Highlights of 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. Witness the rich tapestry of the three major monotheistic religions that have left their indelible mark here.

Embark on an extraordinary journey through time at the magnificent National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC). Opened in 2021, this meticulously designed museum is nestled in the captivating Fustat area of Cairo. Step into a world of wonder as you explore a vast collection of 50,000 artifacts that unveil the fascinating story of Egyptian civilization, spanning from prehistoric eras to the vibrant present.

Embark on an evening exploration of the vibrant city alongside a knowledgeable local resident, well-versed in the captivating food and drink scene. Venture into Downtown Cairo, a charming district that has retained its character since its establishment in the 1860s. The area’s central and pedestrian-friendly nature, with its wide promenade streets and spacious sidewalks, makes it an ideal hub for people from all walks of life. Discover the bustling shopping scene, diverse culinary offerings ranging from authentic eateries to elegant belle-époque cafes: the evening ends atop a rooftop bar in a vintage hotel.

Of the seven wonders of the ancient world, only one remains today: The Great Pyramid of Giza. Before you visit Giza though, you’ll visit the more ancient pyramid site of Saqqara, where you’ll learn about the history and evolution of these pyramid structures.

You’ll then head to Giza which served as a way for kings to journey to the next world and emerge as gods. You will visit all three of the pyramids at Giza, and also get to see their collective grandeur from a panoramic view point. Proceed to the Great Sphinx with its head of a man and body of a lion, gazing imposingly across the valley.

Revel in the atmosphere, glowing light and cooler temperatures on your evening visit to Luxor temple, where the statues and the obelisk were signs of fertility and prosperity and were capped with precious metals to capture the light so everyone could find their way to the temples. The temple of Luxor dates to 1400 BCE and was the site where kings were crowned.

Explore the mystical West Bank of Luxor, once the renowned necropolis of Thebes. 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, adorned with treasures and provisions for his celestial transition.

Nestled on the picturesque banks of the Nile River, midway between Luxor and Aswan, this magnificent temple traces its origins back to the Ptolemaic dynasty around 200 BCE and holds a captivating tale of dual deities. Dedicated to Horus, the Falcon God symbolising keen vision and the love of the people, and Sobek, the crocodile god representing earthly instincts and revered out of fear. See preserved crocodile mummies at the adjacent museum.

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. Continue to the temple of Philae, an outstanding temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis and dating back to the Ptolemaic age of about 690 BCE.  The temple is accessed by motorboat.