Highlights of Egypt

Discover the enthralling history of Jews in Egypt, from ancient times to the present. Explore Elephantine Island, where the earliest recorded Jewish presence dates back to Jewish mercenaries. Learn about the renowned Medieval Jewish community of Cairo, home to influential figures like Maimonides. Delve into the 19th-century influx of Jewish immigrants from the Ottoman Empire, Italy, and Greece, drawn by the Suez Canal’s trading opportunities. Witness how the Jewish community became deeply integrated into Cairo’s society, leaving an indelible mark on trade, art, culture, newspapers, and cinema. Hear captivating stories from a specialist speaker at the synagogue. This immersive experience is a must for those passionate about Jewish history and heritage.

Embark on an evening exploration of the vibrant city alongside a knowledgeable local resident, well-versed in the captivating food and drink scene. Venture into Downtown Cairo, a charming district that has retained its character since its establishment in the 1860s. The area’s central and pedestrian-friendly nature, with its wide promenade streets and spacious sidewalks, makes it an ideal hub for people from all walks of life. Discover the bustling shopping scene, diverse culinary offerings ranging from authentic eateries to elegant belle-époque cafes: the evening ends atop a rooftop bar in a vintage hotel.

Of the seven wonders of the ancient world, only one remains today: The Great Pyramid of Giza. Before you visit Giza though, you’ll visit the more ancient pyramid site of Saqqara, where you’ll learn about the history and evolution of these pyramid structures.

You’ll then head to Giza which served as a way for kings to journey to the next world and emerge as gods. You will visit all three of the pyramids at Giza, and also get to see their collective grandeur from a panoramic view point. Proceed to the Great Sphinx with its head of a man and body of a lion, gazing imposingly across the valley.

Experience the awe-inspiring marvel that is the Karnak Temple,  reigning as the pinnacle of this sacred landscape. As the earthly abode of the sun god Amun-Re, Karnak held immense significance in the spiritual tapestry of ancient Egypt, showcasing a breathtaking ensemble of shrines, obelisks and temples.

Revel in the atmosphere, glowing light and cooler temperatures on your evening visit to Luxor temple, where the statues and the obelisk were signs of fertility and prosperity and were capped with precious metals to capture the light so everyone could find their way to the temples. The temple of Luxor dates to 1400 BCE and was the site where kings were crowned.

Explore the mystical West Bank of Luxor, once the renowned necropolis of Thebes. Symbolically positioned where the sun bids its farewell, this ethereal city of the departed embodies the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.  Admire the miraculously preserved burial chambers, like Queen Nefertari’s, and delve into legend as you witness the world-renowned discovery of Howard Carter – the complete tomb of the boy king Tutankhamun, adorned with treasures and provisions for his celestial transition.

Today you will get the chance to explore the iconic, towering temple of Edfu, also known as the temple of Horus. Extremely well preserved and dedicated to the falcon god, Horus, this huge structure lies on the west bank of the river Nile.

Nestled on the picturesque banks of the Nile River, midway between Luxor and Aswan, this magnificent temple traces its origins back to the Ptolemaic dynasty around 200 BCE and holds a captivating tale of dual deities. Dedicated to Horus, the Falcon God symbolising keen vision and the love of the people, and Sobek, the crocodile god representing earthly instincts and revered out of fear. See preserved crocodile mummies at the adjacent museum.

The Nubians, an ethnic group spanning Northern Sudan and Southern Egypt, have thrived along the banks of the Nile for countless generations. Unfortunately, the construction of the Nile dam forced many Nubians to relocate from their ancestral homeland. To immerse yourself in their culture, embark on a journey to a vibrant Nubian village adorned with brilliantly painted houses, bustling spice shops, and lively markets.

Much of what you see in Aswan is in some way connected with the momentous damming of the Nile here during the 1960s to control the annual flooding and create Lake Nasser. The ambitious project took decades to complete. The scale of the engineering works is impressive and standing at the top of the dam you will enjoy sweeping views of the lake and the surrounding arid desert scenery. Continue to the temple of Philae, an outstanding temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis and dating back to the Ptolemaic age of about 690 BCE.  The temple is accessed by motorboat.