Journey Through Egypt's Ancient Wonders

Upon your arrival at Cairo Airport, we'll be there to provide your transfer to the hotel. Welcome to your exciting journey through Egypt’s captivating landscapes and rich history. Get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Cairo and beyond. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On our second day in Cairo, we delve into the heart of ancient Egypt with a full day of exploration. Our journey begins at the iconic Pyramids of Cheops, Kefren, and Micerinos – marvels of engineering that have stood for millennia. While tickets to explore the interiors aren't included, the grandeur of their external architecture is sure to impress. We continue to the mesmerising Sphinx, a colossal limestone sculpture that has watched over the Giza plateau for centuries.Our adventure takes us next to the Egyptian Museum, home to a vast array of ancient art and the world-renowned treasures of Tutankhamen's tomb. After a lunch break, we visit the historic Citadel of Saladin, a formidable fortress offering panoramic views of Cairo, and the elegant Alabaster Mosque, known for its exquisite architecture.We then take a stroll through the Coptic neighbourhood, visiting the Hanging Church, a distinctive place of worship built atop the ruins of a Roman fortress. Return to your hotel in the evening, enriched by the day’s historical insights and experiences.

On the third day of our journey, we start by transferring to the airport early in the morning for a scheduled flight to Aswan, which is included in your itinerary. Upon landing, we proceed directly towards Abu Simbel, a site known for its monumental temples carved from the rock cliffs by Ramses II in the 12th century BC. These magnificent structures, with statues towering at 20 metres, are dedicated to the god Amon Ra. Additionally, we'll explore the Temple of Nefertari, honouring the goddess Hathor. While here, you'll enjoy a boat trip on Lake Nasser, offering a splendid vantage point to admire the remarkable architecture. A delightful lunch awaits at a traditional Nubian restaurant. In the afternoon, we journey back to Aswan, where you'll stay overnight in our splendid hotel.

On the fourth day in Aswan, we immerse ourselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of this captivating city. Our day begins with a tour around Aswan itself, including a stop at the renowned Red Granite Quarry, where we marvel at the Unfinished Obelisk and learn about the remarkable techniques used by the ancient Egyptians to extract granite. We then journey by boat to the exquisite Temple of Philae, a stunning homage to the goddess Isis situated on a small island – accessible only by boat. Next, we embark on a leisurely felucca ride along the river, taking us to a charming Nubian village. Here, amidst vibrantly painted houses and bustling local life, we enjoy a traditional Nubian lunch, immersing ourselves in the unique and welcoming atmosphere.In the afternoon, our exploration continues as we travel by felucca and then camel for a brief ride to reach the historic Monastery of Saint Simeon. Originally a large establishment during Roman times, it later transformed into a caravanserai. We'll also pass by the modern Coptic church and the mausoleum of the Aga Khan (not visited), before having some free time back at our excellent hotel. You can take advantage of the hotel’s inviting swimming pool and enjoy the facilities at your leisure.

Having enjoyed breakfast, we embark on a scenic journey along the Nile Valley, where we are captivated by the lush landscapes, including vast palm groves and lively local communities. Our first stop is the remarkable Temple of Kom Ombo, which uniquely honours two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. The temple is renowned for its symmetrical design, with each side dedicated to one of the gods, and for showcasing intricate reliefs and hieroglyphs illustrating ancient Egyptian daily life, mythology, and medical practices. We also explore the fascinating Crocodile Museum, where mummified crocodiles are displayed.Continuing our travels, we arrive in Edfu to visit the magnificent Temple of Horus, recognised as one of the most well-preserved and impressive temples in Egypt. Built over 2,300 years ago, this structure is dedicated to Horus, the sky god. A pleasant lunch is provided before we proceed to Esna, home to a great temple that intriguingly retains its original roof, offering a unique glimpse into ancient architectural design and vibrant original colours. The temple's preservation is owed to its historical burial beneath Nile sediment and mud, safeguarding it from erosion over the centuries. Rediscovered in the 19th century, it now stands as a testament to history.In Esna, you will also have the chance to view the restored caravanserai and observe the floodgates on the Nile from the outside. We continue our journey to Luxor, reaching our hotel in the late afternoon, ready to relax and reflect on a day steeped in the rich tapestry of Egypt's history and culture.

On the sixth day of our journey, we delve into the remarkable ancient city of Luxor. We start with an early morning private boat crossing of the serene Nile River to the west bank where our first stop, Deir el-Medina, often referred to as the "Valley of the Artisans," awaits. This lesser-visited site was once home to the craftsmen who created the magnificent royal tombs. As we visit three of these tombs, the vivid paintings on the walls offer an intriguing glimpse into daily life in that era.Next, we marvel at the awe-inspiring Temple of Medinet Habu, dedicated to Ramses III, with its well-preserved architecture and vivid war scenes. Standing before the Colossi of Memnon, two grand statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, we soak in more of Egypt’s historical grandeur. Our exploration continues at the Valley of the Queens, site of the illustrious Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the first woman pharaoh, and then to the famous Valley of the Kings. Here, we find the hidden tombs of Egypt's renowned pharaohs, including an electric cart ride to visit the tomb of Ramses (additional entry required).Upon returning to the east bank, enjoy some free time for lunch. Our afternoon is devoted to Karnak, the heart of ancient Egyptian religion, where we explore the expansive Temple of Amun-Ra and enjoy a quieter visit to the Temple of Khonsu. We proceed to the Luxor Museum, where a remarkable collection of artefacts and mummies bring history vividly to life. As night falls, the illuminated Luxor Temple becomes our focal point, its enchanting atmosphere offering a magical close to our day. Finally, take a moment to wander through the lively souk, where you can browse the local shops and soak up the vibrant culture. Note that the sequence of activities may vary depending on weather conditions and efforts to optimise your experience-based attendance.

In the morning, enjoy some free time in Luxor to explore, shop, or take in the sights at your leisure. Later, we set off for Dendera, home to one of the best-preserved Egyptian temple complexes, which was hidden beneath sand and mud until its discovery in the mid-19th century. The site spans an impressive 40,000 square metres and is enclosed by a formidable brick wall, standing eight to ten metres high. You'll marvel at the temple's immense doors and intricately carved walls. This temple is dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love and fertility. After our tour, we stop for lunch, which is included, and continue our journey to the vibrant shores of the Red Sea. Our route takes us across desert mountain ranges, offering intriguing landscapes along the way. We arrive in Hurghada by late afternoon, a renowned resort area stretching along a nearly 50-kilometre strip. Enjoy your evening with a stay at our hotel, which offers an all-inclusive experience.

Spend a full day enjoying the delights of Hurghada. In the morning, indulge in the hotel’s facilities or head out on your own to explore local attractions such as the expansive aquarium or the Hurghada Museum. After a satisfying lunch with us, embark on an excursion to uncover more of the area. We will journey to El Gouna, located a short distance from Hurghada, renowned as Egypt's most luxurious holiday destination. Explore the myriad canals and lagoons in this exclusive town, where many homes are accessible by yacht. Later, we’ll visit the centre of Hurghada, where you can admire the architecture of its mosque and take a stroll to the vibrant marina, brimming with shops and restaurants. After some free time to soak in the lively atmosphere, we’ll return to our hotel, where you will continue to enjoy your stay on an all-inclusive basis.

Continuing our journey along the stunning Red Sea coastline, we will visit the remarkable Monastery of St. Anthony. Founded in the fourth century, it's the oldest monastery in Christendom, nestled amidst caves and cliffs at the base of the Red Sea Mountain. Revered as one of the holiest places of the Coptic Church in Egypt, the monastery is a tranquil retreat where time seems to stand still. We will explore the walled complex with its various buildings and adobe houses, and visit the Church of St. Anthony, built over his tomb, which showcases magnificent Coptic murals from the thirteenth century. A lunch will be provided at a service area.In the afternoon, we continue to Al Galala, a testament to Egypt's modern urban development in the desert. Our first stop is a luxury resort along the coast, featuring a marina and water park. We'll take a cable car—the highest in Africa—up to the newly constructed city of El Galala, which began development in 2015 and is home to a large university. Our journey concludes as we head back to Cairo, arriving by the end of the day.

Today, we bid farewell to Cairo as we set off towards the Wadi El Natrun region, famous for its historic Coptic monasteries. During the fourth century, Christians fleeing Roman persecution found refuge here, and the fortified monasteries have since become important pilgrimage sites. Our exploration begins with a visit to Saint Macarius Monastery, established in 360 AD. One of the local monks will guide us through this site, sharing insights into its rich history. Following this, we head to the Monastery of Anba Bishoy, founded in 340 AD. With the guidance of another monk, we will cross a drawbridge to access the fortified tower, the church, the refectory, and the fortress where several Coptic Popes rest. Take some time to wander through the vibrant area and possibly explore the newly constructed cathedral.Our journey continues to Alexandria, a bustling port city of over 5 million people. Upon arrival, we'll have lunch and then visit the impressive Qaitbey Fortress. Built in 1480 on the site of the legendary ancient lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into history. We will then traverse the city by bus, exploring its lively corniche – a blend of chaotic, noisy, commercial, and elegant scenes. Enjoy some free time this evening before settling down for the night in your accommodation.

On the eleventh day, our exploration of Alexandria continues as we delve into the remarkable Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the largest Roman burial site in Egypt. Here, you'll witness a captivating blend of Pharaonic and Greco-Roman architecture. Our journey then takes us through lively, bustling alleyways guided by our expert, where we'll arrive at the imposing Pompey’s Pillar. This immense, 30-metre column stands as a striking relic of a once-majestic temple. We'll pause for an external view of the modern Library of Alexandria. Inaugurated in 2002, its contemporary architecture is a nod to the ancient library that once held over half a million scrolls during its pinnacle in the third century BC. Enjoy an included lunch before we venture to Rosetta, a quaint town near the Nile's delta. It was here that the Rosetta Stone was discovered, playing a pivotal role in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs with its bilingual text – hieroglyphics, demotic script, and ancient Greek. We'll have the chance to view a replica at Rashid Fortress, surrounded by vibrant local life and colourful fishing boats. Following this, we explore the charming streets of Rosetta, admiring the traditional Ottoman architecture from outside, with its distinctive brick and wood constructions. We'll also embark on a leisurely boat ride on the Nile, offering scenic views and a glimpse of the region's bustling fishing activity. We conclude our day with a return to Cairo in the evening. Please note, if Rashid Fortress is closed, we will admire it from the outside and enjoy a walk through the village, experiencing the local culture firsthand.

On your final day in Cairo, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before our team arranges your transfer to the airport. This marks the end of our journey together. We hope you have had a memorable experience and wish you safe travels onward.