Egypt: A 17-Day Epic Journey

Embark on a magical 17-day odyssey where the majestic Nile unfurls a living tapestry of history, carrying you from the shadow of the colossal pyramids to the sacred tranquility of its sun-drenched temples. Trace the footsteps of pharaohs and hear the whispers of ancient gods in a land where myth and reality intertwine, revealing millennia of secrets from dynastic wonders to Greco-Roman treasures. This immersive journey is a deep dive into the very soul of a civilization that has enchanted the world since the dawn of time.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

• Arrive at Cairo International Airport and be seamlessly transferred to your hotel for a relaxing start to your Egyptian adventure.

Day 2: Memphis and Sakkara

• Journey to the ancient capital of Memphis.
• Explore the Sakkara necropolis, home to the groundbreaking Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest pyramid in Egypt, and its surrounding complex.

Day 3: The Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

• Witness one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the magnificent Pyramids of Giza.
• Stand in awe of the colossal structures and the enigmatic Great Sphinx, a timeless monolith guarding the Giza plateau.

Day 4: The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

• Explore the stunning new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).
• Admire the architectural beauty, see the awe-inspiring Hanging Obelisk, and marvel at the colossal statue of Ramses II.
• Ascend the Grand Staircase surrounded by remarkable artifacts, and tour limited-access exhibition halls, gaining a special preview of this world-class institution.

Day 5: Dahshur and Abusir

• Visit the royal necropolis of Dahshur to see the Red Pyramid, a masterpiece of pyramid evolution.
• Enjoy exclusive access to the Abusir necropolis, the burial ground of 5th Dynasty pharaohs, and witness their unique pyramidal complexes.

Day 6: Luxor and Karnak Temple

• Fly to Luxor, the site of ancient Thebes.
• Explore the sprawling Karnak Temple Complex, a colossal city of sanctuaries, obelisks, and columns.
• Conclude the day with a visit to the Luxor Museum, showcasing exquisite antiquities.

Day 7: Valley of the Kings and Queens & Hatshepsut's Temple

• Cross the Nile to the West Bank.
• Delve into the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings and Queens, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.
• Next, visit the magnificent mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri, a stunning monument carved into the cliffs.

Day 8: Tombs of the Nobles and Deir el-Medina

• Return to the West Bank to discover the colorful Tombs of the Nobles, depicting daily life, administration, and rituals.
• Explore Deir el-Medina, the ancient village of artisans who built the royal tombs.

Day 9: Abydos and Dendera

• Journey to Abydos, one of ancient Egypt's oldest cities.
• Tour the well-preserved Temple of Seti I and see the crucial "List of Kings" inscription.
• Continue to the visually stunning Temple of Hathor at Dendera, known for its remarkably preserved astrological ceiling.

Day 10: Ramesseum and Nile Cruise

• Begin with a visit to the Ramesseum, the mortuary temple of Ramesses II.
• This afternoon, board your luxurious Nile Cruise ship.
• Enjoy a late excursion to the beautifully illuminated Temple of Luxor.

Day 11: Sailing the Nile to Edfu

• Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as the cruise sails south.
• Relax, savor lunch, and attend an engaging afternoon lecture on ancient history as you make your way toward the captivating city of Edfu.

Day 12: Edfu and Kom Ombo

• Explore the remarkably preserved Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus.
• After lunch, sail to Kom Ombo, where you'll visit the unique double temple dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus.
• Enjoy an evening lecture from your expert scholar.

Day 13: Aswan and Philae Temple

• Arrive in Aswan, a city of natural beauty and historical significance.
• Visit the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient quarry and see the modern Aswan High Dam.
• Conclude with a boat trip to the picturesque Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, relocated to preserve it from the rising Nile waters.

Day 14: Kalabsha and Nubian Museum

• Disembark from the cruise and check into your Aswan hotel.
• Visit the relocated Kalabsha Temple, an impressive structure rebuilt stone-by-stone.
• In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the culture and history of the region at the fantastic Museum of Nubian Civilization.
• Enjoy a special farewell dinner.

Day 15: Abu Simbel

• Take an early morning flight to the magnificent rock temples of Abu Simbel.
• Marvel at the colossal statues of Ramses II and his beloved queen, Nefertari, and learn about the incredible international effort to save these temples.
• Fly back to Cairo in the afternoon.

Day 16: Alexandria

• Travel to Alexandria to discover its Greco-Roman past.
• Visit the site of the Ancient Lighthouse, one of the original Seven Wonders.
• Explore the modern Library of Alexandria, the intricate Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, and Pompey's Pillar.

Day 17: Departure

• Enjoy your final breakfast before your transfer to the airport for your flight home, filled with unforgettable memories of Egypt.

Package Inclusions

• Accommodation: Hotels in Cairo (Bed & Breakfast) and Full-Board Nile Cruise.
  • Cairo (Hotels, Bed & Breakfast): 7 nights
  • Luxor (Hotel): 4 nights
  • Onboard Nile Cruise (Full-Board): 4 nights
  • Aswan (Hotel): 1 night
• Tours & Activities: All specified day tours with entrance fees to all mentioned sites.
• Transportation: All transfers by modern, air-conditioned vehicle. Domestic flights within Egypt are included.
• Expertise: Professional, English-speaking Egyptology guide throughout your journey.
• Convenience: All taxes and charges are included.

Package Exclusions

• International flights to and from Egypt.
• Visa entry for Egypt (can be provided upon arrival upon request).
• Personal expenses and tipping.

Accommodation Options:

Option (A)

• Cairo: Le Méridien - Steigenberger Pyramids- Ramses Hilton- Helnan - Barcelo Pyramids- Pyramisa.
• Luxor: Steigenberger Nile.
• Nile cruises: MS Emilio, MS Radamis, MS Princess, MS Sara.

Option (B)

• Cairo: Kempinski - Fairmont Cairo - Hilton Curnrad -Marriott Sheraton- Hilton Golf pyramids
• Luxor: Hilton - Sonesta St. George.
• Nile Cruises: MS Amwaj Nile Cruise, MS Nile Premium, MS Bule shadow, MS Jaz Jubilee, Crown Emperor, Steigenberger.