• Luxor Temple - Day 1: Visiting Martyr Abu Fam Church & Monastery of St. Yassa Michael & Church of the Martyr Qaryakus and “Yolita” his mother & the Monastery of Saint Anba Shenouda & the Monastery of Martyrs Kyprianus and Justina and the Monastery of the Angel.

A guide will pick you up from your hotel in Luxor to begin your Coptic tour in Sohag. Your first stop will be the Martyr Abu Fam Church. This church, now the archbishop’s church, dates back to the 18th century and features twelve domes. Additionally, there is an archaeological church named after the martyr Demiana. These churches were built on the site of an older church that houses the body of the martyr Abuo Pham under its altar.

Next, you will visit the Monastery of St. Yassa Michael. Originally burial sites or domas, the area became a monastery known for its significant ecclesiastical activities after the blessings, intercessions, and miracles of the saint were recognized by Bishop Anba Pham. The saint, born into a monastic family in Kom Ghraib, lived a life of communion and passed away on 10/6/1962, the same day as St. Anba Abram, Bishop of Fayoum.

Following this, you will visit the Church of the Martyr Qaryakus and his mother Yolita. Located in the city of Tahta, this church is now the mother church of the diocese and houses the seat of the diocese. The Archbishop also acquired part of the remains of the martyrs Qaryakus and his mother Yolita from the Monastery of Prince Tadros in Hawamdiya.

After a short break for lunch at a local restaurant, you will proceed to the Monastery of Saint Anba Shenouda in the Eastern Mountain. Situated north of the village of Arab Bani Wasel, this church dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries and is similar in style to the churches of Akhmim, featuring three circular text structures, two lateral chambers, and a corridor behind the structures called the Curl.

Your tour will continue with a visit to the Monastery of Martyrs Kyprianus and Justina. The monastery church, with its archaeological domes, likely dates back to the 18th century and contains a few existing icons that highlight its archaeological significance.

Finally, you will visit the Monastery of the Angel, located east of Gerga on the eastern road of Akhmim. This monastery, resembling the churches of Akhmim with its three temples and two side chambers, is believed by many historians to be the Monastery of the Benigns, where St. Febronia, a martyr of chastity and purity, was killed during an attack. Mentioned in the early 16th century, it was one of the largest and most beautiful monasteries in Egypt, housing 100 monks at that time and holding extraordinary prestige.

At the end of the trip, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Luxor.

• Complimentary pick up and drop off service
• Delicious lunch at a local restaurant
• Refreshments including mineral water
• Private car transfers from Luxor to Sohag
• Visit to prominent Coptic attractions
• Expert Tour Guide assistance

• Gratituties

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.