12 Days Classic Egypt Treasures

Day 1: Arrival to Cairo: Arrival to Cairo airport, upon your arrival you will find our representative waiting you with the sign of Melia Egypt travel, then you will be transferred by A/C car to your hotel. Overnight in Cairo.

Day 2: Cairo Tour – Mummies Experience – Camel Ride: Breakfast. Start your tour visiting the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is the only museum in Egypt which offers a general overview of all the all different historical periods of Egypt. It has more than 50,000 artefacts, presenting Egyptian civilization from prehistoric times to the present day. The Royal Mummies Hall inside The Egyptian civilization Museum is a must-see area. It has a separate section where royal mummies unearthed from various tombs are preserved. The room is climate controlled and the mummies appear to be looked after well. Mummified over 4000 years ago, you can see the mummies of Kings of Hatshepsut, Tuthmosis and Ramses in good condition. The kings and queens have lean bodies and the mummies appear smaller and shorter in size than their original stature. Walk around leisurely in this room and look at Pharaohs and queen resting in peace in a climate-controlled rooms, far removed from their original resting place. Then visit the Great Pyramids – Cheops, Chephren & Mykerions. Cheops is the most colossal ever built. Next is a close-up look at Sphinx – a huge funeral complex guarded by the legendary lion body with the face of king Chephren. Enjoy your camel ride, you will enjoy special panoramic views of sphinx & Pyramids. Hear about all the hidden stories of Pharaohs life. I will give you hints and details that you cannot find on books! (Optional) Evening trip to attend the Sound & Light show in the Pyramids area. Overnight in Cairo.

Day 3: Sakkara & Memphis Tour: Breakfast. Our guide will pick you up from your hotel. Move to visit the Step Pyramids of Zoser, the world’s oldest major stone structure. It was built in the 3rd Dynasty (around 2630 BC) for King Djoser. After that transfer to Memphis which was founded by King Menes, and was the capital of Old Egypt during the Old Kingdom, it was considered to be a center of rule and culture for over 3000 years the first capital of Egypt, and see the Statue of Ramses II. Back to the hotel. Overnight in Cairo. Optional – Evening trip to enjoy your dinner on board a Nile cruise for 2 hours including watching Egyptian folk shows.

Day 4: Cairo – Luxor - Dandara & Abydos Tour: Breakfast. Transfer to the domestic airport. Departure by the plane to Luxor. Arrival and transfer to visit Abydos, the ancient Egyptian believed of god (Lord of the underworld) to be buried there. The temple was built by King Seti I, and completed by King Ramsess II, known as temple of Seti I. It is located in Abydos city about 420 km to the south of Cairo in Sohag Government, and 135 km from Luxor. The paintings of the Gods and Pharaohs on the walls of the Osiris Temple at Abydos are among the most beautifully preserved in Egypt. Then continue to Dandara to visit the Temple of Hathor, goddess of love and joy. The temple is located in Dandara which is situated at the north of Luxor. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Luxor.

Day 5: Nile Cruise – Luxor Museum : Arrival and transfer to visit Luxor Museum, This wonderful museum has a well-chosen and brilliantly displayed and explained collection of antiquities dating from the end of the Old Kingdom right through to the Mamluk period, mostly gathered from the Theban temples and necropolis. Then move to visit The Temple of Karnak & the Temple of Luxor. Excursion to the Luxor Temple to see its courtyard and the granite statues of Ramses the Great. Proceed to Karnak. Transfer to the Nile Cruise. Boarding before Lunch. Lunch on board. Overnight in Luxor.

Day 6: Nile Cruise – King Tut’s Tomb – Valley of Queens: Breakfast. Visit The West Bank – the Valley of the Kings, visit the tombs of various Dynasties. King Tut’s tomb which you will visit from inside. Tutankhamun ruled Egypt for approximately 10 years from around 1336-1327 BCE. In November 1922, Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon discovered Tutankhamun’s near-intact tomb in the Valley of the Kings. The king’s mummified body was found surrounded by precious grave goods, in his golden coffin, after his burial chamber was officially opened on 17 February 1923 in the presence of Egyptologists and government officials. Today, Tutankhamun is ancient Egypt’s most famous pharaoh. But how much do you really know about the boy king? Here during this tour, I will tell you the lesser-known facts about Tutankhamun… Continue to Visit the Valley of the Queens, known as Ta-Set-Neferu “The Place of Beauty”. The valley served as a necropolis for the tombs of royal family members and the elite, with about 90 tombs belonging to Queens and princes of the ancient Egyptian New Kingdom (1550-1070 BC). whilst here, you will have chance to visit the magnificent colorful tomb of queen Nefertari (Extra Ticket) Then move to visit the Temple of Deir El Bahari of Queen Hatshepsut. On the return journey stop at the Colossi of Memnon which are two gigantic sitting statues representing Amenopis III facing the Nile. Then visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Lunch on board. Afternoon free at leisure. Afternoon Tea. Overnight in Luxor. Overnight in Cruise.

Day 7: Nile Cruise: Breakfast on board. Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu. Sail to Kom Ombo. Lunch on board. Visit the Temple shared by the two Gods Sobek & Haroeris in Kom Ombo. Afternoon Tea. Overnight in Kom Ombo.

Day 8: Nile Cruise – Nubian Village: Breakfast on board. Sail to Aswan. Visit the Temple of Philae. Then transfer by motorboat to experience life in a traditional Egyptian village on this Nubian village tour. Leave the city behind and cruise to a Nubian village nestled on the west bank of the Nile River. Admire fine views over the riverside scenery, and visit a Nubian village to gain insight into local customs and culture. Nubian village located on the west bank of the Nile River. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views over Soheil Island and the Aswan Dam, and capture the scenery on camera. Visit a local village with your guide and meet a traditional Nubian family. Learn about their lifestyle and culture, and gain insight into the traditions the Nubians have followed for thousands of years. Lunch on board. Overnight in Aswan.

Day 9: Aswan – Cairo: Breakfast on board. Disembarkation. (Optional) Abu Simbel Trip. Departure to visit the Temple of Abu Simbel, The colossal Temple of Abu Simbel built by Ramses II (XIXth. Dynasty) and lately saved from inundation of the Nile waters in among the glories of ancient Egyptian monuments. The temples were built out of a sandstone rock cliff, and representation of the deities to which each was dedicated is carved on its huge façade. Nearby, also saved, lies the small Temple of the King’s wife Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor. Back to Aswan. Transfer to Aswan airport and departure by plane to Cairo. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Cairo.

Day 10: Alexandria: Our Melia Egypt Travel tour guide will pick you up from your hotel, Start the tour with the library of Alexandria; the biggest library in the world – now with 8 million books. Visit it’s open court where you can see the statue of Alexander the Great and the statue of Ptolemy the first, which was found underwater nearby. Our guide will explain the design of the library from outside, you will have a chance for some photo stops. Note: To enter the reading area you will need to purchase a ticket. Visit the Roman Amphitheater of Alexandria with the display of the sunken monuments of Alexandria which were discovered under the East harbor of Alexandria. The car will then take you to visit the church of St. Mark – the oldest church in Africa, after which you will visit the old downtown of Alexandria where you can walk through the old city-center of Alexandria. Look at the traditional markets; where everything and anything is sold including traditional Egyptian sweets and treats. The architecture locally has baroque style designs and Italian and French style properties. Visit El Nabi Daniel Mosque which is believed by many people to be related to Alexander the great tomb, It is said to contain the remains of the scholar and venerated teacher Prophet Daniel and his companion Sidi Lokman el Hakim, a religious story-teller. Optional lunch stop at a modern Fish Restaurant or a famous and traditional Alexandrian food place called Mohamed Ahmed’s. The Queen of Spain and many famous people go there when they visit Alexandria. Continue your tour by passing through the oldest market area in Mansheya and see the traditional womens’ markets (zan’et etsetat) with very thin and narrow streets, gold market also exists here where everyone buys their wedding and engagement jewellery. The car will then take you to visit the prettiest and biggest mosque in the city: the Abbo Elabbas Mosque, and the strangest sight outside it: an old funfair where children play on very antique funfair rides and eat candy floss. Opposite is the corniche and the old harbour where you can see the old fishing boats, men fishing and traditional fishermen making nets. The photos taken here are amazing. Continue to see the outside of Quaitbay castle which was built on the same site as the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria one of the seven wonders of ancient world . A most spectacular castle which is a great photo stop. The car will then take you to the gardens of Montaza. On the way you can quickly have a optional 2 minute stop by the King of Mango and drink at Alexandrian’s drive thru freshly squeezed juices plus have a photo stop at the memorial of the Unknown Soldier of Alexandria. The beautiful coastline and all the views of the city are en route to Montaza Palace and gardens which is approx 25 km away, including the old harbor of Alexandria where we found 7000 monuments underwater. Once in Montaza Gardens, commonly known as the Love Garden (all romantic couples and families go there) you will visit the royal gardens of King Farouk (the last king in the history of Egypt) and see the royal palaces of Haramlek and Salamlek as well as walk along the famous Montaza bridge and reach the Tea Palace island and see the royal beaches of the queens. Overnight stay in Alexandria.

Day 11: Cairo’s Best Kept Secrets: Breakfast. Transfer to Cairo by an A/C car. To enjoy the real taste of Egypt you have to try the Egyptian food the best foods in Egypt which is one of the life’s great pleasures, Discover off-the-beaten-path spots the real Egypt that is not covered in any guidebook. To find the best place to eat in Egypt can be a challenge. Don’t worry we’ll take you to them, There are many delicious food tastings of the Best foods in Egypt. Then You will be transferred by air conditioned van to old Cairo streets. Let me plunge you into the beauty of the city and into a whirlwind of anecdotes, history, legends and intrigue. During the hours we will spend together, all your senses will be in action. You will hear and learn a motley of amazing stories about Cairo and ride and walk through secret doors, Enjoy a wonderful walking Islamic Cairo and Al Moez street. El Moez Street in old Cairo stretches for almost 1km long quiet streets and alleys. I will take you in a beautiful incredible Cairo that you never ever dreamt of. This history tour of Old Town will take you along all the less known must-see local spots: Old Market hidden gems, Old Cairo hidden galleries, Taverna’s local Cairo food only for locals no tourist know about it, and more Finally our guide will accompany you to your hotel in Cairo. Overnight in Cairo.

Day 12: Departure: Breakfast at the hotel our representative will transfer you to the airport and assist you at the airport through final departure formalities.