Land of the Pharaohs and Holy Family

This comprehensive tour package combines the awe-inspiring ancient wonders of Egypt with a unique pilgrimage following the path of the Holy Family. From the iconic pyramids to sacred Coptic monasteries, and a luxurious Nile River cruise, this itinerary offers a profound and unforgettable journey through Egypt's rich history and spiritual heritage.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

• Arrival: Meet-and-greet service at Cairo International Airport by a “Valley of Kings Travel” representative.
• Transfer: Private, air-conditioned vehicle transfer to your hotel.
• Hotel Check-in: Smooth check-in with your tour manager, who will review your itinerary and confirm pick-up times.
• Overnight: Cairo.
• Included: Welcome Drink.

Day 2: Pyramids and Cairo Highlights

• Morning: Guided tour of the Giza Plateau, visiting the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren, and Mykerinus, the Sphinx, and the Valley Temple.
• Afternoon: Explore the Egyptian Museum, including the treasures of King Tutankhamen.
• Evening: Stroll through the historic Khan El Khalili bazaar in Islamic Cairo.
• Overnight: Cairo.
• Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 3: Holy Family Journey - Tel Basta & Belbeis

• Morning: Embark on the Holy Family's journey, starting at the ancient town of Babastis (Tel Basta), where Jesus is said to have created a spring of water. Visit the holy well.
• Afternoon: Continue to Belbeis, where the Holy Family rested under the "Virgin Mary's Tree." Visit Saint George Church.
• Overnight: Cairo.
• Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 4: Holy Family Journey - Sakha & Samanoud

• Morning: Travel to Sakha to visit the Church of the Virgin Mary and see the revered footprint of Jesus Christ.
• Afternoon: Proceed to Samanoud, where the Holy Family was welcomed by the local people. Visit Saint Abanoub Church and the holy well.
• Overnight: Cairo.
• Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 5: Holy Family Journey - Wadi Natroun

• Full Day: Explore the sacred desert valley of Wadi Natroun, blessed by Christ. Visit four historic Coptic monasteries: Deir al-Baramus, Deir Anba Bishoy, Abu Makar Monastery, and Deir El-Suryani.
• Overnight: Cairo.
• Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 6: Holy Family Journey - Old Cairo Churches

• Morning: Discover the ancient churches of Old Cairo, including the Hanging Church, St. Sergius, and St. George. See the Fortress of Babylon, a landmark on the Holy Family's route.
• Afternoon: Visit the Church of the Virgin Mary, the holy well, and the Virgin Mary's Tree in Mostorod and Matariya.
• Overnight: Cairo.
• Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 7: South Egypt - Cairo to Minya

• Morning: Begin the journey to South Egypt, following the Holy Family's path along the Nile. Visit the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary in Maadi.
• Afternoon: Travel to Minya, a three-hour drive south.
• Evening: Arrive in Minya and see the stunning cliff-carved church at Gabal Al-Teir.
• Overnight: Minya.
• Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 8: Minya to Luxor via Monasteries

• Morning: Visit the White Monastery, built by St. Senouda using materials from ancient Egyptian structures.
• Afternoon: Explore the Monastery of Al Muharraq in Assiut, where the Holy Family is believed to have stayed for over six months.
• Evening: Continue the five-hour drive to Luxor. En route, stop at Dendera to visit the magnificent Temple of Hathor.
• Overnight: Luxor.
• Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 9: Luxor East Bank & Nile Cruise Embarkation

• Morning: Check out from the hotel and transfer to your 5-star Nile cruise ship.
• Afternoon: Embark on a guided tour of Luxor's East Bank, visiting the monumental Karnak and Luxor Temples.
• Evening: Enjoy afternoon tea and dinner on board the cruise.
• Overnight: Luxor.
• Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 10: Luxor West Bank & Sailing to Edfu

• Morning: Explore the West Bank of the Nile with visits to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.
• Afternoon: Sail to Edfu via the Esna Lock. Enjoy lunch and afternoon tea on board.
• Overnight: Edfu.
• Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 11: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples

• Morning: Visit the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu.
• Afternoon: Sail to Kom Ombo and visit the unique temple dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris.
• Evening: Continue sailing to Aswan.
• Overnight: Aswan.
• Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 12: Aswan Highlights

• Morning: Discover Aswan's key sites: the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the majestic Philae Temple.
• Afternoon: Return to the cruise ship for lunch and free time.
• Overnight: Aswan.
• Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 13: Abu Simbel & Sleeper Train to Cairo

• Morning: Disembark from the cruise ship. Enjoy free time or an optional tour to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel.
• Evening: Transfer to Aswan railway station to board the overnight sleeper train to Cairo.
• Overnight: Sleeper train.
• Included: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 14: Return to Cairo & Optional Excursions

• Morning: Arrive at Giza train station, where a representative will transfer you to your hotel.
• Day: Free time to relax or choose an optional excursion to visit the Step Pyramid of King Djoser in Saqqara and the ancient capital of Memphis.
• Overnight: Cairo.
• Included: Breakfast.

Day 15: Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel.
• Departure: Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your final departure.
• Included: Breakfast.

Tour Package Inclusions

• Accommodation:
  • 7 nights in Cairo (Bed & Breakfast).
  • 1 night in Minya (Bed & Breakfast).
  • 1 night in Luxor (Bed & Breakfast).
  • 4 nights on a 5-star superior Nile cruise (Full Board).
  • 1 night on a sleeper train (Half Board).
• Transportation:
  • All transfers by private, air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Domestic transport as per itinerary, including the sleeper train.
• Guides & Services:
  • Meet and greet services at airports.
  • Dedicated guest relations assistance.
  • Private guided tours in Cairo and the Holy Family route.
  • Group-based tours during the Nile Cruise.
• Meals:
  • As specified in the daily itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
  • Lunch provided during tours at high-quality local restaurants.
  • A bottle of water daily during tours.
• Activities & Entry Fees:
  • All sightseeing tours and excursions mentioned.
  • Entrance fees to all sites.
• Other:
  • Portage services.
  • All service charges and taxes.
  • A mobile phone with 30 minutes of local calls or an Egyptian SIM card for your unlocked device.

Exclusions

• International airfare.
• Entry visa to Egypt.
• Optional tours (e.g., Abu Simbel, Saqqara & Memphis).
• Personal spending and tipping.

Accommodation Options:

Option (A)

• Cairo: Kempinski - Fairmont Cairo - Hilton Curnrad -Marriott Sheraton- Hilton Golf pyramids
• Luxor: Hilton - Sonesta St. George.
• Nile Cruises: MS Amwaj Nile Cruise, MS Nile Premium, MS Bule shadow, MS Jaz Jubilee, Crown Emperor, Steigenberger.

Option (B)

• Cairo: Four Seasons -Marriott Mena House - Kempinski Nile Deluxe - Fairmont Nile Premium - Hyatt Regency
• Luxor: Sofitel Winter Palace.
• Nile cruises: Sanctuary Sun Boat – Oberoi Cruises – Movenpick Royal Cruises - Sonesta Cruises - Le Fayan - Ms Farah -MS Acamar.