Ancient Cairo Pilgrimage

Private Holiday
5 Days ex Cairo
Departs Daily

Pursuant to our Terms and Conditions, the “Single Room” price displayed above is not guaranteed. To access the “Single Room” price, the “Single Room” option must also be booked by other travelers reserved on the same tour and on the same departure date, with a minimum of 2 clients traveling together. If you are a solo traveler a surcharge will apply. Please contact us for further details.

Cairo is a vibrant, exhilarating, and welcoming city and this short tour encapsulates the best that this ancient land has to offer. Home to some of the best Pharaonic, Coptic, and Islamic sights in Egypt, this city is where you never know what incredible ancient sites you may experience. Discover Giza’s famed pyramids, visit the capital’s medieval markets by Khan El-Khalili, or simply sit at a café terrace while watching the life of the city whirl past as it has done for eons.

Highlights

• Marvel at the wondrous Pyramids from the earliest Step Pyramid of Sakkara to the monumental Great Pyramid of Giza.
• Wonder at the origins of the enigmatic Sphinx whose face was once used for target practice by Napoleon’s soldiers.
• Explore Old Cairo’s Coptic Churches, including the Hanging Church. Walk along the path of the Church of St. Sergius, where Christ and family walked and hid in the cave.

• Itinerary
   
• Accommodation
• Important Information

On arrival in Cairo, you will be met by our friendly local representative INSIDE immigration to assist with your Egyptian visa on arrival. Welcome to the land of the Pharaohs, Jacob, Joseph and a place of shelter for the Holy family. Transfer by private coach to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure to rest. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel.

Today explore the impressive site of Giza; constructed in appx 2690 BC, the Pyramids of Mycerinus, Chefren & the Great Pyramid of Cheops, are the only survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Face the mystical Sphinx, reputedly used as target practice by Napoleon’s troops. Continue to the ancient capital of Memphis and visit the Step Pyramids of Sakkara – the oldest surviving Egyptian pyramid.  

Dinner tonight is at your hotel.

Optional: This evening attend the inspiring Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids.

Note: The new Grand Egyptian Museum may open sometime in 2021. it is located near the Pyramids. A key focus is on the boy king Tutankhamun. When opened it will be the largest Museum in the world, the construction alone has cost over US 1 billion.

This could be added into the program in place of Memphis and Sakkara, subject to the Museum being open.

When Christ was an infant, the Holy Family found haven in Egypt for nearly four years, following a prophecy from Hosea who foresaw the flight from Bethlehem, where there was no safe place for the Christ child to lay his head.
After breakfast, travel north to visit Deir Abu Maqar then continue to Wadi El Natrun.  Of the 50 original Christian monasteries that once thrived at the edge of the Western Desert, only four remain, and the Wadi El Natrun monasteries are still an important place of pilgrimage for Egypt’s Coptic Christians.
Visit Deir al-Baramus, the oldest of the monasteries, which is surrounded by high fortifications that once sheltered the monks against desert raids by Berbers and Bedouins. Explore the sanctuary, keep, and refectories, where you’ll find colorful frescoes that date back to medieval times. Continue to Deir Anba Bishoi, a monastery with exquisite art and architecture that houses the remains of several important Coptic saints. Visit the churches contained within the monastery walls. In the afternoon visit Deir El Suryani then stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

Today visit Old Cairo’s Coptic Churches, including the Hanging Church. Walk along the path of the Church of St. Sergius, where Christ and family walked and hid in the cave. Then visit the Monastery of St. George, where St. George was chained, continue to St. Mercurio (Abu Seifein) & Santa Barbara.

Today a highlight is a visit to the Coptic Museum was founded in 1910 by Marcus Simaika Pasha, and is the most recently-built of Cairo’s major museums. The museum is home to one of the richest collections of Coptic Christian art in the world, featuring antiquities of the Coptic period (300-1000 AD). Around 16,000 pieces are displayed in the museum, arranged where possible in a chronological order.

Today transfer to the Airport for your departure flight.

• Meet and assistance on arrival, inside immigration
• Egyptian visa on arrival. (Offer valid for US/UK/NZ/Canadian/Australian passport holders, with 6 months validity after departure date). Other nationalities upon application
• Private licensed Egyptologist, ex Cairo
• Return Airport to hotel transfers
• All touring and transfers in Air-conditioned transportation
• Accommodation in Super Deluxe class hotels
• Daily buffet breakfasts at hotel
• Evening dinners at Cairo hotels
• Activities & entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Visits to Coptic Christian sites as specified
• A bottle of water in the tour vehicle each day
• Comprehensive Travel Notes as provided by Innovative Travel

• Travel insurance ( compulsory)
• Personal expenses
• Optional sightseeing or activities
• International airfares
• Porterage
• Tipping/gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Extra hotel charges (minibar or any other services)
• Meals not specified
• Departure taxes (if applicable)
• Local tourism tax (if applicable)
• Early checkin/late checkout
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

Accommodation based on the below or similar

St Regis Hotel – Grand Deluxe Room

The St. Regis Cairo draws guests to the heart of Egypt’s timeless metropolis, weaving a powerful new story of luxury in the region with unprecedented local heritage and outstanding views of the Nile and Old Cairo. The hotel stands as a pivotal landmark with its 36 stories, gracefully designed for those who are only inspired by the unexpected by the renowned architect Michael Graves. Paying homage to 362 lavishly appointed rooms, suites and upscale apartments, luxuriant comfort prevails with state-of-the-art facilities, signature rituals and 7 thoughtfully crafted restaurants and bars. Bespoke and personalized service is exemplified by the signature St. Regis Butler service, to anticipate your every need from the moment of unpacking to fulfilling your unique preferences and executing them in perfect detail throughout your stay. Whatever the request, St. Regis Butler Service is available with our compliments any time, day or night.

Four Seasons Hotel at The First Residence – Pool View Room

Flanked by zoological gardens and the western bank of the Nile, the address in Giza’s prestigious First Place complex puts you in the centre of it all. Catch a glimpse of the river or the Great Pyramids from the hotel as you head out to explore the ancient wonders, or spend the day by the pool, indulging in an aromatic massage once reserved for Egyptian royalty. Or opt for shopping in the high-end boutiques at the First Mall or experience the best of gastronomy aboard the newly opened First Nile Boat, offering panoramic Nile views and brilliant international cuisine.

Sheraton Hotel Cairo – Pool View Room

Only 600 m from the Opera House and located on the banks of the River Nile, Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino offers effortless service and modern accommodations in the heart of Cairo. Select from a variety of dining options, including 24-hour room service and the popular Italian restaurant. Take a dive into the outdoor pool, get active in the 24-hour fitness center or rejuvenate in the spa with its wide variety of treatments.

Ramadan

During the Holy Month of Ramadan Muslims fast, abstaining from eating, drinking & smoking during daylight hours (approx. 7am-6.30pm). As a sign of respect, tourists should also try to refrain eating in public during the fasting hours. Restaurants and Cafes in Hotels and Cruise boats will be open, however limited alcohol may be available over this time. In 2021, Ramadan is from 12 April until 11 May. This is followed by the festive Eid 14 and 15 May.

In 2022: Ramadan is 02 April-01 May; followed by Eid on 02 and 03 May. Travel is recommended outside of Ramadan and Eid

Dress Codes

Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites – Men: Long pants, Women – skirt or long pants and shoulders covered. Full travel notes are provided, prior to departure.

Itineraries are prepared as a guideline only. Some variations may apply due to prevailing local conditions in a country. The final itinerary will be dependent upon the day of arrival and day of departure.

Hotel check-in/out times are normally IN: 3pm/OUT: 12noon the only way to guarantee an early check-in or late check-out is to pre-book the night before (early check-in) or night after (late check-out). Otherwise early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability when you are there.

Museums and Monuments: Many of the monuments, museums and sites visited on tours have religious, historic and cultural significance.   The local authorities including the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Antiquities, or others may on occasions close part or the entire site without prior notice. In addition in many cases there is ongoing restoration and repair work which may mean that portions of sites may be closed or are covered in scaffolding. This is beyond the control of Innovative Travel and its local representatives.

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveler.

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for USA and Canadian passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.