12-Day Classic Egyptian Temples

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The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities houses many artefacts, mummies, manuscript etc but most of all it is the heart of knowledge for discovering ancient Egypt. As you are in the downtown area, you'll have lunch in one of the best local restaurants in Cairo, before heading into the bustling bazaar for Khan el Khalili, with its stunning architecture, beautiful antiques and an authentic atmosphere. You'll stop for tea at the famous Fishawy Coffee Shop for some freshly brewed coffee or sweet mint tea.

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Egypt is famous for many historical events and a visit to the Citadel with its many museums, mosque and beautiful panoramic gardens gives a great insight into the great history. Staying with the historical greats, you'll visit the oldest Christian Church in Cairo, named The Hanging Church, to see the diversity of culture. In the evening, you'll board your overnight sleeper train to Aswan.

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Arriving in Aswan will feel like stepping back in time. The towns and villages in this region surround the River Nile where still old modes of transport still exist today - horse and carriage, motorboat taxis and donkeys. After checking into the hotel, you'll take a walk around the town before heading to a nearby village to the home of a close family friend to enjoy not only the tasty cuisine but the upper Egyptian hospitality.

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Abu Simbel and the High Dam are highlights of upper Egypt, however the best time to visit is early morning, with a 4am departure from your hotel, returning around 1pm. The Botanical Garden on Kitchener Island is a beautiful way to see and feel the local river lifestyle, as well as visit the 120-year-old gardens created by an English gentleman at the end of the 19th century.

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Today, you'll leave Aswan behind and board your Nile cruise board the Dahabiya boat. You'll spend the next few days cruising down the river in style on a traditional Dahabeya, a double-sail felucca customised to exquisite taste and comfort. Each day, you'll visit ancient Egyptian temples and watch the world move by as you sail slowly along the Nile, beginning with the Temple of Kom Ombo.

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After breakfast on board, your private Egyptologist will take you to visit Philae Temple, set just back from the banks of the Nile. Philae is an island in the reservoir of the Aswan Dam, Egypt's southernmost city. This rocky island was home to a beautiful and magnificent temple built by the ancient Egyptians centuries ago. The temple is famous for being the temple that was dismantled stone by stone and moved to a new safer location, taking nine years in total.

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Today, you'll visit the Edfu Temple, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved temples along the Nile with a perfect example of inscriptions. Built between 237 and 57 BC, this Ptolemaic temple known as the Temple of Horus is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Egypt. Located on the west bank of the River Nile in Edfu, the temple was completely preserved, roof and all, when it was filled by desert sand.

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Today, you'll check out from your Nile cruise after a wonderful few days sailing. Before heading to your hotel, you'll explore Luxor Temple, one of the greatest testaments to why Luxor has earned its nickname, “The World’s Largest Outdoor Museum”. The city of Luxor is built on the site of the ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes. The impressive temple dates back to 1390BC and just an avenue of sphinx's join it to the Temple of Karnac.

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The Valley of the Kings is perhaps the most interesting monument of Egypt, as it is a place of final resting of pharaohs, rulers of ancient Egypt. The magnificent tombs were built in the valley in the desert to prevent thieves from taking the valuables left in them. Today, they stand as the greatest reminder as to the lengths the people would go to prepare their loved ones for the next life. You'll explore the Valley of the Kings and the mortuary temple of Hepshatsut today.

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You'll have the morning free to explore any sights in Luxor that you haven't been able to yet. Then, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, your driver will pick you up from the airport and take you back to your hotel. You'll then have the rest of the day and evening free to spend as you wish. You can relax at your hotel, go exploring or enjoy a delicious farewell meal!