Discover the treasures of EgyptCairo, Luxor and The Nile Cruise

Itinerary (3 days)

• DAY 1 - Arrival to Cairo

  Board a flight that arrives Cairo by end of day. Our driver is waiting for you at the Airport to transfer you to your hotel. Time to get the beat of the Egyptian capital city!

• DAY 2 - Pyramids of Giseh & Sakkara

  In the morning, our guide takes you to the plateau of Gizeh, a site that is unique throughout the World! 

   

  We are captivated by the grandiose sight of the Great Pyramids: Kheops, Khephren and Mykerinos, just at the junction of the city with the Desert.

   

  For those more adventurous, you can visit the inside of the pyramids.

   

  Then continue towards the lesser known site of Sakkara, which was most intensely active during the Old Kingdom, where we will discover the superb tom of King Zoser. This is the first royal tomb taking the shape of a pyramid, and one of the vastest in Egypt. Sakkara is the largest Egyptian necropolis.

  
  For dinner, you will have to search and discover a small restaurant that will serve you the delicious local flavors

• Day 3 - Cairo Museum & Coptic Egypt

  This morning, we head for the Egyptian Museum, located downtown in Tahrir Square. The Museum is a must-see of Cairo, it was built to shield the antiquities of Ancient Egypt. It houses the World’s largest and most precious collection of archeological antiquities of Ancient Egypt.

   

  In the afternoon, our tour continues to discover Cairo, the Old Town, the Coptic and the Islamic quarters, we shall also visit the Ben Ezra synagogue, among others, as well as the Moallaqah Church “the Suspended Church”, so-called due to its exceptional location. Then, we move onto the Citadel overseeing Cairo, and which encloses the Mosque of Mehmet Ali.

   

  By end of day, board either a late plane for Luxor or, as an option, ride the overnight train to Luxor.

• DAY 4 - Discovering Luxor

  Enjoy a free day to explore the ancient Egyptian capital. This city is a real open-skies museum, most famously known : the Luxor Museum, the Mummification Museum and the large Souk awaits you, always busy, colorful and perfumed..

   

• DAY 5 - Temples of Karnak and Horus / Start of the cruise

  After breakfast, we head to temple of Karnak, the domain of God Amun. Generations of Pharaohs worked upon the site to further embellish it, we shall be amazed by the architectural complex whose construction spans over more than 2000 years!

   

  We then continue onto Edfu to visit the temple of Horus, dedicated to the falcon God. It is indeed the best preserved temple of all Egypt! The temple, fully constructed in sandstone, is remarkable and in a spectacular state of conservation.

   

  Then, you are taken to the embarkation to board your Sandal or Dahabieh, the famous sailboats of the Nile. Get installed and be ready for your first sunset on the Nile… it is fabulous!

• DAY 6 - Edfu / Cruising

  Morning navigation - a nice walk at Ramadi around the marshes and in the fields, meeting the local farmers at work in the alfalfa, sugar cane fields or in the palm groves.

   

  Back onboard, then after lunch or by end of day, take a pleasant walk in the charming village of Bassaw.

   

  Spend the night at Bassaw or at the foot of Horemheb speos (according to the moment’s availability)

   

• DAY 7 - The Silsileh Quarries / Cruising

  The sailing allows you to discover life on the banks of the Nile, and the stops along the path are an opportunity to encounter the local population.

   

  Today, we shall stop by the quarries of Gebel Silsileh, which were the main source of construction material of major temples of Egypt.

   

  Gebel Silsileh was exploited during the new Kingdom as a source of sandstone, and became the major provider site in Egypt, as the good quality stone was easily accessible and easy to transport, being near the Nile.

• DAY 8 - Kom Ombo / Cruising

  Sail onto Kom Ombo site, for visiting its majestic temple which is beholding an agreable surprise.

   

  It is the unique temple of the country that is simultaneously dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile God, and Haroeris the falcon God. Take all your time to admire such beauty!

   

  Then, experience a complete change of scenery at the village of Daraw, surely one of the strong moments of the trip.. you will walk through its popular market, where colors, scents of Africa and of the Orient are many symphonies that will enchant the eyes and nose!

• DAY 9 - Aswan / Cruising and the temple of Philae

  Your boat trip continues to reach Aswan, the gate of Nubia and a stronghold of ancient Upper Egypt.

   

  In Aswan, we will reach by boat the Temple of Philae dedicated to the goddess of fertility, Isis, unique in its site and architecture. It is one of the most iconic monuments salvaged by UNESCO in the 60’s.

   

  Optional : Morning visit of the temples of Abu Simbel, ($$)

• DAY 10 - Luxor and discovery of the West Bank

  Disembark and head for the return to Luxor, where we start our visits by the Valley of Kings, the place of eternal resting privileged by the Pharaohs.

   

  Further, we shall join the majestic temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the only woman having ascended the pharaonic throne, being unique in her kind.

   

  While ongoing, we shall come across two sitting giants of stone: they are the famous colossi of Memnon, enthroned in the midst of cultivated lands.

   

• DAY 11 - Luxor / Return flight

  Depending your flight schedules, our driver will transfer you to the airport for your return flight.