Arrival Cairo/ Wadi El Natroun

Arrival to Cairo International Airport (Flight details to be advised), meet and assist by YOUR TOUR representative (Arrival procedures), transfer to Wadi El Natroun (About 110 km – 01.30-hour driving), check in, dinner, free time at leisure and overnight.     

Wadi El Natroun Monasteries/ Lake of Heaven

Breakfast at your resort, then attending the Holy Mass in Wadi El-Natroun, and visit the monastery of St. Bishoy which founded in the late fourth century AD under the leadership of St. Bishoy which includes water wells, mill grain, presses oil and stores on the first floor, the second floor by the entrance to the fort contains an oven and a church on the name of Blessed Virgin Mary, the third floor contains the roof, a church on the name of Archangel Michael and 02 caves. The treasures of the monastery are the bodies of the great saints such as St. Bishoy, Bishop Paula “Tamohy”, and part of the body of the martyr Abskheron. It also has the “well of martyrs” which Berber washed their swords after they killed 49 of the monks in the monastery of St. Macarius the Great during their third attack to wild in the year 444 AD. The Great St. Bishoy was born in 320 AD in north Egypt, word “Bishoy” in Coptic language means "fair".  The church called him in prayers “the perfect man and the dear one for our Savior" and called him as well "a wild planet". When he was twenty years old, he went to Wadi El Natron wilderness. The intensity of his love for the Savior kept him talking with him in prayer and dialogue as long as possible, so he was linking his hair with a rope to the roof of his cave in order to awake him if he felt in a sleep.  His humility made him used to wash the feet of strangers and visitors without knowing who they are, the Lord Jesus appeared to him like a stranger (as he appeared before to Abraham) and Bishoy washed his feet and he did not recognize him until he saw the surgeon’s Cross in his feet. He was famous for His compassion heart and that was cleared when he carried an old man along the road and he discovered that the old man was Jesus Christ, who promised that Bishoy`s body will be saved forever because of carrying the Lord Jesus, and actually his body still remains without corruption till now. Visit St. Mary Syrian monastery, free time, driving back to your resort for lunch. 

Lake of Heaven: 
     
     After lunch driving about 08 minutes from your resort to visit the “Lake of Heaven” or, “Red Spring” in Wadi El-Natroun...a natural reserve that cures diseases, and the Holy Family drank from it.
     The “Lake of Heaven”, is located in the village of Al-Hamra in the middle of the desert of Wadi El-Natroun, and has great capabilities in healing diseases. The importance of Wadi El-Natroun during the Pharaonic eras is due to “Natron” was considered as an essential ingredient in the mummification process. The importance of the region increased as the Holy Family passed through Wadi Natroun during its journey to Egypt.
    The spring water has the ability to heal some skin diseases and bone diseases through a salt water bath, mud bath, and fresh water bath. 
     It was called the “Red Lake” due to the presence of the red-colored Artemia organism that appears on both sides of the lake
     It is a lake of highly salty water and in the middle of it there is a spring from which flows a spring called St. Mary Spring.
     It is the spring that erupted during the crossing of Lady Mary, her son Christ, and Joseph during the journey of the Holy Family across the valley. Christ was very thirsty, but the lake was very salty and undrinkable, so St. Mary prayed for help. The response was a miracle: a spring of fresh water erupted from within the middle of the salty lake.
     St. Mary water spring is characterized by being one of the sweetest tasting waters, the healthiest and has the ability to heal skin diseases. 
     As a result of the flow of fresh water over the highly saline spot, a brightly colored gradient painting of wonderful shapes is formed.
     It is surprising that the spring has not been depleted or dried up to this day, which means that the spring is more than 2000 years old, and it treats many diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as rheumatism and rheumatoid diseases. Driving back to your resort, free time, dinner and overnight.

Wadi El Natroun / Sakha - Samannoud- Tel Basta- Belbeis / Cairo

Check out after breakfast, at 06.30 a.m. driving to visit the following sites:

Kafr El-Sheikh / Sakha: 
The city of Sakha is currently located in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. The foot of Jesus Christ appeared on a stone, from which the city took its name in Coptic. This stone was hidden for a long time for fear of it being stolen in some era. This stone was discovered again only about 14 years ago and there is a church in it. The Virgin Mary and the martyr Abanoub.

Samannoud: 
From Belbeis, the family traveled north-west to the town of Minyat Samannoud. From it the Holy Family crossed the Nile River to the city of Samannoud inside the delta. Its people welcomed them well, and the Lord Christ blessed them, glory be to Him. There is a large granite stone cave there. It is said that the Virgin Mary kneaded it during her presence, and there is also a water well that the Lord himself blessed. From the city of Samanoud, the Holy Family traveled northwest to the Burullus region until they reached the city of (Sakha or Bikha Issus).

Tal Basta: 
Transfer to visit Tal Basta, Sharqia Governorate: The Holy Family traveled from Bethlehem to Gaza, and entered Egypt through the Sinai Desert from the northern side, and entered the city of Tal Basta, about 100 km from the city of Cairo to the north-east, and in it a spring of water came from the Lord Christ. The city was full of idols. When the Holy Family entered the city, the idols fell to the ground, and its people were offended treatment of the Holy Family: The Holy Family left that city and headed south until they reached the town of Mostorod. 

Belbeis: 
From Mostorod, they moved north to Belbeis (Phillips), in Sharkia Governorate, about 55 km away from Cairo. The Holy Family took shade at a tree known as the Tree of the Virgin Mary. The Holy Family also passed by Belbeis on their return, and there is a church named after the Virgin Mary. Transfer to Cairo followed by lunch in a local restaurant. Transfer to your hotel, check in, free time at leisure and overnight.

Optional excursions during sightseeing: 
- Cave Church of St. Simon (The Tanner) – Mokattam Mountain: Visit the remarkable monastery carved into the mountain and learn about the legendary miracle of moving the mountain. Price: 40 USD per person                                                                                                                              - The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC):Discover the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, showcasing the complete history of Egypt from prehistoric times to the modern era, including the famous Royal Mummies Hall: 50 USD per person                   

Evening optional excursion if applicable: 
- Cairo by night and dinner: Transfer at 18.00 pm to see Cairo by night followed by dinner in a local restaurant. Transfer back to your hotel. Price: 60 USD per person
- Cruising dinner: Transfer at 18.15 pm to the Nile River bank for cruising dinner including open buffet dinner, Egyptian folklore, Dervish show, belly dancer and Oriental DJ Music. Transfer at 21.00 pm back to your hotel & overnight. Price:50 USD Per person
- Sound and light show at Great Pyramids: Price: 60 USD per person

On the footsteps of the Holy Family: El Matareya/ Mostorod / Coptic and Old Cairo / Maadi

Breakfast at hotel, at 07.30 am, the English-speaking Egyptology will accompany you for a full dat visit to the following sites:

St. Mary’s Tree in Al-Mataria: From Wadi Al-Natroun, they traveled south towards the city of Cairo and crossed the Nile River to the eastern side, heading towards Al-Mataria and Ain Shams. The Matareya area, which is near Ain Shams (Heliopolis), is about 10 km away from the city of Cairo. At this time, Ain Shams was inhabited by a large number of Jews, and they had a temple called the Temple of Onias. In Matariya, the Holy Family took shade under a tree known to this day as the Tree of St. Mary. The Lord Jesus produced a spring of water, drank from it, and blessed it. Then the Virgin Mary washed the clothes of the child Jesus in it and poured the water on the ground, and an aromatic tree with a beautiful scent grew in that spot, known as the balsam tree. They add it to the types of perfumes and spices from which the holy chrism is made.
    
The Church of the Virgin in Mostorod (Al-Mahma): Visit the Church of the Virgin Mary in Mostorod (Al-Mahma) and the water well. Al-Mahma means the place of bathing, and it was called that because the Virgin Mary bathed the Lord Christ there and washed his clothes. From the Matareya and Ain Shams area, the Holy Family walked towards ancient Egypt. The Holy Family rested for a while in Zaitoun area on their way to ancient Egypt.   
    
Coptic and Old Cairo: The Holy Family arrived in ancient Cairo, which considered one of the most important regions and stations that the Holy Family visited on its journey to the land of Egypt, and there are many churches and monasteries in it. This area was blessed by the presence of the Holy Family, and the Holy Family was only able to stay there for a few days due to the destruction of the idols. This aroused the anger of the governor and he wanted to kill the boy Jesus. Visit St. Sergius and Bacchus. Proceed to visit the Hanging Church of St. Mary and Abu Serga Church dating back as early as the fourth century, this cave exists tell now and a church was built above it with the name of Abu Serga church, next to the cave and inside the structure an old Water well. 

This Cave is considered the holiest sites of Christianity in Egypt. The Holy Family traveled from the ancient Cairo region, heading towards the south, where they arrived in the Maadi region, a suburb of Memphis - the capital of ancient Egypt.

The Church of the Virgin Mary in Maadi: The Holy Family set off on a sailboat on the Nile, heading towards the south of Upper Egypt, from the spot where the Church of the Virgin Mary is now located, from there the Holy Family crossed to the Nile on its journey to Upper Egypt, and the stone staircase on which it descended still remains. One of the wondrous events that happened at this church was that on Friday, March 12, 1976, the Bible was found open to the page of Isaiah the Prophet, chapters (19-25), “Blessed are my people Egypt”, floating on the surface of the water in the area facing the church from the waters of the Nile. Lunch in a local restaurant.

Optional excursions during sightseeing: 
- Cave Church of St. Simon (The Tanner) – Mokattam Mountain: Visit the remarkable monastery carved into the mountain and learn about the legendary miracle of moving the mountain. Price: 40 USD per person                                                                                                                              - The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC):Discover the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, showcasing the complete history of Egypt from prehistoric times to the modern era, including the famous Royal Mummies Hall: 50 USD per person                   

Evening optional excursion if applicable: 
- Cairo by night and dinner: Transfer at 18.00 pm to see Cairo by night followed by dinner in a local restaurant. Transfer back to your hotel. Price: 60 USD per person
- Cruising dinner: Transfer at 18.15 pm to the Nile River bank for cruising dinner including open buffet dinner, Egyptian folklore, Dervish show, belly dancer and Oriental DJ Music. Transfer at 21.00 pm back to your hotel & overnight. Price:50 USD Per person
- Sound and light show at Great Pyramids. Price: 60 USD per person

Cairo/Aswan sightseeing : High Dam, unfinished Obelisk and Philae temple/ Kom Ombo/ Edfu temples sightseeing

Breakfast (Or box to be arranged from hotel) and check out. Transfer to Cairo International airport for departure to Aswan (Flight details to be advised), arrival Aswan, the English-speaking Egyptology will accompany you during a full day visit to the  Philae temple by motor boat. Transfer to your Nile cruise ship, embarkation on board your Nile Cruise followed by lunch. Free time at leisure in Aswan, dinner on board & overnight in Aswan.

Optional excursion during the sightseeing: 

- Nubian village by Motor boat: 45 USD per person

- Sound and light show at Philae temple: 60 USD per person 
- High Dam and unfinished Obelisk and: 50 USD per person 

Aswan / Kom Ombo/ Edfu temples

Breakfast on board, free day at leisure on the sundeck of your Nile cruise or you can choose to make one of the hereunder excursions, followed by lunch on board. Sailing to Kom Ombo, Arrival Kom Ombo and see the unique Temple of Sobek, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile God, and Horus the falcon-headed God. Sailing to Edfu, lunch on board. Arrival Edfu, dinner and overnight in Edfu.

Early optional excursion: 
- Over day to Abu Simbel by road: 150 USD per person

Optional excursions: 
- Nubian Village by Motor boat :  45 USD Per person
- Sehel Island by motor boat : 45 USD Per person
- Elephantine Island by motor boat: 45 USD Per person
 

Edfu sightseeing/ Esna Locks/ Luxor

Breakfast on board, visit the well-preserved Ptolemaic Temple dedicated to Horus Edfu temple, transfer back to your Nile cruise followed by lunch on board while sailing to Luxor via Esna Locks. Arrival Luxor . Dinner on board followed by belly dance show and Dervish show in the Lounge Bar, free time at leisure in Luxor and overnight in Luxor.

Evening optional excursion in Luxor: 
- Sound and light show at Karnak temple: 60 USD per person 

Luxor sightseeing: East Bank sightseeing: Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple & West Bank sightseeing: Hatshepsut temple, Memnon Colossi & Valley of Kings/ Doronka

Disembarkation after breakfast, at 08.00 am the English-speaking Egyptology will accompany you during a full day visit to the West Bank: visit Hatshepsut temple which was built by the architects of the New Kingdom Pharaoh Hatshepsut approximately in the 15th century BC, Colossi of Memnon and Valley of Kings. Lunch in a local restaurant. Visit the East Bank: Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Transfer to Assiut (about 360 km, about 4 hours), arrival Doronka, check in at the Monastery guest house, followed by dinner and overnight.

Early morning optional excursion: 
- Flying Balloon over Luxor city:100 USD per person

Doronka Monastery/Muharraq Monastery/ Minya

Doronka Monastery: 

Attending mass in the Doronka Monastery if applicable, back to the hotel for breakfast, check out, then visiting the monastery, which is located on the western bank of the Nile River, as it was one of the last destinations that the Holy Family visited on the way back to Nazareth, where they took another road that deviated slightly to the south until the well-known Mount Assiut. On Mount Dranka and was blessed by the Holy Family, where he built a monastery in the name of the Virgin Mary, located 8 km southwest of Assiut and 100 meters above sea level. Inside the monastery is the cave of Saint Mary's Church, dating back to the first century. The Virgin Mary appears from time to time in a luminous form inside the church, and the cave church has been used to seek refuge from the flooding of the Nile since the days of the Pharaohs. 
    Continue moving to visit the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, also known as “Muharraq Monastery”.

Muharraq Monastery in Assiut: 

The Holy Family traveled to Mount “Qusqam”, where the Muharraq Monastery is now located. This area of the Muharraq Monastery is one of the most important stations where the Holy Family settled, so much so that the place was called the “Second Bethlehem”.
    This monastery is located at the foot of the western mountain known as Mount Qusqam, named after the city that was destroyed. It is about 12 km west of the town of “Al-Qusiya”, affiliated with Assiut Governorate, 327 km south of Cairo.
    The Holy Family stayed six months and ten days in the cave, which later became a structure for the ancient Church of the Virgin Mary on the western side of the monastery. The altar of this church is a large stone on which Jesus Christ sat.
    In this monastery, an angel of the Lord appeared to the elder Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead” (Matthew 2:20-21). 
    Free time at the Monastery followed by lunch. Driving Minya (about 155 km, about 02:00 hours). Arrival Minya, check in at Holy Family hotel, dinner and overnight.

Monastery of Saint Mary in Jabal al-Tair, Minya / Cairo

Check out after breakfast and visit the following sites:

Monastery of Saint Mary in Jabal al-Tair, Minya: visiting the monastery, which is located within the scope of the holy family’s itinerary to the land of Egypt, according to the memorandum drawn up by Pope Theophilus, Patriarch No. 23 of the Patriarchs of the Coptic Church (385-412 - Manuscript of the Monastery of Muharraq No. 9/14 in the library). The Holy Family visited this place during their escape to Egypt, and stayed in the cave for three days. This place is distinguished by the fact that it is carved into the rock. This place is classified as one of the unique rock churches in the world, and it is located on top of a mountain. In the fourth century in the year 327, Queen Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, sent aid to the patriarch to reconstruct the places that the Holy Family had visited in Egypt. Among these places was the Monastery of Jabal al-Tair. This Pharaonic temple was converted into a church, a structure was built on the eastern side, two columns were added in the nave of the church, and the third column was used on the tribal side to dig a baptistery into it.
     
The Monastery of the Virgin Mary is now located in Jabal al-Tair (Acorus), east of where the family settled in the cave in the ancient church. It is known as Jabal al-Tair because thousands of hawksbill birds gather there.
It is also called the Mountain of the hand, as the Coptic tradition states that the Holy Family, while they were next to the mountain, was about to fall on a large rock from the mountain, so the Lord Jesus extended His hand and prevented the rock from falling, but it stopped and his hand was imprinted on the rock.
     
On the way, the Holy Family passed by a tall Ficus tree, 2 km south of Jabal al-Tair. It is said that this tree prostrated itself to the Lord Christ, to whom be glory. They found that all of its branches were descending towards the ground and then rising again with green leaves. It is called the worshiper’s tree. Quick lunch in the monastery before driving from Minya to Cairo (About 270 km – 03.20-hour driving), arrival Cairo, followed by dinner in a local resraurant, transfer to your hotel, check-in and overnight.
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Pyramids & Sphinx + The Grand Egyptian Museum/Final departure:

Check out after breakfast, at 07.30 am the English-speaking Egyptology will accompany you to visit the Giza Plateau one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren and Mykerinus, famous Sphinx and Valley temple facing the great statue. Proceed to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, lunch and free time for shopping in some famous Giza Bazaars. Transfer to Cairo International Airport for final departure (Flight details to be advised). End of services 

departure if applicable:  

- Camel ride in Pyramids area. Price: 25 USD Per person
- Horse ride in Pyramids area. Price: 25 USD Per person
- Cave Church of St. Simon (The Tanner) – Mokattam Mountain: Visit the remarkable monastery carved into the mountain and learn about the legendary miracle of moving the mountain. Price: 40 USD per person                                                                                                                              - The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC):Discover the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, showcasing the complete history of Egypt from prehistoric times to the modern era, including the famous Royal Mummies Hall: 50 USD per person                                                        - Khan El Khalili: 15 USD Per person
- Salah El Din Citadel and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali: 50 USD Per person            

Evening optional excursion if applicable: 
- Cruising dinner: Transfer at 18.15 pm to the Nile River bank for cruising dinner including open buffet dinner, Egyptian folklore, Dervish show, belly dancer and Oriental DJ Music. Transfer at 21.00 pm back to your hotel & overnight. Price: 50 USD Per person
- Sound and light show at Great Pyramids. Price: 60 USD per person