Egypt: A Journey Through Time

Unearth the timeless secrets of the pharaohs on an epic 20-day journey through the cradle of civilization. From the colossal pyramids casting their shadows over golden sands to the sacred temples lining the tranquil Nile, this grand tour weaves an unforgettable tapestry of history, mythology, and vibrant culture, revealing the enduring legacy of ancient Egypt at every turn.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

• Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport (CAI), you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in an air-conditioned car.
• Enjoy a relaxing evening and an overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 2: The Great Pyramids, Saqqara & Memphis

• After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of Egypt's most iconic ancient sites.
• Giza Plateau: Marvel at the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinos, and the enigmatic Sphinx.
• Camel Ride: Experience an unforgettable camel ride with a panoramic view of the pyramids.
• Solar Boat Museum: Visit the museum housing the meticulously reconstructed solar boat of King Khufu (optional).
• Saqqara: Discover the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's oldest major stone structure, built around 2630 BC.
• Memphis: Explore the ruins of Egypt's first capital, founded by King Menes, and see the colossal statue of Ramses II.
• Dahshur: Journey further south to view the unique Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid.
• Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 3: Coptic & Islamic Cairo, Felucca Ride

• Begin your day with a tour of historic Cairo, exploring both its Christian and Islamic heritage.
• Salah El Din Citadel: Visit this medieval fortress and the magnificent Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
• Ibn Tulun Mosque & Gayer-Anderson Museum: Explore one of Cairo’s oldest mosques and the adjacent Gayer-Anderson Museum.
• Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo): Discover the Roman Fortress of Babylon, the "Hanging Church" (Al Moaallaka), and the Church of St. Sergius, which sheltered the Holy Family.
• Nile Felucca Ride: Conclude the day with a serene ride on a traditional sailboat (felucca) on the Nile River.
• Overnight in Cairo.

Day 4: Islamic Heritage & Dinner Cruise

• Enjoy a morning dedicated to more of Cairo's Islamic and cultural landmarks.
• Al-Azhar Complex: Tour the renowned Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the world's oldest universities.
• Historic Sites: Visit Al Mouayyed Mosque, Bab Zuweila, Al Hussein Mosque, and the unique Beit El Seheimy house.
• Fatimad Gates: See the historic gates of Bab al-Fetouh and Bab al-Nasr.
• Khan el-Khalili Bazaar: Indulge in a shopping experience at this vibrant, historic market.
• In the evening, enjoy a two-hour dinner cruise on the Nile, complete with traditional Egyptian folk shows.
• Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Fly to Luxor & Karnak Sound and Light Show

• After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, you'll be taken to your Nile Cruise ship for check-in.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch on board as you settle in.
• Karnak Sound & Light Show: In the evening, attend a captivating sound and light show at the majestic Karnak Temple complex.
• Overnight on board the cruise in Luxor.

Day 6: Luxor East Bank Tour

• After breakfast, explore the magnificent temples on the East Bank of the Nile.
• Luxor Temple: Discover the temple's courtyards and the colossal statues of Ramses the Great.
• Karnak Temple Complex: Walk through the Avenue of Sphinxes, the enormous Hypostyle Hall with its 134 columns, and see the sacred lake.
• Luxor Museum: Visit the Luxor Museum, home to a splendid collection of artifacts from the Theban area.
• Return to the cruise for lunch. The ship will then set sail for Esna, where you will have dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 7: Esna & Edfu Temples

• Esna Temple: After breakfast, visit the well-preserved Temple of Esna, dedicated to the god Khnum.
• Edfu Temple: Sail to Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt's most complete and well-preserved ancient temples.
• Enjoy lunch on board as the cruise continues toward Kom Ombo. The evening will feature a disco party on the ship.
• Overnight in Kom Ombo.

Day 8: Kom Ombo & Aswan's Wonders

• Kom Ombo Temple: After breakfast, visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to two deities, Sobek and Horus.
• Aswan High Dam: Upon arrival in Aswan, visit the modern engineering marvel that created Lake Nasser.
• Philae Temple: Take a motorboat to the island of Agilkia to see the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, which was relocated to save it from the rising waters of the Nile.
• Overnight on board the cruise in Aswan.

Day 9: Abu Simbel & Aswan Sailing

• Abu Simbel Temples: Take an early morning trip by air-conditioned vehicle to the spectacular Abu Simbel Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the colossal temples of Ramses II and his wife, Nefertari, famously relocated to save them from flooding.
• Nile Sailing: Return to Aswan for a felucca sail around Kitchener’s Island and the Agha Khan Mausoleum.
• Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with lunch, afternoon tea, and a games party on the cruise.
• Overnight in Aswan.

Day 10: Sailing to Luxor

• Kom Ombo: The cruise begins its return journey north. You will stop to re-visit the Temple of Kom Ombo.
• Enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner on board as the ship sails to Edfu and then on to Luxor.
• Overnight in Luxor.

Day 11: Luxor West Bank & Hot Air Balloon (Optional)

• Hot Air Balloon: Begin your day with an optional hot air balloon ride for a breathtaking view of the West Bank's monuments (weather permitting).
• Valley of the Kings: Explore the Necropolis of Thebes and the tombs of various dynasties, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.
• Temple of Deir el-Bahari: Visit the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a masterpiece of ancient architecture.
• Colossi of Memnon: Stop to see the two gigantic seated statues of Amenhotep III.
• Enjoy lunch and an evening disco party on board the cruise.
• Overnight in Luxor.

Day 12: Dendera & Abydos, Fly back to Cairo

• After breakfast, disembark from the cruise.
• Abydos: Visit the ancient site of Abydos and the Temple of Seti I, known for its remarkably preserved paintings of gods and pharaohs.
• Dendera: Continue to Dendera to explore the Temple of Hathor, a beautifully preserved Roman-era temple dedicated to the goddess of love and joy.
• After the tour, transfer to Luxor airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 13: Cairo's Tastes & Treasures

• Egyptian Food Tour: Embark on a unique culinary tour to savor the authentic flavors of Egyptian street food and cuisine, visiting hidden local spots.
• Shopping Tour: Explore various traditional markets, including El Ghorya, Gamalia Street, El Mosky, and the renowned Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
• Giza Sound & Light Show: In the evening, attend a spectacular sound and light show at the Giza Pyramids.
• Overnight in Cairo.

Day 14: Alexandria Exploration

• After breakfast, travel by air-conditioned vehicle to Alexandria.
• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: Descend into the largest Roman burial site in Egypt, a fascinating mix of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian art.
• Pompey's Pillar: Visit this massive Roman column, a tribute to Emperor Diocletian.
• Qaitbay Citadel: Explore this 15th-century fortress, built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Abbo Elabbas Mosque: See the city's largest and most beautiful mosque.
• Check into your hotel for an overnight stay in Alexandria.

Day 15: Alexandria's History and Culture

• Roman Amphitheater: Discover the Roman Amphitheater and a display of underwater monuments recovered from the harbor.
• Library of Alexandria: Visit the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a tribute to the ancient library, and explore its vast reading area.
• Montaza Palace Gardens: Stroll through the beautiful royal gardens of King Farouk.
• Corniche Drive: Enjoy a scenic drive along the 30-km Corniche, offering views of the city's old and new landmarks, including Stanley Bridge.
• Overnight in Alexandria.

Day 16: Rosetta Tour

• Nile & Mediterranean Confluence: Travel to Rosetta to see the point where the Nile River meets the Mediterranean Sea.
• Rosetta Castle: Visit the site where the famous Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1799.
• Islamic Monuments: Explore the historic Islamic monuments of Rosetta.
• Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Alexandria.

Day 17: El Alamein WWII Sites

• After breakfast, travel to El Alamein to learn about the significant World War II battles.
• War Museum: Visit the El Alamein War Museum to see artifacts, weapons, and uniforms from the Allied and Axis forces.
• Commonwealth & German Cemeteries: Pay your respects at the memorial cemeteries for the soldiers who fought here.
• After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 18: Grand Egyptian Museum & Cairo by Night

• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): Begin your day with a tour of the new Grand Egyptian Museum. Explore the Grand Hall, see the Hanging Obelisk and the statue of Ramses II, and ascend the Grand Staircase to learn about Egypt's dynastic history.
• Tahrir Square: Visit the famous square that was the focal point of the 2011 revolution.
• Cairo Tower: End the day with a visit to the Cairo Tower for panoramic views of the city at night.
• Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 19: The Cave Church of St. Simon

• Monastery of Saint Simon: Visit this unique and impressive church carved into the Mokattam Mountain. Learn about the history of the "Garbage City" and explore the different cave halls, including the main Cathedral of Virgin Mary and St. Simon the Tanner.
• Return to your hotel for a final overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 20: Departure

• After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your final departure, assisting with all formalities.

Included in this Package

• Accommodation: 9 nights of hotel accommodation in Cairo with breakfast.
• Nile Cruise: 7 nights aboard a full-board Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan, including all sightseeing.
• Accommodation: 3 nights of hotel accommodation in Alexandria with breakfast.
• Transfers: All airport and city transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
• Guides: Expert English-speaking tour guides for all excursions.
• Entrance Fees: Entrance fees for all sites mentioned in the itinerary.
• Domestic Flights: Cairo to Luxor and Luxor to Cairo.
• Taxes: All taxes and service charges.

Exclusions

• Entry visa to Egypt.
• International flights.
• Personal expenses, tipping, and optional tours.
• Beverages during meals.

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.

Option (C)

• Cairo: Four Seasons -Marriott Mena House - Kempinski Nile Deluxe - Fairmont Nile Premium - Hyatt Regency
• Luxor: Sofitel Winter Palace.
• Nile cruises: Sanctuary Sun Boat – Oberoi Cruises – Movenpick Royal Cruises - Sonesta Cruises - Le Fayan - Ms Farah -MS Acamar.