Discover the treasures of EgyptThe Nile by Sandal

Itinerary (5 days)

• DAY 1 - ARRIVAL TO LUXOR

  Flight arrival from your country to Luxor. Transfer to Hotel

   

• Day 2 - LUXOR

  Luxor:

   

  Visit of the temple of Karnak, the first impact with the antiquities, through the maze of the gigantic columns. More than a mere temple, it is a religious complex which is present with most dynasties, all dreaming inexorably to extend the site excessively.

   

  Departure south-bound towards Aswan, the gates to Africa.

   

  Aswan:

   

  Visit the island of Philae with its Ptolemy temple, located upstream the cataract. It looks great sitting on its granite base, after being salvaged from the rising waters.

   

  In the evening, discover the effervescence and scents of the colorful Aswan souk.

   

  Sailing towards the Nile West Bank, finally in the quietness of our exclusive shores. Dinner and night onboard, in a double cabin: enjoy the mildness of Upper Egypt.

   

  Optional : it is possible to arrange for the visit of Abu Simbel temples, so fascinating on Lake Nasser: departure at 03:00 a.m. return at 11:00 a.m. in Luxor, make your decision on the spot!

   

• DAY 3 and 4 - THE ENCHANTED BANKS OF THE NILE RIVER

  Both sailing and trekking, we shall discover the antique river banks. First, there are the lush green cultures at the foot of palm trees; it is a whole traditional lifestyle around cultivation and irrigation.

   

  Navigation becomes a pleasure in the sun, half-lying on the deck, gently rocking with the wavelets of the river against the boat’s hull. As we hike, we discover the multi-colored Nubian villages.

   

• DAY 5 AND 6 - FROM KOM OMBO TO SILSILEH QUARRIES

  Afar, the acropolis temple of Kom Ombo stands up in the middle of palm trees.

   

  Visit the Ptolemaic temple, where the crocodile Sobek is highly featured at the Gods pantheon.

   

  Later, the antique reliefs of the Silsileh quarries invite us to hike among them. This was the source of material supply for many famous monuments. While strolling there, we will discover the secrets troglodytic temples as well as traces of ancient workers.

   

  This is the region of the white villages, built by the Arabs under the Fatimid era. Domes and mosques stand up, all white-dressed, in a striking contrast. This also the country of camels: Daraw market is the best example, with a feast of colors.. and scents!

   

  Spend the evening on the banks, joyful ambiance, local food on small fire. Overnight in double-cabin onboard the Sandal.

   

  “All our products are fresh and organic” as we say it here.. tomatoes, cucumbers and eggplants are small in size and tasteful; all these vegetables are from the gardens that you have crossed.

• DAY 7 - THEBES, EDFU AND THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS

  In the early morning, take the direction of Edfu on minibus. We stand speechless inside the intact fire clay bricks walls. The temple seems a cathedral. Imagine the priest preparing their idols with incense, in the secret rooms..

   

  Transfer to Thebes, a pyramidal plateau facing Luxor, and where the tombs of Queens and Kings are found. Visit some of the tombs dug in the rock, ornate with the most amazing paintings which we cannot be but sensible!

   

  We explore the site of Deir El Medina, which is the valley of the artisans who contributed to the construction of the site. Their multi-colored tombs tell the stories of every days life, less rigid than the classic royal tombs.

   

  We finally end up with the Ramses temple at Medinet Habu. Admire its colors and its defensive gate, or Persian inspiration!

   

  Free evening for wandering through the souk and the ruins, with the option to visit the Luxor temple by night.

• DAY 8 - RETURN FLIGHT OR CONTINUING THE ADVENTURE

  Option : night train (sleeping train) for those who continue the tour in Cairo. First class cabin with two sleepers, with dinner served.

Itinerary extension (12 days)

• DAY 9 - SAKKARA AND THE FORGOTTEN MEMPHIS

  Depart early morning to Sakkara necropolis, the ancient Memphis, still proudly standing with the oldest step pyramid of the world. It dominates the desert from one side, and the plam groove oasis on the other side. Discovery stroll among the multi-colored Mastabas of the Old Kingdom, gems of UNESCO history of arts and humanity, on the edges of the Libyan plateau.

   

  According to opening hours of the Conservatory, we shall visit 3 of the most stunning mastabas of the Old Kingdom, the pyramid of Teti and the ceremonial court facing the pyramid of Zoser. We shall roam, like ancient pilgrims, through the Ounas pave way. Try to imagine the antic Memphis.

   

  Back to Hotel.

• DAY 10 - THE MYSTIC MUSEUM AND ORIENTALIST ART DÉCO

  Visit of the Cairo Museum (the guide will help find the way in the Ali Baba cavern!). Then take a walk and lunch in what is known as Art Nouveau quarter, which looks like Little Paris of the 19^th: nymphs, friezes and alcoves with romantic time wear.. Discover the unique museum of French impressionists : a collection named “ the forgotten of Cairo” located in a superb villa on the Nile (or optional choice for a free roaming in the Egyptian museum)

   

  On your own, walk and dine on the quays. Back to Hotel.

   

  “If I would choose only one work of art, it would be the mortuary masks of Tut-Ankh-Amon. Yes, it is not original as choice, but how to resist the beauty of gold and semi-precious stones, at the service of genius arts”

• DAY 11 - TIME-TRAVELLING TOUR

  A city walk for the whole day. A days spent in the chaos of Ottoman homes, decrepit hammams, Mamlouk madrassas, Fatimid mosques and tombs, all squeezed between ageless shops and fountains. It is a logic itinerary, a Great Crossing. From the gates Al Futuh to the Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, passing by Al Azhar and the dynastic tombs. We round-up our trip under the minaret of Ibn Tulun mosque, and the beautiful sunset from the Citadel of Mehmet Ali, an 8-km vaulted passageways, narrow street with worn out corners, dead-end street full of life and of small shops.. this is a day in the Sultan’s era.

   

• DAY 12 - RETURN FLIGHT

  Depending on your flight schedule, free morning, airport transfer for your flight.