Discover Egypt

OUR MOST POPULAR ITINERARY: Discover Egypt.

To experience the best of Egypt, we recommend a minimum of ten days to explore this remarkable country with your own private guide.

10 DAYS

DAYS 1 & 2 SIGHTSEEING IN CAIRO.

Cairo’s streets are chaotic and navigating a route through dusty cars and donkey carts will leave your nerves in a jitter — but that’s all part of the city’s charm.

The Pyramids of Giza of course, have always drawn visitors. In the 2nd Century BC, Philo of Byzantium compiled his list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — the first recorded travel guidebook — which included two sites from Egypt. The only one of these wonders still standing is The Great Pyramid of Giza. Twenty percent taller than Wellington’s tallest building, standing at the foot of The Great Pyramid is an experience you will never forget.

DAY ADMIRING THE RUINS OF LUXOR.

This morning fly to Luxor (approx. 1.5 hours).

If you thought Cairo was epic, Luxor will leave you speechless. Often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum, the seemingly never-ending terrain is freckled with temples. When the landscape is bathed in golden sunlight you’ll understand why the Pharaohs considered Luxor to be such an extraordinary place. After soaking up Luxor’s wonders, take respite from the Egyptian sun at the house of famed archaeologist Howard Carter. You’ll get a detailed insight into the life of the man who discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922.

DAY 4 CRUISING THE NILE.

Today, set out on a four-day Nile cruise. Spend your morning at leisure, or sit back and enjoy a strong Egyptian coffee on the sun terrace. This afternoon, visit Karnak Temple. Worked and reworked by approximately 30 different Pharaohs over more than 1000 years, it must be one of the longest running building projects in history. Just one of the halls here is large enough to hold St Peter’s Basilica and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

DAYS 5&6 LUXOR & EDFU.

Cross the river to the West Bank and find yourself in the Valley of the Kings, where Sir Howard Carter spent years searching for the tomb of the Boy King, Tutankhamun. Many of the tombs are accessible for visitors to explore.

This afternoon, sail downriver to Edfu, for the Temple of Horus: the most completely preserved Egyptian temple ever found. With its explorable chambers, massive 36-metre entrance and two huge statues of Horus, the experience is one of Egypt’s most spine tingling.

DAYS 7 & 8 ASWAN.

Sail to Aswan, the riverside town home to Philae Temple which was dedicated to the goddess, Isis, and the stunning Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie penned Death on the Nile.

After a tipple at the Old Cataract, venture to the ‘Unfinished Obelisk’ lying in Aswan’s granite quarries. An obelisk is a narrow stone pillar set up as a landmark (think Washington Monument) and this one is more than 3500 years old. Never finished, and therefore never hoisted, Aswan’s great monument lies like a sleeping giant in the ground.

Later, why not sail in a traditional felucca (sail boat) around the lush islands of Aswan and view the Agha Khan Mausoleum. Get off to explore Aswan’s markets or stop for a cool drink on the banks of the Nile.

DAY 9 ABU SIMBEL.

Swap your ship for a plane and fly to Abu Simbel in just over one hour. The colossal Temples of Abu Simbel are the most spectacular in Egypt, and so immaculately preserved, it feels like a film set. When the Aswan High Dam was constructed in the early 1960s, the huge lake it created would have drowned the temple, so they dismantled it and moved it above the new waterline, where it was reassembled piece by piece. Whether you’re marvelled by this feat of engineering, or that of the Egyptians centuries earlier, Abu Simbel will leave you in awe.

DAY 10 HOMEWARD!

Return to Cairo on a 1.5-hour flight, and then onward to New Zealand. ■

Our most recommended Egyptian holiday includes private local guides, transfers and a Nile cruise — and it’s on sale now. Come in-store, call us on 0800 713 715 or visit houseoftravel.co.nz today.