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Egypt

Flight of the Holy Family 2026 – 12 days

Prices from £3,710 pp

Single Supplement £475

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As we follow the path traditionally believed to have been taken by the Holy Family across Egypt, we walk in the shadow of sacred history. From the cave in Old Cairo where they are said to have rested, to the remote monasteries of Wadi El Natroun and the great sanctuary at El Muharraq, each place we visit bears witness to a story of faith, exile and divine protection.

Alongside these holy places, we encounter the vast heritage of Egypt itself - a land where ancient history and living tradition stand side by side. We’ll stand before the Great Pyramid of Giza, the only surviving wonder of the ancient world, explore the Valley of the Kings and walk through the awe-inspiring temples of Luxor.

Our pilgrimage also brings us into contact with the living faith of the Coptic Church, through visits to some of its most significant monasteries and churches. This is a journey of reflection, discovery and renewal - a chance to step away from the ordinary and walk in the path of a sacred story.

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Itinerary

  1. Arrive in Cairo

    Welcome to Cairo! From the airport, we relax in comfort by deluxe coach to our hotel for check-in. Over dinner, we meet our fellow pilgrims and
    prepare for the days ahead, following the path of the Holy Family through Egypt.

  2. Explore Coptic Cairo

    Today we explore the spiritual roots of Egyptian Christianity. We visit the Coptic Museum, home to one of the world’s finest collections of early Christian artefacts. Nearby, we explore the Hanging Church, the historic Abou Serga Church (built over the cave believed to have sheltered the Holy Family), the Babylon Fortress, the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary. These sites reflect Cairo’s unique and ancient tapestry of faith.

  3. In Cairo; Giza, Memphis + Sakkara

    A day to witness Egypt’s legendary past. We begin with the breathtaking Pyramids of Giza and bthe iconic Sphinx - enduring symbols of human ingenuity. We then travel to Memphis, Egypt’s first capital and nearby Sakkara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser - the world’s oldest pyramid. A day of wonder and awe at the ancient world.

  4. In Cairo; visit Wadi El Natroun

    We journey into Egypt’s desert to Wadi El Natroun, a centre of early Christian monasticism. Here we visit three of the region’s most significant
    monasteries: St Bishoy, famed for its spiritual heritage; the Syrian Monastery, rich in tradition and art; and the Monastery of St Macarius, still home to a thriving monastic community. A day of reflection in the quiet beauty of the desert.

  5. In Cairo; the Grand Egyptian Museum

    We return to Cairo to visit the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, a masterpiece of modern architecture and curation. Here, we view
    a vast collection of artefacts including the treasures of Tutankhamun, mummies and relics spanning 5,000 years. A real deep dive into Egypt’s ancient civilisation.

  6. Drive to Samalout

    We leave the capital and travel south along the Nile Valley to Samalout. Here we visit the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, dramatically perched
    above the river. According to tradition, the Holy Family rested at this sacred spot during their travels through Egypt, seeking refuge from King
    Herod. Today, it remains a powerful place of pilgrimage. We spend the evening in quiet contemplation amidst peaceful surroundings.

  7. Drive to El Muharraq and Dronka

    We continue through Upper Egypt driving towards Assiut. We visit the historic El Muharraq Monastery, where the Holy Family is believed to have stayed for six months - the longest period of their journey. We then continue to the Monastery of the Virgin Mary at Dronka, nestled in the mountains above the Nile. Overnight in a monastery guesthouse, experiencing the rhythm of monastic life.

  8. Temples of Dendera; on to Luxor

    We begin the day with a visit to the Temple of Hathor at Dendera, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, known for its stunning astronomical ceiling and richly decorated chapels. From here, we travel to Luxor - ancient Thebes - and settle in for the night by the Nile

  9. Explore the wonders of Luxor

    A day immersed in the splendour of ancient Egypt. We explore the Valley of the Kings, resting place of pharaohs including Tutankhamun, and the grand Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. We also visit the Colossi of Memnon before continuing to the monumental temples of Karnak and Luxor - spectacular legacies of faith and power.

  10. Fly Luxor to Cairo

    After lunch at our hotel in Luxor, we’ll head to Luxor Airport for our short internal flight back to Cairo and transfer to our hotel for dinner.

  11. Cairo

    Our final full day brings us to more revered sites associated with the Holy Family’s journey. We visit El Zeitoun Church, where apparitions of the
    Virgin Mary were reported in the 1960s; Mostorod Church, also linked to the Holy Family; Virgin Mary’s Tree in Matariya, under which the
    Holy Family is said to have rested; and the near by Church of the Holy Family. These places, still visited by pilgrims today, offer a powerful connection to their sacred journey.

  12. Check out and fly home

    We have a bit of free time this morning before our transfer to Cairo International Airport for our return flight to London. We carry home memories of sacred places, ancient wonders and a journey of deep spiritual significance.

Essential Information

The cost for this seven day tour is £3,710 per person. The cost is based on sharing a double or twin-bedded room and includes all excursions and most expenses. A number of single rooms are available for a supplement from £475.

This tour includes:
• Seven nights in Cairo on full board basis
• One night in Samalout on full board basis
• One night in Dronka on full board basis
• Two nights in Luxor on full board basis
• Outward flight from London to Cairo; return
from Cairo to London
• Internal flight from Luxor to Cairo
• Private air-conditioned coach for transfers and
touring as per itinerary
• English-speaking licensed local guides
• Entrance fees as per itinerary
• Gratuities are included and will be disbursed
locally

Flights from regional airports can be arranged at a supplement subject to availability, you can also book this tour without flights. For more information please ask for details.

A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable now with the balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

Special requests
Any special requirements, such as dietary needs,mobility requests, and any other requests should be noted at the time of booking.

Late bookings
Please note that for bookings made within 12 weeks of departure, the price may increase due to the fluctuating cost of flights. If this arises, we will always discuss this with you before processing your booking.

Final travel documents
These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We are
partnered with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays. See practical information for more details.

Mobility
Many of our tours and excursions are designed for those who are able to travel independently, or with the support of a companion who can assist
during the trip. We recommend that participants feel comfortable with physical activity and are able to manage longer travel days, which may include early starts and extended periods on the road. Please note that the quality of vehicles and roads may vary from what you’re accustomed to in the UK. We encourage you to consider your personal health and comfort when planning your adventure, and we’re happy to help if you have any specific concerns or questions about the suitability of a tour for your needs.

Practical information

About McCabe Pilgrimages
McCabe has been arranging journeys of faith, culture and spirituality for over 40 years with an unwavering focus on attention to detail and
service. With a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of Christian travellers, McCabe strive to make every trip a memorable and meaningful experience.

McCabe Travel Ltd. trades as McCabe Pilgrimages. McCabe Travel Ltd. is registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2125334. VAT No: 318527355.
Registered office address: McCabe Travel, The Square, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4EB.

The McCabe Educational Trust
The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity which was set up in 1991 to support Christian communities. To date the Trust has distributed more than £4 million in grants. The Trust raises money by inviting all our travellers to make an optional £20 donation at the time of booking. All money given in this way is given in full to the projects the Trust supports.

This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Passports, visas and health
• Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end of this pilgrimage. If you need a new passport apply early as there can be considerable backlogs at the passport offices.
• British passport holders travelling to Egypt normally require a visa. For visits up to 30 days, you can get a visa on arrival. We have pre-arranged this so that our representative in Cairo has this all done when you land to save time queuing on arrival.
• Non British passport holders will need to contact us for further details.

• There are no mandatory inoculations required for Egypt, however some are recommended and we advise that you consult your doctor regarding your own personal requirements. We also recommend your tetanus and polio vaccinations are up to date.
• Please carry an adequate supply of essential medication in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.

Financial and quality assurances
All monies paid are fully protected through McCabe’s membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. In addition, McCabe are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abide by the Association’s code of conduct.

This pilgrimage is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Holiday insurance
Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have partnered with Holiday Extras so you can get a travel insurance quote to protect you before and whilst you are travelling.

Holiday Extras Cover Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto.

For more information or to obtain a quote, please go to their website at www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor.

Please quote AG628 when you call for a 10% discount.

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