Egypt Family Holiday

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Cairo, an intriguing mix of the modern and ancient. Your family adventure begins at a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight at your hotel. With the formalities out of the way, head out for a meal with your leader and fellow travellers and get to know each other over some local fare. For those who arrive early and have free time there are plenty of things to see and do. You can head out to explore the markets or, if the hustle and bustle of the city is too much, catch the metro into the oldest part of the city, the Coptic Christian sector. The latter is a haven of peace and quiet, with narrow cobbled streets and beautiful old churches. (D)

Explore the amazing Pyramids of Giza which have stood tall for 4500 years, including the enigmatic Great Sphinx. Afterwards, head to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's great collections of antiquities. Wander the treasure-filled halls of the museum and be sure to check out the Mummies Hall (optional) for a close encounter with some of the country’s most important queens and pharaohs. You'll have plenty of time to explore the sites today (approximately 3 hours for the pyramids and 3 hours for the museum). In the evening you will transfer to Giza Railway Station and board an overnight train to the southern city of Luxor (approximately 13 hours). (B/D)

Upon arrival in Luxor we head over to the Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious building in the world. Building began over 4000 years ago, and construction continued gradually until around BC 30. Enjoy a guided tour of this vast system of pylons, obelisks and chapels including the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun. History truly comes alive here, especially with a local guide who is passionate about the stories and legends that shaped it. After a few hours exploring this site, you’ll likely be ready for an afternoon of relaxation at the hotel. (B)

Embrace another early morning, cross the Nile and drive to the secluded Valley of the Kings. Sixty-three pharaohs were buried here as part of their journey to the afterlife. In the company of a local guide you will spend a few hours exploring some of the exquisitely decorated tombs. It is here that the burial site of the boy-king, Tutankhamun, was re-discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. If you'd like to organise a visit to King Tut's tomb today, this can be arranged with advance notice – ask your leader for details at the beginning of your trip. After some lunch in Luxor we hit the road to Aswan (4 hours). (B/L)

Today is free for you to explore Aswan, or the surrounding area, at your family’s preferred pace. You might want to visit the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, located near the Sudan border. These two temples – one for Ramses II and another he dedicated to his wife Queen Nefertari – were cut into the cliff face in the 13th century and remain impressive in their scope and detail.

If you would prefer to stay in Aswan and get a taste of contemporary Egypt there is plenty to do. The relaxed atmosphere makes Aswan a great city to wander and watch the boats cruise the Nile, plus there’s always the hotel pool nearby where you and the kids can cool off. This evening we head to the bazaar to wander around before a group dinner. (B/D)

This morning travel by water taxi to the Temple of Isis from Philae. Dedicated to the multifaceted Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom, this structure was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile in the 1960s and relocated to its current location on Agilkia Island. It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings which one of the real gems of upper Egypt. Your afternoon is free, so why not cool off with a swim in the pool. In the early evening, travel across the river to a Nubian village, where you will enjoy dinner with a local family. This is a great way to immerse your family in a different culture and learn about another way of life. (B/D)

Rise and shine for a sunrise felucca ride along the Nile. Any residual grumpiness from being up so early is bound to fade away when you see the sunlight reflecting off the Saharan sand dunes. Enjoy breakfast on board, then return to your hotel for some free time. The flight for Cairo leaves in the mid-afternoon and you should arrive before night falls. After you’ve settled into your hotel, perhaps head out for an optional dinner with your fellow family travellers. (B)

You family adventure through Egypt comes to an end after breakfast this morning. (B)