Egypt & the Holy Land: From the Exodus to the Life of Christ
A Biblical Pilgrimage Following Moses, the Holy Family & the Footsteps of Jesus
13 Days / 11 Nights | Cairo · Mount Sinai · Bethlehem · Ein Karem · Nazareth · Galilee · Jordan River · Jericho · Jerusalem · Bethany
About This Pilgrimage
Few pilgrimages allow us to experience the story of salvation with such extraordinary continuity.
Egypt & the Holy Land: From the Exodus to the Life of Christ follows the great biblical journey from the land of the Pharaohs and Mount Sinai, where Moses encountered God and received the Commandments, to the places associated with the Holy Family’s refuge in Egypt, and finally into the land where Jesus was born, lived, preached, died and rose again.
Our pilgrimage begins in Egypt, one of the great lands of the Bible. Against the backdrop of the pyramids and the ancient civilization in which the story of Moses unfolded, we will enter Coptic Cairo and visit places where ancient Christian tradition remembers the presence of Mary, Joseph and the Child Jesus during the Flight into Egypt.
We then cross the Sinai Peninsula toward the dramatic wilderness of Mount Sinai. Pilgrims who wish may make the optional ascent before dawn, recalling Moses’ encounter with God and the gift of the Ten Commandments. At the foot of the mountain stands the ancient Monastery of St. Catherine, built around the place traditionally associated with the Burning Bush.
From Sinai, our journey moves toward the land of the Gospel.
In Bethlehem, we will enter the Basilica of the Nativity and descend toward the Grotto where Christian tradition has venerated the birthplace of Jesus for centuries.
In Ein Karem, we remember the Visitation and the birth of St. John the Baptist.
In Nazareth, we encounter the mystery of the Incarnation at the Basilica of the Annunciation and contemplate the hidden life of the Holy Family.
Around the Sea of Galilee, we walk through the landscapes of Jesus’ public ministry: the Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Tabgha, the Primacy of Peter, Magdala and the waters crossed by Christ and His disciples.
Finally, we make the traditional “ascent to Jerusalem.”
There we will pray at the Upper Room, Gethsemane, the Mount of Olives and the Via Dolorosa before reaching the spiritual culmination of the pilgrimage: the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, where Christians venerate Calvary and the Empty Tomb.
This is more than a journey through biblical geography.
It is a pilgrimage through the great movements of salvation history:
Exodus. Covenant. Incarnation. Ministry. Passion. Resurrection.
Why Begin the Holy Land in Egypt?
Many Holy Land pilgrimages begin directly in Israel or the Palestinian Territories.
This itinerary offers something different.
Beginning in Egypt and Sinai allows pilgrims to experience the biblical story in a broader way.
Before Bethlehem comes the story of Abraham, Joseph, Moses and the Exodus.
Before the Gospel comes the Covenant.
And after Jesus’ birth, Egypt becomes part of the Gospel again through the Flight of the Holy Family.
This gives the pilgrimage a powerful spiritual progression:
Slavery → Exodus → Covenant → Incarnation → Redemption.
Rather than encountering isolated biblical sites, the pilgrim begins to see the unity of salvation history.
Egypt & the Holy Family
Egypt occupies a unique place in Christian memory.
The Gospel of Matthew tells us that Joseph, warned in a dream, took Mary and the Child Jesus into Egypt to escape Herod.
Egyptian Christians developed an extensive devotional tradition surrounding the places through which the Holy Family is believed to have traveled.
Visiting Coptic Cairo therefore allows Catholic pilgrims to encounter both the Gospel tradition and the extraordinary heritage of Egyptian Christianity, one of the world’s most ancient Christian communities.
From the Upper Room to the Empty Tomb
The final days in Jerusalem deliberately slow the pilgrimage down.
We do not simply “see Jerusalem.”
We enter the Paschal Mystery.
At the Upper Room, we remember the Eucharist.
At Gethsemane, Christ’s agony.
Along the Via Dolorosa, His Passion.
At Calvary, His death.
And at the Holy Sepulchre, the mystery that changes everything:
the tomb is empty.
This is why Jerusalem is not simply another destination on the itinerary.
It is the spiritual culmination of the entire pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage Highlights
- Cairo & the world of ancient Egypt
- The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx
- Coptic Cairo and the Christian tradition of the Flight into Egypt
- Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus — Abu Serga
- Optional sunrise ascent of Mount Sinai
- Monastery of St. Catherine and the tradition of the Burning Bush
- Bethlehem and the Basilica of the Nativity
- Shepherds’ Field and the Milk Grotto
- Ein Karem, birthplace of St. John the Baptist
- Church of the Visitation and the Magnificat
- Nazareth and the Basilica of the Annunciation
- Church of St. Joseph and the hidden life of the Holy Family
- Cana of Galilee and opportunity for married couples to renew their vows
- Mount Tabor
- Sea of Galilee
- Mount of Beatitudes
- Tabgha and the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes
- Capernaum and the Primacy of Peter
- Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee
- Magdala
- Jordan River and renewal of Baptismal promises
- Jericho and the Mount of Temptation
- Dead Sea
- Jerusalem
- Mount Zion and the Upper Room
- Via Dolorosa and Stations of the Cross
- Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- Gethsemane and the Mount of Olives
- Bethany and the Tomb of Lazarus
- Opportunities for daily Holy Mass, prayer and spiritual reflection
Important Information and Terms and Conditions
The published program is a general description and may be adjusted due to availability, operational requirements, local conditions, or the group’s needs.
By registering, each traveler confirms that they have reviewed and accepted our Terms and Conditions.
Confirmed trip details, payment information, official meetings and presentations, updates, and final travel documentation will be provided through the official WeTravel page, the final itinerary, and other communications from Pilgrim Groups Travel. Travelers are responsible for reviewing all documents, insurance provisions, entry requirements, and travel instructions provided.
Proposed Itinerary
Day 1 — USA – Cairo
Our Biblical Pilgrimage Begins
Departure from your selected U.S. airport for our overnight international flight to Cairo, Egypt.
As our pilgrimage begins, we prepare to enter the lands where some of the foundational events of Scripture took place.
Overnight flight.
Day 2 — Arrival in Cairo
Welcome to Egypt
Arrival at Cairo International Airport.
After immigration and entry procedures, we will be welcomed by our local representatives and transferred to our hotel.
Because of the international journey, the remainder of the evening will be intentionally quiet, allowing time for dinner and rest.
Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Day 3 — Cairo: Ancient Egypt
The Land of the Pharaohs
After breakfast, we begin with one of the great monuments of the ancient world: the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx.
Long before the Christian era, Egypt had already developed one of humanity’s most remarkable civilizations. Exploring this ancient world provides the historical setting in which later biblical traditions concerning Joseph, Moses, Pharaoh and the Exodus would be remembered.
An optional camel experience may be offered according to the final program.
After lunch, we continue to one of Cairo’s principal archaeological museums, where extraordinary collections allow us to explore the civilizations of ancient Egypt in greater depth.
Holy Mass according to local arrangements.
Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Day 4 — Coptic Cairo
The Holy Family in Egypt
Today we enter the Christian heart of Cairo.
According to ancient Egyptian Christian tradition, the Holy Family sought refuge in Egypt while fleeing the persecution of Herod.
We will visit the historic area of Coptic Cairo, including the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus — Abu Serga, traditionally associated with a place where Mary, Joseph and the Child Jesus stayed during their time in Egypt.
We will also visit the celebrated Hanging Church of the Virgin Mary, one of the historic centers of Coptic Christianity.
The visit offers pilgrims an opportunity to encounter one of the world’s oldest continuous Christian traditions and to better understand Egypt’s place within the story of the Holy Family.
Holy Mass, followed by lunch.
Later we may visit the famous Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, experiencing another side of historic Cairo.
Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Day 5 — Cairo – Sinai – St. Catherine
Into the Wilderness
After breakfast, check-out and departure across the landscapes of the Sinai Peninsula.
Today we leave behind the great city of Cairo and enter the desert environment that forms the setting of the biblical Exodus.
The long journey itself becomes part of the experience as we recall Israel’s passage through the wilderness and the covenant between God and His people.
Arrival in the St. Catherine area, surrounded by the dramatic mountains of Sinai.
Dinner and overnight near St. Catherine.
Day 6 — Mount Sinai – St. Catherine – Bethlehem
Moses, the Covenant & the Burning Bush
Before dawn, pilgrims who wish may undertake the optional ascent of Mount Sinai, traditionally associated with the mountain where Moses encountered God and received the Ten Commandments.
Watching the sunrise over the mountains can become one of the most memorable moments of the pilgrimage.
Those who prefer not to make the climb may remain at the hotel and join the group later.
After descending, we will visit the ancient Monastery of St. Catherine, one of Christianity’s oldest continuously functioning monastic communities.
Within the monastery tradition, we remember the Burning Bush and the encounter in which God revealed His name to Moses.
Following our visit, we continue toward Bethlehem, crossing according to the border arrangements established for the final itinerary.
Arrival, check-in, dinner and rest.
Overnight in Bethlehem.
Day 7 — Bethlehem – Ein Karem – Nazareth
The Nativity, the Visitation & the Forerunner
Today we enter the mystery of the Incarnation.
Subject to ecclesiastical availability, we may celebrate an early Holy Mass in or near the Grotto of the Nativity.
We will visit the Basilica of the Nativity, one of Christianity’s oldest and most important churches, built over the place traditionally venerated as the birthplace of Jesus.
Our visits may also include Shepherds’ Field and the Milk Grotto, both connected with ancient Christian traditions surrounding the Nativity and Holy Family.
After lunch, we travel to Ein Karem.
Here we visit the Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist and the Church of the Visitation, recalling Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and the proclamation of the Magnificat:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.”
We then continue north toward Nazareth.
Dinner and overnight in Nazareth or Galilee.
Day 8 — Nazareth – Cana – Mount Tabor
The Hidden Life of Christ
Today is dedicated to the mystery of the Incarnation and the hidden life of Jesus.
At the Basilica of the Annunciation, we stand at the place where Christian tradition remembers the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary and her extraordinary response:
“Let it be done to me according to your word.”
Holy Mass will be celebrated according to availability.
We also visit the Church of St. Joseph, recalling the home and workshop tradition associated with the Holy Family and the years when Jesus “grew in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.”
According to schedule, we may participate in the Angelus with the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land.
Later, we travel to Cana of Galilee, where the Gospel of John recounts Christ’s first sign at the wedding feast. Married couples may have the opportunity to renew their marriage promises.
We then continue toward Mount Tabor, traditionally associated with the Transfiguration.
Return to our accommodation.
Dinner and overnight in Nazareth/Galilee.
Day 9 — Sea of Galilee
The Public Ministry of Jesus
Today we follow Jesus through the landscapes associated with His public ministry.
We begin at the Mount of Beatitudes, recalling the Sermon on the Mount.
We continue to Tabgha, traditionally associated with the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, and to the nearby Church of the Primacy of Peter, where we remember the risen Christ’s words:
“Feed my sheep.”
At Capernaum, the “town of Jesus,” we visit the archaeological remains associated with the synagogue and the house traditionally connected with St. Peter.
Holy Mass according to arrangements.
After lunch, we enjoy a boat crossing on the Sea of Galilee, recalling the Gospel episodes in which Jesus called His disciples, calmed the storm and walked upon the waters.
We conclude with a visit to Magdala, birthplace traditionally associated with Mary Magdalene and an important archaeological and spiritual site.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Galilee.
Day 10 — Jordan River – Jericho – Dead Sea – Jerusalem
“Going Up to Jerusalem”
After breakfast, we leave Galilee and follow the Jordan Valley south.
At a designated baptismal site along the Jordan River, we will renew our Baptismal promises, remembering Christ’s own Baptism and our incorporation into His death and Resurrection.
We continue toward Jericho, one of the world’s most ancient cities, and contemplate the Mount of Temptation, recalling Christ’s forty days in the wilderness.
Holy Mass according to arrangements.
After lunch, time may be available at the Dead Sea.
Then comes one of the great moments of the pilgrimage:
We go up to Jerusalem.
Upon arrival, we will begin our encounter with the Holy City, which may include the Western Wall and Jewish Quarter, according to schedule and accessibility.
Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 11 — Mount Zion – Via Dolorosa – Holy Sepulchre – Gethsemane
The Passion of Christ
Today we enter the final days of the earthly life of Jesus.
On Mount Zion, we visit the Upper Room, recalling the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist.
We also visit the Dormition Abbey and St. Peter in Gallicantu, associated with Peter’s denial and Christ’s Passion.
Holy Mass may be celebrated at a nearby Catholic sanctuary according to availability.
After lunch, we enter the Old City and begin the Via Dolorosa.
Starting around the area associated with the trial and condemnation of Jesus, we prayerfully walk the Stations of the Cross through the streets of Jerusalem.
Our Way of the Cross culminates at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre.
Within this extraordinary church, Christians venerate both Calvary, where Jesus was crucified, and the Tomb from which He rose from the dead.
The entire pilgrimage has been leading toward this moment.
In the evening, we may return toward Gethsemane for a special period of prayer or Holy Hour, subject to sanctuary arrangements.
Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 12 — Bethany – Mount of Olives – Gethsemane
Death Is Not the End
After breakfast, we travel toward Bethany, home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus.
We visit the church associated with the Tomb of Lazarus and recall Christ’s words:
“I am the resurrection and the life.”
Holy Mass according to arrangements.
We then return toward the Mount of Olives, following several episodes connected with the final days of Jesus.
Our visits may include the Chapel of the Ascension, the Pater Noster tradition, and Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem.
After lunch, we descend toward Gethsemane, visiting the Basilica of the Agony / Church of All Nations, the cave associated with the Apostles and the nearby tradition of the Tomb of the Virgin Mary.
Time will be available for personal prayer.
In the evening, we gather for our final dinner and, when available, a presentation of pilgrimage certificates.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 13 — Jerusalem – Airport – USA
Return Home
At the appropriate time, check-out and transfer to the airport for our return journey to the United States.
We return home having followed an extraordinary biblical path:
from Egypt and the Exodus,
to Sinai and the Covenant,
to Bethlehem and the Incarnation,
to Galilee and the public ministry of Jesus,
and finally to Jerusalem, Calvary and the Empty Tomb.
The geographical pilgrimage ends.
The call to follow Christ continues.
Return flight and end of our pilgrimage services.
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