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Please note that all timings stated in Explore Egypt tours
are the average timings & they are totally flexible.
Saturday, June 02, 2012
Day
1
Cairo
Upon
arrival at Cairo International Airport you will be met by your tour
manager who will help you through your immigration and customs formalities
then escort you to your hotel for check in and overnight.
Tour
Recommendations
Please note that the company’s representative will be waiting for you with a
sign that have your name on before the passport control & will be helping
you with getting the entry visa in case you don’t have one depending on your
nationality if it allows you to get the visa from Cairo Airport.
Sunday,
June 03, 2012
Day
2
Cairo
Breakfast
meet your Egyptologist guide (9:00 AM) to drive to the Pyramids of Giza,
the Great Pyramid (Cheops Pyramid) the largest one of the three and one of
the seven wonders of the ancient world, in front of Kefren Pyramid stands
the alabaster Sphinx which was discovered in 1912, carved from a single
piece of stone, it is a lion with a portrait of a Pharaoh's head, it is
believed by many to be a likeness of Pharaoh Kefren, continue your tour to
the Solar Boat Museum where a dismantled river barge of King Cheops (Khufu)
was found buried in front his pyramid and has been masterfully re-assembled,
drive back to your hotel. (1:00 PM) (Breakfast)
Tour
Recommendations
It is
recommended to wear comfortable snickers shoes as you will be walking in
sand, it is not recommended for persons with heart problems to go inside the
pyramid.
Sunday,
June 03, 2012
Day
2
Cairo
Evening
drive to Giza Pyramids to attend the Sound and light show at Giza
pyramids; the show narrates part of the Pharaonic history in an artistic
musical show, the show lasts for 45 minutes
Tour
Recommendations
The
show is in an open theater & usually very cold in the winter time, so it
might be necessary to bring coats.
Monday,
June 04, 2012
Day
3
Fayoum
Breakfast, met your Egyptologist guide (8:30 AM) drive to Meidum visit
the pyramid of Meidum which was originally a seven-stepped Pyramid and
was later enlarged to become an eight-stepped Pyramid. Eventually the steps
were filled in and a smooth outer facing turned it into a true pyramid. It
is a huge structure and is surrounded by the debris from the casing that
collapsed. The Pyramid is thought to have been started by Huni, the last
ruler of the 3rd dynasty and then completed by his successor Seneferu.
Seneferu was the first king of the 4th dynasty Pharaoh (2613–2494 BC),
continue drive to visit the Pyramid of Hawara and the remains of the
temple built by Amenemhet III. Drive to Fayoum Egypt's largest oasis,
overlooking Lake Qarun, a popular spot for hunting and fishing, you will
have the chance to see the old way of irrigation the water wheels.
Lunch overlooking the lake on the way back visit the Roman site of
Karanis that poses an ancient market and ancient oven for backing which
gives a good idea about normal life in the Roman period the city once housed
two limestone temples and a large agora, drive back to your hotel (5:00 PM)
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Tour
Recommendations
No
Recommendations
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Day
4
Cairo
Breakfast
meet your Egyptologist guide (09:00 AM) drive to Memphis at the edge
of the western desert, (35 min. drive) the capital of Egypt until the end of
the first Kingdom, about 2270 BC, and one of the most important cities
throughout the history of Ancient Egypt, You will be visiting Memphis open
air Museum one of the most important pieces is Ramses the second statue
which is about 20meters long, Close to Memphis, you will drive to Sakkara,
the City of the dead with the famous step Pyramid of Zoser, and the greatest
Pharaoh of the 3 rd Dynasty 2650 BC, the step pyramids is known to be the
first stone building ever build in the world then you will be visiting a
Mastaba (Tomb) for the Nobel “Mereruka” from the old kingdom the tomb
have beautiful colored paintings about life in Egypt during the Old Kingdom,
drive to the red and the bent pyramid ( 35 min. drive) the 2 pyramids
were built for king Seneferu the father of king Cheops (4th dynasty of the
old Kingdom), both pyramids are considered the step before the last on the
long way of evolution in pyramid building (Giza Pyramid are the most
perfect). The bent Pyramid called so due to its unique bent top, it
was believed if they continue building with straight angle the pyramid would
have collapsed, it is the only pyramid still have the complete lime stone
layer covering the whole pyramid which make it very special. The Red
Pyramid is as big as Kefren pyramid but with different angles and in a
very good condition, it was called the red pyramid due to the colors of the
inside room walls, the room inside is open to visit, drive back to your
hotel. (3:30 PM) (Breakfast)
Tour
Recommendations
It is
recommended to wear comfortable snickers shoes as most of the sights you
will be walking in sand, it is not recommended for persons with heart
problems to go inside the pyramid.
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Day
5
Menia
Breakfast
meet your Egyptologist guide (7:00 AM), Drive to Menia (4 hours
drive) then Visit Tuna El-Gebel, the cemetery of Tuna El-Gebel
provides examples of the burial tombs of the wealthy Greeks of Hermopolis.
At about the time of the occupation of Egypt by Alexander the great (325
B.C.), Continue your tour visiting the remains of Thoth Temple the
god of writing , the place now known by the name Ashmonin, Then you
will be transfer to your hotel in El Menia. (5:00 PM) (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Tour
Recommendations
No
Recommendations
Thursday, June 07, 2012
Day
6
Menia
Breakfast
meet your Egyptologist guide (8:00 AM) start your tour visiting Beni
Hassan tombs they were quarried during the 11th and 12th Dynasties for
local Princes of the area. The brightly colored painted scenes of domestic
life, sports, dancing and other leisure activities provide a detailed
picture of life in Egypt in the Middle Kingdom. Continue your tour visiting
Tel-El-Amarna, built during the region of the famous King Akhenaton
then drive back to Cairo for overnight at your Hotel in Cairo. (5:00 PM)
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Tour
Recommendations
No
Recommendations
Friday,
June 08, 2012
Day
7
Cairo
Breakfast
meet your Egyptologist guide (9:00 AM) drive to Down Town visit the
Egyptian Museum, (2 hours tour) which contains a vast collection of
Pharaonic antiquities including the fabulous treasures of King Tut-Ankh-Amon.
Continue your tour to Old Cairo visiting the old Coptic Churches
the Hanging Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary built in the 3rd century and
the Church of St. Sergius built in the 4th century and visit the oldest
Jewish Synagogue of Ben Ezra. Drive to Visit the medieval Citadel of
Salah El-Din, built in the 12th century and contains many structures,
the most impressive of which is the Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali,
It was designed in the early 19th Century by a Greek Architect from Turkey
the style is based on the Ottoman mosques of Istanbul, Continue your tour
visiting Kan ElKalili bazaar area (the old market) drive back to your
hotel. (4:00 PM) (Breakfast)
Tour
Recommendations
It is
recommended to wear suitable clothes for the religious sights, the Coptic
churches & the mosque.
Saturday, June 09, 2012
Day
8
Bahariyya
Early
Breakfast meet your Egyptologist guide and drive to Bahariyya Oasis
by A/C van about 4 hours drive 320 kilometers from Cairo. Upon arrival visit
Qasr Selim built in the Pharaonic era from the 26th dynasty the place
acquire beautiful tombs like tomb of Bannentiu a four columned burial
chamber with an inner sanctuary, continue your tour visit the scant remains
of Alexander the great temple were it is considered only place in
Egypt where his cartouche and image were found, continue to visit the
Bahariyya Museum that poses 4 of the Golden Mummies that was
recently discovered in the area known as the valley of the golden mummies
where about 800 mummies were discovered and expected to reach about 10,000
in this area dating from the Greco Roman era lunch during the tour, explore
the hot & cold springs at the sunset end your tour visiting the old
English Army House and the old town, Overnight in Bahariyya hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Tour
Recommendations
No
Recommendations
Sunday,
June 10, 2012
Day
9
Bahariyya
Breakfast; meet your representative to transfer you to drive by your 4 X 4
jeep to drive toward the white desert & on the way visit the Crystal
Mountain, -arrive the White Desert an otherworldly region of
blinding white rock formations shaped by wind erosion, surreal formations
made by nature, the white chalk sand desert gets colored by the sun and sky
colors depending on that poses of the day it is ranging from extreme white
in the early morning to pink and orange at sun set, enjoy watching the
beautiful shapes of Lime Stone hills, diner on desert fire circle with
million stars in the sky & camp Overnight in tents. (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Tour
Recommendations
Generally the white desert is very safe, only foxes may visit at night but
with no danger at all except for steeling small forgotten belongings so it
is very recommended to not leave your shoes or any small belongings as it
may be stolen by the fox, Batteries, flash light & toilet papers are very
much needed.
Monday,
June 11, 2012
Day
10
Bahariyya
Breakfast
meet your guide drive by Jeep(4x4) for another round in the white desert
then on the way back visit -the black desert-, explore the hot & cold
springs, lunch at the hotel & then meet your van at Bahariyya to drive
back to Cairo. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Tour
Recommendations
No
Recommendations
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Day
11
Cairo
Breakfast
meet your Egyptologist guide (8:00 AM) to drive to the Coptic museum
that contains many rare pieces from the early Christian era, then drive to
the Islamic museum that poses a magnificent collection of Islamic art
ranging from the 7th to the 19th century collected from countries throughout
the whole Moslem world which is a very good opportunity for you to learn
about the Islamic art generally not just the Egyptian Islamic art, then
drive to Gayer Anderson museum which consists of 2 houses from the
16th and the 17th century built with a unique architecture style, both
houses were delightfully joined together, the museum is filled with antique
furniture from all over the Middle East, the 2 houses were owned by a
British Lord called Gayer Anderson who collected all the antiques in the
museum, in the same spot you will be visiting Ibn Toulon mosque one
of the biggest mosques in Cairo built in the 8th century with a unique
design influenced with Persian style then El sultan Hassan mosque
built in the 13th century and is considered one of the best Islamic
architecture in Egypt, continue to visit the Manial Palace then drive back
to your hotel (4:00 PM) (Breakfast)
Tour
Recommendations
It is
recommended to wear suitable clothes for the religious sights, Coptic &
Islamic museums & the mosques.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Day
12
Tanis
Breakfast, meet your Egyptologist guide (8:00 AM) then drive through the
Delta to the town of Tanis, for many years Tanis was the capital of
Egypt during the late period of the 21st to the 22nd dynasties, and served
as a burial site for some of the kings, one of the most important tombs is
Psusennes tomb the tomb found closed without being robbed (as King
Tut tomb) all the treasures of the tomb was placed in the Egyptian museum,
the tomb acquired a beautiful silver mask. Tanis was a city of great
importance to a succession of powerful pharaohs, all of them left their mark
through extraordinary buildings or statues & for several centuries was one
of the largest cities in the Delta, monuments date from the 6th dynasty
reign of Pepi the first, around 2330 BC, you will be visiting some
royal tombs as well, drive back to Cairo for overnight. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Tour
Recommendations
No
Recommendations
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Day
13
Alexandria
Breakfast
(7:00 AM) drive to Alexandria (3 hours drive from Cairo by A/C Van) meet
your local guide to start your tour visiting Greco Roman Museum,
which contains 40,000 pieces of artifacts dating from the 2nd and 3rd
centuries BC with very special pieces mixing Pharaonic and Greco Roman art &
the beginning of Christianity in Egypt with its complete changes in all
aspects of art & life, visit Pompey’s Pillar a 25 meters long made of
Aswan rose granite, lunch at local restaurant, Continue your tour to the
Catacombs of Kom El Shuqqafa and the Roman theater built in the
1st century AD and uncovered in the late 1950, end your tour with a visit to
the newly opened Library of Alexandria build in the same spot the
historical one was existing the library contains a beautiful Museum with
very special pieces from the ancient and modern history of Egypt, drive to
your hotel for overnight in Alexandria. (3:00 PM) (Breakfast)
Tour
Recommendations
Weather
in Alexandria in winter time is relatively lower than Cairo, it is
recommended to have suitable clothes in winter.
Friday,
June 15, 2012
Day
14
Alexandria
Breakfast
meet your Egyptologist guide (9:00 AM) start your tour in Alexandria
visiting the fort of Qaitbey overlooking the Mediterranean, the fort
was built on the site of the famous Pharos light house , it was built
in the 10th AD century using the remains of the old light house stones after
it was destroyed in very strong earthquake, the fort have a beautiful
Panorama for the city, drive to Cairo for overnight at your hotel. (5:00 PM)
(Breakfast)
Tour
Recommendations
No
Recommendations
Friday,
June 15, 2012
Day
14
Cairo
Then
evening you will be transferred by your representative to Cairo Train
station for your train to Luxor (Dinner on train)
Tour
Recommendations
No
Recommendations
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Day
15
Luxor
Breakfast, Upon arrival meet your Egyptologist guide (8:00 AM) to start your
tour by visiting the west bank the valley of the Nobles, the tombs of
the great dignitaries from the middle and the new kingdom dynasties, there
main characteristics are extreme architectural simplicity compared to the
royal tombs and a choice of iconography notable for its freshness and
vitality, the Nobles tombs provide us with valuable information about the
daily life during the new kingdom agriculture hunting and fishing scenes,
palatial festivals musicians and dancers maids and servants craftsman and
artisans as well as the court life in ancient Egypt such as the offices and
functions of various dignitaries, you will be visiting 2 tombs, the most
famous are Menna’s tomb who was described as the scribe of the land
register of the master of the upper and lower Egypt, utilized a preexisting
tomb and enlarged it, the decoration depicts scenes as the work in the field
the pilgrimage to Abydos, scenes for the sons and daughters of Menna, the
tomb is considered among the most elegant, also you will visit -Nakht’s
tomb- he was the scribe and astronomer of Amon in the era of Tutmose the 4th
while his wife was the singer of Amon scenes in the tomb shows the growing
of wheat, the harvest, hunting and fishing, continue your tour visiting
Habu temple the mortuary of Ramses the 3rd one of the world’s largest
monuments, is the second in importance and size to Karnak temple, a stone
quarry used to occupy the site during the Christian era later excavations
uncovered the remains of the Pharaoh palace the present complex consists of
4 temples, a fortress gateway in the style of Syrian architecture, wall
relief depict the king doing battle with his enemies, we also see the great
Pharaoh in paradise wearing the unadorned clothes of a simple farm worker he
ploughs his land performing without fatigue one of the necessary duties of
the deceased in order that he may be granted eternal life by the gods,
continue your tour to visit the valley of the artisans that used to
be village and necropolis of all the workmen who built and decorated the
royal tombs in Thebes, it is the only place in Egypt where you can see
normal Egyptian ancient houses from the Pharaoh’s period, the village was
built in the west bank and kept as a secret no one from the workers was
allowed to leave his village in his life so the great secret of the place of
the royal tombs wouldn’t be released, the tombs of the Artisans is among the
best tombs in Thebes not in its size but for the quality of the painting
material and the accuracy it was painted with, as the workmen kept the best
quality painting material for themselves and for sure did their best in
painting their own tombs, you will be visiting 2 tombs as tomb of
Sennedjin an official at the time of 19th dynasty, his title was servant
in the square of truth, the painting is so alive and fresh, on one of the
walls Sennedjin painted himself accompanied by his wife worshiping the gods
in the afterlife, at the head of all gods is Osiris with his green skin that
symbolize the renewal of life at springtime, back to your hotel (13:00)
(Breakfast)
Tour
Recommendations
Cameras
are not allowed inside the tombs
Sunday,
June 17, 2012
Day
16
Luxor
Breakfast
meet your Egyptologist guide (7:00 AM) to start your tour visiting Abydos
Temple, (2 hours drive in A/C Van) one of the most important religious
significance dedicated to Osiris the judge and ruler of the netherworld, the
splendid colonnaded faēade of the temple Seti I is dedicated to 7 gods,
inside there are seven aisles for the funerary processions a unique feature
in temple architecture of Egypt, the columns and walls are richly decorated
with larger than life size relives. Then drive back to Luxor and on the way
visit Denderah Temple (45 min. from Luxor) built in the first century
BC for the Goddess Hathor, the Cow Goddess, known as the "Golden One",
considered one of the most notable accomplishments of the late Pharaonic
architecture extremely well preserved to this day, the Hathoric Columns are
a special feature of Denderah, standing in the courtyard of the temple is
the unique statue of Bes an ugly funny bearded dwarf with shaggy hair and
chin very different than any other Pharaonic art style, he was considered
the god of music childbirth also the god of marriage and happiness and was
great favorite in Egyptian homes, Relief of the Roman period adorn the
outside walls of the temple , beautiful Cleopatra and her caesarian son are
outstanding, continue your drive to Luxor for overnight at your hotel. (5:00
PM) (Breakfast, Lunch)
Tour
Recommendations
It is
recommended to use the toilets in Luxor before you start the tour as their
will be very few available on the way to Abydos
Monday,
June 18, 2012
Day
17
Luxor
Breakfast
meet your representative who will transfer you to Embark your Nile
Cruise ship (Breakfast)
Tour
Recommendations
No
Recommendations
Monday,
June 18, 2012
Day
17
Nile Cruise
Embark
your Nile Cruise ship, visit the Karnak Temple, which is considered
the World’s largest religious complex, and then visit the Luxor temple,
which was started by Amenhotep III and completed by Ramses II, afternoon
tea, dinner on board, afternoon tea, dinner on board & Belly Dance show,
overnight in Luxor. (Lunch, Dinner)
Tour
Recommendations
Please
note that entertainment schedules & sailing times are subject to change but
all sights in the itinerary will be visited. Check in time is early morning
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Day
18
Nile Cruise
Breakfast
on board, Cross to the West Bank visit the Valley of the Kings where
tombs of 64 Pharaohs have been discovered, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut
at El Deir El Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon facing the Nile. Lunch
on board. Sail to Edfu, visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu, the best
preserved Egyptian Temple, sail to Kom Ombo, dinner on board (Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner)
Tour
Recommendations
No
Recommendations
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Day
19
Nile Cruise
Breakfasts visit the Ptolemaic Temple shared by the two gods Sobek and
Horus in Kom Ombo, Sail to Aswan, sail on the Nile by felucca around
Kitchener’s Island (Botanical Garden Island) and Agha Khan Mausoleum,
afternoon tea, dinner on board & overnight in Aswan. (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Tour
Recommendations
No
Recommendations
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Day
20
Nile Cruise
Breakfasts on board visit the Philae Temple, the high dam, at
the Granite Quarries, lunch on board, dinner on board & Nubian folkloric
show, overnight in Aswan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Tour
Recommendations
No
Recommendations
Friday,
June 22, 2012
Day
21
Nile Cruise
Breakfasts on board disembark your Nile cruise in Aswan. (Breakfast)
Tour
Recommendations
Check
out time is early morning
Friday,
June 22, 2012
Day
21
Aswan
Meet your
Egyptologist guide (8:00AM) to start your tour Visit the newly opened
Nubian Museum that poses very rare and unique pieces from pre dynastic
eras showing the evolution of human industry of pottery and weapons, the
museum contains a big part about the Nubian culture, in addition to the
Pharaonic, Christian and Islamic monuments, continue your tour visit the
Nubian Village you will be visiting a Nubian home and will be
having a discussion with a Nubian family while tea is served, Nubians still
speak their own language which is a spoken language only, back to your
hotel. (1:00 PM)
Tour
Recommendations
No
Recommendations
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Day
22
Aswan
Breakfast, meet your guide to drive to Abu Simbel (3 hours drive).
Upon arrival at Abu Simbel visit the great Temple of Ramses the 2nd
one of the greatest and most whimsical kings of Egypt, the temple is
dedicated in theory to the gods Amon-Ra, Harmakis and Ptah. The temple was
carved in sand stone rock cliff with the four colossal seated statues of the
King in front of the entrance, each statue is 20 meters high and measures 4
meters from ear to ear, taking a closer look you will realize that each
statue present the king Ramses in different ages of his life starting from
youth age till he became a mature King, the temple wall decorations
celebrate the military grandeur of the king, continue your tour visit the
Temple of Nefertari the King's beloved wife. Both temples were
threatened by the increasing level of the Nile upon the completion of the
Aswan High Dam and have been preserved in the 60’s by international action
organized by UNESCO. All parts of the temple have been moved and rebuilt on
a plateau above the former site, the temple is considered a miracle of the
ancient and modern history Return to Aswan by your van (3 hours drive).
(Breakfast)
Tour
Recommendations
It is
recommended to order Lunch box from your hotel in Aswan as there will be no
available restaurants on the sights area & on the way to Abu Simbel.There
are 2 available timings for the tour either start at 04:00 AM & you will be
back to Aswan at 12:00 (noon time) or Start tour at 12:00 (noon time) & you
will be back in Aswan at 7:00 PM, tours have to be done at either timings as
per ministry of tourism regulations.
Sunday,
June 24, 2012
Day
23
Aswan
Breakfast, you will be transferred by your representative to Aswan Train
station for your train to Luxor (Breakfast)
Tour
Recommendations
No
Recommendations
Sunday,
June 24, 2012
Day
23
Luxor
Upon
arrival, you will be met and transferred by your representative to Luxor
Airport for your flight to Sharm El Sheikh (1 Hour)
Tour
Recommendations
No
Recommendations
Sunday,
June 24, 2012
Day
23
Sharm El Sheikh
Upon
arrival to Sharm El Sheikh meet your representative to transfer you to St.
Catherine (3 hours drive) (Dinner box at the hotel)
Tour
Recommendations
No
Recommendations
Monday,
June 25, 2012
Day
24
St. Catherine
2:00 AM
wakeup call met your Escort and drive to Mount Sinai (10 Min Drive),
climb Mount Sinai where it is believed that God delivered his 10
commandments to Moses at its summit, it is about 2 hours climbing it is an
easy climb you can use camels to climb the mountain or you can just walk up,
watch the sunrise from up the mountain then climb down, back to the hotel
eat your breakfast and then drive back to visit St. Catherine Monastery, The
monastic order was founded in the 4th century AD by the Roman Empress Helena
who had a small chapel built beside what was believed to be the burning Bush
from witch God spoke to Moses, The Chapel is dedicated to St. Katherine the
legendary martyr of Alexandria, who was tortured on a spiked wheel and then
be headed for her Christianity, her body was supposedly carried by angles to
St. Catherine mountain then 300 years later her body was found by monks from
the monastery, a fortress was added to St. Catherine monastery in the
6th century by emperor Justinian with a Basilica to protect the Christians
of southern Sinai since then the place is visited by Christians pilgrims
from all over the World, the complex posses many attractive and rare Icons
from 6th century to the 18th century, many golden candle holders beside it’s
very important library that poses many historical hand written bibles and
many important historical messages and agreement, then drive to Nuweiba for
taking the quick boat to Jordan borders at Aqaba port. (3 Hours).
(Breakfast)
Tour
Recommendations
No
Recommendations
Monday,
June 25, 2012
Day
24
Jordan
Arrival you will be
met by our local representative to drive to Petra to your hotel for check in
and overnight (B)
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Day
25
Jordan
Breakfast at hotel,
start your full day tour visiting the many sites of Petra, the Roman
Theater, the Courts, Qasr bint Pharaoun, Temple of the Winged Lion and other
monuments, overnight at hotel (B)
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Day
26
Jordan
Breakfast at hotel,
drive from Petra to Amman through Wadi Mujib to Kerak to visit the
Crusader Castle, visit Madaba (St. George Church), Mount Nebo,
continue to Amman to your hotel for check in and overnight (B)
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Day
27
Jordan
Breakfast meet your representative to
drive to Amman airport for your departure flight (B)
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