Holy Family Route in Egypt: Asyut Monasteries – WawelEg

We warmly welcome you to a unique, one-day pilgrimage following the footsteps of the Holy Family in Upper Egypt. As one of the very few agencies operating this route directly from Hurghada, we base our itinerary on our direct organizational and logistical experience on this specific road.

Trip Itinerary

1. Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary Al-Muharraq (Al-Qusiya)

* Historical Significance: Known historically as the “Second Jerusalem”. It is the location where the Holy Family stayed the longest during their flight to Egypt—exactly 185 days (about 6 months and 10 days). It was here that the angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, commanding him to return to the Holy Land.

* Main Sights: Visit the ancient church built directly over the cave where the Holy Family lived. The altar inside is the very stone on which Jesus rested, making it one of the oldest preserved altars in the world. We will also see the ancient defensive fortress dating back to the late 6th or early 7th century.

* Monastic Life: This is one of the largest and most important coenobic monasteries for monks in Egypt, currently home to approximately 130–150 monks. It also features a well-known theological seminary and a rich library of precious ancient manuscripts.

2. Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Drenka (Asyut Mountain)

* Historical Significance: The final station for the Holy Family before beginning their return journey to Palestine. They took shelter here on their way back to protect themselves from the Nile flood.

* Main Sights: The historic, natural cave carved into the cliffside, dating back to around 2500 BC. The monastery is situated about 100 meters above sea level, offering a beautiful panoramic view of the Nile Valley and the surrounding green fields.

* Monastic Life: This is an active convent for nuns, operating under the direct supervision of Bishop Anba Yoannis, Metropolitan of Asyut. Monks and priests visit the convent exclusively in the early morning to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and do not reside there.

Best Prices for the Monasteries of Virgin Mary Al-Muharraq & Durunka (Assiut, Upper Egypt) Tour

Children Policy:

• 0–5 years: Free of charge
• 6–11 years: 50% of the adult price
• 12+ years: Full price

Travel Plan & Logistics

* Duration: A one-day excursion that is comfortable and proven in practice. In terms of pace and driving time, it closely resembles a day trip to Luxor.

* Departure Time: Departure from Hurghada takes place early in the morning, between 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM.

* Checkpoint (Safaga): Around 6:00 AM, we reach the Safaga security checkpoint (Control Safaga) to verify and clear the tourist permits prepared in advance for the Upper Egypt route.

* Transportation: The journey is operated using modern, air-conditioned, and safe vehicles specifically suited for long-distance travel.

* Guide: Throughout the entire trip, you will be accompanied by a licensed guide who will explain the historical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of the visited sites.