The round Church of St George in Coptic Cairo

Cairo and the Footsteps of the Holy Family

A specialized heritage route tracing where the Holy Family sought refuge in Egypt
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Next departure
Dates on request
Duration icon
Duration
5 days
Guide languages icon
Guide languages
English guide
Base cities icon
Base cities
Cairo
Border crossings icon
Border crossings

The Route

Your journey, mapped

Route map

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For church leaders and group organizers

Considering this journey for your church?

See the group leader terms and inclusions, and how we shape a departure around your church community

Group leader terms

Overview

A short, focused pilgrimage through Old Cairo, Matariya and the desert monasteries of Wadi El Natrun, following the traditions of the Holy Family's refuge in Egypt.

Price per person
From $690
First class per person
$1,050
Single room supplement
$350
Duration
5 days
Deposit
$300 / person
Next departure
Dates on request
Get a Quote
Best Rate Guarantee when you book direct

Your Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival · Jerusalem
Jerusalem Receives You
"I rejoiced with those who said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord."
Psalm 122:1

Your AJET representative meets you at Ben Gurion Airport the moment you clear customs. From there your vehicle climbs through the Judean hills as the skyline of Jerusalem rises above the limestone terraces. There are no schedules to keep tonight. You check in, settle in, and let the quiet holiness of the city begin to reach you.

Site visited
Ben Gurion Airport Welcome
Private Transfer to Jerusalem
Hotel Check-In
Optional Evening Orientation Walk
1
Day 1
Cairo
Arrival in Cairo
Cairo skyline and the Nile at dusk

You arrive in Cairo, are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Site visited
Cairo
2
Day 2
Old Cairo and Matariya
Old Cairo Historic Churches and Matariya
Interior of a Coptic Orthodox church in Old Cairo

You visit the historic churches of Old Cairo and Matariya, places tradition links with the Holy Family's refuge in Egypt.

Site visited
Old Cairo churches
Matariya
3
Day 3
Wadi El Natrun
The Wadi El Natrun Desert Monasteries

You drive into the desert to Wadi El Natrun and visit its ancient Coptic desert monasteries.

Site visited
Wadi El Natrun monasteries
4
Day 4
Cairo
The Coptic Museum and Khan el-Khalili
Brass lanterns glowing in the Khan el-Khalili bazaar

You visit the Coptic Museum, home to the heritage of Egypt's Christians, and then explore the lively Khan el-Khalili bazaars.

Site visited
Coptic Museum
Khan el-Khalili
5
Day 5
Cairo
Departure

You are transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Site visited

Home

Tour Highlights

Guaranteed best rate when you book directly with us.

✦ Visit the historic churches of Old Cairo and Matariya
✦ Explore the Wadi El Natrun desert monasteries
✦ Visit the Coptic Museum
✦ Wander the Khan el-Khalili bazaars

Included and excluded

Included
  • Warm airport welcome and all group transfers in modern, air conditioned vehicles
  • Hotel accommodation throughout the itinerary
  • A licensed English speaking guide
  • All entrance fees to the sites in the itinerary
Not Included
  • International flights to and from Egypt
  • The Egypt entry visa
  • Tips and gratuities for the guide and driver
  • Travel insurance, which we strongly recommend
  • Lunches and personal expenses
  • Anything not listed as included
Price per person
From $690
First class per person
$1,050
Single room supplement
$350
Duration
5 days
Deposit
$300 / person
Next departure
Dates on request
Get a Quote
Best Rate Guarantee when you book direct

Pilgrims Who Walked This Road

Pastor Wilson

Australia (Sydney)

It was our fourth trip with AJET and it lived up to our expectations. It was a wonderfully organized tour. In all activities, the guide provided a wealth of information and participated enthusiastically. What a beautiful country.

Andria M.

United States (DC)

This was a superb tour. Beautifully crafted, taking us through the long history of Christianity. Accommodation and the food were wonderful. Your detailed program and care is memorable. I can't thank you enough.

Calla Crone

Canada (Ottawa)

Outstanding. Best tour operator we've ever had. The itinerary was thoughtfully planned and well balanced. The booking process was easy and the information packet was well-prepared and timely. Highly recommend AJET. Thank you.

Danielle and Randy

United States (Atlanta)

Aaron is an awesome guide. The depth of his knowledge, patience, and care is beyond description. AJET management is extremely professional. Your hospitality made us think of coming back. Thank you.

Tour FAQ

Can I travel on my own, or do I need a group?
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You are welcome to join as an individual, a couple, a family, or a full church group. Many travelers arrive on their own and leave with a whole new family, which is one of the most common things we hear.

How physically demanding is the pilgrimage?
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There is a fair amount of walking, some of it on old stone and uneven ground, and a few climbs such as Mount Tabor. Most people of reasonable health manage well. If anyone in your group has mobility needs, tell us in advance and we will plan around them.

I hold an Ethiopian or Eritrean passport. Can you help with my visa?
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Yes. Entry requirements for Ethiopian and Eritrean passport holders need more hands-on support, and AJET has long experience guiding travelers through exactly what their passport requires. We coordinate between our teams in Jerusalem and Addis Ababa at every step, so you are never left to work it out alone. Please start the process early, as some steps take time.

What are the hotels like?
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You stay in comfortable first class hotels in Jerusalem and on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias. A tourist class option is also available if your group prefers. All rooms are clean, well located, and include daily breakfast and dinner.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?
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A deposit of $300 or $400 per person (the amount shown on the tour page, or the stated deposit for your custom journey) is required to secure your booking. A reservation does not hold a seat until the deposit clears into AJET’s account. Final balance payments are strictly due 60 days prior to departure.

One exception: if you reserve a journey online without a fixed departure date and we cannot confirm dates that match your preferred dates, your deposit is returned in full.

If you must cancel your pilgrimage, written notice must be submitted to AJET. Cancellations incur the following tiered fees based on the departure date:

  • 61 or more days prior: Full refund of all monies paid minus the non-refundable deposit.
  • 60 to 46 days prior: 35% of total package cost is retained (65% refund of balance).
  • 45 to 31 days prior: 60% of total package cost is retained (40% refund of balance).
  • 30 to 15 days prior: 85% of total package cost is retained (15% refund of balance).
  • 14 days or fewer prior / No-show: 100% of total package cost is retained (non-refundable).

Because unexpected medical or travel disruptions can occur, AJET strongly recommends that every pilgrim purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical care, and emergency repatriation.

Jerusalem at sunset
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