Tour description
Meeting in Cairo, Egypt's capital city, we’ll spend the next two days in the exploration and discovery of this gateway to Africa. Centuries-old craftsmanship stands alongside modern skyscrapers and anachronisms abound. You’ll see state-of-the-art limousines followed by donkeys pulling loads of huge melons.
Explore Cairo
Naturally you’ll want to see the pyramids of Giza and Sakkara. The awesome dimensions of the enormous pyramids belonging to the pharaohs Cheops, Chefren and Mycerynos have always astounded travelers, and you’ll be no different! At the foot of these imposing landmarks you’ll find the great Sphinx. Of course you can visit one of the medieval citadels or the immense, easily-accessible mosques, or Coptic churches. You can enjoy wonderfully exotic shopping in the medieval market places of Khan-al-Khalili or experience the wonderful views, which stretch to the pyramids, from the Cairo Tower. One of the absolute highlights of a visit to Cairo is the Egyptian National Museum where you will get the chance to gaze at the treasures of every pharaoh, but most appealingly those of Tutankhamen. This is one of the most important historical museums in the world. Do not worry as, in the evening, there is plenty to keep you occupied. You’ll be able to try one of the many restaurants or bars. Or enjoy a belly dancing show.
Dead city of Thebes
On day 4 we’ll take the night train (with air-conditioning) along the verdant Nile valley to Luxor. Ever since the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1923, this friendly city on the Nile has been world-renowned. On the eastern bank of the Nile, where our small and pleasant hotel is situated, you’ll find the beautiful temples of Luxor and Karnak, obelisks, and towering monuments to ancient pharaohs and gods (and those who thought they were both!) The temples are transformed at night for you to experience the sound and light show, during which you’re talked through the history of your mythical surroundings. On the opposite side of the Nile, the West Bank, you’ll discover the dead city of Thebes and the Temple of Hatshepsut as well as both the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. It is here that you will see the beautifully decorated tombs such as those of Tutankhamen and Nefertiti. You can tour this area by bicycle (though you’d be brave to try in summer). From Luxor you can also take wonderful boat trips on the Nile or visit the typical eastern markets. There are also many restaurants, bars and shows to enjoy in the evening.
Shopping in the bazaars
On day 6 we’ll leave Luxor and take a night-train to Cairo. Arriving the following morning will allow you time to explore this city further, for a day or so, and do your last-minute shopping in the bazaars. You could pay one last visit to the museum or visit a centuries-old tea-house.
Bye bye Egypt
It will be time to say our farewells to the friends we’ll all undoubtedly have made, before we part to travel in our separate directions.