Egypt Encompassed - 13 Days

As-salamu alaykum! Welcome to Egypt. Your trip will start with a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm. If you arrive early, get to know this energetic and layered city. You could explore the Citadel for views across the city, or see calligraphy, ceramics and textiles at the Museum of Islamic Art. Maybe wander Khan al-Khalili’s market lanes or watch a traditional Sufi dance performance. Perhaps stroll through the halls of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and its Royal Mummies Room or discover Christian art and artefacts at the Coptic Museum. After your meeting, you might like to head out to dinner to get to know your fellow travellers better.

Today, you’ll start at the Giza Plateau, where you’ll stand before the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinos – this is the last remining Wonder of the Ancient World! Then, visit the Valley Temple, where priests mummified the body of King Chephren at the Giza Plateau. From here, you’ll have a great view of the Sphinx – the legendary limestone guardian with the body of a lion and the head of King Chephren. Later, head to the Grand Egyptian Museum – the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilisation. Explore galleries tracing more than 5000 years of ancient Egyptian history, see the colossal statue of Ramesses II in the Grand Hall and discover the complete Tutankhamun collection displayed together for the first time. The museum’s expansive galleries include the complete Tutankhamun collection displayed together for the first time, along with extensive halls that trace Egypt’s development from its prehistoric beginnings through the Pharaonic, Late, and Greco-Roman periods. Visitors can explore monumental features such as the Grand Staircase lined with statues of kings and deities, the Hanging Obelisk at the entrance, and the colossal statue of Ramesses II that anchors the Grand Hall.

Hit the road this morning for the drive to the Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria – Egypt’s second-largest city and main port, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and known locally as the Bride of the Mediterranean. You’ll head underground and delve into the mysteries of the Kom ash-Shuqqafa catacombs – this Roman burial site is the largest of its kind in Egypt. The crypts are 20 m (66 ft) below street level, and what probably began as a small family tomb grew into a labyrinth of chambers that could accommodate more than 300 bodies. After, stop by the Roman Amphitheatre. Take some time to stroll along the Corniche and around Fort Qaitbey and enjoy the fresh sea air.

Today, you’ll leave Alexandria, heading to El Alamein and the Siwa Oasis. It’s a lengthy drive and a good opportunity to sink into a book or podcast, or get to know your new friends better. When you arrive, you’ll visit the ancient town of Shali and Shali Castle, founded during the 13th century – its ultimate demise probably came during the 20th century due to harsh rainfalls. The houses in town were originally made of khershef (a local mixture of clay, salt and varied materials). You’ll spend the night in Siwa tonight.

Today, you’ll visit the temple of the Oracle of Amun – once home to one of the most famous oracles in the ancient world! In fact, Alexander the Great visited this temple in 331 BC to gain confirmation to be the king of Egypt. After, head to the Cleopatra Bath – the most popular natural water spring in Siwa, yet with no known connection between the queen and the spring. Continue to the Mountain of the Dead – an iconic conical archaeological site, this ancient necropolis is honeycombed with thousands of rock-cut tombs dating back to the 26th Dynasty, as well as the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. In the afternoon, head to the Great Sand Sea for a 4WD dune excursion. The last stop of the day will be at Bir Wahed, a water spring in the middle of the sand dunes. Maybe take a soak in the mineral water and have a cup of tea as you watch the sunset over the desert, before heading back to Siwa.

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Siwa Handicrafts Organisation, which supports hundreds of local women artisans as they preserve traditional Siwan motifs. See their distinctive embroidery, garments, silver jewellery and basketry, and learn how cooperative, home-based work creates sustainable income while keeping local techniques alive. Continue to Marsa Matrouh and settle into your accommodation for the night.

Today is a big drive, so you might like to immerse yourself in a good book or your favourite podcast. Or why not get to know your fellow travellers a bit more with some car games. Tonight, you’ll join an Egyptian local family for a traditional dinner in their home. It’s a great chance to see a different side of local life, try out some excellent Egyptian dishes and swap stories with your welcoming hosts.

After breakfast today, you’ll head to the stepped Sakkara Pyramid. Originally built for King Zoser, it is the world’s earliest stone monument – from the viewing platform, you can look down into Djoser’s vaulted granite burial chamber. Then, head to the Dahshur Pyramids to explore its royal necropolis and two of Egypt’s oldest and best-preserved pyramids. You’ll see the Red Pyramid – the world’s oldest true pyramid – and clamber down a long narrow tunnel to reach the chambers inside the 4600-year-old Bent Pyramid. After, head to the station to board your overnight train to Aswan.

Spend the morning at the temple complex of Philae, with the stunning Temple of Isis on Agilkia Island. This architectural gem was reassembled in this location after being saved from rising waters – some Egyptologists believe that Philae was the last active site of the ancient Egyptian religion and where the last Egyptian hieroglyph was written. In the evening, explore the sprawling and bustling Sharia el Souk. Your leader will guide you through the colourful array of stalls selling everything from baked goods to Nubian crafts.

Relax with some free time this morning, or if you like, you can visit Abu Simbel. If you opt for this daytrip, you’ll drive to the temples that were built during the reign of Ramesses II, featuring rock-cut statues of the pharaoh and queen, some approximately 20 m (66 ft) tall. Just before lunch, board your felucca with the rest of your group. Spend the afternoon out on the river, watching daily Egyptian life play out on the banks, before spending a night under the stars. Your Nubian sailing crew provides all the meals, which are hearty and delicious, as well as some local entertainment. Being a traditional wooden boat with broad canvas sails, your felucca offers some shade and protection from the elements, however, there’s no cabin or enclosed section. Tonight, you’ll watch the sunset across the Nile – a sight you won't forget.

Wake up in Luxor and head to Karnak Temple – one of ancient Egypt’s largest religious complexes. Walk through the vast Hypostyle Hall, where towering columns lead to the Temple of Amun-Ra. See the neighbouring temples dedicated to Mut and Khonsu. Your local guide will help bring the site’s shifting role across more than a thousand years into focus as you walk along processional avenues, into sanctuaries and past carved walls. Later, visit Animal Care in Egypt (ACE), an Intrepid Foundation partner working to treat wounded working animals and improve their welfare across the region. Learn how the team supports owners and animals alike through veterinary care, education and emergency treatment.

Today, cross to Luxor’s West Bank and explore the Valley of the Kings, where New Kingdom pharaohs and other high-ranking figures were buried in rock-cut tombs. The Valley of the Kings is divided into the East and West Valleys and you’ll wander through both with your local leader. This vast necropolis includes over 60 tombs and an additional 20 that remain unfinished. After, you’ll visit the Colossi on Memnon before sitting down with your group for a homecooked lunch with a local Egyptian family. Later, head back to the hotel for a free evening.

There are no activities planned for today, and you’re free to depart at any time. If you would like to extend your stay in Luxor, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.