Classic Egypt
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Steeped in a history that stretches back across countless millennia, Egypt is home to some of the world's most iconic monuments. This classic overland journey takes you along the fertile ribbon of the Nile Valley and into the very heart of ancient Egypt. The journey begins in Cairo, home to the great Pyramids of Giza, the last of the great wonders of antiquity. You’ll have an opportunity to visit the famous pyramids at both Giza and Saqqara, as well as the treasures of the city’s ...
Steeped in a history that stretches back across countless millennia, Egypt is home to some of the world's most iconic monuments. This classic overland journey takes you along the fertile ribbon of the Nile Valley and into the very heart of ancient Egypt. The journey begins in Cairo, home to the great Pyramids of Giza, the last of the great wonders of antiquity. You’ll have an opportunity to visit the famous pyramids at both Giza and Saqqara, as well as the treasures of the city’s Museum, which include the remarkable horde of artefacts taken from the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. You then head along the timeless landscapes of the Nile Valley to Aswan, where you can visit the beautiful temple of Isis on the island of Philae and take to the Nile in a traditional felucca sailboat before driving to Luxor, site of the ancient capital of Thebes. Here you will have a chance to explore the spectacular remains of Karnak and Luxor Temples and the vast mortuary temples of the Valley of the Kings, some of the greatest creations of the Pharaohs of the Eighteenth Dynasty.
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 and transfer to your hotel. The evening is then free to relax and explore Cairo.
DAY 2: CAIRO
DAY 2: CAIRO
Today you will have the opportunity to see the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids of Giza, royal burial ground for Memphis (ancient capital of Egypt). Drive along the Giza Road to the Giza Plateau, home of the mighty pyramids. 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 the Pyramid of Chephren, walk down to the solar boat museum and then onto the Sphinx. In the afternoon, visit the oldest pyramids in the world at Saqqara. The complex of Djoser is one of the oldest known structures to have been constructed completely with natural stone. It was 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
After breakfast travel by road to downtown Cairo and visit the Egyptian Museum, home to many of the greatest treasures of antiquity, including Howard Carter's spectacular finds from the tomb of Tutankhamen. In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the Old Islamic District. Visit the main Citadel (Al-Qalaa), a crusader-style fortress dating from the time of Saladin and home to Egypt's rulers for almost 700 years. From here, head to the medieval bazaar of Khan al-Khalili, the most intriguing part of the Old Quarter, to challenge your bargaining skills.
DAY 4: CAIRO - ASWAN
DAY 4: CAIRO - ASWAN
Transfer to Cairo airport for your flight to Aswan. Arrival to Aswan airport and transfer to your hotel. Today you will visit the beautiful Philae Temple, passing the Nile Dam, an engineering miracle built in the 1960s to regulate the flow of the Nile. The Temple of Philae is a well-preserved monument and was the centre of the cult of Isis. Continue to the Unfinished Obelisk, a gigantic obelisk weighing 200 tonnes dating from the new kingdom era that lies in an ancient granite quarry. The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore the town.
DAY 5: ASWAN
DAY 5: ASWAN
Today you are at leisure. Maybe spend time exploring the cataracts or take a trip in a traditional felucca sailboat, perhaps stopping off at the Botanical Gardens on Lord Kitchners Island. You may also like to take a short flight to Abu Simbel to visit the great rock cut temples of Ramses II (optional tour). 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. The second temple was dedicated to Nefertiti (Ramses' favourite wife).
DAY 6: ASWAN - KOM OMBO - EDFU - LUXOR
DAY 6: ASWAN - KOM OMBO - EDFU - LUXOR
Drive to Kom Ombo to visit the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris - dedicated to a crocodile-headed river god, as there used to be many of these creatures in this part of the Nile. Continue north to Edfu, the scenery is spectacular changing from desert to lush and green. Visit to the well preserved Temple of Horus, dedicated to the falcon headed god Horus and second in size only to Karnak. You will then continue to Luxor.
DAY 7: LUXOR
DAY 7: LUXOR
An early start and over to the West Bank Necropolis, 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 imposing Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an 18th-dynasty pharaoh, one of only a handful of female rulers in Ancient Egypt. Return to Luxor via the Valley of the Queens. Spend the whole day here or return to the town and wander the bazaar or visit Luxor Museum.
DAY 8: LUXOR
DAY 8: LUXOR
This morning you will visit the largest temple complex in Luxor; the magnificent Temple of Karnak dedicated to the Sun God, Amun-Ra. The Hypostyle Hall is found after passing through the Second Pylon; the hall is considered to be one of the world's greatest architectural masterpieces. Today you also visit Luxor Temple. The afternoon is left free and there is plenty to see in Luxor town, including the vibrant souk and splendid museum.
DAY 9: DEPART LUXOR
DAY 9: DEPART LUXOR
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
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.
Conrad Cairo Hotel, Cairo
Rising above the Nile River, the four star Conrad Cairo is located in the downtown area of the city along the Corniche, conveniently close to museums, shops and offices, yet only 45 minutes from the Pyramids and Sphinx area. The hotel offers 617 elegant rooms, all overlooking the Nile and featuring private balconies. The six restaurants and bars make the Conrad a good choice for dining and entertainment, featuring International, Italian and Seafood specialties. The hotel's facilities further include a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fully equipped health club and a world class casino.
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.
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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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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