Welcome to Egypt, land of pharaohs, pyramids, and breathtaking deserts! Upon landing at Cairo International Airport, a friendly representative from “Egypt Best Vacations” will greet you like royalty. Let them take care of arrival formalities and visa regulations, while you simply relax and soak in the excitement of your upcoming 8-day Egypt spiritual retreat in Cairo, Wadi El-Natrun, Alexandria and Luxor.
Meals Plan: No Meals Included
Your actual Egypt spiritual retreat begins when our professional tour guide picks you up from your hotel to commence your tour to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum.
You will, first visit the Giza Plateau, where you will have an opportunity to explore Khufu’s Great Pyramid, Khafre’s Pyramid, Menkaure’s Pyramid, and the Great Sphinx. Your Egyptologist tour guide will explain to you how and why the ancient Egyptian kings built their pyramids. He will tell you about the mystery behind the pyramids. Stand face to face before the mighty Sphinx and hear mysteries behind it. Then, enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the Egyptian Museum. Explore the fantastic contents of the historical Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square in Cairo. Hundreds of objects from all periods of Egypt’s past are displayed on the two floors of the museum. Then, return back to your hotel for overnight in Cairo.
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Savor a nourishing breakfast at your hotel to fuel your exploration of Cairo’s spiritual core. Today, you delve into the Coptic district, a historic haven for Christianity since its early days. Your first stop is the iconic Hanging Church, a marvel of Coptic architecture. Built partially above a Roman fortress gate, it offers a unique perspective and a serene atmosphere. Next, you visit the Church of Abu Serga, believed to be a resting place for the Holy Family during their flight to Egypt. Admire its intricate carvings and historical significance.
Continuing our spiritual exploration, you step into the Synagogue of Ben Ezra, a testament to Cairo’s rich tapestry of religions. This beautifully preserved synagogue offers a glimpse into Jewish history in Egypt. After a delicious lunch at a local eatery, where you can experience authentic Egyptian flavors, then head to Khan El-Khalili bazaar for some shopping at the largest bazaar in the Middle East. Then, return back to your hotel.
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel before heading to Wadi El-Natrun, where you will visit the Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great. Visiting the Monastery of Saint Macarius is a profound experience on your 8-day Egypt spiritual retreat. This monastery, founded in the 4th century, is a cornerstone of Egypt’s monastic tradition. Nestled in the serene desert, it offers a glimpse into the spiritual devotion and simplicity of early Christian life.
The monastery houses relics of saints and showcases remarkable Coptic architecture. Walking through its tranquil courtyards and prayer halls, you’ll feel a deep connection to centuries of faith and reflection. It’s a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Egypt’s spiritual and historical heritage. Then, head to Alexandria to have your lunch at a local restaurant before settling into your hotel. Enjoy a free evening in the beautiful Alexandria.
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
After your breakfast at the hotel, you will explore the stunning wonders of Alexandria. Visit the famous Roman Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa. The catacombs are huge Egyptian tombs and royal cemeteries with Ptolemaic and Roman influences. The catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa are one the largest Roman burial sites not just in Alexandria but in Egypt. These catacombs started as a private tomb for a wealthy family, then became a public cemetery. The catacombs house more than 300 tombs.
From the catacombs to the nearby Pompey’s Pillar. Many of the ancient historians did not tell us more details about the “Pompey’s Pillar” but about the buildings that stood nearby and have disappeared now. The hill on which the pillar is erected was covered with temples and houses a long time before the Roman era. It was the place of the Citadel of Rhakotis. A temple was dedicated to Osiris-Serapis was built on the mountain.
From the Pompey’s Pillar to the magnificent Citadel of Qaitbay. The Citadel of Qaitbay in Alexandria is one of the most important fortifications in Egypt. It was constructed by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay to defend Egypt against the Ottomans/Turks. End your tour in Alexandria by visiting the Library of Alexandria Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant, then, travel back to Cairo.
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
A new fabulous chapter begins in your 8-day Egypt spiritual retreat in Cairo, Wadi El-Natrun and Luxor as today, you’re heading to Luxor. Take a transfer to Cairo Airport to fly to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, you will meet with your guide outside the arrival terminal to commence your tour to Karnak and Luxor temples.
Begin your tour exploring the largest religious complex in Egypt, Karnak Temple. The chief cult Centre of Amun. The Karnak Temple continues to stand as a remarkable testament to the religious and artistic achievements of ancient Egyptian civilization. Then proceed to the majestic Luxor Temple. Which was known by the Ancient Egyptians as the ‘Southern Harem of Amun’. Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant, then transfer to your hotel for a free evening in Luxor.
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Take a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then followed by Luxor West Bank tour. Visit the magnificent tombs of the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of the New Kingdom pharaohs. Tombs in the Valley of the Kings are hewn out of the bedrock. Decorated with scenes of the journey of the Sun-god Re through the underworld. Then, proceed to the unique temple of the female pharaoh, Hatshepsut. One of its-kind temples in Egypt, built in three terraces. End your Luxor West Bank tour with a photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon. Two giant statues survived from the temple of Amunhotep III.
Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant, then head to Luxor Airport to catch your flight to Cairo. Transfer from Cairo Airport to your hotel for the final night of your 8-day Egypt spiritual retreat.
Optional tour: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon over Luxor
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Wrap up your 8-day Egypt spiritual retreat in Cairo, Wadi El-Natrun and Luxor with a transfer to Cairo Airport for final departure. It is sad to see you leaving, but feel free to contact us about your next adventure in Egypt.
Meals Plan: Breakfast Only
