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Magical Egypt with Abu Simbel
Description
Prepare for an extraordinary 8-day journey through the timeless wonders of ancient Egypt, starting with a direct flight from Spain to the captivating city of Aswan. Upon arrival, you will board a Nile cruise, your floating home as you navigate the storied waters of this iconic river. Each enchanting stop along the way reveals hidden treasures, showcasing the breathtaking fusion of natural beauty and human creativity throughout history.
Your adventure begins with an awe-inspiring visit to the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples, a true marvel of engineering carved into the cliffs by the great Pharaoh Ramses II. These colossal temples, adorned with stunning statues and intricate hieroglyphs, stand as a testament to the incredible achievements of ancient Egyptian civilization. The grandeur of the Great Temple, dedicated to Ramses himself, and the smaller Temple of Hathor, dedicated to his beloved queen Nefertari, will leave you speechless. This site, recently relocated to prevent flooding, is a must-see, offering insights into the pharaoh's reign and the divine connection he sought to embody.
After this unforgettable experience, you will return to Aswan to visit the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This stunning temple complex, gracefully situated on an island in the Nile, is renowned for its exquisite Ptolemaic architecture, showcasing intricate reliefs and hieroglyphs depicting the myths and rituals surrounding Isis. Be sure to meet the friendly cats that roam the grounds, adding a delightful and whimsical touch to your visit! Next, journey to the fascinating Kom Ombo Temple, a unique dual temple honoring the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed god Horus. Its symmetrical design features grand columns and exquisite carvings, making it a sight to behold. Nearby, you’ll find a crocodile museum, offering intriguing insights into the spiritual significance of these creatures in ancient Egyptian culture.
Continue your exploration at the Temple of Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, dedicated to Horus. Here, grand pylons and intricate reliefs invite you to discover ancient rituals and the vibrant daily life of the Egyptians. As your cruise sails on, you’ll reach Luxor, where the East Bank unfolds with the magnificent Temples of Karnak and Luxor. Karnak Temple, the largest religious site in Egypt, boasts an awe-inspiring collection of towering columns, colossal statues, and serene sacred lakes—immersing you in the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture. Just a short distance away, Luxor Temple stands proudly adorned with majestic statues and a grand avenue of sphinxes, reflecting the religious and cultural significance of Egypt’s New Kingdom.
Crossing to the West Bank, you’ll uncover even more of Egypt’s ancient legacies. Start with the breathtaking Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural marvel carved directly into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari. This mortuary temple honors one of Egypt's most revered female pharaohs and showcases exquisite reliefs that tell the tale of her remarkable reign. Then, journey to the Valley of the Kings, the sacred burial ground of numerous pharaohs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun. Here, you’ll encounter beautifully preserved tombs adorned with intricate paintings, revealing rich scenes of ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife. Don’t forget to visit the formidable Colossi of Memnon, two gigantic statues that have silently stood guard over the valley for centuries.
After your captivating explorations in Luxor, take a short domestic flight to the bustling metropolis of Cairo, the heart of Egypt. The ultimate highlight of your adventure awaits at the iconic Pyramids of Giza. These monumental structures are astonishing feats of engineering, captivating travelers and scholars alike. The Great Sphinx, with its enigmatic gaze, stands watch over the pyramids—embodying wisdom and serving as a spiritual sentinel. Standing before these colossal wonders invites a deep connection with Egypt's storied past.
As your remarkable journey comes to a close, you’ll take a flight back to Spain, carrying with you the cherished memories of an incredible expedition through Egypt's awe-inspiring history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Along the way, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for the ancient Egyptians' spiritual practices and be mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of the Nile—a timeless artery of life that has nurtured civilizations for millennia.
Visits
Nile Cruise: 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.