A Unique Celebration of Christmas (8 Days)

We’ll begin our tour in the street of Old Cairo’s Coptic Quarter, whose churches echo with history. With church bells ringing, you’ll join the many families exchanging wishes of “Eid Milad Majid” . It is a joyous day for Christians and you will be swept up by the sense of community and good will that is such a part of this day.

St. Sergius Church

We visit St. Sergius Church (Abu Serga), said to have been built at the site where the Holy Family took shelter during their flight to Egypt. This profoundly symbolic holy site is a 2,000-year connection between Christian biblical theology and the tolerant sheltering traditions of the Egyptian people.

The Hanging Church

We visit the Hanging Church , a revered and beautiful Coptic church, now dressed in vibrant Christmas decorations. Throngs of people will be there as they go about offering prayers and receive blessings and taking part in this most holy day and this most revered Christian location.

The Crypt Where the Holy Family Sheltered

It is believed in Christian tradition that the Holy Family visited this site seeking shelter and which is now the Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church. We will visit the crypt where the Holy Family sheltered for a period of 3 months.

Continuing Festivities in Al Azhar Park

Our celebration continues as we step into the magnificent greenery and expansive city views of Al Azhar Park. Today, it is the gathering spot for many Christian families and other Egyptians of faith to picnic and observe this special day. Your guide will make introductions with the families and individuals, so you can meet and understand what Christmas means to them. And share your Christmas stories from back home.

Overnight  –  the second of 7 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel
BL Included. Dinner at own expense

Tel Basta is a significant stop on the Holy Family’s journey in Egypt. 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, considered an important site for Christians because it was were the Holy Family rested under a tree, commonly known as the “Tree of the Virgin Mary.”

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

Dinner at own expense

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.

Overnight  –  the fourth of 7 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel B L included. Dinner at own expense

Today we visit Wadi Natroun.  The Holy Family crossed the Nile  to the south of Wadi Al-Natroun. It is said that the Virgin Mary and Jesus hid in that valley during their trip to Egypt.   You will visit 4 monasteries, Deir al Beirus, Deir Anba Bishoy, Abu Makar and Deir El-Suryani.

Saint Bishoy Monastery

The Monastery of Saint Bishoy ranks among the world’s oldest continuously operating monasteries. Founded in the late 4th century AD, this sacred site stands in Wadi El Natroun. The monastery contains five churches.

It is the largest active monastery in the region and is currently headed by Bishop Anba Agabius. Founded by Saint Bishoy a disciple of Saint Macarius the monastery serves as a prominent religious and monastic site.

The Monastery of 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. The monastery contains a high fence which was built after the sixth raid of the Barbarians. This was in 817 A.D. The fence is 11 meters high and two and a half meters wide.

Saint Macarius and the Monastery of the Syrians

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.

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.

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

Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx – The pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure are over 4500 years old and are a testament to Egyptians skills  whilst the Sphinx guarded  the royal tombs.

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

Overnight – the sixth 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 museum houses over 30 mummies as well as hundreds of artefacts that showcase Egyptian civilisation.

The Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is a bustling, vibrant market and dates to the 14th century.  Its your time to wander the alleyways and engage with the humour of the store holders.

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

It’s 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 to the amazing society that the Egyptians built from prehistoric days to the present.  The Museum is in Al Fustat, an area at the heart of Egyptian history.

Lunch at Na Guib Mahfouz Restaurant

Na Guib Mahfouz was the first Egyptian to win the Nobel Prize for literature in 1988.  The owners of the restaurant, decided to dedicate the restaurant and cafe to him. Mahfouz had been a regular visitor to the café and many within the artistic Egyptian community took coffee there with him.  The walls are adorned with memorabilia of this great writer.

The Khan El Khalili

The Khan El Khalili Bazaar is has been open 24 hours a day and has been since the 1400’S.  It a located in the heart of Islamic Cairo. This colourful bazaar is filled with shops, stalls, restaurants, and cafes selling everything from spices to jewellery to souvenirs.   It attracts a cross section of Egyptians and is a truly incredible cultural experience.  It’s your time to wander through the alleyways and engage with the humour of the store holders and comments like “I don’t know what you are looking for, but I can sell it to you”.

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

Breakfast in the hotel
Checkout:  Checkout times are typically between 11 am and noon.

Depending on your departure time, it may be that you would either like to relax  or have other great experience at the Grand Egyptian Museum. Please let us know and we will arrange it for you.

Transfers and Flights:  You will transfer to Cairo International Airport for your ongoing journey. B Included.  End of Tour