In Cairo our guide unravels the complexity of the dynastic periods on a visit to Memphis and its splendid necropolis, Sakkara. We see the first Step Pyramid and visit several outstanding Old Kingdom tombs. We also explore the Egyptian Museum (including the Tutankhamun exhibition) and visit the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. A comfortable overnight sleeper train takes us south to Luxor, the site of ancient Thebes. Here we visit Karnak Temple, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the splendid royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. We then board our comfortable riverboat for a relaxing cruise, visiting Edfu Temple and the lovely ruined temple at Komombo along the way. Reaching Aswan we enjoy a visit to the charming Temple of Isis at Philae and have time for an optional visit to Abu Simbel. Back in Cairo we head into the medieval city, exploring the fascinating Gayer-Anderson Museum, housed in two fine 17th century villas, and the nearby Mosque of Ibn Tulun. Our final Egyptian highlight is a visit to the celebrated Khan al-Khalili Bazaar.
Itinerary
| Day 1 |
(Fri) Arrive Cairo and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2 |
Visit Memphis and its necropolis, Sakkara. |
| Day 3 |
Visit Egyptian Museum, pyramids and Sphinx. Sleeper train to Luxor. |
| Day 4 |
Arrive Luxor. Horse-drawn carriages to Karnak Temple. Board Nile cruise boat. |
| Day 5 |
Visit Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon. |
| Days 6-7 |
Sail to Aswan. Visit Edfu and Komombo temples. |
| Day 8 |
Visit Philae Temple. Optional visit to Abu Simbel. Sleeper train to Cairo. |
| Day 9 |
Arrive Cairo. Visit medieval city, including Gayer-Anderson Museum, Ibn Tulun Mosque and the Khan al-Khalili bazaar. |
| Day 10 |
Trip ends in Cairo this morning (Sun). |