OVERNIGHT INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TO EGYPT

 

 

1-NIGHT, PRE-TOUR HOTEL STAY

 

 

 

 

Pyramids, Sphinx, Sakkara

 

Start the day visiting the pyramids complex of Giza Necropolis, where the oldest of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World exists- The Pyramid of Khufu. Enter inside & climb to see the king's burial chamber. Scenic drive around the pyramids of Khafra & Menkaura to the panoramic view, where you can enjoy a camel ride with an incredible view! Continue on the Great Sphinx by entering through the valley temple of King Khafra.

 

Later, drive to Sakkara to see the unique step pyramid of King Zoser, the first pyramid-shaped tomb in history, followed by lunch and return to your hotel to relax & enjoy the rest of the day.

Old Cairo & Civilization Museum

 

On this day you will visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) situated in the ancient city of Fustat- now part of Cairo. NMEC is home to a collection of 50,000 artifacts which offer a glimpse into Egyptian civilization from the prehistoric era to present day. 

 

Drive to Coptic Cairo and visit two churches dating back to the 4th century--The Hanging Church, built above a Babylonian fortress, and Abu Serga Church, traditionally believed to be the site where the Holy Family rested and sought refuge at the end of their journey to Egypt. Later, visit the Synagogue of Ben Ezra- the site where many believe Moses was found. 

Luxor & Karnak Temples

 

Depart from Cairo Airport with the assistance of an escort on a 1-hour flight to Luxor- where you will meet your guide and driver upon arrival. Considered the largest open-air museum in the world, Luxor is home to one third of the world's monuments.

 

First, visit the complex of Karnak temples- the largest ancient religious site in the world covering more than 60 acres.

 

Continue on to explore Luxor temple, an amazingly preserved ancient marvel situated in center of a modern city. Enjoy lunch before checking into your hotel and enjoying your evening at leisure. Maybe see the Light & Sound show or take a carriage ride around town.

Valley of the Kings 

Queen Hatshepsut Temple

Deir El medina

Colossi of Memnon

 

Meet your guide & driver and travel to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings- the principle place chosen for the tombs of the pharaohs of The New Kingdom. It includes 64 tombs dating from 1550 BC to 1050 BC. You will be able to visit 3 tombs, including the most famous king of the ancient world, King Tutankhamen, and Ramses VI- whose tomb is considered the library of the Valley of the Kings.

 

Proceed to the Valley of the Queens to visit Queen Hatshepsut Mortuary Temple, considered to be a masterpiece of ancient architecture dating back to 1478 BC carved into the cliffs of the Theban Mountain. 

 

Later, you will visit Deir El Medina, also known as the valley of the artisans, which was the home to the workers of the New Kingdom from 1550 BC-1080BC. Enjoy lunch before returning to your hotel and enjoying the evening at leisure.

Edfu &

Kom Ombo Temples

 

Depart from your hotel and drive to visit the Temple of Edfu- the most well-preserved temple in Egypt, built during the Greek reign in Egypt from 237 BC-30 BC. The Temple of Edfu was dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god.

 

Continue on to Kom Ombo Temple, built for Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroris (son of Horus) during the Greek & Roman periods dating back to 180 BC.

 

Later, journey on to Aswan where you will check into your hotel accommodations and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Aswan High Dam

Temple of Philae

Unfinsihed Obelisk

Nubian Village

 

This morning head out to visit Aswan High Dam, 

an engineering marvel, vital to the prosperity of the region. The High Dam was built to provide electricity, stable & consistent supply of water, and protection from floods. 

 

Later, you will reach the Isle of Philae by boat ot visit the Temple built for Isis- the goddess of love and beauty. Built during the Greek & Roman period which is evident in its style and architecture, the Temple of Philae sits on an island between the High Dam & the Old Aswan Dam. 

 

Next, you will explore the site of the Unfinished Obelisk- the only evidence we have as to how ancient Egyptians were carving obelisks & stones from granite. Enjoy lunch and return to your hotel. Later, finish the day with a sunset sail on the Nile to the Nubian village taking in the beauty of the Nile and it's nature. 

day

9

Abu Simbel

 

Drive through the Western Desert to reach the temples of Abu Simbel built during the reign of King Ramses II. The great temple of Abu Simbel is dedicated to Amun Ra, Rahurakhti, Ptah & Ramses II (who deified himself). It is considered the most beautiful temple built during his reign and even one of the most beautiful in all of Egypt. The smaller temple, also known as the Temple of Hathor and Nefertari, was dedicated to his wife, Nefertari, and the goddess Hathor.

 

These temples were built by cutting into the rock and date back to the 13th century. The complex was relocated in its entirety in 1968 as part of the International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia because the site would soon be flooded by the rising Nile.

day

10

International Return flight

 

Your wonderful tour of Egypt comes to a close. Check out of final hotel & embark on your journey home.