Egyptian Discovery

‘Salam' and welcome to the bustling hub of Cairo. Set on the iconic Nile River, Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt. Home to an incredible array of famous Egyptian landmarks, visitors will find it to be a fascinating and often bewildering mixture of old and new. The culture, monuments and architecture throughout the sprawling metropolis tell many tales of its captivating history, boasting a vibrant mix of Pharaonic, Roman, Greek and Islamic influences. Hailed as the cultural heart of the Middle East, Cairo today is renowned for its diverse industry landscape, thriving art scene and rich blend of culinary wonders.

We don't want you to miss out on any aspect of your exhilarating adventure, so we recommend that you arrive at your starting destination by 5.00pm.

Enjoy some free time to freshen up at the hotel, before meeting our fellow travellers and expert Egyptologist at a group welcome dinner this evening.

Please note, in order to undertake the following optional tours additional pre tour accommodation in Cairo may be required. Please check with your Travel Specialist for details.

Optional Excursion: Coptic Cairo - Discover the ancient sites & culture of Coptic Christians throughout Old Cairo. 3 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.

Optional Excursion: Islamic Cairo - Visit the Gayer Anderson Museum, Ibn Toulon Mosque & El Sultan Hassan Mosque. 3 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.

Optional Excursion: National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation – Displaying the civilisation of Egypt from the prehistoric period to the present era. 3 hours – from $80pp US. Cash only.

We're set for a magical day of touring, visiting some of the sites that frequently top traveller's bucket lists. We begin at the oldest structures in existence and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramids of Giza. Serving as the tomb of the pharaoh Khufu, the largest pyramid was originally 481 feet high and has managed to stay largely intact since its construction in 2600 BC. The two slightly smaller pyramids were built for Khufu's son, Khafre, and grandson, Menkaure, likewise as burial places for three generations of Egyptian kings.

We'll then visit the nearby Great Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a king, often referred to as the national symbol of Egypt. This iconic statue is believed to have been built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre and is thought to represent him, yet its construction and purpose remains a fascinating mystery.

Special Experience: Take in the incredible views of the Great Pyramids of Giza while enjoying a delicious lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge. Venturing to the 9 Pyramids Lounge, it's time to indulge in the delicious Middle Eastern cuisine the city is renowned for, but the best bit? The view! This unique restaurant is unlike anywhere you've dined before. Offering panoramic views of the majestic pyramids surrounded by desert, the pictures you'll take here are guaranteed to be incredible.

Next, we'll visit the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza, located a short distance from the pyramids themselves. One of the largest, most modern and renowned museums in the world, the GEM is home to over 100,000 ancient Egyptian artefacts. After being greeted by a 3,200-year-old, 83-ton statue of Ramses II in the GEM's main entrance we'll spend the afternoon exploring the vast collection of exhibition halls, including its centrepiece, the King Tutankhamun galleries.

After breakfast, we will travel to the 12th century Saladin Citadel, one of Cairo's most magnificent fortifications. Once a residence for the rulers of Egypt, we'll venture inside the medieval monument to discover more about the Islamic history of the city and visit the Muhammad Ali Mosque. Also referred to as the ‘Alabaster Mosque' due to the marble panelling adorning its walls, this incredible structure features an elegant blend of Ottoman and European architectural styles.

We then make our way to Cairo's famous 14th century Khan el Khalili Bazaar. Swarming with local artisans and vibrant vendors, we'll enjoy a brief coffee stop to soak up the atmosphere. After our visit, we'll indulge in a late lunch to try a popular local dish called Koshary, considered Egypt's national dish and a beloved street food.

Departing the wonders of Cairo, we continue on to Wadi el Natroun, a once important location for Egypt's ancient inhabitants. An area rich in sodium salts and carbonates, the natural elements found here were utilised during the mummification process.

In the evening, we will arrive in the beautiful city of Alexandria on Egypt's north coast. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, the port city was founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great. It is the second largest city in Egypt and is best known for the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Waking in the sea-brushed city of Alexandria, we'll set off early to discover some of its highlights on a half day tour.

First, we'll take a visit to the Graeco-Roman Museum, home to an array of artifacts from the Greco-Roman era that provide a fascinating glimpse into the civilisation of ancient Egypt.

We'll then see the Pompey's Pillar and Catacombs of Kom el Shogafa, an ancient burial site carved out of bedrock that stretches over three levels underneath the city. We'll also enjoy a tour of the Bibliotheca, a major cultural centre home to a wonderful collection of museums and a spectacular reading room designed to house eight million books.

Our last stop is for a photo at the Citadel of Qaitbay, a spectacular 15th century fortress overlooking the Mediterranean. The defensive structure features high, limestone walls and several towers that have protected Alexandria during a number of infamous sieges over its history.

Concluding our tour, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Why not explore more of the fascinating museums around the city or take a stroll along the harbour for picturesque views of the coast?

Enjoy a leisurely start today, with some free time before boarding the coach to our next destination.

Our drive takes us westward through the winding dunes along the Mediterranean coast, following the historic path of Field Marshal Montgomery to El Alamein. This coastal town is steeped in history and was once the site of two pivotal battles between British and Axis forces during World War II. These battles became a crucial turning point in World War II's North African campaign, with the Allied forces then able to invade Italy.

Special Experience: Visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery and Military Museum associated with the Battle of El Alamein. Venturing to the Commonwealth War Cemetery, we'll explore the poignant memorial that encompasses 7,367 tombs of soldiers laid to rest from all over Britain, New Zealand, Australia, France, India and Malta. We'll also stop to visit the El Alamein Military Museum, made up of five main halls representing the countries that participated in the battle. Here, we'll take a moment to view the unique, and incredibly moving, paintings depicting scenes from the war.

We'll then head back to bustling Cairo, where the evening is at leisure.

It's an early start this morning, as we say goodbye to the Egyptian capital and fly to Luxor in Upper Egypt. Located on the east bank of the Nile River, the city surrounds two huge, surviving ancient monuments.

Upon arrival, we'll begin sightseeing with a visit to the fascinating Karnak Temple, dedicated to the Pharaoh Amun. Approximately 30 pharaohs contributed to the temple's structure over time, which explains its monumental size! This extraordinary complex covers more than 2 square-kilometres, and it was built, restored, and decorated over a 1,500 year time period. Constructed as a cult temple, the site was dedicated to the ancient Egyptian Theban Triad: the deities Amun, Mut and Khonsu.

We'll then visit Luxor Temple, connected to Karnak Temple by a 3-kilometre-long Avenue of Sphinxes. Luxor Temple is also home to a 25-metre-tall pink granite obelisk, which was part of a matching pair until the 1830s when one was given to France. It now stands in the centre of the Place de la Concorde in Paris. We'll also visit a local gallery to appreciate the ancient artform of papyrus craft, with an opportunity to purchase the artwork to take home.

Enjoy in the passing views of the agricultural landscape this morning as we journey to one of the best-preserved temple complexes of ancient Egypt.

Special Experience: Take a half-day tour to Dendera Temple complex and see one of the best-preserved temples and most important sites of ancient Egypt, the Temple of Hathor (the goddess of pleasure and love).

Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride over the West Bank in the early morning. Includes transport from hotel. 1.5 hours – from $170pp US. Cash only.

Optional Excursion: Sound & Light Show at Karnak Temple at night. 1.5 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.

This morning, we discover the sights of Luxor on a half day tour. Our first destination is the spectacular Valley of the Kings. Serving as a royal burial chamber for around 500 years, it is home to legendary kings and queens, their families, and their possessions for the afterlife. Here we'll explore tombs carved deep into the limestone rock, where each tomb has a similar pattern of three corridors, an antechamber and a sarcophagus chamber.

Special Experience: Descend underground into Tutankhamun's Tomb, adorned with intricate corridors, and well-preserved hieroglyphic paintings.

Optional Excursion: Luxor Museum – Discover one of Egypt's best museums, boasting some of the country's best-preserved artefacts. The Luxor Museum is home to an abundance of ancient antiquities from the Theban region, featuring statues, pottery, jewellery and well-preserved mummies. 1.5 hours – from $60pp US. Cash only.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Waking to the sights and sounds of life along the river, enjoy a free morning on the riverboat to relax or soak up the surrounding scenery. Flanked by both lush greenery and arid landscapes, spending the next few days on the water offers us a fascinating perspective of Egypt's unique natural environment.

We'll then spend the afternoon cruising along the Nile as we set sail for the city of Edfu. Kick back and unwind as we take in the passing views, enjoying a different perspective of the temples and tombs that line the riverbank. As we glide through the water, we'll also enjoy a glimpse into the daily lives of the Nubian villages that reside on the river's edge.

Continuing our river journey south, we pass through the Esna lock - this crucial piece of infrastructure is designed to manage the Nile's flow and allows vessels to bypass the Esna Barrage, a dam that regulates water for irrigation purposes. Constructed in the 20th century, the lock ensures continuous river navigation despite varying water levels and seasonal changes.

In the evening, we'll arrive in the port of Edfu where we'll dock for the night.

Optional Excursion: Deir El Medina & Medinet Habu – Visit one of the most well-preserved ancient settlements in Egypt and the Mortuary Temple of Ramses ll. 3 hours – minimum 4 participants required – from $105pp US, including Nobles Tombs; from $160pp US, including Nefertari's Tomb (subject to open times). Cash Only

Located on the west bank of the Nile River between Esna and Aswan, you will find the small city of Edfu. This Egyptian city has a population of approximately sixty thousand people. It is famous for the Temple of Horus, dedicated to the Falcon God, the main attraction which we'll visit this morning by bus transfer. This beautiful sandstone temple is one of the best-preserved in Egypt and the second largest after Karnak Temple. Towering at 36m high, it is one of the few ancient buildings with its roof still intact.

We'll then cruise to the riverside Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus. The temple is unusual in nature as it is in fact a ‘double' temple, meaning that the complex honours two gods, and remnants of Sobek's crocodiles and Horus' falcons can be seen throughout their respective sides. Resting on a bend overlooking the Nile, the structure is perfectly symmetrical along its main, central axis.

Departing Kom Ombo in the early evening, we continue on to Aswan. Tonight, we'll have the opportunity to experience a traditional (and fun!) Galabeya party on board, dressing in festive garments, and enjoying music and dancing.

Although it's an early start this morning, we'll be rewarded with one of the most famous sights in Egypt, as we cross the expansive desert to Abu Simbel. Our destination is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed twin temples of Abu Simbel, carved into a sandstone cliff in the Nubian desert.

The temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC, as a monument to himself and his queen, Nefertari. The Great Temple of King Rameses II dominates the site with its four, 20-metre-tall, seated statues of the king. Renowned as ruling during one of the most prosperous and powerful eras in ancient Egyptian history, the walls of the main halls are decorated with scenes of Rameses II's military campaigns. We will spend a few hours exploring the temples before returning to our Nile cruise ship.

In the afternoon, we'll relax on board a traditional felucca sailboat, a small wooden boat that has sailed the Nile for centuries. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere, observing life along the banks of the river as our boat takes advantage of the gentle winds and currents.

Optional Excursion: Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple at night. 1.5 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.

Today, we disembark the Nile cruise ship and bid farewell to the amazing crew. Our day will then be spent exploring the incredible sights of Aswan.

Our first stop is the enchanting Philae Temple, a temple that was relocated to Agilkia Island to save it from rising waters during the High Dam's construction. Dedicated to Isis, the goddess of magic, the complex is a seamless blend of ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman architectural styles. Here, we'll marvel at the majestic colonnades and intricate reliefs.

Special Experience: Explore the fascinating Nubian Museum, before navigating the waterways of the Nile to a Nubian village, visiting the local market and a Nubian family in their home. Dotted along the Nile River, you'll find traditional Nubian villages that feature bright and colourful mud-brick homes. Known for their rich history and traditions, Nubian history can be traced back thousands of years. Renowned for their unique language, vibrant music and colourful crafts, preserving a distinctive cultural identity, we'll experience the atmosphere of a local market before being welcomed into the home of a Nubian family.

Later, we'll return to our hotel where the evening is at leisure.

After breakfast this morning, we'll transfer to Aswan airport for our flight back to Cairo.

On arrival, we'll enjoy some free time in the city for lunch before boarding the coach for a drive out to the Pyramids of Dashkur. This ancient necropolis was used as funerary grounds beginning in the time of the Fourth Dynasty, where King Senefru built two of his three pyramids: the ‘Bent' pyramid, named for the angle of the sides, and the ‘Red Pyramid', named for the red limestone used in its construction.

We then journey to the incredible Step Pyramid of Sakkara, also known as the Pyramid of Djoser. Believed to have been designed by the famous vizier of King Zoser, Imhotep, the pyramid is made up of six structures stacked on top of each other, forming its distinctive ‘stepped' appearance. Considered the world's earliest stone monument, the complex is revered as one of Egypt's most significant structures due to the construction method serving as inspiration for later architectural accomplishments.

This evening, we'll check into our hotel before farewelling the spectacular sights of Egypt over a flavourful dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Today marks the completion of our Egyptian adventure as we depart Cairo and begin our journey home. We hope you carry the magic of vibrant bazaars and ancient mysteries with you for years to come!