Egypt's Christian History (8 Days)

The Pyramids of Giza, the ultimate act of devotion

Today we start with perhaps the greatest monuments to Egyptian faith, ingenuity and achievement of any civilisation – the pyramids of Giza.

The pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure were the builders of the Giza Pyramids which have stood for over 4500 years.  They are a  testament to ancient Egyptians’ engineering skills and also to their grandfather, Sneferu .   Sneferu had built 3 pyramids in his lifetime and without him, the Giza Pyramids would not have been built.  But many mysteries remain.

Similarly, the Sphinx has many mysteries as their are no inscriptions which identify the builder and its purpose.   It’s an amazing edifice which we know little about.

And then we visit Memphis which was once the capital of ancient Egypt and also the burial ground of the earliest rulers of Egypt.   Few of the physical structures remain but the Ramses 11 statues remains at the site.

Saqqara – The Saqqara area is the most researched archaeological site in Egypt with recent excavations uncovering new tombs previously unknown.

The Stepped Pyramid was the first stone building in all of history and the tallest construction in the world up until the mid 19th century.  Beneath it are 4 miles of tunnels and over 400 chambers.

Overnight – the second of 7 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel. B L included – Dinner at Own Expense.

National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation

The history of Egypt is presented in themes, with the bottom floor built like a pharaoh’s tomb, whilst the upper floors cover more recent periods. There are over 20 mummies in the museum, each with a history of their times and achievements.

NMEC presents the innovation of the ancient Egyptians and their contribution to mathematics, engineering, astronomy, and many other disciplines.

A World Class Museum Dedicated to Egyptian History

Since its opening in 2017, NMEC has gained an international reputation for excellence. It presents the richness, brilliance, and innovation of Egyptian society through the ages. Its themes include the Dawn of Civilization, The Nile, Writing, State and Society, Material Culture, Beliefs and Thinking, and the Gallery of Royal Mummies. For travellers to Egypt, it provides deep insight into the amazing society the Egyptians built from prehistoric days to the present. The Museum is in Al Fustat, an area at the heart of Egyptian history. The Museum houses 50,000 artefacts and the ancient natural lake of Ain El-Sira.

The Khan El-Khalili Bazaar 

The most amazing cultural experience in Egypt. The Khan El Khalili Bazaar is open 24 hours a day and has been since the 1400’s. With hundreds of store holders within its precincts, the winding alleys reveal something around each corner. It attracts a cross section of Egyptians and is a truly incredible cultural experience. But be warned, the allure of the bazaar and the friendliness of the locals will draw you back time and time again.

The bazaar is a great cultural experience because it is steeped in history and is where the locals go to shop.  This is one of the largest bazaars in all of Africa and one you will explore for hours and never get bored.  Of all the experiences you can have in Egypt, this is one you will remember for life. The humour of the local shop keepers will keep you smiling and you will delight in this most unusual day.

Overnight – the third of 7 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel. B L included – Dinner at Own Expense.

Today we will stop at Bubastis (now known as Tel-Basta).

Tel Basta is a significant stop on the Holy Family’s journey in Egypt, where tradition holds that Jesus created a holy spring to provide water for them. Visitors can explore the  nearby sacred well.

We then travel to Belbeis. Belbeis is considered an important site for Christians because tradition holds that the Holy Family rested under a tree, commonly known as the “Tree of the Virgin Mary.”

According to Coptic tradition, when the Holy Family arrived, the residents were mourning the death of an only son. Jesus performed a miracle by raising the boy from the dead.

We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Overnight – the fourth of 7 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel B L D included  

Night Cruise and Dinner on the Nile: A Dinner Cruise on the Nile where belly dancing and musicians entertain.

Today, we travel to Sakha and the Virgin Mary Church  coming upon the reputed footprint of Jesus, before traveling on to Samanoud. It was here that the Holy Family crossed the Nile where Christ blessed the people.

You will also visit Saint Abanoub Church. The Virgin Mary and Martyr Abanoub Church is a major Coptic pilgrimage site housing the relics of St. Abanoub, a twelve-year-old child martyr. It is a recognized stop on the Holy Family’s journey in Egypt.  The church is renowned for miracles and is a significant center of faith for Coptic  Christians.

We will lunch at a restaurant in Tanta City. Overnight –the fifth of 7 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel B L included – Dinner at Own Expense.

Today we visit Wadi Natroun where the Holy Family crossed the Nile nearby. It is said Mary and Jesus hid in this valley during their trip to Egypt.

You will visit 4 monasteries.  Bishoy Monastery: Founded by Saint Bishoy in the 4th century.

Saint Macarius:  This is the oldest monastery in the complex dating back to the 4th century when it was built by Saint Macarius of Egypt. In the 6th century, the Coptic Patriarch of Alexandria was exiled there which heightened its importance.

Al-Baramus: The monastery houses the well-preserved Church of the Holy Virgin and was founded in 335.  It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and features the oldest church in the valley.

Monastery of the Syrians The churches of this monastery were built in the basilica style and contain a large number of artifacts and historical treasures.

We will take our lunch at a restaurant in Tanta City. Overnight – the sixth of 7 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel B L included – Dinner at Own Expense.

Coptic Cairo  hosts a great collection of Christian churches that date from the centuries between the decline of the Pharaonic religion and the arrival of Islam when Egypt had a Christian majority.

The name ‘Hanging Church’ comes from the fact that it was built atop the walls of the 4th century BC Roman fortress. It is believed in Christian tradition that the Holy Family visited this area and stayed at the site of Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church.

Coptic Cairo & the Ben Ezra Synagogue

The Ben Ezra Synagogue the oldest synagogue in Cairo, was founded in the 9th century and claimed to be the spot where Moses was found in the reeds. It is also alleged to be where Mary drew water to wash Jesus. The synagogue’s storeroom was found to contain a treasure of forgotten sacred manuscripts known as the Geniza Collection.

The roots of Jewish heritage date back to later stages of ancient Egyptian history, and they have been interwoven with the cultural fabric of Cairo and Alexandria. By the first half of the 20^th century, the population of Egyptian Jews reached 80,000 people, and their unique heritage flourished within Egypt’s cultural landscape in the golden age of Judaism. Some greatly preserved historic synagogues are still standing in Egypt.

We will enjoy our lunch at a restaurant in Tanta City. Overnight – the last of 7 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel B L included – Dinner at Own Expense.

Breakfast in the Hotel and Checkout: Checkout times can be discussed with the hotel but are typically between 11 am and noon. Depending on your departure time, you may have an opportunity to relax with the following optional tour:

1. The Grand Egyptian Museum or
2. Al Azhar Gardens

The information for these tours can be found at Day 1 of this itinerary

Transfers and Flights: You will transfer to Cairo International Airport for your ongoing journey.