Compare Highlights of Egypt by G Adventures vs Beyond the Pharaohs: Egypt Past and Present by Road Scholar

Day 1 Cairo

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

If this is your first visit to Cairo, we highly recommend that you book an airport transfer. If you opt to prebook the 'Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour' a night of pre-tour accommodation is required as this tour departs at 10am.

Day 2 Cairo/Aswān

Enjoy a visit to the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx before a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum. Catch an overnight train to Aswan.

Visit the pyramids and soak in the history of these majestic structures before a visit to the Egyptian Museum. In the evening, board an overnight train to Aswan. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.

Please note that during Ramadan, the museum, and Egyptian pyramids will close at 3PM this year, and so we will follow the below order, and schedule on Day 2. Visit the Pyramids from 9 - 11 Visit the museums from 11:30 - 14:30 Lunch from 15:00 - 16:00 before heading to the train station

Day 3 Aswān

Opt to explore the busy Aswan market or visit the beautiful Philae Temple, before visiting a Nubian village and enjoying a home-cooked dinner with a local family.

Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but, trains can often be delayed. Enjoy some free time to browse the souk, walk along the Nile or opt to book the 'Philae Temple Excursion'. Later, board a boat to reach one of the many Nile islands and visit a Nubian village. Walk around the small community, then enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home.

Day 4 Aswān

Spend the day exploring Aswan.

One of the most fascinating sights in the area is the Temple of Abu Simbel. Later, opt for a half-day tour of the Unfinished Obelisk, High Dam, and Philae Temple. Visit the modern Nubian Museum to learn more about Aswan's local people.

Day 5 Aswān/Luxor

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning. Ride on a Felucca to Aswan Bridge, where we will disembark and transfer to Kom Umbo. Later visit Kom Umbo temple before transferring to Luxor. Tonight, opt to grab dinner at the local market where you can try some local specialties.

Day 6 Luxor

After breakfast the group will set off on a guided visit to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Have lunch with a local family on the West Bank of the Nile, then visit an Alabaster Factory en route back to Luxor. The remainder of the afternoon will be at your leisure.

Cross to the West Bank. Descend down the narrow corridors and check out the tombs of the pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings. The Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut literally seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops. Then visit the massive 18m (59ft)-high Colossi of Memnon, which is all that remains of an ancient temple. Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile and then explore Luxor at your own pace.

Day 7 Luxor

After breakfast the group will sail by ferry to the West Bank to meet our student-guide. Together we will bike through the village and visit the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. From here, enjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Later take advantage of free time in Luxor to explore the bustling local bazaar at your leisure.

Day 8 Luxor

Take a final free day in Luxor to explore any last minute sights in this storied city. Opt to check out the local bazaar to pick up a last minute keepsake.

Day 9 Luxor/Hurghada

Drive from Luxor to Hurghada on the stunning Red Sea. The rest of the day is free at leisure, opt to relax and enjoy the beach.

After arriving in Hurghada, prepare to spend the next few days soaking in the tranquility of it's white sand beaches, and the rich marine environment of the Red Sea.

Day 10 Hurghada

Enjoy a day on a boat trip to the local islands and snorkel amid the crystal clear waters and stunning coral gardens of the Red Sea.

The Red Sea is a global hotspot for snorkelling, thanks to it's crystal clear waters and incredible aquatic ecosystems. Explore the rich coral reefs and be overwhelmed with the amount of colourful coral and fish you encounter.

Day 11 Hurghada/Alexandria

Catch an early flight from Hurghada to Cairo. Continue by private vehicle to Alexandria. Stop en route to visit the monasteries of Wadi Al Natrun

Travel by plane and private car to Alexandria, one of the ancient world's most important trade and cultural hubs. Explore it's many Greek, Roman and Egyptian ruins as you walk in the footsteps of some of histories greatest heroes.

Day 12 Alexandria

Take a guided tour of Pompeys Pillar, Catacombs, the Alexandria Library, and Qaitbay Fort. Later, opt to explore the cities's cafés, or dine on fantastic seafood

Prepare for a full day of exploring the many historical wonders of Alexandria. Delve into the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, marvel at the resolute Citadel of Qaitbay, and explore the grounds of Pompey's Pillar, one of Egypt's most impressive Roman architectural works.

Day 13 Alexandria/Cairo

Drive to El Alamein to visit the World War cemeteries and memorial. Continue to Cairo for the final evening.

As we travel from Alexandria to Cairo, take a stop at the El Alamein World War memorials, and learn more about the pivotal battles that changed the course of the war in Africa. Afterwards, continue on to the bustling metropolis of Cairo.

Day 14 Cairo

Depart at any time.

If you opt to book the Memphis and Sakkara Excursion, please ensure you allow enough time to return from the activity when planning your onward journey.

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.