Enchanted Egypt: The Cradle of Civilizations

Upon arrival at the arrivals hall at Cairo International Airport, one of our English-speaking representatives will help you carry out all the relevant procedures in the immigration and visa area, as well as customs control. Once the procedures are completed, you will be transferred to the hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.

After regaining your energy with a breakfast, you will visit the Giza plateau where the three Pyramids are located, where the only one of the Seven Wonders that belongs to the Ancient World is located: the Pyramid of Cheops. This famous monument 230 meters high. You will also visit the valley temple that is part of the funerary complex of King Khafre with the giant sphinx presiding over its head and the body of a lion. Next, visit the esplanade from which you can see the panoramic view of the 3 Pyramids. Lunch in a typical restaurant. In the afternoon, departure to see the main points of interest of the largest city in all of Africa. The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, where Tutankhamun's treasure stands out among numerous collections of objects from different periods of the pharaonic era with incalculable cultural value. Entering this site will give you a unique opportunity to learn in great detail about the functioning of this civilization. Next, we will visit the area of ​​the Saladin Citadel, a fortress where the imposing Mohamed Ali mosque stands out, as well as several museums and gardens located within its walls. Return to the hotel and overnight in Cairo.

Breakfast at the hotel and at the scheduled time, transfer to Cairo airport to take a domestic flight to Luxor. Arrival and transfer to the motor ship. Drop off your luggage and begin the excursion to the majestic temples of Luxor and Karnak, which offer visitors the opportunity to discover numerous anecdotes and stories of the pharaohs who played an essential role in their construction (this excursion takes place in the morning or in the afternoon, depending on the time of arrival in Luxor). Free time until dinner. Night on board, in Luxor.

Full board on board. After breakfast, you will cross to the other bank of the Nile to visit the famous Necropolis of Thebes, one of the most important symbols of this ancient civilization. In this complex you can find a true archaeological treasure that constitutes one of the main wonders of Egypt: the Valley of the Kings, which houses 62 pharaonic tombs, among which are those of Tutankhamun and Ramses IV (you can visit up to 3 tombs). Afterwards, the visit will give way to contemplating an amazing panoramic view: the famous funerary temple of Queen Hatschepsut, also known as Deir El Bahari. You will be able to visit the funerary temple of Ramses III, currently known as the Medinat Habu temple. Next, you will admire the remains of the Temple of Amenophis III, an enclosure that will welcome you with the Colossi of Memnon, two gigantic twin seated stone statues that have endured over the centuries. Return to the motor ship, which will set sail towards Esna. A relaxing afternoon sailing along the Nile. In the evening, we will cross the Esna lock and continue sailing towards Edfu.

Full board on board. You will board a horse-drawn carriage that will take you to the temple of worship of the god Horus. This sanctuary represents the best preserved Egyptian temple, but it remained hidden under the sand for several centuries until the French archaeologist Auguste Mariette discovered it in the mid-19th century. Later, you will return to the motor ship to depart for Kom Ombo. In this city you will take an excursion, on foot, to the temple that was dedicated to Haroeris, the falcon god, and Sobek, the crocodile god. Afterwards, there will be a brief visit to an exhibition of well-preserved mummified crocodiles that will help you better understand the culture of Ancient Egypt. Return to the motor ship and continue sailing to Aswan while dinner will be served. Night on board in Aswan.

Optional excursion to the legendary temples of Abu Simbel and its famous archaeological site. These impressive temples were on the verge of disappearing due to the construction of the Aswan Dam, but thanks to the UNESCO global appeal, these temples were rescued by moving them piece by piece, to the current location (200 meters further back and 60 meters further height of the original place), which has allowed it to last to this day. The main site of the complex is the temple of Ramses II, whose main façade has 4 amazing statues 20 meters high, which represent the majesty of Ancient Egypt. If you walk inside, you will find an extensive gallery and several rooms to honor the gods of Egyptian culture. In Abu Simbel you will also find the temple dedicated to Nefertari, the favorite wife of this pharaoh. On the main façade there are 6 figures carved into the rock, of equal size, 4 representing Ramses II and 2 representing Nefertari herself. The interior of this temple consecrated to Hathor, the goddess of love, a true wonder. Return to Aswan. In the afternoon, and after lunch, you will take a ride on a felucca, typical sailboats of the area, and you will tour the waters of the Nile, admiring the landscape. On this route, Elephantine Island stands out, which was an important ivory trading center, hence its name, and Kitchener Island, famous for its beautiful botanical garden and enjoying the rarest species of birds and the panoramic view of the Mausoleum of Agha Khan, a simple glance will help you understand why the Ismaili Supreme Chief chose this place for his eternal rest. Night on board in Aswan. Possibility of optionally extending this view to the Nubian Village where you will discover the daily life of the native inhabitants of Lower Nubia, their customs and crafts, a treasure that must be protected. Return to the motor ship and overnight on board in Aswan.

Breakfast on board the motor ship and disembarkation. Depart by coach to the pier on the island of Philae where you will board a boat to the small island of Philae. On this island the temple is erected in honor of the goddess Isis, which Ptolemy II ordered to be built. Later you will be able to see the contrast between antiquity and modernity with a visit to the famous Aswan Dam, a gigantic work of hydraulic engineering that Egypt began in the late 1950s with the help of the USSR, at that time, and finished it the end of the 60s, of the last century. At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to Aswan airport to depart for Cairo, where a representative will pick you up to accompany you to your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel before leaving for Cairo International Airport in an air-conditioned vehicle. Take advantage of the journey to see one last time this beautiful city that brims with history in each of its corners. For your comfort, a English-speaking representative will accompany you at all times to assist you in any situation.