Egypt Experience

With a population of around 15 million people, Cairo is Africa’s largest city by far, yet despite its size it retains a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Its long and colourful history dates from the 7th century AD, when it was established by the Arab leader Amr ibn al-As, and called Fustat (the tent). At Giza, to the west of the city, the enigmatic Sphinx and great pyramids still stand on the edge of the empty desert overlooking the city. More than 4000 years old, the pyramids are all that remain of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – a testimony to the ingenuity and skill of their builders. There are many thousands of exhibits in the famed Egyptian Museum, and your local guide will focus on the Tutankhamun collection; probably the world’s greatest archaeological find. You’ll see the treasure found in the tomb of the boy-king: the jewel-encrusted golden mask, the golden sarcophagus and throne, plus many everyday articles which were entombed with him to be used in the afterlife.

 Overnight hotel (BD)

Later return to Cairo, visit Al Montazah Palace and gardens and board the overnight sleeper train to Aswan. Sleeper Train - 1 night (BD)

The Nile has a fascination of its own and is one of the principal reasons many people come to Egypt. In ancient legend it was the giver of life and even in modern times, it still provides a livelihood for millions of people. Your time on the river is relaxed and easy, as you motor along its languid curves, you can sit back and watch the banks glide past. The reds and greys of the sand dunes and granite and limestone cliffs blend into the distance. Closer to the river’s edge you can glean an insight into ancient times; the agriculturist fellahin who inhabit the riverbank live and till the land much as they have done for centuries.

As you sail north you pause to visit the great temples at Kom Ombo and Edfu. Kom Ombo is a unique temple dedicated to two gods: Haroeris (Horus the elder) and the crocodile-headed Sobek, god of the Nile. Look out for the mummified crocs on display! On the east bank around Kom Ombo, reclaimed land is fed by canals to keep the desert at bay - it supports not only crops of sugar cane but also a large Nubian community displaced from their homeland by the rising waters of Lake Nasser.  
The following day you’ll alight from the riverboat again to visit Edfu by calesh, which after Karnak is the largest temple in Egypt. Almost completely buried for centuries, and only excavated in 1860, it is probably the best-preserved temple in Egypt.

As you sail closer to Luxor the river valley becomes increasingly open, and a landscape of cultivated fields stretches away from the river; a ribbon of green in the middle of a vast desert. This was once the floodplain where the combination of annual deposits of rich silt and ceaseless toil created a fertile market garden, which still supports Egypt’s burgeoning population. (Bx3, Lx3, Dx3)

NB: As with any boat trip, progress is wholly dependant on local operational conditions and the sailing schedules of the boat operators who have to time their journeys according to various factors, such as sailing times through the locks of the Nile. There are also certain times of the year – for example, in June and the first half of December when the Nile is cleaned and cruises must stop at Esna. If the sailing schedule dictates, Edfu Temple sightseeing may be done on day four.

A short flight takes you back to Cairo where you’ll transfer to your overnight hotel.  You then have a whole day to continue exploring this remarkable city. Depending on your interests, you can visit the oldest pyramid in the world at Saqqara or drive to Old Cairo to explore the Citadel - a complex of mosques and museums housed inside a magnificent fortress standing in an imposing position overlooking the city. A walk around Khan al Khalili bazaar is also a must; one of the largest bazaars in the Middle East, hundreds of artisans, traders and shopkeepers sell their wares here; or relax in one of the many traditional tea houses. On your last evening your Group Leader will no doubt organise a traditional ‘last supper’. Hotel - 1 night (B)