Tour: Highlights of Egypt
Agency: G Adventures
Start/Finish: Cairo / Cairo
Duration: 14 days
Price: check out
Highlights of Egypt
Dig deep and discover the riches of Egypt’s geography, culture, and, of course, archaeology, on this epic adventure. Step into a world filled with giant statues, temples, and legendary pyramids. Take it easy as you float along the Nile on a traditional felucca, explore the white sands of Hurghada on the Red Sea, or enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family. Our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) and local experts will share an intriguing combination of the region’s attractions and hidden secrets. Meet the gaze of the Sphinx and get into the spirit of bygone times when travelling to the Valley of the Kings.
Highlights of Egypt itinerary
Day 1: Cairo
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Day 2: Cairo/Aswān
Enjoy a visit to the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx before a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum. Catch an overnight train to Aswan.
Visit the pyramids and soak in the history of these majestic structures before a visit to the Egyptian Museum.
In the evening, board an overnight train to Aswan. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.
Day 3: Aswān
Opt to explore the busy Aswan market or visit the beautiful Philae Temple, before visiting a Nubian village and enjoying a home-cooked dinner with a local family.
Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but, trains can often be delayed. Enjoy some free time to browse the souk, walk along the Nile or opt to book the ‘Philae Temple Excursion’.
Later, board a boat to reach one of the many Nile islands and visit a Nubian village. Walk around the small community, then enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home.
Day 4: Aswān
One of the most fascinating sights in the area is the Temple of Abu Simbel. Later, opt for a half-day tour of the Unfinished Obelisk, High Dam, and Philae Temple. Visit the modern Nubian Museum to learn more about Aswan’s local people.
Day 5: Aswān/Luxor
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning. Ride on a Felucca to Aswan Bridge, where we will disembark and transfer to Kom Umbo. Later visit Kom Umbo temple before transferring to Luxor. Tonight, opt to grab dinner at the local market where you can try some local specialties.
Day 6: Luxor
After breakfast the group will set off on a guided visit to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Have lunch with a local family on the West Bank of the Nile, then visit an Alabaster Factory en route back to Luxor. The remainder of the afternoon will be at your leisure.
Cross to the West Bank. Descend down the narrow corridors and check out the tombs of the pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings. The Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut literally seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops. Then visit the massive 18m (59ft)-high Colossi of Memnon, which is all that remains of an ancient temple.
Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile and then explore Luxor at your own pace.
Day 7: Luxor
After breakfast the group will sail by ferry to the West Bank to meet our student-guide. Together we will bike through the village and visit the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. From here, enjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Later take advantage of free time in Luxor to explore the bustling local bazaar at your leisure.
Day 8: Luxor
Take a final free day in Luxor to explore any last minute sights in this storied city. Opt to check out the local bazaar to pick up a last minute keepsake.
Day 9: Luxor/Hurghada
Drive from Luxor to Hurghada on the stunning Red Sea. The rest of the day is free at leisure, opt to relax and enjoy the beach.
After arriving in Hurghada, prepare to spend the next few days soaking in the tranquility of it’s white sand beaches, and the rich marine environment of the Red Sea.
Day 10: Hurghada
Enjoy a day on a boat trip to the local islands and snorkel amid the crystal clear waters and stunning coral gardens of the Red Sea.
The Red Sea is a global hotspot for snorkelling, thanks to it’s crystal clear waters and incredible aquatic ecosystems. Explore the rich coral reefs and be overwhelmed with the amount of colourful coral and fish you encounter.
Day 11: Hurghada/Alexandria
Catch an early flight from Hurghada to Cairo. Continue by private vehicle to Alexandria. Stop en route to visit the monasteries of Wadi Al Natrun
Travel by plane and private car to Alexandria, one of the ancient world’s most important trade and cultural hubs. Explore it’s many Greek, Roman and Egyptian ruins as you walk in the footsteps of some of histories greatest heroes.
Day 12: Alexandria
Take a guided tour of Pompeys Pillar, Catacombs, the Alexandria Library, and Qaitbay Fort. Later, opt to explore the cities’s cafés, or dine on fantastic seafood
Prepare for a full day of exploring the many historical wonders of Alexandria. Delve into the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, marvel at the resolute Citadel of Qaitbay, and explore the grounds of Pompey’s Pillar, one of Egypt’s most impressive Roman architectural works.
Day 13: Alecandria/Cairo
Drive to El Alamein to visit the World War cemeteries and memorial. Continue to Cairo for the final evening.
As we travel from Alexandria to Cairo, take a stop at the El Alamein World War memorials, and learn more about the pivotal battles that changed the course of the war in Africa. Afterwards, continue on to the bustling metropolis of Cairo.
Day 14: Cairo
Depart at any time.
Highlights of Egypt dates and booking
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