Discover Egypt: Pilgrims on the Nile

Join this discovery tour to embark on a transformative pilgrimage to Egypt, where ancient history and spiritual heritage unite in an unforgettable journey. Explore the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and sacred desert monasteries that have long been a refuge for Christian monks. Walk in the footsteps of the Holy Family and experience Egypt’s deep Christian faith. Each stop offers moments of prayer and reflection, enriching your spiritual journey while connecting you with Egypt’s long biblical history.

Your pilgrimage continues with a serene Nile cruise, stopping at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, offering insight into Egypt’s ancient culture and its biblical significance. Visit the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, and the majestic Abu Simbel, where you’ll marvel at some of the world’s most spectacular monuments. This journey is about more than sightseeing—it’s about deepening your faith in sacred landscapes. Join us for a singular pilgrimage that blends Egypt’s past with Christian spirituality, creating lasting memories.

Pilgrims on the Nile Daily Itinerary

Pilgrims on the Nile begins in Cairo and ends in Luxor, with transportation included from the tour’s end back to Cairo for departures home. European participants typically depart from their home cities early on the first day of the tour and arrive in time to join the group when it assembles in the late afternoon or early evening. Western Hemisphere participants typically depart the previous day, flying overnight to arrive in Cairo on day one for the beginning of the tour.

Day 1 – Arrival in Cairo, Egypt

Arrival at Cairo International Airport (CAI). Transfer to our hotel. Check-in. Free time before dinner and orientation at the hotel. Evening discussion introducing our sojourn theme and an introduction to the broad themes of Ancient Egyptian history and culture.

Day 2 – Cairo Museum Day

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit to the historic Egyptian Museum, one of the world’s most renowned museums. It’s neoclassical building was the first purpose built museum in the Middle East. Group lunch. Afternoon visit to the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum, a state of the art facility designed to showcase over 100,000 artifacts from Egypt’s ancient heritage. Free time before group dinner near the hotel.

Day 3 – Pyramids, Pyramids, Pyramids!

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning excursion to Saqqara and the Memphis open air museum. Group lunch. Afternoon visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx. Optional Camel ride. Group dinner near the hotel.

Day 4 – Old Cairo

Old Cairo St George Greek Orthodox Church

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning tour of Old Cairo, including the Roman Towers, Hanging Church, the British War Cemetery (Oswald Chambers Gravesite), Abu Sirga Church, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Mohammed Ali Alabaster Mosque and the Citadel of Salah El Din. Lunch on your own and free afternoon. A list of sights and optional activities will be provided. Group dinner near the hotel.

Day 5 – Alexandria

Breakfast at the hotel. All day excursion to Alexandria, visiting highlights of the city including Fort Qaitbay, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Library of Alexandria, Amphitheatre of Alexandria, and Pompey’s Pillar. Group lunch. Return to hotel for free time and group dinner near the hotel.

Day 6 – Wadi el Natrun and the Desert Fathers

egypt-wadi-el-natrun-pishoi-monastery fresco

Breakfast at the hotel. All day excursion to Wadi El Natrun, the birthplace of Christian monasticism and home of the desert fathers. Visit to the four surviving monasteries: Deir Anba Bishoi, Deir El -Baramus (Paromeos Monastery), Deir Abu Maqar (Monastery of St Macarius the Great), and Deir El-Suryani. Return to Cairo for dinner near the hotel.

Day 7 – Aswan

Early breakfast and check out from the hotel. Morning flight to Aswan. Morning visit to Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam. Transfer to the Nile Cruise for check in and lunch. Afternoon visit to the Famine Stele on Sehel Island and the vibrant and colorful Gharb Sohail Nubian Village. Return to Aswan for dinner and overnight onboard.

Day 8 – Nile Cruise – Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo

Breakfast onboard. Early departure for morning excursion to the majestic Abu Simbel, where we will visit the Temple of Ramses II and Temple of Hathor. Return to the ship for lunch and departure. Late afternoon arrival at Kom Ombo and visit to the Temple of Sobek. Dinner and overnight onboard.

Day 9 – Nile Cruise – Edfu

Breakfast onboard. Morning arrival in Edfu and visit to the Temple of Horus. The rest of the day is free onboard as we float down river towards Luxor. Dinner onboard.

Day 10 – Nile Cruise – Luxor East Bank

Breakfast onboard. Arrival in Luxor. Check out from the cruise and transfer to our hotel. Morning visit to the Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Mummification Museum. Lunch and afternoon to explore on your own. Group dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 – Luxor West Bank and Valley of the Kings

egypt luxor temple of ramesses II ramesseum

Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to the Valley of the Kings, with additional stops at the Colossi of Memnon, Medinat Habu (Temple of Ramses III), and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Lunch on the go. Return to the hotel for free time before our farewell banquet.