Classic Egypt

Step back in time and delve into the captivating history of Old Cairo (Fustat), a city that emerged in 641 as the seat of power for Egypt’s first Muslim rulers. Flourishing for centuries, it experienced a tragic turn of events in 1168 when its young ruler, King Athid, set it ablaze to prevent its capture by the Crusaders. Today, amidst ongoing restoration efforts, it remains an extraordinary place.

Embark on an extraordinary journey through time at the magnificent National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC). Opened in 2021, this meticulously designed museum invites you to step into a world of wonder” a vast collection of 50,000 artifacts spanning from prehistoric eras to the present.

Revel in the atmosphere and cooler temperatures on an evening visit to Luxor temple. These statues and the obelisk were signs of fertility and prosperity. The temple of Luxor dates to 1400 BCE and was intended for priests rather than the general public. This is also the site where kings were crowned. Alexander the Great claimed to have been crowned at Luxor, but in fact it is unlikely he travelled this far south.

The mystical West Bank of Luxor, once the renowned necropolis of Thebes, is symbolically positioned where the sun bids its farewell.  This ethereal city of the departed embodies the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Admire the miraculously preserved burial chambers, like Queen Nefertari’s, and delve into legend as you witness the world-renowned discovery of Howard Carter – the complete tomb of the boy king Tutankhamun.

The towering temple of Edfu, also known as the temple of Horus, is extremely well preserved and dedicated to the falcon god, Horus. It’s believed to have been constructed during Ptolemaic times, about 200 BCE, later than many of Egypt’s key monuments. Today, the entire structure of the sanctuary – walls, floor and ceiling – remain intact.

The enchanting temple of Kom Ombo lies midway between Luxor and Aswan.It’s dedicated to both Horus, the falcon god, and Sobek, the crocodile god, who represents earthly instincts and was revered out of fear. This unique double temple embodies the idea that good and bad reside within each of us. To honour Sobek, priests once selected living crocodiles to reside in this sacred space. Today, preserved crocodile mummies can be seen at the adjacent museum.

In Aswan, you can meet the Nubian community of Egypt. The Nubians, an ethnic group hailing from Northern Sudan and Southern Egypt, have been an integral part of the Nile region for centuries, renowned for their expertise in trading. Your tour will take you beyond the surface, offering an authentic glimpse into the lives of the Nubian people, led by villagers themselves.

Much of what you see in Aswan is in some way connected with the momentous damming of the Nile here during the 1960s to control the annual flooding and create Lake Nasser. The ambitious project took decades to complete. The scale of the engineering works is impressive and standing at the top of the dam you will enjoy sweeping views of the lake and the surrounding arid desert scenery.

Embark on an evening exploration of the vibrant city alongside a knowledgeable local resident, well-versed in the captivating food and drink scene. Together, you’ll venture into the wide promenades of Downtown Cairo to discover the bustling shopping scene, diverse culinary delights and elegant belle-époque cafes before the evening ends atop a rooftop bar.

Enjoy a journey through one of Cairo’s most luxurious neighbourhoods, where modernity meets Egyptian art and design in a harmonious blend. You’ll visit four unique venues, each showcasing the best of Egypt’s contemporary art and design scene including Egypt’s premier modern bookstore, contemporary fabrics, Egyptian jewellery and a photographic art gallery.

This immersive experience is a must for those passionate about Jewish history and heritage. Explore Elephantine Island, where the earliest recorded Jewish presence dates back to Jewish mercenaries. Learn about the renowned Medieval Jewish community of Cairo, home to influential figures like Maimonides. Delve into the 19th-century influx of Jewish immigrants from the Ottoman Empire, Italy and Greece. And witness how the Jewish community became deeply integrated into Cairo’s society, leaving an indelible mark on trade, art, culture, newspapers, and cinema.