Treasures of Egypt

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

Arriving Cairo this morning, we are met and transfer to our deluxe hotel, located close to the airport and adjacent to a large mall. Our rooms are booked for immediate occupancy. Balance of day at leisure until we gather for a light dinner this evening.

Conrad Cairo Hotel (1 night) 

A short flight takes us to Luxor, the site of ancient Thebes, the pharaohs’ capital during the 16th–11th centuries B.C. Marvel at Karnak Temple, the most impressive of all ancient sites in Egypt. Explore Hypostyle Hall, the Sacred Lake, the Temple of Khonsu and Ramesses III Chapel. Embark on our deluxe Nile river cruise in time for lunch.  Enjoy free time this afternoon to relax on board or to explore the Corniche and modern Luxor. After our welcome dinner, we will be awed by the beautiful sound and light show in Karnak Temple. 

ms Concerto or similar (7 nights)

At dawn, there is an option to experience the world’s largest open-air museum by hot air balloon (conditions permitting). Later, we explore the Valley of the Kings. Ever since Howard Carter opened King Tut's tomb, the burial rites of ancient Thebes’ have dazzled the world. Visit a number of tombs including the recently opened and beautifully decorated Tomb of King Seti I. The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, built into the towering cliff face, consists of three terraces connected by long ramps. Finally, we shall see the massive twin statues of the Colossi of Memnon, representing King Amenhotep III. Relax over lunch as we sail via the lock at Esna, to Edfu. Enjoy dinner and a traditional Gallabiyah party.

Early this morning we take a horse-drawn carriage ride to the 2,000-year-old Ptolemaic Temple of Horus. Very well preserved, it is the second largest temple in Egypt (after Karnak). Built during the Greco-Roman Period, it is the best place to experience the grandeur of ancient Egypt. After enjoying a brief stop in Kom Ombo, we can relax on board as we sail to Aswan, the traditional homeland of the Nubians.   

This morning we fly to Abu Simbel and visit the massive reconstructed temple, built by the greatest of the pharaohs, Ramesses II. These rock-cut temples marked the southern boundary of the Egyptian Empire at the peak of the New Kingdom’s power and displayed the strength of Egypt’s rulers. Balance of day free to explore the modern centre of Aswan.

Cruise by felucca (traditional river sailing boat) to Kitchener Island and visit the Botanic Gardens. Continue to Elephantine Island where we visit a Nubian Village. Get acquainted with the life, history and culture of the Nubians at the Animalia Centre. At a local school, we will meet with the children and their teachers. Join a fun class for a "lesson" on a variety of basic words and numbers. After walking through the village, we will have a traditional lunch in a Nubian home. This afternoon, visit the High Dam and take a short boat ride to Agilika Island and the temple of Philae. Lastly, visit Aswan's Quarry, home to the famous Unfinished Obelisk - a 41-meter-long slab of granite. 

Enjoy a leisurely cruise today to Kom Ombo, where we visit the Roman style Temple of Sobek, one of the best-preserved in all of Egypt. At the temple's entrance stand two large black granite statues of Horus who is depicted as a falcon. The archeological museum is dedicated to the crocodile-headed god Sobek. We overnight in Edfu, with free time to explore on our own. 

After passing through Esna lock, relax on board as we cruise back to Luxor. After settling in, a horse drawn carriage takes us along the Corniche to the central market. At sunset, a treat, as we visit the stunning illuminated Luxor Temple (circa 1200 BCE). Passing through the Avenue of Sphinxes, view the phenomenal scale of the stonework. 

After a short flight to Cairo, we proceed to EL Moez Street and walk through old Cairo to experience the best Islamic medieval treasures, including traditional schools, mosques, and Sabil (ancient public drinking places for both people & horses). Cairo’s largest market, the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, is popular with tourists and Egyptians alike, selling almost anything you could imagine. Wander through the narrow alleys and practice your bargaining skills. Our hotel for the balance of our time is ideally located on the shores of the Nile.

Conrad Cairo Hotel or similar (6 nights)
 

Located 30 km south of Cairo lies the UNESCO World Heritage site of Saqqara (Sakkara). This was the Necropolis, the burial site for Memphis, the previous capital of the pharaohs, which is now in ruins. Scattered across the countryside, discover a small sphinx, as well as numerous other pyramids, the most famous of which is the stepped pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone building known to man. While making our way back into Cairo, visit a Papyrus workshop, to learn about Pharaoh’s calligraphy. Learn to write your name in Hieroglyphic drawings, and receive a certificate with your name written on Papyrus paper. Balance of the day at leisure.    

This morning, we visit the only remaining of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza. The complex has awed travellers through the ages and had archaeologists scratching their heads over how they were built. Enjoy the view of the Pyramids, and have an opportunity to ride a camel. Then explore around the enigmatic Sphinx, and learn about this massive Lion body-human headed sculpture. After lunch, return to our hotel with the balance of the day at leisure. 

This day is dedicated to the world famous Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to over 120,000 relics of ancient Egypt. Highlights include the contents of the Tomb of King Tutankhamen. Enjoy lunch in Al Azhar Park, located in the heart of old Cairo and view stunning panoramic views of the world's most intriguing city. Lush green landscaped gardens are an enjoyable sojourn away from the city's major tourist attractions. The park is home to a section of the Ayyubid City Walls, constructed by Salah El Din between 1176 and 1183 AD. 

Travel north via the Nile delta to the Mediterranean coast and Alexandria, Egypt’s second largest city, to savour the sea air. See Alexandria’s historic highlights - the Citadel of Qaitbay, Pompey’s Pillar and the well-preserved Roman amphitheater before visiting the impressive new city library, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which presides over the waterfront Corniche. Enjoy a mouthwatering seafood lunch with stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea. 

Our day begins in Islamic Cairo, seeing Saladin’s 12th century Citadel, the City of the Dead and the striking Alabaster Mosque before we continue into the Coptic Quarter of Cairo.  See the relics of early Christianity found at the Coptic Museum, visit Abu Serga Church where Jesus, Joseph and Mary stayed, and the El Mouallaga (Hanging) Church, built during the 1st century AD. This evening, following our special farewell dinner, we transfer to the airport for our overnight flight to Canada. 

Arrive Toronto early this morning, allowing easy connections to our homes across Canada.