Egyptian Sojourn

A warm A&K welcome awaits you on arrival into the Egyptian capital, with a private transfer to your luxury hotel on the banks of the Nile.

Four Seasons Hotel at the First Residence

Follow the evolution of pyramid-building, starting with a tour of Sakkara, the former burial place for the royals of Memphis. Sakkara’s pyramids feature six steps — unlike the smooth-sided ones at Giza — representing a stepladder to heaven. View the famed tomb of King Zoser, the first pyramid ever built and the world’s oldest freestanding stone structure. Also visit the Mereruka Tomb, one of the most exquisitely decorated tombs of the Old Kingdom.

At Giza, marvel at the Great Pyramid — built over 4,500 years ago and the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence. Nearby crouches the mysterious Sphinx, with a lion’s body and a man’s head adorned with royal headwear.

Four Seasons Hotel at the First Residence | Meals: BL

Browse the fantastic National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) today, located on the archaeological site of El-Fustat in Old Cairo, overlooking the Ain El-Seera Lake. Trace the progress of the Egyptian people from the Dawn of Civilisation through to more contemporary times.

This afternoon, visit the richly decorated Mosque of Sultan Hassan, one of the finest in Egypt, before entering the intoxicating Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, founded as a watering stop for caravanserai in the 14th century and now a vast labyrinth of stores selling all manner of things.

Four Seasons Hotel at the First Residence | Meals: BL

Be guided by your very own private Egyptologist through the outstanding Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which houses over 120,000 priceless artefacts including the elaborate funerary mask of Tutankhamun made from 11kg of solid gold.

Afterwards discover Coptic Cairo, the oldest part of the city to see some of Egypt’s most important cultural and historical sights. Explore the Babylon Fortress, built in 100AD and often called the ‘birthplace of Cairo’, the 4th-century Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus, where Mary, Joseph and Jesus were said to have rested on their journey through Egypt, the Coptic Museum, and the beautiful Hanging Church.

Four Seasons Hotel at the First Residence | Meals: BL

An early flight takes you south to Luxor, to your lovely riverside five-star hotel. Begin your full day of exploring here by visiting the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of the pharaohs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a period of 500 years beginning in the 16th century BC, tombs were built along this valley for pharaohs and nobles, including that of “the boy king”, Tutankhamun. Enter the tomb of Tutankhamun — found in 1922 by British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter — to discover for yourself the secrets of this storied chamber. Next, descend into the beautifully decorated tomb of Seti I, the father of Ramses II, one of the best-preserved tombs in the valley.

Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt’s first female pharaoh and regarded today as one of its most successful, as well as the Valley of the Queens, enjoying access to Queen Nefertari’s tomb, famous for the colourful artwork that adorns its walls.

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa | Meals: BL

begin your day with a visit to the Temple of Karnak, the world’s largest religious site. Spread over 200 acres, this complex of ruined temples, pylons, sacred lakes and chapels is breath-taking and an insight to the extraordinary achievements of the pharaohs.

Later, visit the impressive Temple of Luxor, once linked to Karnak by the grand Avenue of Sphinxes which ran in a straight line for almost 3 kilometres. Also on the grounds is the handsome Mosque of Abu Haggag, continuously used as a place of worship for over 3,400 years.

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa | Meals: B

An air-conditioned vehicle whisks you from Luxor to Aswan. En route visit the temple of Khnum in Esna with its well-preserved and intricate Ptolemaic-era hypostyle hall, and the crocodile temple of Kom Ombo. On arrival into Aswan check in to your hotel and relax on the banks of the Nile.

Mövenpick Aswan | Meals: BL

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how monuments were built in Ancient Egypt at Aswan’s Northern Quarry, which contains a 1 million kilogram unfinished red granite obelisk.

Next stop: the stunning Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and meticulously rebuilt by UNESCO on Agilkia Island in the 1960s when major floods precipitated by the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to destroy it.

Back in town visit the vibrant Aswan Spice Market, featuring an eclectic mix of merchandise from colourful and fragrant spices piled high, to souvenirs produced by local artisans including perfumes, scarves and baskets.

Cap off the day with a relaxing scenic cruise aboard a felucca, a traditional sailboat that uses nothing more than southerly breezes to take its occupants upstream. Skirt Elephantine Island, dotted with traditional Nubian homes and crumbling ruins, and admire the lush botanical gardens of Kitchener’s Island, planted by a former British Consul General with a passion for flowers.

Mövenpick Aswan | Meals: B

Transfer to Aswan Airport this morning and take a short flight to one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring sights — the colossal temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari at Abu Simbel. Built by Ramses the Great on the edge of his empire to impress his might and power upon all those entering Egypt through the south, these massive temples were moved stone by stone in 1964 to higher ground to escape the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Following your visit fly back to Cairo where you are met and transferred to the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.

Four Seasons Hotel at the First Residence | Meals: BL

Bid farewell to Egypt and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: B