Family Christian Heritage & Egypt Exploration Itinerary (Nov 10‑24 2026)

Day 3: Saqqara & Memphis

Morning: Journey to Saqqara to climb the Step Pyramid of Djoser and admire early Christian graffiti.

Afternoon: Continue to the ancient capital of Memphis, viewing the open‑air Statue of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx.

Evening: Return to Cairo for a relaxed dinner in the historic Khan el‑Khalili bazaar.

Day 4: Coptic Cairo

Morning: Tour the Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary) and the adjacent Saint George’s Church in Old Cairo.

Afternoon: Visit the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus (believed to be the Holy Family’s stay) and the Church of St. Barbara.

Evening: Free time to explore local cafés and enjoy a cultural performance of traditional Egyptian music.

Day 5: Travel to Alexandria

Morning: Depart Cairo by private coach for Alexandria (≈3 hrs).

Afternoon: Check into the hotel, then visit the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina and its Coptic heritage exhibit.

Evening: Stroll along the Mediterranean promenade and dine on fresh seafood.

Day 6: Alexandria Historical Sites

Morning: Explore the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, an early Christian burial complex.

Afternoon: Tour the Fort Qaitbey (built on the former Lighthouse of Alexandria) and the Roman Amphitheatre.

Evening: Return to the hotel for a relaxed evening; optional visit to the Montaza Palace Gardens.

Day 7: Drive to Goshen (St. George Monastery)

Morning: Travel north to the historic village of Goshen (≈2 hrs).

Afternoon: Guided tour of the ancient St. George Monastery, famous for its Byzantine frescoes.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner and storytelling session.

Day 8: Fly to Luxor – Arrival & Evening Light Show

Morning: Transfer to Alexandria airport, fly to Luxor.

Afternoon: Check into a Nile‑front hotel, then explore the Karnak Temple Complex with a focus on its Christian inscriptions.

Evening: Attend the spectacular Luxor Temple Sound & Light Show on the East Bank.

Morning: Sunrise hot‑air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings, providing breathtaking views of tombs and temples.

Afternoon: Visit the Valley of the Queens and the Temple of Hatshepsut, followed by a stop at the Medinet Habu (Mortuary Temple of Ramses III) where early Coptic graffiti are visible.

Evening: Relax at the hotel or enjoy a Nile dinner cruise.

Day 10: Nile Cruise – Dabahiya Experience

Morning: Embark on a traditional dabahiya (sail‑powered felucca) for a multi‑day Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan.

Afternoon: Sail downstream, stopping at the Temple of Edfu (dedicated to Horus) and learning about early Christian communities along the river.

Evening: Onboard dinner featuring local dishes; enjoy stargazing on the deck.

Day 11: Aswan – Philae & Nubian Village

Morning: Disembark at Aswan and visit the beautiful Temple of Philae, later converted into a Coptic church.

Afternoon: Explore a traditional Nubian Village and learn about the Coptic‑influenced culture of the region.

Evening: Optional dinner at a local restaurant with Nile views.

Day 12: Abu Simbel Excursion

Morning: Early‑morning drive (or short flight) to Abu Simbel to see the monumental temples of Ramses II and their later Christian frescoes.

Afternoon: Guided tour focusing on the conversion of the Great Temple into a church in the 6th century AD.

Evening: Return to Aswan for a restful night.

Day 13: Flight to Sinai – St. Katherine’s Monastery

Morning: Fly from Aswan to Sharm El Sheikh, then transfer by road to St. Katherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai.

Afternoon: Guided tour of the monastery’s ancient library, chapel, and the Burning Bush site.

Evening: Sunset view of Mount Sinai, followed by a quiet dinner at the monastery guesthouse.

Day 14: Return to Cairo – Leisure & Shopping

Morning: Transfer back to Sharm El Sheikh airport, fly to Cairo.

Afternoon: Free time for last‑minute shopping in Khan el‑Khalili or a quick visit to the Al‑Azhar Mosque (for interfaith perspective).

Evening: Farewell banquet featuring live Egyptian dance and a recap of the journey’s spiritual highlights.

Day 15: Departure

Morning: Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight home, carrying memories of Egypt’s rich Christian heritage.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Cairo (Egyptian Museum, Coptic Museum, Hanging Church) – 4 hrs total – $120
• Giza Pyramids & Sphinx – 5 hrs – $300
• Saqqara & Memphis – 4 hrs – $150
• Coptic Cairo (Hanging Church, St. Sergius, St. Barbara) – 4 hrs – $180
• Alexandria (Bibliotheca, Catacombs, Fort Qaitbey) – 6 hrs – $250
• Goshen (St. George Monastery) – 3 hrs – $130
• Luxor (Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Hot‑Air Balloon) – 8 hrs – $850 (balloon included)
• Nile Dabahiya Cruise (Luxor‑Aswan) – 2 days – $2,200
• Aswan (Philae, Nubian Village) – 4 hrs – $140
• Abu Simbel – 6 hrs – $400
• St. Katherine’s Monastery – 5 hrs – $210
• Sharm El Sheikh (Ras Mohammed, Beach) – 2 days – $600
• Transportation (flights, private coach, ferries) – – – $3,500
• Accommodation (3 rooms, 14 nights) – – – $9,800
• Meals & Miscellaneous – – – $2,500
• Total Estimated Cost – – – $20,820

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day in Sharm El Sheikh for snorkeling in Ras Mohammed National Park or a desert safari in the Sinai Peninsula. If you need to shorten the itinerary, consider dropping the separate Goshen visit and combining it with the Coptic Cairo day, or replace the two‑day Nile dabahiya with a shorter motor‑boat cruise, which will still provide the scenic river experience while freeing up time for additional relaxation.