14 Day Classic Egypt Tour

• Day 1: 

  Arrive in Cairo
  Welcome to Al-Qahira, "The Vanquisher," where the Nile's life-giving waters have sustained one of history's greatest civilisations for over five millennia.
  
  As you transfer to our hotel, we enter a metropolis of over 21 million souls, nicknamed "The City of a Thousand Minarets" for its Islamic architectural splendour. Cairo has long served as the political and cultural heartbeat of the Arab world, where ancient stones whisper tales of pharaohs, caliphs, and conquerors. Tonight we gather with fellow travellers for our first evening meal, beginning an extraordinary journey through lands where humanity first learned to build monuments for eternity.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: As tomorrow will be an early start and a full day, you may want to arrive a day early should your arrival time be late at night. Extra nights at the same hotel can be quoted/booked by your tour consultants once your flight schedule is known.
  
  Overnight in Cairo

   

  Included Meal(s): Dinner
• Day 2: 

  Cairo: Great Pyramids & the Sphinx - Grand Egyptian Museum
  We begin with humanity's most iconic monuments: the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. Impressive in their grandeur, these pyramids required over 100,000 labourers working for 20 years. The Great Pyramid of Cheops, constructed from over two million stone blocks, soars 135m (443 feet) high! You may enter one of the pyramids through narrow passageways to explore the deep inner chambers (optional - extra fee applicable).
  
  We then encounter the Sphinx, named by Greeks who saw resemblance to their mythical winged monster. Legend tells how this creature posed riddles to Thebans, killing all who answered incorrectly! Carved from one solid limestone piece, the Sphinx has gazed across the desert for over 4,500 years.
  
  We continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), where we break for lunch at onsite restaurants. This crown jewel houses over 100,000 artefacts spanning thousands of years of Egyptian civilisation. During our guided tour, we explore the theme "Kingship and Eternity," witnessing the Hanging Obelisk, Colossal Statue of King Ramesses II, and Victory Column of King Merenptah.
  
  Our visit culminates with "Tutankhamun - The Immersive Exhibition," taking us on a mythical journey through 3,400 years of history via state-of-the-art digital projections into the mesmerising world of the legendary Golden King.
  
  Overnight in Cairo (Giza)

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 3: 

  Cairo: Dahshur, Memphis & Saqqara
  We journey through Giza's suburbs, past colourful villages and plantations in the fertile Nile Valley, to Dahshur's stunning pyramids. Senefru's Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid, built from 2613 to 2589 BC, provided crucial learning experiences that enabled construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza. These monuments represent the transition from step-sided to smooth-sided pyramids.
  
  We continue to Memphis and Saqqara, chronologically Egypt's most important sites. Memphis served as capital during the Old Kingdom (ca 2700-2180 BC), where we see statues including the colossal Ramesses the Great. From Memphis, we travel to Saqqara, ancient burial site for Memphis residents. Here stands the Step Pyramid, constructed by master architect Imhotep in the 27th century BC. Beginning as a simple mastaba tomb, Imhotep added five more levels until it measured 62m (203 feet) high!
  
  We also explore the Serapeum, tomb of sacred Apis bulls associated with god Ptah. An avenue of sphinxes leads to corridors that once housed the mummified remains of these revered creatures.
  
  Overnight in Cairo (Giza)

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 4: 

  Cairo - Fly to Aswan: The High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk & Philae Temple
  We fly to Aswan in Upper Egypt, Egypt's sunniest southern city and ancient frontier town. Small enough to walk around and graced with the Nile's most beautiful setting, Aswan's pace remains slow and relaxing.
  
  We visit the High Dam, constructed between 1960 and 1971 to control the annual Nile flood. From here we enjoy panoramic views of Aswan north and Lake Nasser south. We then take a boat journey to dramatically situated Philae Temple on its island. Though relatively small, the setting's charm and excellent preservation make this essential viewing.
  
  We conclude at the Unfinished Obelisk, where ancient craftsmen began carving directly from bedrock before cracks appeared and the project was abandoned. This remarkable site offers unique insights into ancient Egyptian stone-working techniques, with workers' tool marks and ochre-coloured lines still clearly visible.
  
  NOTE: The actual order of our sightseeing in Upper Egypt may vary depending on variables such as flight schedules and weather. Your Tour Leader will keep you apprised of any adjustments as the tour progresses.
  
  Overnight in Aswan

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 5: 

  Aswan: St. Simeon Monastery & Kitchener's Island
  This morning we take a private boat across the Nile to the west bank, then travel by camel across sandy desert to the Christian Monastery of St. Simeon. Before this easy trek, our Tour Leader and camel trainer teach you riding techniques. This journey suits anyone at any age (one rider per camel) - about 45 minutes to the monastery, 15 minutes back. Those preferring not to ride can travel by truck.
  
  Dating from the 6th century and used until the 13th century, St. Simeon's Monastery ranks among Egypt's best-preserved Christian sites. We explore the chapel, living quarters, kitchen, wine press, and storerooms, plus remains of Coptic frescoes depicting Christ, saints, and geometric patterns.
  
  We then cruise among islands dotting the Nile. Above the river rises the Mausoleum of the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismailis, an elegant pink granite structure from 1957. The main island, Elephantine, earned its name because rocks resemble elephants bathing. On beautiful Kitchener's Island, we stroll through rich botanical gardens before enjoying a leisurely felucca sail on this traditional vessel.
  
  Overnight in Aswan

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 6: 

  Aswan: Abu Simbel
  A pre-dawn departure by road (+/- 3 hours, each way)* takes us south from Aswan across the Western Desert to Nubia, or the "Land of the Gold". Our destination this morning is the impressive Abu Simbel -- the imposing rock temples of Rameses II and his queen, Nefertari.
  
  We have a guided tour of this site, including the interior of the colossal temples. The Temple of Rameses II, with its immense statues of the Pharaoh seated on his throne, is one of the classic images of the power of the Pharaohs. Inside the temple you will see well-preserved wall decorations and several murals. There is a wonderful relief of Rameses presenting captives to various gods, including himself! We also gain insight into the reconstruction process by visiting the interior of the artificial mountain. Return by road to Aswan in time for a late lunch.
  
  * When visiting Abu Simbel we choose to travel by road instead of flying as the air schedules tend to be rather restrictive and do not always allow enough time at the site (much time is taken up by check-in, security, boarding, transferring etc). Driving frees us from this inconvenience and adds flexibility, plus allows us to see the High Dam en route. Departing very early ensures that we are at the site at the optimal time for photography; later in the morning, shadows fall across the temple making conditions less than ideal.
  
  Overnight in Aswan.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 7: 

  Aswan - Luxor via Kom Ombo & Edfu
  We farewell Aswan and travel by road to Kom Ombo Temple. In ancient times, Kom Ombo held strategic importance as a trading town on the caravan route from Nubia to Cairo. Actually two temples in one, it's dedicated to Haroeris (Horus) and Sobek - the sky god and crocodile-headed god respectively. We see remains of a mummified crocodile; these creatures no longer exist in Egypt's Nile but once lived here in great numbers and were worshipped as gods.
  
  From Kom Ombo we travel to Edfu, the largest and most completely preserved Pharaonic temple, albeit Greek-built. Dedicated to Horus, construction began under Ptolemy III in 237 BC. We explore this massive site enclosed by walls and flanked by large pylon gateways, including a Nilometer - an ancient technique for measuring the Nile's water fluctuations and setting tax levels.
  
  Overnight in Luxor

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 8: 

  Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple
  We begin with Karnak Temple, built, enlarged, and decorated over 1,500 colourful years. At certain points, this was Egypt's most important temple. The tremendous pylon gateway and Avenue of 1,000 Sphinxes that originally ran to the Nile will awe you with their grandeur. We tour this massive complex that exemplifies ancient Egyptian architectural achievement.
  
  After a break, we visit Luxor Temple in the evening. Dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut, and Chons, it was built during the New Kingdom as focus for the annual Opet Festival. During this celebration, Amun's cult statue was paraded down the Nile from nearby Karnak Temple in a fertility celebration. Luxor Temple ranks among the largest ancient Egyptian temple complexes, with a huge tower built by King Ramesses II marking its entrance.
  
  Overnight in Luxor.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 9: 

  Luxor: Valley of the Kings
  Dawn mist rises from the Nile as we cross by boat to the West Bank, where limestone cliffs conceal the most spectacular royal cemetery ever created. The early morning air carries whispers of ancient secrets as we meet our donkey-cart transport for a journey into the Valley of the Kings through New Gourna Village.
  
  Our charming donkey-cart ride takes us through countryside where modern fellahin (farmers) tend fields much as their ancestors did millennia ago. Children wave from mud-brick houses, women carry water jars on their heads, and farmers guide oxen through irrigation channels. This 40-45 minute journey through timeless rural scenes connects us to the eternal rhythms of Nile life before we reunite with road transport for the final approach.
  
  In this isolated valley dominated by pyramid-shaped mountains, we enter the sacred necropolis where New Kingdom pharaohs chose to hide their tombs from grave robbers. For over 500 years, from Tuthmosis I to Ramesses XI, Egypt's god-kings carved elaborate underground palaces into the limestone cliffs. We tour three carefully selected tombs, each revealing different aspects of ancient Egyptian funerary art and beliefs. Note that some tombs have steep stairways and all are quite dark inside (a pocket flashlight proves useful).
  
  The Valley of the Kings represents ancient Egypt's most ambitious attempt to ensure royal immortality. Unlike the obvious pyramids, these hidden tombs were meant to remain secret forever, their elaborate chambers filled with everything a pharaoh needed for the afterlife journey.*
  
  We proceed to Queen Hatshepsut's funerary temple - built for Egypt's first woman to rule as pharaoh! Rising in terraced splendour against towering cliffs, this architectural marvel was discovered in the mid-19th century and remains under restoration. As afternoon shadows lengthen across ancient stones, we return through countryside to the East Bank, where we suggest visiting the excellent Luxor Museum or Mummification Museum during free time.
  
  Tonight you may choose to attend the optional Sound and Light show at Karnak Temple, where ancient stories unfold against illuminated columns.
  
  * We do not include King Tut's tomb, as it's very small and relatively uninteresting, but we allow time if you wish to see it (separate ticket).
  
  Overnight in Luxor

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 10: 

  Luxor: Valley of the Queens
  This morning we make an excursion the Valley of the Queens.* After crossing the Nile we will board our bus for the short journey to visit this wonderful necropolis on the western shore of the Nile.
  
  The Valley of the Queens was used as a burial site for the royal women of the 18th, 19th and 20th Dynasties. Ancient Egyptians called this place "Set Neferu" meaning Seat Of Beauty, and today only a few of the eighty tombs are open to the public (we will visit three). The Valley of the Queens holds far more than graves of queens. Please note that an OPTIONAL visit of the tomb of Queen Nefertari is available for an extra charge (your Tour Leader will advise of the current fee).
  
  As well as our visit to the Valley of the Queens we will also have a guided tour of the workers' village and the Madinat Habu temple. Madinat Habu, also known as the temple of Rameses III was known in ancient times as Djanet, and according to ancient belief, was the place were Amon first appeared. Both Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III built a temple dedicated to Amon here, and later Rameses III constructed his larger memorial temple on the site.
  
  * Due to periodic and unannounced closures of the tombs at the Valley of the Queens, your Tour Leader may substitute the Tombs of the Nobles, which are equally interesting.
  
  Overnight in Luxor.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 11: 

  Luxor: Dendera Temple & Time at Leisure
  This morning we enjoy an excursion to the fascinating temple of Dendera located north of Luxor on the banks of the Nile.
  
  Dendera Temple is one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt. Located in the city of Qena (60 km north of Luxor) Dendera was constructed for the worship of Goddess Hathor, goddess of love, beauty, and motherhood in the ancient Egyptian religion. The temple was founded by pharaoh Pepi I (2250 BC) and continued during the New kingdom (1550-1080 BC). What was left dates back to the Greco-Roman time in Egypt. The recent cleaning of the ceiling of the Dendera Temple has revealed has exposed some of the most vibrant and colourful paintings dating from antiquity. The temple has two decorated crypts, two halls with ceilings supported by columns and two funeral chapels, from where the famous "zodiac" from the Louvre comes.
  
  We return to Luxor for some well-deserved free time for independent exploration, shopping, napping etc after some full days of touring. The Luxor Museum is also worthwhile, as it displays a very good contextual story of Luxor and the nearby valley of the Kings and Queens. The wooden sarcophaguses are the highlight -- so vivid that it's hard to believe they are thousands of years old.
  
  Overnight in Luxor.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 12: 

  Luxor - Cairo: Museum of Egyptian Antiquities
  Today we fly back to Cairo.
  
  On arrival we proceed to the famous Museum of Egyptian Antiquities,* where enjoy a guided tour of some of Egypt's most beloved treasures. Among the 100,000 pieces housed on the museum's two floors is the famous exhibit of Tutankhamun whose tomb was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. The tomb and treasures of this young Pharaoh, modest by Pharaonic Egyptian standards, is perhaps the best-preserved of the discovered tombs. We also see archaeological relics from the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom and Greco-Roman periods. There is also a separated area devoted to the best-known of the Tut antiquities (the Mummies Room), which you can enter for an optional extra fee (ask your Tour Leader for the current rate).
  
  * With the (maybe partial) opening of the GEM and the unclear situation re the fate of the original museum, and the timing/choosing of which artifacts will be moved and which will remain, we'll plan to visit both facilities for now and adjust this program as things become clearer. Regardless of location, however, we definitely plan to see the Tut relics wherever they may be at the time of our visit.
  
  Overnight in Cairo (central).

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 13: 

  Cairo: Coptic & Islamic Cairo - Khan el Khalili
  Today visit the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), a nice addition to the Cairo museum landscape and an excellent way to recap all that we have done and seen during our tour.
  
  We then drive through the neat, tree-lined streets of the Garden City area to Coptic Cairo, the centre of Christianity in Cairo.* We will walk the cobblestone streets and stop at a few of the churches, including that of Saint Sergius, presumed to be the spot where the Holy Family lived during their flight into Egypt. The present building dates from the 11th century. As we stroll along we will come to the recently restored Synagogue of Ben Ezra, the oldest Jewish synagogue in Egypt. Despite the 45 Jewish families that remain in Cairo, the synagogue is no longer operational.
  
  We then proceed to Islamic Cairo, where we will tour the Citadel, begun by Saladin in the 12th century. Today the Citadel's buildings are mainly from the Ottoman period, and are truly grand. From the Citadel, actually a complex of three mosques and four museums, we enjoy an amazing view of Cairo spread beneath the hilltop. Here we will see the fabulous Mosque of Mohammed Ali, also known as the "Alabaster Mosque."
  
  Finally we make a stop at Khan el Khalili, one of the most interesting bazaars, not only in Egypt, but also in all the Middle East. The atmosphere of this traditional market, together with the labyrinthine layout of the streets, gives visitors a glimpse into what medieval markets were once like.
  
  * The Coptic Cairo section of our program exists here in a tentative basis given ever-changing security considerations in this district. Your Tour Leader will advise of the current status once you have arrived on tour and a substitution may be put into place.
  
  Overnight in Cairo (central).

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 14: 

  Departure
  Departure from Cairo.
  
  RHLAH S'IDAH!

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast

*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.