Wonders of Egypt

Welcome to Egypt! Our adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4:00 PM this afternoon. For those arriving early, why not take a walk to get your bearings in the neighborhood, or escape the hustle and bustle and explore the Coptic Christian sector? After the meeting, we can choose to discover the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, located in the Islamic center of Cairo. This traditional souk is a labyrinth of narrow alleys lined with local merchants; a perfect place to be introduced to everyday Egyptian life! Overnight stay at the hotel.

This morning we head to Giza, home to some of the world's most iconic sites, the location of the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx by camelback, with panoramic views over the dunes. There is the option, at an additional cost, to enter the Great Pyramid of Khufu (it may occasionally be closed to visitors). Afterwards, we proceed to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's largest collections of antiquities. Later in the evening, we set off for Aswan on an overnight train (about 13 hours).

Welcome to Aswan, the southernmost city of Egypt. Its laid-back charm is largely due to its sizable Nubian population. Today is a day off, so we can take the opportunity to visit the unfinished obelisk or the high dam. The Nubian bazaar is a must, while the excellent Nubian Museum tops the list for many visitors. Highly recommended is the beautiful Temple of Isis (the goddess of health, marriage, and wisdom) which was saved from the rising waters of the Nile and moved to the island of Philae. The waterfront, or Corniche of Aswan, runs along one of the most enchanting stretches of the Nile and is the perfect place to stop for a mint tea. This evening we will experience firsthand the modern Nubian culture with a visit to a nearby village.

Our journey to discover Egypt continues! We can choose to visit the magnificent Abu Simbel. With the four colossal statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly into the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, this is one of Egypt's most memorable places! Keep in mind that this optional activity starts very early (but it's absolutely worth it). There are two ways to get there: a 40-minute flight or renting a minivan with the group and leaving very early. The land journey takes 3-4 hours each way, with an early departure from Aswan at 4 in the morning. Alternatively, we could take a sailing trip around the islands on a traditional felucca, stopping at the botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island. Or, take a camel ride to the Monastery of St. Simeon, a 7th-century abandoned fortress monastery located in the desert on the Nile's West Bank. Otherwise, we can choose to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Nile or go shopping in the local bazaar.

Morning dedicated to leisure time. We can choose to visit the Tombs of the Nobles. Then we board the Felucca on the river Nile. We have the opportunity to spend the afternoon on the river observing the daily Egyptian life unfolding on the banks. Here we dine and stay overnight.

This morning we leave with a private minivan to visit the "open-air museum" of Luxor (about a 3.5-hour journey). From the spectacular Karnak temple complex to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of wonderfully preserved memories of the Pharaohs. Along the way, there's the chance to visit the unique mirror design of the Kom Ombo Temple or the beautifully preserved Edfu Temple. This afternoon we explore the magnificent Karnak temple, which is perhaps the most imposing of all the monumental works of the ancient pharaohs. One of the most celebrated temple complexes in the world, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of about 200 years. The rest of the day will be free to relax, shop in the bazaar, open until late.

Our journey in Egypt continues aboard a private minivan to discover the wonders of ancient Thebes. The first stop is the Colossi of Memnon, two 17-meter-tall statues on the west bank of Luxor. We proceed to the spectacular royal burial site of the Valley of the Kings. Buried beneath the arid hills here are over 60 richly decorated pharaohs' tombs. We join a local family for lunch to try traditional home cooking. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the surroundings. In the evening, we board an overnight train that takes us to Cairo (about a 10-hour journey).

Once we arrive in Cairo, we'll have breakfast with the group. The rest of the time before departure is free. Goodbye Egypt, see you soon!