Esoteric Egypt: Exclusive Access to the Ancient World

Welcome to Cairo, the vibrant heart of Egypt and one of the most historically rich cities in the world. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your luxury hotel, where you can relax and prepare for an extraordinary journey into Egypt’s ancient wonders.

Embark on a day of awe-inspiring exploration as you visit the iconic Giza Plateau, home to the legendary pyramids of Cheops, Mycerinus, and Chefren. Built during Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty (circa 2600–2690 BC), the Great Pyramid of Giza remains the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.

Your exclusive tour offers unparalleled access:

Morning: Start the day with a visit to the pyramids of Giza, marveling at their timeless majesty.

• Explore newly discovered royal tombs, a recent archaeological breakthrough offering fresh insights into ancient Egyptian history.
• Discover the enigmatic Sphinx with a private, crowd-free experience. Walk around this colossal statue and even touch its ancient stone.

Midday: Indulge in an authentic Egyptian lunch at a renowned restaurant with stunning views of the pyramids. Savor local cuisine while immersing yourself in the ambiance of the pyramids’ grandeur.

Afternoon: Continue your journey with a short cultural tour around the Giza area. Visit the Papyrus Museum and gallery to learn about this ancient art form and its role in Egyptian heritage.

Evening: Experience the ultimate highlight—private access to the Great Pyramid. Enter sacred chambers typically closed to the public, exploring passages steeped in mystery and history. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows you to connect with the spiritual essence of ancient Egypt.

Night: Conclude the day with a welcome dinner at an elegant Egyptian restaurant, featuring breathtaking views of the illuminated Pyramids and Sphinx. Enjoy delicious traditional dishes while mingling with fellow travelers.

Dive deeper into Egypt’s ancient history with a day dedicated to uncovering Old Kingdom treasures and remarkable artifacts.

Morning: Begin with a journey to Memphis, the first capital of Egypt, founded in 3100 BC. Explore its open-air museum, home to the colossal statue of Ramses II and other remarkable monuments. Continue to Sakkara, a sprawling necropolis that holds hundreds of tombs and 14 pyramids, including the revolutionary Step Pyramid of Djoser—the world’s first stone structure designed by the architect Imhotep.

Highlights include:

• The Step Pyramid of Djoser, a marvel of engineering and the blueprint for all later pyramids.
• The Pyramid of King Unas, renowned for its Pyramid Texts—some of the oldest religious writings in existence.
• The Museum of Imhotep, dedicated to the genius architect and polymath.
• Exclusive access to richly decorated Old Kingdom tombs, with colorful art depicting daily life in ancient Egypt.

Lunch: Relish a meal of authentic Egyptian cuisine in a charming local restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit the highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)—the largest archaeological museum in the world. Admire its impressive collection, including treasures from King Tutankhamun’s tomb, colossal statues, and ancient artifacts spanning 5,000 years of history.

Set off early for a full-day excursion to Alexandria, the legendary coastal city founded by Alexander the Great. This city blends ancient history with Greco-Roman influences, offering a fascinating glimpse into a unique chapter of Egypt’s past.

Morning:

• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: Explore this multi-level Roman burial site carved into the rock, showcasing a fusion of Egyptian and Greco-Roman art and architecture.
• Pompey’s Pillar and Serapis Temple: Visit the towering column and the remnants of the Serapeum, once a grand temple complex that housed part of the ancient Library of Alexandria. Admire statues and sphinxes crafted by Greek-Egyptian pharaohs.

Midday: Dine at a sophisticated Greek restaurant by the Mediterranean, savoring fresh seafood and spectacular seaside views.

Afternoon:

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina: Marvel at the modern tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, boasting a vast collection of 8 million books, cutting-edge architecture, and cultural exhibits.
• President Sadat Museum and Open Court: Learn about Egypt’s modern history and view statues of Alexander the Great and Ptolemy I, discovered in Alexandria’s underwater ruins.
• Citadel of Qaitbay: Conclude with a visit to this 15th-century fortress, built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Evening: Return to Cairo for a delightful dinner featuring traditional Egyptian dishes in an elegant local restaurant.

Embark on a journey through Cairo’s rich religious and cultural history, visiting its diverse spiritual landmarks and ancient treasures.

Morning:
Begin in Old Cairo (Misr Al-Qadima), the historic heart of the city dating back to the 6th century BC. Explore Coptic Cairo, a district rich in early Christian history:

• The Hanging Church: Admire this stunning basilica, built atop the gates of a Roman fortress, and learn about its significance as the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope.
• Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus: Visit the site believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their flight to Egypt.
• The Cave Church: Discover this hidden gem carved into the cliffs of Mokattam.
• Ben Ezra Synagogue: Said to be the oldest synagogue in Egypt, where tradition holds that Moses prayed before leading the Exodus.

Continue to Islamic Cairo, visiting the Mosque of Amr Ibn al-As, the first mosque built in Africa outside of Arabia, showcasing early Islamic architecture.

Lunch: Enjoy an authentic Egyptian meal at a charming restaurant in Old Cairo.

Afternoon: Head to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, a modern showcase of Egypt’s history from prehistoric times to the present day.

• Don’t miss the Gallery of Royal Mummies, housing the preserved remains of ancient Egyptian kings and queens alongside exhibits of artifacts from every era of Egyptian history.

Evening: Board a comfortable overnight sleeper train bound for Luxor. Savor a delightful onboard dinner and relax as you journey south.

Arrive in Aswan, where your luxury Nile cruise adventure begins. Check into your five-star cruise ship and prepare for an unforgettable day of exploration.

Morning:

• Philae Temple: Take a motorized boat ride to the enchanting island of Agilika to visit this sacred temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis. Its architecture blends Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences.
• Granite Quarries and the Unfinished Obelisk: Witness the craftsmanship of ancient stonemasons at the site of this massive, partially carved obelisk.

Lunch: Enjoy a freshly prepared meal onboard your luxury cruise ship as you sail along the serene Nile River.

Afternoon:

• Aswan High Dam: Visit this monumental feat of engineering, built in the 20th century to control the Nile’s flow and generate electricity.

Evening:

• Felucca Ride: Experience the Nile like a local, sailing around the Aswan Islands on a traditional felucca (weather permitting).
• Old Market of Aswan: Stroll through this bustling market to shop for spices, textiles, and souvenirs.
• Cocktails and Dinner: Unwind with drinks and canapés before enjoying an exquisite dinner onboard your Nile cruise.

Early Morning:

• Abu Simbel Temples: Journey to the majestic temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II. Marvel at the colossal statues towering 70 feet high and explore the intricate carvings and interiors. Learn about the incredible relocation project that saved the temples from the rising waters of Lake Nasser during the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
• Lake Nasser: Take a serene boat ride on Lake Nasser for a unique view of the temples from the water, offering a fascinating perspective on this engineering marvel.

Midday:

• Return to your Nile Cruise for lunch and relax as the ship begins its journey toward Kom Ombo.

Afternoon:

• Kom Ombo Temple: Disembark to visit this extraordinary dual temple dedicated to Sobek (the crocodile god) and Haroeris (the sun god). Admire its well-preserved Greco-Roman architecture and learn about ancient Egyptian beliefs regarding these deities.

Evening:

• Egyptian-Themed Dinner: Enjoy a festive onboard dinner, complete with an Egyptian costume party. Dress up in Galabeyas (traditional attire) and savor a lavish buffet of local specialties.
• Entertainment: Delight in live music, traditional dance performances, and a vibrant celebration under the stars.

Morning:

• Temple of Horus at Edfu: Visit the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus, built during the Ptolemaic era. Learn about temple worship practices and explore its intricate reliefs and grand courtyards.

Midday:

• Return to the cruise for lunch as the ship sails toward Luxor. Take in the scenic views of the Nile’s timeless beauty.

Afternoon:

• Luxor Temple (Evening Visit): Disembark to visit the breathtaking Temple of Luxor, illuminated beautifully at night. Walk among the towering columns and statues of Ramses II, and explore the Courtyard of Ramses II and the Colonnade of Amenhotep III.

Evening:

• Dinner and Entertainment: Dine on board, enjoying a delicious meal and a lively program of entertainment featuring folklore dancing and Egyptian music.

Early Morning (Optional):

• Hot Air Balloon Ride: Soar over Luxor’s ancient sites at dawn for a breathtaking view of the Nile, Valley of the Kings, and more.

Morning Highlights:

• Colossi of Memnon: Stop for photos at these towering statues, remnants of Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple.
• Temple of Hatshepsut: Visit this magnificent structure honoring Egypt’s first female pharaoh, nestled against dramatic cliffs.
• Valley of the Kings: Explore this UNESCO site, home to the tombs of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, including:
  • Tomb of Tutankhamun: Marvel at its artifacts and 35-century-old walls.
  • Tomb of Seti I: Discover its intricate decorations and preserved artwork.

Midday:

• Lunch: Relish traditional Egyptian cuisine at a charming local restaurant.

Afternoon:

• Deir el-Medina: Visit the workers’ village and its tombs, which house some of the most intricate artwork from ancient times.
• Karnak Temple: Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall and marvel at the 80-foot-high columns inscribed by generations of pharaohs.

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy authentic Egyptian dishes at a renowned local restaurant.
• Check-In: Stay overnight in a luxury 5-star hotel in Luxor.

Morning:

• Flight to Sharm El-Sheikh: Depart Luxor for Sharm El-Sheikh and check in to a luxurious beachfront hotel with stunning Red Sea views.

Daytime Activities:

• Beach Fun: Enjoy professional-led activities such as water aerobics, dance sessions, yoga, and meditation.
• Water Adventures: Try snorkeling to explore vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish, or experience thrilling water sports like parasailing or glass-bottom boat rides.

Evening:

• SOHO Square: Visit this lively hub of entertainment, featuring high-quality international and national theater performances.
• Hotel Entertainment: Indulge in the hotel’s evening program, including belly dancing, folklore shows, and live music.

Dinner:

• Savor a sumptuous Egyptian meal at a delightful local restaurant.

Morning & Afternoon:

• Beach Activities: Continue enjoying the vibrant offerings of Sharm El-Sheikh’s beaches. Snorkel among stunning coral reefs teeming with colorful fish.
• Lunch: Savor a delicious meal at your hotel, prepared according to your preference.

Evening:

• Hotel Entertainment: Enjoy Egyptian cultural performances, including belly dancing and folklore shows, featuring dazzling costumes and live music.
• City Tour: Explore Sharm El-Sheikh’s highlights and vibrant local life.

Dinner:

• Relish authentic Egyptian cuisine at a renowned local restaurant.

Morning & Afternoon:

• Beach Time: Spend your last day soaking up the sun and engaging in water activities like snorkeling, or simply relax by the shore.
• Lunch: Enjoy a leisurely meal at the hotel.

Evening:

• Free City Tour: Stroll through Sharm El-Sheikh at your own pace, taking in its markets, shops, and cultural sites.
• Dinner: Delight in a farewell Egyptian feast at a popular restaurant.

Departure:

• Transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Cairo, connecting to your international flight home.

• Cairo Airport: Bid farewell to Egypt with memories of its wonders. Board your flight home.