Sophie Martin
Aug. 23, 2024, 9:10 a.m.Un voyage extraordinaire à travers l'Égypte! En seulement une semaine, nous avons pu explorer les merveilles du Caire, de Louxor et d'Assouan. Le guide était exceptionnel et connaissait tous les détails historiques. J'aurais aimé plus de temps dans certains lieux, mais globalement, c'était magnifique!
1) Day 1 - Arrival in Cairo
Welcome to Cairo! Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, our professional A1toureg representative will warmly greet you and provide personalized assistance. Enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel in a luxurious, private, air-conditioned vehicle. Relax and unwind with a comfortable overnight stay, setting the perfect tone for your Cairo adventure. Experience top-notch service, convenience, and comfort from the moment you arrive in Egypt's vibrant capital.
2) Day 2 - Pyramids of Giza and Egyptian Museum Tour
After breakfast, our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cairo for an exciting day exploring Egypt’s iconic landmarks. Start with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza, including the famous Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus pyramids. Next, marvel at the Great Sphinx, an ancient statue dating back to the time of the pharaohs, and explore the nearby Valley Temple. Continue your journey with a visit to the world-renowned Egyptian Museum. Here, you’ll discover a rare collection of over 250,000 authentic artifacts, some over 5,000 years old, including the famous treasures of Tutankhamun. These treasures, gold, and jewelry were sealed in his tomb for over 3,500 years before being discovered in 1920. Please note that the entrance fee to the Mummies Room is not included. After the tour, take a flight to Aswan and enjoy an overnight stay in this beautiful city.
3) Day 3 - Abu Simbel and Nubian Village Tour
Begin your day with an early morning trip to Abu Simbel from Aswan by private car. Visit the Abu Simbel temples, including the famous Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Queen Nefertari. These magnificent temples were carved into the mountain on the west bank of the Nile between 1274 and 1244 BC. The Great Temple is dedicated to Ramses II, Ra-Harakhty, Amun Ra, and Ptah, with four giant statues of Ramses II. The second temple honors Queen Nefertari and Goddess Hathor. The temples were carefully dismantled stone by stone and moved to higher ground to preserve them, a remarkable UNESCO achievement. After exploring the temples, head back to Aswan in the afternoon for lunch. Next, enjoy a visit to a vibrant Nubian Village, known for its colorful houses, friendly atmosphere, and rich culture. The trip includes a fun boat ride on the Nile, and you’ll have the chance to relax and enjoy the sunset on a traditional felucca boat.
4) Day 4 - Aswan Attractions and Drive to Luxor
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Aswan attractions, beginning with the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This stunning temple, constructed around 690 BC, is the last of the classical Egyptian-style temples. It holds great historical importance as one of the last places where the goddess was worshipped. Next, enjoy a scenic Felucca boat ride around Elephantine Island, offering beautiful views of Aswan and its surroundings. Visit the impressive Aswan High Dam, a rock-fill dam on the border between Egypt and Sudan, which created Lake Nasser. The dam was completed in 1968 and remains an engineering marvel. Then, explore the Unfinished Obelisk, a massive granite obelisk in Aswan’s Northern Quarries. This monument offers incredible insight into ancient Egyptian stonework techniques, with a nearly complete 42-meter shaft weighing over 1168 tonnes. After discovering these fascinating landmarks, drive to Luxor for an overnight stay, marking the end of a memorable day filled with Egypt's rich history and engineering wonders.
5) Day 5 - Explore the Valley of the Kings
Start your day in Luxor with the option of an early morning hot air balloon ride (suitable for ages 6 and up) – a unique way to witness the beauty of this ancient city from above. Afterward, your private guide will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you on a tour of Luxor's historical highlights. First, you’ll head to the Valley of the Kings, one of Egypt’s most famous archaeological sites, located on the West Bank of Luxor. Cross the Nile and visit the tombs of ancient pharaohs, including that of the legendary Ramses II and the famous Tutankhamun. Your guide will take you to explore 3 tombs, many of which are well-preserved and offer insights into ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife. If you wish, you can opt to visit Tutankhamun's tomb for an additional 200 Egyptian pounds.
Next, visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most beautiful and well-preserved temples. Built into the cliffs of the Theban Mountain, the temple’s three levels and wide ramps blend seamlessly with the surrounding desert landscape, creating an awe-inspiring view. Afterward, explore the Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues of Amenhotep III. These massive stone figures stand 18 meters tall and are the remnants of a grand mortuary temple, once the largest on the West Bank of Luxor.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Luxor, then spend the afternoon at your leisure. Explore more of the city, relax, or shop for souvenirs before heading to your next adventure.
6) Day 6 - Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple Exploration
After breakfast, you’ll begin your journey to the Temple of Karnak, the largest ancient religious site in the world. Karnak Temple is an extraordinary architectural marvel and is widely regarded as the most impressive historical site in Egypt. It stands as the largest temple complex ever built by humans, showcasing the combined work of multiple generations of ancient Egyptian builders and Pharaohs. The temple complex spans over 247 acres and consists of three main temples, making it one of the most significant sites for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian history and archaeology.
Following your visit to the Temple of Karnak, you’ll be transferred in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Cairo. For those looking for a more relaxing experience, an optional Felucca boat ride can be arranged in the late afternoon. This traditional sailing boat ride on the Nile River offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy views of rural life along the riverbank, offering a tranquil experience as the sun sets.
If you wish, you can modify your itinerary by visiting the Luxor Temple instead of Karnak, or perhaps spend more time exploring the local souq (market) for some shopping. Later, you’ll take a flight to Cairo, where you’ll spend the night in your hotel. This concludes an unforgettable day filled with history, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
7) Day 7- Explore Old Cairo and Depart for International Flight
Pick-up: 08:00 AM from your Cairo or Giza hotel, where you will meet your expert Egyptologist guide for an unforgettable day. Embark on an 8-hour tour that takes you through the key historical landmarks of Old Cairo, ending with a visit to the famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
First, you'll head to the Saladin Citadel, a stunning historical fortress built by Salah al-Din in 1183 AD to defend Cairo from Crusader forces. Perched on the Moqattam Hills, the Citadel offers panoramic views of the city and is home to impressive mosques and museums, including the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha. Designed by the Turkish architect Yousif Boushnaq, the mosque's white alabaster walls beautifully contrast with the golden sandstone buildings of Cairo.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Old Cairo, offering you a taste of authentic Egyptian cuisine. Afterward, continue your exploration with visits to key Coptic Christian sites, including the Hanging Church, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the Church of St. Barbara. Don't miss the Church of Abu Serga, one of the oldest Coptic churches in Cairo, rich in history and spiritual significance.
Your next stop is the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of the oldest and most famous markets in the Middle East. Wander through its maze of narrow alleys and stalls, where traders have sold everything from spices to jewelry for centuries. It's a great spot for shopping, capturing unique photos, or simply soaking in the bustling atmosphere of Cairo’s oldest souq.
At the end of your exciting journey, you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your international departure. This day is the perfect blend of history, culture, and authentic Cairo experiences.