13-Day Egyptian Culture and History

Welcome to Cairo, the mother of the world and your gateway to sun and fun. Upon arrival at Cairo airport, you will be met by your guide and assisted with visa formalities and luggage collection, then transferred to your hotel. Your cosy hotel is located at the heart of downtown Cairo within walking minutes to the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili and the Arab League building. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore Cairo at your leisure; your guide will provide recommendations.

From: Cairo International Airport
To: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo

The new Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir is ideally located at the heart of Cairo downtown and within walking distance to the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili and the Arab League building.

The hotel offers 295 modernly furnished rooms and suites. Designed to meet business guests’ needs with free WiFi, 24- hour in-room dining, on-site parking facilities, all-day dining and a lobby bar.

To unwind, the swimming pool is on the second floor next to the fitness centre.

Address: Steigenberger Hotel, El Tahrir, Ad Dawawin, Abdeen, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

The sprawling capital of Egypt, Cairo sits on the River Nile and is a bustling amalgamation of colours, sights, smells and 5 hours sounds spilling out of its narrow streets and lively markets.

You may want to explore Khan el Khalili, one of the largest bazaars in the Middle East, or perhaps sit in one of the many traditional tea houses and people watch.

In the heart of Cairo, you’ll find Tahrir Square and the vast Egyptian Antiquity Museum, a treasure trove of exhibits including royal mummies and King Tutankhamun artefacts. You can explore this city and absorb the sounds of the call to prayer coming from the many minarets, smell the spices in the markets and marvel at the colourful streets of this city.

+ optional (not included in price)

Address: Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

Your adventure begins with exploring the last remaining wonder of the ancient world; standing for nearly 4,000 years, the extraordinary Giza Pyramids. An Egyptologist tour guide will be accompanying you on this and all of your other sightseeing tours. You’ll then enjoy your traditional Egyptian lunch at a nearby restaurant. Following lunch, you’ll relax and enjoy the ambience, views and scenery on a one-hour Nile River sail on a traditional Egyptian boat known as a Felucca.

From: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo
To: Giza Necropolis

Commonly known as the Great Pyramids of Giza, Giza Necropolis is the miracle complex of architecture that dates back to 2560 B.C. Situated on the Giza Plateau, this archaeological site is the oldest and one of the most magnificent ancient wonders of the world still in existence today.

On the outskirts of the Egyptian capital, Cairo, in the Western Desert sits in the Giza Necropolis. As one of the seven wonders of the world, the pyramids of Giza are visited by millions of tourists each year and are well and truly are the face of ancient civilisation.

The Giza Necropolis is an ancient burial ground which is home to three great pyramid complexes known as Khufu/Cheops, Khafre/Chephren and Menkaure/Mykerinos, the famous Sphinx, a workers village, an industrial complex and several cemeteries.

Often referred to as the Great Giza Pyramid, the Pyramid of Cheops and Khufu is the oldest and largest of the three complexes on the Giza Necropolis. Standing tall for 3,800 years, it is the oldest of the seven wonders of the ancient world still in existence today.

Whilst here, you’ll also see a number of smaller queen pyramids, village pyramids and causeways. You’ll also visit the mighty great sphinx, which was carved from a single giant limestone rock and it’s age is still unknown. At 20 metres high and 73 metres long, it is the biggest monolith statue in the world, as well as the world’s oldest monumental statue.

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Address: Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt

From: Giza Necropolis
To: Felfela

Founded in 1959, Felfela is considered one of the oldest fast food and casual dining operators in Egypt. Amina Zaghloul’s ingenious idea to offer authentic local food with a modern format, in a small shop in the heart of Cairo, sprang into a successful chain spread across the capital.

Over the years, Felfela retained its identity by offering local quality food at affordable prices. In recognition of its simple and consistent service, Felfela has won numerous accolades both domestically and internationally (including the 1992 International Gastronomic Grand Prix award).

Today, Felfela operations span casual dining, fast food outlets and amusement parks. Felfela remains fully committed to maintaining an authentic culinary and atmospheric experience. Whether in their carefully selected menus or their meticulous attention to decorative details, their restaurants are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Address: Cairo – Alexandria Desert Road, Midan, 27 Al Remaya
Egypt، كفر نصار، الهرم، الجيزة ,

From: Felfela
To: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo

A felucca is a small traditional wooden sailing boat propelled by oars or lateen sails or both, used on the River Nile.

Cruise the river Nile in a traditional Felucca and experience Cairo from the water. Enjoy the charming city skyscrapers as Cairo starts to light up, while watching the sunsets from onboard – it’s truly an amazing sight.

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Address: Cairo, Egypt

Always worth a visit, today you will experience the wonderful desert landscape including the cultural heritage of the Valley of Whales, Wadi El Hitan. This morning, you will leave Cairo behind and head to the open-air museum that is Gebel Qatrani National Park where you can explore the findings of the first evidence of stone tools used during the Neolithic age. Later, you’ll explore the World Heritage Site of Wadi Hitan and spend the night under the stars camping in tents.

From: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo
To: Jabal Qaţrānī

We will get on our 4×4 wheelers and drive all way to Gebel Qatrani located 100 kilometres southwest of Cairo, in the Faiyum Oasis.

The Gebel Qatrani Open Air Museum is located inside the Petrified Forest area, the north of Lake Qaroun few kilometres from Gebel Qatrani and the ancient basalt quarries.

The museum was built early 2018 and yet to be inaugurated soon. It is showcasing fossils of both marine (started in Eocene with the fossil ancestors of Archaeocetes: whales) and continental (with the fossil ancestors of monkeys: Aegyptopithicus; elephants: Phiomia, Palaeomastodon; Arsinoitherium); and several other terrestrial and marshland mammals.

The area of Gebel Qatrani is shown to have been inhabited by the Neolithic Man and reveals an incredible stage of evolution – the use of stone tools.

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Address: Jabal Qaţrānī, Faiyum Governorate, Egypt

From: Jabal Qaţrānī
To: Wadi Hitan National Park

We will get on our 4×4 wheelers heading towards Wadi Hitan National Park where we will sleepover in a tent.

Situated 150 kilometres south of Cairo, Wadi Al-Hitan is worldfamous for its hundreds of whale fossils, showcasing some of the earliest forms of this animal.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, Wadi Al-Hitan, or Whale Valley as its also known, provides extensive evidence for one of the great mysteries on earth: whales were once a land-based animal and merged into an ocean-going mammal.

Wadi Al-Hitan is incredibly unique; no other site in the world is home to this number or concentration of whale fossils. Set in a beautiful and protected landscape, the fossils at Wadi Al-Hitan are incredibly well preserved.

Address: Giza Governorate, Egypt

For your camping experience in the Wadi Hitan National Park, you’ll need to be prepared with warm clothing, torches, and camping necessities for your comfort like wet wipes and hand sanitiser. Pillows are also recommended for a good night’s sleep.

All of the camping equipment that you need will be provided including tents, mattresses and even cooks to provide your evening and morning meals.

Address: Wadi Hitan National Park, Egypt

Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls is considered being the largest waterfall in Egypt home to a beautiful landscape – a wide piece of desert with multiple sand dunes. It is also home to a rich diversity of bird species and several rare animals such as Dorcas gazelles and the sand fox. Next, you’ll visit the beautiful village of Tunis which overlooks a large saltwater lake and the desert – it is famous for being a village of potters after a Swiss woman opened a school there in the 1980s.

From: Wadi Hitan National Park
To: Wadi El Rayan

A short journey from Cairo, Wadi El Rayan is one of Egypt’s most famous nature reserves. The area is named after the King El Rayan Ibn El Walid who once lived in this area with his family.

Covered an area of 113 kilometres-squared most of which is covered by the Wadi El Rayan lakes, Wadi El Rayan consists of seven parts: the upper and lower Lakes , El Rayan springs, El Rayan Falls, El Modawara Mountain, El Rayan Mountain and Wadi El Hitan, known famously as the Valley of the Whales for its incredible whale fossils.

The landscapes of Wadi El Rayan are incredible, full of oases, mountains, rock formations and waterfalls. The waterfalls are perhaps the most famous attraction, where one lake cascades into another.

The wildlife within the reserve also boats white gazelles, Egyptian gazelles, sand foxes and fennec foxes, as well as many rare species of resident birds, migrant birds, eagles and falcons.

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Address: Wadi El Rayan, Faiyum Governorate, Egypt

Located on a hill facing a saltwater lake, the Tunis Village overlooks a stunning desert landscape which sits the other side of the lake. It is said to be one of the most beautiful places in Egypt.

Established in the 1960s, Tunis Village was created by two famous Egyptian poets who encouraged locals here to become artists.

Of course, the village is now most famous for the 1980’s arrival of Swiss potter, Evelyne Porret, who opened her own pottery studio here with her husband. Quickly the studio became a school where local children would learn the craft of pottery making and follow the route to becoming a potter. Today, the school still exists and children continue to learn the trade and earn money for their families.

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,Governorate Faiyum،، طريق بحيرة قارون السياح ،الفيوم :Address
Egypt

The new Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir is ideally located at the heart of Cairo downtown and within walking distance to the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili and the Arab League building.

The hotel offers 295 modernly furnished rooms and suites. Designed to meet business guests’ needs with free WiFi, 24- hour in-room dining, on-site parking facilities, all-day dining and a lobby bar.

To unwind, the swimming pool is on the second floor next to the fitness centre.

Address: Steigenberger Hotel, El Tahrir, Ad Dawawin, Abdeen,
Cairo Governorate, Egypt

From: Tunis village in Fayoum
To: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo

Only a 3-hour drive from Cairo and you arrive at your private farmland location in Deir Abu Hinnis in Middle-Egypt. Far away from any mass tourism, your private guide will take you along the Nile to learn about the life of the fishermen and farmers whilst you enjoy the surrounding landscapes and take a look inside the houses of the villagers. Then, you’ll join a little Felucca trip which will take you to an island.

From: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo
To: Dayr Abu Hinnis

Only a three-hour drive from Cairo, you’ll arrive at your private farmland location in Deir Abu Hinnis in Middle-Egypt.

Here, you will be hosted like a member of the family in a traditional guesthouse that few travellers have the chance to experience as you will. Here, you’ll help out with daily activities and feel warm and welcome in your new family home-from-home.

And last but not least – the homemade meals that you will receive while here are delicious, helping to satisfy body and soul during your trip.

Address: Deir Abu Hinnis, Deir Abu Hanas (Wadi an Nenaa),
Melawi, Egypt

Just a three-hour drive and you’ll arrive at your private farmland location in Deir Abu Hinnis in Middle-Egypt, where you will be hosted like VIPs.

Far away from any mass tourism, your private guide will walk with you along the Nile. While walking you might explore the daily life of fishermen and farmers while appreciating the most picturesque places.

In the village, you’ll stroll past hand-built houses and learn a little bit about the history of this remote land.

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Address: Dayr Abu Hinnis, Deir Abu Hanas (Wadi an Nenaa), Melawi, Menia Governorate, Egypt

Halfway through your delightful two weeks in Egypt, you will leave your private oasis and drive to Luxor, which is often called the world’s greatest open-air museum and is home to intact ancient Egyptian temples that date back almost 4,000 years. You’ll have leisure time to explore the ancient city on your own before you begin your adventure early the next day. The hotel has a beautiful pool to take advantage of in the Egyptian heat.

From: Dayr Abu Hinnis
To: Luxor

At the gateway to Luxor and the horizon of the desert; the only palace on the west bank of the Nile, Al Moudira is just 4 kilometres away from the Valley of Kings.

The ochre domes, the patios ornate with arabesques and the eight-hectare garden will provide the setting for your oriental dream. Zeinz Aboukheir wants to treat you to these natural and historical surroundings, to help you discover and fully enjoy the magic of the Arabian Nights.

In the morning, breakfast is served on a terrace flooded by the rays of the early morning sun, or in a room bathed by orange sunlight. Coffee, tea and fresh orange juice are served with eastern and European bread, homemade jams from the garden fruits, honey, cheese and eggs.

For lunch and dinner, you should enjoy the freshness of the water whilst having a light meal in the Pavilion, the restaurant located between the gardens and the swimming pool. The dishes are a product of his inspiration, mixing the Mediterranean, Eastern and European flavours.

Two bars welcome you to guide you through your Eastern nights from beginning to end.

Address: Al Moudira Hotel Luxor, Tourist Port Road, Al Bairat, Luxor, Egypt

Far from your average city, Luxor City is often referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum as many ancient Egyptian ruins and temple complexes such as Karnak and Luxor sit within this modern city.

Across the river, you’ll also find the temples and tombs of the West Bank Necropolis, which includes the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut.

Luxor is a city where you will never be bored. During your free

On this tour today you will explore the stunning Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were buried in a long narrow canyon west of the River Nile. On the way back to Luxor city, you’ll stop to visit the mighty statues known as the Colossi of Memnon. The two massive faceless stone statues depict the Pharaoh Amenhotep III and were built 3,400 years ago, they are often the first things visitors see on approach to this archaeological park.

From: Al Moudira Hotel
To: Valley of the Kings

Also known as the Valley of the Tombs of the Kings, this area is a long narrow canyon west of the River Nile, once part of the ancient city of Thebes. The Valley of the Kings is the burial site of almost all of the pharaohs from the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties of Egypt which spanned 1539–1075 BCE.

The area is home to 62 tombs, of those that are known, and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979 as part of ancient Thebes encompassing Luxor, the Valley of the Queens, and Karnak also.

Fearing the safety of their burials, the kings from this era planned to conceal their tombs in the valley sunken deep into the mountain. The tombs, built in the style of a descending corridor were ridden with deep shafts to baffle thieves.

The walls of the tombs are covered in sculptures and colourful scenes depicting the dead king in the presence of deities. Many of the temples were pillaged during the 21st dynasty, recycled for later use or cleared out to reuse the goods in the royal treasury.

However, one tomb, that of Tutankhamun, who reigned from 1333-23 BCE was concealed and protected by rocks. This lead to the discovery of grand cultural importance in 1922. Many of the artefacts collected from the tomb can now be seen in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

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Address: Luxor, New Valley Governorate, Egypt

From: Valley of the Kings
To: Colossi of Memnon

Stood west of the River Nile in the city of Luxor in the Theban Necropolis, you’ll find two huge stones statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who reigned in Egypt during the Dynasty XVIII, known as the Colossi of Memnon.

These statues have stood since 1350 BC, over 3,400 years. Cut from a single block of stone weighing over 1,000 tonnes, they are the first monuments of the necropolis that tourists see upon arrival. The two faceless statues sit at the eastern entrance to the funerary temple of Amenophis III, the largest on the west bank.

Address: Al Bairat, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt

From: Colossi of Memnon
To: Al Moudira Hotel

Far from your average city, Luxor City is often referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum as many ancient Egyptian ruins and temple complexes such as Karnak and Luxor sit within this modern city.

Across the river, you’ll also find the temples and tombs of the West Bank Necropolis, which includes the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. Luxor is a city where you will never be bored. During your free time here, you can continue to explore these fascinating sites and wander around trying to imagine what life may have been like during this era when the city was the capital of ancient Egypt.

+ optional (not included in price)

Address: Luxor, Luxor City, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt

Today, you’ll begin the day by making the journey from Luxor to Aswan. Upon arrival in Aswan, you’ll visit one of the bestpreserved ancient monuments in Egypt, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, said to have been built between 237 and 57 BC. Next, you’ll visit the twin Temple of Kom Ombo. Standing on a promontory on a bend in the Nile, the temple is dedicated to two gods which are represented by the temple’s carvings and twin layout. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have some free time.

From: Luxor
To: Aswan

Built between 237 and 57 BC, this Ptolemaic temple known as the Temple of Horus is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Egypt. Located on the west bank of the River Nile in Edfu, the temple was completely preserved, roof and all, when it was filled by desert sand.

The temple’s facades are decorated with important inscriptions regarding the language, myth and religion during the Hellenistic period in Egypt. The inscriptions also interestingly provide details of its construction.

Of the temples dedicated to the god, Horus, the Temple of Horus at Edfu is the largest and has become the centre of many festivals sacred to this god. The approach of the temple is hugely impressive with a huge 36-metre-high gateway guarded by two grand granite statues of Horus as a falcon.

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Address: Adfo, Markaz Edfo, Aswan Governorate, Egypt

Constructed during the Ptolemaic period, the Temple of Kom Ombo is an unusually unique double temple standing on a promontory on one of the Nile’s meanders. The temple is known for being the place where sacred crocodiles would bask on the river’s edge in ancient times.

This ancient place of worship is also known for its unique engraving that is said to be one of the first representations of medical and surgical instruments. The temple has a twin dedication – one to the local crocodile god Sobek, and Haroeris meaning Horus the Elder.

The twin dedication is represented in the temple’s twin layout; there are twin entrances, two linked hypostyle halls with the two gods represented by carvings on either side and twin sanctuaries.

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Address: Nagoa Ash Shatb, Markaz Deraw, Aswan Governorate, Egypt

Tucked into the golden sand dunes that roll down and form the west bank of the Nile you’ll find Hadouta Masreya, located at the heart of Naj’ Gharb Soheil overlooking the Nile.

You will wake up to spectacular views where the Nile is tranquil blue, disturbed only by the whizzing speedboats and meandering feluccas that ply its waters since antiquity and spend your evenings chilling on the sky roof under clear skies ornamented with bright stars.

The guesthouse caters to different needs and budgets by providing ten different rooms with ensuite and shared bathrooms, single and double beds and also accommodate families in the triple and quadruple rooms.

Address: Hadouta Masreya – Nubian Guest House, Aswan, Egypt

A colourful bazaar selling Egyptian and African goods, Aswan Market is one of the best and cheapest shopping experiences in Aswan.

A short walk from the River Nile’s edge, traders flock here to seel a wide variety of goods including perfumes, peanuts, henna powder, dried hibiscus flowers, spices, T-shirts and custom made Ancient Egyptian styled souvenirs. It is one of the best places to buy souvenirs!

Down the side alleys of the markets, you’ll also find some peculiar and varied objects such as Nubian artefacts which often include skullcaps, talismans and baskets, Sudanese swords, spices and carpets, and stuffed animals such as crocodiles.

+ optional (not included in price)

Address: Sheyakhah Thalethah, Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt

Today, you’ll travel in time to explore the Pharaonic temples and the ancient Egyptian civilisations. You will enjoy your breakfast along the Nile in the Hadoda Masriya Nubian Guesthouse before beginning your day exploring the surrounding area. To begin the day, you’ll visit the Unfinished Obelisk on the Nubian Island, as well as the ancient Nubian villages on Elephantine Island and the Nubian Museum where you can learn all about these ancient cultures.

From: Hadouta Masreya – Nubian Guest House
To: Unfinished Obelisk

Found in a granite quarry in southern Aswan, the Unfinished Obelisk -if finished- would have been the largest piece of stone that humans had ever built.

The ancient stone quarries in the Upper Egyptian city of Aswan were the first sources of Ancient Egypt’s finest granite. The northern quarries of Aswan are where the remains of the Unfinished Obelisk sits.

Had it been erected, the obelisk would have reached a height of 42 metres and at 1168 tonnes, it would have been the single heaviest piece of stone the Egyptians ever made. The work is suspected to have been abandoned on the obelisk due to the crack that began to appear in the granite.

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Address: Sheyakhah Oula, Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt

Elephantine is an island situated on the River Nile, part of the city of Aswan in southern Egypt. The name in ancient Egyptian comes from the words meaning elephant and ivory which demonstrates the island’s once important role in the ivory trade.

As well as many archaeological sites on the island, such as the site of ancient Abu, Elephantine is home to the Nubian villages of Siou and Koti. The villages are home to stunning painted Nubian houses where the owners serve tea and serve other handicrafts. You will be invited in for a meal in the traditional house where you can gain insight into the traditional life on this island.

You can sail across to Elephantine Island by Felucca, a small traditional boat propelled by oars or lateen sails, used on the River Nile.

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Address: Elephantine, Sheyakhah Oula, Qism Aswan, Egypt

From: Nubian Village
To: Nubian Museum

During the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s, a large number of the Monuments of Nubia were threatened. The Nubia Museum was established and opened in 1997 as an act of UNESCO International Campaign for the Establishment of the Nubia Museum and also the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo

The museum is home to amazing finds which were uncovered during the excavations to save the Nubia monuments. As well as showcasing over 3,000 ancient objects, the museum also serves as a rich resource for the history and culture of Nubia from prehistory to the present day.

Situated on the banks of the River Nile in Aswan, the museum occupies as an area of 50,000 square metres and is finished in local sandstone and pink granite, designed to be reminiscent of traditional Nubian village architecture.

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Address: Assuan, Sheyakhah Oula, Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt

From: Nubian Museum
To: Hadouta Masreya – Nubian Guest House

Today, you’ll explore the magnificent temples on the AbuSimbel site. These temples were saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, growing behind the Aswan Dam, in a massive archaeological rescue plan sponsored by UNESCO in the 1960s. Over four years, a massive archaeological effort was made to move the temple to safe grounds away from the rising waters. The complex of temples dedicated to the Pharaoh Ramsis II “the Great” remains an evocative and unforgettable destination.

From: Hadouta Masreya – Nubian Guest House
To: Abu Simbel Temples

Located 280 kilometres south of Aswan, you’ll find the Abu Simbel Temples. The site is home to two temples built by the Egyptian King Ramses II originally carved into the into the mountainside during the reign of the king in the 13th century BC.

The Abu Simbel Temple form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Nubian Monuments”. The rock figures, four colossal statues of Ramses, serve as a lasting monument to the king and queen. They have become iconic in all their well-preserved glory standing in front of the main temple as spectacular examples of ancient Egyptian art.

During the 1960s, the construction of the Aswan High Dam put these temples at risk so they became part of the convention by UNESCO World Heritage to save them from the rising waters of the River Nile. A huge engineering feat like this was necessary to prevent these temples becoming submerged by the creation of Lake Nasser, the artificial lake caused by the Aswan High Dam.

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Address: Aswan Governorate, Egypt

From: Abu Simbel Temples
To: Hadouta Masreya – Nubian Guest House

There is much to discover in and around Aswan; the area is shrouded in cultural heritage from the time of the Pharaohs, such as the Temple of Philae and the Noble tombs on the west bank of the Nile which are both must-sees. You will also have a chance to see the High Dam of Aswan that was designed to control the Nile River when it floods and stores water for times of drought. Be ready for a unique experience today.

From: Aswan
To: Aswan Dam

Eclipsing the previously built ‘Aswan Low Dam’ which was constructed further downstream in 1902, the Aswan High Dam as its now commonly known was built across the Nile between 1960 and 1970.

Whilst the first ‘low dam’ provided invaluable irrigation to the lands during droughts, it was not sufficient enough to prevent the annual flood of the mighty Nile. Envisioned by Egyptian leader, Gamal Abdel Nasser, in the 1950s, he wanted the Aswan High Dam to be large enough to end the flooding and provide electric power to most of Egypt.

The rockfill dam was completed in 1970 and sits at 111 metres high. Impounded a reservoir now known as Lake Nasser, the dam has created a reserve of water which backs up 200 miles up the Nile. In the construction of the dam, a hugely costly effort was made to move the ancient Egyptian temple complex of Abu Simbel which would have otherwise been submerged.

Along with the temples, a huge 90,000 Egyptian fellahin
(peasants) and Sudanese Nubian nomads, as well as 50,000
Egyptians were relocated.

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Address: Manteqet as Sad Al Aali, Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt

From: Aswan Dam
To: Temple of Philae

Philae is an island in the reservoir of the Aswan Dam, Egypt’s southernmost city. This rocky island was home to a beautiful and magnificent temple built by the ancient Egyptians centuries ago. However, when the Aswan Dam was built in 1906, this area was at the constant mercy of the floods caused by the dam.

Finally, in 1971, the temple, under the instruction of UNESCO and with the cooperation of several nations, was moved to Agilika Island. Moving the temple protected it whilst the nation waited for the completion of the Aswan High Dam to level to water in the area.

The new island was reshaped to imitate Philae Island as closely as possible. The temple was dismantled stone by stone, each one numbered correctly then replaced in the same position in the new location. This massive project took over 9 years to be accomplished. The Temple of Philae was reopened in 1980.

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Address: Red Sea Governorate, Egypt

From: Temple of Philae
To: Tombs of the Nobles

The northern hills of the west bank are filled with the rockhewn tombs of princes from the Old Kingdom to the Roman period. The 6th Dynasty tombs, some of which form linked family complexes, contain important biographical texts.

Inside, the tombs are decorated with vivid wall paintings showing scenes of everyday life, hieroglyphic biographies and inscriptions telling of the noblemen’s journeys into Africa that date back thousands of years. These are some of the most impressive paintings found to date.

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Address: Qesm Al Wahat Al Khargah, New Valley Governorate, Egypt

Today, you’ll arrive in the unmissable Cairo – the mother of the world. Your guide will take you by the hand and give you an insider glimpse into this wonderful city concentrated in a special area beside the mainstream. Upon arrival at Cairo airport, your guide will help you settle in, then transfer you by private car to your cosy 5-star hotel. Later, you will have a chance to visit the Egyptian Museum and then enjoy some leisure time at the Khan El Khalili bazaar.

From: Hadouta Masreya – Nubian Guest House
To: Aswan International Airport

From: Aswan
To: Cairo

From: Cairo International Airport
To: InterContinental Cairo Semiramis

Standing on the site of the historic Semiramis hotel, guests can enjoy modern luxury on the River Nile. This Cairo hotel features a 26-metre-squared rooftop pool and fine dining with exquisite cuisine for every taste.

A selection of twelve restaurants and bars reflect contemporary design, with the Nile Terrace offering stunning views of the sunset over the Nile. Located in the heart of the city centre this hotel is located next to the Egyptian Museum and the bazaars of old Cairo.

Address: InterContinental Cairo Semiramis, Corniche El Nil, Qasr Ad Dobarah, Qasr an Nile, Egypt

From: InterContinental Cairo Semiramis
To: Egyptian Museum

As one of the biggest Egyptian museums in the world, it comes as no surprise that the Egyptian Museum Cairo houses 120,000 pieces. The museum holds an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts.

Originally commissioned in 1835 to prevent the continued looting of the country’s many archaeological sites, the pinkhued, multiple-domed building was built in 1901. However this stunning antique building housing the museum didn’t open to the public until July 2017.

Situated in Downtown Cairo, near the culturally-important Tahrir Square, the museum is a hugely popular tourist attraction in Cairo where you’ll find the glittering treasures of great pharaohs alongside mummies, jewellery, eating bowls and toys of ancient Egyptians.

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Address: 15 Meret Basha, Ismailia, Qasr an Nile, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

From: Egyptian Museum
To: Khan el-Khalili

One of the biggest markets in the world, Khan El Khalili transports you back in time to an old Arab style souk. Famous for its coffee shops where many a writer including the Noble Prize-winning Egyptian writer, Naguib Mahfouz, would sit and craft their latest work, this market is not to be missed.

The open-air and old style of shopping draws you in as vendors call to you to take a look at their stalls and the scent of the spices fills your nostrils as you observe the traders going about their everyday life. You can get lost in the many alleys of stalls selling beautiful items from spices, souvenirs, silver jewellery, antiques and galabiyyas, to belly dancing costumes and almost anything else for that matter.

As well as the stalls, there are several coffee shops, street food stalls and restaurants throughout the market. One of the oldest and most famous coffeehouses being Fishawi’s, which was established in 1773.

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Address: Khan el-Khalili, El-Gamaleya, Qism El-Gamaleya, Egypt

From: Khan el-Khalili
To: InterContinental Cairo Semiramis

Today marks the last day of your 2 weeks in Egypt. Your guide will help you with your checkout from the hotel and transfer you to Cairo airport when you are ready.

From: InterContinental Cairo Semiramis
To: Cairo International Airport