Ancient Egypt

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

Egypt can boast a cultural legacy that is amongst the oldest and most fascinating on earth. Its iconic monuments were built by a civilisation whose influence still reverberates across some 5,000 years of history, from a time when Ancient Egypt was one of the most powerful kingdoms in the known world. This comprehensive journey takes you into the heart of this incredible country, following the Nile Valley as it snakes its way into Upper Egypt, across a landscape scattered with the iconic remains ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 ARRIVE CAIRO

Day 1 ARRIVE CAIRO

Arrive in Cairo, where you will be met at the airport by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Cairo has been the heart of Egypt for more than 1000 years and it offers a unique chance to see the medieval and the modern world come together in a mixture of mud-brick houses, towering modern office buildings, minarets and palm trees. Within Cairo lies 5000 years of culture, from the pyramids of the pharaohs, to the early Christian churches and the mosques of the Ottoman sultans.

Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa

Day 2 CAIRO

Day 2 CAIRO

Today you will have the opportunity to see the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids of Giza. View the three pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus from a panoramic view point before driving down to the great pyramids, where you may like to go inside one of the tombs. From here you have the option of walking down to the solar boat museum before heading onto the Sphinx. In the afternoon, visit the oldest pyramids in the world at Saqqara, built at the beginning of the third dynasty, around 2625 BC, and was intended as a funerary complex for King Djoser.

Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa
Breakfast

Day 3 CAIRO

Day 3 CAIRO

Today explore downtown Cairo. Firstly, visit the Egyptian Museum, home to many of the greatest treasures of antiquity including finds from the tomb of Tutankhamen, before discovering the Old Islamic District. Visit the main Citadel (Al-Qalaa), home to Egypt's rulers for almost 700 years, and see the 19th century Mosque of Mohammed Ali. Next, explore the medieval bazaar of Khan al-Khalili, built in 1382, the bazaar is the world's oldest. Artefacts of gold, silver, glass, wood, and paper of the highest quality are manufactured in the tiny, hidden workshops.

Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa
Breakfast

Day 4 CAIRO - MINYA

Day 4 CAIRO - MINYA

This morning drive south to Minya, a modern provincial town on the west bank of the Nile. Dubbed by the locals "the Bride of Upper Egypt", Minya occupied a strategic location as a vital link between the Upper and Lower kingdom. Close to the town lies the ancient necropolis of Beni Hassan, a collection of 39 rock-cut tombs that can date their origins back to around 1800-2100 BC. Your visit will be followed by a chance to explore the local bazaar and stop to enjoy some refreshments at a local tea shop.

Siva Nefertiti Hotel
Breakfast

Day 5 MINYA - AMARNA - ASSIUT

Day 5 MINYA - AMARNA - ASSIUT

Today provides a chance to visit some of the area's main historical sites including the palm groves of Hermopolis, which shelter the ruins of a 5th century Christian basilica. Moving on from here, you'll then visit the ancient capital of Amarna, built by Akhenaten, one of Egypt's most infamous pharaohs. Spread across an expansive plateau on the eastern side of the river, this once great city was home to temples, palaces and tombs that were abandoned on the death of their creator.

University Guest House
Breakfast

Day 6 ASSIUT - ABYDOS - DENDERA - LUXOR

Day 6 ASSIUT - ABYDOS - DENDERA - LUXOR

A visit to the Temple of Abydos this morning provides a chance to view one of the most sacred settings in ancient Egypt. One of the oldest cities in the country, it was here that the head of the god, Osiris was believed to have been buried. Continuing on to the Ptolemaic temple of Dendera, you'll then end the day amongst the treasures of Luxor, considered by many to be one of the world's greatest open-air museums.

Pavillon Winter Hotel
Breakfast

Day 7 LUXOR

Day 7 LUXOR

This morning your guide will take you to the largest temple complex in Luxor; the magnificent Temple of Karnak dedicated to the Sun God, Amun-Ra. The Hypostyle Hall is considered to be one of the world's greatest architectural masterpieces. Construction began during Ramesses I's reign. The work continued under Seti I (1306 - 1290 BC) and was completed by Seti's son, Ramesses II. There is also time to visit Luxor Temple with your local guide. The afternoon is left free to explore Luxor town and its vibrant souk.

Pavillon Winter Hotel
Breakfast

Day 8 LUXOR

Day 8 LUXOR

Early this morning depart with your local guide and driver to the City of the Dead on the west bank of the Nile with your first stop at the Valley of the Kings, an isolated gorge in Western Thebes that lay below a natural pyramid-shaped mountain peak. Then drive to the Temple of Hatshepsut, in its stunning setting at the foot of a sheer limestone cliff, dedicated to one of the longest reigning female pharaohs. Before returning to the east bank you may wish to visit the Valley of the Queens. The afternoon is free to relax, wander the bazaar or visit Luxor Museum. 

Pavillon Winter Hotel
Breakfast

Day 9 LUXOR - EDFU - KOM OMBO - ASWAN

Day 9 LUXOR - EDFU - KOM OMBO - ASWAN

The scenery en route to Edfu is spectacular, the lush green abruptly giving way to the encroaching desert. Visit the Temple of Horus, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, which is in a state of excellent preservation and once huge ceremonies were held here with live falcons in honour of Horus. Continue driving south and pause at Kom Ombo to visit the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris - dedicated to a crocodile-headed river god.

Movenpick Elephantine Island Resort
Breakfast

Day 10 ASWAN

Day 10 ASWAN

Today you will embark on a tour of Aswan's splendid sights. First you will be driven to the Temple of Philae which combines ancient Egyptian and Graeco-Roman architecture. Continue to the Unfinished Obelisk, dating from the new kingdom era. Had it been completed, it would have weighed an amazing 1.8 million kg and stood 41 m high. Return to Aswan via the High Dam, an engineering miracle built in the 1960s to regulate the flow of the Nile, which today provides irrigation and electricity for the whole of Egypt. This afternoon is free.

Movenpick Elephantine Island Resort
Breakfast

Day 11 ASWAN - ABU SIMBEL - ASWAN

Day 11 ASWAN - ABU SIMBEL - ASWAN

You will be driven to Aswan airport for your flight to Abu Simbel (not included), where you will get the chance to witness this magnificent sight from the air. The entrance to the main temple is marked by four colossal 20 metre high statues of Ramses II, and the interior has been intricately decorated with hieroglyphic. Return to Aswan before boarding a felucca and sailing down the Nile to the botanical gardens on Lord Kitchener's Island.

Movenpick Elephantine Island Resort
Breakfast

Day 12 DEPART ASWAN

Day 12 DEPART ASWAN

You will be transferred to Aswan airport this morning for your flight to Cairo before connecting to your onward flight home (domestic flight not included).

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED

12 days from £3,895

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 4366 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

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OTHER ITINERARIES IN EGYPT