Ancient Egypt
Suggested Itinerary
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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 ...
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 of the once great pharaohs. From the bustle of downtown Cairo, you will travel via road to the little visited sites of Minya and Assuit, visiting the temples of Abydos and Dendera, before continuing on to Luxor. The once ancient city of Thebes, Luxor today is home to some of Ancient Egypt's most spectacular archaeological treasures including the immense Temple of Karnak and the mortuary tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The journey south then continues past Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples to Aswan, where you'll have an opportunity to visit the fabulous temple of Abu Simbel, on the shores of Lake Nasser.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa, Cairo
The majestic resort Le Meridien Pyramids is beautifully set within walking distance of the Giza Pyramids, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, on the west bank of the River Nile and 10 km from Cairo. The superbly appointed rooms are of a generous size, with great bathrooms and have marvellous views of the Pyramids or of the impressive lagoon-style pool and the well-tended subtropical gardens. Five prestigious eateries offer oriental, Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines, and at night a popular Nubian band performs at the Nubian Village restaurant.
Pavillon Winter Hotel, Luxor
Although more informal than its illustrious neighbour (The Sofitel Winter Palace), the same high standards are provided at the Winter Pavillon with an equally enviable setting in the beautiful gardens of The Winter Palace. Surrounded by tropical gardens and just a short walk from the Luxor Temple, the Temple of Karnak or the Luxor Museum, the Hotel Winter Pavillon comprises 118 rooms, on 5 floors, each equipped with modern facilities and private balconies. The hotel has a good restaurant and other facilities are shared with its sister hotel, including a wide selection of restaurants and bars offering both international and regional cuisine and an outdoor unheated pool.
Movenpick Elephantine Island Resort, Aswan
A secluded oasis surrounded by exquisite gardens on Elephantine Island and accessible only by private boat, the five star Elephantine Island Resort Aswan was established in 1975 and underwent extensive renovation in 2007 under Movenpick Hotels & Resorts management. The fully-appointed 235 guestrooms feature Nubian-style decor and balconies overlooking the Nile, Aswan city or the desert. Diners can head for the Orangerie restaurant, which serves International and local dishes, while the La Perla serves Traditional Italian dishes in a Mediterranean-style setting. The hotel also offers a fitness centre, sauna, Turkish steam room, outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts.
University Guest House, Assiut
The University Guest House is located on Assiut University Campus, only 15 minutes from Assiut Railway and 30 minutes from Assiut Airport. It houses 64 comfortable rooms and 4 suites, in addition to having access to the leisure facilities of the Olympic Village on the campus, such as swimming pool and tennis courts.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
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.
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WILD MILES
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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.
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