EGYPT in DEPTH (20 Days)

Sphinx

Kom Ombo Temple

Valley of Kings

Sharm El Sheikh

Duration: 20 Days / 19 Nights
Sites: Cairo, Dashur, Abu Simbel, Aswan, Nile Cruise, Kom Ombo, Luxor, Valley of Kings, Sharm El-Sheikh, St Catherine
Run: Everyday

DAY 01 – Arrive in Cairo
Upon arrival to Cairo International Airport, Veni Vidi Travel representative will be waiting for you at the airport holding a sign with your name, he will help and assist you through visa & immigration formalities, baggage claim & customs. Then transfer to your hotel with the remainder of day at leisure regarding to your arrival time. Overnight in Cairo.

DAY 02 – Giza, Memphis, Sakkara Tour
Breakfast, then drive to Memphis at the edge of the western desert, the capital of the ancient kingdom, and one of the most important cities throughout the history of ancient Egypt. From here we drive to Sakkara, the vast necropolis of ancient Memphis. In the afternoon, drive to the Pyramids of Giza. Cheops Pyramid, the largest of the three, was built in the 3rd Dynasty about 2690 BC, and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Enjoy a camel ride by the pyramids area if you wish. In front of the Pyramids of Chephren, we find the Sphinx carved from a single piece of stone. It is a lion with a Pharaoh's head thought to be a portrait of the Pharaoh Chephren. Continue your tour to the Solar Boat Museum where a dismantled river barge of King Cheops was found and has been beautifully re-assembled. Return to your hotel. PM You will be met and transferred by our tour escort to the Giza Plateau to attend the magnificent Sound and Light Show. Overnight in Cairo.

DAY 03 – Cheops, Sphinx, Solar Boat Museum Tour
Breakfast, then drive to Abu Sir to visit a 5th dynasty Sun Temple for King Sahure, Neferirkare and Niussere. Visit the Sun Temple of Niussere at Abu Ghurab. This is the most intact Sun Temple from the 5th Dynasty period. In the afternoon drive to the Pyramids of Giza. Cheops Pyramid, the largest of the three was built in the 4th dynasty about 2650 BC. Enjoy a camel ride by the Pyramids area if you wish; also visit the Sphinx carved from a single piece of stone. Continue your tour to the Solar Boat Museum where a dismantled river barge of King Cheops was found and has been beautifully re-assembled. Overnight in Cairo.

DAY 04 – Fayoum, Lake Qarun, Pyramid of Maidum Tour
Breakfast, then drive to Fayoum, Egypt's largest oasis, overlooking Lake Qarun, which is a popular spot for hunting and fishing. Visit the Pyramid of Hawara as well as the remains of the temple built by Amenemhet III. Also visit the Roman site of Chariness, which once housed two limestone temples and a large agora. Lunch at the Oberge El-Fayoum Hotel overlooking the lake. Drive to Maidum. Visit the Pyramid of Maidum. This was originally a seven-stepped Pyramid and was later enlarged to become an eight-stepped Pyramid. Eventually the steps were filled in and a smooth outer facing turned it into a true pyramid. It is a huge structure and is surrounded by the debris from the casing that collapsed. The Maidum Pyramid is thought to have been started by Huni, the last ruler of the 3rd dynasty and then completed by his successor Sneferu. Sneferu was the first 4th dynasty Pharaoh (2613–2494 BC). A little north of the Maidum Pyramid are the remains of the Seila Step Pyramid, which is made of limestone and is thought to be from the 2nd dynasty. Overnight in Cairo.

DAY 05 – Dahshur, Red Pyramid, Bent Pyramid Tour
Breakfast, then drive to Dahshur to visit the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid. The builder of these pyramids is thought to have been Sneferu, who is thought to have built the pyramid of Maidum. His son was Cheops who continued his empire expansion. Transfer back to your hotel. In the evening you will be met and transferred to an Egyptian home for a traditional home-cooked dinner and for getting acquainted with the locals and their way of life. Tour the home and engage in a social discussion about the two cultures and the people, if you wish. Overnight in Cairo.

DAY 06 – Tanis, Hanging Church, Church of St. Sergius Tour
Breakfast, then drive through the Delta to the town of Tanis. Tanis was the capital of Egypt during the late period of the 21st to the 22nd dynasties, and served as a burial site for some of the kings. The pharaohs used to bring monumental statues from all over Egypt to embellish their temples. Drive back to Cairo and visit the Hanging Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was built at the end of the 3rd century. Also visit the Church of St. Sergius, built in the 4th century. This is one of the places where the holy family had taken shelter. Continue the tour to visit St. Barbara Church built sometime in the 4th Century and which has some of the writings of Saint John. Your tour will end at the medieval house of Ghouria, where you will attend a magnificent and impressive live performance of the whirling Dervishes. Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant in the El-Hossein area. Overnight in Cairo.

DAY 07 – Abu Simbel Tour
Breakfast, then you will be met and transferred to Cairo Airport for your flight to Abu-Simbel. Upon arrival at Abu-Simbel Airport, you will be transferred to visit the Great Temple, hewn in rock, with the four colossal seated statues of the king in front of the entrance. It was dedicated to Amun-Ra, the Horakkhti, and Ramses II. Then visit the King's wife temple. The temples were saved from the rising waters of the Nile resulting from the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The temples are awesome and impressive by all means although they were built 3200 years ago. Later transfer to the newly opened Seti Mercure Hotel in Abu-Simbel. Remainder of day at leisure or you may wish to go back to the temples for a picture taking opportunity at sunset. In the evening, transfer to attend the newly Sound and Light Show at the temples of Abu-Simbel—it's an impressive and outstanding performance. Overnight in Abu-Simbel.

DAY 08 – Felluca Tour, Philae Temple, Kom Ombo
After an early breakfast, you will have a wonderful opportunity to see the sunrise at the Abu-Simbel Temples. Later transfer to Abu-Simbel Airport for your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship where you will spend the next 3 nights / 4 days. Take a tour of Aswan High Dam, Egypt's contemporary example of building on a monumental scale. Next, proceed to the granite quarries which supplied the ancient Egyptians with most of the hard stone used in pyramids and temples. The quarries still hold the Unfinished Obelisk, possibly intended as a companion to the Lateran Obelisk, originally at Karnak but now in Rome. Sail around Elephantine Island on a felucca, the traditional Egyptian sail boat. Elephantine Island is the largest of the Aswan area islands, and is the site of some of the most ancient remains in Egypt, with artifacts dating to pre-dynastic periods. Sailing in a felucca on the Nile to Kitchner Island (also known as Lord Kitchner's Botanical Garden, Plant Island, Gizirat al-Nabatat, Plantation Island, or Gizirat al-Bustan). From the river you have a nice view of the Aga Khan Mausoleum, an elegant pink granite structure built in the late 1950's. After lunch sail to Kom Ombo, and visit the Temple of Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of fertility and creator of the world. The temple stands at a bend in the Nile where, in ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank Sail to Edfu. Overnight on board Cruise.

DAY 09 – Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna
After Breakfast , visit Edfu temple of Horus. Set out by horse-drawn carriage to visit the Temple of Horus, the most perfectly preserved of all the Nile temples. Horus, also known as Haroeris, was the falcon-headed solar war god,back to the cruise. Sail to Esna, passing through the Esna Lock and continue sailing towards Luxor. Overnight on board Cruise.

DAY 10 – West Bank, Valley of Kings, Queen Hatshepsut Temple, Memnon
After breakfast, Cross to the West Bank of the Nile and visit the wondrous Valley of the Kings, a vast city of the dead, where the magnificent tombs of 62 pharaohs have been discovered. The tombs were carved deep into the desert mountains, richly decorated and filled with treasures for the afterlife of the pharaohs. Visit several of the tombs. Next, visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. This beautiful monument to the reign of the only female pharaoh rises out of the desert plain in a series of terraces and merges with the sheer limestone cliffs that surround it. On the way back to your Nile cruise, stop at the famed Colossi of Memnon, two 66ft, 1 thousand ton statues of Amenhotep III. These colossal statues were known by the ancient Greeks to emit haunting voices at dawn. Though damaged by nature and ancient tourists, the statues are still impressive. (Evening Posibility for optional Sound & Light Show at the Karnak Temple). Overnight on board Cruise.

DAY 11 – Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Cairo
After breakfast, visit Karnak and Luxor Temples, start by visiting Karnak Temple, in the north of Luxor, called by some "the Temple of Temples" It is the largest place of worship ever built. Its ancient name Ipet-isut means "the most sacred of places." Within the complex, the great Hypostyle Hall is an incredible forest of giant pillars covering an area larger than the whole of Notre Dame Cathedral. After lunch visit the graceful Temple of Luxor built by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II for ritual and festivals and dedicated to the god Amun and see it's gigantic statues and obelisks. Disembarkation and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. Arrival in Cairo and transfer to hotel. (Evening, optional Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids). Overnight on board Cruise.

DAY 12 – Tomb of Nakth, Temple of Karnak Tour
Breakfast, check-out, then visit the tomb of Nakht. This is a tomb famous for its scenes of dancing girls and banquet scenes; also the details of hunting scenes are very clear on the walls. Continue your tour visiting the tomb of Ramose from 1379 BC known as tomb number 55 and belonging to the Prime Minister of Akhenaton. Although the tomb is somewhat damaged, it has some of the most beautiful reliefs of Ramose and his wife. Also visit the tomb of Ramses IV dating back to 1200 BC. The tomb has nice paintings on its walls depicting different chapters from the "Book of the Dead" as well as magical scenes. Also visit the tomb of Amon-Hir Khopshef who was the son of Ramses III. It has scenes showing Ramses III teaching his nine year old son. In the afternoon visit the Temple of Karnak with its awesome and giant columns. Also visit the Temple of Luxor which was started by Amenhotep III and completed by Ramses II. Transfer back to your hotel. In the evening you will be met and transferred to attend the magnificent sound and light show in Karnak. Overnight in Luxor.

DAY 13 – Flight to Sharm El-Sheikh
Breakfast, then transfer to Luxor airport for your flight to Sharm El-Sheikh. Upon arrival at Sharm, you will be transferred to the Marriott Sharm Hotel. Remainder of day at leisure for swimming, snorkeling, diving or just relaxing by your hotel pool or private beach. Overnight in Sharm El Sheikh.

DAY 14 – Free Day in Sharm El-Sheikh
Breakfast and a day at leisure for swimming, diving and snorkeling.  PM  You will be met and transferred by car to the Sinai Desert.   From the desert road we will take camels to meet the Bedouins. Experience the Bedouin hospitality, a dinner will be barbecued and served in front of you at a canyon in a Bedouin tent surrounded by the stars. Traveling and dining in the desert with the Bedouins will make you relive the adventure of Lawrence of Arabia. Overnight in Sharm El Sheikh.

DAY 15 – Free Day in Sharm El-Sheikh
Breakfast and a day at leisure for swimming, diving or snorkeling. Late afternoon proceed to St. Catherine. Arrive St. Catherine and transfer to the St. Catherine Village. A choice of a 3-hour climb to the top of Mount Sinai is available, if you wish to see a spectacular sunrise as well as view the Red Sea and the Saudi Arabian border. The recommended time to start the climb of the 3,750 steps is at 2:00 A.M. in order to arrive at the summit for a spectacular sunrise around 5:00 A.M. (You must be physically fit and healthy in order for you to do the 3-hour mountain climb)

DAY 16 – St Catherine Monastery Tour
Breakfast, then visit St. Catherine Monastery built by Emperor Justinian during the 6th century. The site sits at the foot of Mount Sinai, where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments. Visit the churches, gardens and the living quarters of the monks who operate it. Some of your highlights will be the actual Burning Bush Shrub that grows nowhere else in the world. The Monastery owns more than 2,000 Byzantine icons, many of which are displayed in the main Church of the Transfiguration. The Monastery also has a priceless collection of more than 4,500 manuscripts including the world's second oldest Bible. Walk in the same foot steps where Pope John-Paul II did when he visited Egypt in February of 2000. Depart St. Catherine to Wadi Firan to visit the largest Oasis in the peninsula. In the 4th century AD it was a Christian stronghold. Continue your drive to Sarabit El-Khadem to visit the semi-precious turquoise mines where the ancient Egyptians used to mine for precious stones. Also visit the Temple of Hathor, the cow headed goddess from the 1st century AD. Drive to Uyun Mussa, time permitting, to view this oasis with 12 sweet water springs. It is here where the Israelites were halted after crossing the Red Sea and where Moses is supposed to have thrown a tree into the largest spring. Continue your drive to Cairo via the Suez Canal. Arrive Cairo where you will be transferred to one of our privately owned luxuriously furnished condominiums. You will spend the night in a fully equipped and furnished Egyptian condo, local but luxury style with a refrigerator full of tasty local food, mineral water as well as fresh fruits. Your condo will have a private balcony and a pyramid view is guaranteed. You will get a true sense of how Egyptians live and do their daily chores by going through that experience. (Spending the night in one of our condos can not be guaranteed, depending on their availability. If it is sold out during that time or if you do not wish to try that experience, you will be spending the night at Hotel. You will be informed at the time of booking if it is available depending on your arrival date in Cairo.) Overnight in Sharm El Sheikh.

DAY 17 – Drive to Cairo
Breakfast, and an early drive from Cairo to the very famous town of Tel-El-Amarna, the town formerly known as Akhenaten. King Akhenaten offered this place to be the home of his god Aton (1375–1350 BC). Start your tour visiting Ay's Tomb. The drawings show Ay and his wife receiving gold collars from Akhenaten and Nefertari. From there continue to Huya's Tomb, steward of Queen Tiyi, the queen mother and wife of Amenhotep III. Continue your tour to visit the tomb of Meri-re I, the high priest of Aton. A table of offerings including a beautiful representation of a colorful rainbow is drawn on the left-hand wall of the chamber below the Aton disk. Also visit the Tomb of Meri-re II who was the superintendent of the palace of Queen Nefertiti. It has plenty of scenes showing celebrations honoring leaders of other countries. Overnight in Cairo.

DAY 18 – Beni Hassan Tour
Breakfast, then visit the tomb of Panhesy, the chief servitor. The facade that decorated the outside of his tomb is still preserved. Drive to Beni Hassan where there are more than 39 tombs located here from the Middle Kingdom (about 2050 BC). They were built for feudal lords. Visit some of the famous ones like Amenemhet, Tomb of Khnumhotep, Tomb of Bakhet as well as the tomb of Kheti. Drive back to Cairo. Overnight in Cairo.

DAY 29 – Egyptiam Musuem and Khan El-Khalili Tour
Breakfast, then start your tour by visiting the Egyptian Museum famous for its antiquities from Egypt's pharaonic period including the fabulous treasures of King Tut-Ankh-Amon. Also visit the famous Mummy Room in the museum which was ordered opened to the public by President Mubarak of Egypt. Afternoon excursion to old Cairo will include a visit to the very old Coptic Churches and the oldest Jewish Synagogue of Beni Ezra. Continue your tour to visit the Citadel of Salah El-Din and the Mohammed Ali Mosque; also visit the famous City of the Dead. This is a centuries-old cemetery in old Cairo, with very small houses encompassing both the dead and (of late) their living relatives, who—because of inadequate housing—have moved into their family's graves. End your tour at the Medieval Bazaars of Khan-El-Khalili, where you can bargain for your jewelry and hand-tooled leather items. Overnight in Cairo.

DAY 20 – Departure Transfer
Breakfast, then you will be met by your tour manager and transferred to Cairo Airport, where you will be helped with your check-in and immigration formalities for your departure flight back home.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please take note of the following:
* Please use the ''Travel Enquiry/Reservation Form'' to receive a quote on the above travel itinerary as per your preferred travel dates/month and preferred class of hotel/cruise.

What's Included: 
* Hotel accommodations in choice of preferred class
* Nile Cruise in choice of preferred class on fullboard basis with belly dancing, entertainment shows, all shore excursions and horse carriage rides.
* Qualified Egyptologist tour guide licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
* All noted sightseeing tours on regular group or private guided basis
* All main entrance fees to sights visited in the itinerary
* Domestic flight ticket between Cairo/Aswan/Abu Simbel – Luxor/Sharm El-Sheikh
* Required land transport with A/C minivan including roundtrip airport transfers
* Local taxes and handling services

What's NOT Included:
* International flights to/from Egypt and personal travel insurance, any other expenses not noted in the above included section or airport tax, visa for Egypt (if required), any tips to guide, driver or staff at hotels and cruise, items of a personal nature, hotel extras (minibar, telephone/internet usage, laundry, etc), drinks with meals (except the drinks served with breakfast) and medical services.