Treasures of Egypt

Tour members from across Canada gather in Toronto for the overnight flight to Cairo. 

Welcome to Cairo! We will be welcomed and transferred to our hotel to check in and enjoy dinner together. 

Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah (4 nights) 

Our introduction to Cairo begins at the Salah El-Din Citadel. This 12th-century citadel is home to the Alabaster Mosque. Afterwards, we delve into Egypt's rich Christian heritage at the fascinating Coptic Museum. Then, we discover two of Old Cairo’s most treasured landmarks, the historic Abu Serga sanctuary and the extraordinary Hanging Church, an architectural marvel uniquely suspended above a Roman fortress gatehouse.

Standing in the shadow of the Pyramids of Giza, we marvel at the sheer magnitude of ancient engineering. The architectural alignment is so precise it faces true north within a fraction of a degree. We will also gaze upon the enigmatic Sphinx, a silent guardian watching over these monumental tombs for millennia. After an optional camel ride across the golden sands, we uncover more wonders at the Grand Egyptian Museum. Here, the world's most extensive collection of pharaonic antiquities vividly brings Egypt's glorious past to life.                                 

Situated 30 km south of Cairo, Sakkara is a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as the burial ground for the ancient city of Memphis, now largely in ruins. We will also discover various pyramids scattered across the countryside, including the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt's oldest pyramid and the world's earliest colossal stone monument, as well as a small sphinx. On the way back to Cairo, we will visit a papyrus workshop where we will learn the art of writing ancient Egyptian calligraphy.

Our morning flight takes us from Cairo to Luxor, where we step aboard our elegant Nile cruise ship. Immersing ourselves in the ancient capital of Thebes, we explore the sprawling Karnak complex to marvel at the Great Hypostyle Hall, a dense forest of 134 colossal sandstone columns. From there, we trace the Avenue of Sphinxes, walking the exact 2.7-kilometer path once used during the sacred Opet festival. Our journey culminates at Luxor Temple, where we stand before the soaring pylon gateways and giant granite statues of Ramesses II. 

Royal Ruby I (4 nights)                         

Early risers may enjoy an optional dawn hot air balloon flight before we venture into the hidden necropolis of the Valley of the Kings. Descending into the magnificent Tomb of Seti I, we encounter exceptionally preserved, vibrant wall reliefs detailing the afterlife. We then admire the terraced Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural triumph carved directly into limestone cliffs for a legendary female pharaoh. After pausing beside the Colossi of Memnon, massive stone sentinels guarding a lost sanctuary, our riverboat gracefully navigates the Esna locks onward to Edfu. 

Stepping ashore this morning, a traditional horse-drawn carriage sweeps us towards the magnificent Temple of Edfu. Dedicated to the falcon deity Horus, this Ptolemaic masterpiece remains remarkably intact after being buried under desert sands for centuries. Continuing our journey, we disembark to explore the fascinating Kom Ombo Temple. This rare double sanctuary features a perfectly symmetrical design honouring both the crocodile god Sobek and Horus the Elder. Following these incredible historical discoveries, our scenic river voyage glides further south, ultimately arriving at the picturesque gateway city of Aswan. 

Boarding a short flight from Aswan, we arrive at the phenomenal Abu Simbel complex. Carved directly into a solid sandstone cliff by Ramesses II, these colossal twin temples were ingeniously relocated piece by piece in the 1960s to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Returning to the city, our focus shifts to modern achievements at the impressive Aswan High Dam. This monumental feat of engineering permanently tamed the Nile's ancient flooding cycle before we conclude with a leisurely evening to ourselves. 

Taking to the gentle currents on a traditional wooden felucca, we harness the breeze just as sailors have done for centuries, gliding toward the lush botanical oasis of El Nabatat Island. Our exploration continues towards the enchanting Temple of Philae. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this majestic sanctuary was meticulously relocated to save it from rising waters. Back ashore, we uncover ancient masonry secrets at the Unfinished Obelisk, a colossal granite monument abandoned in its quarry, before flying back to the bustling capital of Cairo. 

Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah (2 nights) 

Stepping into the vibrant heart of Islamic Cairo, we stroll down the legendary El Moaz Street. This spectacular thoroughfare boasts the greatest concentration of medieval architectural treasures in the Islamic world, lined with intricately carved mosques and centuries-old palaces. Next, we navigate the labyrinthine alleys of the famous Khan El Khalili bazaar. Established during the Mamluk era as a vital trade hub, this bustling souk immerses us in a sensory tapestry of aromatic spices and gleaming lanterns. Following a restful afternoon, we gather for a celebratory farewell dinner to toast the incredible ancient wonders we have witnessed and the wonderful new friendships forged throughout our Egyptian journey. 

We transfer to the airport this morning for flights back to our homes across Canada, bidding farewell to the treasures of Egypt.