Journeys: Discover Egypt - 10 Days

Itinerary

• Days 1-0: CairoArrival Day

  Arrive at any time. Your arrival transfer is included. Enjoy a welcome meeting at the hotel in the evening, where you will receive more details about the coming adventure. Before you go, make sure to catch the National Geographic documentary series "Lost Treasures of Egypt" which features many of the archaeological sites you will explore throughout this adventure.

• Days 2-1: Cairo

  In the morning, enjoy a visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, the first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist certified by the Ministry of Antiquities, your Expedition Leader will share their knowledge about these massive structures. From here, visit a local farm supported by Nawaya, a community-led project which helps small scale farming families generate new income streams in the tourism industry. Embark on a farm-to-table experience learning about sustainable cultivation practices and traditional food-cultural preservation work being carried out on nearby farms before a hands-on bread and cooking demonstration in a female-led community kitchen followed by lunch. After, travel through barren desert and fertile farmlands to Sakkara, the site of Egypt’s first pyramids where you’ll dig deep into the history of this important archaeological site. The rest of the evening is on your own.

• Days 3-2: Cairo/Aswan

  Board an early flight from Cairo to Aswan. Upon arrival, visit Philae Temple, built as a dedication to the Goddess Isis and the temple walls are adorned with scenes from Egyptian mythology. Philae Temple complex was moved from its original location on the Island of Philae after Lake Nasser flooded. Learn about the temple’s architecture, history and important place in Egypt’s culture. This evening embark on a sunset felucca ride on the Nile to a Nubian Village. Walk through the village, learning about local customs while listening to the Nubian Peoples’ own distinct language, which does not have an alphabet and was thus never written down. Afterwards, sit down for dinner in the home of a local family.

• Days 4-3: Aswan

  In the morning, board a flight to Abu Simbel where you will explore the two rock-cut temples built by and dedicated to famed King Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. A true testament to innovation, the temple was saved from the waters of Lake Nasser by a massive global mobilization led by UNESCO in the 1960s. Fly back to Aswan to enjoy lunch and an afternoon at leisure. In the free evening choose to experience one of the best sound and light shows in Egypt at Philae Temple.

• Days 5-4: Aswan/Luxor

  After breakfast, drive north along the Nile passing local villages and farmland as you make your way to the top of the Temple of Kom Ombo. Built along the riverbank, the temple is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek. Continue your journey north towards Luxor and stop to explore the temple of Edfu, it took nearly 200 years to build and was dedicated to the God of War and Sky, Horus. Enjoy lunch before continuing the scenic drive to Luxor.

• Days 6-5: Luxor

  Today, head to the West Bank of Luxor. Start the morning with a visit to Funtasia, a G for Good project. Enjoy a short bike ride led by a student guide before stopping for tea and a discussion about the project and community. Continue to explore the famed Valley of the Kings—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and active archaeological site of over 63 tombs–many still in excavation. Descend inside a few tombs with the option to visit Tutankhamen’s resting site.

  Afterward, meet an archaeologist at the temple of Hatshepsut, dedicated to the powerful Queen that ruled for 21 years. During your visit, you’ll learn about the archaeologist’s dig site and continuing work in cataloging new discoveries. Finally, visit the colossi of Memnon, which guarded the entrance to King Amenhotep III’s massive temple. Enjoy a late lunch in the home of a local family that has been hosting travellers through the tour operator for 15 years, before heading back to Luxor.

• Days 7-6: Luxor

  Start your day exploring Luxor with a visit to Karnak Temple. The temple is known as the house of Amon Ra, the King of Gods. The Temple was the largest religious complex of its time and took 2,000 years to complete, as each subsequent king has added something to the temple. Lunch will be on your own before an afternoon of free time. In the evening meet back up with the group for a visit to Luxor Temple after dark to witness the monuments lit up in their glory. Dinner will be on your own.

• Days 8-7: Luxor/Cairo

  In the morning, fly from Luxor to Cairo. Head to ancient Coptic Cairo and enjoy visits to the Hanging Church, St. Sergius Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore Cairo on your own. In the evening, travel to Tahrir Square to meet a local food expert for an Egyptian foodie experience. Visit urban local food counters and small specialty restaurants while learning about traditional dishes and their connection to Egyptian culture.

• Days 9-8: Cairo

  Drive to the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum for a morning visit on a tour that will take you through the kingdoms of Ancient Egypt. From there, proceed to Khan El Khalili, the largest bazaar in Egypt. The iconic market was established in 1382 and contains hundreds of stalls with a treasure trove of souvenirs, spices, and more. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the market, then walk along Muiz Islamic Street as you continue to explore the lively stalls.

• Days 10-9: Cairo

  Depart at any time. Your departure transfer from the hotel to the Cairo International Airport is included.