14-Day Egypt Coast to Coast

Cairo, the capital with a population in excess of 16 million people and situated on the Nile River is famous for its own history and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but also home to a vibrant modern society. To escape this megacity’s constant buzz and noise, you can take a felucca ride on the Nile or visit the  Al-Azhar Park.

From: Cairo International Airport
فندق بارسيلو الهرم القاهرة :To

Depending on flight arrival times, your guide will meet and assist you at Cairo International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Cairo.

Found in the legendary city of Cairo, the Barceló Cairo Pyramids is a four-star hotel just moments from the mythical Giza Plateau, the last wonder of the Ancient World.

This modern, luxurious hotel has 236 spacious rooms that look onto a spacious heated outdoor swimming pool. Barcelo is known for its sought-after positioning on Sharia Al Haram also known as Pyramid Street as it is made into a culdesac by Giza itself.

Within the hotel, there are three restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy various dining options. Whether it’s from the à la carte menu, buffet, or cocktails, this is the starting point of your Egyptian culinary venture.

Address: Barcelo Cairo Pyramids, At Talbeyah Al Qebleyah, El Omraniya, Egypt

The sprawling capital of Egypt, Cairo sits on the River Nile and is a bustling amalgamation of colours, sights, smells and 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.

Address: Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

This morning, you’ll visit one of the biggest Egyptian museums in the world, with over 120,000 pieces and an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts. After lunch, the iconic Salah El-Din Citadel, known as one of the world’s greatest monuments to medieval warfare. You’ll finish the day in one of the biggest markets transporting you back in time to an old Arab style souk with many alleys of stalls selling beautiful items from spices, souvenirs, silver jewellery, antiques and more.

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

Situated in the centre of Cairo, the Salah El Din Citadel is a well-preserved medieval Islamic fortress which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1976.

The iconic citadel is known as one of the world’s greatest monuments to medieval warfare and is almost impossible to miss when in Cairo. Its large gateways, towers and high defensive walls make the citadel a huge attraction in the capital.

The fortification houses three mosques, a museum and a garden which makes the grand complex well worth a visit, the impressive Mohamad Ali Mosque among the most famous.

Construction of the fortress began in 1176 following a successful war in which Saladin was able to take enemies captive and use them to help build the citadel. The monument was built to stand the test of time and be a strong testimonial to the power of the Ayyubid dynasty. Aiming to cement his name in history, the Citadal was named after Saladin himself. Inside the Cairo Citadel, you’ll find an abundance of antiquities and artefacts all housed within its grand walls which evoke an air of strength and power.

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Address: Al Abageyah, Qesm Al Khalifah، Cairo Governorate, Egypt

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

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids that sit within the Giza Necropolis. The site of Saqqara remained an important burial and ceremony site for more than 3,000 years, well into the Roman times. Today, you will venture outside of Cairo to explore both of these famous, historical sites.

Often known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids that sit within the Giza Necropolis. As one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Giza is also particularly special as it is one of the oldest and most well-preserved of these seven.

Egyptologists, an archaeologist that specialises in the study of Ancient Egypt, date the Great Pyramid of Giza as being built over a 10-20 year period and being completed around 2560 BC, due to a marking on the interior chamber. At an original height of 146.5 metres, the Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years. What you see today is the underlying structure as once the pyramid was covered in smooth limestone.

Within the Great Pyramid, there are three chambers, the Queen’s and King’s chamber being higher up the Pyramid.

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Address: Al Haram, Nazlet El-Semman, Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt

Situated in the Ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis, Saqqara is a vast burial ground which features numerous pyramids, including the world-renowned Step pyramid of Djoser. Located 30 kilometres from Egypt’s modern-day capital, Cairo, Saqqara covers an area of 7 kilometres by 1.5 kilometres.

Djoser’s step pyramid, the oldest complete stone building complex known in history, is the most famous but Saqqara is also home to 16 other pyramids built by Egyptian kings. The site of Saqqara remained an important burial and ceremony site for more than 3,000 years, well into the Roman times.

In 1979, along with Abū Ṣīr, Dahshūr, Abū Ruwaysh, and the Pyramids of Giza in the ancient city of Memphis, Saqqara was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Address: Saqarah, Saqqara, Giza Governorate, Egypt

This morning’s drive to Alexandria is about three hours. You’ll head straight to the library, an extraordinarily beautiful building and vast complex where the arts, history, philosophy, and science come together. A visit to Alexandria cannot be complete in one day, so in order to maximise your visit, you’ll stay over in the beautiful Steigenberger Cecil Alexandria Hotel.

From: Cairo
To: Alexandria

Driving time of about 3 hours.

A major library and cultural centre, the Library of Alexandria is located on the shores of the Mediterranean in the Egyptian city of Alexandria. The modern library is in commemoration to the greatest loss in human history, the Ancient Library of Alexandria that was thought to have been home to the greatest collection of “books” of all time, destroyed by Julius Caesar in 48 BCE.

Home to over eight million books with a huge reading room spread over 20,000 square metres on a staggering 11 cascading levels, the library’s architecture is simply stunning. Above the main reading room, you’ll find a 32-metre-high glass-panelled roof which is tilted towards the sea like a giant sundial.

The library features a conference centre, specialised libraries for this that are blind or visually impaired, four museums, four art galleries, 15 permanent exhibitions and a planetarium – simply huge!

It is one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world; the archives are dedicated to the preservation of artefacts and education of the ancient civilizations in Egypt, Mesopotamia, Syria, Asia Minor, and Greece.

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Address: Al Azaritah WA Ash Shatebi, Qesm Bab Sharqi, Alexandria Governorate 21526, Egypt

Steigenberger Cecil Hotel Alexandria has spacious rooms with French beds, chandeliers and carpeted floors and furnishing that match in patterns and colours to create an artistically refreshing setting.

As can be expected, the hotel’s restaurants have a historical reputation to keep up to. You can also enjoy a drink at the Monty Bar, named after the famous Marshall Montogomery.

Steigenberger Cecil Hotel Alexandria is a hotel for connoisseurs who can appreciate the impeccable service and attention to detail. The hotel is situated in a convenient location in the heart of Alexandria.

Address: Steigenberger Cecil Alexandria، Corniche Road، Al Mesallah Gharb WA Sharif Basha, Qesm Al Attarin, Egypt

First, you’ll visit the Quaitbay Citadel, a prominent landmark and considered one of the most important defensive strongholds for Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea Coast. Then, you’ll walk down a winding stairway at the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval Ages; it was initially built for a single wealthy family practising a fusion of Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman religion. Lastly, you’ll visit the triumphal Pompey’s Pillar before driving back to Cairo.

Established in 1477 AD by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa’it Bay, Qaitbay Citadel is a defensive fortress which is perched on the shores of the Mediterranean at the on harbour opening in the ancient Egyptian city of Alexandria.

This prominent landmark was considered one of the most important defensive strongholds in Egypt and was built on the exact site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; the Lighthouse of Alexandria.

The fortress you see today is not the original; the original was damaged badly during the uprising against British hegemony in 1882 and rebuilt once again during the turn of the 20th century. Today, it houses a naval museum and is worth visiting to imagine the grand structure that one stood here on its foundations.

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Address: As Sayalah Sharq, Qesm Al Gomrok, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt

Said to have been discovered accidentally in 1900 when a donkey hauling a stone card fell through the ground revealing the space beneath, these catacombs make up one of Egypt’s largest known Roman burial sites.

Spread over three floors, the catacombs consist of Alexandrian tombs, statues and archaeological objects which are said to belong to the Pharaonic funeral cult and have strong Hellenistic and early Imperial Roman influences.

You’ll begin the descent into the catacombs via a spiral staircase which would have been once used to transport the dead bodies down into the space which is 35 metres deep. The tombs here were tunnels into the bedrock supposedly during the 2nd century; it was used as a burial chamber for two centuries.

The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are said to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval Ages.

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,Karmouz Qesm، متفرع من ش رأس التين، الانفوش 12: Address
Alexandria Governorate, Egypt

The biggest memorial column in Egypt, Pompey’s Pillar or the Memorial of Diocletian as its officially known, stretches a height of 28 metres and 2.7 metres in diameter made entirely of red granite.

The column was erected between 284 and 305 out of gratitude for Emporer Diocletian. Following the surrender of Alexandria to Roman rule after 8 months of resistance, the city fell into famine. Emperor Diocletian ordered for a portion of the corn that was usually sent to Rome to be given to the people and he also exempted them from paying tax during these hard time.s

The column’s nickname, Pompey’s Pillar, is the result of the Crusaders during the Middle Ages mistakenly believing that the remains of the great Roman general Pompey lay at the top of the column in a pot.

On the upper part of the column, there is an inscription in Greek, which reads: ‘to the most just Emperor, tutelary of Alexandria Diocletian, the invincible, Postumus, the Prefect of Egypt (who erected this monument).’

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Address: Pompey’s Pillar, Al Karah WA at Toubageyah WA Kafr Al Ghates, Qesm Karmouz, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt

From: Alexandria
To: Cairo

Found in the legendary city of Cairo, the Barceló Cairo Pyramids is a four-star hotel just moments from the mythical Giza Plateau, the last wonder of the Ancient World.

This modern, luxurious hotel has 236 spacious rooms that look onto a spacious heated outdoor swimming pool. Barcelo is known for its sought-after positioning on Sharia Al Haram also known as Pyramid Street as it is made into a culdesac by Giza itself.

Within the hotel, there are three restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy various dining options. Whether it’s from the à la carte menu, buffet, or cocktails, this is the starting point of your Egyptian culinary venture.

Address: Barcelo Cairo Pyramids, At Talbeyah Al Qebleyah, El Omraniya, Egypt

This morning, you’ll take a short flight to Aswan. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Aswan Souk, a colourful and vibrant market selling all types of Egyptian and African goods. Tonight, a truly unique Nubian dining experience awaits. This little-known cuisine inspired by the Nile uses locally cultivated crops that are along its banks to produce flavoursome, hearty food. The Nile Dream is anchored on Sahel Island, 20 minutes by motorboat south of Aswan, the heart of Egyptian Nubia.

From: TIBA Pyramids Hotel
To: Cairo International Airport

From: Cairo
To: Aswan

flight times to be confirmed

From: Aswan International Airport
To: Aswan

The Nile Dream is anchored on Sahel Island, approximately 20 minutes by motorboat south of Aswan, the heart of Egyptian Nubia.

On your very first trip from Aswan to the boat, you will be impressed by the landscape of the Cataract Islands and witness life on the life at the Nile which will be you for the coming days.

You will plunge into a life which is determined by the river, by quietness and by a life close to nature.

From your place on the boat, you will look over the Nile and on to the desert hills which cover the west bank. The houseboat has a small lounge and a big, covered sun deck.

You will live with the sights and the sounds of the Nile – by the way, Nubian people say, that not only the river is singing and narrating but also its people-like inhabitants on the ground, who may –on some special nights- even come up to visit us in our sphere.

Address: Seheil Island, Aswan, Egypt

Situated in the centre of Aswan, near the banks of the River Nile, the Aswan Souk is a colourful and vibrant market selling all types of Egyptian and African goods. Well known to locals as Sharia as-Souq, the traders sell a variety of perfumes, peanuts, henna powder, dried hibiscus flowers, spices, and custom-made Egyptian souvenirs.

Throughout the many side alleys within the souk, you’ll find items that are less sought after and almost slightly hidden such as Nubian artefacts including skullcaps, talismans and baskets, as well as Sudanese swords, spices and carpets.

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

A little-known cuisine outside of this area, Nubian cuisine is inspired by the Nile and uses locally cultivated crops that are along its banks to produce flavoursome, hearty food.

Bread is at the heart of most dishes, a staple that has been handed down through generations proven by the many bakeries that were found in the largest ancient Nubian archaeological site in Egypt.

This is a truly unique dining experience, you’ll get to know the hosts and taste the wonderful flavours of a cuisine that is not celebrated as much as it should be!

Address: Aswan, Egypt

Next up on your Egypt sightseeing tour is the Abu Simbel Temple, 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 examples of ancient Egyptian art. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Kitchener’s Island, an island with exotic trees and plants imported from India. You’ll finish the day with a cruise on the river Nile.

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.

+ optional (not included in price): US$200.75 per person

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Address: Aswan Governorate, Egypt

Also commonly known as El Nabatat Island or the Botanical Island, Kitchener’s Island is situated on the River Nile at Aswan. The island itself is less than a kilometre long and home to the stunning Aswan Botanical Garden.

Kitchener’s Island is one of two most important islands near Aswan but is often dwarfed by the larger Elephantine island which sits between the two. The island was originally named after Lord Kitchener who was gifted the island after serving as the Consul-General in Egypt during the early 20th century.

Under his ownership, Kitchener transformed the tiny island into an exotic paradise of trees and plants imported from India into a garden filled with walkways and flowers. Now the property of the Egyptian government, Aswan Botanical Garden is beautiful where the tropical plants and trees can be enjoyed in peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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Address: Kitchener’s Island, Abu AR Rish Qebli, Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt

This morning, you’ll visit Philae, an island in the reservoir of the Aswan Dam, was home to a beautiful and magnificent temple built by the ancient Egyptians centuries ago. After lunch, you’ll see the amazing Aswan Dam, fed by the Nile River and utilises the power of the river for a variety of social and economic causes. There are actually two dams, the Aswan High Dam and the Aswan Low Dam, both of which work together to prevent the annual large floods from the Nile.

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

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

On this road trip to Luxor, you’ll visit the unique double temple of Kom Ombo dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, and Horus the falcon-headed god. The layout combines two temples in one with each side having its own gateways and chapels. After lunch, you’ll visit the hugely impressive 36- metre-high gateway guarded by two grand granite statues of Horus as a falcon. The Temple of Horus is one of the bestpreserved ancient monuments in Egypt, built between 237 and 57 BC.

From: Aswan
To: Luxor

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

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

If you cross the Nile from Luxor city to the West Bank by public ferry or motorboat, one building certainly catches your eye: with its beige painted facade and white and blue coloured sunscreens, crowned by a roof terrace- it is the “Nile Valley Hotel and Restaurant.

Even before you enter you gain the impression of comfort and cosiness. The owners and managers Hamada and Karin Khalifa, have many years’ experience in the tourism business. With the Nile Valley Hotel and Restaurant, the couple has made their dream come true.

Nestled on a beautiful outcrop on the River Nile, looking over the calm movement of the water, the Nile Valley Hotel is a haven of peace for all that walk through its door. The perfect place to explore Luxor from. After a day of discovering our rich heritage of one of the greatest civilisations in the world, you can kick back by this beautiful pool and contemplate your findings over freshly prepared food and drinks.

Address: Nile Valley Hotel

The Valley of the Kings was the pharaohs burial site from 1539–1075 BCE. The tombs have descending corridors and deep shafts covered in sculptures and colourful scenes depicting the dead king. After that tour, you’ll visit the beautiful Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, built by Queen Hatshepsut, the first female monarch. Lastly, you’ll visit the Colossi of Memnon rising majestically about 18 metres from the plain, a pair of giant stone statues guarding the entrance to Amenhotep’s Mortuary temple.

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

Commonly known as the Djeser-Djeseru, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is an ancient Egyptian temple built for the pharaoh Hatshepsut from the 18th dynasty, not far from the Valley of the Kings. Currently, under restoration, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is considered one of the incomparable monuments of ancient Egypt and features three stunning terraces cut into the rock face.

Located in the west of the ancient city of Thebes, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is arguably one of the most beautiful of its kind. It was built by Queen Hatshepsut who was known as the first female monarch, ruling for over two decades. Her death is one of mystery as many of the paintings were destroyed which gestures to the fact it may have been ordered by the next ruler in line.

The three layers of the temple reach 29.5 metres tall and the temple is said to have taken 15 years to complete. The site of the temple was chosen strategically by Queen Hatshepsut due to its location in the valley that was considered sacred for over 500 years and its proximity to the tomb she had ordered to the excavated for herself in the adjacent Valley of the Kings.

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

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.

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Address: Al Bairat, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, 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. 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.

Located on the eastern side of the River Nile, Luxor Temple is a large ancient Egyptian temple that was of great importance in the ancient capital city of Thebes, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

Constructed around 1400 BCE, the Luxor temple is different to many of the others in the area as it is not dedicated to a god to deity, instead, it is dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship and perhaps was the site where the kings of Egypt were crowned.

The temple’s excavation was a huge process due to the years of settlements and building that had occurred on top of it. Beginning in 1884, the temple was sporadically excavated over the period up to 1960; a period which revealed that three-quarters of the temple had been buried under the centuries of rubble.

The temple is very popular during the sunset hour and at night when it is lit up.

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Address: Luxor City, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt

The Karnack Temple Complex, situated not far from Luxor City, is a vast and varied mix of decayed temples, chapels, pylons, and other buildings. Karnak forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site which was designated to the ancient Thebes area in 1979.

Karnak is a city of temples whose lifespan dated over 2,000 years from 2055 BC to around 100 AD. In its heyday, this temple complex would have overshadowed all of the wonders of the ancient world. It was one of ancient Egypt’s grandest building projects which has firmly secured itself in the history books.

Whilst the pharaohs may be long gone, the colossal importance of this site lives on in the awe-inspiring landmarks through the Karnak complex and the huge complex of stone statues and staggering columns.

Whilst the main building is the Great Temple of Amun, there are many other temples and important buildings scattered around it. The avenue of sphinxs welcomes you into the complex with its grand walkway flanked on both sides by ramheaded sphinxes. Interestingly, the Hypostyle Hall is still the largest room of any religious building in the world at 54,000 square feet and featuring 134 columns.

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Address: El-Karnak, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, 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 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.

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

The Temple of Hathor is largely believed to be the bestpreserved temple of its kind in all of Egypt. The Abydos temple is among the most famous ones still standing in Egypt, built by Seti, probably one of the least well-known pharaohs of the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt.

Just 2.5 kilometres from a city by the same name, the Dendera Temple Complex is home to one of the bestpreserved temples in Egypt.

The Temple of Hathor is largely believed to be the bestpreserved temple of its kind in all of Egypt.

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Address: Qism Qena، Dandarah, Qena, Qena Governorate, Egypt

Seti I was probably one of the least well-known pharaohs of the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt. However, his Temple of Abydos is among the most famous ones still standing in Egypt.

Seti’s place in history was overshadowed by that of his son, Ramesses II. Yet, Seti was one of the pharaohs who had to bring order back to Egypt and re-establish Egyptian sovereignty over its neighbour Syria and the social disruption caused of Akhenaten’s religious reforms.

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Address: الغرب منصور بن‐ ابيدوس طريق ،Qesm Al Wahat Al Khargah, New Valley Governorate, Egypt

Today, you’ll catch a flight from Luxor to Cairo and once there, you’ll have the rest of the day free to spend as you wish. The sprawling capital of Egypt, Cairo sits on the River Nile and is a bustling amalgamation of colours, sights, smells and 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.

From: Luxor
To: Luxor International Airport

From: Luxor
To: Cairo

Depending on flight times, free day til transer to the airport

From: Cairo International Airport
To: Cairo

Found in the legendary city of Cairo, the Barceló Cairo Pyramids is a four-star hotel just moments from the mythical Giza Plateau, the last wonder of the Ancient World.

This modern, luxurious hotel has 236 spacious rooms that look onto a spacious heated outdoor swimming pool. Barcelo is known for its sought-after positioning on Sharia Al Haram also known as Pyramid Street as it is made into a culdesac by Giza itself.

Within the hotel, there are three restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy various dining options. Whether it’s from the à la carte menu, buffet, or cocktails, this is the starting point of your Egyptian culinary venture.

Address: Barcelo Cairo Pyramids, At Talbeyah Al Qebleyah, El Omraniya, Egypt

The sprawling capital of Egypt, Cairo sits on the River Nile and is a bustling amalgamation of colours, sights, smells and 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.

Address: Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

This morning, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your departing flight.

From: فندق بارسيلو الهرم القاهرة
To: Cairo International Airport

Depending on departure flight time, your airport transfer will be scheduled.