In Moses & Marys Footsteps

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  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 you start the journey retracing the steps of the Holy Family. We will stop at Bubastis (now known as Tel-Basta) where Jesus created a spring, and you visit the Holy Well. We then travel to Belbeis where the family rested under a tree (“The Virgin Mary’s Tree) and also visiting the Saint George Church.

Lunch is taken at a local restaurant.

Overnight – the fourth of 7 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel

B L included – Dinner at Own Expense.

We travel to Sakha and the Virgin Mary Church and footprint of Jesus, before travelling to Samanoud. Tt was here that the Holy Family crossed the Nile where Christ blessed the people. You will visit Saint Abanoub Church as well as the holy well from where the family drunk.

Lunch in 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. 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.

Lunch is on your way back to Cairo

Overnight – the sixth of 7 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel

B L included

Dinner at Own Expense

Coptic Cairo has a concentration 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 is the oldest synagogue in Cairo and was founded in the 9th century claiming to be where Moses was found in the reeds. It is supposedly 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.

Lunch: Lunch is taken at a local restaurant.

Overnight – the seventh of 7 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel

B L included – Dinner at Own Expense.

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Cairo Airport

Aswan Dam and Elephantine Island: Today, you will embark on a 1 hour sail on a traditional Egyptian craft called a felucca.

Philae Temple Complex: According to the legend, Philae is the place where Isis found the heart of Osiris and then buried it on the Island.

Transfer to your cruise vessel and overnight – the first of 3 nights. B L D Included

Abu Simbel The pharaoh Ramses II built the temple in 1200 BC. It was relocated to its current site when the Aswan Dam was built. The Temple was dedicated for four Egyptian deities by Ramses II.

Temple Kombo Ombo: Located on the banks of the Nile in a village of the same name, Kom Ombo is unique in Egypt as a double temple – dedicated to two deities, Sobek and Horus.

Transfer to your cruise vessel and overnight – the second of 3 nights. B L D Included.

The Great Temples of Karnak and Luxor Karnak is an ancient Egyptian temple precinct located on the east bank of the Nile River in Thebes (modern-day Luxor). It covers more than 100 hectares, and is an extraordinary complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons and obelisks dedicated to the pharaohs. Transfer to your cruise vessel and overnight- the third and last night on the cruise vessel.

B L D Included

The Valley of the Kings: The Valley is where rock-cut tombs were excavated for pharaohs in the New Kingdom.

The Valley of the Workers: This is an ancient workmen’s village which was home to the artisans who worked on the tombs. The Temple of Hatshebut Queen Hatshepsut’s temple was built to tell Hatshepsut’s life story and to assert her power.

B L included – Dinner at Own Expense Transfers and Flights: You will transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo and overnight at the Cairo Marriott Hotel – 5 stars

Breakfast in the hotel

Checkout: Checkout times can be discussed with the hotel but are typically between 11 am and noon.

Depending on your departure time, perhaps consider the Khan El Khalili Bazaar as your last adventure in Cairo (optional tour)

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.

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

End of Tour