Egypt - Steps of The Holy Family

Day 1: Departure USA

Depart from the USA on an overnight flight to Cairo.

Day 2: Arrive in Cairo

Clear customs and transfer to your hotel for rest and recovery. Reflect on the Holy Family's journey as you begin your pilgrimage. Recall Matthew 2:13-15: the angel told Joseph to take Mary and the Child and flee to Egypt for safety. This land became their refuge under God's protection. Enjoy a quiet evening of prayer or rest.

Meals: Dinner

Day 3: Coptic Cairo

Explore the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga), where tradition holds the Holy Family sheltered in the crypt below. Visit the Hanging Church, an ancient elevated church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Tour the Coptic Museum to see early Christian artifacts and icons. Meditate on Matthew 2:13-15 and spend time in prayer at these sacred sites of refuge.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4: Maadi & Matariya

Visit the Church of the Virgin Mary in Maadi, the traditional Nile crossing point of the Holy Family and home of the famous floating Bible found open to Isaiah 19:25 ("Blessed be Egypt my people"). Continue to Matariya to see the Tree of the Virgin Mary and the sacred well where the family rested and drew water. Reflect on God's provision and the blessing spoken over Egypt.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5: Wadi El Natrun

Travel to the Wadi El Natrun monasteries, ancient desert communities linked to the Holy Family's path. Visit active monasteries such as those of St. Bishoy and the Syrians. Experience the quiet prayer and living faith of Coptic monastic life. Spend time in reflection amid the historic chapels and frescoes.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6: Cairo Museums & Shrines

Visit the Egyptian Museum (or Grand Egyptian Museum) for historical context of the Egypt the Holy Family entered. In the afternoon, explore additional sites such as the Church of the Virgin in Zeitoun or Mostorod's sacred well. Connect the ancient land with the biblical story of refuge, and use the day for both learning and quiet personal prayer.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7: South Along the Nile

Drive south toward the Minya or Assiut region. Stop at Gabal al-Tayr (Mount of the Birds), a dramatic cliff-side site where tradition says the Holy Family rested. Overnight in the area to prepare for the next day's major pilgrimage stop. Continue reflecting on the long journey of protection and faith.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8: Al-Muharraq Monastery

Visit Al-Muharraq Monastery near Assiut, traditionally the Holy Family's longest stay of about six months. See the ancient church built over the house where they lived — the "Second Bethlehem." Here the angel later told Joseph it was safe to return home (Matthew 2:19-21). Pray at this profound site of extended refuge and recall Isaiah 19:19, of an altar in the midst of Egypt.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9: Giza Pyramid Complex

Visit the three pyramids standing together on the plateau: the Great Pyramid of Khufu (the largest and oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the Pyramid of Khafre, and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaure — monumental tombs built for Fourth Dynasty pharaohs around 2580–2500 BC. Also view the Great Sphinx, the massive limestone statue linked to Khafre that guards the site. Reflect on the ancient Egyptian world the Holy Family entered centuries later. Return to your Cairo hotel.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10: Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for our return flights home.

Meals: Breakfast