“In the silence and sacred atmosphere of the holy places we visit, the heart naturally turns to God. Many pilgrims experience deep moments of prayer, clarity in their spiritual journey, and even life-changing encounters with God. The pilgrimage itself becomes a journey inward, helping the seeker to realign with their spiritual calling.”

Encountering the Timeless Majesty of Ancient Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx are among the most iconic landmarks in the world. We will stay at a hotel near the pyramids, allowing us to take in their ancient majesty from both near and far. Our stay in Cairo also includes a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization.

Spiritual Connection to the Early Church

We will explore Old Cairo, a historic district built around the Fort of Babylon, where the remnants of a Roman fortress stand as silent witnesses to centuries of faith and transformation. Here, in Coptic Cairo, we will explore ancient churches that date back to the time when Christianity took root in Egypt, bridging the transition from the era of the Pharaohs to the rise of a new spiritual tradition.

From the heart of Christian heritage in the city, we will venture into the desert, one of the birthplaces of Christian monasticism. It was here that the Desert Fathers and Mothers, such as St. Anthony the Great, St. Macarius, and St. Pachomius, laid the foundations of contemplative and ascetic life. Walking in their footsteps allows a seeker to experience firsthand the spiritual atmosphere that shaped their profound wisdom and holiness.

Encountering the Living Presence of Prayer

Over the next two days, we will journey to the Red Sea, where the breathtaking beauty of the coastline meets the sacred silence of the desert. Here, nestled deep within the Red Sea Mountains, stand the revered monasteries of St. Paul the Hermit and St. Anthony the Great—two of the most significant figures in Christian monasticism.

“These ancient sanctuaries, where monks and saints have prayed for centuries, carry a unique spiritual presence. The very walls of these monasteries are steeped in prayer, creating an atmosphere of deep peace and clarity. The accumulated prayers of generations create an environment where the soul can more easily enter into communion with God.”

Beyond these sacred sites, we will also spend time on the Red Sea coast, offering both an inward and outward journey—an in-side dive for those who seek inner stillness through sadhana – spiritual practice, and an out-water dive for those who wish to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the sea.

Purification and Detachment from the World

The final part of our journey takes us into the Wadi El Natrun desert, a sacred valley between Cairo and Alexandria, where monks have lived in prayer and solitude for over 1,500 years. According to Coptic tradition, this valley’s Christian story began when an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, warning him to flee with Mary and the infant Jesus to Egypt:

“Herod will seek the child to destroy him.” (Matthew 2:13)

Seeking refuge, the Holy Family found sanctuary in the desert, and in gratitude, the Virgin Mary blessed the valley. From that moment, Wadi El Natrun became a place of spiritual refuge—not only for the Holy Family but for generations of monks who followed, dedicating their lives to prayer and asceticism.

“The desert has always been a symbol of purification, silence, and deep encounter with God. Leaving behind modern distractions to enter the stillness of the desert allows a person to detach from worldly concerns and attune their heart to divine realities. The harshness of the desert also mirrors the inner struggle of spiritual life, helping pilgrims to embrace self-discipline and inner transformation.”

Experiencing the Reality of Holiness

Today, over 400 monks live in the valley’s four active monasteries:

• Monastery of St. Macarius
• Monastery of the Romans
• Monastery of the Syrians
• Monastery of St. Bishoi

These monks follow the ancient monastic traditions first established by the Desert Fathers.

“Pilgrimage allows one to step beyond intellectual understanding and into an experiential encounter with holiness. Seeing the relics of saints, visiting monasteries or caves where they prayed, and immersing oneself in their stories makes the call to sanctity more real and attainable. It reminds the seeker that holiness is not just for the past but is still alive and available today.”

Deepening Personal Prayer and Transformation

We will conclude our journey with a stay at the Anafora Coptic Retreat Centre, a place of peace and spiritual renewal, where we will integrate the blessings of our pilgrimage.

Through meditation, Atma Kriya Yoga, OM Chanting, and Japa walks, we will immerse ourselves in spiritual practices that help anchor the experiences of our journey.

This final stage of the pilgrimage is not just a closing but a beginning — an opportunity for each pilgrim to realign with their spiritual calling and to carry the essence of the desert’s wisdom into our daily lives