Egypt History & Heritage

Cairo city pic

Welcome to the land of pharoahs & the world’s most historic destination, Egypt.

You’ll be met by our airport representative who will help you through airport procedures, and be transferred to your hotel for the evening. Free time for the remainder of the day.

Overnight Cairo hotel: Standard, Premium, Luxury or Ultra Luxury options

Meals: Own arrangement

Activities

• Pyramids of Giza& Great Sphinx

• Grand Egyptian Museum

• Khan El Khalili Market

Pyramids of Giza

pyramids pic

After breakfast start your guided tour to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the world, the Great Pyramids of Giza. A single pyramid is built with 2,300,000 blocks, each weighing an average of two and a half tones. One cannot help but feel the wonder and awe.

Next, visit the Great Sphinx. Carved over 4,500 years ago, this mythical creature has the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, and stands tall guarding the Giza Plateau in Egypt.

Grand Egyptian Museum

GEM

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located just outside Cairo near the Giza Pyramids, is the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization. 

The GEM is already making waves for its striking modern design and the scale of its collection—over 100,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts, many of which have never been displayed before.

 Its crown jewel is the complete collection of treasures from King Tutankhamun’s tomb, displayed together for the first time in one place.

Overnight Cairo hotel

Meals: Breakfast

ACTIVITIES

• Catacombs

• Roman Theatre

• Qaitbay Fortress

Today we make our way toward the Mediterranean coast and Egypt’s second lagest city, Alexandria. The drive is approx 3.5 hours each way.

Catacombs

catacombs

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a historical archaeological marvel and one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, is a journey into the heart of ancient Alexandria. Known as the 'Hill of Treasure,' this sprawling necropolis and royal cemetery, dating back to the 2nd century AD.

Roman Theatre

roman

Discover a remarkable archaeological treasure in Alexandria: a 4th-century AD Roman theatre that served as a dynamic hub for ancient public life. Far more than a mere performance venue, this architectural marvel hosted a diverse array of events, from musical performances and wrestling matches to crucial city council meetings.

Qaitbay

Qaitbay

The Citadel of Qaitbay stands as a formidable testament to Egypt's enduring maritime history and defensive ingenuity. 

This iconic 15th-century fortress, built between 1477 and 1479 AD by the Mamluk Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qaitbay, occupies the very site of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria. . Its construction was a strategic response to the growing threat of the Ottoman Empire, aiming to fortify Alexandria's crucial port and coastline.

From we make our way back to Cairo. Approx 3.5 hrs.

Overnight Cairo

Meals: Breakfast

ACTIVITIES

• Coptic Cairo

• Citadel of Saladin

• Moez Street

• Khan El Khalili Market

Coptic Cairo

coptic

Coptic Cairo is a neighborhood brimming with rich history and remarkable heritage.

Also known as “Old Cairo”, this historic enclave offers a glimpse into Egypt's Christian heritage. This charming district is home to ancient churches, monasteries, and winding alleys steeped in history. 

Highlights include the Hanging Church, a 7th-century masterpiece suspended above a Roman fortress, and the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, believed to shelter the Holy Family during the time of fleeing to Egypt.

Citadel of Saladin

citadel

Constructed by Salah al-Din on the Moqattam Hills in 1183 AD as a defence against Crusader armies, the Cairo Citadel—also commonly known as the Citadel of Saladin or Citadel of Salah al-Din—stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This vast fortified complex served as the seat of power for centuries, shaping much of Egypt’s medieval and Ottoman history.

Today, the Citadel is a beautifully preserved historic site, home to an impressive collection of mosques and museums, including the striking Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, with its grand domes and Ottoman-style architecture.

Moez Street

moez

Moez Street in Cairo is a historic street that showcases Egypt's rich Islamic heritage. Located in the heart of Old Cairo, it’s lined with beautifully preserved mosques, madrasas, and palaces from the Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman eras. The vibrant street offers a glimpse into medieval Cairo with its intricate architecture, bustling markets, and traditional crafts.

Khan El Khalili Market

Khan

Nestled within the vibrant streets of the historic Islamic Cairo district lies an enchanting world of colors, scents, and cultural treasures. 

The Khan el-Khalili Bazaar is a bustling, vibrant market that has been around for centuries. Famous for its gold souks, visitors can shop for unique pieces and souvenirs through its whimsical laneways. Bartering is expected here, but we’ll happily help you negotiate a fair price if you prefer.

Overnight Cairo

Meals : Breakfast

ACTIVITIES

• Tunis Illage & Pottery School

• Qaran Lake

• Wadi El rayan Waterfall

• Valley of the Whales

Tunis Village & Pottery School

tunis pottery

• Cultural Significance: Tunis Village is famous for its vibrant art scene, especially pottery. It became a hub for Egyptian pottery thanks to the Swiss potter Evelyne Porret, who established a pottery school here in the 1980s.

1. Wadi El Rayan – Visit the Waterfall

al fayoum wadi el rayan waterfall

• Wadi El Rayan is a nature reserve famous for its stunning waterfalls, the only waterfalls in Egypt. It's a beautiful area with two main lakes connected by cascading water. The sight of the waterfalls amid the desert landscape makes it a popular spot for photography, nature walks, and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy the serene surroundings, go bird-watching, or take a boat ride on the lakes.

Modawara Mountain – Photography

al fayoum modawara

• Modawara Mountain is a small but picturesque mountain located near Wadi El Rayan. Its unique shape and surrounding landscape make it a favorite for photographers, especially during sunrise or sunset. The golden desert sands, distant lakes, and rugged terrain provide an ideal backdrop for scenic photos. Hiking to the top offers panoramic views of the area, including the lakes and sand dunes.

Wadi El Hitan – Visit the Fossil Site & Museum

whale valley

• Wadi El Hitan (Valley of the Whales) is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich fossil beds, showcasing early forms of whales that lived over 40 million years ago. The fossils reveal the evolution of whales from land-based animals to sea creatures. The Wadi El Hitan Fossil and Climate Change Museum provides additional insight into the significance of these fossils and the environmental history of the region. The site is well-preserved, with marked walking paths that guide visitors through the fossils in their natural setting.

• food while taking in the tranquil desert atmosphere.

Transfer back to Cairo late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Activities

• Philae Temple

• Nubian Village

• Felucca Sail

• Nile Cruise

Nile cruise

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your 70 minute flight to Aswan – the “jewel of the Nile.”

Be met & assisted upon arrival at Aswan airport.

Start your day’s activities before checking into to your Nile Cruise for the next 3 nights.

You cruise includes all meals plus nightly entertainment. Expect Nile views from your private cabin, a lounge, bar and sundeck with pool.

We offer Standard, Premuim and Luxury cruise options.

Philae Temple

Aswan

Jump aboard a motor boat for the short journey to Philae Temple on the island of Agilkia. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple is a testament to Egypt's rich cultural heritage. You’ll hear stories from your Egyptologist guide amidst stunning columns and intricate hieroglyphics that adorn the walls throughout. Rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, the temple was moved to its present location, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Nubian Village

nubian

Discover the colourful Nubian Villages nestled along the banks and at the base of Elephantine Island, where centuries-old traditions are still part of everyday life.

Wander through narrow alleyways lined with vividly painted homes and get a genuine glimpse into the simple, natural rhythm of Nubian life. You’ll be welcomed into a local Nubian family home, offering a warm insight into their customs, hospitality, and way of living.

Felucca Sailing

felucca

Felucca Sailing: There is no better way to embrace the beauty of the Nile River than on a traditional wooden sailing boat known as a felucca. Sit back and take in the tranquil surroundings as you gentle glide through the water. 

Overnight Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities

• Abu Simbel (OPTIONAL TOUR)

• Kom Ombo Temple

Abu Simbel - optional tour

Abu simebl

Why not join an unforgettable private tour of Abu Simbel, a famous UNESCO World Heritage site. It is renowned for its colossal rock-cut temples and built by Ramses II. These iconic structures stand as a testament to ancient Egyptian civilization, attracting visitors worldwide with their impressive architecture and rich historical significance. The two colossal temples greeting visitors are dedicated to Pharaoh himself and his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari.

Tour note: this activitiy departs extra eary (approx 4.30 to 5am) to cater to the cruise sailing schedule)

Kom Ombo Temple

kom ombo

Kom Ombo Templeis a unique ancient Egyptian 'double temple' . It features a symmetrical design, with two parallel sanctuaries and halls dedicated to two distinct deities: the falcon-headed god Horus the Elder and the crocodile god Sobek. The temple's architecture includes detailed reliefs depicting daily life, religious rituals, and a notable ancient medical calendar. 

Adjacent to the temple is the Crocodile Museum, which exhibits a collection of mummified crocodiles discovered in the area. These artifacts offer direct insight into ancient Egyptian beliefs and practices concerning the veneration of crocodiles.

Overnight Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities

• Edfu Temple

• Karnak Temple

• Luxor Temple

Continue sailing today via Esna Lock to the city of Luxor.

Edfu Temple

edfu

The Edfu Temple, located in southern Egypt, is a stunning example of the well-preserved ancient Egyptian architecture. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this temple boasts intricate carvings and towering columns.

Continue north towards Luxor, passing through the engineering marvel of Esna Lock. As the boat enters the lock, the gates will be closed, allowing the water level in the lock to adjust to match the level of the river downstream. Once the water level is equalized, the boat can pass through and continue its journey down the river. Be sure to make your way up on the roof deck to capture the moment.

Karnak Temple

Karnak pic

On arrival into Luxor, you will be transferred to Karnak Temple. Built over more than a thousand years by generations of Pharaohs. the great “Hypostyle Hall” is an incredible forest of giant pillars, covering an area larger than the whole of Notre Dame Cathedral. One of Egypt’s more prized attractions, Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons and obelisks. Simply put, everything here is on a gigantic scale.

Luxor Temple by dusk

Luxor dusk

Reigning supreme as one of Egypt's most extraordinary archaeological gems. the temple was built over 3,000 years ago. Marvel at the soaring columns and colossal statues, adorned with intricate hieroglyphics and reliefs depicting scenes from ancient Egyptian mythology and history

Overnight Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Attractions:

• Valley of the Kings

• Hatshepsut Temple

• Colossi of Memnon

Valley of the Kings

Valley of the kings

This morning you will disembark your cruise ship and make your way to one of Egypt’s most prized attractions, Valley of the Kings. Located on the west bank of the Nile River in Egypt, this ancient burial ground served as the final resting place for pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom era. Spanning over 500 years, from the 16th to the 11th century BCE, it contains around 63 tombs, including Tutankhamun's famous tomb. These tombs were carved into the rock and adorned with intricate paintings and hieroglyphics. Discovered in the 18th century, the Valley of the Kings remains a significant archaeological site, giving us valuable insights into the ancient Egyptian burial customs and beliefs.

Hatshepsut Temple

Hatshepsut pic

Hatshepsut Temple is quite like nothing else among Egypt’s famous temples. Built during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut in the 15th century BC and dedicated to the sun god, Amun-Ra, the temple’s backdrop of towering cliffs makes for an impressive sight. 

Queen Hatshepsut was a unique and trailblazing figure in ancient Egypt. As a female ruler, she defied societal norms and broke through the gender barrier, ascending to the throne and ruling Egypt effectively for over two decades. Her reign symbolized female empowerment and challenged traditional gender roles, setting an inspiring precedent for future generations of female leaders.

Colossi of Memnon

colossi

Finish with a photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon, Two colossal statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III in Luxor, guarding his ancient mortuary temple

You will now be transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight Cairo hotel

Meals: Breakfast

This morning after breakfast you’ll say a final farewell to Egypt. You will be transferred to the Cairo International airport for your flight out.

Ask us about extending your trip with a stay on the Red Sea.

Meals : breakfast