Overview
Explore the vibrant culture and ancient history of Egypt.
Spectacular ancient monuments, vast desert and golden beaches make Egypt an
exciting destination for all. We begin our adventure in exciting Cairo
visiting the world-famous Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx; even the smallest
children will be amazed at these magnificent wonders of the ancient world!
Catching the overnight sleeper train to Aswan, we experience vibrant Nubian
culture and bustling bazaars before drifting along the Nile on a traditional
felucca. Downstream in Luxor, we explore the hidden tombs of the Pharaohs in
the Valley of the Kings. We round off our holiday at the beach resort of
Hurghada, where we venture beneath the waves to discover the brightly
coloured fish and corals of the Red Sea.
Highlights
* The Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza
* Snorkelling and a submarine ride in the Red Sea
* Sail the Nile in a Felucca
* Explore the Valley of the Kings
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Cairo.
The group flight usually arrives in Cairo this evening. The welcome briefing
will either take place this evening or tomorrow morning. Our family friendly
hotel is close to the pyramids, meaning that thereis less distance to cover
for the sightseeing the next day.
*Pyramids Park Resort Hotel or similar*
Day 2
Morning at the Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza; optional visit to the
Egyptian Museum.
Today you’ll enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of two of the city’s most
celebrated sights. At Giza, to the west of the city, the enigmatic Sphinx and
Great Pyramids stand on the edge of the emptydesert overlooking the city,
providing a great contrast between the ancient and the modern faces of Egypt.
More than 4000 years old, the pyramids are the only one of the Seven Wonders
of the Ancient World that remain intact – a testimony to the ingenuity and
skill of their builders. The afternoon is free to relax at our hotel, explore
Cairo, join an optional excursion to Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur or visit
the famed Egyptian Museum home to the worlds largest collection of
ancient Egyptian artefacts including the incredible golden riches of
Tutankhamuns tomb.
*Pyramids Park Resort Hotel or similar*
Day 3
Afternoon Cairo tour; board sleeper train in the evening.
After a leisurely start to the day we will transfer to Al Azhar mosque which
dates back to AD970 and is Cairos oldest. The mosque is still frequently
visited by locals to this day and we will need to cover up (long sleeves and
trousers) to enter – as when entering all mosques. Women will also need to
cover their hair with a scarf. We then have time for lunch and an explore of
Al Azhar Park before moving on to the historic centre of Islamic Cairo for a
walk around the bazaars of Khan el-Khalili. This evening we transfer to the
railway station and board our sleeper train to Aswan (which takes
approximately 12 hours).
*Sleeper train*
Day 4
Arrive Aswan; afternoon felucca ride.
We arrive in Aswan during the morning. To travellers in ancient times, the
town was legendary as the entrance to the kingdom of Nubia. Today it’s still
something of a frontier town. With its mixed population of Egyptians and
Nubians, Aswan is quite unlike any other town in the country, and a
fascinating place to visit. By virtue of its position on the old caravan
route, it has always beena trading centre and we thoroughly recommend a
visit to the packed bazaar today where merchants display a wealth of exotic
spices, carpets, leather goods and countless other wares. There will be time
to relax after the train journey or visit a nearby Nubian village before we
board a traditional felucca in the afternoon and explore the Nile. Along the
way we will have a glimpse of rural life along this fertile valley and the
golden dunes beyond.
*Basma Hotel or similar*
Day 5
Aswan Dam and Philae Temple; transfer to Luxor.
We begin today with a visit to the Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam. In the
1970s the temple was relocated by UNESCO to Aglika Island after it became
evident that the original site of Philae would submerge on completion of the
dam. This morning represents a magnificent and enduring testament to both
ancient and modern engineering. After lunch we drive north, following the
path of the Nile to Luxor (approx. 4 hours). Known in ancient times as
Thebes, Luxor was the capital of Egypt’s New Kingdom for some 500 years. Upon
arrival there may be some time to see some of the town before dinner.
*Iberotel Luxor or similar*
Day 6
Explore the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon; evening light show
at Karnak Temple.
Rising early, we cross the Nile and drive to the secluded valley where 63
Pharaohs were buried as part of their journey to the afterlife. We have time
to explore some of the exquisitely decorated tombs of these ancient rulers.
It is here that the burial site of the boy-king, Tutankhamun, discovered by
British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922, can be found. Afterwards we
visit the massive stone statues of the Colossi of Memnon and stop by the
A.C.E animal hospital to learn about the efforts taken to improve animal
welfare in Egypt. Later this evening we visit Karnak Temple for a sound and
light show which recounts the dramatic history of ancient Thebes in an
extravagant and fun way.
*Iberotel Luxor or similar*
Day 7
Transfer to Hurghada; submarine ride and snorkelling in Red Sea.
This morning we leave behind the green Nile valley and drive through the
barren Eastern Desert to the Red Sea (approx. 4 hours). Our destination is
Hurghada, a vibrant beach resort ideally located for activities out at sea
and in the nearby desert. After lunch we board a semi-submersible vessel in
the style of a yellow submarine and explore the coral wonderland beneath the
surface of the Red Sea. There will also be time for some snorkelling before
returning to dry land.
*Minamark Beach Resortor similar*
Day 8
Free day at the Red Sea or for optional activities in the Sahara Desert.
Today is free to relax or enjoy the many optional activities in the area (see
the Optional Activities section of the trip notes for details of what is
available).
*Minamark Beach Resortor similar*
Day 9
Fly to London via Cairo.
Our trip ends today. Those on the group flights will be taken to airport for
the flight to London.
