Luxury Grand Tour of Egypt

Meet with an expert academic Egyptologist today for a meeting that will help you to understand the fascinating history of this incredible part of the world. This briefing will help you to put into context the ancient Egyptian sites you will see, or have already seen, while on your adventure. You will also gain a basic understanding of ancient Egyptian sacred art and hieroglyphics, the fundamental principles around tombs and the afterlife and begin to grasp what was the concept of the afterlife, who got there, and how?

Visit the ancient pyramid site of Saqqara where you’ll learn more about the history and evolution of these pyramid structures. At Saqqara, you will discover how the ancient Egyptians experimented with stepped pyramids, including the famous step pyramid of Djoser which is the oldest stone building complex in the world. If you would like to enter a pyramid you might consider doing so at Saqqara where it is less busy than Giza and some of the pyramids have inscriptions inside. You may also view the bent pyramid of Dashur. 

Of the seven wonders of the ancient world, only one remains today: The Great Pyramid of Giza. These massive structures served as a way for kings to journey to the next world You will visit all three of the pyramids at Giza, and also get to see their collective grandeur from a panoramic view point. You will have a chance to enter a pyramid should you want to.

Proceed to the Great Sphinx with its head of a man and body of a lion, gazing imposingly across the valley and try to unravel some of the mysteries behind this monument together with your guide.

For many years Alexandria was one of the most important cities in the world, its great library the repository of a world of scientific knowledge and literary achievement. The historic remains of the city include the fascinating catacombs which demonstrate the merging of Hellenic and Egyptian cultures and religions. Pompey’s Pillar towers more than 25 metres high and provides access to an ancient library.

You’ll also discover the Roman amphitheatre of Kom El Dekka, along with the impressive Citadel of Qaitbay which stands on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.

You can even visit the present-day great library of Alexandria which stands on the site of its famous antique predecessor which Caesar destroyed. 

Marvel at the temples at Abu Simbel which were built by Ramses II to demonstrate the might and glory of Egypt to the nearby Nabatean tribes. There are 20m tall twin statues of Ramses II carved into the mountainside as well as images of the king bearing the double crown of lower and upper Egypt. The great temple of Abu Simbel was dedicated to the sun god Amun, the god Ra-Horakhty and the god Ptah, and to the deified form of Ramses himself. 

Embark on a fascinating journey to Aswan, where you will have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating Nubian community of Egypt. The Nubians, an ethnic group hailing from Northern Sudan and Southern Egypt, have been an integral part of the Nile region for centuries, renowned for their expertise in trading precious goods such as gold and spices. This tour takes you beyond the surface, offering an authentic glimpse into the lives of the Nubian people. Interact with the locals, step inside their homes and discover their unique infrastructure.

Visit the enchanting temple of Kom Ombo, 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, this unique double temple embodies the profound notion that within each of us reside both good and bad.

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.

Venture south of Luxor today to the town of Esna to explore its famous temple dedicated to the god Khnum, as well as his consorts and son, and the goddess Neith. Khnum temple is often peaceful and, with less tourists visiting, you should get to experience an exclusive and meaningful visit here. A tour of the temple will reveal stunning remains as well as centuries of sand and dirt debris that still shroud around half of the ruins – creating a dramatic juxtaposition.

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, where vivid colors defy the passage of millennia. 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. 

Revel in the atmosphere, glowing light and cooler temperatures on your evening visit to Luxor temple.  These 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. This is also the site where kings were crowned.

Experience the awe-inspiring marvel that is the Karnak Temple, situated in Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes. It comes as no surprise that Luxor and its surroundings boast an unparalleled concentration of temples, tombs, and monuments, with Karnak 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.

Explore the iconic Cairo Citadel, a historic fortress initially built in 1183 CE by Salah El Din, the esteemed Arab conqueror and leader. Discover the captivating history of the Arab, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods, delving into the rise of Mohammed Ali and the final dynasties of Egypt. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking Byzantine Ottoman architecture as you visit the remarkable Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali. If you have a particular interest in Islamic architecture, please inform your guide, and if time permits, we will endeavour to include a visit to the nearby and awe-inspiring Sultan Hassan Mosque as well.

Meet Adham, a well-known character in Cairo, who appears in feature length documentary film; Garbage Dreams. During your time with him you will gain first-hand insight into life in Manshiyat Nasser, also known as ‘Garbage City’. The population in this part of the city supports themselves by collecting the garbage from Cairo’s 20 million residents, sorting through it and creating an impressive recycling system. During your tour you will spend your time at the incredible St Saaman’s cave church which has arena style seating for 15,000 people and is the largest church in the Middle East.