The Amazing Ancient Egyptians (8 Days)

The Pyramids of Giza, the ultimate act of devotion

Today we start with perhaps the greatest monuments to Egyptian faith, ingenuity and achievement of any civilisation – the pyramids of Giza.

The pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure were the builders of the Giza Pyramids which have stood for over 4500 years.  They are a  testament to ancient Egyptians’ engineering skills and also to their grandfather, Sneferu .   Sneferu had built 3 pyramids in his lifetime and without him, the Giza Pyramids would not have been built.  But many mysteries remain.

Similarly, the Sphinx has many mysteries as their are no inscriptions which identify the builder and its purpose.   It’s an amazing edifice which we know little about.

And then we visit Memphis which was once the capital of ancient Egypt and also the burial ground of the earliest rulers of Egypt.   Few of the physical structures remain but the Ramses 11 statues remains at the site.

Saqqara – The Saqqara area is the most researched archaeological site in Egypt with recent excavations uncovering new tombs previously unknown.

The Stepped Pyramid was the first stone building in all of history and the tallest construction in the world up until the mid 19th century.  Beneath it are 4 miles of tunnels and over 400 chambers.

Transfer and overnight – the second of 3 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel. B L included – Dinner at Own Expense.

The history of Egypt is presented in themes, with the bottom floor built like a pharaoh’s tomb, whilst the upper floors cover more recent periods. There are over 20 mummies in the museum, each with a history of their times and achievements.

NMEC presents the innovation of the ancient Egyptians and their contribution to mathematics, engineering, astronomy, and many other disciplines.

A World Class Museum Dedicated to Egyptian History

Since its opening in 2017, NMEC has gained an international reputation for excellence. It presents the richness, brilliance, and innovation of Egyptian society through the ages. Its themes include the Dawn of Civilization, The Nile, Writing, State and Society, Material Culture, Beliefs and Thinking, and the Gallery of Royal Mummies. For travellers to Egypt, it provides deep insight into the amazing society the Egyptians built from prehistoric days to the present. The Museum is in Al Fustat, an area at the heart of Egyptian history. The Museum houses 50,000 artefacts and the ancient natural lake of Ain El-Sira.

Old Cairo

Old Cairo is a historic area in Cairo, which includes the Christian settlement of Coptic Cairo, and the Muslim-era settlements pre-dating the founding of Cairo proper in 969 AD. It is part of what is referred to as Historic Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cairo is  one of the world’s oldest Islamic cities, with famous mosques, madrasas, hammams and fountains”.   

The Muhammed Ali Mosque: This mosque with its animated silhouette and twin minarets, is the most visible mosque in Cairo.

Coptic Cairo

This experience will amaze you. Imagine, Moses was found in the reeds, at a site you will visit today, and Mary, Joseph, and Jesus took refuge at the site, of Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, making this a very special experience indeed.

The area includes a walled enclave on the site of the partly preserved Babylon Fortress with the ancient fortress’s walls, towers, and gate still visible.

The area has a high concentration of historic Christian churches, such as the Hanging Church, the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, the Church of Santa Barbara, and other Christian buildings.

Evidence suggests that the Holy Family visited the area during their escape into Egypt as they sought refuge from Herod.

Transfer and overnight – the third of 3 nights at the Cairo Marriott (Nile River) 5 Star Hotel. B L included – Dinner at Own Expense.

Breakfast at the hotel – transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan.

Aswan Dam and Elephantine Island: The dam is the world’s largest embankment barrier. Today, you will embark on a 1-hour sail on a traditional Egyptian craft called a felucca providing a scenic  water view before your excursion to the Philae temple complex

 Philae Temple Complex: According to the legend, Philae is the place where Isis found the heart of Osiris and buried it on the Island.

Transfer to your cruise vessel and overnight – the first of 3 nights. B L D Included

Abu Simbel: The pharaoh Ramses II built this temple in 1200 BC. It was relocated to its current site when the Aswan Dam was built.

Temple Kombo Ombo: Located on the banks of the Nile in a village of the same name, KomboOmbo is unique in Egypt as a double temple. Transfer to your cruise vessel and overnight –  the second of 3 nights.

B L D Include

The Great Temples of Karnak and Luxor   are an ancient Egyptian temple precinct located on the east bank of the Nile River. It is an extraordinary complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons, and obelisks dedicated to the pharaohs. Transfer to your cruise vessel and overnight- the third and last night on the cruise vessel.

B L D Included

Your Guide Will Get You Up-close to The Wildlife

The Valley of the Kings: The Valley is where rock-cut tombs were excavated for the pharaohs. The Valley of the Workers: This is an ancient workmen’s village that was home to the artisans who worked on the tombs.

The Temple of Hatshbsut: Queen Hatshepsut’s temple was built to tell Hatshepsut’s life story and to assert her power.

B L included – Dinner at Own Expense Transfers and Flights: You will transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo and overnight at the Cairo Marriott Hotel – 5 stars

Breakfast in the Hotel and Checkout: Checkout times can be discussed with the hotel but are typically between 11 am and noon. Depending on your departure time, you may have an opportunity to relax or enjoy a shopping experience at the Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

Transfers and Flights: You will transfer to Cairo International Airport for your ongoing journey. End of Tour