The Authentic Egypt
Day 1
Arrival: Arrive at Cairo International
Airport, where you will be met and assisted by your Tour Coordinator.
Assistance through Customs and formalities.
Transfer: Transfer in modern, air-conditioned
vehicle to your Hotel “Le Riad” Hotel located in the old Town of Cairo.
Story
of Hotel: Al Qahira was designed to house only the governing elite. Old town
Cairo perhaps more properly thought of as Medevil Cairo is an area of narrow
streets, covered markets and old buildings. Of old Cairo this quarter most
evokes its past, and in many ways has changed very little. It has inspired many
writings, from Arabian nights to the works of the modern Nobel loureate Naguib
Mahfouz. Getting lost amongst the winding alleys is almost inevitable and even
enjoyable. This early Fatimid Town hosts a luxury boutique hotel “Le Riad”
inspired by the surrounding environment and architecture. “Le Riad” suites
facing Beit El Sehemy and its exceptional Ottoman houses. All 17 suites reflect
Old town Cairo architecture “Al Qahira”, rich warm colors, Fatimid fabrics,
local talented paintings dating back to the era of architectural, music,
lifestyle and love.
Check-in: your Tour Coordinator
will assist you with check-in procedures at your hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 2: Pyramids / Museum
After breakfast; Souter Tours Tour manager will introduce you
to your Egyptologist for today’s experience.
The Pyramids of Giza: Proud to still be
recognized as one of “The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”, the pyramids of
Giza stand tall and proud on the west side of the Nile reminding Egypt,
Egyptians, and tourists of its heritage and tradition. Built for the Pharaohs
Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus, the limestone structures were constructed
c.2500 BC, quarried from Turah Hills, currently on the periphery of Cairo. The
Great Pyramid of Cheops, the largest, required and an astounding 2,300,000
blocks, weighing a hefty 2.5 tons each, to be transported across the vast
golden desert to form what many believe to be the pinnacle of the ancient world
and a breath-taking sight.
Sphinx: The legendary guardian of the
funerary tombs of the Great Pyramids, the statuesque lion body and human head
of Chephren lays in looming silence to the east and below the three pyramids.
The stele at the paws of the Sphinx was accordingly placed by King Thutmose IV
following a dream of promised kingship, once the sand said to be choking the
creature was cleared away. Recognized as the largest monolith in the world, the
Sphinx has survived the elements and still resonates the uniqueness of Ancient
Egyptian culture.
Solar Boat Museum: Rich cedar smells,
strong musk scents, and golden brown wood offset by the slivers of sunlight
seeping through the windows of the building encircle you upon entrance to the
Solar Boat Museum located to the south of the Great Pyramid of Cheops. The
remarkability of the 141-foot long water vessel lies in the fact that it did
not need any nails for its assembly, only ropes and pegs, which furthers the
extraordinary ability of Ancient Egyptians who seemingly assembled and sailed
it during their time. Historians regard this find just as highly as the
discovery and excavation of Tutankhamen’s tomb.
Lunch: A
La Carte Lunch will be served after visiting the Great Pyramids then continue
touring towards the Fascinating Egyptian Museum
Museum: Your Egyptologist will escort you
today on a fascinating tour of 7,000 years of Egyptian history with a visit to
the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, open since 1902. The Museum exhibits over
120,000 objects in its 107 halls, comprising the world’s greatest collection of
Ancient Egyptian artifacts. Two grand halls containing countless artifacts and
one room reserved for the golden treasures, all from the world-famous tomb of
the boy-king Tutankhamun astound and delight visitors. More than 2 million
people flock to this magnificent site each year.
After visits you will be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at Le Riad hotel.
Day
3 : Cairo – Luxor
Breakfast:
Buffet
breakfast at your hotel.
Transfer:
Transfer to Cairo Domestic Airport to board MS flight to Luxor.
Arrival: Arrive at Luxor Airport and transfer to Old
Winter Palace hotel.
Karank Temple: in
the afternoon we will visit the Karnak Temple, A myriad of temples built over
2000 years, the Karnak Complex lives up to its name as a complex with various
statues, pylons, and chambers dedicated to Amon, Mut, and Khonsu.
Covering a
space of 200 acres, 1.5km by 0.8 km, the area is the largest of religious
buildings made and was considered by some Ancient Egyptians to be the only
place of worship. The vastness of the complex could not be translated into
reality until visited, but its spaciousness could hold on average, 10 European
cathedrals. With an avenue of columns, an array of individual temples,
sanctuaries, and sacred lakes, visiting the complex in modern day could give
the same feeling of a pilgrimage as those who visited thousands of years prior.
Walk
through the Hypostyle hall and to Sacred Lake.
Return
to our vehicle and transfer to Luxor Temple for night visit.
Luxor Temple: An easily identifiable temple, not only for
it’s grandeur, but also for its one obelisk erected at its entrance, Luxor
Temple is a masterpiece of history and change all at the same time.
The one
obelisk guarding the entrance used to be accompanied by another, which now
stands in Concorde Square in Paris. Amusingly, both obelisks were intended to
be moved to France as a gift to King Louis V in 1874. The second obelisk proved
too large a task to move, while the clock given in exchange no longer works!
The temple
was built for Amon’s wife, while the avenue of sphinxes at 2 miles long,
connected the two temples together, allowing for Amon to come from Karnak to
Luxor to visit her during the 14 day Festival of Opet. Originally the festival
began in the Old Kingdom, while political transition occurred so too did
rituals, and in the New Kingdom, the festival lasted 22-23 days.
Day 4 – check- out – West Bank of Luxor – Check-in on board
Lazuli
Morning
visit to the West bank of Luxor
Valley of the Kings: Step out into the golden sands and warmth of
the desert on the west bank of the Nile and you will be surrounded by many of
Ancient Egypt’s royalty from the 18th – 20th Dynasties.
The Valley
of the Kings is an extraordinary
location for Egyptologists, knowing that many kings were buried in pyramid like
structures, it marks a transition away from this tradition yet following a
similar pattern of creation; three corridors, an antechamber, and a lowered
sarcophagus chamber. Learning from those previous, these tombs were made to
protect belongings buried with royalty after death in addition to making them
inconspicuous within the vast desert.
All tombs were decorated, befitting the owner, with
scriptures from the Book of the Dead, the Book of the Gates, and the Book of
the Underworld. Better preserved, since these tombs were sealed, images and
artistry fill your sights in these underground catacombs, realizing the
interest and importance of a life, befitting, after death.
Among the tombs in the Valley, Ramses IV, Ramses IX,
Maeneptah, Ramses VI, Ramses III, Seti I, Thutmose III, Amenhotep II, Horemheb,
and the most significant due to its 1922 excavation, Tutankhamen.
Valley of the
Queens: Separated from the men, yet still on the western bank of the
Nile, the Valley of the Queens, or Biban al-Harim display those of royalty from
18 – 20th Dynasties. Following the same custom and transition away
from pyramid style tombs, the Valley of the Queen is a smaller scale version of
the kings’.
Significantly, the tombs are less lavish and decorated than
those of the kings, yet they follow the same layout of a long corridor, an
antechamber, and a burial chamber at the end. Here, tombs of Khaemwese,
Amenhikhopsehef and Nefertiti can be found.
Workers
Village: Visiting Luxor, one could easily forget those that actually
helped create, build and decorate the fabulous tombs of focus that are still
present to this day, yet the Workers’ Village is a main attraction in Luxor,
despite being for a different purpose.
3000 years ago, life as a mason, painter, and sculptor is not
that hard to imagine. The skills honed by these workers inadvertently helped
preserve their own heritage since the site was so well maintained.
Surprisingly, many of the workers were literate and thus, an abundance of
material through inscriptions and carvings are available for researchers who
are able to piece together the lifestyle of a worker at the time. Deep insight
has been so understood, that everyday life, including quarrels and family feuds
are forever represented on walls.
Hatshepsut Temple: Mighty in its stature and different in its
creation, the temple commissioned by Hatchepsut, is just as significant as her
reign. Standing out from the valley, with the back wall of the temple being the
cliff itself, the temple rises out of the mountains, making the visit one of
the most dramatic in the world.
The temple
is staged in many terraces with ramps and steps leading upwards, progressing
from her birth to her celebrated expedition to Punt, modern day Somalia,
through the Red Sea for incense and gold. All around the temple site, statues
of her line the upper terrace specifically, gently smiling looking out over the
valley and the resting place of her ancestors. In addition, vibrant reliefs
along the interior of the colonnades decorate the walls, heralding her
accomplishments as a successful ruler of the 18th Dynasty. Whilst
much of the temple has been reconstructed, this has been done with the patience
and creativity of excavators of the site, honoring tradition and heritage
closely.
Photostop Colossi
of Memnon: On the way back to the river Nile,
your road passes by the famed Colossi of Memnon, known in Ancient Greek times
for their haunting voices at dawn.
Transfer: Transfer in Modern
Air-conditioned vehicle to Esna, approximately one hour driving (This drive
will be part of security convoy)
Esna Temple: This morning, your
Egyptologist will guide you round the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum at Esna. The
beautifully preserved Great Hypostyle Hall was built during the reign of the
Roman Emperor Claudius; it was excavated from the silt that had accumulated through
centuries of annual Nile floods and is about
nine meters below present-day street level.
Check in: Check in to your private
Dahabieh “Lazuli”
Lunch: Lunch on board, while you cruise to El Kab
El-Kaab: Today you will have
a chance to visit the unique site of El-Kaab, which lies 20km from Edfu and is
little seen by the regular tourist. The site consists of many beautiful
tombs and temples, most of which were originally dedicated to the
Vulture-Goddess Nekhet. In Pre-Dynastic and Early Dynastic times El-Kaab
was the capital of Upper Egypt, and it
continued to be one of the region’s most important cities up until the
Ptolemaic era. The area is also important for several New
Kingdom tombs, whose inscriptions have provided us with much
information on the Hyksos.
Overnight on board
Day 5: Edfu Temple
Breakfast: Breakfast on board
while sailing to Edfu
Edfu Temple: This afternoon, explore the largest and
most completely preserved Pharaonic – albeit Greek-built – temple in Egypt, the extraordinary Temple of Horus
at Edfu. Transfer to the temple will be by horse drown carriage
Lunch: Lunch on board, while you cruise to
El Selsela
Overnight on board.
Day 6 :
Breakfast: Breakfast on board
Selsela: The little visited
shrine of Horomheb cut into the riverside rocks at Selsela offers a fascinating
opportunity to see carved reliefs and remains from the Middle Kingdom period,
much older than most other sights visited on a regular cruise itinerary. The Sun Boat III is one of just a handful of
cruise boats stopping at Selsela, so you will be able to enjoy the atmosphere
of this elegant shrine away from the usual crowds.
Cruise to Farès: visit the temple of Ras-Ras
- crossing the gardens; fireside dinner on Maniha Island.
Lunch and dinner on
board
Overnight on board
Day 7 : Kom Ombo
Breakfast: On board
Kom Ombo Temple: Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo,
dedicated to the crocodile-god Sobek.
The temple stands at a bend in the Nile
where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank.
Lunch: on board
Evening on Cobania
Island with the villagers
Dinner: On board
Day 8
Breakfast: Breakfast buffet on
board.
High
Dam:
A distinct landmark of Egypt as well as Aswan, the
world famous High Dam has played a vital role in today’s agriculture and the
shaping of history since the early 1960’s. 11,811 feet long, 3,215 feet thick
at the base, and 364 feet tall, the Dam provides suitable irrigation and
electricity for Egypt as well as incredible views for visitors. From the
summit, historic views of Kalabasha Temple and Lake Nasser in the south, while
more modern views of the power station can be seen to the north.
Philae Temple: The Temple of Philae’s existence today is in
respect to the goddess Isis, and her relationship with Osiris, Horus, and the
leadership of the time of Ptolemaic Egypt.
The site was relocated and restored with the help of UNESCO Nubia Project
following the building of the High Dam, and thus moved to the island of
Agilkia. Now, it is maintained as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Philae’s appeal is in its quiet serenity and calmness along the River
Nile, whilst many are not aware that the original Island of Philae is now
buried underneath Lake Nasser and permanently submerged after the construction
of the Aswan High Dam. Owing to the temples positioning along the Tropic of
Cancer, Philae boasts remarkable singular light and shade effects. As the sun
moves higher to its most northern limit, the shadows formed from the detailed
cornicing and delicate carvings disappear gradually against the plain walls and
become projected against the vertical walls, which become covered in dark
shadows, whilst the opposing walls brightly shine, glistening all surrounding
objects, giving a dazzling light and dark effect.
Unfinished
Obelisk: Next we proceed to the Granite Quarries, which supplied
the ancient Egyptians with most of the hard stone used in pyramids and temples,
and still hold a huge unfinished obelisk.
Lunch: Lunch on
board
Afternoon walking tour at the famous Aswan market or visit to the Nubian Museum
can be arranged.
Dinner:
Dinner:
Tonight’s farewell dinner on board
Overnight: On board in Aswan.
Day 9 : Transfer to
the Lake of Nubian Dream
Breakfast buffet on board and check-out
Transfer to your “Nubian Dream Camp” for coming 2 nights.
You will be enjoying a full board accommodation between the Elephant
rocks who were witnesses on the Egyptian History. Camp look directly at the
Philae Temple and one of the Nile lakes.
Lunch and dinner at the camp.
Day 10 – Leisure
Day at leisure
Overnight at camp.
Day 11 - ASWAN – KALABSHA – BEIT EL WALI – KERTASSI – ABOU
STETTA - MERWAW
Breakfast at Camp and check out.
Transfer to other lovely and unique experience which is the
first with its kind on the Lack Nasser “MANDOULIS BOAT”
Pick up at around 08:00 Am to visit:
Kalabchah: surnamed ‘The Nubian Karnak’ dedicated to Nubian
God of fertility: Marol Kertassi: dedicated to Isis, appeared like a simple booth
surrounded by columns.
Beit el Wali: constructed at the time of Seti Ist.
Embarkation on board of MANDOULIS at around 11:00 Am.
Navigation to the virgin territory of the lake (2 hours and
a half).
Lunch at Khour Ghazal .
Navigation to Abou Steitta (1 hour).
Upon arrival, walking & first contact with the Nubian
desert. You can have the chance to see a concentration of birds near to a
lagoon: Ibis, Pink Flemish and black pelicans.
After the sunset, navigation to Merwaw.
Evening: dinner & overnight on board.
Day 12 - MERWAW – ABOU DERWA – KHOUR SOQQAR – MADIQ
After breakfast, navigation to Abou Derwa (around 4 hours)
Lunch upon arrival, then first meeting with the local
fishermen.
Navigation to Khour Soqqar (around 2 hours and a half).
10 minutes walking to see the prehistoric graffiti.
Navigation to Madiq, dinner & overnight on board.
Day 13- WADI ES SEBOUA – WADI EL ARABE – KOROSQO
Navigation (1 hour) to the temples of Wadi es Seboua, Dakka
and
Maharraqa. 2 hours visit.
After the visit, navigation for 2 hours to the large dune of
Wadi El
Arabe and its paradise beach.
Lunch upon arrival, then meeting the local fishermen. Swim
& sand-boarding on the sand dunes.
Navigation to Korosqo in the « Nubian Fjords », you will
discover a nice decor of mountains & islands surrounding by water.
We will try to see the crocodiles at the sunset.
Dinner & overnight on board.
Day 14 - KOROSQO - AMADA
Early in the morning, navigation to Amada (1 hour and a
half).
Breakfast upon arrival then 1 hour walking to the site.
1 hour and a half visit that comprises the three historical
objects:
Amada, Derr & Pennout tombs.
After the visit, navigation the the other side of the lake
to visit the fortresse of Kasr Ibrim (the
only archeological site, that hasn’t been removed cause of
the rising water)
Lunch & swim in front of the fortresse, then navigation
to Toshqa (1 hour and a half). Trecking
at the Nubian Desert at Toshqa + sandboarding.
Dinner & overnight on board.
Day 15 - TOSHQA – ABU SIMBEL – ASWAN
Breakfast then navigation to Abu Simbel.
Arrival at around 10:00 Am, disembarkation, then transfer by
a private bus to visit Abu Simbel Temples.
After the visit, transfer to Abu Simbel Airport or to Aswan
by convoy. Flight to via Aswan.
Arrive Cairo and transfer to Gabriel Hotel located in The
modern city of Heliopolis in Greater Cairo is a prominent residential area and
home to the Presidential Palace. Dating back to ancient times and with a name
that means ‘City of the Sun’ in Ancient Greek, Heliopolis was once the centre
of the Sun Cult and the place of worship to the god Atum.
Evening : walking tour in the famous Street of El Moez
located in the Old Part of Cairo.
Farewell dinner at famous Naguieb Mahfouz Restaurant.
Back to hotel
Overnight at hotel in Cairo.
Day 16 – Transfer to Cairo Airport.
Check out after breakfast and transfer to Cairo
International Airport to board your home flight.