

After breakfast, travel to Wadi Natroun, a desert valley historically significant as a refuge for the Holy Family. 

The valley is home to four ancient monasteries: Deir al-Baramus, Deir Anba Bishoy, Abu Makar Monastery, and Deir El-Suryani.

Begin your tour at Deir al-Baramus, the oldest monastery, then continue to Deir Anba Bishoy, housing the remains of the saint. 

Explore Abu Makar Monastery and Deir El-Suryani, each with unique features and centuries of history.

Lunch will be served along the way on your return journey to Cairo. Spend the evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Cairo

Today, explore Cairo’s rich Christian heritage. Start with the Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church), one of the oldest and most revered Coptic churches in Egypt. Admire its architecture and learn about its historical significance.

Next, visit St. Sergius Church, believed to be built on the site where the Holy Family rested. Continue to St. George Church in Coptic Cairo, near the ancient Roman Fortress of Babylon, showcasing a mix of Greek and Coptic architectural styles.

Proceed to Mostorod to visit the Virgin Mary Church, another site associated with the Holy Family, followed by a visit to Matariya, home to the holy well and Mary Tree.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is free for leisure activities, such as visiting other historical sites or relaxing at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Cairo

After breakfast, depart Cairo and travel south to El Minya, approximately a three-hour journey. En route, stop in Maadi to visit the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site where the Holy Family is believed to have rested. Learn about the church’s significance and history.

Continue along the scenic Nile River, observing Egypt’s rural landscapes and historical sites connected to the Holy Family.

Upon arrival in El Minya, visit Gabal Al-Teir, a mountaintop site overlooking the Nile. Explore the church here, renowned for its spiritual significance and panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscape.

Check into your hotel in Minya for a restful evening after a full day of exploration.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Minya

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the White Monastery in Minya, built in 400 AD by St. Senouda. This historic Coptic monastery incorporates columns from ancient Egyptian buildings and features remarkable paintings, offering insight into Egypt’s early Christian heritage.

Next, travel to Al Muharraq Monastery in Assiut, where the Holy Family is believed to have spent several months. 

The monastery is built on the site of the cave where they lived, now part of the Church of the Virgin Mary. Here, you can reflect on the spiritual significance of the site.

Continue your journey toward Luxor, stopping at Dendera to visit the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess of love and joy. 

This well-preserved temple showcases exquisite carvings and intricate architectural details that reflect ancient Egyptian religious practices.

Arrive in Luxor, the heart of ancient Egypt, and check into your hotel. Take the evening to relax after a full day of historical and spiritual exploration.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Luxor

After breakfast, board your luxurious 5-star Nile Cruise, offering comfort and stunning views along the Nile.

Begin your Luxor exploration with a visit to the Karnak Temple on the East Bank, one of Egypt’s largest religious sites. 

Marvel at the grandeur of the Hypostyle Hall, towering columns, and intricately carved reliefs depicting pharaohs, gods, and ancient myths.

Next, visit Luxor Temple, dedicated to the god Amun-Ra. Admire the statues of pharaohs, the towering obelisk, and the Avenue of Sphinxes that once connected Luxor Temple to Karnak.

Return to your Nile Cruise for a relaxing afternoon tea as you sail to your next destination. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner on board while soaking in the serene atmosphere of the Nile.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Nile Cruise

After breakfast, explore Luxor’s West Bank, the spiritual heart of ancient Egypt. Visit the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of pharaohs including King Tutankhamun. Admire the royal tombs adorned with elaborate paintings and hieroglyphs depicting their journey to the afterlife.

Next, visit the Temple of Hatshepsut at El Deir El Bahari, a terraced architectural wonder set against the cliffs of the Theban Mountains. Learn about Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs.

Finish the tour with the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have stood guard for over 3,400 years.

Return to the Nile Cruise for lunch, then continue sailing toward Edfu, passing through the Esna Lock, an impressive engineering feature that raises the cruise to the next stretch of the Nile. Enjoy afternoon tea on board as you relax and take in the scenery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Nile Cruise

After breakfast, visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, it features towering pylons, detailed reliefs, and magnificent statues, immersing you in ancient religious traditions.

Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Kom Ombo. Explore the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, a form of Horus.

Admire its symmetrical design, intricate reliefs depicting rituals, medical instruments, and Egyptian deities. The temple also offers stunning views of the Nile.

Sail onward to Aswan while enjoying dinner on board the cruise.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Nile Cruise

After breakfast, visit the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel completed in 1970 that controls Nile flooding and provides electricity. Take in panoramic views of Lake Nasser and the surrounding desert while learning about the dam’s significance.

Next, see the Unfinished Obelisk, which offers insight into ancient Egyptian stoneworking techniques. Though abandoned due to a crack, it demonstrates the scale and skill involved in ancient construction.

Visit Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, relocated to Agilkia Island to prevent flooding. Explore its pylons, reliefs, and serene surroundings.

Return to the Nile Cruise for lunch, then enjoy a free afternoon to relax, admire the scenery, or use the cruise amenities. Dinner is served on board in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Nile Cruise

After breakfast, disembark from the cruise. Optional: visit the Abu Simbel Temples, 280 km south of Aswan. 

Carved by Pharaoh Ramses II, these colossal temples were relocated in the 1960s to avoid submersion by Lake Nasser. Explore the intricate statues and carvings of this iconic site.

Return to Aswan Railway Station and board your overnight sleeper train to Cairo. Enjoy dinner on board, relax in your private cabin, and take in the passing Egyptian landscapes. A light breakfast will be served the following morning.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Sleeper Train

After breakfast on arrival in Giza, transfer to your hotel. The day is free for relaxation or optional excursions, such as visiting the Step Pyramid of King Zoser in Sakkara and exploring Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Cairo

Enjoy your final breakfast in Cairo before checking out of your hotel. Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your return flight home, concluding your unforgettable Egyptian journey.

Meals: Breakfast