Compare Egypt: Alexandria to Aswan by Exodus Travels vs Beyond the Pharaohs: Egypt Past and Present by Road Scholar

Day 1 Start Cairo

Welcome to Cairo, the capital of Egypt and our starting point for this culture-rich exploration. A welcome briefing will take place tomorrow morning on Day 2. Accommodation: Pyramids by Jaz (or similar)

Day 2 Cairo tour

Morning welcome briefing after breakfast. Your leader will advise you of the time for this meeting. Please bring your insurance details with you to the briefing. Following the briefing we enjoy a full-day tour of Cairo. We begin with a visit to the Egyptian Museum – home to the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the world, including the golden riches discovered in Tutankhamun’s tomb. We also explore Al Azhar mosque, which dates to 970 CE and is the oldest mosque in Cairo. It’s still frequently visited by local worshippers and we need to cover up (long sleeves and trousers) to enter – as when entering all mosques. Women will also need to cover their hair with a scarf. (Sometimes, the Mosque will be closed without prior notice but still you will be able to pass by and view it) Accommodation: Pyramids by Jaz (or similar)

Day 3 Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza

We begin our day with a visit to Giza, home to the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus and the mysterious Great Sphinx. Only the throng of sightseers milling around their huge foundations keep you in the 21st century. The afternoon is free to relax at our hotel, explore Cairo or join an optional excursion to Saqqara and Memphis. Accommodation: Pyramids by Jaz (or similar)

Day 4 Food tour of Cairo

Today we embark on a tour of the best food spots in Cairo and discover some of the fantastic local cuisine available across the city – – you will pass by restaurants / shops where you will be able to taste some of the best oriental items: highlights are mulukhiyah (green soup), ful medames (beans) and kushari (rice and macaroni). The tour also includes the bazaars of Khan el-Khalili in the historic centre of Islamic Cairo. We’ll experience modern Cairo with a visit to Al Azhar park and a walk along the bustling El Moaz Street. We also aim to visit the House of Arts and Culture – a music school ((it is not opened all year and opening hours are quite limited so kindly check with your guide). Donations of musical instruments such as violins, saxophones, drums or spare parts such as violin bows are welcomed. Accommodation: Pyramids by Jaz  (or similar)

Day 5 Visit El Anba Bishoy Monastery and El Alamein; continue to Alexandria

Today we start with a 90-minute drive to Wadi El Natrun, a depression that lies below sea level. The ancient Egyptians extracted salt here to use for mummification. The area was important for early Christians, too, and we will visit Ek Anba Bishoy Monastery. We continue to El Alamein (a two-hour drive away), the site of the allied victory during World War II.  There are two areas we can visit - the War Cemetery and Military Museum. More than 80,000 soldiers were killed or wounded in the two battles. It was a decisive win for the Allies with Winston Churchill saying, "Before Alamein we never had a victory. After Alamein we never had a defeat". After visiting El Alamein, we’ll continue to Alexandria, a two-hour drive away where we'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Metropole Paradise Inn (or similar)

Day 6 Alexandria tour; transfer to sleeper train.

Today we have a tour of Alexandria. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, the city was home to the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and it’s Great Library was the largest library of its time. Unfortunately, they no longer survive, but there is still much to see in this Mediterranean port city. Our tour begins with a visit to the city catacombs followed by the impressive Qaitbay Fortress and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina – Alexandria’s revival of the Great Library. In the afternoon, we return to Cairo (three to four hours) to board our sleeper train to Aswan (which takes approximately 12 hours). Accommodation: Sleeper train

Day 7 Arrive Aswan; Nubian tour and Felucca ride

Arriving in Aswan during the morning, we spend the rest of the day exploring the Nubian way of life. We begin with a visit to the Nubian Museum, which chronologically charts the history and culture of the people, before enjoying a Nubian lunch on board a felucca while we explore the Nile. In the afternoon we have a tour to the Monastery of St Simeon by camel* and at a Nubian House on Elephantine Island you will meet a local family (please see the People, Places & Planet section). We finish our day with a barbeque on the shores of an island in the Nile. *To reach the monastery, we ride camels for about 15 minutes. If you prefer not to ride a camel it is possible to walk the 2.5mi (4km) over sandy and stony ground. This part of the trip takes place in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest. Accommodation: Basma Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Visit Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam and board Nile cruise

We begin today with a visit to the Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam. In the 1970s, the temple was relocated by Unesco to Aglika Island after it became evident the original site of Philae would submerge on completion of the dam. This morning represents a magnificent and enduring testament to both ancient and modern engineering. Then will be transferred to our cruise boat and relax before enjoying lunch on board. For the rest of the day there is the option to explore the Aswan market or attend the Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple. Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)

Day 9 Optional visit to Abu Simbel; sail to Kom Ombo, Sail to Edfu.

For those who want to do the optional visit to Abu Simbel, the tour starts at approximately 3.30am when we get picked up from the cruise boat. A breakfast box is provided. Around 8am we will arrive at the destination, where we are given around two hours to visit the temples. Built by Ramses II, the temples of Abu Simbel rank among the most impressive in the country, and are well worth the journey south across the Nubian Desert. We will be back in Aswan around 13:30pm. After lunch we sail to Kom Ombo, from 18:00 – 20:00 visit the temple there before continuing our journey to Edfu, which is where we will spend the night. Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)

Day 10 Tour Edfu; sail to Luxor

06:00 – 08:00 Walking in Edfu, we start our day exploring the city and its temples before sailing further north along the Nile. After crossing the Esna lock we reach our destination, 16:30 arrive Luxor, where we will have our final dinner on board and hopefully witness a stunning sunset over the river. Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)

Day 11 Disembark in Luxor; explore the Valley of the Kings

After breakfast on board we disembark in Luxor and explore the Valley of the Kings. For nearly 500 years this was the site of royal burials and it contains the tombs of more than 62 pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses III and IV. One ticket allows us to see three tombs. Your ticket allows you to see three tombs. The ticket usually allows entry into what are regarded as the most impressive tombs, but (if you have time) a visit to extra tombs is also recommended for example Tutankhamun (extra ticket ), Seti I (extra ticket), Ramses III and IV(extra ticket). Visits to tombs are now strictly controlled to halt further deterioration of wall paintings – each tomb is periodically closed for a number of weeks. In terms of size and decoration, it is not as impressive as many of the other tombs, but is of course historically very interesting. After, we visit the massive stone statues of the Colossi of Memnon before transferring to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or wander around the streets of Luxor. Accommodation: Iberotel Luxor (or similar)

Day 12 Luxor tour including Karnak and Luxor temples

For our penultimate day we have a half-day tour of Luxor’s east bank. Luxor is commonly called the greatest open-air museum in the world and this morning we visit the extraordinary Karnak and Luxor temples, which stand within the modern city. There should also be an opportunity to visit the A.C.E animal hospital to learn about the efforts taken to improve animal welfare in Egypt. After a leisurely afternoon, we enjoy our final dinner together at one of this historic city’s restaurants. Accommodation: Iberotel Luxor (or similar)

Day 13 End Luxor

You’ve seen many marvels in Egypt, but now it’s time for one last breakfast before beginning your journey home. If you’ve still a little adventure in you, speak to your sales representative about joining our post-trip excursion to the Red Sea.

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Depart on international flights to Cairo, Egypt.

Day 2 Arrival in Cairo and Transfer to Hotel Giza

In the event that most flights arrive later than the scheduled program start time, orientation will be held the following day.

Arrival to Cairo International Airport and transfer to the hotel. We will gather in our private meeting room where the Group Leader will greet you with a warm welcome and introduce everyone. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure.

Enjoy meeting and socializing with your fellow participants at the welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 Great Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, and Egyptian Museum Giza

Today's activities include travel by coach and walking around historic sites such as the Pyramid and the Sphinx. The terrain is uneven and rough and it could take up to 30 minutes standing at each site in hot conditions and under the sun with no shade. There will also be a short walk to the lunch restaurant. After a short drive, we will walk around the museum of approximately 2-3 hours and climbing steps to the first floor.

Led by our Egyptologist, we will explore the most renowned sites of Egypt: the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Start with an exploration of the Valley of Giza, a marvel of architectural prowess. The three largest pyramids in the valley consists of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Kafhre, and the Pyramid of Menkaura – all tombs dedicated to different Egyptian kings. We will visit the Sphinx of the Giza Plateau, the most famous sphinx in the world. This iconic statue has been guarding the Necropolis for centuries, and is believed to depict the face of pharaoh Khafre. Enjoy a wonderful opportunity to see the sites from a panoramic viewpoint, and experience a unique short camel ride. After an introduction by your Egyptologist we will visit the Egyptian Museum. This iconic museum houses thousands of artifacts from jewelry and statuettes to reliefs. There are even entire monuments that were brought from their ancient contexts and are on display.

Enjoy some free time to relax before a lecture about Egypt and the Nile led by a scholar from Cairo University Giza.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

At the hotel.

Day 4 Dahshur, Pyramids of Zoser and Teti, & Islam Today Giza

Today's activities include travel by coach as well as walking and standing at Dahshur, at the Imhotep museum, and at the Pyramids of Zoser and Teti. The terrain is uneven and rough and it could take up to 30 minutes standing at each site. The total amount of walking could be up to one mile round trip from the bus car park.

We will depart by coach to explore Dahshur, a necropolis of the Old Kingdom, housing some of the oldest pyramids built by and for the 4th-dynasty pharaoh, Sneferu, around 2600 BCE. This site best demonstrates how a strong-willed king was able to build the first true pyramid, changing its design from the "step" pyramid.

We will then explore the Step Pyramid complex of King Djoser (Zoser), which is considered the oldest stone structure on Earth, built more than 4700 years ago. It was built for the burial of Pharaoh Djoser by his vizier, Imhotep. Next, we will visit the Pyramid of Teti, which is also located in the Necropolis of Saqqara. Its original height was about 172 feet. Inside it are some pyramid texts inscribed all around the walls of the burial chamber and the inner corridors. Afterward, we will explore a mastaba tomb, which is a great source of information concerning the daily life of the ancient Egyptians. A mastaba is a superstructure of a tomb that was built in the form of a huge bench above ground to house the funeral belongings of the deceased. Afterward, led by your Egyptologist, we will visit the Imhotep Museum. The museum was opened in 2006 and displays finds from the site in commemoration of the ancient Egyptian architect Imhotep. Dr. Zahi Hawass said, "I felt that we should call it the Imhotep Museum in tribute to the first architect to use stone rather than perishable materials for construction on a large scale. This man was second only to the King and in the late period was worshiped as a god." The museum also has a hall dedicated to a man, an important Egyptologist who excavated the Djoser complex all his life- the French Egyptologist Jean-Philippe Lauer. The museum has five large halls in which one admires masterpieces from Saqqara such as a Greco-Roman mummy discovered by Zahi Hawass during his excavations at Teti's pyramid complex. We will then return to the hotel where you can enjoy some leisure time before attending a presentation explaining Islam led by a scholar.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

At the hotel.

Day 5 Anba Bishoi Monastery & Alexandria Library Alexandria

Today's activities include travel by coach. The drive from Cairo to Alexandria will take at least five hours by air conditioned motor coach. There are basic toilet facilities en route. This day does not involve much walking, but there are steps and you will be asked to take your shoes off to visit the church in the monastery.

We will check out of the hotel and depart by coach for Alexandria. Enjoy an en-route presentation led by your Egyptian leader focusing on life in Egypt today to give you better insight into your host country. Led by your Egyptologist, explore the important sites of Anba Bishoi located in Wadi El-Natron, 62 miles northwest of Cairo. It is a natural depression in the desert consisting of salt lakes and salt flats laying in the desert. This place was important to the ancient Egyptians since it was from here that they extracted the Natrun salt. It later became more important during the early era of Christianity in Egypt as can be seen by the legacy of monasteries. It is presently the center of many monastery groups dating back to the 4th century CE. One of the most important monasteries today in Wadi El-Natroun is Dier Anba Bishoi, named after the patron St. Bishoi who immigrated to the site and lived in solitude. The monastery was restored several times after it had been destroyed at the hands of the barbers. It has five churches; the main one is the St. Bishoi church which dates back to as early as the 9th century CE. This church today is only used during the summertime. To the east of this church lies another one known as the church of Al-Adra (the virgin), and it is only used during the winter months. Your local guide will explain the reason behind this. The monastery contains the remains of St. Bishoi, Ephraim the Assyrian, and Paul of Tomah.

Enjoy a brief panoramic discovery of the ancient city of Alexandria. The Eastern Harbor of Alexandria has been a crossroads of culture and continents for 2,300 years. This is where the Pharos lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, guided people from all nations safely into port; where Queen Cleopatra first laid eyes on Julius Caesar. Afterward, we will visit the Library of Alexandria. In 2002, Alexandria recaptured the spirit of its richest legacy—the Great Library of Alexandria—by opening the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The new library shares the same universal goals as the ancient one built by Alexander the Great. It is a focal point for research, the advancement of knowledge and the open exchange of ideas. Later on, we will transfer by coach to the hotel where you will have time to relax before dinner.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant in Alexandria.

At the hotel.

Day 6 Discovering Alexandria, & the Underwater City of Cleopatra Alexandria

The drive around Alexandria will take at least three hours by air conditioned motor coach. Today's activities will involve walking and climbing steps around historic sites such as the Roman Amphitheatre, the Catacombs, and the National Museum. At each site, there is standing of up to one hour. The total amount of walking today could be up to one mile round trip from the bus car park.

Led by your Egyptologist, continue discovering the great historic sites of Alexandria. We will begin with the catacombs and then explore the Roman Theatre and the National Museum. The catacombs of Kom es-Shouqafa were tunneled into the bedrock in the age of the Antonine emperors (2nd century A.D.) for a single wealthy family still practicing the ancient religion. As a privately financed project, it is an engineering feat of some magnitude. These tombs represent the last existing major construction for the sake of the old Egyptian religion. Though the funerary motifs are pure ancient Egyptian, the architects and artists were schooled in the Greco-Roman style. Applied to the themes of Ancient Egyptian religion, it has resulted in an amazing integrated art, quite unlike anything else in the world. Afterward, we will explore the well-preserved Roman theatre with galleries, sections of mosaic-flooring, and marble seats for up to 800 spectators. Our next visit is the Alexandria National Museum where the Egyptologist will give an overview before you explore on your own. The museum has grown in importance these days, and is now considered one of Egypt's finest museums. It was inaugurated by President Hosni Mubarak on December 31st, 2003, and is one more addition to the reasons one should visit this grand old city. The national museum is located in a restored palace and contains about 1,800 artifacts that narrate the history of Alexandria throughout the ages, including the Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic eras. There are even some more modern pieces, including 19th century glassware, silverware, chinaware and precious jewels, which provide a sense of the richness of the court of Mohammed Ali and his descendants. Mummies are shown in a special underground chamber (basement). In addition, some of the items found during the archaeological underwater excavations in Alexandria are now on the same floor as the Greco-Roman artifacts.

We will visit the Citadel of Qaitbay before returning to the hotel by coach where we will have a presentation led by a leading professor/lecturer on the archeological work being done to re-discover the destroyed lighthouse.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

At the hotel.

Day 7 Transfer to Cairo & Tahir Square. Cairo

The drive from Alexandria to Cairo will take at least five hours by air conditioned motor coach. There are basic toilet facilities en route. Amount of walking could be up to one mile in Cairo.

We will return to Cairo by coach. Enjoy the panoramic drive along the Nile as we enter Cairo. Visit Tahir Square for a guided walk with your Group Leader before checking into the hotel.

Free Time to explore the many sites of Cairo. Your Group Leader can offer suggestions.

At leisure.

Boxed breakfast from the hotel.

At a local restaurant in Cairo.

At the hotel.

Day 8 Discovering Historic Cairo Cairo

The drive from the hotel will be through traffic and could take at least a few hours by air conditioned motor coach. This day will involve walking and climbing steps around historic sites and standing for up to one hour at each site. The total amount of walking today could be up to one and a half miles round trip from the bus car park.

We will depart by coach to discover historic Cairo. Led by your Egyptologist, explore Ibn Toulum Mosque, El-Moez Street, and Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. A great example of 9th century mosques, with its unique minaret, is Ibn Toulum Mosque. Covering an area of about six acres and located in the heart of Islamic Cairo District, El-Moez street is one of the richest streets with Islamic architecture still existing. Khan el-Khalili Bazaar is the most famous tourist market in Cairo. You will have time to walk around on your own and interact with the locals.

Discover the Hanging Church, St. Sergius Church, and Ben Ezra Synagogue. These all illustrate the intricate relation between religions in Egypt. Enjoy some time to explore on your own, and then board the coach to return to the hotel where we will enjoy a lecture titled “Egyptian Social Life” led by a lecturer from Cairo.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

On your own to explore local cuisine.

Day 9 Fly to Luxor & Explore Karnak and Luxor Luxor

This day includes a flight and a very early start. The drive from the hotel to the airport will take at least one hour by air conditioned motor coach through traffic in Cairo. In Luxor, there is less traffic and a shorter distance to drive. Today's activities will involve walking around historic sites and climbing steps. The terrain is uneven and rough and it could take up to 50 minutes standing at each site in hot conditions and under the sun with no shade.

Early transfer by coach to the Cairo Airport for flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, we will depart by coach to explore the Karnak and Luxor temples. The Karnak Temple Complex was the center of the ancient Egyptian civilization for centuries. The Luxor Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple dedicated to the god Amun-Ra and contains Christian, Roman, Greek, and Muslim influences. After our field trip, we will depart by coach to board the ship for lunch and check-in.

Take some time to relax and settle into your cabin. Then join the rest of the group again to enjoy a lecture on restoration work led by a local lecturer and professor.

At leisure.

Boxed breakfast from the hotel.

Onboard.

Onboard.

Day 10 Exploring the Valley of the Kings & Sailing the Nile Edfu

The drive from the East to the West Bank of the River Nile will take at least 30 minutes by air conditioned motor coach. This day involves walking two miles around historic sites such as the Valley of the Kings and the various tombs including Tut Ankh Amun Tomb. The terrain is hilly and there are up to 25 steps at the tombs to take in one direction and back, and it could take up to 30 minutes standing at each site in hot conditions and under the sun with no shade.

We will depart by coach for our explorations. Led by your Egyptologist, discover the West Bank Valley of the Kings, King Tut's tomb, Hatshepsut, and Memnon. The West Bank Valley of the Kings was used as the royal burial place for about 400 years. Enjoy the tombs of the famous kings of ancient Egypt with their great carvings and magnificent colors. The Hatshepsut Temple was one of the very few temples in Egypt to be dedicated and built by a woman. It has a unique modern architecture that makes it difficult to believe its age. The Colossi of Memnon are two giant statues standing at the edge of the desert separating the old from the new. We will then depart for Luxor Library, where a professor will lead a presentation discussing the Opet Festival and the ongoing restoration work at Luxor. We will then return to the barge by coach.

Enjoy some free time onboard as we sail to Edfu.

At leisure.

Onboard.

Onboard.

Onboard.

Day 11 Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples Aswan

Today's activities include walking around historic sites and a ride on horse drawn carriages (this could be substituted by bus ride). The terrain is uneven and there are up to 25 steps to climb at the entrance and ten at the exit. It could take up to two hours standing at each site in hot conditions and under the sun with no shade. The total amount of walking today would be up to one and a half miles round trip from the car park.

Led by your Egyptologist, explore Edfu Temple. The Horus Temple at Edfu, dedicated to the falcon-god Horus, is one of the largest in Egypt.

We will continue or exploration with a visit to Kom Ombo. Dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haeroris, Kom Ombo was built during the Ptolemaic Dynasty in the second century BCE. Several hundred crocodile mummies were uncovered during initial excavations.

At leisure.

Onboard.

Onboard.

Onboard.

Day 12 Abu Simbel Aswan

Today includes a three and a half hour drive to Abu Simbel, some steps and walking over uneven and rough terrain. Total amount of walking of two miles, with standing for one and half hours in hot conditions under the sun with no shade. There are 20 steps at the dock to board the felucca ride. Flight from Abu Simbel to Aswan is 45 minutes. *Note: Depending on flight availability, we may instead fly to Abu Simbel and coach to Aswan. Your Group Leader will inform you if this change occurs.

We will depart by coach for our ride through the desert to Abu Simbel. Led by your Egyptologist, spend the morning exploring the Abu Simbel Temple. Carved out of bedrock by King Ramses II, it is said that it should be the 8th Wonder of the World.

We will transfer to the airport for the flight to Aswan. Later in the afternoon, enjoy the uniquely Egyptian sailing experience on the Nile on a felucca. Feluccas are sailboats that have been used on the Nile for decades and are made with a traditional design as well as with broad canvas sails. Essentially, the craft is reliant on wind-power with no motor, and are dependent upon the wind factor to propel forth. Enjoy some time to relax onboard before dinner.

At leisure.

Onboard.

At a local restaurant.

Farewell dinner onboard the felucca. We will then return by coach to the ship.

Day 13 Philae, The High Dam, The Unfinished Obelisk & Cairo Cairo

Today's activities include climbing approximately 40 steps and the terrain is uneven and hilly. It could take up to one hour standing at each site in hot conditions and under the sun with no shade. The total amount of walking today could be up to half a mile round trip from the bus car park. The flight from Aswan to Cairo is approximately an hour and a half.

Led by your Egyptologist, explore the sites of Aswan; visit Philae, High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. Philae is known as the temple of romance and was dedicated to the goddess Isis. It is also located on an island in the middle of a man-made lake. Completed in 1970, the dam has proved both beneficial and detrimental to Egypt. While the dam’s construction has been integral in generating electricity, erosion, poor silt deposition, and a slew of other environmental problems have developed.

We will depart by coach to the airport for the flight to Cairo via Aswan. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel for check-in.

At leisure.

Onboard.

A box lunch will be provided before the flight.

At the hotel.

Day 14 Program Concludes In Flight

Early morning transfer to the Cairo International Airport for flights home. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Boxed breakfast from the hotel.