Giza Pyramids and The Sphinx

Take an unforgettable stroll around the Giza plateau, home to the Great Pyramids of Giza. The only present-day survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, they are among the world's greatest tourist attractions and never lose their ability to inspire and overwhelm visitors. Only by standing at the very foot of the pyramids or Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren) and Menkaure (Mycerinus) can you appreciate the skill and determination of the Ancient Egyptians who built them 4500 years ago. You will have an opportunity to go inside one of these fabulous monuments and explore the mysteries of its ancient past for yourself.

Visit Khafre’s Valley Temple and gaze upon the enigmatic Sphinx, an ancient figure shrouded in legend and mystery. You can also visit the Solar Boat Museum and view the 4500-year old wooden boat that was discovered in 1200 pieces in a pit next to Khufu’s pyramid in 1954 and painstakingly reconstructed over a period of 14 years.

Sakkara, Memphis & Dahshur

At the vast necropolis of Sakkara you will see the amazing 4600-year old Step Pyramid of Zoser, considered to be the first freestanding stone structure in the world and called “the beginning of architecture”. Explore beautifully decorated tombs belonging to high officials of the 3rd – 6th dynasties, showcasing the beauty and excellence of ancient Egyptian art and giving a fascinating insight into daily life.

The pyramid field at Dahshur is home to the Red pyramid and the “Bent” pyramid both built by Snofru, founder of the 4th dynasty and father of Khufu. Venture inside the Red pyramid, which is the second largest pyramid in Egypt.

At Memphis you will see the site of the ancient Egyptian capital during the Old Kingdom. Highlights include a limestone colossus of Ramses II and a giant alabaster Sphinx weighing over 80 tons.

Egyptian Museum

Founded in 1858 by August Mariette, the vast Museum of Egyptian Antiquities holds the greatest collection of Egyptian treasures in the world. Allowing one minute for each, it would take 9 months to view its 136,000 exhibits! Marvel at the golden treasures of the Boy King Tutankhamun, more than 1700 items that were discovered in his tomb in the Valley of the Kings in 1922 and which now fill 12 rooms of the museum.

Not to be missed is a visit to the Royal Mummy room, containing the mortal remains of some of Ancient Egypt’s most famous pharaohs. Other fascinating artefacts include a replica of the Rosetta stone, the Fayoum portraits, a complete Hathor shrine from Deir il-Bahri, pyramidions from the pyramids at Dahshur and pieces of the Sphinx’s beard.

Islamic Cairo

Take a fascinating tour of some of the more significant sites in Cairo’s Islamic history, including:

The ancient Citadel, a spectacular medieval fortress perched on a hill above the city that has dominated the skyline for over 800 years. Originally built by Salah al-Din in the 12th century to fortify the city’s defences, the Citadel later became a royal residence. Modified and enlarged over the centuries by subsequent rulers, today it is a vast complex of four museums and three mosques. You will visit the beautiful and graceful Mohammed Ali mosque, also known as the Alabaster mosque, built in the early 1800’s by the ruler Mohammed Ali, whose cenotaph is inside.

You will then explore two of Cairo’s largest and most important mosques, the Sultan Hassan mosque dating back to the 14th century, and the al-Rifai mosque, built in the late 19th century. The latter holds the tombs of several members of the Egyptian Royal family, including King Fouad and King Farouk, also the late Shah of Iran.

OPTIONAL/ADDITIONAL: Built 879, the Ibn Tulun Mosque has an atmosphere of tranquillity unlike that of any other mosque in the city. It is the oldest original mosque and the largest in Egypt.

Adjacent to the Ibn Tulun mosque, the Gayer Anderson Museum was founded in 1937 in two ancient residences, the Beit el-Kridiliya from 1632 and the Beit Amna Bent Salim from 1540. The museum includes the private collection of Major Gayer-Anderson as well as furniture, glassware, crystal, carpets, silks and embroidered Arab costumes.

Old (Coptic) Cairo

Explore the highlights of Old Cairo, including the remains of the old Fortress of Babylon, built at the time of the Roman occupation of Egypt to protect the country from invading enemies.

The walls of the fortress enclose the Church of St. Sergius, which dates back to the 5th century and was built over a crypt believed to be one of the resting places of the Holy Family during their flight to Egypt 2000 years ago. You will also visit the famous Hanging Church, so-called as it is supported on two ancient columns, and which contains many important relics, beautiful paintings and carved screens.

Visit also the Synagogue of Ben Ezra, a vestige of the once thriving Jewish community in Egypt under the leadership of Rabbi Ben Ezra. Inside were discovered the so-called "Geniza Documents," an unparalleled source of information about the life of the Jews in Egypt's past.

Khan El-Khalili, Tentmakers Bazaar

Shop till you drop in the world famous Khan El-Khalili, the largest bazaar in the Middle East. Originally founded in the 14th century as a watering stop for caravanserai, the bazaar has now grown to vast proportions. As you wander through the labyrinth of narrow passageways you will find workshops and merchants selling everything from woodwork, glassware and leather goods to perfumes, spices, fabrics and Pharaonic curiosities. Remember to bargain hard!

Stroll through the colourful, bustling street market lined by historic monuments on the way to Bab Zwayla, one of the medieval city’s original gates dating back to 1090, then continue to the fascinating Tentmakers Bazaar, where centuries-old skills are employed to produce intricately designed hand-stitched appliqué and other fabric items.

Sound & Light Show - Giza Pyramids

Not to be missed, the incredible spectacle of a Sound & Light Show at the foot of the Giza Pyramids. Narrated by the enigmatic Sphinx, the show will lead you on a fascinating tour through the history of the Pyramids. An unforgettable experience!

“Whirling Dervishes” Folkloric Show

Enjoy a breathtaking display of traditional Sufi dancing and folkloric music in the historic Citadel complex overlooking the city of Cairo. Available Saturday, Monday and Wednesday only.

Nile Dinner Cruise

Enjoy the beauty of Cairo at night as you cruise the Nile on an elegant 5-star boat. Enjoy dinner and live entertainment including music and belly dancing.

Camel market

Visit the largest camel market in Cairo! These animals have completed the month-long trek from the Sudan and are now offered for sale. Can you fit one in your suitcase?

Alexandria

When Alexander the Great conquered Egypt in 332BC, he founded his capital city on northern coast near the fishing village of Rhakotis, and the Mediterranean city of Alexandria was born. After the death in 30BC of the last of the Ptolemies, the famous Cleopatra, Egypt fell under Roman rule. The modern city of Alexandria (Egypt’s second largest) contains many fascinating sites spanning the centuries from the Greco-Roman period to the modern day, including:

• Roman amphitheatre: the only one of its kind in existence in Egypt
• Catacombs of Kom il-Shoqafa: Greco-Roman tombs cut into solid rock to a depth of 100 feet
• Greco-Roman Museum: containing artefacts dating from 300BC to 300AD
• Anfushi necropolis: Greek rock tombs dating back to the 2nd century AD
• Pompey’s pillar: erected to honour the Roman emperor Diocletian in 300AD
• Qaitbey Fort: 15th century fort built on the site of the famous Pharos lighthouse, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World
• Montaza Palace & Gardens: built in 1892, originally the summer home of the Egyptian Royal family and now a Presidential residence
• Royal Jewellery Museum: a collection of exquisite jewellery and personal effects from the era of Mohammed Ali to King Farouk

The city of Alexandria lies 230km north of Cairo. You will travel by private car and your program will include visits to sites of your choice as time permits. Lunch optional.

A visit to Alexandria can also be combined with a visit to the cemeteries and war museum at el-Alamein, 106km west of Alexandria.

Luxor - East Bank

Luxor Temple: No trip to Luxor is complete without a visit to the strikingly graceful Temple of Luxor, dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun-Min, Mut and Khonsu. Founded by Amenophis III in the XVIII Dynasty, it was added to by successive pharaohs including Tutankhamun, Horemheb and notably by Ramses II. The temple was half buried by sand and silt for centuries, which accounts for the excellent condition of many of its fine reliefs. A notable discovery in 1989 during excavation work in the courtyard to stabilize the columns, was a cache of 26 statues in almost perfect condition which are now displayed in the excellent Luxor Museum.

Karnak Temple: Begun in the XII dynasty, this awe-inspiring temple complex was expanded and enlarged over a period of 1300 years by successive pharaohs and covers over 100 acres. The site actually comprises three separate temple enclosures, the largest being the Precinct of Amun which itself covers an area of 62 acres and is large enough to accommodate ten great cathedrals. Highlights include the famous Great Hypostyle Hall with its veritable forest of 134 columns, the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, a large Sacred Lake and the obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut, the famous female pharaoh.

The Luxor Museum contains a small but choice collection of statues and funerary goods from local temples and the Theban necropolis. Masterpieces include a famous rendition of Tuthmosis III in green-black schist, a human-bodied, crocodile-headed Sobek in alabaster and a number of funerary items from Tutankhamun’s tomb discovered in 1922. Displayed in the New Hall and not to be missed is the cache of 26 statues discovered in 1989 under the courtyard of Luxor temple.

The Mummification Museum offers a fascinating explanation of the history and practise of mummification, one the most important rituals in ancient Egypt. On display are not only several mummified animals and Maserharti, a XII Dynasty official, but a number of original implements and tools used in the mummification process.

Luxor - West Bank

Valley of the Kings: Surrounded by limestone crags, the Valley of the Kings was destined to become the final resting place of the mortal remains of several generations of New Kingdom pharaohs. Here scores of magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks, richly decorated by skilled artisans and filled with treasures considered essential for the pharaoh’s journey into the afterlife. More than 60 tombs have so far been discovered here, the most famous of which is of course that of the boy King Tutankhamun whose fabulous treasures now occupy 12 rooms in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The nearby Valley of the Queens contains over 80 tombs belonging to queens, royal children and high officials. Here you will find one of the most famous and most beautiful tombs in Egypt, that of Queen Nefertari, wife of Ramses II. Other tombs of interest are those belonging to Khaemweset and Amunhirkhepshef, sons of Ramses III.

Hatshepsut Temple: Deir il Bahri is the Arabic name for the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt's only female pharaoh. Rising out of the desert plain in a series of terraces, the magnificent temple merges with the sheer limestone cliffs that surround it as if nature herself had built this extraordinary monument. Queen Hatshepsut herself quite appropriately called her temple Djeser Djeseru, or “Splendour of Splendours”. While many statues and representations of Hatshepsut herself were obliterated by Tuthmosis III and Akhenaton, many fine reliefs remain including some depicting Hatshepsut’s famous journey to the Land of Punt, thought to be present day Somalia. Other highlights include the Chapel of Hathor with its many beautiful Hathor-headed columns.

The Colossi of Memnon is the name given to the two gigantic seated statues which originally guarded the entrance to the mortuary temple of Amenophis III, one the largest temple complexes on the West Bank. Unfortunately virtually nothing remains of the temple, however this allows these magnificent statues to sit in glorious isolation against the backdrop of the Theban hills. The northern statue of the pair was famed in Greco-Roman times for its mysterious ability to “sing” at dawn, which has been attributed to air reverberating through cracks in the statue caused by an earthquake in 27BC. Following repairs made to the colossus at the behest of the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 199AD, the phenomenon unfortunately ceased.

Dendera & Abydos

Dendera: This beautiful Greco-Roman temple was built between 125BC and 60AD and dedicated to Hathor, Goddess of joy. It is one of the few Egyptian temples with the original roof still in tact. Highlights include the famous astronomical ceiling which retains much of its original coloring, as well as a replica of the famous Dendera Zodiac ceiling, the original of which resides in the Louvre in France. Close to the temple can be found a number of other related structures, including a Roman Birth House containing many fine carvings, a 5th century Coptic Basilica and a Sacred Lake (now drained and full of palms).

Abydos: As Muslims endeavor to visit Mecca once in their lifetime and Hindus aspire to die at Benares, the ancient Egyptians devoutly wished to make a pilgrimage to Abydos, cult center of the god Osiris. Abydos once covered a huge area, with various temple complexes, necropolises, sacred lakes and a town centered upon the great Temple of Osiris. Nowadays almost all have disappeared with a few notable exceptions: the magnificently carved Temple of Seti I is considered to have some of the finest New Kingdom reliefs in Egypt, some of which inside the sanctuaries dedicated to Seti I still retain some of their original coloring. Nearby you can see the Osireion, Seti’s cenotaph, and the ruined Temple of Ramses II, Seti’s son.

Below, the famous “Abydos helicopter”

VISITING DENDERA & ABYDOS FROM LUXOR:

You have a choice of day trips:

• Dendera only – by cruise (full day): Visit the temple of Hathor by boat! Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Nile, departing Luxor at 7:00am and returning at 7:00pm. You will have a guided tour including all the highlights of the temple site. Lunch and afternoon tea included.

• Dendara only – by vehicle (half day): Join the daily convoy departing Luxor at 8:00am, return early afternoon.

• Abydos & Dendera – by vehicle (full day): Join the daily convoy departing Luxor at 8:00am, return late afternoon.

Sound & Light Show – Karnak temple

The show starts with a historical introduction covering the birth of the great city of Thebes and continues by describing the construction the Temple of Karnak over a period of 1300 years. You will stroll among the magnificent colonnades while listening to a narration highlighting the glorious achievements of the great Pharaohs, including Seti I, Ramses II, Hatshepsut, Tuthmosis III.