1-877-725-6674 Egypt can boast a cultural legacy that is amongst the oldest and most fascinating on earth. Its iconic monuments were built by a civilisation whose influence still reverberates across some 5,000 years of history, from a time when Ancient Egypt was one of the most powerful kingdoms in the known world. This comprehensive journey takes you into the heart of this incredible country, following the Nile Valley as it snakes its way into Upper Egypt, across a landscape scattered with the iconic remains of the once great pharaohs. From the bustle of downtown Cairo you will travel to the little visited sites of Minya and Assuit, visiting the temples of Abydos and Dendera, before continuing on to Luxor. The once ancient city of Thebes, Luxor today is home to some of Ancient Egypt s most spectacular archaeological treasures including the immense Temple of Karnak and the mortuary tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The journey south then continues past Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples to Aswan, where you ll have an opportunity to visit the fabulous temple of Abu Simbel, on the shores of Lake Nasser. HIGHLIGHTS: The awesome pyramids of Giza and Saqqara Explore the open air museum of Luxor and the west bank Sail the Nile by traditional boat in Aswan Marvel at Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings and Queens Experience the hustle and bustle of downtown Cairo TOUR INCLUDES: 11 nights in 4 star hotels, a 3 star hotel, a 5 star hotel and a Guesthouse 11 breakfasts and 2 dinners Local guides in each destination Private transport with a professional driver for the duration of the trip Entrance fees included as per itinerary (except fees to visit the tombs inside the Pyramids) Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown above are per person based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: CAIRO Arrive in Cairo, where you will be met at the airport by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Cairo has been the heart of Egypt for more than 1000 years and it offers a unique chance to see the medieval and the modern world come together in a mixture of mud-brick houses, towering modern office buildings, minarets and palm trees. Within Cairo lies 5000 years of culture, from the pyramids of the pharaohs, to the early Christian churches to the mosques of the Ottoman sultans. DAY 2: CAIRO Today you will have the opportunity to see the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids of Giza. View the three pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus from a panoramic view point before driving down to the great pyramids, where you may like to go inside one of the tombs. From here you have the option of walking down to the solar boat museum before heading onto the Sphinx. In the afternoon, visit the oldest pyramids in the world at Saqqara, built at the beginning of the third dynasty, around 2625 BC, and was intended as a funerary complex for king Djoser. (B) DAY 3: CAIRO Today explore downtown Cairo. Firstly, visit the Egyptian Museum, home to many of the greatest treasures of antiquity including finds from the tomb of Tutankhamen, before discovering the Old Islamic District. Visit the main Citadel (Al-Qalaa), home to Egypt's rulers for almost 700 years, and see the 19th century Mosque of Mohammed Ali. Next, explore the medieval bazaar of Khan al-khalili, built in 1382, the bazaar is the world's oldest. Artefacts of gold, silver, glass, wood, and paper of the highest quality are manufactured in the tiny, hidden workshops. (B) DAY 4: CAIRO - MINYA This morning drive south to Minya (approx. 4 hours), a modern provincial town on the west bank of the Nile. Dubbed by the locals "the Bride of Upper Egypt", Minya occupied a strategic location as a vital link between the Upper and Lower kingdom. Close to the town lies the ancient necropolis of Beni Hassan, a collection of 39 rock-cut tombs that can date their origins back to around 1800-2100 BC. Your visit will be followed by a chance to explore the local bazaar and stop to enjoy some refreshments at a local tea shop. (B,D)
DAY 5: MINYA - AMARNA - ASSIUT Today provides a chance to visit some of the area's main historical sites including the palm groves of Hermopolis, which shelter the ruins of a 5th century Christian basilica. Moving on from here, you'll then visit the ancient capital of Amarna, built by Akhenaten, one of Egypt's most infamous pharaohs. Spread across an expansive plateau on the eastern side of the river, this once great city was home to temples, palaces and tombs that were abandoned on the death of their creator. (B,D) DAY 6: ASSIUT - ABYDOS - DENDERA - LUXOR A visit to the Temple of Abydos this morning provides a chance to view one of the most sacred settings in ancient Egypt. One of the oldest cities in the country, it was here that the head of the god, Osiris was believed to have been buried. Continuing on to the Ptolemaic temple of Dendera, you'll then end the day amongst the treasures of Luxor, considered by many to be one of the world's greatest open-air museums. (B) DAY 7: LUXOR This morning your guide will take you to the largest temple complex in Luxor; the magnificent Temple of Karnak dedicated to the Sun God, Amun-Ra. The Hypostyle Hall is considered to be one of the world's greatest architectural masterpieces. Construction began during Ramesses I's reign. The work continued under Seti I (1306-1290 BC) and was completed by Seti's son, Ramesses II. There is also time to visit Luxor Temple with your local guide. The afternoon is left free to explore Luxor town and its vibrant souk. (B) DAY 8: LUXOR Early this morning depart with your local guide and driver to the City of the Dead on the west bank of the Nile with your first stop at the Valley of the Kings, an isolated gorge in Western Thebes that lay below a natural pyramid-shaped mountain peak. Then drive to the Temple of Hatshepsut, in its stunning setting at the foot of a sheer limestone cliff, dedicated to one of the longest reigning female pharaohs. Before returning to the east bank you may wish to visit the Valley of the Queens. The afternoon is free to relax, wander the bazaar or visit Luxor Museum. (B) DAY 9: LUXOR - EDFU - KOM OMBO - ASWAN The scenery en route to Edfu is spectacular, the lush green abruptly giving way to the encroaching desert. Visit the Temple of Horus, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, which is in a state of excellent preservation and once huge ceremonies were held here with live falcons in honour of Horus. Continue driving south and pause at Kom Ombo to visit the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris - dedicated to a crocodile-headed river god. (B)
DAY 10: ASWAN Today you will embark on a tour of Aswan's splendid sights. First you will be driven to the Temple of Philae which combines ancient Egyptian and Graeco-Roman architecture. Continue to the Unfinished Obelisk, dating from the new kingdom era. Had it been completed, it would have weighed an amazing 1.8 million kg and stood 41 m high. Return to Aswan via the High Dam, an engineering miracle built in the 1960s to regulate the flow of the Nile, which today provides irrigation and electricity for the whole of Egypt. This afternoon is free. (B) DAY 11: ASWAN You will be driven to Aswan airport for your flight to Abu Simbel (not included), where you will get the chance to witness this magnificent sight from the air. The entrance to the main temple is marked by four colossal 20 metre high statues of Ramses II, and the interior has been intricately decorated with hieroglyphic. Return to Aswan before boarding a felucca and sailing down the Nile to the botanical gardens on Lord Kitchners Island. (B) DAY 12: ASWAN You will be transferred to Aswan airport this morning for your flight to Cairo before connecting to your onward flight home (domestic flight not included). (B)
ACCOMMODATION ASSIUT UNIVERSITY GUEST HOUSE The University Guest House is located on Assiut University Campus, only 15 minutes from Assuit Railway and 30 minutes from Assuit Airport. It houses 64 comfortable rooms and 4 suites, in addition to having access to the leisure facilities of the Olympic Village on the campus, such as swimming pool and tennis courts. ASWAN HELNAN ASWAN HOTEL On the banks of the River Nile, the four star Helnan Hotel in Aswan has lovely views and is well located in the centre of the city. The 195 rooms are in need of a bit of refurbishment, however they re clean and spacious with en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, a balcony and free Wi-Fi in the lobby and restaurant areas. The Helnan has a buffet style and an a la carte restaurant as well as a couple of bars and an outdoor swimming pool. CAIRO LE MERIDIEN PYRAMIDS HOTEL & SPA The majestic resort Le Meridien Pyramids is beautifully set within walking distance of the Giza Pyramids, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, on the west bank of the River Nile and 10 km from Cairo. The superbly appointed rooms are of a generous size, with great bathrooms and have marvellous views of the Pyramids or of the impressive lagoon-style pool and the well-tended subtropical gardens. Five prestigious eateries offer oriental, Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines, and at night a popular Nubian band performs at the Nubian Village restaurant. LUXOR PAVILLON WINTER HOTEL Although more informal than its illustrious neighbour (The Sofitel Winter Palace), the same high standards are provided at the Winter Pavillon with an equally enviable setting in the beautiful gardens of The Winter Palace. Surrounded by tropical gardens and just a short walk from the Luxor Temple, the Temple of Karnak or the Luxor Museum, the Hotel Winter Pavillon comprises 118 rooms, on 5 floors, each equipped with modern facilities and private balconies. The hotel has a good restaurant and other facilities are shared with its sister hotel, including a wide selection of restaurants and bars offering both international and regional cuisine and an outdoor unheated pool. MINYA
M G NEFERTITI HOTEL Located close to the city s main sights and at just a stone s throw away from the River Nile, the three star MG Nefertiti Hotel is well placed for exploring Al Minya. The en suite rooms are clean and comfortable and each is fitted with air conditioning, satellite TV and a private balcony with views of the Nile. Guests can enjoy a dip in the outdoor pool, have a meal in the restaurant or simply relax on the roof-top terrace. Wi-Fi is currently only available in communal areas of the hotel. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel 1-877-725-6674 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com