Travel Itinerary

12-Day Holy Family Route in Egypt

12 days

Trip at a Glance

  • 6
  • 75
  • 2 - 16
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the program.
  • Comfort: Category B accommodation with Pyramids Park Resort in Cairo, Holy Family Hotel Standard in Minya and Assiut Cement Hotel Standard in Assiut. Premium: Category A accommodation with Holiday Inn Maadi / Similar in Cairo, Holy Family Hotel Best Available Room in Minya and Assiut Cement Hotel Deluxe in Assiut.
  • Cairo International Airport
  • Cairo International Airport
  • October to April
  • Christian pilgrimage, Coptic heritage and cultural round trip.
  • English / German
  • Meals follow the confirmed daily program: Day 1 dinner; Days 2–11 breakfast, lunch and dinner; Day 12 breakfast.
  • Entrance fees to the sites specifically listed in the itinerary are included.
  • Comfort / Premium

Trip Overview

Follow a 12-day, 11-night route through Cairo and the Nile Valley focused on the Christian and Coptic heritage associated with the Holy Family in Egypt. The journey starts and ends in Cairo and combines pilgrimage sites, monasteries, churches, museums and selected classical Egyptian landmarks.

The program includes Old Cairo and its historic religious complex, Matariya and the Holy Family Tree, the monasteries of Wadi El Natrun, Gabal El-Tair in Minya, Drunka and Al Muharraq Monastery in Assiut. The final Cairo days add the Giza Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, Saqqara, the Grand Egyptian Museum and Khan El Khalili.

Comfort and Premium follow the same itinerary, private air-conditioned transportation, English- or German-speaking Egyptologist guide service and confirmed meal program. The package difference is the accommodation and room standard specified by Operations.

Journey Highlights

  • Explore the Hanging Church, Abu Serga, Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Coptic Museum in Old Cairo.
  • Visit the Holy Family Tree and Virgin Mary Church in Matariya.
  • Discover the Syrian Monastery and Monastery of Saint Bishoy in Wadi El Natrun.
  • Travel through the Nile Valley to Minya and visit Gabal El-Tair and the Church of the Virgin Mary.
  • Continue to Assiut for Drunka and the Holy Family heritage of the area.
  • Spend a full day at Al Muharraq Monastery and its pilgrimage sites.
  • Visit the Giza Pyramids, Great Sphinx and Saqqara Step Pyramid.
  • Conclude with the Grand Egyptian Museum and Khan El Khalili in Cairo.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Cairo

Arrive at Cairo International Airport, where a Gate East representative provides meet-and-assist service before the private air-conditioned transfer to the selected Cairo hotel.

Check in and settle in. Dinner is included as the planned arrival-day meal, with the practical timing coordinated around the confirmed arrival flight.

Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, abgestimmt auf den Reiseverlauf und das gewählte Unterkunftspaket.

Day 02

Christian Cairo & Old Cairo

After breakfast, begin the Christian heritage program in Old Cairo with visits to the Hanging Church, the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga), Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Coptic Museum.

Continue with an Old Cairo walking tour. Lunch and dinner are included according to the confirmed full daily meal program.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, abgestimmt auf den Reiseverlauf und das gewählte Unterkunftspaket.

Day 03

Matariya & the Holy Family Tree

Travel within the Cairo area to Matariya and visit the Holy Family Tree, followed by the Virgin Mary Church.

Lunch is included before returning to the Cairo hotel. Dinner is included in the evening.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, abgestimmt auf den Reiseverlauf und das gewählte Unterkunftspaket.

Day 04

Wadi El Natrun Monasteries

Drive from Cairo to Wadi El Natrun for visits to the Syrian Monastery and the Monastery of Saint Bishoy, with time for spiritual reflection.

Lunch is included during the day. Return to Cairo for dinner and overnight at the same selected hotel.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, abgestimmt auf den Reiseverlauf und das gewählte Unterkunftspaket.

Day 05

Cairo to Minya

After breakfast, check out and travel south through the Nile Valley by private air-conditioned vehicle, with a short comfort stop on the way to Minya.

Arrive around midday according to the operating plan, enjoy lunch, check in and have time to rest. Dinner is included, followed by overnight in Minya.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, abgestimmt auf den Reiseverlauf und das gewählte Unterkunftspaket.

Day 06

Holy Family Sites in Minya

Explore the Holy Family heritage of Minya, including Gabal El-Tair Monastery, the Church of the Virgin Mary and the traditions associated with the Holy Family cave.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Overnight remains at the selected Minya hotel.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, abgestimmt auf den Reiseverlauf und das gewählte Unterkunftspaket.

Day 07

Minya to Assiut & Drunka

After breakfast, depart Minya for Assiut and continue the Christian heritage program, including the confirmed visit to Drunka and other scheduled local Christian heritage sites.

Lunch and dinner are included. Check in at the selected Assiut hotel for overnight.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, abgestimmt auf den Reiseverlauf und das gewählte Unterkunftspaket.

Day 08

Al Muharraq Monastery

Spend the day on an excursion from Assiut to Al Muharraq Monastery, including the Holy Family Church and the pilgrimage sites and monasteries specified in the operating program.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Return to the Assiut hotel for overnight.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, abgestimmt auf den Reiseverlauf und das gewählte Unterkunftspaket.

Day 09

Assiut to Cairo

After breakfast, begin the long road transfer from Assiut back to Cairo by private air-conditioned vehicle.

Lunch and dinner are included according to the confirmed daily meal policy. Arrive in Cairo, check in and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, abgestimmt auf den Reiseverlauf und das gewählte Unterkunftspaket.

Day 10

Giza Pyramids & Saqqara

After breakfast, visit the Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx, then continue to Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid.

Entrance fees to the listed sites are included. Lunch and dinner are included before returning to the Cairo hotel for overnight.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, abgestimmt auf den Reiseverlauf und das gewählte Unterkunftspaket.

Day 11

Grand Egyptian Museum & Khan El Khalili

Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum after breakfast, then continue to Khan El Khalili Bazaar for the final sightseeing day in Cairo.

Lunch and dinner are included according to the confirmed full daily meal program. Overnight in Cairo.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Comfort / Premium Hotel

Übernachtungsart: Comfort / Premium Hotel, abgestimmt auf den Reiseverlauf und das gewählte Unterkunftspaket.

Day 12

Departure from Cairo

Enjoy breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to Cairo International Airport.

Departure assistance is included. Breakfast is the planned departure-day meal, with practical service coordinated around the confirmed flight time.

Breakfast

Included in Your Journey

  • Meet and assist service on arrival and departure at Cairo International Airport.
  • Eleven nights of accommodation according to the selected Comfort or Premium package.
  • Meals according to the confirmed daily program: dinner on Day 1; breakfast, lunch and dinner on Days 2–11; breakfast on Day 12.
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the program, including airport transfers and all scheduled road journeys.
  • Professional Egyptologist guide service in English or German.
  • Entrance fees to the sites specifically listed in the itinerary.
  • All transfers and luggage handling.
  • Service charges and taxes.

Not Included

  • International flights.
  • Egypt entry visa.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Tips and gratuities.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Optional excursions.
  • Any service not specifically mentioned as included.

Dates

  • October 1, 2026 - October 12, 2026
  • October 15, 2026 - October 26, 2026
  • November 1, 2026 - November 12, 2026
  • November 15, 2026 - November 26, 2026
  • December 1, 2026 - December 12, 2026
  • December 15, 2026 - December 26, 2026
  • January 1, 2027 - January 12, 2027
  • January 15, 2027 - January 26, 2027
  • February 1, 2027 - February 12, 2027
  • February 15, 2027 - February 26, 2027
  • March 1, 2027 - March 12, 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Basics

How long is the Holy Family Route journey?

The trip lasts 12 days and 11 nights, beginning and ending in Cairo.

What is the group size?

Fixed small-group departures operate for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 16 travelers.

What ages can book this trip?

The booking age is 6 to 75 years. Children are ages 6–11 and adults are ages 12–75.

Packages & Meals

What is the difference between Comfort and Premium?

Both packages follow the same itinerary, private transport, guide service, entrance-fee program and meals. The difference is the accommodation and room standard specified for each package.

How is the child price calculated?

The child price for ages 6–11 is calculated at 50% of the selected adult package price under the current Builder contract.

Which meals are included?

Day 1 includes dinner; Days 2–11 include breakfast, lunch and dinner; Day 12 includes breakfast. Meals may be served at hotels, restaurants or during the route according to the daily program.

Route & Pilgrimage

Which Holy Family sites are included?

The program includes Old Cairo, Matariya and the Holy Family Tree, Wadi El Natrun, Gabal El-Tair in Minya, Drunka and Al Muharraq Monastery in Assiut.

Does the trip include classical Egyptian sightseeing?

Yes. The itinerary also includes the Giza Pyramids, Great Sphinx, Saqqara Step Pyramid, Grand Egyptian Museum and Khan El Khalili.

What is the difficulty level?

The confirmed website difficulty is Medium. The program includes walking, stairs or uneven surfaces at some heritage sites and long road transfers.

Practical Information

Which guide languages are available?

Professional Egyptologist guide service is confirmed in English and German.

What is the recommended travel period?

The best travel period is October to April.

What luggage is recommended?

The operating allowance is one standard suitcase plus one small hand or day bag per traveler.

Are there dress requirements?

Modest dress is recommended for churches and monasteries. Dietary requirements, allergies, mobility needs and special assistance requests should be advised at booking.

Departures

When are the fixed departures?

The current schedule has two departures per month during the October 2026 to April 2027 season, starting on the 1st and 15th of each month.

How early should I book?

A minimum of 14 days is recommended for this multi-destination program, while peak periods may require earlier confirmation.

Can hotels or the order of visits change?

Yes. Hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced by similar properties, and the order of visits may be adjusted operationally without changing the core program.