Egypt In Depth ll
Full Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Cairo where you will be met by our Egypt Tours and Travel tour manager who will meet and greet you upon arrival. Later, you will be transferred to your hotel, the historical and luxurious Marriott Mena House Hotel, accommodations will be in a deluxe suite overlooking the Pyramid. Overnight.
Day 2
Meet with your Egypt Tours tour guide. Drive to Memphis at the edge of the Western Desert, the capital of the Ancient Kingdom, and among the cities of greatest importance in the history of Ancient Egypt. Drive to Sakkara, the vast Necropolis of Ancient Memphis, visit the Djoser pyramid. Comprising six mastabas, the pyramid has a unique stepped appearance and dates back to the 27th century B.C. In the afternoon, drive to the Pyramids of Giza. Cheops Pyramid, the largest of the three Pyramids, was built in the 4th dynasty about 2690 BC and is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Enjoy a camel ride by the Pyramids area if you wish. In front of the Pyramid of Chephren (Khafre), stands the Sphinx carved from a single piece of stone. It is a lion with a Pharaoh's head thought to be a portrait of the Pharaoh Chephren (Khafre). Continue your tour to the Solar Boat Museum where a dismantled river barge of King Cheops (Khufu) was found and has been masterfully reassembled. Return to your hotel. In the evening, you will be met and transferred by your Egypt Tours tour manager to the Giza Plateau, to attend the magnificent Sound and Light show. Transfer back to your hotel. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Meet with your Egypt Tours tour guide. Drive to Abu Sir to visit the 5th dynasty Sun Temple for King Sahure, Neferirkare, and Niussere. Visit the Sun Temple of Niussere at Abu Ghurab. This is the most intact Sun Temple from the 5th Dynasty period. In the afternoon, drive to the Pyramids of Giza. Cheops Pyramid, the largest of the three was built in the 4th dynasty about 2650 BC. Enjoy a camel ride by the Pyramids area if you would like; also visit the Sphinx carved from a single piece of stone. Continue your tour to the Solar Boat Museum where a dismantled river barge of King Cheops was found and has been beautifully re-assembled. Transfer back to your hotel. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Image Source
Day 4
Meet with your Egypt Tours tour guide. Drive to Fayoum, Egypt's largest oasis, overlooking Lake Qarun, which is a popular spot for hunting and fishing. Visit the Pyramid of Hawara as well as the remains of the temple built by Amenemhet III. Also, visit the Roman site of Chariness, once housed two limestone temples and a large agora. Lunch at the historical Oberge El-Fayoum Hotel overlooking the lake. In the afternoon, visit Maidum. The Pyramid of Maidum was originally a seven-stepped Pyramid and was later enlarged to become an eight-stepped Pyramid. Eventually, the steps were filled in and a smooth outer facing turned it into a true pyramid. It is a massive structure and is surrounded by the debris from the casing that collapsed. The Maidum Pyramid is thought to have been started by Huni, the last ruler of the 3rd dynasty, then completed by his successor Sneferu. Sneferu was the first 4th dynasty Pharaoh (2613–2494 BC). A little north of the Maidum Pyramid is the remains of the Seila Step Pyramid, made of limestone, and is thought to be from the 2nd dynasty. Transfer back to your hotel. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Meet with your Egypt Tours tour guide. Drive to Dahshur, visit the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid. The builder of these pyramids is thought to have been Sneferu, who is thought to have built the Pyramid of Maidum. His son Cheops continued his constructive tendencies. Transfer back to your hotel. In the evening, you will be met by your Egypt Tours tour manager and transferred to an Egyptian home for a true and authentic Egyptian dinner and to get acquainted with the people of Egypt, their way of life. See an Egyptian home, engage in a social discussion about the two cultures, their way of life, and the people. Later, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6
Meet with your Egypt Tours tour guide. Drive through the Delta to the town of Tanis. Tanis was the capital of Egypt during the late period of the 21st to the 22nd dynasties and served as a burial site for some of the kings. The pharaohs used to bring monumental statues from all over Egypt to embellish their temples. Drive back to Cairo and visit the Hanging Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was built at the end of the 3rd century. Also visit the Church of St. Sergius, built in the 4th century. This is one of the places where the holy family had taken shelter. Continue the tour to visit St. Barbara Church built sometime in the 4th Century and which has some of the writings of Saint John. Also visit Abu Serga Church, built over the crypt where Jesus, Mary, and Joseph stayed while in Egypt. Continue the tour to the Medieval House of Ghouria, where you will attend a magnificent and impressive live performance of the whirling Dervishes. Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant in the El-Houssein area. Later transfer back to. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
You will be met by your Egypt Tours tour manager and transferred to Cairo Airport for your flight to Abu-Simbel. Upon arrival at Abu-Simbel Airport, visit the Great Temple of Ramses II, with its four colossal seated statues of the king in front of the entrance, dedicated to Amun Ra, the Horakhti, and Ramses II. Continue to visit the King's wife's temple, the Temple of Nefertari. The entire site was threatened by the waters upon the completion of the Aswan High Dam and has been preserved by International action organized by "UNESCO". All of the parts of the temple have been sectioned, cut, removed from the original site, and reassembled on higher ground. Later, transfer to the Seti Mercure Hotel in Abu-Simbel. Balance of day at leisure. You may go back to the temples for picture taking, an amazing opportunity during sunset. In the evening, transfer to attend the Sound and Light Show at the temples of Abu-Simbel—it's an impressive and outstanding performance. Overnight in Abu-Simbel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
A wonderful opportunity to see the sunrise at the Abu-Simbel Temples. Later, transfer to Abu-Simbel Airport for your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, the luxurious Aswan Obelisk Nile Hotel for check-in. Start your tour visiting the Botanical Gardens and the exterior of the Agha Khan Mausoleum by "Felucca" (sailboat). Also, visit the Temple of Isis on Philae Island. In the afternoon, visit the High Dam, Granite Quarries, and the Unfinished Obelisk. Also, visit Kalabsha Temple built during the Augustus Empire. Also visit the Roman Kiosk of Qertassi, a small Roman temple, and the Shrine of Ramses II from Beit El-Wali. Proceed to visit the Nobles site. These tombs were constructed by Nobles and Princes of the region about 2300 BC. Important among them are the tombs of Mehu, Sirenput, Pepi-Nakht, and Khuf Har. Continue your tour at the Nubian Museum which details the Nubian history from past to present time including some Coptic Christian and Islamic art as well. In the afternoon visit the Nubian village, including a special visit to a Nubian home. There you will be served tea and have a short social discussion with the locals and observe their way of life. In the afternoon, ride camels in the desert to the Tomb of Nomarchs and the majestic Monastery of St. Simeon. Later, transfer back to your hotel. In the evening you will be met and transferred to Philae Temple by Felucca to attend the magnificent Sound and Light show. Transfer back to your hotel. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast
Image Source: Marc Ryckaert
Day 9
You will be met and transferred by car to Luxor visiting en-route the Greco Roman Temple of Kom-Ombo, shared by the two gods Sobek and Haroeris, dating back to 180 BC, during the Ptolemaic era with additions made during Roman times. Continue to Edfu, visit the Temple of Horus (237 BC.), the best-preserved temple in Egypt. From there drive to Esna, visit the Temple of the god Khnum. Late afternoon arrive to Luxor where you will be transferred to the historic Old Winter Palace Hotel. Accommodation is in the Old Palace Section, overlooking the Nile. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Start your tour crossing by a ferry to the West Bank of the Nile and visit the Valley of the Queens, which lies hidden in the foothills of the mountains of Gourma. See the dramatic temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a masterpiece of graceful proportions, visit the famous Valley of the Kings where most of the royal tombs are. Visit, Valley of the Nobles, famous for its fine wall drawings and decorations which depict scenes from the daily life of the ancient Egyptians. In the afternoon, visit the famous tomb of King Tut (14th century BC). Also, visit the Seti II Tomb from the 13th century BC. The outer halls of this tomb are decorated with reliefs on beautiful limestone. Also visit the temples and Chapels of Madinet Habu, the largest complex built by Ramses III. Continue your tour to visit the Ramesseum, a mortuary temple built by King Ramses II, one of the largest temples in Egypt. Transfer back to your hotel. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
Visit the tomb of Nefertari, built by King Ramses II for his beloved queen. This tomb is most famous for its fine artwork, called the most beautiful Tomb in the Valley of the Queens, which is known for its vibrant colors. Truly a breathtaking exhibit and is one of the highlights of your trip. Continue your tour to visit the tomb of Queen Tausert, the wife of King Seth II. That tomb was usurped by King Set-Nakht who changed some of its inscriptions and added to its original construction. From there visit the tomb of Menna from 1425 BC. This fine tomb belongs to the scribe of the fields under Tuthmosis IV. Continue your tour visiting the Tomb of Amenhotep II, dating back to 1450 BC. The tomb of Amenhotep II is one of the most beautiful tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The walls are painted terracotta and the mortuary texts are so finely drawn, they provide the impression of papyrus text printed to the interior walls of the tomb. End your tour with a visit to the Luxor Museum. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Image Source: Ovedc
Day 12
Visit the tomb of Nakht. A tomb famous for its scenes of dancing girls and banquet scenes; also the details of hunting scenes are very clear on the walls. Continue the tour with a visit to the tomb of Ramose from 1379 BC, also known as tomb number 55, belonging to the Prime Minister of Akhenaton. Although the tomb is somewhat damaged, it has some of the most beautiful reliefs of Ramose and his wife. In the afternoon, visit the tomb of Ramses IV dating back to 1200 BC. The tomb has nice paintings on its walls depicting different chapters from the "Book of the Dead" as well as magical scenes. In the afternoon, visit the tomb of Amon-Hir Khopshef who was the son of Ramses III. It has scenes showing Ramses III teaching his nine-year-old son. From there, visit the Temple of Karnak with its awesome and giant columns. Also, visit the Temple of Luxor, started by Amenhotep III and completed by Ramses II. Transfer back to your hotel. In the evening you will be met by your Egypt Tours tour manager and transferred to attend the magnificent Sound and Light show at Karnak Temple. Transfer back to your hotel. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Image Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Day 13
Drive to Dendera, visit the Temple of Hathor, goddess of love, music, and wine. It was built in the 1st century BC, and the only circular representation of the heavens found in Egypt. It is a Greco-Roman temple. The temple was first initiated by Ptolemy III, followed by numerous additions by subsequent Roman Ptolemaic rulers. It also houses a famous painting of Queen Cleopatra. Continue to Abydos, visit the Temple of Seti I, viewing the famous list of kings and some of the most beautifully painted reliefs from pharaonic periods. Return to Luxor and embark on a 2-hour Felucca (sailboat) ride, exploring the East and the West Bank of the Nile, riding in a sailboat the same way the ancient Egyptians used to do thousands of years ago. Return to your hotel. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Image Source: Hamerani
Day 14
Transfer to Luxor airport for your flight to Sharm-El-Sheikh. Upon arrival at Sharm, you will be transferred to the Marriott Sharm Hotel. Spend the remainder of the day swimming, snorkeling, diving or just relaxing by your hotel pool or private beach. Overnight
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15
Morning at leisure, swimming, diving, or snorkeling. In the evening, you will be met and transferred by car to the Sinai Desert. From the desert road, you’ll ride camels, (if you wish, or continue in a Jeep) to meet the Bedouins. Experience the Bedouin hospitality, a dinner will be barbecued and served in front of you in the canyon in a Bedouin tent, surrounded by nothing except the stars. Traveling and dining in the desert with the Bedouins will make you relive the adventures of Lawrence of Arabia. Later, transfer back to your hotel. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 16
A day at leisure for swimming, diving, or snorkeling. Late afternoon drive to St. Catherine. Arrive St. Catherine and transfer to the St. Catherine Village. A 3-hour climb to the summit of Mount Sinai is available if you wish to see a spectacular sunrise as well as a view of the Red Sea and the Saudi Arabian border. The recommended time to start the climb of the 3,750 steps is at 2:00 A.M. in order to arrive at the summit for a spectacular sunrise around 5:00 A.M
**You must be physically fit, healthy and don’t fear heights in order for you to do the 3-hour mountain climb.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 17
Visit the St. Catherine Monastery built by Emperor Justinian during the 6th century. The site sits at the foot of Mount Sinai, where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments. Visit the churches, gardens, and the living quarters of the monks who operate it on a daily basis. Some of your highlights will be the actual Burning Bush Shrub that grows nowhere else in the world. The Monastery owns more than 2,000 Byzantine icons, many of which are displayed in the Church of the Transfiguration. The Monastery also has a priceless collection of more than 4,500 manuscripts including the world's second-oldest Bible. Walk in the same footsteps where Pope John-Paul II did when he visited Egypt in February of 2000. Depart St. Catherine to Wadi Firan to visit the largest Oasis in the peninsula. In the 4th century AD, it was a Christian stronghold. Continue your drive to Sarabit El-Khadem, visit the semi-precious turquoise mines where the ancient Egyptians used to mine for precious stones. Also, visit the Temple of Hathor, the cow-headed goddess from the 1st century AD. Drive to Uyun Mussa, time permitting, get to see the oasis with its 12 sweet water springs. It is here where the Israelite’s were halted after crossing the Red Sea, and also where Moses is supposed to have thrown a tree into the largest spring. Continue your drive to Cairo via the Suez Canal. Arrive Cairo where you will be transferred to the luxurious Four Season Hotel in Cairo. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 18
Meet with your Egypt Tours tour guide and an early drive from Cairo to the very famous town of Tel-El-Amarna, the town formerly known as Akhenaten. King Akhenaten offered this place to be the home of his god Aton (1375–1350 BC). Start your tour by visiting Ay's Tomb. The drawings show Ay and his wife receiving gold collars from Akhenaten and Nefertari. From there continue to Huya's Tomb, steward of Queen Tiyi, the queen mother and wife of Amenhotep III. In the afternoon, visit the tomb of Meri-re I, the high priest of Aton. A table of offerings including a beautiful representation of a colorful rainbow is drawn on the left-hand wall of the chamber below the Aton disk. Also, visit the Tomb of Meri-re II, the superintendent of the palace of Queen Nefertiti. It has plenty of scenes showing celebrations honoring leaders of other countries. Transfer to your hotel, the Grand Aton Hotel or similar in Menia. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Image Source: Roland Unger
Day 19
Visit the tomb of Panhesy, the chief servitor. The facade that decorated the outside of his tomb is still preserved. Drive to Beni Hasan where there are more than 39-tombs located here from the Middle Kingdom (about 2050 BC). They were built for feudal lords. Visit some of the famous ones like Amenemhet, Tomb of Khnumhotep, Tomb of Bakhet as well as the tomb of Kheti. Drive back to Cairo. Transfer to your hotel. The Inter-Continental Semiramis Hotel. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Image Source: Voluremuseum
Day 20
Meet with your Egypt Tours tour guide. Start your tour by visiting the Egyptian Museum famous for its antiquities from Egypt's pharaonic period including the fabulous treasures of King Tut-Ankh-Amon. Also, visit the famous Mummy Room in the museum which was ordered opened to the public by President Mubarak of Egypt. Afternoon excursion to old Cairo, visit the very old Coptic Churches, including Abu Serga Church, built over the crypt where Jesus, Mary, and Joseph stayed while in Egypt, also visit the Hanging Church, and the oldest Jewish Synagogue of Beni Ezra. Continue your tour to the Citadel of Salah El-Din and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammad Ali; also visit the famous City of the Dead. Centuries-old cemetery in old Cairo, with very small houses encompassing both the dead and their living relatives, who—because of inadequate housing—have moved into their family's graves. End your tour at the Medieval Bazaars of Khan-El-Khalili, where you can bargain for your jewelry and hand-tooled copper, silver, and leather items. Return to your hotel. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Image Source: A Maraqa
Day 21
You will be met by your Egypt Tours tour manager and transferred to Cairo Airport, where you will be helped with your check-in for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Also Included: Egypt Tours also includes all taxes, service charges, entrance fees to sights mentioned included as well. All transfers, meeting and assistance and baggage handling are also included.
**If any modifications or changes are needed to package, that will be accommodated at an extra cost
Extensions & Optional Tours: Extra days and optional tours to sites that are not included are available upon request.
Pricing
$8499
Egypt In Depth ll
$1679
Single Supplement
**Please keep in mind that if you are travelling alone, you are single occupancy.
