Highlights of Egypt

Meet with an expert academic Egyptologist today for an approximately hour long meeting that will help you to understand the fascinating history of this incredible part of the world. This briefing will help you to put into context the ancient Egyptian sites you will see, or have already seen, while on your adventure. Together you will explore some of the vital questions, and of course learn the answers, surrounding ancient Egypt, such as: What was an ancient Temple, and what was its purpose? What was the role of the King and the expectations upon him (or her) in terms of religious and cosmic obligations?
You will also gain a basic understanding of ancient Egyptian sacred art and hieroglyphics, the fundamental principles around tombs and the afterlife and begin to grasp what was the concept of the afterlife, who got there, and how?

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 more about the history and evolution of these pyramid structures. At Saqqara, you will discover how the ancient Egyptians experimented with stepped pyramids, including the famous step pyramid of Djoser which is the oldest stone building complex in the world. Astonishingly you will also learn how at Saqqara the Egyptians tried to rebuild entire worlds for use in the afterlife. If you would like to enter a pyramid you might consider doing so at Saqqara where it is less busy than Giza and some of the pyramids have inscriptions inside (please note this is more physically difficult than most people anticipate and is not advised for anyone who suffers from claustrophobia, or neck, back or knee problem). You will also view the bent pyramid of Dashur from a distance and your guide will tell you about the history of the Red Pyramid.

Continuing our journey, and following the evolution of these engineering feats, you'll head to Giza which served as a way for kings to journey to the next world and emerge as gods. Despite their age, the pyramids still overwhelm and impress visitors. 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.

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, you can witness the rich tapestry of the three major monotheistic religions that have left their indelible mark on this extraordinary place. Embark on a journey where the echoes of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism resound harmoniously. Explore the revered holy sites, subject to restoration works, that stand as testament to the religious and cultural diversity of the region.

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.

Discover the enthralling history of Jews in Egypt, from ancient times to the present. 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, drawn by the Suez Canal's trading opportunities. Witness how the Jewish community became deeply integrated into Cairo's society, leaving an indelible mark on trade, art, culture, newspapers, and cinema. Hear captivating stories from a specialist speaker at the synagogue. This immersive experience is a must for those passionate about Jewish history and heritage.

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 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, and observe how Egyptians unwind after work, savoring street food and ice cream. Keep an eye out for artists congregating in specific cafes and indie film cinemas. In this treasure trove of hidden gems, we'll visit various stops, including a place renowned for serving Egypt's national dish, Koshary, and culminate the evening with a refreshing beer atop a rooftop bar in a vintage hotel. The tour lasts approximately two hours, offering an enchanting glimpse into Cairo's nightlife.

You will spend the next four nights onboard the Historia, relaxing in luxury as you sail along the waters of the Nile to Aswan. You'll stop along the way to visit some of the region's most impressive sites.

Experience the awe-inspiring marvel that is the Karnak Temple, situated in Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes, which once pulsated as the spiritual epicenter of ancient Egypt. It comes as no surprise that Luxor and its surroundings boast an unparalleled concentration of temples, tombs, and monuments, with Karnak reigning as the pinnacle of this sacred landscape. As the earthly abode of the sun god Amun-Re, Karnak held immense significance in the spiritual tapestry of ancient Egypt, showcasing a breathtaking ensemble of shrines, obelisks, and temples.

Revel in the atmosphere, glowing light and cooler temperatures on your evening visit to Luxor temple. You’ll feel mystified as you try to comprehend how the enormous statues and granite obelisk at the entrance could possibly have been created without the use of modern machinery. These 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 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.

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. Journey through a captivating array of intricately painted tombs, narrating the afterlife voyage of the honored deceased. Admire the miraculously preserved burial chambers, like Queen Nefertari's, where vivid colors defy the passage of millennia. Immerse yourself in meticulously restored tombs, such as Queen Hatshepsut's temple tomb, offering a vivid glimpse into their former glory. 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. Time permitting, venture further to the tomb of Ramses I and behold the timeless Colossi of Memnon—monumental stone statues guarding the Theban Necropolis since 1350 BCE.

Today you will get the chance to explore the iconic, towering temple of Edfu, also known as the temple of Horus. Extremely well preserved and dedicated to the falcon god, Horus, this huge structure lies on the west bank of the river Nile. The temple’s history stands out in a land full of ancient stories, as it’s believed to have been constructed during Ptolemaic times, about 200 BCE. This is a later period than many of Egypt’s key monuments.

What makes this temple so impressive to visit is that the entire structure of the sanctuary – walls, floor and ceiling – remain intact today. Also in exceptional condition are the inscriptions visible on the temple walls which, according to Egyptian mythology, depict the battle between Horus and the god Seth and also refer to daily life in Egypt during this time.

Visit the enchanting temple of Kom Ombo, 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 symbolizing keen vision and the love of the people, and Sobek, the crocodile god representing earthly instincts and revered out of fear, this unique double temple embodies the profound notion that within each of us reside both good and bad. It stands as a timeless reminder that humanity's purpose lies in maintaining a harmonious equilibrium within ourselves and in the universe.

Kom Ombo Temple, beyond its spiritual significance, played a pivotal role in ancient Egypt's medical practices. With Sobek revered as the god of fertility, the temple became a prominent hub for fertility treatments and various other forms of healing. Adorning its walls are intricate depictions of ancient Egyptian medicine and hygiene practices, including the meticulous washing of food before consumption, offering glimpses into the civilization's advanced understanding of health and well-being.

To honor Sobek within the temple, priests would embark on a ritual journey to the Nile, selecting a living crocodile to reside in this sacred space. When the crocodile eventually passed away, it would be mummified and replaced, a custom that highlights the reverence bestowed upon the deity. Today, you can witness these preserved crocodile mummies at the adjacent museum—a small but truly captivating treasure trove.

It's well worth the journey down to the border of Sudan to marvel at the temples at Abu Simbel which were built by Ramses II to demonstrate the might and glory of Egypt to the nearby Nabatean tribes. There are 20m tall twin statues of Ramses II carved into the mountainside as well as images of the king bearing the double crown of lower and upper Egypt. Knee high to Ramses, you'll see his wife Queen Nefertari and his children, their diminutive form indicative of their lower status. The great temple of Abu Simbel was dedicated to the sun god Amun, the god Ra-Horakhty and the god Ptah, and to the deified form of Ramses himself. The rescue story of these monuments from the rising waters of Lake Nasser is also remarkable – the monuments were cut into blocks and then moved, stone by stone, to more elevated land.

Discover the fascinating Nubian community of Egypt and gain a deeper understanding of their rich heritage during your visit to Aswan. The Nubians, an ethnic group spanning Northern Sudan and Southern Egypt, have thrived along the banks of the Nile for countless generations. Unfortunately, the construction of the Nile dam forced many Nubians to relocate from their ancestral homeland. To immerse yourself in their culture, embark on a journey to a vibrant Nubian village adorned with brilliantly painted houses, bustling spice shops, and lively markets. Delve into the heart of Nubian traditions as you savor a delightful meal at a local Nubian restaurant (dinner not included).

The relaxed city of Aswan definitely deserves its reputation as Egypt's most beautiful city. Much of what you will see here 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. There are many legends associated with Isis and the temple, but the most famous is the story of Isis finding the heart of Osiris after his murder by his brother Seth. As with Abu Simbel this temple was dismantled piece by piece and rebuilt on higher ground to avoid it being flooded by the damming of the Nile. The temple is accessed by motorboat.