ANCIENT EGYPT & THE NILE
From our hotel overlooking the Pyramids at Giza, and then from our private sailing yacht on the Nile, this tour – with a maximum of 20 participants – will unravel the secrets behind one of antiquity’s most beguiling civilisations: the ancient Egyptians. Our twelve-day itinerary will throw light on some of archaic man’s most stunning achievements: the Great Sphinx, the Great Pyramid, Luxor, Thebes, the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel, home to four colossal statues of Ramses II.
It is on the outskirts of Cairo, renowned for its mosques, madrasas and hammams, that our journey begins, at Saqqara, once the cemetery for ancient Memphis, now best known for its proto-typical Step Pyramid. An in-depth tour of Giza follows, as well as a visit to the Egyptian Antiquities Museum, the splendid repository for the Pharaonic treasures rescued from the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Leaving Cairo behind, we transfer by air to Abu Simbel, with its Great Temple of Ramses II on the shores of Lake Nasser, before flying on to Aswan, where we will board our private dahabiyya. These traditional, twin-masted craft were a common sight on the Nile in the days of the monarchy, when the cultural traveller would meander from temple to temple in a rented vessel. Henceforth we will glide down the Nile at a leisurely pace, mooring each evening at such memorable landmarks as Luxor or beside a village or in the open countryside.
The Nile reveals all its glory at Aswan as it flows around islands decked in palm groves and tropical plants. Here we will visit the famous granite quarries and the High Dam as well as the nearby Temple of Isis on the island of Philae. Kom Ombo, dominating a promontory on a bend in the river, provides the most striking of settings for the temples of Sobek and Haroeris, dedicated respectively to the crocodile god and the falcon-headed god.
A detailed investigation of Luxor and its environs follows, from the great necropolis of the Valley of the Kings to the sandstone colossi of Memnon; from the temples, sphinxes and monumental gateways of Karnak to Amon, the world’s largest columned temple.
The base for our first three nights is the refined Oberoi Mena House Hotel in the shadow of the Pyramids at Giza. Originally a royal hunting lodge, this luxurious retreat was a favourite of Churchill’s and it is here that Presidents Carter and Sadat once famously met.
The dahabiyya:Our dahabiyya carries a maximum of 20 passengers with a crew of 14, ensuring that participants benefit from the very best service.
Equipped with modern comforts and conveniences (including a jacuzzi), the dahabiyya is fitted out in traditional timber and is furnished with period pieces – wicker chairs and relaxing chaises longues are de rigueur.
We will enjoy meals – both international and Egyptian cuisine – in the dahabiyya’s elegant salon or on the fore-deck, whilst the partially shaded top deck is the ideal spot to savour the Nile’s stunning vistas.
The dahabiyya is air-conditioned throughout, and has ten beautifully appointed, outside-facing, fully-equipped cabins, each with en suite facilities. Our dahabiyya will navigate the Nile by sail and under current, using a tug only where absolutely necessary.
This tour will be led by Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot, a specialist in archaeology and ancient history with a particular interest in Roman frontier systems and Byzantine mosaics.
Itinerary
Day 1Depart Heathrow 1400 on Egypt Air for Cairo, arriving 2045. Transfer to Oberoi Mena House Hotel, Giza, for three nights.
Day 2Morning lecture followed by whole-day excursion to Saqqara (including Step Pyramid and mastabas with remarkable paintings) and Memphis (celebrated limestone Colossus of Ramses).
Day 3Pyramids at Giza, Great Sphinx, Solar Boat Museum (with original Pharaonic vessel) followed by Egyptian Antiquities Museum (Pharaonic treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun). Evening lecture: Abu Simbel.
Day 4Transfer by air from Cairo to Abu Simbel: Great Temple of Ramses II on shores of Lake Nasser. Continue by air to Aswan and embark dahabiyya for eight nights with visit to New Kalabsha temple.
Day 5Aswan High Dam (one of engineering wonders of the world) and ancient granite quarries, then by motor boat to Aglika Island (complex of temples relocated from flooded island of Philae) including Temple of Isis.
Day 6Along Nile to Island of Plants (tropical vegetation imported by Lord Kitchener), optional visit by camel to 10th century fortress monastery of St Simeon then on to Elephantine Island.
Day 7Along Nile to Kom Ombo: temples of Sobek and Haroeris.
Day 8Along Nile to Edfu for Ptolemiac Temple of Horus (most complete of all Egyptian temples).
Day 9By boat via Ptolemiac Esna temple to Luxor (site of ancient Thebes).
Day 10Whole-day excursion to Valley of the Kings: temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Ramasseum, mortuary temple of Ramses III at Medinet Habu, colossi of Memnon.
Day 11Vast temple complex of Karnak, Luxor temple, Luxor Museum (superb displays of Egyptian antiquities). Evening: son et lumière at Karnak.
Day 12Disembark dahabiyya and transfer to Luxor airport for return flight, departing 0900 and arriving Heathrow 1250.
Cost includes: Cost of £3590 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room / cabin, full board during cruise (breakfast & dinner elsewhere), wine with dinner during cruise, shore excursions & admissions, crew gratuities.
Not included: Not Included: visa, travel insurance, single cabin supplement £1490 (double room / cabin for single use).
