KMT827 – The Holy Family Trip

After enjoying breakfast at your Cairo hotel at 9:00 AM, your private tour guide will accompany you to Giza to explore one of the most ancient marvels of the world, the Giza Plateau. Here, you’ll encounter the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids of King Khufu (Cheops), King Khafre (Chephren), and King Mankura (Mykerinus), as well as the enigmatic Great Sphinx and the intriguing Valley Temple. A delightful lunch awaits you at a local restaurant during your journey.

Next, you’ll head to the Egyptian Museum and venture into the heart of old Cairo, where the vibrant Khan El Khalili bazaar beckons you to explore its treasures.

After concluding your tour, our representative will transfer you back to your hotel, where you can savor a delightful dinner.

Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Following a satisfying breakfast at your Cairo hotel, your dedicated tour guide will lead you on a captivating exploration of Cairo’s historic churches. Your journey begins with a visit to the Church of the Virgin Mary in Ma’adi. From there, you’ll proceed to the iconic Hanging Church and St. Sergius, immersing yourself in the rich religious heritage of the region.

Continuing your spiritual journey, you’ll make your way to the Church of St. George and the historic Fortress of Babylon in Old Cairo, a path once traversed by the Holy Family. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant in Cairo.

As your day of exploration comes to a close, our representative will ensure your safe return to your hotel, where you can indulge in a delicious dinner.

Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Overnight in Alexandria.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Following breakfast at your Alexandria hotel, it’s time to check out and embark on another exciting day of exploration. Your private tour guide will accompany you to visit two remarkable sites in Alexandria.
Your first stop will be the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern architectural marvel and a tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the world of knowledge and culture.

Next, you’ll venture to the Catacombs, the largest Roman cemetery comprised of three levels carved into the rock. This historic site will transport you back in time.
Afterward, you’ll relish a delectable lunch at a local restaurant in Alexandria. Your journey will then lead you to the Latin Catholic Church of St. Catherine, where you’ll explore its spiritual significance.

Upon concluding your visits, our representative will transfer you back to Cairo, where you can unwind and enjoy a delightful dinner at your hotel.

Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Following your breakfast at the Cairo hotel, our representative will greet you for a day of exploration in Cairo’s sacred places.
Your first stop will be El Matariya, known as Ancient Heliopolis, where you’ll visit the revered “Mary’s Tree.” This tree is the very spot where the Holy Family sought shade during their journey, and it is said that young Jesus caused water to flow from a spring beneath it. Additionally, you’ll learn about the aromatic balsam plant, renowned for its beautiful scent and its role in church rituals.

Continuing your spiritual journey, you’ll proceed to the Church of the Virgin Mary in the Zeitoun area. This church is adorned with exquisite carvings of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and numerous icons, all created by Italian artists.

As your day of exploration comes to an end, our representative will ensure your safe return to your Cairo hotel, where you can savor a delightful dinner.

Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch Box – Dinner

Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Box , Dinner

Following your breakfast at the hotel, your personal tour guide will be ready to lead you further on the Holy Family Journey in Egypt. Your first destination will be the town of Babastis, also known as Tel-Basta. Here, it is said that Jesus caused a spring of water to flow, providing refreshment during the journey.

Continuing on, you’ll visit Tanis, which served as the primary capital during the 26th dynasty. In Tanis, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a small museum, Ramses Temple, and the royal tombs, gaining insights into Egypt’s rich history.

Before proceeding to Ismailia, you’ll indulge in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Ismailia. After concluding your visits, our representative will transfer you to your hotel in Ismailia, where you can enjoy a pleasant dinner.

Overnight in Ismailia.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch ,Dinner

After a satisfying breakfast and completing the check-out process, our representative will be ready to kickstart your journey to the Sinai Peninsula, a region rich in history and natural wonders.

En route, you’ll pass by Oyoun Mosa (The Springs of Moses), a site of historical and religious significance. Continuing your drive, you’ll come across Hammam Pharaohs, known for its hot springs that have been enjoyed for centuries.

Your journey will lead you to the coastal city of Abu Zanima, a fishing community where you’ll savor a delicious lunch.
Following lunch, you’ll venture into the palm groves of the serene oasis of Wadi Firan. Here, you’ll visit the Monastery of Nuns, exploring the spiritual heritage of the region.

Your final destination for the day will be Saint Catherine, where you’ll check in to your hotel and enjoy a satisfying dinner.

Overnight in St. Catherine.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch / Dinner.

At the early hour of 02:00 AM, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transported to the revered Moses Mountain. There, you’ll be accompanied by a Bedouin guide who will lead you on a spiritual journey to climb this sacred peak.

Once you’ve conquered the mountain and experienced its breathtaking views, you’ll be guided to visit one of the world’s renowned monasteries, St. Catherine Monastery. This holy site is dedicated to St. Catherine, a revered figure in history.
Following your visit to the monastery, you’ll return to your hotel to enjoy a well-deserved breakfast.

Afterward, your journey will continue as you drive to Suez. You’ll be provided with a convenient lunch box to keep you satisfied during the ride.

Upon reaching Suez, you’ll check in at your hotel and indulge in a delightful dinner, marking the end of a remarkable day filled with spiritual and cultural exploration.

Overnight in Suez.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Box / Dinner

Following breakfast, it’s time to check out of your hotel in Suez and embark on a scenic drive south along the coast, as you continue your journey of exploration.
Your first stop will take you to the Monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul, both of which were constructed in the 4th century AD and are dramatically perched against the cliffs emerging from the eastern desert. St. Anthony Monastery is particularly noteworthy, as it is considered the largest monastery in Egypt. The church of St. Anthony was built directly over the saint’s tomb. St. Paul’s Monastery, though relatively younger, is equally adorned with stunning artifacts. St. Paul is often regarded as one of the earliest monks in history.

Continuing your pilgrimage, you’ll head to Upper Egypt, following the path of the Holy Family. Your first destination in this leg of the journey will be Jabal Al Tair, also known as the Birds Mountain, near El Minya city. It is here that the Holy Family is believed to have found refuge in a cave.

Upon your arrival, you’ll check in at your hotel, where you can relax and refresh before enjoying a delicious dinner, concluding another day of profound exploration and spiritual discovery.

Overnight in El Minya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Following breakfast, our representative will be ready to transfer you to the captivating necropolis of Tuna El Gabal. This remarkable site holds a wealth of historical and cultural significance, including the crypts of baboons and ibis, which symbolize the god Thoth. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the tombs of Isadora and the priest Pet-Osiers, as well as witness the ancient water wheel and the boundary stele of the city of Aton.
During your tour, a sumptuous lunch awaits you at a local restaurant, providing you with the energy to continue your exploration.

Next, you’ll proceed to Al-Ashmunien, where you’ll visit an open museum featuring two colossal baboon statues and the ruins of a basilica church with its remarkable rose granite columns.

Continuing on, you’ll arrive at the site of Beni Hasan, situated on the Eastern Bank of the Nile. Here, you’ll encounter rock-cut tombs adorned with intricate scenes depicting local and regional life during the Middle Kingdom period.

Upon concluding your visits, you’ll return to your hotel, where you can unwind and savor a delightful dinner, reflecting on the rich history and culture you’ve experienced throughout the day.

Overnight in Minya.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following your breakfast, it’s time to check out of your hotel in Minya, and our representative will transfer you to Tel el Amarna, known as the “capital of Akhnaton.” Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the northern and southern tombs, gaining insights into this historical site. A delicious lunch will be provided during your tour.

Continuing your journey, you’ll ride to Assiut city to visit Al Muharraq Monastery. This significant site was where the Holy Family stayed for an impressive 6 months and 10 days, marking the longest period they spent at a single location. It was at this site that the Holy Family received a divine message to return to Palestine. Approximately 8 kilometers west of the monastery, you’ll discover the rock-cut tombs of Miar, which once belonged to nobles and rulers during the 6th and 12th dynasties. These tombs remain remarkably well-preserved.

After concluding your visits, you’ll have your dinner at your hotel, reflecting on the profound historical and spiritual experiences of the day.

Overnight in Assiut.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch ,Dinner

After your breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your hotel in Assiut. Your dedicated private tour guide will then accompany you to visit the Monastery of St. Mary in Doronka. This monastery is not only unique but holds historical significance as one of the last sites visited by the Holy Family during their journey through Egypt. The Monastery of St. Mary and the cave Chapel of St. Mary date back to the first century and attract nearly one million visitors annually. It is believed that the Virgin Mary appears in a luminous form within the chapel from time to time.

Following this spiritually enriching visit, your journey will take you to Sohag, where you’ll reach the city of Akhmiem. Here, you’ll explore the Open-Air museum and encounter the statue of Meryet-amun, which stands as the tallest female statue in Egypt.

As you continue to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Egypt, you’ll find that each day brings new and awe-inspiring experiences.

Overnight in Sohag.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch ,Dinner

Following your breakfast, it’s time to check out of your hotel in Sohag, and your private tour guide will accompany you to visit the White Monastery of Saint Shenouda the Archimandrite. This monastery, dating back to the early 5th century, is a remarkable structure built with stones from ancient Egyptian temples. The name of the monastery derives from the white limestone used for its exterior walls.

A short distance north of the White Monastery, you’ll reach the Red Monastery, also known as the Monastery of Saint Bishai (Anba Bishai). This monastery is named for Coptic Saint Bishai, who repented after leading a life of corruption. The name “red” comes from the color of the stones used in its construction. The Red Monastery boasts several churches, with the main church featuring antique paintings that adorn nearly eighty percent of its walls and columns. This building is considered one of the most important historical churches in Egypt due to its intricate figural and ornamental paintings, as well as its monumental architecture.

After these enriching visits, you’ll drive back to your hotel in Cairo, where you can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner. Each day of your journey unveils the rich history and cultural treasures of Egypt.

Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel, our representative will be ready to assist you with your transfer to Cairo International Airport for your final departure. It has been our pleasure to accompany you on this journey of exploration and discovery, and we wish you a safe and pleasant journey ahead. If you ever wish to return or have more questions in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out. Safe travels!

Meals: Breakfast