A Grand Odyssey Through Egypt

Unveil the majestic tapestry of a land where history is etched into stone and legends whisper on the desert wind. Embark on a grand odyssey through the cradle of civilization, tracing the footsteps of pharaohs, saints, and sultans. From the timeless allure of the pyramids to the lifeblood of the Nile and the coastal charms of the Mediterranean, this comprehensive journey reveals the myriad wonders of Egypt in all their glory.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

• Arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI).
• Meet and greet with a “Valley of Kings Travel” representative.
• Private, air-conditioned transfer to your hotel.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 2: The Pyramids and Memphis

• Morning: Explore the Giza Plateau, home to the iconic Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus. Marvel at the Great Sphinx and visit the Valley Temple of Chephren.
• Afternoon: Journey to Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt's oldest pyramid. Continue to Memphis, the ancient capital, to see the colossal Statue of Ramses II and the alabaster Sphinx.
• Optional Evening: Attend the captivating Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 3: Cairo's Cultural Treasures

• Morning: Immerse yourself in history at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, housing the world's most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian art.
• Afternoon: Visit the opulent Manial Palace and the Gayer-Anderson Museum.
• Late Afternoon: Experience the vibrant local culture at Khan el-Khalili, an ancient bazaar, and explore the Textile Museum and Tentmakers' Market.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 4: Islamic Cairo

• Morning: Discover the Citadel of Salah al-Din, a medieval fortress built to defend Cairo from the Crusaders. Explore the stunning Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali within the Citadel walls.
• Afternoon: Visit the Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i Mosques, followed by the Ibn Tulun Mosque. Conclude the day with a visit to Al-Azhar Mosque, the world's first Islamic university.
• Transfer to Alexandria for overnight stay.

Day 5: Old Coptic Cairo

• Explore the historic Coptic Cairo district, a hub of one of the world's oldest Christian denominations.
• Visit the Hanging Church (St. Virgin Mary Church), built above a Roman fortress gateway.
• See the Monastery and Church of St. George, Egypt's only circular church.
• Step inside Abu Serga (St. Sergius and Bacchus Church), where the Holy Family is believed to have taken refuge.
• Explore the Ben Ezra Synagogue, a former Christian church.
• Conclude the tour at the Coptic Museum, which houses a vast collection of Coptic artifacts.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Alexandria.

Day 6: The Cave Church of St. Simon

• Drive to the Mokattam Mountain to visit the Monastery of St. Simon, known as the Cave Church of the Zabbaleen.
• Explore the unique churches carved into the caves, including the St. Simon the Tanner Hall and St. Mark's Church.
• Marvel at the engravings depicting biblical scenes on the rock walls.
• See the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary and St. Simon the Tanner, the monastery's largest church.
• Accommodation: Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Alexandria.

Day 7: Luxor Cruise Embarkation

• Enjoy breakfast before a transfer to Cairo's domestic airport.
• Fly to Luxor and transfer to your Nile cruise ship.
• Embark on your cruise and enjoy lunch on board.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Luxor.

Day 8: Luxor's East Bank

• Morning: Visit the magnificent Karnak Temple complex, a vast series of temples dedicated to the Theban Triad. Walk through the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Hypostyle Hall.
• Afternoon: Explore Luxor Temple, admiring its courtyards and the colossal statues of Ramses the Great.
• Sail to Esna and enjoy dinner on board.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Esna.

Day 9: Esna and Edfu

• Visit the Temple of Esna before sailing to Edfu.
• Explore the well-preserved Temple of Horus in Edfu.
• Continue sailing to Kom Ombo and enjoy a disco party on board.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kom Ombo.

Day 10: Aswan's Wonders

• Sail to Aswan.
• Morning: Visit the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel, and take in views of Lake Nasser.
• Afternoon: Take a felucca (traditional sailboat) to Agilkia Island to visit the stunning Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Aswan.

Day 11: Abu Simbel and Aswan Scenery

• Optional Morning: Take a trip to the colossal Temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II.
• Afternoon: Sail on a felucca around Kitchener's Island and past the Agha Khan Mausoleum.
• Enjoy dinner and a games party on board.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Aswan.

Day 12: Kom Ombo's Twin Temple

• Sail to Kom Ombo and visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to two deities, Sobek and Horus.
• Sail to Edfu and enjoy dinner on board.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Luxor.

Day 13: Luxor's West Bank

• Morning: Explore the Necropolis of Thebes on the West Bank.
• Visit the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of pharaohs.
• See the impressive mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari.
• Pause for a photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon.
• Enjoy dinner and a disco party on board.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Luxor.

Day 14: Abydos and Dendera

• Disembark from the cruise.
• Visit the Temple of Seti I in Abydos, revered as the burial place of the god Osiris. Admire the beautifully preserved wall paintings.
• Continue to Dendera to visit the Temple of Hathor, goddess of love and joy.
• Transfer to your hotel in Luxor for an overnight stay.

Day 15: Flight to Sharm El-Sheikh

• Transfer to Luxor airport for your flight to Sharm El-Sheikh (indirect flight via Cairo is common).
• Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Sharm El-Sheikh.

Days 16-20: Relaxation in Sharm El-Sheikh

• Enjoy five full days of leisure to relax on the beach, explore the city, or partake in optional activities like snorkeling, diving, or desert safaris.
• Accommodation: Overnight stays in Sharm El-Sheikh.

Day 21: Return to Cairo

• Fly from Sharm El-Sheikh back to Cairo.
• Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 22: Alexandria's Roman and Modern Past

• Travel by air-conditioned car to Alexandria.
• Explore the Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqqafa, a vast Roman cemetery.
• Visit the Roman Amphitheater and see the sunken monuments of Alexandria.
• Take a photo stop at Pompey's Pillar.
• Explore the Citadel of Qaitbay from the inside.
• Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the world's largest library.
• See the Church of St. Mark, the oldest church in Africa, and El Nabi Daniel Mosque.
• Optional Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at the Greek Club Restaurant.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Alexandria.

Day 23: Alexandria's Coastal Charms

• Visit the Aboul Abbas El Mursi Mosque, the city's largest.
• See the Citadel of Qaitbay from the outside, built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.
• Drive to the Montaza Gardens, a royal retreat of the last king of Egypt, King Farouk.
• Walk across the Montaza bridge to see the royal palaces and beaches.
• Enjoy a stop at the famous Stanley Bridge, a modern landmark.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Alexandria.

Day 24: El Alamein Day Tour

• Drive to El Alamein, the site of a pivotal World War II battle.
• Visit the El Alamein War Museum to learn about the conflict and see military artifacts.
• Explore the beautifully maintained Commonwealth, Italian, and German cemeteries.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Alexandria.

Day 25: Rosetta's Historic Beauty

• Drive to Rosetta (Rashid) to explore the meeting point of the Nile and the Mediterranean Sea.
• Take a motorboat tour to see the citadel where the Rosetta Stone was discovered.
• Admire the numerous Islamic monuments in the city.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Alexandria.

Day 26: Free Day in Alexandria

• Enjoy a full day at your leisure to relax or explore Alexandria independently.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Alexandria.

Day 27: Return to Cairo

• Enjoy breakfast before a comfortable transfer back to Cairo.
• Settle into your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 28: Fayoum Oasis Adventure

• Embark on a day trip to the Fayoum Oasis and Wadi El Rayan.
• Visit Lake Qarun, one of the world's oldest natural lakes.
• Explore the unique desert landscapes and waterfalls of Wadi El Rayan.
• Accommodation: Return to Cairo for an overnight stay.

Day 29: Cairo Food Tour

• Experience the authentic culinary scene of Cairo on a guided food tour.
• Sample traditional Egyptian dishes and discover hidden local eateries.
• Learn about the history and culture behind the food.
• Accommodation: Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 30: Departure

• Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel.
• A representative will provide an air-conditioned transfer to the airport for your final departure.

Inclusions

• Accommodation:
  • 10 nights in Cairo (Bed & Breakfast).
  • 6 nights in Sharm El-Sheikh (Bed & Breakfast).
  • 5 nights in Alexandria (Bed & Breakfast).
  • 1 night in Luxor (Bed & Breakfast).
  • 7 nights on a Nile Cruise (Full Board, including all sightseeing).
• Transportation:
  • All transfers in Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and Sharm El-Sheikh.
  • Domestic flights: Cairo/Aswan, Luxor/Sharm, and Sharm/Cairo.
  • Air-conditioned car for all tours and excursions.
• Guided Tours:
  • All tours are led by an expert tour guide.
  • Entrance fees to all listed sites are included.
• Other:
  • All taxes and service charges.

Exclusions

• Egypt entry visa.
• Personal expenses.
• Gratuities.

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.