This 12-day pilgrimage and cultural journey follows the traditional route of the Holy Family through Egypt. The carefully designed itinerary connects important Christian and Coptic pilgrimage sites in Cairo, Wadi El Natrun, Minya and Assiut with selected cultural highlights of the country.
The journey begins in Cairo with visits to the most important Christian sites in Old Cairo. These include the Hanging Church, the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Coptic Museum. In Matariya, guests visit the famous Holy Family Tree and the Church of the Virgin Mary.
The journey then continues to the historic monasteries of Wadi El Natrun before travelling through the Nile Valley to Minya and Assiut. Spiritual highlights include the Monastery of Gabal El-Tair, the cave traditions associated with the Holy Family, and the important Al Muharraq Monastery.
At the end of the journey, guests discover some of Egypt’s most famous cultural attractions, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Step Pyramid of Saqqara, the Grand Egyptian Museum and the traditional Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
The journey has been specially designed for German-speaking pilgrimage groups, cultural travellers, church communities and educational tour groups. It combines spiritual encounters, Christian heritage, Egyptian history and authentic local experiences.
After your arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will receive a warm welcome from our Gate East team. Following the Meet & Assist service, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you will get to know the group during a welcome dinner together.
Pyramids Park Resort Cairo / Similar
Today is dedicated to the Christian and Coptic heritage of Old Cairo. Visit the Hanging Church, one of the most important Coptic churches in Egypt, followed by the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, also known as Abu Serga Church. Continue to the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Coptic Museum, which provides an impressive insight into Egypt’s rich Christian heritage.
Pyramids Park Resort Cairo / Similar
Continue following the traditional route of the Holy Family with a visit to Matariya. Here you will discover the famous Holy Family Tree, traditionally associated with the stay of the Holy Family in Egypt. You will also visit the Church of the Virgin Mary and learn more about the religious traditions connected with this important pilgrimage site.
Pyramids Park Resort Cairo / Similar
Travel to Wadi El Natrun, one of Egypt’s most important centres of early Christian monasticism. Discover the historic monasteries of this desert region and experience places that have preserved centuries of Coptic spirituality, monastic traditions and Christian heritage.
Pyramids Park Resort Cairo / Similar
The journey continues south through the Nile Valley towards Minya. Along the way, the landscape gradually changes as you leave the greater Cairo region and enter Middle Egypt. Upon arrival in Minya, you will prepare for the next stage of the pilgrimage route and the important Holy Family sites of the region.
Holy Family Hotel El Minya / Similar
Visit the famous Gabal El-Tair Monastery, one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in Middle Egypt associated with the traditional journey of the Holy Family. Discover the monastery and learn about the religious traditions that have made this site a place of pilgrimage for generations.
Holy Family Hotel El Minya / Similar
Continue exploring the Christian heritage of the Minya region. Today focuses on traditional cave sites and local traditions connected with the journey of the Holy Family. The visit offers an opportunity to experience the spiritual character of the route and gain deeper insight into Egypt’s ancient Christian traditions.
Holy Family Hotel El Minya / Similar
Continue south through the Nile Valley from Minya to Assiut, another important region on the traditional Holy Family route. The journey combines the landscapes of Middle Egypt with the spiritual heritage of Christian pilgrimage sites that have been visited for centuries.
Badr Hotel Assiut / Similar
Visit Al Muharraq Monastery, one of the most significant Christian pilgrimage sites associated with the Holy Family in Egypt. The monastery holds a special place in Coptic tradition and represents one of the spiritual highlights of the journey. Take time to experience the peaceful atmosphere and learn about the history and religious traditions of this remarkable place.
Badr Hotel Assiut / Similar
Return to the great monuments of ancient Egypt with a visit to the Giza Plateau. Discover the world-famous Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, two of the most iconic landmarks of Egypt and among the most remarkable monuments of the ancient world.
Pyramids Park Resort Cairo / Similar
Visit Saqqara and discover the famous Step Pyramid, one of the earliest monumental stone structures in Egypt. Afterwards, continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, where outstanding archaeological treasures provide a fascinating overview of thousands of years of ancient Egyptian civilisation.
Pyramids Park Resort Cairo / Similar
Conclude your journey with a traditional visit to Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where historic streets, local handicrafts and colourful shops reflect the atmosphere of old Cairo. Afterwards, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure, bringing your pilgrimage and cultural journey through Egypt to an end.
No overnight stay. End of the tour.
The journey lasts 12 days and includes 11 overnight stays. It begins and ends in Cairo.
The journey takes you from Cairo via Wadi El Natrun to Minya and Assiut, before returning to Cairo.
The recommended travel period is from October to April.
The journey is particularly suitable for pilgrimage groups, church communities, cultural travellers and guests interested in Coptic Christianity and the history of the Holy Family in Egypt.
In Cairo, guests visit the Hanging Church, the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Coptic Museum, and the historic district of Old Cairo.
In Matariya, guests visit the Holy Family Tree and the Church of the Virgin Mary.
In Wadi El Natrun, guests visit the Syrian Monastery and the Monastery of Saint Bishoy.
In Minya, guests visit the Gabal El-Tair Monastery, the Church of the Virgin Mary, and the cave sites associated with the Holy Family.
In Assiut, guests visit Drunka, the Al Muharraq Monastery, the Church of the Holy Family, and other scheduled Christian pilgrimage sites.
In addition to the pilgrimage route, the journey includes the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Step Pyramid of Saqqara, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
The journey can be booked in two accommodation categories. Category A includes 5-star and superior accommodation, as well as the best available rooms in Minya and Assiut. Category B includes 4-star and standard accommodation.
The journey includes 7 overnight stays in Cairo, 2 overnight stays in Minya, and 2 overnight stays in Assiut.
The travel programme includes a total of 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners as per the itinerary.
The listed hotels are subject to availability. If a hotel is unavailable, a comparable accommodation may be confirmed.
Yes. During sightseeing, guests are accompanied by a professional German-speaking tour guide.
All journeys and transfers scheduled in the itinerary are provided in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
Yes. A Meet & Assist service upon arrival and departure at Cairo International Airport is included.
Ja. Alle im Reiseverlauf vorgesehenen Flughafen-, HoteYes. All airport, hotel, and overland transfers scheduled in the itinerary are included.l- und Überlandtransfers sind enthalten.
Yes. Porterage as part of the scheduled transfers is included in the travel programme.
See it online https://gateeast.de/trip/holy-family-route-egypt/