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Classic Egypt
Description
This 8-day adventure invites you to discover the treasures of ancient Egypt, beginning with a flight from Spain to Aswan. Upon arrival, you’ll board the Nile cruise, your floating retreat as you journey through the heart of Egypt’s captivating history. As the tranquil waters of the Nile carry you, each destination unveils a new layer of the country’s extraordinary past, blending natural beauty with human achievement.
In Aswan, your journey begins with a visit to the breathtaking Philae Temple, an ancient structure dedicated to the goddess Isis. Nestled on an island in the Nile River, the temple is renowned for its stunning architectural design and its rich history, dating back to the Ptolemaic period. The temple complex boasts intricate hieroglyphs and beautifully preserved reliefs that illustrate the mythology and rituals associated with Isis. Philae Temple is also famous for its charming feline residents, often referred to as the temple’s guardians. Visitors can enjoy interacting with these friendly cats, taking photos with them, and even feeding them, adding a unique and heartwarming touch to the experience.
After exploring Philae Temple, the journey continues with a visit to the Kom Ombo Temple. This remarkable dual temple is dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god. Perched along the Nile, Kom Ombo Temple features striking symmetry, fascinating carvings, and a dedicated crocodile museum that showcases mummified crocodiles and artifacts tied to Sobek's worship.
The next stop is the Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky and kingship. As you explore its towering sandstone walls, you’ll uncover vivid depictions of ancient rituals, stories, and daily life from thousands of years ago. The temple’s grand entrance, monumental pylons, and intricate carvings make it a highlight of your Nile journey.
Your adventure then takes you to Luxor, where you’ll visit the East Bank of the Nile to explore the iconic Temples of Luxor and Karnak. Luxor Temple, with its majestic avenue of sphinxes, massive columns, and statues of pharaohs, reflects the grandeur of Egypt’s New Kingdom. Just a short distance away, Karnak Temple stands as the largest temple complex in Egypt, featuring colossal columns, towering obelisks, and sacred lakes. The intricate carvings and the sheer scale of Karnak Temple offer an awe-inspiring glimpse into the architectural and spiritual achievements of ancient Egypt.
The journey continues on the West Bank of the Nile, where you’ll uncover more of Egypt’s ancient wonders. Begin with a visit to the Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural masterpiece dedicated to one of Egypt’s most powerful female pharaohs. Carved into the cliffs of Deir Elbahari, the temple’s terraced design and intricate reliefs depict Hatshepsut’s divine birth, expeditions, and achievements. Next, explore the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of many pharaohs of the New Kingdom, including the famed tomb of Tutankhamun and Seti I. This vast necropolis offers a glimpse into the elaborate burial practices and artistic achievements of ancient Egypt, with vibrant wall paintings and intricate hieroglyphs adorning the tombs. Conclude your visit with the towering Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have stood as silent sentinels for thousands of years, evoking the grandeur and mystery of this ancient civilization.
After exploring Luxor, you will board a domestic flight to Cairo, which usually takes around 1 hour, providing a quick and convenient way to travel between these two famous Egyptian cities.
No journey to Egypt would be complete without a visit to the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. As you stand before the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, you’ll witness the remarkable engineering and enduring legacy of the ancient Egyptians. These massive structures, built as royal tombs over 4,500 years ago, continue to captivate visitors with their grandeur and mystery. Nearby, the enigmatic Sphinx, with its lion’s body and human head, guards the plateau, symbolizing strength and wisdom. As one of the most recognizable monuments in the world, the Sphinx offers the perfect backdrop for photos and a moment to reflect on the ingenuity of this ancient civilization. The journey concludes with a flight back to Spain from Cairo.
This journey through Egypt provides a remarkable chance to delve into some of the most extraordinary archaeological wonders in the world. It takes you deep into the vibrant history of pharaohs, ancient deities, and legendary figures, offering a firsthand experience of the splendor and majesty of Egyptian civilization.
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. Possibility of an optional 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, possibility of an optional 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.