6-Day Pyramids & Coptic Cairo Journey

After a delightful breakfast, your expert Egyptologist guide will accompany you to some of the world's most iconic sites. Our first stop is the Giza Plateau, home to the colossal Great Pyramids, ancient burial places of 4th Dynasty pharaohs and enduring symbols of ancient Egyptian ingenuity. Marvel at the sheer scale of Khufu's Pyramid, which stood as the tallest man-made structure for nearly four millennia. Next, stand in awe before the enigmatic Great Sphinx, a mythical guardian carved from limestone, contemplating its ancient mysteries. We'll also explore the Valley Temple, where pharaohs' mummification rituals once took place. Following a break for lunch at a local restaurant, we proceed to the impressive Grand Egyptian Museum, a massive modern facility showcasing five millennia of history, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. Alternatively, we may visit the historic Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, depending on collection availability and opening schedules. Conclude your day with a return to your hotel.

• Giza Pyramids — Explore the ancient wonders of the Giza Plateau, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, and learn about their construction and significance.
• The Great Sphinx — Stand before the iconic Great Sphinx, a colossal limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human, guarding the Giza necropolis.
• Valley Temple — Visit the Valley Temple, associated with the Pyramid of Khafre, a site used for the purification and mummification of pharaohs.
• The Grand Egyptian Museum (or Egyptian Museum) — Immense yourselves in history at the world-class Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) showcasing a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including Tutankhamun's treasures, or visit the historic Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square.

This morning, journey with your Egyptologist to uncover Cairo's profound Coptic Christian heritage. Our first stop is the dignified Church of St. Virgin Mary in Maadi, a significant spot where the Holy Family is believed to have rested in Egypt before continuing their journey south. After a traditional Egyptian lunch, we delve into the heart of Old Cairo. Here, discover the remarkable Hanging Church, seemingly suspended above the Roman Fortress of Babylon. We'll then visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, renowned for its stunning frescoes, and the deeply historic Church of St. Sergius (Abu Serga), believed to have sheltered the Holy Family. Our final stop in Old Cairo is the Church of St. Barbara, an ancient basilica dedicated to a venerated saint. Throughout the day, your guide will bring these sacred places and their stories to life. Return to your hotel after a day filled with spiritual discovery.

• Church of St. Virgin Mary (Maadi Church) — Visit this significant church, believed to be one of the Holy Family's resting places during their flight into Egypt, featuring unique architecture.
• The Hanging Church (St. Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church) — Explore one of the oldest churches in Egypt, built atop the Roman-era Babylon Fortress, known for its beautiful interiors and historical significance.
• Church of St. George — Discover this iconic Greek Orthodox church, part of the Monastery of St. George, featuring impressive artwork and a captivating history in Old Cairo.
• Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga) — Step into this ancient church, dating back to the 5th century, revered as a site where the Holy Family reportedly stayed during their time in Egypt.
• Church of St. Barbara — Visit this beautiful 5th-century Coptic Orthodox church, renowned for its basilica-style architecture and the relics of St. Barbara.

After breakfast, your private Egyptologist will lead you to El Matariya, historically known as Ancient Heliopolis. Here, you'll encounter the reverent Virgin Mary Tree, an ancient sycamore believed to have sheltered the Holy Family. Nearby, discover the miraculous spring said to have been created by the child Jesus. After experiencing this sacred site, we journey to the Church of the Virgin Mary in Zeitoun, a church of unique Italian-influenced architecture, famously known for the reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Enjoy a satisfying lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant. Your day of meaningful exploration concludes as you return to your hotel.

• Virgin Mary Tree (Matariya) — Visit the ancient sycamore tree in Matariya, believed to have provided shelter to the Holy Family, and the nearby miraculous spring.
• Church of the Virgin Mary (Zeitoun) — Explore this significant Coptic church in Zeitoun, known for its unique Italian architectural style and the reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary.

Today's journey begins after breakfast with a transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle and your guide to Mostorod. This profoundly spiritual location, known as 'Al-Mahamma' or 'the Bathing Place,' is where the Virgin Mary is said to have bathed the Christ Child. Next, we revisit Old Cairo to delve deeper into its religious tapestry, with a visit to the historic Church of St. Barbara, a magnificent 5th-century basilica with distinct architectural beauty. Our day culminates with a visit to St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, the venerable seat of the Pope of Alexandria and one of Africa's oldest and most significant Orthodox cathedrals, adorned with splendid icons and mosaics. After a delicious local lunch, you'll be transferred back to your Cairo hotel for your final night.

• Virgin Mary Church (Mostorod) — Visit 'Al-Mahamma' or 'the Bathing Place' in Mostorod, a significant pilgrimage site where the Holy Family is believed to have rested.
• Church of St. Barbara — Discover this beautiful 5th-century Coptic Orthodox church in Old Cairo, renowned for its basilica-style architecture and the relics of St. Barbara.
• St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral — Explore the revered seat of the Pope of Alexandria, one of Africa's oldest and most historically significant Coptic cathedrals, featuring impressive icons and mosaics.

After enjoying your last breakfast in Cairo and completing check-out from your hotel, our team will ensure a smooth transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departing flight, concluding your immersive journey through Egypt's ancient and Coptic past.