Egypt Tours

Can be done as a tour to Cairo and Egypt from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or Sinai. or tour to Cairo and Egypt from Jerusalem This two day tour from Eilat to Cairo, covers many of Cairo’s famous sights including the Pyramids, Sphinx, the renowned Cairo Museum and the colorful Khan el Khalili Bazaar. It takes in the impressive Mohammad Ali Mosque and Cairo’s fascinating Coptic churches. This popular two day Cairo sightseeing tour departs early morning from Eilat and crosses the Taba border into Sinai. The tour heads straight to Cairo via the Suez Canal.

Day 1

Upon reaching Cairo we head for the Cairo museum and this is where our tour of Cairo’s major sights begins. Your guide will oﬀer you a brief but comprehensive insight into the history of ancient Egypt, explaining the dynasties, the religious beliefs and the legacy of the Pharaohs. The Cairo museum is the perfect beginning of any tour in Egypt. It is renowned for housing many of the world’s most precious treasures including the treasures of the Tutankhamen. It would take days to cover the whole museum so our specialist guide will point out the most famous artifacts and statues whilst unraveling for you the mysteries of ancient Egypt. Having taken in the highlights of the museum we take a break to enjoy lunch before making our way to the Pyramids and the Sphinx. We spend the afternoon taking in the Pyramids and the Sphinx, Egypt’s most famous sights and the single surviving of the original ‘Seven Wonders of the World. We make our way from here to our hotel where we settle for the evening.

Day 2

Following breakfast our tour takes us to Cairo’s famous Mohamed Ali Mosque, an ancient crusader castle converted into an elaborate mosque. We head from here to the fascinating Coptic area of Cairo. Most of Egypt’s Christians are Coptic Christians and here in the old Coptic area we find the ancient churches and important Coptic sights. We take a break to enjoy luck before heading into what many consider the very heart of Cairo; Cairo’s famous oriental market, The Khan el Khalili bazaar. We spend the rest of the afternoon taking in the unforgettable sights and sounds of this, bustling, colorful and enchanting bazaar. Before commencing our return journey to Eilat we stop at a traditional coﬀee-shop inside the market for refreshments including traditional deserts and tea/coﬀee.

Day 1

Starting early at Taba we head south and follow the coastal road until reaching the Bedouin Village of Nuweiba. Here we either enjoy the Arabian bazaar or take in the serene Red Sea views from the local beach. Continuing on to the sandstone area we stop at the ‘Rock of Inscriptions’. Some of the historical inscriptions on this rock date back up to 2000 years. From here we head straight to the towering red granite mountains of the high range where both St. Catherine’s monastery and Mt. Sinai are found. We enjoy our evening meal and settle for the night at monastery’s guest house.

Day 2

Early morning we begin our ascent on Mount Sinai, walking in the footsteps of the devoted pilgrims who tread this route centuries earlier. We should reach the summit just before dawn in time to witness its incredible sunrise and splendid views. Descending the mountain we return to the hotel for breakfast. We spend the later part of morning touring the monastery of St. Catherine, taking in its fascinating and unique sights and exceptional history. Following lunch we board our car, leaving the high range behind us as we head west to Cairo and get there by evening. The night in 4* H.B.

Day 3

After breakfast we go straight to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, we explore these impressive sites and hear of their rich and colorful history. We continue to Memphis and Sakkara and by evening bring the day to a close experiencing the sights and sounds of the Khan El Halili bizarre. overnight in our 4* hotel.

Day 4

Following breakfast we spend the whole morning the huge Cairo Museum, here we find the treasures of Tutankhamun and other Ancient Egyptian nobility (supplement for museum Mummy Room:$12). After lunch we visit all the major cultural sights of ancient Cairo, including the Mohamed Ali Mosque, Coptic churches and a brief encounter with the notorious ’city of the dead’ commencing our return journey to Eilat, arriving at approx. 22.00.

This tour may arrive directly at Cairo international airport or from Israel or Jordan by flight from Tel Aviv or overland from Eilat, Petra or Aqaba via Sinai. We arrange all transportation and travel logistics.

Day 1

Arriving overland from Israel or directly into Cairo international airport. Transportation to hotel, settling in – briefing and evening meal.

Day 2

Beginning our Egypt tour in classic style we explore the very symbols of Egypt. The Pyramids of Giza and the famous Sphinx. Here we begin our adventure into the heart of Egypt, it’s wondrous views and attractions and uncover its mysterious past. We visit ancient Memphis and explore the tombs of its nobility at the Saqqara necropolis. This is also the site of the famous Step Pyramid.

Day 3

We begin today exploring the the treasures of the world-renowned Egyptian museum. Here we can see many of the priceless treasures retrieved from the Pharaohs tombs, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. This is a day which encompasses the stark contrasts of Cairo life, we venture into the old city and explore it’s many sights of cultural interest including the Coptic churches and the Mohamed Ali mosque. We take some leisure time and experience the many sights and sounds of the Khan el Halili bizarre before returning to our hotel to relax and evening meal.

Day 4

We begin the tour to Wadi Natrun monasteries. At the monastery of St. Bishoy , we encounter the reliquary of the uncorrupted body of St. Bishoy, born in 320 AD and the spiritual father of the monks. He was known for his love , simplicity, and kindness, as well as his ascetic life. As we explore the churches and learn about these early desert fathers and mothers, we will accent our time with silence as we reflect upon why these people were drawn away from the city into solitude.

Day 5

We begin today on morning flight from Cairo to Luxor (Aswan if doing the itinerary in reverse order) from the airport we go directly to our Nile cruise boat (Faluccas are available upon request). Today we first visit Luxor (Thebes) capital of ancient Egypt , here we find the spectacular temple complex dedicated to the God triad – Amun, Mut and Chons. We see the remains of the avenue of sphinx’s which originally connect the temple of Luxor to the temple of Karnak and we don’t leave Luxor without fist visiting the ruins of Karnak. Here the temple complex is overwhelmingly huge in all dimensions. It’s the second most popular site in Egypt after the pyramids of Giza. The utter vastness and its enormous structures, make it unique in the ancient world. We explore the Precinct of Amon-Re, by far the largest of all Egypt’s temple halls.

Day 6

On the opposite banks of the Nile we visit the Valley of the Kings where Egypt’s Pharaohs and royalty were entombed, we explore at least one of the major tombs that are open to the public (various tombs are opened at the discretion of the authorities, depending on ongoing excavations) We also visit the Valley of the Queens where the pharaoh’s wives and close relations were entombed in decorative burial chambers.

Day 7

Sailing on to Edfu – horse drawn carriages take us to the magnificent Temple of Horus (the Falcon God). This temple is one of the most significant historical sites in all Egypt. The site remains in excellent condition and the finds here give a fascinating insight into the lives, culture and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians

Day 8

A relaxing cruise takes us to Kom Umbo where we stop to visit the temple. The temple here is dedicated to the crocodiles of the Nile whom the early Egyptians believed brought the water of the Nile. There is a mummified crocodile and an ancient measure for measuring the water level. We continue along the Nile to Upper Egypt and Aswan.

Day 9

Aswan oﬀers a host of attractions and we take is as many as time will allow including the Island of Elephantine (ancient fortress and center for ivory trade) and the Island Philae (and its temple complex), the famous ‘Unfinished Obelisk’ and the high dam. Here we leave our Nile cruise boat and begin our return journey at the Aswan airport.

Optional extra day:

Abu Simbel – The Temples of Ramses and Nefertari are a short flight south (bus optional) of Aswan in Abu Simbel, perhaps the most prominent of Egypt’s Shrines they are unique in both their location and their architecture.

Day 1:

Welcome to Egypt and Orientation

Arrival at Cairo International Airport Private Airport Escort and Transfer to the Hotel. Private time for rest and relaxation For early arrivals – optional visit to St. Simon’s Monastery Cave Church and Garbage City from 9:30 am to 14 hr. (lunch included) 17:00 – Orientation and opening remarks Overnight in Cairo.

Day 2:

Sakkara and Pyramid Plateau

Private visit to Sakkara Necropolis, home to some of the world’s best preserved ancient sites. Explore the Serapeum at Saqqara, underground tombs of the sacred Apis bulls that were associated with the creator god Ptah. Overnight in Cairo

Day 3:

GEM Museum, Old Coptic Cairo, Bazaar

Private Tour of the highlights of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) Museum of Civilization. Discover Old Coptic Cairo Khan el Khalili market place or sit at one of the cafes and enjoy a glass of mint tea and Back to the hotel. Overnight in Cairo

Day 4:

Wadi Natrun

St. Bishoy and St. Macarius Monasteries Private tour of the 4 th century monasteries with one of the monks Lunch at St. Macarius Guesthouse Drive to Alexandria. Overnight in Alexandria

Day 5:

Alexandria – Beacon of Knowledge

Enjoy the sights of Alexander the Great’s city by visiting the Serapeum, the largest of all temples in the Greek Quarter of Alexandria, The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, Roman Amphitheater and the dramatic column known as Pompey’s Pillar with our own Egyptologist and Historian. Free Time to rest or swim. Overnight in Alexandria Corniche

Day 6:

Fort of Qait Bey and Alexandria Library

The Qaitbay Citadel is located on the exact spot that was once home to the famous lighthouse of Alexandria. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, also known as the New Library of Alexandria, is located very close to where the original Royal Library of Alexandria, the greatest in the world, once stood Drive to Cairo Free Time to rest or swim. Overnight in Cairo

Day 7:

Drive to St. Catherine’s Monastery

Drive to St. Catherine and have lunch at St. Catherine’s Private visit to the museum, which houses some of the oldest Icons Experience a Greek Orthodox service in the Basilica (542 CE) See the Burning Bush. Overnight at St. Catherine

Day 8:

Mt. Sinai Climb

Meet in the Courtyard for our 3 am climb/camel ride up Mt. Sinai Breakfast and Tea break at “Camelot” to watch sunrise Final ascent to the peak, Morning meditation and World Blessing Descent and Lunch in the Refectory Rest and free time Visit to a local Craftswoman and Bedouin Family. Overnight in St. Catherine

Day 9:

Red Sea

Drive 3 hours from St. Catherine’s Monastery through the South Sinai to the resort town of Sharm El Sheikh Lunch at the Hotel and Beach Club Free afternoon, snorkeling in Red Sea. Overnight in Sharm

Day 10:

Fly to Cairo for departures

Final departure

———NILE CRUISE – Optional Add On————-

Day 11:

Flight to Luxor via Cairo

Visit Luxor Temple Luxor Temple, The Temple of Man, at sunset Daily Meeting to unpack the day and implications for inner alchemy
Overnight in Luxor

Day 12:

Check into Nile Cruise

Visit Dendara and Karnak Temples. Explore the famous temples of Dendara and Karnak Temple with our own dedicated Egyptologist. Dendera is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt with Karnak being famous for its grand Hypostyle Hall. Lunch at a local restaurant Daily Meeting to unpack the day and implications for inner alchemy Dinner on board
Overnight on Cruise Ship

Day 13:

Valley of Kings, Hatchepsut Temple, Habu Temple

Marvel at the vibrant colors in three diﬀerent tombs of ancient royalty in the Valley of Kings Learn about the Pharoah Queen at the Temple of Hatshepsut Discover the Temple of Habu, built upon the Primeval Hill Enjoy a leisurely afternoon sailing the Nile River. Dinner on board
Overnight Cruise Ship

Day 14:

Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple

Visit Edfu Temple, Temple to Horus, who represents righteousness and justice Lunch onboard Sail to Kom Ombo Temple, site of hieroglyphics of ancient medical instruments still in use today Sail to Aswan – free afternoon. Dinner onboard.
Overnight Cruise Ship

Day 15:

Temple of Philae, Felucca ride, Aswan Bazaar

Breakfast on board Visit the Temple of Isis, who was revered as the ultimate mother figure Enjoy a traditional sailing vessel, a felucca and sail on the Nile as in ancient times Daily Meeting to unpack the day and implications for inner alchemy Dinner on board Stroll through the ancient Bazaar and visit a spice emporium (optional)
Overnight on Cruise Ship

Day 16:

Flight to Cairo and departures

Breakfast on board Flight from Aswan to Cairo Dinner at Le Passage Hotel Airport Shuttles to Airport Overnight or rest at Le Passage Airport Hotel. All breakfast and dinner meals are in the hotel restaurants unless otherwise noted. Lunch will be provided each day as a picnic lunch or in local restaurants.