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Magical Egypt
Description
Embark on an 8-day journey through the wonders of ancient Egypt, starting with a flight from Spain to Aswan. Upon arrival, you’ll board a Nile cruise, your floating base as you explore the historical treasures that line the river. As you sail through Egypt, each stop reveals treasures that have been concealed by time and the sands of the desert, waiting to be uncovered. From the grandeur of ancient temples to the awe-inspiring tombs of pharaohs, every destination offers a glimpse into Egypt's fascinating past, where natural beauty and human achievement blend seamlessly.
In Aswan, your adventure begins with a visit to the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Located on an island in the Nile River, this temple complex is famed for its exquisite Ptolemaic architecture, including beautiful reliefs and hieroglyphs depicting Isis' mythology and rituals. The temple is also home to a group of friendly felines, affectionately known as the temple's guardians, which visitors can interact with, adding a heartwarming touch to the visit.
Next, you’ll journey to the Kom Ombo Temple, a fascinating dual-temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god. The symmetrical design of this temple, with its imposing columns and well-preserved carvings, makes it a unique and memorable stop. Nearby, you can visit a crocodile museum showcasing mummified crocodiles, offering insight into the role these creatures played in ancient Egyptian religion.
Your exploration continues with the Temple of Edfu, one of Egypt’s most well-preserved temples, dedicated to Horus. Its towering pylons and detailed reliefs provide an extraordinary glimpse into ancient rituals, offering stories of the gods and the daily life of the Egyptians.
The cruise then takes you to Luxor, where you'll visit the East Bank, home to the remarkable Temples of Karnak and Luxor. Karnak Temple, the largest religious site in Egypt, features an awe-inspiring collection of colossal columns, towering obelisks, and sacred lakes. It’s a testament to the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture. Nearby, Luxor Temple, with its monumental statues and sphinx-lined avenue, reflects the power and religious significance of Egypt’s New Kingdom.
On the West Bank of the Nile, you’ll uncover even more of Egypt's ancient treasures. Begin with the Temple of Hatshepsut, a spectacular mortuary temple carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. This monument to one of Egypt's most successful female pharaohs is renowned for its stunning architecture and exquisite reliefs that tell the story of her reign. From here, visit the Valley of the Kings, the burial site of many great pharaohs, including the tomb of the boy king, Tutankhamun. Here, you’ll find some of the most well-preserved and beautifully painted tombs in Egypt, depicting scenes of ancient Egyptian beliefs and the afterlife. You’ll also see the Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues that have stood guard over the valley for thousands of years.
Following your time in Luxor, you'll take a short domestic flight to Cairo, one of the biggest cities in the Middle East. The final chapter of your journey takes you to the iconic Pyramids of Giza. These awe-inspiring structures are among the greatest engineering feats in human history and continue to mystify scholars and travelers alike. The Great Sphinx, with its enigmatic expression, stands sentinel over the pyramids, symbolizing wisdom and strength. The chance to stand before these monumental wonders provides a powerful connection to the ancient world.
Your adventure concludes with a flight back to Spain, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most fascinating and historically rich destinations.
Throughout the trip, you’ll not only gain a deeper understanding of the ancient Egyptians' religious and cultural practices, but also experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the Nile River. From its peaceful waters to the timeless monuments that line its banks, the Nile provides the perfect backdrop for discovering Egypt's legendary past.
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, 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.