Splendiferous Egypt

13 days in the spirit of adventure and relaxation

"Egypt is not a country we live in but a country that lives within us."

Pope Shenouda III

Day 01,

 

Cairo

Welcome to Egypt!

Meet at the Cairo International Airport and let our representative assist you through the passport control & customs formalities. After the transfer with the A/C vehicle to the hotel, our representative will guide you through checking in the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 02,

 

Cairo

Breakfast at the hotel

Departure for a half day visit to the Pyramids Plateau and the Sphinx

The Pyramids of Giza,

Situated in the immediate vicinity of the southwestern suburbs of Cairo are the indisputable top attractions in Egypt. The pyramids at Giza were built over the span of three generations by Khufu, his second reigning son Khafre, and Menkaure. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is an awe-inspiring 139 meters high establishment making it the largest pyramid in Egypt, although the nearby Khafre’s Pyramid appears to be larger as it is built at a higher elevation.

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Lunch at a restaurant facing the Pyramids

Back to the hotel OR optional excursions

Memphis and Sakkara- a half day optional excursion in the afternoon

The Royal Necropolis of Sakkara includes the Step Pyramid of Pharaoh Zoser who reigned 45 centuries ago. The Step Pyramid was one of the earliest forms in pyramid building, and the inspiration for its three famous neighbors at Giza. Memphis, the 5,000 year old capital of Lower Egypt contains the remains of one of the biggest statues of the Pharaoh Ramses II, thought to have stood 13 meters high in ancient times.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 03,

 

Cairo

Breakfast at the hotel

Free day at leisure OR take one of our optional excursions

Egyptian Museum- a half day optional excursion

The impressive Egyptian Museum houses the world's largest collection of Egyptian Antiques with almost 100,000 items. Here a whole range of treasure is awaiting the visitors to discover them, including some of those magnificent ones found in the Tomb of the Boy-King Tut-Ankh- Amoun. Delicate pieces of the ladies jewelry box, Mummies Room- in fact something to please everyone!

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The Tour of Old Cairo- a half-day optional excursion

Old Cairo was built by the Romans when they constructed the fortress known as the 'Babylon'. Wander through the oldest alleys in Cairo and visit the Hanging Church of St. Mary, and Abou Sarga Church dating back as early as the fourth century. Visit the historical synagogue of Ben Ezra and the Coptic Museum, founded in 1908, which contains the world's richest collection of Coptic art and treasures. Heritage is right in front of your feet.

Did you know?

Built between 876 and 879 AD, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun is one of the oldest mosques in Cairo. Parts of the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me were filmed at the Mosque of Ibn Tulun.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 04,

 

Cairo/Aswan

What setting could be better to enjoy the panoramic views of Egypt than from the heart of the River Nile itself? After breakfast at the hotel, you are driven to Cairo domestic airport for your flight to Aswan. Once you arrive to Aswan, you get immediately transferred to your Nile Cruiser and installation in your cabin with the assistance of our representative.

Did you know?

The name Aswan is synonymous today with peace, tranquility and beauty. The town lies on the ancient trade route between Egypt and its Southern territories and trade in the times of the Pharaohs was brisk in gold, ivory, slaves and exotic animals.

After lunch, depart to visit the High Dam and Philae Temple.

High Dam

Located near Aswan, the world famous High Dam was an engineering miracle when it was built in the 1960s. It contains 18 times the material used in the Great Pyramid of Cheops. Today it provides irrigation and electricity for the whole of Egypt and, together with the old Aswan Dam built by the British between 1898 and 1902, they offer wonderful views for visitors. From the top of the two Mile long High Dam you can gaze across Lake Nasser, the huge reservoir.

Philae Temple

Philae Temple was dismantled and reassembled (on Agilika Island about 550 meters from its original home on Philae Island) in the wake of the High Dam. The temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, is in a beautiful setting which has been landscaped to match its original site.

Philae temple

Its various shrines and sanctuaries, including The Vestibule of Nectanebos I, which is used as the entrance to the island, the Temple of the Emperor Hadrian, a Temple of Hathor, Trajan's Kiosk (Pharaohs Bed), a birth house and two pylons celebrate all the deities involved in the Isis and Osiris myth. Today, Philae is more fun than ever.

Back to the Nile Cruiser and lunch on board. In the afternoon, enjoy the felucca ride around the islands. In the evening, possibility of visiting the Sound and Light Show in Philae Temple, a magical experience as floodlit buildings are silhouetted against the volcanic rocks and water surrounding them (with supplement).

Did you know?

Felucca is the name of the traditional sailing boat.

Dinner and overnight on board

Day 05,

 

Aswan/KomOmbo/Edfu

Early morning navigation to Luxor while breakfast on board. Passing by KomOmbo where you stop for a visit to KomOmbo Temple, the double temples of the Gods Sobek (the Crocodile God) and Haroeris (the Falcon God).

Did you know?

The KomOmbo temple is unique because it is in fact a double temple, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, and Horus the falcon- headed god. The layout combines two temples in one with each side having its own gateways and chapels. Sobek is associated with the wicked god Seth, the enemy of Horus. In the Horus myth the allies of Seth made their escape by changing themselves into crocodiles. Here you will find examples of mummified crocodiles which are placed on display.

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Enjoy a sumptuous lunch on board and navigate to Edfu, where a visit by a horse carriage to 'Edfu Horus Temple takes place.

The Temple of Horus in Edfu (also known as the Temple of Edfu) is considered the best-preserved cult temple in Egypt. This partly because it was built later than most: in the Ptolemaic era from 237 to 57 BC. Yet, despite its later date, it exactly reflects traditional Pharaonic architecture and so provides an excellent idea of how all the temples once looked. Edfu is also very large: the second largest in Egypt after Karnak Temple.

Then navigation continues to Luxor crossing Esna lock.

Dinner and overnight on board

Day 06,

 

Luxor

Breakfast on board and departure to visit the Valley of Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon

The Valley of the Kings is a valley in Egypt where, for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and privileged nobles of the New Kingdom. The valley contains 63 tombs and chambers, ranging in size from a simple pit to a complex tomb with over 120 chambers. The royal tombs are decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology and give clues to the beliefs and funerary rituals of the period.

Then proceed to visit Karnak and Luxor Temples.

Did you know?

karnak.jpg

Although badly ruined, few attractions of an Egypt tour are more impressive than Karnak Temple. It is the largest ancient religious site in the world and represents the combined achievement of many generations of Egyptian builders.

The Luxor Temple was dedicated to the three Egyptian gods Amun, Mut, and Chons. It is located on the east bank of the River Nile in the ancient city of Thebes and hosted its most famous festival in the ancient times, called 'Opet'. Today Luxor is the premier travel destination in Upper Egypt.

Lunch is on board. In the evening, possibility of attending the Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple where the giant columns are alternately lit and then shaded in darkness (with supplement).

Dinner and overnight on board

Day 07,

 

Luxor/Hurghada

After breakfast on board, check out and transfer to Hurghada by motor coach (approx. 280KM)

Hurghada was once a fairly small and unimposing fishing village, located next to the Red Sea. Today, the resort town of Hurghada is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Egypt, with more than 150 different hotels, many of which line the shoreline. Its waters are clear and calm for most of the year and have become popular for various watersports, particularly scuba diving and snorkeling. A score of coral islands and reefs are within a few hours’ reach by boat and provide amazing sites for those underwater enthusiasts.

Harghada

Upon arrival Hurghada, you will be met and assisted by our representative for checking in the hotel.

After the installation, rest of day free at leisure

Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Day 08,

 

Hurghada

Breakfast at the hotel

Free day at leisure by the beach OR take one of our optional excursions.

Snorkeling Sea Trip to Giftun Island (full day)

Sandy beaches and wonderful snorkeling are to be found on the Giftun Island, a short but wonderful boat ride away from Hurghada. As this program is a full day program, a delicious fresh fish lunch is at your service before making our way back to Hurghada; a lovely chance to experience the coral and marine life.

Harghada

Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Day 09,

 

Hurghada

Breakfast at the hotel

Free day at leisure OR

Sunrise Safari – a half-day optional excursion

Lift up your senses with the beauty of the sunrise before descending to a traditional Egyptian breakfast and tea with local Bedouin people. The sunrise is spectacle to see from the top of a mountain. Still ready to experience more? Hop on the back of a camel and visit the old Roman water well before you continue to relax on the beach in the afternoon.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Day 10,

 

Hurghada

Breakfast at the hotel

Free day at leisure by the beach OR take one of our optional excursions.

Desert Safari (full day)

Ready to pass by the highest mountain on the Red Sea coast, Shaieb El Banat, which rises to the heights of 2,187 meters above sea level? In the footprints of the Romans, who also settled in the area, visit the ancient town at mount Claudianus before commencing the camel ride in the desert and finishing your day with a sumptuous BBQ lunch and a hot Bedouin style Tea

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Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Day 11,

 

Hurghada

Breakfast at the hotel

Free day at leisure by the beach OR take one of our optional excursions.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Day 12,

 

Hurghada

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Bedouin Barbecue (evening)

Your chance to dine under the stars in a Bedouin-style; this local folklore experience is awaiting you with candle-lit authentic tastes and entertainment that recalls the mystic ambiance of a living world hidden in the depth of the desert.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Day 13,

 

Hurghada

After breakfast at the hotel, check-out and transfer to Hurghada international airport where this journey ends.

Contact Us

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  • +36 1 612 5053
  • Fax: +36 1 789 5679
  • office[at]elegantgates.com