Egypt - The Land of the Pharoahs

Ancient map of Egypt

EGYPT - the name that's entranced the world for centuries with it's rich heritage, history, culture and a dash of mystery that's hard to unveil. This historic city is perhaps the world's oldest and first civilization that dates back to 30000 BC. There is a deep mystery surmounting the beginning and end of the egyptian kingship. Explore the splendour of this legendary city. Come, witness the mighty Pyramids at Gîza - truly a marvellous wonder of the world, no wonder. Go touring the dieties and temples and witness ancient mythological monuments amid brilliant piece of architecture. Sail through the river Nile on a 4-day/night cruise and spend time at the magnificent ancient temples and obelisks. Don't forget to capture the amazing sunset sailing by the river Nile.

Further down south, visit the temple of Abu Simbel and discover the magnificient collosal statues and carvings of the Pharoah's. Explore all artifacts preserved in the famous Egyptian Museum. There is a lot to discover and explore in this mysterious city. Here is a brief itinerary.

Giza, Cairo
Best is to depart on an overnight flight and arrive at Cairo the next morning. 

Cairo Skyline

Day1 - Tour through the pyramids of Saqqara (the step pyramid), Imhotep Museum (houses a few mummies and some artifacts), the lovely Citadel (Famous mosque built by Mohammed Ali). Wade through the city's unmissable Giza pyramids along with the The Sphinx, followed by the Sound and Light show late evening that's bound to make you travel back in time. Remember to enjoy a full day in Gîza discovering the Pyramids - one of the world's most spectacular sights to see. 

        The 4,500-year-old Sphinx stands guard at Giza

Day2 - Explore the streets of Old Cario and visit the Hanging Church, Virgin Mary cave and Roman fort. Give yourself enough time to visit the Egyptian Museum. It's collection of artifacts dates back to 4000 B.C. and includes the treasures of the tomb of Tutankhamun and the Royal Mummies Room.  You can have a quick look at the Papyrus Museum in the evening preferably. 

Luxor

Board a train at Giza and arrive Luxor in the morning. Spend 4 nights-5 days at the Cruise sailing through the river Nile and thereby touring famous ancient temples and monuments. Luxor is often called the world's greatest open-air museum due to its rich and vast array of monuments and temples. Here's what you can do at Luxor:

Day2 - Gear up the day to witness the surmounting silence at the Valley of the Kings (tombs of all Pharoah's). If need be, you can visit Valley of the Queen's as well. Interestingly enough, there are only two mummies ie. King Tutankhamun and King Ramses II in these tombs. The mummies of all other Pharoah's are preserved in the Egyptian Museum. 

Day3 - Wander the massive pillars of the Temple of Amun at Karnak. During sunset, make it a point to visit the Temple of Luxor which is beautifully illuminated all around. 

Carvings inside the Karnak Temple

Day4 - Visit the Al-deir bahari temple in the morning followed by a boat ride to the famous bird sanctuary located close to the Sahara Desert. Spend time at the glossy Sahara desert. Don't forget to take a camel ride in the desert. There are about 250 camels been transported from the city to the desert everyday who are engaged on this activity. 

Day5 - Enjoy a motorboat ride to the island of Agilika this morning to explore the majestic Philae Temple.Visit the evocative Temple of Horus in Idfu. Leave for Giza by train in the late evening.

Abu Simbel/Aswân

Fly to Abu Simbel to witness the enigmatic  temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Ramses II's favorite wife, Nefertari.

Alexandria

Arrive at Giza in the wee hours. Travel to Alexandria by car, which is about 3 hours on road. Visit the famous Africa Safari Park or head straightaway to the city. Tour across the city of Alexandria and visit the famous citadel situated on the banks of the Mediterranean Sea. Also, visit the Pompey's Pillar, Roman collosal column which showcases the tallest column(pillar) construction built by the Romans. Witness the brilliant architecture at the Catacombs. Also visit some Obelisk's and learn about the fascinating engineering.


You can plan to travel back to your home the very next day.