Bill Verbrick

bill.verbrick@gmail.com

909-973-0435


6 Days, 5 Nights Holy Family footsteps tour

5 nights
Small Group Expedition
Start City : Cairo
End City : Cairo
From 1 Pax To 40 Pax

Highlights of the Holy Family Pathway:

  • Wadi El-Natroun (Monastic Area)
  • the Monastery of Anba Bishoy
  • Monastery of St. Macarius
  • Virgin Mary (Syrian) Monastery
  • Monastery of Baramos
  • Matariya & Ain Shams (Virgin Mary’s Tree)
  • Virgin Mary's Tree in Matareya
  • Fustat (Old Cairo - Abu Serga Church)
  • Maadi (Virgin Mary’s Church by the Nile)
  • GEM
  • Pyramids
  • Sphinx
  • NMEC
  • Albaster Mosque
Your Experience

  • Day 1

    Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

    • Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, enjoy our "meet and greet" service before transferring to the hotel for check-in. Rest and prepare for your spiritual journey.

     


    Meals: No Meals

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  • Day 2

    Day 2: Maadi (Cairo)

    • Visit the Church of the Virgin Mary in Maadi, a sacred site where a Bible page is believed to have emerged from the Nile, bearing the verse "Blessed be Egypt, My people" (Isaiah 19:25). This miraculous event adds to the church’s spiritual significance and connection to the Holy Family’s journey through Egypt. Learn about the Holy Family’s passage as they crossed the Nile to Upper Egypt, a pivotal moment in their journey of refuge. The church offers a peaceful environment for reflection, allowing visitors to delve into the historical and religious importance of this sacred location and its ties to Egypt's role in biblical history.

     

    • After you spirtual journy. relax and enjoy an authentic egyptain family dinner.

     


    Meals: Breakfast,lunch,dinner

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  • Day 3

    Day 3: Matareya and Ain Shams (Cairo)

    • Visit the "Virgin Mary's Tree" in Matareya, a revered site where the Holy Family rested during their journey through Egypt. This ancient tree holds deep religious significance, with many believing that it witnessed the Holy Family's time in the area. Nearby, explore the Church of the Virgin Mary, which was built to commemorate the Holy Family’s passage through Matareya. The church, with its beautiful architecture and spiritual atmosphere, serves as a reminder of this sacred moment in history. Take time to reflect on the profound connection between this site and the Holy Family’s journey.

     

    • Return to Cairo for an overnight stay.

     


    Meals: Breakfast, lunch

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  • Day 4

    Day 4: Old Cairo and the Religious Complex

    • Explore the Religious Complex in Old Cairo, a historic area rich in Christian heritage and home to some of the most significant sites associated with the Holy Family’s journey through Egypt. Visit the Church of the Virgin Mary in Haret Zuweila, a place of spiritual significance that stands as a testament to the early Christian presence in Egypt. Nearby, discover the Church of Abu Serga(Church of St. Sergius), built over the cave where the Holy Family is believed to have sought refuge during their time in Cairo. The cave, now part of the church, holds deep historical and religious value, and visiting it allows you to connect with the sacred history of the Holy Family’s journey. This complex offers a unique opportunity to reflect on Egypt’s role in the biblical story of the Holy Family.

     

    • Return to Cairo for an overnight stay.

     


    Meals: Breakfast,lunch

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  • Day 5

    Day 5: Wadi El-Natrun (Western Desert)

    • Discover the monasteries of Wadi El-Natrun, one of the most significant and revered stops of the Holy Family during their journey through Egypt. Wadi El-Natrun, a serene and historic desert oasis, is home to several ancient monasteries that have played a key role in Egypt’s Christian heritage. Visit the Monastery of Anba Bishoy, known for its rich spiritual history and beautiful architecture. Explore the Virgin Mary (Syrian) Monastery, a place of profound religious significance. The Monastery of Baramos offers a glimpse into early Christian monastic life, while the Monastery of St. Macarius is famed for its stunning frescoes and historical importance. Each monastery provides a unique insight into the history and spirituality of the region, making it a deeply enriching visit.

    Visit the Monastery of Anba Bishoy, Monastery of St. Macarius, Virgin Mary (Syrian) Monastery, Monastery of Baramos

     

    • Return to Cairo for an overnight stay, Virgin Mary (Syrian) Monastery, Monastery of Baramos

     


    Meals: Breakfast,lunch

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  • Day 6

    Day 6 : Departure from Cairo or Extend for 2 days for cairo Tour.


    Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure after a transformative journey following the Holy Family’s footsteps.


                                                                                                  Or

    Cairo Tour (Grand Egyptian Museum, the Pyramids of Giza & the Great Sphinx)

    • Our day starts with a visit to the largest archaeological museum in the world, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).  The new structure houses 100,000 masterpieces from several periods of Egypt's glorious history, 20,000 objects of which will be displayed for the first time such as King Tutankhamun's complete collection.
    • After touring the GEM, we will stop at a nice cozy restaurant to have lunch.
    •  We will, then, proceed to the one and only standing monument among the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, followed by The Pyramids of Khafra & Menkaura, the well-preserved valley temple of Khafra, and the Great Sphinx.

     


    Meals: Breakfast,lunch

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  • Day 7

    Day 9: Cairo Tour (National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Old Cairo, Citadel of Salah Eldeen) 

    • Start the day with a visit to the first authentic museum of civilization in Egypt.  The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) with 50,000 artifacts from the dawn of civilization to the present day.

    • Then, we will stop to have lunch in one of Cairo's best restaurants.

    • Stop for lunch, Continue the Cairo tour with a visit to The Citadel of Mohamed Ali (the Fortress of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi), built in 1183 and overlooking the city from the Muqattam Hills. The structure, with its domes and minarets, looks over a number of important buildings, including the Alabaster Mosque. Its domed interior, used by Moslems for daily prayers, is a spectacular sight of twinkling lights and beautiful mosaics.

    • A free tour in Khan Al-Khalili Market, which is one of the oldest and oldest Egyptian markets, where it is fun to shop and enjoy watching various Egyptian antiques and gifts throughout historical times, where you can buy souvenirs for you and your friends to remind you of your trip in Egypt.


    Meals: Breakfast, lunch

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  • Day 8

    Day 8: Last Day extnetion: Departure 

    • Transfer to Cairo International Airport for Departure after having an early breakfast 


    Meals: Breakfast

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Luxury Accommodation:

  • From Night 1 - Night 6: Luxury Hotel At Cairo on bed and breakfast

Transfers:

  • Arrival transfer to your Hotel from Cairo Airport
  • Transfere to wadi el natrun from your hotel
  • Trsnfere back to your hotel from wadi el natrun
  • Final transfer from your hotel to Cairo Airport for final dep.

Sightseeing:

  • Day 2:  Full-day Church of the Virgin Mary in Maadi includes Guiding, Lunch, Entrance  fees, and A/C Bus model 2024.
  • Day 3: Full-day Virgin Mary's Tree" in Matareya & the Church of the Virgin Mary in Ains Shams  includes Guiding, Lunch, Entrance  fees, and A/C Bus model 2024.
  • Day 4: Full-day Old Cairo and the Religious Complex &  the Church of Abu Serga(Church of St. Sergius) includes Guiding, Lunch, Entrance  fees, and A/C Bus model 2024.
  • Day 5: Full-day the Monastery of Anba Bishoy, Monastery of St. Macarius, Virgin Mary (Syrian) Monastery, Monastery of Baramos includes Guiding, Lunch, Entrance  fees, and A/C Bus model 2024. 

Extentions:

  • Day 6: Full-day Alexandria Roman Amphitheater ,  Alexandria Library , Catacomb of Alexandria , Alexandria National Museum, including Guiding, Lunch, Entrance fees, and A/C Bus model 2024.
  • Day 7: Full-day Cairo National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Citadel of Salah Eldeen, Alabaster Mosque, and Khan Al-Khalili Market, including Guiding, Lunch, Entrance  fees, and A/C Bus model 2024.

Not included:

  • Visa $25
  • Tipping
  • International flights
  • any option tours / Extentions

Egypt is very safe to visit and the police, tourist police, and army are in prominence wherever you go, giving you a feel of being in secure surroundings. Egypt prides itself on its high safety record for tourists and will do all it can to maintain this.

Egyptian Arabic is the official and most widely spoken language in Egypt. English is taught in schools and is considered a secondary language that is most commonly used for tourism purposes.

The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and upscale shops. There are also ATMs available at hotels and outside major banks dispensing local currency.

The best time to visit Egypt would be during the winter months, from October to April. The temperatures are mild and pleasant, although evenings can become quite cool. December through January are the peak tourist months so expect large crowds if travelling at this time. The best time to enjoy the beaches, without having to endure the large crowds of summer tourists, would be from March to May. Temperatures at this time are warm and tourist sites are not too crowded.

Egypt, being a predominantly Muslim country, is naturally conservative (not like the Gulf States or Saudi Arabia) but the average people are careful in what they wear. The dress code in Egypt for women is considered conservative by western standards and it is respectful to obey this code. For men it is not really an issue -- normal trousers and shirt or T-shirt are fine -- but in Cairo it would not be acceptable to wear short shorts or a tank tops/sleeveless tops. In the resorts like Sharm El Sheik, Hurghada, Sinai, etc. -- shorts are fine and it is very open and flexible. This also applies to ladies for the beach areas, but going into the market area in Hurghada, for example you may be more comfortable in trousers. Generally for men in Cairo or any city that is not on the sea side, remain with trousers (at tourist sites long loose shorts) or jeans and T-shirt , as even in Cairo, local people do not feel comfortable seeing a man in shorts. In Sea Side areas it's ok to walk in shorts, but once you enter a local restaurant or market, it's better to be more covered.

For the vast majority of travelers to Egypt, a valid passport and a travel visa is required. A visa can easily be purchased at the airport when you arrive. The cost for a single-entry, 30-day tourist visa is $25 (or equivalent in Euro), must be paid in cash (no credit or debit cards accepted), and your passport must be valid for at least six months. Citizens of all European countries, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, South Korea, Macedonia, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine and United States can obtain a visa upon arrival. (Egypt does allow visa-free access for certain countries such as Bahrain, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Lebanon, Macao, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia.) Visas can also be purchased beforehand through Egypt’s Visa e-Portal: https://visa2egypt.gov.eg. Forty-one different nationalities are eligible to purchase the e-visa, however, it’s far easier to simply buy the visa at the airport.

As with most European and North American countries, tipping is graciously accepted in Egypt. A 10% tip at restaurants and to guides and drivers is standard. Unfortunately, at major tourist sites like the Pyramids of Giza or the tombs of the Valley of the Kings, touts aggressively hustle for tips by allowing you to take photos in areas where it’s clearly posted as prohibited (such as inside the tombs). Please refrain from perpetuating this problem by not paying to take pictures.

Egypt has a voltage supply of 220V and the plugs are the 2-round pin type that are common throughout Europe.

As noted previously, Egypt is a Muslim country, therefore alcohol is not readily available outside of tourist areas and western-style hotels/resorts. Beer and wine is available for purchase on all Dragonfly Kite Safaris.