8-Day See Ancient Egypt From Hot-Air Balloon – by Omar

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met by your English-speaking guide and driver, who will help you in passing the passport control and collecting your luggage. Then, you will be transferred to the hotel in Cairo by a private air-conditioned vehicle. You will check into the hotel and then have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure. Cairo is an explosion of colours, smells and noises!.

From: Cairo International Airport
To: Le Méridien Heliopolis

Upon arrival to Cairo International Airport, you will be met by our English-speaking representative, who will help you in passing the passport control and collecting your luggage. Then, you will be transferred to the hotel in Cairo by private air-conditioned vehicle.

Mother Nature is calling you to enjoy your stay in nine acres of magnificently landscaped garden.

Featuring rooms overlooking a breathtaking palm forest and only minutes away from the great Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, the Oasis Hotel is an outstanding combination of resort facilities, luxury hotel guest rooms and suites.

All rooms are uniquely designed to meet the most sophisticated traveller’s needs including air-conditioning, inroom toiletries and high-speed wireless internet.

Address: The Oasis Hotel, Alexandria Desert Road, Pyramids، 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.

will pick you up from your hotel in Cairo in order to enjoy the Sound and Light Show at Giza plateau. Satisfy your mind with real and interesting information about the ancient Egyptian history like the story of the Sphinx and the building the pyramids as well, relating the history to famous patterns of the Ancient Egypt such as Thutmosis IV, Akhenaten, Nefertiti, and Tutankhamen back to your hotel.

+ optional (not included in price)

Address: Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

After an energising breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by your expert Egyptologist tour guide, who will join you in such an awe-inspiring tour of the Pyramids of Giza followed by Sakkara where you can visit The Step Pyramid Complex. You will then have a short break for lunch at a local restaurant in Cairo before visiting the Open-Air Museum in Memphis. After that, you will be transferred back to your hotel for a rest and a refresh before a free evening.

From: Barcelo Cairo Pyramids
To: Abou Shakra Restaurants

Commonly known as the Great Pyramids of Giza, Giza Necropolis is the miracle complex of architecture that dates 2 hours 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

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

From: Abou Shakra Restaurants
To: Mit Rahina Museum

One of the must-see sights in Egypt, you’ll travel from Cairo to the Museum of Memphis, a short 45-minute drive away.

Founded in the 1st dynasty (3100 B.C) by King Narmar, Memphis was the capital of Ancient Egypt, and the first capital city founded after the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. Despite there being no archaeological evidence, many Egyptologists believe a large number of necropolises associated with Memphis.

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Address: Giza, Al Omraneyah, Egypt

From: Mit Rahina Museum
To: Barcelo Cairo Pyramids

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be met by your expert Egyptologist tour guide, who will join you on a wonderful tour to the Egyptian Museum. You will then drive to Old Cairo area, where you can visit the Citadel of Salah El Din. Finally, you will visit Coptic Cairo Area, including the Hanging Church and the well-known church of Abu Serga in the late afternoon. In the evening, you’ll return to your hotel where you will have the rest of the evening free to enjoy.

From: Barcelo Cairo Pyramids
To: Salah Al-Din Al-Ayoubi Castle, Salah Salem Street, Cairo

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

From: Salah El Din Al Ayouby Citadel
To: Abou Shakra Restaurants

From: Abou Shakra Restaurants
To: Barcelo Cairo Pyramids

Full to the brim of sites dating from Egypt’s Christian past and the dawn of Islam’s presence in Egypt, Old Cairo is a southern district of the Egyptian Capital which is also commonly referred to as Coptic Cairo.

Over two thousand years ago, Old Cairo sat on the site of the ancient canal which ran between the Nile River and the Red Sea. Even though the course of the river has now moved, this strategic location was responsible for why the first settlements of the city grew rapidly here.

Old Cairo is said to be the home of the world’s oldest Christian denomination and the Coptic Orthodox Church claims to date back to Saint Mark the Apostle in 42 AD. In the 12th century, a majority of Egyptians converted to Islam and there are examples of this early adoption in the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque, the first mosque built on the African continent situated in Old Cairo.

Coptic Cairo has survived many centuries of persecution and protests from hostile Muslim rulers such as the Fatimids. Nowadays, Old Cairo is home to over 12 million Copts, the ethnoreligious group who primarily inhabit this area of modern Egypt and are the largest Christian community in the country.

Old Cairo is a very peaceful place to wander around as admire the many Coptic churches; this area of Cairo almost feels like an island separated from the rest of the city.

we will visit Coptic Cairo Area, including the Hanging Church and the well-known church of Abu Serga.

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Address: Misr Al Qadimah, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

Today, you’ll check out early from your hotel, meet your guide and head to Cairo airport to catch your domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your local guide in Aswan, who will transfer you to your five-star Nile cruise boat. After lunch, you will visit the Aswan High Dam and the Temple of Philae. Finally, you will see the Unfinished Obelisk. After the tour, you will get back onto the boat to spend your first night on board.

From: Barcelo Cairo Pyramids
To: Cairo International Airport

Early check out from your hotel. Later on, you’ll be met by our representative in Cairo, who will transfer you to Cairo Airport, to catch your domestic flight to Aswan.

From: Cairo International Airport
To: Aswan International Airport

+ not included in price

From: Aswan International Airport
To: RADAMIS FLOATING HOTELD

Upon arrival, you’ll be met by our local representative in Aswan, who will transfer you to your five-star Nile Cruise boat.

The H.S. Radamis II sails between Luxor and Aswan and vice versa opening up the world of the Nile, and all its wonders to you.

Steep yourself in 7,000 years of history while enjoying 21stcentury comfort and timeless hospitality cruising on the world’s longest river, the Nile, which flows through a wealth of heritage in Upper Egypt.

The cruise ship offers a total of 65 well-appointed deluxe cabins of approximately 20 square metres, including four family cabins and four deluxe suites of approximately 28 square metres. All the cabins offer air-conditioning with individual temperature controls and benefit from panoramic wall-to-wall windows.

Address: Radamis II Nile Cruise – Luxor/Aswan – 04 nights each Monday

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 Low Dam
To: Unfinished Obelisk

Philae is an island in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam, downstream of the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser, Egypt. Philae was originally located near the expansive First Cataract of the Nile in Upper Egypt and was the site of an Egyptian temple complex.

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Address: Red Sea Governorate, Egypt

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

From: Unfinished Obelisk
To: RADAMIS FLOATING HOTELD

After an energising breakfast on board, you’ll head out on your full-day tour. Your Nile River Cruise ship will land at the location of the city of Kom Ombo to visit the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris. After that, you will get back to the boat for lunch. For the second part of the day, you’ll head to the Temple of Horus in Edfu by yourself. In the late afternoon, return to your Nile Cruise ship to rest and refresh. Dinner will be served on board and the rest of the evening will be free.

From: Radamis Floating Hotels Dock
To: Temple of Kom Ombo

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

From: Radamis Floating Hotels Dock
To: The Temple of Horus at Edfu

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

This morning you’ll have some free time to enjoy on your own in Luxor. If you are interested, you’ll have the option of a hot air balloon over the West Bank of Luxor. After breakfast, you will explore the Valley of the Kings where kings concealed their tombs. The next visit of the day will be to the impressive Temple of Deir El Bahar and the Colossi of Memnon before heading back to the boat for dinner and the rest of the evening.

Witness one of the greatest sites in ancient Egypt, the burial site of almost all of the pharaohs from the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties of Egypt which spanned 1539–1075 BCE from above with a unique hot air balloon ride.

Home to 62 tombs, the Valley of the Kings 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.

These burial sites came about due to a fear of the safety of the kings’ burial tombs; the decision to conceal the tombs in the valley sunken deep into the mountain was how the Valley of the Kings was established.

Your only way to enjoy all this pleasure is a hot air balloon flight! A hot air balloon consists of a bag called the envelope that is capable of containing heated air. Suspended beneath is the gondola or wicker basket (in some long-distance or highaltitude balloons, a capsule) which carries the passengers and a source of heat. The heated air inside the envelope makes it buoyant since it has a lower density than the relatively cold air outside the envelope. Unlike gas balloons, the envelope does not have to be sealed at the bottom since the rising hot air only exerts pressure on the upper hemisphere of the balloon to provide lift. In today’s sport balloons the envelope is generally made from nylon fabric and the mouth of the balloon is made from fire resistant material such as Nomex.

Address: Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt

From: Radamis Floating Hotels Dock
To: Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

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

From: Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
To: Radamis Dock

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

Today, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast on board before you visit the Karnak Temple Complex and the Temple of Luxor. After the tour, you will be transferred by private airconditioned vehicle to Luxor airport in order to catch your domestic flight to Cairo. When you arrive in Cairo Airport, you’ll be met by your representative, who will help collect luggage and transfer to the hotel in Cairo. Take some wellearned rest and refresh tonight.

From: Radamis Floating Hotels Dock
To: Luxor Temple

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

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

From: Radamis Floating Hotels Dock
To: Luxor International Airport

From: Luxor International Airport
To: Cairo International Airport

+ not included in price

From: Cairo International Airport
To: Barcelo Cairo Pyramids

Upon arrival to Cairo Airport, you’ll be met by your representative, who will help and assist you in collecting luggage and transfer you to your hotel in Cairo to check in, rest and refresh.

Mother Nature is calling you to enjoy your stay in nine acres of magnificently landscaped garden.

Featuring rooms overlooking a breathtaking palm forest and only minutes away from the great Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, the Oasis Hotel is an outstanding combination of resort facilities, luxury hotel guest rooms and suites.

All rooms are uniquely designed to meet the most sophisticated traveller’s needs including air-conditioning, in- room toiletries and high-speed wireless internet.

Address: The Oasis Hotel, Alexandria Desert Road, Pyramids، Egypt

This morning, you’ll check out after breakfast and later on, you’ll be met by your English-speaking representative, who will transfer you to Cairo International Airport to catch your departing flight after a memorable few days exploring the awesome monuments of Egypt.

From: Barcelo Cairo Pyramids
To: Cairo International Airport

You’ll be met by your English-speaking representative, who will transfer you to Cairo International Airport in order to  catch your departure flight.