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Egypt
Itinerary
Egypt - 7,000 Years of History: The Great Pyramid, Mt Sinai, the Nile River, Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel
Egypt is the original mystery; an ancient civilization that carved its face into stone for the world to ponder at.
While most travellers are drawn to Egypt's mysteries; the ancient face of a Sphinx, the erection of the largest
stone monuments on earth, and mummies wrapped and carefully preserved, it is the Egyptians themselves that
will leave the most lasting impression. Come see modern and ancient Egypt as the country reinvents itself behind a
peaceful revolution and the first truly democratic elections in its entire 7,000 year old history.
Highlights include:
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The magnificence of the only remaining Ancient Wonder of the World, the Great Pyramid
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Learning the basics of the world's second largest religion inside the beautiful Alabaster Mosque
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Basking in the sun overlooking the famed bay of Alexandria
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Bartering with locals in Khan al-Khalili
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Gazing up at the monumental pillars of Karnak Temple
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Riding on donkeys, camels, and horse carriages over mountains, across deserts and through bustling cities
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Stargazing on the slopes of Mt Sinai
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Partying on a Nile Island with your boat staff
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Sailing the Nile
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Enjoying dinner at a local home in Aswan
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Taking a hot air balloon ride over Luxor
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Reveling in the magnificence of Abu Simbel
Day 1: Arrival Day - Cairo
Welcome to Egypt! Although the modern city was founded in 968 by the Fatimid dynasty, the Cairo area has been a
strategic capital for thousands of years, originating as the ancient city of Memphis. Today, it is a bewildering mix
of scents, sights, and traffic. Situated near some of the worlds grandest monuments, it is the largest city in the
Muslim world and the sixteenth largest city on earth.
As today is arrival day, there are no planned activities so just relax and prepare yourself for the adventure that
lies before you.
Overnight in Cairo (Giza)
Meals: Dinner (if necessary)
Day 2: Pyramids Day
Today we begin by visiting some of Egypt's main attractions in chronological order. Visiting Saqqara, the site of the
first monumental cut stone structure ever created: the Step Pyramid of King Djoser. Build in the 27th century BC
by the Pharaoh's vizier Imhotep, the Step Pyramid was the masterful origin of Egyptian pyramid building.
We continue our journey to Dashur to see the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. Strangely, both were built by
the same Pharaoh Sneferu in the 27th century BC, one with a noticeable change in slope half way up, and the
other with a much shallower angle to provide extra support.
Finally, our day will end at the Pyramids of Giza. The plateau is home to the only remaining Ancient Wonder of the
World, the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Taking over 20 years to complete construction in 2560 BCE, and at an original
height of 146.5m (480 ft), the Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure on earth for over 3800 years.
Standing almost perfectly level, aligned exactly to the 4 points of true north (not magnetic north), it is composed
of over 5.9 million tonnes of stone blocks consisting of 2.3 million blocks.
Alongside the awesome Great Pyramid stand the pyramids of the Pharaoh's son and grandson, Khafre and
Menkaure. We will see a magnificent view of the three pyramids of the plateau, before visiting the solar boat
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museum. Originally stored in 1224 logically laid out pieces, the ship has been reconstructed inside a modern
museum, and is the world's best preserved ancient boat. It has been described as a masterpiece of woodcraft that
could still float today if put into water.
We finish our epic day gazing at the face of the mysterious Sphinx. As the world's largest and oldest monolithic
statue, it remains a mystery as to who was the model, what the statues purpose was, and when exactly it was
carved.
Overnight in Cairo (Giza)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3: Cairo City
Today we journey through the bustling chaos of the Egyptian capital. Although home to roughly 6.75 million
people, during the day Cairo is flooded by an additional 10 million people commuting to work.
Our day begins with the Islamic centre of Cairo, the Citadel. Fortified by Saladin between 1176 and 1183, the
medieval fortress has been home to many of Egypt's rulers. As we approach, we will see an aqueduct system
constructed under the order of Saladin, designed to bring water to the Citadel. Inside we will see the facades of
palaces currently in disrepair and under restoration before visiting the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali Pasha.
Built between 1828 and 1848 at the summit of the citadel, this Ottoman mosque looms over the Cairo skyline.
Following our tour of the citadel, we proceed to the legendary souk of Khan al-Khalili. The market dates to 1382
and today is a seemingly endless maze of coffee shops, sheesha pipes, statues, and souvenirs. We will stop for
lunch here before continuing to Coptic Cairo.
Coptic Cairo encompasses the Roman Babylon fortress, a defensive fort and river toll collection point, and the 4th
century Hanging Church built on top of it. We visit the highlights of the area, including the Church of Sergius and
Bacchus, where the Holy family is believed to have stayed, and the magnificent Coptic museum.
We continue to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities located near El Tahrir Square*. El Tahrir Square was the focal
point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution and has been the site of many protests that eventually ousted long time
leader Hosni Mubarak. The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities* is home to one of the world's most impressive
collection of over 120 000 artefacts. Here we will see the incredible mummy collection, the famed Rosetta Stone
that allowed the ancient Egyptian language to be translated, and the extensive items from the tomb of Egypt's
most famous Pharaoh, Tutankhamen.
*Please note visiting these sites is subject to your TL's discretion and the safety of the group.
After our visit we will proceed to Alexandria for the evening.
Overnight in Alexandria
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4: Alexandria
Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE. Although he left only months after founding the city,
legends say that his body was returned and buried here. Alexandria grew to the largest city in the world within a
century of its founding, was Egypt's capital for almost a millennium, and today it is Egypt's largest seaport.
Our day begins with a visit to one of the most impressive sights of the city, the tombs of Kom el Shoqafa. The
tombs merge Roman, Greek and Egyptian architecture and mythologies in a way never seen before. Originally
designed for one family, it was later expanded to house numerous others with one of the most eerie aspects of the
tomb being the Hall of Caracalla; a mass burial chamber for those slaughtered by the order of the mad Emperor
Caracalla.
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We continue to the Graeco-Roman museum. Home to artifacts collected from the Council of Antiquities and the
donations of wealthy Alexandrian benefactors, the museum boasts a jaw dropping collection of Egyptian-RomanGraeco art that is the world's most extensive Roman art collection.
For lunch we will enjoy a breathtaking view of the fortress of Qaitbey, built by the Mukluks in 1480 on the site of
the Pharos Lighthouse. One of the destroyed Ancient Wonders of the World, the Pharos stood for 17 centuries with
an oil-fed flame reflected by bronze to beacon to sailors. Unfortunately it was destroyed by an earthquake in
1303, and much of it fell into the ocean.
Finally, we will visit the famed library of Alexandria. Under the Ptolemaic dynasty, this library was the most
significant library of the ancient world, and functioned as a major centre of scholarship until it was burned down
incidentally as Julius Caesar set fire to his own vessels in the harbour. Today a modern library stands in its place,
inaugurated in 2002, as a move to reignite the brilliance of the former centre of study. Located on 11 terraces
with four museums, 15 permanent exhibitions and four art galleries, the library is one of the most beautiful
modern buildings constructed in Egypt.
This evening we board an overnight train bound for Luxor.
Overnight on board overnight train.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner on train
Day 5: Luxor - Valley of the Queens
This morning we disembark from our train and transfer to our hotel located on the West Bank of Luxor. Located on
the site of the ancient city of Thebes, Luxor today is one of Egypt's main tourist destinations. The east bank of the
city is home to the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple, while the West Bank houses dozens of mortuary temples
and countless tombs.
Our sightseeing today takes us to the Valley of the Queens, a tomb valley constructed to house the wives and
children of the Pharaoh's of the New Kingdom. Today more than 70 tombs have been excavated, many of which are
lavishly carved and still painted. We will visit several tombs, as well as the nearby workers village. Excavated in
the 1920's, the 68 houses of the workers village give amazing insight into Egyptian life, traditions, family, and
beliefs. Tombs cut for the workers themselves show intricate images of daily life, a detail rarely portrayed in royal
tombs.
Finally, we visit the temple of Medinat Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramesses III. The temple is best known for
its exquisite depiction of the Egyptian conquest of the Sea People during the reign of Ramesses III.
The balance of your afternoon is free to relax, visit the Luxor Museum or visit any of the other nearby temples.
Overnight in Luxor
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6: Valley of the Kings
Today we begin early to get ahead of the rising sun and rising temperature. We ride donkeys across over Qurnet
Murai hill, admiring the statues of the Colossi of Memnon, and amazing views of Luxor's temples and sugarcane
fields before arriving at the Valley of the Kings.
The Valley of the Kings was the burial place of choice for Egypt's Pharaohs for over 500 years. A UNESCO World
Heritage Site since 1979, the valley is home to many tombs. We will visit four tombs, a select three chosen for
their vibrancy, significance, size, and variety. Finally we will visit the famed tomb of Tutankhamen, the only
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intact tomb ever discovered. Although the tomb itself is simple, the collection contained within has filled
museums and imaginations alike.
We will also visit a temple dedicated to Egypt's only female pharaoh, Hatshepsut. The building itself stands as a
testament to her strength of will to rule for 18 years as a female and as the daughter of the sun god himself.
The rest of your afternoon is free to relax or to explore the souk, the Luxor Museum, or any of the other temples.
Overnight in Luxor
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7: Karnak Temple, Edfu Temple and the Nile Dahabiya
This morning, if you wish to rise early, you can embark on a post-sunrise hot air balloon ride over the West Bank to
see more of the serene beauty of Luxor in the morning. Views are spectacular as watch the mist clear from ancient
temples as the bustle of the city begins to pick up.
We visit the incredible Karnak Temple which contains what was once the largest colonnaded space on the planet.
The home of the god Amun-Ra, Karnak was built by over 30 pharaohs as the premier Egyptian temple. It contains a
myriad of decaying temples and sculptures with the highlight being the Hypostyle Hall consisting of 134 massive
columns over 10 metres high (33 ft) and 3 (10ft) meters wide. The temple is also home to a massive obelisk,
standing 29 metres tall (96ft) and weighing 138 tonnes.
In the afternoon, we depart Luxor and head to Edfu temple, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. It stands
as the most in-tact ancient temple in Egypt, and many of its columns and roofs still bear the original paint that
once covered the entire monument.
Finally, we begin our trip up the Nile river by embarking on a dahabiya. A dahabiya is a shallow hulled, two mast
river boat that has been used for thousands of years on the Nile river, and is even depicted in temples and on
papyrus scrolls. They are large enough for our group, with bathrooms, bedrooms, and a sun deck on top. Smaller
and more intimate than the massive cruise ships that frequent the Aswan-Luxor route, a dahabiya provides the
perfect ambience to really experience the journey.
We will spend the next 3 nights on board our dahabiya as we sail luxuriously up the Nile. There are many
opportunities for various activities and excursions.
Overnight on dahabiya
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8: Dahabiya Cruise to Silsillah
Sailing the Nile has been portrayed in novels, stories, and legend. Enjoy the amazing crisp air of the desert as our
sailing vessel meanders between islands and monuments. Enjoy the chance to get to know your boat crew who are
more than happy to share their culture and customs with you!
We will have stops at an island today for a break before visiting the rarely frequented quarry of Gebel el-Silsillah.
A massive quarry that was used for almost two thousand years, it is an excellent stop to explore the first rock cut
shrines of the Middle Kingdom. Here we can also see unfinished items and better understand the process of mining
and sculpting in ancient Egypt. Ideally we will enjoy dinner next to the temples as the light slowly fades away.
Overnight on dahabiya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Day 9: Dahabiya Cruise to Kom Ombo
As we continue meandering southwards down the Nile, we stop to visit the Temple of Kom Ombo. Unique in its
dedication to two contrasting gods, Horus and Sobek, Kom Ombo features carvings depicting intricate medical
tools and practices of the ancient culture. It also features a Nilometer, a well used device for measuring the height
of the Nile flood waters in order to set tax levels.
We continue onwards to an island south of Kom Ombo where we will spend the night in a picturesque atmosphere.
Overnight on dahabiya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Aswan's Highlights
We bid farewell to our dahabiya as we disembark in Aswan to explore some of the city's amazing sites. We visit the
impressive Aswan High Dam which was built in 1973 to contain the Nile flood and to provide hydro-power for the
country. Unfortunately the construction of the dam flooded most of Nubia, displacing many people as it created
the largest artificial lake in the world.
Continuing on to the site of the Unfinished Obelisk we ogle at the monumental obelisk that would have been the
world's largest single stone statue had it been completed. We end our afternoon of sightseeing with a relaxing tour
of the city by felucca which is a flat bottomed single mast sailing vessel still in use today.
Tonight we travel to have dinner in a Nubian village. Nubians originate from the area now encompassed by
Southern Egypt and Northern Sudan. Much of their original homeland was covered when the Aswan High Dam was
constructed. They tend to be darker than Egyptians, and speak their own language in addition to Arabic. We have
the privilege of visiting our friend's house to have dinner in his family's home where you can learn more about the
Nubians and their role in Egypt.
Overnight in Aswan
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 11: Abu Simbel and Philae Sound & Light Show
We rise early this morning to take a bus trip to Abu Simbel. Situated just north of the Sudanese border, Abu Simbel
is an impressive site comprised of two giant rock cut temples. Carved into the hillside in the 13th century BCE by
Ramesses the Great, the temples depict the pharaoh and his famed wife, Nefertari. The temples served to mark
the southern boundaries of the Egyptian empire under Ramesses.
In 1973, following the construction of the High Dam, the temples were threatened by the rising waters of Lake
Aswan. Over a painstaking 4 year process, the temples were cut into large blocks and moved 200 metres (660ft)
before being reconstructed.
The afternoon is free to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of Aswan, explore nearby temples, visit a Coptic
Cathedral, or to try out your bartering skills at the souk.
This evening we will journey by boat to Philae Temple, where an amazing narrated sound and light show will help
us explore the exquisite temple dedicated to Isis.
Overnight in Aswan
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
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Day 12: Aswan: Camel trek to St Simeon
Today we prepare ourselves for a camel adventure! We will take camels to the ruins of the monastery of St
Simeon, a ruined monastery dating back to the 7th century. With its imposing walls, the monastery was once home
to over 300 monks until its destruction in 1173 by Saladin.
Our adventure continues to Kitchener's Island, an island in the middle of the river now converted to a beautiful
botanical garden. Named for Lord Kitchener, it was converted into the garden in 1928. Today it is a relaxing place
to stroll and enjoy the atmosphere before lunch.
Overnight in Aswan
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 13: Dahab & the Sinai Peninsula
Early this morning we journey by bus to the Luxor airport for our flight to Sharm el-Sheikh on the coast of the Red
Sea. Located on the Sinai peninsula, Sharm el Sheikh is a popular beach resort town. Seeking a bit more
tranquility, we continue north towards Dahab. In Dahab you have the option of a snorkeling trip to see the
incredible Red Sea sea life or a desert adventure 4x4 trip on quad bikes. If you just want to relax on the beach, no
problem. We continue this afternoon to St Catherine's.
Overnight in St Catherine's
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 14: Mt Sinai & St Catherine's Monastery
We have an early rise this morning to hike up Mt Sinai, the famed mountain once climbed by Moses. Mt Sinai now
has two routes to the top; the first is a camel path, the second is the Steps of Repentance consisting of 3000 steps
cut directly into the stone face leading to Elijah's Basin. The two trails join to ascent a further 750 steps to the top
of the mountain, where we will watch sunrise. The hike takes roughly 3 hours to complete the ascent.
After descending the mountain in the morning light, we will visit St Catherine's Monastery. Founded in 333 CE, the
monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts the second most valuable library collection, next to only
that of the Vatican. We visit the Church of Transfiguration to see what is purported to be a descendant of the
burning bush itself. Finally, we visit the monastery museum to see a renowned collection of Coptic icons, bibles,
and other artifacts.
This afternoon, after a nap, we will check out and head back to Sharm el-Sheikh for our flight to Cairo. Our hotel
is located near the airport prior to departure the following day.
Overnight in Cairo (near airport)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 15: Departure Day
Thank you for travelling with Finisterra!
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