Ancient Myth & Modern Glory

Stand in the shadows of the Great Sphinx and soak up the sights and sounds of Cairo and Alexandria on our visit to Egypt's ancient wonders. We'll not only hit all the standard attractions - on our exclusive trip you'll also discover many hidden treasures. Follow our guide - a seasoned Egyptologist - on an exhaustive tour of the Giza Pyramids, the Temple of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, and Valley of the Queens. Roam further afield to the Roman catacombs of Kom El Shugafa and to Crocodopolis, ancient home of the crocodile-cult of Sobek (yes, our Sobek!). Tour Egypt's modern cities and wander the largest souk in the Middle East. We'll even dine at an Egyptian family’s home, experiencing local Egyptian customs and tradition up close.

Activities

Easy day hikes, easy touring

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Absorb a sense of history at the classic sites at Luxor, Abu Simbel, Aswan, and the Pyramids of Giza
• Comprehensive tours of ancient Egypt’s key sites—Pyramids of Giza, Temple of Luxor, Saqqara, and Memphis—and those lesser known to the crowds
• Visit the modern cities of Cairo and Alexandria, including the newly rebuilt Alexandria Library and Museum, once the largest in the world

2010 Prices
$4,995 (8-15 members)
$5,295 (4-7 members)
$625 internal airfare
$1,200 single supplement

Minimum age is 12

Duration: 10 days Start Location: Cairo End Location: Cairo Best time to go: January - March, November

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Cairo

  Arrive in Cairo, Egypt.

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  Day 2 : Cairo

  We'll tour the famed Pyramids of Giza as well as the Great Sphinx. Guided tours of the ancient cities of Memphis.

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  Day 3 : Fayoum

  Day trip to the massive oasis at Fayoum, and a tour of the ancient city of Crocodopolis, home of the crocodile-cult of Sobek, followed by dinner at an Egyptian family's home, where you will experience the atmosphere, customs, and traditions among Egyptian families.

• Day 4 : Cairo – Luxor

  Visit to the Egyptian Museum of Cairo and a visit to some of the great mosques and tombs that are central to Islamic culture here.

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  Day 5 : Luxor

  More of Egypt's greatest treasures, including the Temple of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Karnak.

• Day 6 : Luxor – Aswan

  Transfer to Aswan, taking in the Temple of Khnum along the way.

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  Day 7 : Aswan

  Ferry to Elephantine Island, where the first human beings, the Nubians, once lived.

• Day 8 : Aswan – Abu Simbel

  Fly to Abu Simbel where we'll tour the awe-inspiring temples built for the Great Ramses II.

• Day 9 : Abu Simbel – Cairo – Alexandria

  We'll tour the ancient Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shugafa and then explore the exhaustive Bibliotheca Alexandrina, built to be the world's most extensive research library for Egyptologists.

• Day 10 : Departure via Cairo

  We’ll transfer from Alexandria to Cairo, where you can explore the city on your own until your scheduled departure from the airport. Or, join our extension to Petra, Jordan!

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  Mena House Oberoi Hotel

  Cairo, Egypt

  In the shadow of the great pyramids, resting on 40 acres of jasmine-scented gardens, the Mena House Oberoi has enchanted guests since 1869. Host to kings, emperors, heads of state and celebrities, the hotel's luxurious interior reflects its royal reputation. With its lavish design, swimming pool, fitness center, and 18-hole golf course, Mena House is a destination in and of itself.

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  Old Winter Palace Hotel

  Luxor, Egypt

  Resting in a tropical garden on the banks of the River Nile, this 5-star hotel has hosted royalty and celebrities since it was built in 1886. With 5 restaurants, multiple gardens, swimming pools, tennis courts and terraces, guests can expect a luxurious experience in a spectacular setting.

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  Movenpick Hotel

  Aswan, Egypt

  Set on Elephantine Island in the middle of the River Nile, Movenpick is located in one of the most fantastic settings in Egypt. Newly renovated rooms offer luxurious comfort, and the gardens, infinity pool, and panorama bar (with a 360° view over the Nile) are some of the superb recreations that guests can enjoy.

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  Seti I Hotel in Abu Simbel

  Abu Simbel, Egypt

  The Seti Abu Simbel sits on the shores of Lake Nasser and at the foot of the Grand Temple of Ramses II.  Its spectacular location offers stunning views, particularly from the lower floor of the multi-level swimming pool. The hotel's Nubian design features flamboyant domes, flowing waterfalls and luscious gardens.

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  Helnan Palestine Hotel

  Alexandria, Egypt

  This 5-star hotel on the shores of the Mediterranean sea is surrounded by 350 acres of gardens and golden sandy beaches. The hotel faces the Montaza Royal Palace, once the site of the late Egyptian Royal Family, and now one of Alexandria's historical landmarks.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Tamer Farouk

• Zeinab Shawky

• Ahmed M. Ali

• Dina Touta

photo credits: