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Egypt Study Visit, with Church Mission Society and the Egypt Diocesan Association

Prices from £1,545 pp

Single Supplement £240

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We are delighted to be able to invite you on a unique study tour of Egypt. This is not just an opportunity to see the gems of this colourful country - the Nile, the ancient bazaars of Cairo, the Pyramids and other extraordinary treasures of Pharaonic times. It is also a chance to see something of the life and witness of Egyptian Christians, proudly present in this country since the time of the birth of Christ, and see their place as a minority in this country today.

Our visits will not only be limited ti the ancient Holy places, such as the 4th century church known as Abu Serga, where the Holy Family were said to have stayed on the flight into Egypt and St Anthony's monastery (born 251 AD), reputed to be the world's oldest. More importantly we will be meeting today's Christians and learning about their faith and service, and share in some of their worship. In Alexandria, we will visit the St Athanasius Campus of the School of Theology where ordinands and lay people are trained to service in the Anglican church and beyond. In Cairo, we will worship in the Cathedral and experience the work and outreach of the Diocese, as well as visiting the community of garbage pickers (Zabbaleen) who worship in a cave church with a capacity for 20,000 people.

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Itinerary

  1. To Cairo

    We meet at London Heathrow Airport for our EgyptAir flight MS778 to Cairo departing at 15:00 and arriving in Cairo at 20:40. Transfer to All Saints Garden Centre hotel in central Cairo.

  2. The Great Pyramid

    This morning we visit the Great Pyramid, the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Sphinx. Lunch nearby. Afternoon visit to the Cave Church of St Simon, the largest church in the Middle East, and Zabbaleen, a community on the outskirts of Cairo which lives from recycling the city’s refuse.

  3. Meetings & Nile Cruise

    We learn about the work supported by the Diocese including meeting with Bishop Mouneer: Refuge Egypt, a project started by teachers from All Saints’ Cathedral to help refugees, and EpiscoCare, dedicated to helping the poorest and most marginalised Egyptian communities. Lunch at the Diocesan Guest House. Dinner cruise on the Nile.

  4. Old Cairo

    We attend the 10:00 service at All Saints’ Cathedral. Visit Coptic Cairo including the Hanging Church and the Church of Abu Serga, one of the oldest churches in Egypt and widely believed to be where the Holy Family stayed on arrival in Egypt. Lunch in Old Cairo. Afternoon visit to the famous colourful Khan el-Khalili bazaar.

  5. Menouf & Alexandria

    We drive to Menouf and the Harpur Memorial Hospital, a Christian charity hospital, where we meet some of the staff and hear about their work. Continue to Alexandria (packed lunch en route). Overnight stay at the Helnan Palestine Hotel by the sea.

  6. Anafora Retreat

    Morning visit to the School of Theology. Lunch in Alexandria. Continue to Anafora Retreat and farm where we stay for one night.

  7. Egyptian Museum

    We return to Cairo and head back to All Saints’ Garden Centre Hotel. Lunch and visit to the renowned Egyptian Museum.

  8. St Anthony's Monastery

    We head out to the Monastery of St Anthony, founded in the 4th Century by disciples of one the earliest and most influential of hermits.  St Anthony is known as the Father of Monasticism and was a formative influence on Coptic Christianity.  A monk will guide us through the maze of churches and chapels to see the 12th Century wall paintings. Lunch here and return to Cairo.

  9. Home

    Early morning departure for Cairo International Airport and our return EgyptAir flight MS777 departing at 09:10 and arriving back at London Heathrow at 13:35.

    Please note the itinerary may be subject to change due to local conditions.

Essential Information

Included 

Flights, Hotel accommodation, Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Sightseeing programme, Entrance fees & guiding, Gratuities, Egyptian visa costs

Not included

Travel Insurance, Single Room supplement

Travel Insurance

The McCabe recommended insurance policy is designed for the older traveller.  The premium for an Egyptian pilgrimage is £49.  Travellers over 75 pay £74 and we also recommend that older travellers obtain a note from their doctor stating that they are fit to travel.  Do feel free to shop around as there are many suitable insurance options including annual policies on the market.  We do insist that all travellers take out medical insurance.    

A key feature of our recommended policy is that there is no requirement to call a Medical Help Line as most pre-existing conditions are covered.

You can read the full policy wording here.

Airline

Please check the individual tour itinerary for flight details.  Groups fly from Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick.

Tuesday is our recommended departure day but other days are possible.

Hotels

We use comfortable, well equipped hotels for our Egyptian pilgrimages, all bedrooms feature private facilities. Our hotels have been selected on their location or facilities, and quality of food and service. You can more about the hotels used by following the links below:

All Saints Garden Centre, Cairo

Anafora Retreat

Helnan Palestine Hotel, Alexandria

Touring information

Days generally start at 9 and finish around 6 with dinner served around 8. Lunches are included to give a good rest break during the day.

Group worship will take place at key holy sites during our pilgrimage.

Practical information

Passports, visas and health

Check that your passport is valid beyond the return date of this tour.  If you need a new passport apply early as there can be considerable backlogs at the passport offices. British residents do require a visa to enter Egypt, however the cost of this is included in your tour cost, and visas will be arranged by the McCabe Office. If you are holding a non-British passport, or require further advice, please consult the McCabe office. No inoculations are required. We do, however, advise you to consult your doctor regarding your own personal requirements.  

Travelling Alone

Many of our passengers travel alone and object to expensive single room supplements. McCabe Pilgrimages will accept individual bookings on a 'guaranteed share' basis.  We charge the basic price and accommodate you with a person of the same sex also requesting shared accommodation.  If we do not find someone to share with you, you will be accommodated in a single room at only 50% of the usual single room supplement. For single travellers who do require single accommodation this should be requested when booking and, if available, the normal supplement will be payable. 

Full Financial Security

All money paid to McCabe is fully secure. Holidays including flights are covered by our ATOL license from the Civil Aviation Authority, and holidays without flights are protected by our membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme.  If a pilgrimage is cancelled, for instance through lack of numbers or for political considerations, McCabe will promptly refund all monies paid.

AITO Quality Statement

McCabe Pilgrimages is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. McCabe abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter.

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Dates

Upcoming Pilgrimages

We have no tours scheduled to this destination at present.

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