Itinerary October 2025 

 After we gather together on our first night, we set out to explore the ancient and modern city of Cairo. A journey through Cairo is a pilgrimage through time and an intricate maze. Some highlights:

• experiencing awe at the only remaining of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramid at Giza

• a visit to Saqqara is one of Egypt’s best history lessons with the oldest pyramid and the capital of ancient Egypt

• exploring the endless sensations, sounds, and surprises of the Khan El Khalili Bazar

• wondering at the many mysteries of the past at the new Grand Egyptian Museum

• walk in ancient footsteps through Old Coptic Cairo and the many ancient churches that have stood at the crossroads of history

• drink tea in the secluded monastery gardens with the Coptic monks of Wadi Natrun

• visit Alexandria, a beacon of knowledge in antiquity and a modern thriving city on the Mediterranean coast

dates

October 20 – early arrivals
October 21 – Arrival: Welcome to Cairo and Orientation
October 22 – Visit Sakkara, Pyramids and the Sphinx
October 23 – The Grand Egyptian Museum - this new museum is dedicated to Egyptian history with over 100,000 rare artifacts; it is the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. Old Coptic Cairo and the Khan El Khalili Bazaar
October 24 – Visit the ancient Coptic monastery of St. Marcarius as invited guests, Drive to Alexandria

October 25 - Alexandria - Beacon of Knowledge, Visit the Catacombs, the Serapeum, and the Roman Amphitheater O

October 26 - Alexandria Library and return to Cairo

reflections from Cairo

 We fly to Southern Sinai and enter the desert for three days. The early desert Fathers and Mothers retreated into the desert to practice spiritual disciplines and listen deeply to the still small voice of God.

• take part in the joy and meditation of traveling through the great expanse of the Sinai on camel!

• witness the greatest light show you will ever see - the millions of stars over your head each night as you sleep on the soft sands

• enter into a deeper presence as we walk in silent meditation

• feast with our Bedouin friends on bread baked freshly each morning over our fire

dates

October 27 – Flight to Sharm El Sheik and drive to desert - Desert for 3 nights
October 28 – Camel trek through the Southern Sinai desert
October 29 – A day for silence to integrate the mind, body, and heart into wholeness

During the past 24 years of pilgrimages, most of our clients have unequivocally expressed this time in the desert as one of the absolute highlights of their time in Egypt and the only “Must Include” for the itinerary. It was not only the most memorable time, but also, the most transformative, a true alchemy of the heart!

reflections from the desert

 We continue our journey to the St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mt. Sinai and coast of the red sea as we begin to live more fully into our Here and Now.

• be welcomed as a guest in the tranquil Monastery of St. Catherine and visit the ancient sanctuary

• rise before dawn to climb to the peak of Mt. Sinai, one of the most sacred sites in the desert traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

• join Sheik and his family as old friends and experience true Bedouin hospitality

• rejoice as you dive into the cool waters of the Red Sea

• gather together as a group for a final time to reflect and give thanks, feeling forever changed

dates

October 30 – The monastery and museum – St Catherine’s Monastery for 2 nights
October 31– Climb to peak of Mt. Sinai, see the famous icons and ancient sanctuary
November 1 – Rest and swimming at the Red Sea - overnight in Sharm El Sheikh
November 2 – Flight to Cairo, or flight to Luxor for those joining the Nile Cruise

reflections from Mt. Sinai

After our pilgrimage concludes, there is the option of a Nile Cruise. Here we will spend our nights on a floating hotel with panoramic views of the majestic Nile River and our days exploring ancient temples. Some highlights:

• enter the spacious tombs of the Valley of the Kings to discover the colorful hieroglyphics and murals

• soak in the views of the Nile River while sipping a coffee or a cocktail from the deck of our cruising ship

• feel the wind in your hair as we sail about Kitchner Island on a private Felucca

• learn the names of the many ancient Egyptian gods with our private Egyptologist as a guide and marvel at the splendor of their temples

• discover how alchemy and early Christianity had many of the same practices to develop a soul of gold

dates

November 2 – Flight from Cairo to Luxor and visit Luxor with our own dedicated Egyptologist, with us for the duration of journey
November 3 - Board our boat, visit the famous Dendera and Karnak Temples
November 4 - visit the West Bank - the Valley of Kings and Temple of Queen Hatshepsut before sailing to Edfu
November 5 - visit the Horus temple in Edfu, sail to Kom Ombo and explore the temple shared by two gods: Sobek and Horus, then continue sailing on to Aswan
November 6 - visit the Temple of Philae before taking a private Felucca ride around Aswan
November 7 - take a small motor boat to a Nubian Village and have tea in a local home, fly back to Cairo, departures
November 8 - departures

reflections from the Nile

Highlights

This travel opportunity offers a unique blend of intellectual exploration, spiritual growth, and cultural immersion.

Historical and Cultural Insights

Visits to iconic sites like the Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, St. Catherine’s Monastery, Egyptian temples along the Nile, and ancient monasteries provide deep historical and cultural knowledge.

Spiritual Enrichment

The program integrates teachings on inner alchemy, daily reflections, and meditative practices, fostering personal transformation. ​The journey also explores the origins of the Christian Lineage with ancient Egypt. The earliest Egyptians and Egyptian Christians were both deeply engaged in the quest for developing a soul of gold, a consciousness to better oneself and serve the greater world.

Unique Experiences:

Activities like camping in the desert, camel treks, and interactions with Bedouin families offer rare and memorable experiences. ​Through Dr. Rabia’s and Regina’s deep friendships with the Bedouin, we have unique opportunities not found in any other travel program. For many, this is an opportunity to experience an ancient way of life that is swiftly disappearing.

The outer journey within Egypt is nothing short of spectacular. The simultaneous inner journey is often as impressive. “The most incredible trip I have ever been on” Fr. Phil, Catholic priest and author