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Classic Egypt with Abu Simbel
Description
Embark on an 8-day journey through the heart of Egypt, where history, mystery, and ancient wonders await. Departing from Spain, you’ll arrive in Aswan, where your adventure begins aboard a Nile cruise. As you sail along the iconic river, each stop presents a new chapter of Egypt’s illustrious past, combining mesmerizing landscapes with monumental feats of engineering and art.
The adventure begins with a visit to the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel Temples. Carved into the mountainside by Ramses II, these grand temples are renowned for their towering statues of the pharaoh that seem to rise from the earth itself. The temples' relocation in the 1960s, to preserve them from the rising waters of the Nile due to the Aswan High Dam, adds a layer of drama and intrigue to this already magnificent site.
Your journey continues in Aswan, where you’ll visit the Philae Temple. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this serene temple is perched on an island in the Nile, surrounded by lush landscapes and crystal-clear waters. The temple’s remarkable architecture and delicate carvings tell stories of ancient myths and rituals. The site is also known for its friendly feline residents, often referred to as the "guardians" of the temple, who offer visitors a warm and unique connection to the place.
Next, explore the Kom Ombo Temple, a fascinating structure dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god. Located along the Nile’s banks, Kom Ombo is known for its striking symmetry and intricate reliefs. The temple also houses a small crocodile museum, where mummified crocodiles and other ancient relics bring the worship of Sobek to life.
Your journey then takes you to the Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. This imposing structure is dedicated to Horus, the god of kingship, and features remarkable carvings that illustrate the rituals, legends, and triumphs of ancient Egypt. The temple’s grand entrance and towering pylons create a majestic atmosphere that will leave you in awe.
Arriving in Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes, you’ll explore the treasures on both the East and West Banks of the Nile. On the East Bank, visit the magnificent Luxor Temple, where massive columns and towering statues of pharaohs create an atmosphere of grandeur. Nearby, the sprawling Karnak Temple complex awaits, with its vast courtyards, towering obelisks, and intricately decorated halls. This colossal site is a testament to Egypt’s architectural brilliance and religious devotion.
On the West Bank, your exploration continues with a visit to the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of the most unique and stunning temples in Egypt. Carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, this temple is dedicated to the powerful female pharaoh Hatshepsut. Its terraced design and detailed reliefs offer insights into her reign and the extraordinary feats she accomplished. From there, you’ll head to the Valley of the Kings, the legendary burial ground of pharaohs from the New Kingdom. Explore the tombs of rulers like Tutankhamun and Seti I, where vivid wall paintings and intricate carvings transport you back to the afterlife beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. Your visit concludes with the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues that have stood for thousands of years, silent guardians of the Valley.
After discovering Luxor, you’ll take a short domestic flight to Cairo, Egypt’s bustling capital, where your adventure continues.
A visit to Egypt wouldn’t be truly complete without a visit to the world-famous Pyramids of Giza. These colossal monuments, built as tombs for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, are a testament to ancient Egypt’s architectural genius and enduring legacy. The Great Sphinx, with its lion’s body and human face, stands guard at the plateau, evoking a sense of mystery and wisdom. The Pyramids and Sphinx are among the most iconic structures in the world, offering a chance to reflect on the extraordinary achievements of the ancient Egyptians. Your adventure concludes with a flight back to Spain from Cairo.
This holiday leaves you with unforgettable memories of a journey through one of the most captivating civilizations in history of the mankind.
Visits
Nile Cruise: Abu
Simbel Temples, Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, Karnak Temples,
Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon.
Cairo: Giza Pyramids and the
Sphinx.
Flights
Departures from Madrid: Every Friday.
Itinerary
Departure on a special flight to Aswan. Arrival, assistance at the airport and transfer to the cruise. Dinner and overnight on board.
Full board. Visit to Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Visit to Abu Simbel Temples by road, which consists of two temples; the Great Temple, built by King Ramses II, and the Small Temple, dedicated to his wife, Nefertari. Sailing to Kom Ombo. Upon arrival, a visit to the double Temple of Sobek and Haroeris, who were considered arch-enemies in the Egyptian mythology. Night on board.
Full board. Departure to Edfu. Visit to Horus Temple, one of Egypt's best-preserved temples. Sail to Luxor. Upon arrival, visit to the Nile’s East Bank: Karnak Temples Complex and Luxor Temple. Night on board.
Breakfast. Disembarkation. Visit to The Nile’s West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple at Deir Elbahari, and Colossi of Memnon. At the indicated time, departure by flight to Cairo. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
Breakfast. Visit to Giza Plateau, including the Pyramids of Cheops, Khafre, and Mycerinus, as well as the Great Sphinx. Visit to Papyrus Institute. Possibility of an optional visit to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt and Saqqara Necropolis, which contains the world’s first pyramid, the Step Pyramid. Free time for shopping and visits. Accommodation.
Breakfast. Free time. Possibility of an optional city tour: Egyptian Museum, Cairo Citadel and Alabaster Mosque, Coptic District, and Khan Elkhalili Bazar.
Breakfast. Free time. Possibility of an optional visit to Alexandria, Egypt’s old capital where Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar, Qaitbay Fort, and Alexandria Library are located.
Breakfast. At the scheduled time, transfer to take a special flight to the origin city. End of our services.
Notes:
· The order of the itinerary may change without affecting the content of the visits.
· Inécia Tours is dedicated to supporting stray animals in archaeological sites during tours while promoting responsible tourism. For more information, please click here.