The Magic Of Egypt Tour

Day 1: GIZA - PYRAMIDS OF GIZA - SPHINX

1. The Pyramids Of Giza
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Witness the splendour of one of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World - The Great Pyramids of Giza. Explore these structures that have stood tall for over 4500 years, not only the oldest wonder of the world but also the only to remain largely intact. Included is entry inside Khafre's pyramid, the second-tallest and second-largest of the Pyramids of Giza and the tomb of pharaoh Khafre [Chefren]. Then capture the magnificence of the Great Sphinx of Giza. The limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human , is one of the most visited sites in the Egypt. Two of our own Egyptologist guides will be accompanying you on this and all of your other sightseeing tours, and you'll find them a wealth of knowledge and full of enthusiasm about our history.
   
   Entry into Khafre's Pyramid is Included.
   Optional Activities - Entrance to Great Pyramid of Cheops - Entrance to Solar Boat Museum - Camel ride 30 mins - Horse ride 30 mins - Quad motorbike Tour 1 hour.
2. Saqqara Pyramid
   4h · Admission ticket included
   Afterwards, your adventure continues to Sakkara – an ancient necropolis with many half-buried tombs and the famous Zhoser’s step pyramid, then witness the Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest complete stone building complex known in history. With the recent discoveries of 27 coffins in this area, it is a hotspot for archaeologists.
   
   Then after Lunch at a Local restaurant we will visit Memphis the Old Capital of Egypt. The Memphis archaeological zone was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
   
   Transfer back to hotel for a free evening. Optional for those who are not jet lagged and would like to continue on into the night, then we will make our way to trendy Zamalek for dinner and then head to Rooftop bar for a shisha and a beer overlooking the Nile. [Food & Drinks at your cost]
3. Sound & Light Egypt
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   Optional Activity - Sound & light show at the Pyramids. Step through a portal to the ancient times, with the Pyramid Sound and Light Show. The Sound Light show pyramids will take you on a journey back to thousands of years ago, bringing back the Egyptian legacy to life! Thousands of years have passed since the pharaohs walked on earth, leaving behind a mystery on how the great pyramids were built, along with the enigmatic sphinx. With the Sound Light show at the Giza pyramids, the history is re-told by the sphinx unraveling these ancient secrets. The Sound and Light show at the pyramids narrates the history of those great kings, Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. You get to choose between 10 different languages to hear this legacy! Show Starts at 7.30pm.

Day 2: OLD CAIRO TOUR - THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM

1. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
   3h · Admission ticket included
   No trip to Egypt is complete without a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. With over 120,000 artefacts, the museum houses an unbelievable exhibit depicting ancient Egypt's glorious reign. Mummies, sarcophagi, pottery, jewellery and of course King Tutankhamen's treasures, it's all there. The boy-king's death-mask - discovered in its tomb - is made of solid gold and it has been described as the most beautiful object ever made. Allow yourself to be transported back in time as you marvel at a vast collection of
   Pharaonic antiques.
   
   The Egyptian Museum contains many important pieces of ancient Egyptian history. It houses the world's largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities.
2. Citadel of Saladin
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Salah El-Din Citadel , one of the world's greatest monuments to medieval warfare. Resembling a typical early medieval fortress, with large imposing gateways, towers and high defending walls, the Citadel is one of Cairo's main attractions and probably the most popular non-pharaonic monument in the Egyptian capital. The prominent fortress houses three mosques - of which the impressive Mohamed Ali Mosque - a carriage museum, a military museum, and a garden museum, just to name a few, and they are all worth a visit. You are even allowed the run of the fortifications and it is worth a try: the views are spectacular from this height. The citadel is also home to the impressive Gawhara Palace (the Jewel Palace), named after Gawhara Hanem, Mohamed Ali's last wife. Built in 1814, it housed the ruler's administration and was used as a personal residence by the Egyptian leader. Beautiful gold inscriptions adorn the walls of this majestic Ottoman-influenced palace.
3. The Hanging Church
   1h · Admission ticket included
   This is where we show you our indigenous cultural roots of the Copts , the descendants of the ancients. Take the steps that lead to one of the most beautiful churches in the Middle East known as the Hanging Church. Built on top of the Roman fortress gatehouse called Babylon, the nave of the Hanging Church is suspended over the passageway. Located just south of the Coptic Museum in Cairo, the Hanging Church boasts 13 magnificent pillars in its interior, representing Jesus and his 12 apostles. Listen in on the ancient liturgical Coptic language used in service and witness a living vestige of Ancient Egyptian history.
4. Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar
   4h · Admission ticket included
   Khan Al-Khalili bazaar, where you will be transported back in time to an old Arab souk. Shop owners calling you to their stalls, the scent of spices, the hustle and bustle of trade, and the many beautiful objects that can purchased will have you lost among alleys for hours. Put your haggling skills to the test when buying statuettes, spices, souvenirs, silver jewellery, t-shirts, galabiyyas [Traditional gowns worn by Men], belly dancing costumes, or anything for that matter.
   
   When your shopping's done, we will all meet back at Fishawi Ahwa [Cafe] one of Cairo's oldest cafes [250yrs old] In the alleys of Khan Al Khalili. We will wind up the day taking in all we experienced with a nice cup of strongly brewed tea and a fruit flavoured shisha.
   
   Welcome Dinner & Show. Tonight I introduce you to Egyptian cuisine and culture. Tonight you will dine in true Egyptian style of sharing food, telling stories and more food. Finish the night off at a bar and shisha for those that want to kick on!

Day 3: CAIRO - ASWAN [Cruise Embarkment - Temple of Philae]

1. Temple of Philae
   1m · Admission ticket included
   After Breakfast and a casual mid morning check out we will transfer from our Hotel to Cairo Airport for a quick domestic flight to Aswan [Flight time about an hour]. Once we arrive in Aswan we will transfer to and embark our Deluxe 5 Star Nile cruise ship which will be home for the next 3 nights. After lunch onboard our cruise ship we will visit the Temple of Philae. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the Temple of Philae is located in a beautiful setting, landscaped to match the original site of the temple when it was relocated by UNESCO after the building of the Aswan Dam threatened the site. The temple has several shrines and sanctuaries such as one to the Roman Emperor Trajan's Kiosk, also known as Pharaoh's Bed. Option to visit the temple at night to attend the Sound and Light show.
2. Aswan Botanical Garden
   2h · Admission ticket included
   In the evening we will sail the Nile River on a traditional Felucca to El Nabatat Island or Kitchener's Island. On the way we will sail by the Aswan Dam and the waters of Lake Nasser, the world's largest man-made lake. Then continue to sailing to Kitchener's Island, which as a whole, constitutes the Aswan Botanical Garden. Indulging his passion for beautiful palms and plants, Kitchener turned the entire island into the stunning Aswan Botanical Gardens, importing plants from the Far East, India and parts of Africa. You will have the chance to relax in the wide-open spaces of this garden’s breathtaking natural beauty or wind through the extensive exhibit hall of towering palm trees. More than 400 species of subtropical vegetation exist in this urban oasis that’s just a Nile cruise away. We will sail back to cruise ship to unwind and have Dinner onboard, then an evening show at bar.
3. Nubian Village
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   You will sail on the Nile by a motorboat to the Nubian Village which is located at the west bank of the river which is just opposite Soheil Island and near the Aswan Dam. Passing by at the famous hotel First Cataract of Aswan, this fantastic tour to the Nubian Village will let you meet with a Nubian family and you have the chance to learn about their simple life style, culture and traditions. If you choose this activity it would replace the Botantical Gardens activity.

Day 4: ASWAN - EDFU [Temple of Kom Ombo]

1. Abu Simbel Temple
   7h · Admission ticket included
   If you choose to visit Abu Simbel [which we highly recommend], but also understand if you want to stay back onboard crusie ship and laze about by the pool! We will have a early morning wake up with breakfast box and coach ride to the very small village of Abu-Simbel about 260 km south of Aswan. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Nile, the majestic Abu-Simbel Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Ramses II & Queen Nefertari, the world-famed temples will take your breath away. Ozymandias is another name for Ramses II, the most powerful king of Egypt’s 19th dynasty. Ramses’ reign began a golden age in Egypt, brought on by his successful military. The interior of the Great Temple is decorated with engravings showing Ramesses and Nefertari paying homage to the gods.
   We will then head back to cruise ship for lunch and set sail for the The Temple of Kom Ombo.
2. Kom Ombo Temple
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Whilst we sail towards the city of Edfu, standing on a promontory at a bend in the Nile River dedicated to Sobek and Horus, sits the Temple of Kom Ombo. With it's two identical entrances, hypostyle halls and sanctuaries, the symmetry of the temple layout is a tribute to the mythical link the two gods shared. Built on an outcrop, with spectacular reliefs on the walls, where crocodiles used to gather in ancient times. The temple is a testament to the importance Ancient Egyptian priests placed in the natural cycles and crocodiles of the Nile. We also visit the Crocodile museum to see its beautiful collection of mummified crocodiles and ancient carvings, which is well lit and well explained.

Day 5: EDFU – ESNA- LUXOR [Temple of Horus]

1. Edfu Temple
   2h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast we will disembark and take a horse and carriage ride to visit The Temple Of Horus. This Ptolemaic temple built between 237 and 57 BC, is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Egypt. Preserved by desert sand, which filled the place after the pagan cult was banned, the temple is dedicated to Horus, the avenging son of Isis and Osiris. With its roof intact, it is also one of the most atmospheric of ancient buildings. After rembarkment we will spend the a few cruisy hours [literally] cruising to the magical ancient city of Luxor [Our ancestral home]. The only decisions you have to make at this point is, do I soak up some sun with some cocktails, or I spend time in the pool or at the bar! All whilst having Lunch onboard.
2. Esna Lock
   Pass by
   Esna Lock has 2 entrances, the front entrance is 32 meters in length while the back entrance is 29.3 meters long. 40 meters in depth Diaphragm walls deep been used to construct the Lock and a bridge been constructed and rested over the walls.
   
   Filling the lock with water and emptying it is carried out through 4 automatic gates while there is a control tower which manages filling and emptying the lock which takes about 6 minutes.
   
   The lock is a scenic photo spot for while crossing onto Luxor from Edfu. We will arrive in Luxor just after lunch.
3. The Karnak Temple
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Upon arrival in Luxor, you will then visit the worlds' largest temple complex, Karnak Temple to see the Temple of Amun and the Temple of Luxor. See its courtyard and the granite statues of Ramses II. This temple was built by various Pharaoh's during different dynasties. Highlights are, the Avenue of Sphinxes, the Hypostyle Hall, the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Thutmosis, the temple of Amon adorned with lotus and papyrus designs.
   The tour then proceeds by bus to visit the Luxor Temple.
   We highly recommend booking the Optional Activity - The Sound & Lights Show at Karnak Temple.
4. Luxor Temple
   1h · Admission ticket included
   The temple has been in almost continuous use as a place of worship right up to the present day. This is where our ancestral roots is evident from what was known as the Christian era, the temple’s hypostyle hall was converted into a Coptic church, representing some of the most famous Coptic texts in Christian history. Following the demise of the Christians dominance, the mosque of Sufi Shaykh Yusuf Abu al-Hajjaj was constructed.
5. Karnak Open Air Museum
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   Visit the largest open-air museum in the world, the “Karnak Temple” in Luxor, and attend the fascinating Karnak Sound and Light show. Book the ticket to the show and you will discover the secrets behind its ancient name, “Thebes", which features the most significant monuments. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to experience the Pharaohs' various achievements. As you pass through the gates of Luxor, you will be stunned by this huge city that won immortality through its giant monuments and magnificent temples.
   
   Although most of the monuments are damaged, this temple remains one of the biggest achievements for Egypt. During the Karnak temple Light and Sound show, you get to know more about these glorious achievements by choosing from 10 languages to hear the story.

Day 6: LUXOR [The Valley of The Kings - Hatshepsut]

1. Valley of the Kings
   2h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast we will disembark and take a short trip to the west bank to witness the marvel that is The Valley of The Kings. With a name that encapsulates all of the grandeur of Egypt’s ancient past, the Valley of the Kings is one of the most magnificent tourist destinations you will ever witness. Our ancestors spent time and treasure creating hidden underground mausoleums, the most famed collection of such elaborate tombs you will see with your own eyes. You will enter 3 different tombs and experience for yourself the murals and hieroglyphs that cover the walls of the royal tombs that provided an invaluable insight into the funerary rituals and beliefs of my ancient ancestors.
2. Temple of Hatshepsut
   1h · Admission ticket included
   After visiting the factory of the alabaster stones, located beneath massive cliffs near the west bank of the Nile, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as Deir el Bahri, is dedicated to Amon-Ra, the sun god. Designed by an architect named Senemut, the temple is unique because it was designed like classical architecture. The lengthy, colonnaded terrace some of which are 97 ft high, pylons, courts, and hypostyle hall. Inside you'll see the sun court, chapel and sanctuary.
3. Colossi of Memnon
   30m · Admission ticket included
   The two faceless Colossi of Memnon, originally representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III, rising majestically about 18m from the plain, are the first monuments tourists see when they visit the west bank. These magnificent colossi, each cut from a single block of stone and weighing 1000 tonnes, sat at the eastern entrance to the funerary temple of Amenophis III, the largest on the west bank.
   
   After we check into Hotel you will have the rest of the day free for you to relax, shop in the excellent bazaar (open until quite late) or perhaps experience the atmosphere of a local teahouse. We have several options like a Foodie tour of Luxor, a quad bike safari or a personal visit to my ancestral village which is over 1500 years old where our family mud brick home still stands eight generations later.

Day 7: LUXOR - HURGHADA [Dendera Temple Complex]

1. Dendera Temple of Hathor
   30m · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast and casual morning we will depart Luxor, at this stage of The Magic of Egypt Tour you would have experienced most of the ancient and celebrated antiquities of Egyptian civilisation to be seen on the trip. In other words, “The touristy stuff is out the way”...Yay! Now for some beach time, we board our coach/bus and head for the Red Sea Riviera. On our way you will just happen to witness one of the best preserved temple's in Egypt - Dendera Temple [I know right!]. See vivid scenes that depict the Roman emperor Trajan paying homage to the Ancient Egyptian goddess Hathor and other mythical reliefs that adorn this gorgeous Graeco-Roman temple.
   Our journey will continue you on for a couple of hours till we hit the pristine coastline of Hurghada.
2. Hurghada
   Pass by
   Spanning over 40 km of pristine coastline, Hurghada City has year-round sunshine, incredibly beautiful coral reefs and dozens of exciting attractions in a laid back, relaxed atmosphere. Even though it's known as a top five diving destination on the planet, it still has something for everyone, even the non-divers: beach fun, extreme water sports, clubbing and golfing are only some of the options you have to choose from. There are numerous luxury locations nearby, visit Soma Bay, Makadi Bay, and Sahl el Hashish. On this day you may decides to join our optional tours.
   [Here's a fact for you - Egypt has 3 of the Top 10 Diving spots in the world] So bring your Diving License, and if you dont have one well.... You Have Time!!

Day 8: HURGHADA [Sea Trip Giftun Island]

1. Giftun Islands
   6h · Admission ticket included
   You will never want the day to end, and it's understandable. What could be more tempting and fulfilling than lying on magnificent sandy beaches and swimming in the crystal clear water of the Red Sea while peeking at incredible coral heads dotting the shallow lagoons surrounding the island? The area is full of colourful fish species and some of our guests are even lucky enough to swim with dolphins around Giftun.
   If you are wanting to skuba dive the 3rd best diving spot in the world "The Brothers" or simply wanting to do an Introductory Divers Course, let us know happy to arrange a private or group charter.
   After your day of snorkelling, we return to Hurghada for an evening dinner, maybe some cold regional beer to wash it down. > You might want to experience one of our optional activities - including camel ride in the desert or what we highly recommed a quad bike experience in the desert with barbque dinner under the stars with the local Bedouin tribes....Amazing!!!

Day 9: HURGHADA - CAIRO

1. Cairo
   Pass by
   After breakfast and a casual mid morning check out of Hotel you will board your coach transfer back to Cairo and to your hotel Steigenberger Pyramids, which you are already familiar with and enjoy free time for the rest of the day. We highly recommend a treatment at Planet Spa by Steigenberger to get rid of the aches, maybe a couple's massage.
   
   This is also that point of your booking, planning and reading all these travel itineraries [like this one] where decisions need to be made, like how much beach time do I want?
   CHECK OUT our other Itinerary The Magic of Egypt Tour with Sharm El Sheik a 14 day package, which offers you exactly that..... Bikini’s & Martini’s!....I know right decisions decisions!!

Day 10: CAIRO - ALEXANDRIA [Montazah Palace - Qeit-bey Citadel]

1. Wadi El Natrun
   2h
   After breakfast we will travel to the desert area of Wadi El Natrun, located about two hours from Cairo heading towards Alexandria.
   
   Our first stop is at the Monastery of Saint Pishoy. Standing in front of the magnificent white domes which contrast sharply with the red desert landscapes, we will learn all about the history of the saint who founded the abbey. You will also learn how that episode has been wiped from the annals of history and why that may have been intentional.
   
   Our next visit takes place at the Monastery of Saint Mary Deipara, commonly known as the Syrian monastery, which is dedicated to the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. Inside we will admire many wonderful visual artifacts such as the beautiful frescoes of the ceilings.
2. Montazah Gardens
   4h · Admission ticket included
   On arrival in the Alexandria named after Alexandra The Great we will visit some sites like Montazah Palace, set in extensive gardens and overlooks a truly beautiful stretch of coast. The palace mixes Turkish and Florentine architecture, the central tower was inspired by the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.
   
   The highlights are the walks through the beautiful gardens surrounding the Palace, a green setting bordered by fine sand beaches and various walks. As well as strolling along the palm tree walkways or exploring the several greenhouses, home to an impressive variety of plants.
   After lunch we will visit The Great Library of Alexandria was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. As well as a visit to Qeit-bey Citadel, which is considered one of the most important defensive forts not only in Egypt but along the Mediterranean coast.

Day 11: ALEXANDRIA - CAIRO [El Alamein War Museum]

1. El Alamein War Museum
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Today before heading back to Cairo, we head back to a more recent period in Egyptian history with a visit to El Alamein War Museum located in El Alamein on the Mediterranean Sea. Our final visit is to pay our respects to our Diggers, we will see memoials to our ANZAC's that played an important role in significant World War II battles. The area was a turning point in the North African campaign, where the Allies held out against, and eventually pushed back and defeated, the Afrika Korps of Rommel. The area contains a number of memorials from the countries who lost soldiers here – Greece, South Africa, Australia, Italy – as well as a war cemetery that’s home to the graves and names of the thousands who lost their lives.
   > We will head back to Cairo in the afternoon where our tour sadly finishes :( BUT not before we have a farwell drink or two!!
   Check out our 3nt White Desert Trip

Pickup details

Regarding transfer to and from Cairo International Airport, as you are making your own travel arrangements, you will need to forward your flight Itinerary to us so we can arrange transfers. Unless we have made those international flight arrangements for you.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness