Egypt, A Journey Through Time

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Egypt
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Duration

13 days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

12 people

Languages

English

About this tour

Egypt, A Journey Through Time

 

An inspiring 13-Day Tour of Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel.

 

This tour of Egypt is an experience that will leave you in awe of the country’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Starting in Alexandria, explore the city’s ancient architecture and visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library built to commemorate the renowned ancient library. Then travel to Cairo, where you can marvel at the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, and explore the Egyptian Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts dating back to the time of the pharaohs. Next, head to Luxor, where we will explore the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple. Continuing on to Aswan, taking a felucca ride on the Nile River and visit the temples of Philae. Finally, visit the breathtaking Abu Simbel, a temple complex that was relocated in the 1960s to avoid flooding from the construction of the Aswan Dam. With so much to see and experience, a tour of Egypt is truly a trip of a lifetime.

 

Alexandria – The Bride of the Mediterranean Sea

Alexandria is one of Egypt’s most elegant cities, famous for its historical and cultural significance. As a bustling port city, it was once the center of trade and commerce in the ancient world. Today, it is a vibrant metropolis boasting a mix of modern and traditional architecture. The city also has a unique blend of cultures, with influences from Greek, Roman, and Islamic civilizations, making it a fascinating destination for visitors. Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, and it became home to the world-famous Library of Alexandria, which was considered the world’s largest library at the time. Alexandria is also home to the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th century fortress which was built on the site of the legendary Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. When visiting Alexandria, we also explore the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, the largest known Greco-Roman burial site in Egypt, which dates back to the 2nd century BC.

Cairo – Exploring the City and its Ancient Wonders

 

Cairo is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. It’s a city that is home to some of the world’s most stunning ancient wonders. For anyone visiting Egypt, Cairo is the place to start your journey. The city is home to the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient World. These pyramids are over 4,500 years old and are a testament to the incredible achievements of the ancient Egyptians. You can also visit the Sphinx, which is located near the pyramids. The Sphinx is a magnificent statue of a mythical creature with a human head and a lion’s body. The Great Sphinx is believed to have been built around 2500 BC and is one of the most iconic symbols of Egypt. In Cairo, you can also visit the Egyptian Museum, which houses an incredible collection of ancient artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. The museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Egyptian history and has been called one of the greatest museums in the world. For those who enjoy shopping, Cairo is home to the Khan El-Khalili market, which is one of the oldest markets in the world. Here you can find everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and souvenirs. Overall, Cairo is a city that is rich in history, culture, and beauty. It’s a great starting point for anyone who wants to explore the wonders of Egypt.

 

Luxor – Exploring the Valley of the Kings and temple of Queen Hatchepsut

 

No trip to Egypt is complete without a visit to Luxor. Luxor is home to some of the world’s most impressive temples and tombs, and the Valley of the Kings is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Egypt. The Valley of the Kings and Queens is a vast network of tombs that were constructed for the pharaohs and their queens. These tombs are intricately decorated with hieroglyphics, paintings, and sculptures that depict the life of the pharaohs and their journey into the afterlife. When visiting the Valley of the Kings, it is essential to have a guide who can provide you with detailed information about each tomb’s history and significance. Our guides are knowledgeable about the architecture, the symbolism, and the mythology behind each tomb. They can also provide you with an insight into the life of the pharaohs and the belief system of ancient Egypt. One of the highlights of the Valley of the Kings is the tomb of Tutankhamun, the young pharaoh whose tomb was discovered in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter. The tomb is small compared to other tombs in the valley, but it has gained great fame due to the discovery of treasures that were buried with Tutankhamun, including his iconic golden mask. Overall, a visit to the Valley of the Kings in Luxor is an unforgettable experience.

 

Abu Simbel and Aswan – Discovering the Temples and Tombs

 

Abu Simbel and Aswan are two of the most fascinating places in Egypt, filled with temples, tombs, and ancient history. Abu Simbel is located around 280 km from Aswan, and it is home to two temples that were built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. These temples were carved into the mountainside and are considered to be some of the most famous landmarks in Egypt. The temples are dedicated to Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, as well as to the deified Ramses himself. The temples are renowned for their grand architecture and intricate carvings, and they are a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Egypt. After visiting Abu Simbel, you’ll make your way to Aswan, one of the most beautiful cities in Egypt. Here, you can see the famous Aswan High Dam, which has dramatically transformed the landscape of Egypt. You can also visit the Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis and considered one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt. Another highlight of Aswan is the Nubian Village, where you can see the traditional way of life of the Nubian people, who have been living in this region for thousands of years. Overall, Abu Simbel and Aswan are two of the most unforgettable places to visit during your tour of Egypt. With their rich history and stunning scenery, they offer a glimpse into the ancient world and the unique culture of modern-day Egypt. The stunning tombs and temples, combined with the expert guidance of our tour guides, make for an unforgettable journey through the ancient history of Egypt.

 

 

 

 

Highlights

  • Small group maximum 12 guests
  • Professional Tour Guide in Egypt
  • Explore the Charming Alexandria
  • Witness the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx
  • See the Royal Mummies of most famous Pharaohs
  • Get inside colorful tombs of the Valley of the Kings
  • Walk through the grand temples of Karnak
  • Visit the temples of Isis at Philae
  • Marvel at magnificent temples of Abu Simbel

Included/Excluded

  • Small group maximum 12 guests per arrival
  • 8 nights accommodation in deluxe 5 stars hotels
  • 4 nights accommodation in a deluxe 5 stars Nile cruise
  • Domestic flight tickets Cairo-Luxor + Aswan-Abu Simbel + Abu Simbel-Cairo
  • Meals as mentioned in program (B= 12 breakfasts, L= 9 lunches, D= 5 dinners)
  • All land transportation mentioned in itinerary by modern A/C coaches
  • General entrance fees to all sites mentioned in itinerary
  • Services of professional escorting Program Director and tour guide
  • All applicable taxes
  • International flight tickets Home-Cairo-Home, the tour starts on Mondays in Cairo
  • Visa to Egypt
  • Personal expenses like phone calls, laundry, drinks with meals, shopping,... etc
  • Gratuities

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Cairo

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be greeted by an airport representative, assisted with immigration and customs formalities, and transferred to the Hilton Pyramids Golf Resort or similar Hotel accommodation.

Day 2: Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, and Sakkara

After breakfast, start your first tour to one of the highlights of your trip. Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. These pyramids are over 4,500 years old and still bear witness to a great ancient civilization. A professional Egyptologist will explain all about Egyptian history, myths and theories. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant overlooking the pyramids. After lunch, visit Saqqara, the oldest cemetery in Egyptian history, and see the first pyramids. The Step Pyramid of King Djoser. (B, L)

Day 3: Egyptian Museum, and Civilization Museum

After breakfast, you will be taken to the Egyptian Museum to see artifacts from all over Egypt and learn about some of the most famous artifacts. If the Tutankhamun collection has not yet been transferred, you can see treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb. Even if it were relocated, there would still be treasures from the tomb of King Pshusnes. The discovery was made during World War II and did not receive the publicity of King Tutankhamun. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant overlooking the Nile. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Egyptian Civilization, a world-class museum that showcases the mummies of the most famous pharaohs in Egyptian history. (B, L)

Day 4: Cairo to Alexandria, visit Alexandria Library and National Museum

This morning, we will travel from Cairo to Alexandria by coach. Start your journey by taking in the sights and sounds of the road trip from Cairo to Alexandria. Once in Alexandria, head to the National Museum to discover the rich history of the city and its surroundings. Marvel at the collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and learn about the city's Greek and Roman influences. After the museum, indulge in a delicious lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants in the area. Finally, visit the magnificent Alexandria Library, which is a tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria that was lost to the ages. The modern library boasts a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other cultural artifacts. The library's impressive architecture and design make it a must-visit destination for any traveler to Alexandria. After the tour we will check in to Hilton Alexandria Corniche Hotel or similar. (B, L)

Day 5: Catacombs, Pompey's Pillar, and Roman Amphitheatre

This morning we visit the Catacombs of Alexandria, an incredible underground network of Roman tombs and burial chambers. A walk through the catacombs will take you back in time, with corridors lined with intricate carvings and ancient artifacts. After exploring the catacombs, visit Pompey’s Pillar, a 3rd-century AD granite column about 90 feet high, believed to commemorate Diocletian's victory over the rebellion of Alexandria. Next, visit the Roman Amphitheater, an impressive structure seating up to 800 people. After a morning of sightseeing, head to one of his traditional restaurants in Alexandria for a delicious lunch of local Egyptian cuisine before returning to your hotel in the afternoon. (B, L)

Day 6: Alexandria to Cairo, and Wadi Natrun

Today we will head from Alexandria to Cairo via Wadi Natran. Roughly halfway between the two cities, Wadi Natran is a desert valley known for its salt flats and ancient monasteries. Wadi Natrun Monastery is famous for its beautiful frescoes and historical significance. We will visit one of these monasteries and have the opportunity to learn about the Coptic beliefs of Egypt before enjoying a light lunch of Egyptian Fatir. One of the most popular dishes in this area. Upon arrival in Cairo, check into the Intercontinental City Stars hotel or a similar hotel. (B, L)

Day 7: Cairo to Luxor, Visit Karnak and Luxor temples

This morning, check out of your Cairo Hotel and transfer to Cairo Airport for a short 1-hour flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, we will guide you to the attractions on the east bank of the Nile. Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple are two of the most fascinating historical sites in Egypt. Built over 3,000 years ago, the Karnak Temple is the largest ancient religious site in the world. Dedicated to the worship of Amun, this temple was the most important in ancient Egypt. The temple was built over several centuries by successive pharaohs and was expanded upon by each one, resulting in a complex structure that is awe-inspiring to behold. The Luxor Temple, on the other hand, was built around 1,400 BC. It is dedicated to Amun's wife Mutt and her son Khonsu. It has been used for both religious and political purposes and has also served as a venue for several festivals and ceremonies. After visiting the temples, check into Sonesta Luxor Hotel or similar. Dinner is served at hotel (B, D).

Day 8: Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut temple, cruise embarkation

Morning check out from Sonesta Hotel, tour the famous sites on the West bank of the River Nile. The Valley of the Kings is a magnificent site located on the west bank of the Nile River in Luxor, Egypt. This valley is home to the tombs of many pharaohs and their families, including the famous Tutankhamun. The Valley was the royal burial ground for ancient Egyptian pharaohs from the 18th to the 20th dynasties. The pharaohs were buried in elaborate tombs that were filled with treasures and artifacts to accompany them to the afterlife. The tombs are decorated with beautiful wall paintings and hieroglyphics that tell the story of the pharaoh's life and their journey to the afterlife. The site is vast, and you can easily spend an entire day exploring the tombs and admiring the beautiful ancient art. The area is surrounded by breathtaking desert landscapes, making it a truly awe-inspiring sight. The Valley of the Kings is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and artistic skill of the ancient Egyptians. The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut is one of the most impressive architectural wonders of ancient Egypt. This temple was built in honor of one of the most powerful female pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Hatchepsut was known for her ambitious building projects and her successful military campaigns. The temple was designed to reflect her power and status. The Colossi of Memnon are two massive statues that have been standing in the Theban Necropolis for over 3,000 years. The statues were created to guard the entrance to the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III, a pharaoh of the 18th dynasty. Each statue is made from a single piece of sandstone and stands 60 feet tall. The statues were once known for the strange sounds they made at sunrise, which were believed to be the voice of Memnon. Afternoon check-in to Your 5 Stars Deluxe Nile Cruise, which will be our home for the next 4 nights. Lunch and dinner will be served on the cruise. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Luxor Museum, Sailing to Edfu

This morning visit Luxor Museum, located on the east bank of the River Nile. It is one of the most popular museums in Egypt and is known for its impressive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. The museum houses an extensive collection of statues, reliefs, and other artifacts from the Pharaonic era, including some of the most beautiful statues found in the Luxor cachet. Afternoon sailing to Edfu via Esna Locks. Lunch and dinner are served on the cruise. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Visit Edfu and Komombo temples

In the morning, you will witness the most complete and well-preserved temple in Egypt, flanked by beautiful granite statues of the falcon deity Horus. The reliefs that cover the walls, columns, and doorways of this Ptolemaic temple constitute an extremely important source of information about ancient Egyptian religious and political beliefs. Among the most interesting of these reliefs are those that demonstrate the story of Horus's revenge on Seth for the murder of his father, Osiris, an event that was celebrated annually in the temple. Other reliefs recount the stages of the temple's construction and provide dates for the completion of different building elements. After the temple visit, you will return to the cruise for lunch and sailing to Komombo. In the late afternoon, we will arrive at Komombo and visit the temple overlooking the River Nile, which was dedicated to two deities: Horus the falcon and Sobek the crocodile. After the visit, we'll return to the cruise and sail to Aswan. Dinner will be served on board the cruise ship. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Aswan tour

Morning visit to the Aswan High Dam, considered the biggest project accomplished in Egypt during the 20th century AD, followed by a visit to the temples of Isis, famously known as the temples of Philae. Isis was one of the most important deities of the ancient Egyptians, for whom a beautiful temple was built in an amazing location on an island in the River Nile. Lunch and dinner will be served on the cruise. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Aswan-Abu Simbel-Cairo

This morning, you will be checking-out from cruise, transported to Aswan Airport for your flight to Abu Simbel. Upon arrival in Abu Simbel, you will be transported to the site of the great temples of Ramses II and his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari. The temples here are a highlight of any tour, with two grand temples carved in the rock of the mountain - a marvel of engineering - and another miracle in their relocation when they needed to be rescued following the construction of the High Dam of Aswan, and the rising waters of Lake Naser that had already started to cover them. After visiting the temples, you will be transported to Abu Simbel airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arriving at Cairo airport, you will be transported to the Intercontinental City Stars hotel or a similar one. Farewell dinner will be at the hotel. (B, D)

Day 13: Departure

Today, according to your departure flight time, you'll be transported to Cairo airport for your departure flight. (B)

Durations

13 days

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

When booking your international flight tickets, please make sure your flight to Cairo arrives on Monday, which is the first day of the tour, then send us a message with your flight details to arrange your pick up at Cairo airport on arrival day. If you need assistance with booking your flights, our customer service will assist you in finding the best combination of connecting flights, and the best airfare, and booking for you, your flight e-tickets will then be emailed to you after the ticket is issued and paid for.

You don't need to do that, your arrival airport transportation to your hotel, as well as your departure airport transfer, are included in your package, provided you send us your flight arrival and departure details at least 15 days before your tour start date.

Yes, a visa to enter Egypt is required. US passport holders though are eligible for a visa on arrival at Cairo airport. It could be obtained for approx. USD35 on arrival. If you wish to save on queuing for getting the visa stamp, please preselect the visa extra fee option in the tour add-on, the number of visa fee addons needs to be the number of persons requesting this service. For example, if you are 2 persons booking together, please add 2 visa fees.

The tour price is based on the price for 1 person sharing a double room, so if you are one person booking, you will be matched with another traveler to share the room with during the tour. In case you wish to stay in your own room without sharing, you need to add a single supplement to have the room for yourself. If you are 2 or more persons booking together, and both are requesting to have their own rooms, then 2 single supplements need to be added. In case of two persons booking together, and one single supplement is booked, then the person with the first entered name in the booking will be assigned a single room, and the second will be matched with another traveler to share with.

All hotels booked on this tour are 5 stars deluxe hotels. We also try to get all our passengers rooms with views provided they are available at the time of booking.

Nile cruises are all limited to a certain width of 48 feet maximum width, to be able to navigate through the locks on the river Nile, which is why they are normally smaller in size than traditional hotel rooms. On the cruises we always book rooms above the water level, and include the extra cost for that in the tour package pricing in case there is. So, we do not charge extra for above-water level cabins as this is already included. The cruises we book are 5 stars deluxe, with cabins to match that level of service and amenities.

Once you book the tour, the tour itinerary will be sent to your email, including all information about the tour, and as well about the destination. If you need information before booking, please contact our customer service line, where a destination expert will talk to you in person and answer your questions on the spot.

Tour's Location

Egypt
From: $3.699,00

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Member Since 2023

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