Day 01: Arrive Cairo

Marhaba! Welcome to Egypt – the cradle of human civilization.  After clearing immigration and customs, we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel.  Hotel check in time starts at 1500 hrs. Balance of the day is free to enjoy Cairo’s stunning architecture and coffee shops.

Overnight: Cairo Kempinski Hotel, Cairo (3 nights)

Day 02: Cairo

Venturing to Giza capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt, we witness the most well-known wonders of the ancient world, the Great Sphinx of Giza, a magnificent statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human. Discover the Great Pyramids, towering structures that have stood the test of time built over a span of approximately 200 years and required the efforts of thousands of workers.

Take an optional camel ride adding a touch of adventure to your experience and allowing you to view the pyramids from a unique perspective. Continue to the renowned Museum of Egyptian Antiquities housing a vast collection of ancient artifacts that offer insights into Egypt's rich history. Among its treasures include the artifacts from the Tomb of Tutankhamun, including his iconic golden mask. You will have the opportunity to marvel at the craftsmanship of ancient Egypt and learn about the fascinating stories behind these artifacts.

Get ready for a day filled with awe and wonder as you uncover the mysteries of ancient Egypt's most famous landmarks and delve into its extraordinary history through remarkable artifacts. (B)

Day 03: Cairo

Prepare to be enchanted by the medieval allure of Historic Cairo as you unravel layers of its history, marvel at its architectural wonders, and immerse yourself in its vibrant markets. This day takes you to a bygone era, where the spirit of medieval Egypt comes alive. Tucked away amid the modern urban areas of Cairo, lies one of the world's oldest Islamic cities, with historical mosques, madrasas, baths and fountains. Founded in the 10th century, it became the intellectual centre of the Islamic world, reaching its golden age in the 14th century. We will see Al-Azhar Mosque, founded in 972 recognized as one of the oldest universities in the world. Art and architecture were a passion of the Fatimids and we will see these depicted in the many strictures including the Hakim Mosque, Street of Al Moez, city gates. From here our explorations include the Citadel of Salahuddin who led the 3RD Crusade in 1192 against England's King Richard the Lionheart over Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

A visit to Bayt Al-Suhaymi, a 17th-century Ottoman house, offers a glimpse into the daily life of Cairo's past. Its well-preserved architecture and intricate details provide insights into the lifestyle and traditions of the time. Nothing like a meal at the old town at one of the renowned restaurants and traditional Egyptian coffee houses.

To conclude our day of exploration, we will immerse in the vibrant atmosphere of the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar. This bustling marketplace is a treasure trove of colors, scents, and sounds, offering a delightful sensory experience. Here, you can browse through a wide array of shops selling traditional crafts, spices, jewelry, and souvenirs, and even engage in the art of bargaining. (B, L)

Day 04: Cairo/Luxor (Flight), Karnak Temples - Nile Cruise

An early morning transfer for our flight to Luxor.  Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to board our unforgettable Nile Cruise.  All offshore excursions mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour cost so there is no extra to be paid for these. This afternoon, explore the East side of the Nile, starting with the Karnak Temple Complex. This sprawling complex is composed of three temples, and takes up the space of about 10 cathedrals! The immense courtyard, the great hypostyle hall with 134 colossal columns and the six monumental entrances are relics of pharaohs eager to leave behind marvelous testimonials to their name. We then head to the Temple of Luxor, built by Amenophis III and Ramesses II. The first complex boasts a great courtyard and chapel that once served as a storehouse for boats, while the second includes an immense entrance and colonnade, a courtyard and a hall crowned with tall columns.

Overnight: Nile Cruise (4 nights) Esmeralda Nile Cruise/traditional Dhabiya boat (B, L, D)

Day 05: West Bank, Valley of Kings, Temple of Ramses II - Nile Cruise

Another exciting day on the Nile as we explore the Necropolis of Ancient Thebes* on the river’s West Bank. Here we visit the Colossi of Memnon, the Valley of Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. For almost 15 centuries, great funerary temples were built at the foot of these hills, while tombs full of invaluable treasure were dug into the mountains, safe from tomb robbers. To the north, we discover the Temple of Qurna al Gedida, dedicated to Amon-Re, and the temple of Hathor, goddess of sweetness and joy. Even better known is the magnificent funerary Temple of Ramesses II, a stunning building lauded by many ancient writers. After viewing the Colossi of Memnon, one of the only remains of the temple of Amenophis III, go underground to admire the rich tombs of ancient pharaohs. Each of the 63 tombs in the valley is intricately decorated and provides a unique window into ancient times. It is here that British explorers Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter discovered the world-famous tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Take time to explore this ancient treasure, as well as the tombs of other dignitaries, priests and priestesses hidden here. (B, L, D)

Day 06: Komombo, temples of  Horus, Sobek and Haroeris - Nile Cruise

Today we go back in time and travel by traditional horse carriages to visit the Horus Temple, the most completely preserved temple in Egypt. Onboard the ship and we sail through to Kom Ombo and visit the Great Temple of Kom Ombo. Dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris, the temple's finely carved reliefs give a glimpse of the glory of the former capital of the Ptolemaic era. Today, Kom Ombo may be a sleepy agricultural backwater surrounded by sugar cane fields, but its prime position along the Nile once made it one of Upper Egypt's most important centers. Wander through the temple's colonnades, gazing up at scenes of kingly propaganda and we'll capture a feel of this splendid history for ourselves. (B, L, D)

Day 07: High Dam, Philae Temple, felucca to Botanical Garden - Nile Cruise

We are now in Aswan and visit the High Dam and the astonishing Granite Quarries of Aswan*, exploited by pharaohs from early antiquity. Here colossal unfinished obelisks are left for us to discover. We then explore the Temple of Philae*, located on an island on Lake Nasser. Seen from the level of a small boat, the island, with its palms, colonnades and pylons, seems to rise out of the river like a mirage. Afternoon, we sail around the islands in Aswan on a traditional felucca (sailing boat) and also visit the Botanical Garden. This will be our last night on the cruise. (B, L, D)

Day 08: Aswan/Abu Simbel (Flight)

An epic day ahead as we explore the massive temples of Abu Simbel*. An early morning flight from Aswan and we are in Abu Simbel where we visit the iconic monuments built by Ramesses II in ancient Nubia, which survives to the present day. Carved out of the mountainside in 13th century B.C., the Great Temple has four colossal statues depicting Ramsses II and smaller statues of Queen Nefertiti, his wife. When the Aswan High Dam was being constructed, the temples were saved from the rising waters of the Nile thanks to the international campaign launched by UNESCO in 1960, which assembled international technical expertise to move this temple to higher ground so that it would not be flooded by the waters of Lake Nasser. Evening, enjoy the clear starlit skies of Abu Simbel. It will be us and ancient Egypt.

Overnight: Seti Hotel, Abu Simbel (1 night) (B)

Day 09: Abu Simbel/Aswan/Cairo (Flights)/Alexandria (Drive)

Morning flight to Cairo from where we drive to the majestic city of Alexandria founded by none other than Alexander the Great in 332BCE just after the start of his Persian campaign. It was to be the capital of his new Egyptian dominion and a naval base that would control the Mediterranean. We drive along the beautiful Mediterranean coast and in about 3hours we will be in this august city. Alexandria is considered to be one Africa’s most beautiful cities.

Overnight: Sheraton Montazah/Cecil Hotel, Alexandria (2 nights) (B)

Day 10: Alexandria

Once home to the Great Library and the towering Pharos Lighthouse, both considered a wonder of the world in ancient times, Alexandria’s monuments show hints of its former glory. Discover Alexandria’s heritage with a visit to the Catacombs of Kom El Shokafa, Pompey’s Pillar and the Roman Amphitheatre. Next, we visit the majestic 15th-century fortress of Quaitbay, located on the site where the Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood. Later experience beautiful Montazah Park and the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a massive library and cultural centre that aims to reclaim the mantle of its ancient namesake. Evening is our farewell dinner alongside the Mediterranean Sea coastline where restaurants are known to exhibit their pride in local cuisines. (B, D)

Day 11: Alexandria/Cairo (Drive)

Journeying back to Cairo we visit the Royal Mummies and the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). These sites offer further immersion into Egypt's captivating past and provide a deeper understanding of its cultural heritage. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) Isn't simply a Museum, it's a destination in itself. The more than five-million-square-foot state-of-the-art museum has panoramic views of the Pyramids of Giza. It also houses the largest collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt. End the day at our hotel with time to rest and time to catch up with souvenirs and enjoying the street walks. Let the wonders of this ancient land captivate your senses and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Overnight: Cairo Kempinski Hotel, Cairo (1 night) (B)

Day 12: Depart Cairo

Our Journey Through Time comes to an end as we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight.  Check out time is by 1100 hrs.  Or extend your adventure with exciting small group cultural tours to nearby regions, including Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco and Israel. Contact Bestway Tours & Safaris for ideas. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 participants.

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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