Unlocking the Mysteries of Egypt’s Coptic Christian Legacy: A 10-Day Holy Family Tour. Embarking on a 10-day itinerary through Egypt to follow the footsteps of the Holy Family is a unique and spiritual way to explore the country’s rich history and culture.
Begin your tour in Cairo visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum. This 10-day Holy Family Tour will take you through several ancient monasteries, churches, and museums, tracing the path of the Holy Family during their journey to Egypt. From the Hanging Church in Cairo to the Monastery of Saint Macarius in Wadi El-Natrun, the Monastery of the Holy Virgin in Asyut and the White Monastery in Sohag, you’ll discover some of the most important and sacred sites of Egypt’s Coptic heritage.
Along the way, you will also experience the natural beauty of the Egyptian landscapes, from the desert valleys of Wadi El-Natrun to the lush banks of the Nile River. This 10-day Egypt itinerary is perfect for those seeking Egypt spiritual journeys, as well as those interested in exploring Egypt’s ancient past and unique cultural heritage.
Arrival at Cairo International Airport. Meet and assist by our representative of “Egypt Best Vacations” who will help you through the arrival and visa regulations. Transfer to your hotel for free time and the beginning of your 10-day Holy Family Tour in Egypt.
Today, you will explore the Giza Plateau. Today’s tour includes theGreat Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure with the great Sphinx. The only ancient wonder which still exists (Khufu’s pyramid) awaits you. Are you ready to explore it from the inside? (Optional)
Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant, then proceed to the Egyptian Museum. Explore the fabulous contents of the historical Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square in Cairo. Thousands of artifacts from all periods of Egyptian history are displayed on the two floors of the museum. Then, transfer back to you hotel.
Enjoy a spiritual tour to the Coptic Cairo. Visit the famous Hanging Church, which was built in the fourth century, on top of the Roman Fortress of Babylon in Cairo. Then proceed to visit Abu Serga Church, which is dedicated to Saints Bacchus and Sergius. The Holy Family stayed in the cave of this church three month.
Then, head to the Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner. The Monastery of Saint Simon Tanner, also known as the Cave Church, is located in the Mokattam Mountain in Cairo, Egypt. The church is carved into the mountain and features stunning architecture and artwork. It is one of the largest churches in the Middle East, with a seating capacity of up to 20,000 people. The church is named after Saint Simon the Tanner, who is said to have lived in the 10th century and to have had a vision of the Virgin Mary on the site. Then, transfer back to your hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, then drive to Wadi El-Natrun, as the Holy Family blessed this place. Wadi El-Natrun is a desert valley located about 90 km northwest of Cairo. It is most famous for its four historic monasteries, which were built in the 4th century AD and have been home to Coptic Christian monks for centuries. The monasteries are known for their unique architecture, beautiful frescoes, and spiritual significance. You will visit the Monastery of Saint Macarius.
The Monastery of Saint Macarius is one of the four historic monasteries located in Wadi El-Natrun. It was founded in the 4th century AD and is named after Saint Macarius the Great, one of the most revered saints in the Coptic Orthodox Church. The monastery is known for its beautiful architecture, including its ancient church, as well as its collection of valuable manuscripts and relics. Today, it continues to be an important spiritual center for Coptic Christians and a popular tourist attraction.
Transfer back to your hotel in Cairo. In the evening, you will visit the largest bazaar in Egypt, Khan El-Khalili. Return back to your hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, then travel toward Meidum, to visit the Pyramid of Meidum. The Meidum Pyramid is located approximately 100 km south of Cairo. It was built by Pharaoh Senferu during the Old Kingdom period. It is believed to have been an attempt to create a true pyramid after an earlier attempt at a step pyramid. The pyramid is unique in that it features both a stepped core and a smooth, sloping outer layer.
From the Medium Pyramid, you will venture to the Monastery of Gabel El-Tir in El-Minya, where the Holy Family was hidden in its cave. The monastery is located in the Eastern Desert, nearby El-Minya. It is known as Gabel El-Tir (Mountain of the Birds) because of the immigrating birds. Then, head to your hotel in El-Minya.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, then drive to visit the fabulous tombs of Bani Hassan. These tombs were built during the Middle Kingdom period, around 2000 BC, and were used as the final resting place for high-ranking officials and their families. The tombs are known for their unique architecture and beautiful wall paintings, which depict scenes from daily life, as well as religious and mythological themes.
From Bani Hassan, you will drive to Tuna El-Gabel, to visit the Tomb of Petosiris, who was a high priest of Thoth, and the Catacombs of the Ibis-bird and baboons, which were symbols of god Thoth.
Then travel to El-Muharaq Monastery in El-Qusiah, Assiut. Here the Holy Family blessed this place. The monastery was founded in the 4th century AD and is considered one of the most important monasteries in Egypt. The monastery is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and spiritual significance, and it continues to be an active monastery and a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims. From El-Muharaq Monastery to your hotel in Assiut.
Take your breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Durunka to visit the Holy Virgin Mary Monastery. This monastery was built in the 5th century AD on the site where the Holy Family is believed to have taken refuge during their flight to Egypt. Then transfer to Sohag to visit the White & Red Monasteries.
The White Monastery, also known as the Monastery of Saint Shenouda. It was founded in the 4th century AD by Saint Shenouda the Archimandrite, a prominent Coptic Orthodox saint and theologian.
While the Red Monastery is known as the Monastery of Saint Bishoy. It was founded in the 4th century AD by Saint Pachomius, one of the most important figures in early Christian monasticism. The monastery is known for its unique architecture, which features red brick walls with intricate carvings and decorative motifs. From the Red Monastery to your hotel in Abydos.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, the visit the Temple of Seti I in Abydos. This temple was built by pharaoh Seti I, and was dedicated to the god Osiris. The temple is known for its beautiful wall carvings, including the famous “King List,” which lists the names of the pharaohs of Egypt from the beginning of time to the reign of Seti I, who built the temple.
From the Temple of Abydos to Dendera, to visit the beautiful Temple of Hathor there. The temple was built during the Ptolemaic period, around 300 BC, and was dedicated to the goddess Hathor. The temple is known for its well-preserved carvings and reliefs, including the famous “Dendera light” relief, which some people believe depicts advanced electrical technology.
From Dendera to Luxor to check into your hotel. Later on, you will visit the majestic Luxor Temple by night.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, the visit the impressive Karnak Temple. After that, you will head to the west bank of Luxor to visit its fabulous sites. Explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, Habu Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon.
Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant, then head to Luxor Airport to fly back to Cairo. Transfer from Cairo Airport to your hotel for final night of your 10-day Holy Family tour in Egypt.
Wrap up your 10-day Holy Family Tour in Egypt with a transfer to Cairo Airport for your final departure. It is really sad to leave, but feel free to contact us about your next adventure in Egypt.
