The Holy Family’s Journey to Cairo Churches

This year, following Pope Francis’s acknowledgment of the Holy Family’s journey in Egypt as an official Christian pilgrimage.

Cairo Churches

Begin your tour with a pickup from your hotel in Cairo, accompanied by a personal guide to explore the churches of Cairo. Start with the Hanging Church and St. Sergius, then proceed to visit the Church of St. George and the Fortress of Babylon in Old Cairo, which the Holy Family passed on their way to Mostorod.

The Holy Family left the desert behind and traveled south, crossing the Nile to its eastern bank, heading towards Matariyah and Ain Shams. These neighboring districts are now suburbs of modern-day Cairo, approximately 10 kilometers from the city center.

At the time of the Holy Family’s arrival, Ain Shams was home to a significant Jewish community. In Matariyah, a tree known as “Mary’s Tree” still stands today, frequently visited, as the Family is believed to have rested in its shade.

Continuing towards Old Cairo, the Holy Family paused in Zeitoun (Virgin Mary Church) on their journey, then proceeded along a route that now traverses the bustling, crowded areas of Cairo.

Enjoy lunch at an oriental restaurant, where you have the opportunity to learn and taste local cuisine before returning to your hotel with wonderful memories.

Points of Interest

• Coptic Cairo

• Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary)

• Coptic Orthodox Church of St. George (Mari Girgis)

• Al Matariya Obelisk Museum

• Zeitoun

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Bottled water
• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Lunch
• Qualified Egyptologist guide

• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Gratuities
• Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Following Pope Francis’s acknowledgment of the Holy Family’s journey in Egypt as an official Christian pilgrimage, Copts believe that the blessing of Christianity on their nation dates back to the time when Jesus was a young child. The Holy Family, which included the infant Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, traveled to Egypt and resided there for a period. There are numerous traditions regarding the specific sites visited by the Holy Family, and many people embark on annual pilgrimages tracing this path.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Dress code is smart casual
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• A minimum of XX people ( 2 person ) per booking is required
• A maximum of XX people per booking ( 15 person )

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.