INSIDE EGYPT
with
Dr. Farouk Hosny, Egypt’s Former Minister of Culture
Dr. Mostafa el Feki, Director of the New Library of Alexandria
& Surprise VIP Guest
Discover the real spirit of Egypt and meet some of the most influential Egyptians. Travel in style and allow us to take you places no one else can, with an authenticity no one can match. During the Inside Egypt tour, you not only visit Egypt’s most iconic sites, you experience each place from a truly local perspective, getting up close and personal with Egypt’s vibrant culture, deep history and inimitable cuisine.
Follow in the footsteps of the most cosmopolitan travelers and savor the world of luxury by staying at the most iconic hotels in Egypt. Embrace the hospitality of local people who invite you into their homes so you can see what everyday life in Egypt is like. You also enjoy treatment typically reserved for royals, heads of state, and other VIPs when you visit two of Egypt’s presidential palaces in Cairo and in Alexandria.
Meet some of the most influential Egyptians: former Minister of Culture and celebrated artist Dr. Farouk Hosny describes Egypt’s rich heritage; Dr. Mostafa el Feki, Director of the New Library of Alexandria, discusses the people and politics of Egypt. To enrich your experience of Egypt even further, you will meet Archaeological Paths’ Surprise VIP Guest– it can be a world-renowned scholar, museum director, high-profile minister, or even a member of a former presidential family.
October 26 - November 8, 2022
Waiting list
Dr. Farouk Hosny
Egypt’s Former Minister of Culture
No one is better suited to introduce you to the modern history of Egypt than Dr. Farouk Hosny – one of the most recognizable cultural innovators and Egypt’s best-known contemporary painter. Dr. Hosny was Egypt’s Minister of Culture for 24 years. During his tenure, he played a vital role in the construction of a number of significant cultural institutions, including the Nubian Museum in Aswan, the Alexandria National Museum and – most notably – the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Dr. Hosny’s work, exhibited worldwide, has garnered him many prestigious honors, including the Grand Official Award from the government of Italy and the Grand Audio-Visual Award from UNESCO.
Meet Dr. Farouk Hosny in his private museum, where he shares with you his unique understanding of Egypt’s culture and modern history. He also invites you into his art studio, where you can see how the essence of Egypt infuses his abstract paintings.
Dr. Mostafa el Feki
Director of the New Library of Alexandria
At the New Library of Alexandria, you meet with Dr. Mostafa el Feki, director of the library. Dr. el Feki has lectured at some of the most respected Egyptian and foreign universities, and now he gives you a private talk on the life, people and politics of Egypt and their relationship with the world.
Dr. el Feki has held a number of diplomatic posts and has received medals and distinctions from European states such as Spain, Greece, France, and Austria, as well as from Egypt, in recognition of his international work. He was a professor of political science at the American University in Cairo and later founded the British University in Egypt and was its first director.
Surprise VIP Guest
Over the years our exclusive tours have been attended by royals, presidents and world famous figures. Madam Jehan Sadat, Egypt’s former First Lady, Omar Sharif, the legendary Egyptian actor, or Lech Walesa, former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize winner – those are only few personages – among many other names from the world of archaeology, politics, and culture – with whom our tour guests could meet during their tour.
On your tour you will enrich your experience of Egypt by meeting with Archaeological Paths’ Surprise VIP Guest – it can be a world-renowned scholar, museum director, high-profile minister, or even a member of a former presidential family. They say the best gifts are the unexpected ones, so let us surprise you and make your time in Egypt a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
It is my pleasure to invite you to tour Egypt with Archaeological Paths. They are really the best company to come with to visit my country. It’s a visit that you will never forget. When you go to Egypt, you have to take a tour with Dr. Zahi Hawass. He is the best in our country to have with you on your trip and to tell you about the history of Egypt. Nobody can say it better than Zahi Hawass. You will enjoy your stay here and, believe me, you will come back. You cannot miss visiting Egypt.
– Dr. Jehan Sadat
The late First Lady of Egypt
Special access to Abdeen Palace in Cairo
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e of the official residences of the president of Egypt, where monarchs, VIPs and other visiting dignitaries are hosted.
Special access to Montazah Palace in Alexandria
Feel like royalty on this visit to the 19th-century palace, another of the Egyptian president’s official residences, which is off-limits to the public.
Private entry to the Giza Plateau
Visit the most iconic historic site in the world outside regular hours for an intimate and crowd-free experience.
Private entry to the Great Pyramid
Explore the Pyramid of Khufu – including two chambers that are closed to the public – without any other tourists.
Special access to the Great Sphinx Enclosure
Marvel at a once-in-a-lifetime chance to touch the Great Sphinx and watch the sunrise from between its huge paws.
Special access to …
You will have to wait and see! For a special treat, Archaeological Paths will take you to a truly extraordinary place – it can be a presidential palace, an active excavation area, or even a newly discovered tomb or a temple which will stay closed to all tourists for years. Our tour guests are often invited to grand archaeological events where new findings are announced and are the very first witnesses of major discoveries in Egypt. So don’t be surprised when you are a part of one during your tour. With us, you can expect the unexpected!
Cairo & Pyramids – Discover the diverse capital of Egypt. Begin your journey at Saqqara, home to the first pyramid ever built by the Egyptians, the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Gaze in awe upon the magnificent Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx.
Historic Cairo – Explore the city’s two historic architectural gems, the Saladin Citadel and the Alabaster Mosque. Meander along the oldest street in Cairo, Sharia Muizz Street, and try the most aromatic coffee in all of Egypt. Stroll through the legendary Khan el-Khalili bazaar and get a glimpse into Cairo’s medieval past.
Grand Egyptian Museum – Delve into the world’s largest collection of pharaonic treasures, including King Tut’s famous golden mask.
Luxor – Unveil the secrets of the ancient city of Thebes by visiting the enormous Karnak and Luxor Temples. Explore the royal tombs of the pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings and their wives’ tombs in the Valley of the Queens, including the beautiful Nefertari’s tomb. Visit the great Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and admire the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
Nile Cruise – Enjoy a 4-day scenic cruise down the Nile and visit the most awe-inspiring sites.
Edfu & Kom Ombo – Visit the marvelous Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt, and the Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo.
Aswan – Admire the Unfinished Obelisk, the world’s largest ancient obelisk, and discover the Temple of Philae, beautifully located on an island. Marvel at the feat of engineering behind the 2-mile-long Aswan High Dam and sail to Aswan Botanical Garden, a true oasis in the middle of the Nile. Visit the Nubian Museum, which houses more than 3,000 artifacts.
Abu Simbel – Explore the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, carved out of the mountainside for Ramses II and his wife Nefertari.
Alexandria – Explore the city founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, famous for its Roman remains. Visit the catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa, the Roman Amphitheater and the harbor of Alexandria with the picturesque Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay. Browse the stacks at the famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina with its director, Dr. Mostafa el Feki.
Inside Egypt’s Cultural Experiences – Share unique cultural experiences at local homes and traditional marketplaces. Meet with Nubians to discover their way of living – enjoy the hospitality of local families who share their culinary secrets and prepare authentic Egyptian meals especially for you. Stroll through captivating old souks in Luxor and Aswan and take a scenic ride across the Nile on a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat.
Historic Hotels – Follow in the footsteps of the most cosmopolitan travelers and savor the world of luxury by staying at the most iconic hotels in Egypt. Relish the beauty of 19th-century palaces and colonial-era resorts and enjoy a level of service that would impress even royals and dignitaries.
Day 1 – Arrival in Cairo
When you arrive at Cairo International Airport, an Archaeological Paths’ representative greets you and helps you with visa and airport procedures. You are then transferred to a luxurious Marriott Mena House in Giza that offers spectacular views of the pyramids.
Day 2 – Saqqara / Exclusive Lecture by Dr. Farouk Hosny
After an orientation with Archaeological Paths’ representatives, you visit the ancient necropolis of Saqqara. Admire the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest pyramid in Egypt, built 4,700 years ago by the legendary architect Imhotep. You also visit the elaborately decorated Tomb of Mereruka and the Pyramid of Teti, which boasts one of the oldest pyramid texts ever discovered. Wrap up your sightseeing in Saqqara with a visit to the Imhotep Museum.
Next, you visit the home of a local family, bringing you up close and personal with the customs and everyday life of Egyptians. Learn the secrets of traditional Egyptian cuisine from a local farmer and his wife who share lunch with you at their table.
Top off the day by meeting Dr. Farouk Hosny, former Minister of Culture and one of Egypt’s best-known artists. In his private museum, he shares with you his unique understanding of Egypt’s culture and modern history. He also invites you into his art studio, where you can see how the essence of Egypt infuses his abstract paintings.
Day 3 – Private Entry to the Giza Plateau / Private Entry to the Great Pyramid of Khufu / Special Access Between the Paws of the Great Sphinx / Special Access to Abdeen Palace & Royal Dinner
In the morning, when the entire Giza Plateau remains closed to other tourists, Archaeological Paths’ guests have exclusive access to this iconic ancient site. This crowd-free experience is typically offered only to royals, heads of state and other honored guests.
First, you enjoy private entry to the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing today. During the entire visit, you are accompanied by an Egyptology Expert who leads you through the Great Pyramid’s interior and vividly describes its history, construction, and mythology.
On top of accessing the pyramid privately and seeing the King’s Chamber, the Director of the Giza Pyramids opens for you two additional chambers – the Queen’s Chamber and the Subterranean Chamber, both closed to the public.
Next, you have VIP access to the Great Sphinx Enclosure. While other tourists see the Sphinx only from a distant observation terrace, you – in the company of your Egyptology Expert and the rising sun – stand right in front of the world’s largest sculpture.
Later, when the Giza Plateau opens to the public, you visit the stone quarry of Giza and the Valley Temple of Khafre, which was used for the Pharaoh Khafre’s mummification and purification before burial. Finally, take in a picturesque overview of the pyramids from a panoramic viewpoint.
VIDEO - THE GIZA PLATEAU with Archaeological Paths - explore differences
Your visit to the Giza Plateau might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you want to be sure it is extraordinary. The tour company you choose makes all the difference. Compare two different ways to visit the world’s most iconic archaeological site and see how much of a difference it makes traveling with Archaeological Paths!
In the evening, you pay an exclusive visit to the presidential residence of Abdeen Palace in Cairo. The opulent décor of this 19th-century palace remains among the most impressive in Egypt. Admire the ornate interiors, and enjoy dinner fit for a king served on its premises.
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Day 4 – Abu Simbel Temples / Aswan High Dam / Felucca Ride / Aswan Botanical Garden
A short flight takes you to Abu Simbel. There, you visit the majestic Abu Simbel Temples, one of the most impressive monuments of ancient Egypt. The temples were carved out of the mountainside in the 13th century BC for Ramses II and his wife Nefertari.
On the way to Aswan, you stop to see the imposing 2-mile-long Aswan High Dam. Its construction began in 1960, lasted 8 years and cost $1 billion. The dam ended the cycle of flood and drought in the Nile River region.
Later, check in at the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan and follow in the footsteps of Agatha Christie, Sir Winston Churchill and Princess Diana, who all stayed at this luxury retreat on the Nile. After check-in and lunch at the hotel, enjoy a scenic ride across the Nile on a felucca, a traditional sailboat. It takes you to Aswan Botanical Garden, a true oasis in the middle of the Nile river.
Day 5 – Nubian Museum / Nubian Village / Aswan Old Souk
Start your second day in Aswan with a visit to the Nubian Museum. It houses more than 3,000 artifacts and serves as a focal point for Nubian culture from prehistory to the present day.
Later, a motorboat ride takes you through the cataracts of the Nile to a Nubian village. There, you meet the Nubians and visit their homes and local school to experience their way of living. There is no better way to get to know the Nubians than by sharing lunch at their own home. During the visit, you have a unique opportunity to see a demonstration of Nubian folk dances and music.
In the evening you stroll through the Aswan Old Souk, an atmospheric open-air market. Don’t forget to try the local shisha and taste some traditional Egyptian tea.
Day 6 – Unfinished Obelisk / Temple of Philae
Today you embark on a 4-day Nile cruise. After checking in to the luxury cruise ship, you pay a visit to the Unfinished Obelisk, the largest-known ancient obelisk, lying on its side in a stone quarry. It is nearly one-third larger than any ancient Egyptian obelisk ever erected. It measures around 140 feet tall and weighs nearly 1,200 tons.
Next, you take a motorboat ride to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple was built in 208 BC and was reassembled piece by piece on an island in a reservoir created by the Aswan Low Dam when flooding threatened its original location.
Before dinner you are invited to the captain’s cocktail party, where you meet the crew and taste delicious local and international cocktails.
Day 7 – Kom Ombo Temple / Nile River Cruise / Q&A Session / Edfu Temple
In the morning you start cruising toward Kom Ombo to explore the Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo. It was built between 205 and 180 BC as a place of worship for two gods: Horus, the falcon god, and Sobek, the crocodile god. Later you visit the Crocodile Museum, which houses a collection of mummified crocodiles and ancient carvings.
On the way along the Nile to the next site, you can enjoy a drink on the ship’s beautiful sundeck while admiring the local wildlife, flourishing green fields, picturesque villages, palm trees and desert in the distance. Have a swim in the pool or use the ship’s spa, jacuzzi or gym facilities. With all these possibilities for relaxation, do not miss an engaging Q&A session with your Egyptology Expert who answers your questions about history and daily life in both ancient and modern Egypt.
In the afternoon you visit the marvelous Temple of Edfu. It is among the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt, built between 237 and 57 BC, and dedicated to Horus. Tonight’s onboard dinner features exquisite Egyptian cuisine and an Egyptian Night costume party in traditional galabeyas.
Day 8 – Karnak and Luxor Temples / Luxor Market
After reaching Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes and one of the capitals of ancient Egypt, you visit famous Karnak, the largest temple complex in the world. Walk through the avenue of sphinxes, gaze up at the towering 97-foot-tall obelisk, and wander among the massive pillars of the Great Hypostyle Hall.
Next, explore magnificent Luxor Temple. It was built over hundreds of years by the New Kingdom pharaohs including Tutankhamun and Ramses II. To this day the temple is one of the greatest reflections of the pharaohs’ power and supremacy.
On the way back to the cruise ship, take a horse-drawn carriage through a popular bazaar. Before dinner, enjoy a traditional belly dance performance. In the evening you explore Luxor Market, an authentic, open-air souk. There, you have a chance to connect with locals at every turn and sample regional delicacies.
Day 9 – Cooking Class / Temple of Hatshepsut / Colossi of Memnon
After finishing your Nile cruise, it is time to check in at yet another historic hotel – Sofitel Winter Palace in Luxor, a 19th-century palace where Howard Carter announced the discovery of King Tut’s tomb and Agatha Christie wrote part of Death on the Nile.
Get ready for a truly Egyptian day. Today’s activities are focused on bringing you up close to the rich culture of Egypt. Start by donning a traditional galabeya and going on a shopping spree at the bustling Luxor souk. You learn how to haggle properly and, with the help of an expert, buy all the necessary ingredients for your upcoming cooking class at a local family’s home by the Nile River. After preparing a flavorful Egyptian lunch, enjoy the fruits of your labor with your hosts.
Later, explore the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, one of the most characteristic temples in Luxor. It was built for the most successful female pharaoh to rule over Egypt. On the way back to the hotel you stop to admire the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
Day 10 – Valley of the Kings / Valley of the Queens
After breakfast at a local home, a short motorboat ride across the Nile takes you the Valley of the Kings. It was a royal cemetery for over 500 years, and 62 pharaohs and other nobles were buried there. In the Valley, you see some of the best-known tombs, including King Tutankhamun’s, which was famously found intact in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter.
Next, explore the Valley of the Queens. It served as the burial site for the queens and some of the children of the 19th and 20th Dynasty pharaohs. You visit four very well-preserved tombs, including Nefertari’s, which is regarded as the most beautiful in Egypt because of its vivid and ornate paintings.
Your stay in Luxor ends with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant on the west bank of the Nile, followed by a flight to Alexandria.
Day 11 – Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa / Roman Amphitheater / Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay / Exclusive Lecture by Dr. Mostafa el Feki in the Bibliotheca Alexandrina / Special Access to Montazah Palace
Alexandria – with its Mediterranean climate and famous Roman remains – is the second largest city in Egypt. The city was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC and was the capital of Egypt for more than 300 years. Your sightseeing starts with a visit to the catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa, where you examine fine examples of pharaonic funeral art with strong Greco-Roman influences, followed by a stop at the 4th-century AD Roman Amphitheater. Later, visit the harbor of Alexandria with the picturesque Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay, the place where the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – once stood.
At the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, also known as the New Library of Alexandria, you meet with the library’s director, Dr. Mostafa el Feki. A respected scholar, writer, and educator, Dr. el Feki gives you a private lecture on the people, politics and culture of Egypt and their relationship with the world.
After the meeting, another one-of-a-kind experience is in store – special access to Montazah Palace. The visit to this elaborate residence of royals and presidents takes you back to the late 19th century, when it was built as a summer home by Egypt’s viceroy. The palace incorporates a variety of architectural styles. Admire its sumptuous interiors and stroll through its lush gardens.
Day 12 – Saladin Citadel & Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali / Old and Islamic Cairo / Khan El-Khalili bazaar
After returning to Cairo, check in at the Cairo Marriott Hotel. Its modern towers flank its 19th-century central wing, which was originally constructed as a palace to host visiting dignitaries in the city’s famous Zamalek district.
Spend the day exploring the most evocative parts of Cairo. Visit the 12th-century Islamic fortress, known as the Saladin Citadel, and the Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali. The mosque was built on the summit of the citadel between 1830 and 1848 and is an unparalleled contribution to the skyline of Cairo.
Next, enjoy lunch at one of the most famous Cairo restaurants, Naguib Mahfouz Café, which serves a wide selection of traditional Egyptian dishes. Stop by some of the oldest churches in Egypt and a synagogue, seeing firsthand the mixture of Christianity, Judaism and Islam that came together in Old Cairo. Then stroll through Islamic Cairo along the oldest street in the city – Sharia Muizz Street – and try the most aromatic coffee in all of Egypt.
Later, you visit the legendary Khan el-Khalili bazaar – a lively souk that dates back to medieval times. Among its labyrinthine alleyways, you can find handmade crafts, sparkling silverware, flavorful spices and other unique souvenirs.
Day 13 – Grand Egyptian Museum / Farewell Dinner
You top off your tour with a visit to the long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum*. It is home to the world’s greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, preserving 7,000 years of Egyptian history. The highlight of the visit is the spectacular Pharaoh Tutankhamun collection, which is shown in its entirety for the first time. Apart from the most valuable collection of Egyptian antiquities, you also see the Khufu Solar Boat, which symbolically transported the Pharaoh Khufu from the living world to the afterlife.
In the evening, during the farewell dinner, enjoy live music and celebrate your unforgettable journey across Egypt.
*The visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum depends on the time of its opening. Until then, the tour itinerary will include the visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities at Tahrir Square.
Day 14 – Departure from Cairo
After breakfast, you are transferred to Cairo International Airport for your flight back home.
Please find below a brief summary of the Pre- and Post- Tours. To read the full description of the Extensions, please download our Extensions Travel Brochure – CLICK HERE TO VIEW BROCHURE.
PRE-TOURS:
MEMPHIS & DAHSHUR (1-day add-on)
Discover Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, and Dahshur, home to the Bent and Red Pyramids. In Memphis, you visit a historical open-air museum and admire a monumental statue of Ramses II carved from limestone. Dahshur gives you a chance to explore two of the oldest, largest and best-preserved pyramids in Egypt – the Bent and Red Pyramids, built for Pharaoh Snefru.
Price: $495 per person for a double room or $595 for a single room. The add-on includes accommodation for 1 night at the same hotel as during the main tour.
ISRAEL (5-day add-on)
Visit Israel – the Holy Land – full of archaeological wonders and UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the sacred home of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Stroll around the streets of Jerusalem. Walk in the footsteps of King David. See the Western Wall, one of the holiest places in Judaism. Enjoy a scenic ride through the Judean Desert and along the shore of the Dead Sea to visit Masada, the ancient fortress built by King Herod and now Israel’s foremost archaeological park.
EXCLUSIVE VIP EXPERIENCES:
Israel Museum: Visit Israel’s largest cultural institution in the company of one of the museum’s curators. Gain exclusive insight into the finest artifacts and treasures, which range from ancient texts, including Dead Sea Scrolls, to contemporary sculpture and art.
City of David National Park: Explore this active archaeological site with one of the field excavation directors. Discover the place where Jerusalem was founded and witness how archaeological finds, historical texts, and biblical narratives converge in this fascinating country.
Price: $4985 per person for a double room. Single supplement costs $995. The add-on starts 5 days before and ends a day prior to the Egypt tour. You should purchase an additional night at the hotel in Egypt, so you can use that day to rest, or take part in our 1-day pre-tour add-on which includes the cost of the additional night.
POST-TOURS:
CAIRO MUSEUMS (1-day add-on)
During this one-day add-on, visit two of Cairo’s most important museums. First, explore the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Tahrir Square. It was built in 1902, and its iconic pink-toned walls in the midst of downtown Cairo still house an extensive collection of pharaonic antiquities. After lunch, visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Just opened in 2017, the museum tells the story of Egypt’s rich history and contribution to world cultures – from ancient times through the Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic periods – with fascinating exhibitions and artifacts, including royal mummies of the greatest pharaohs.
Price: $495 per person for a double room or $595 for a single room. The add-on includes accommodation for 1 night at the same hotel as during the main tour.
JORDAN (5-day add-on)
Experience Jordan on a fascinating tour to a land of ancient wonders. Unveil the secrets of the Rose City of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the desert of Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, with its prehistoric petroglyphs and ever-changing landscape of otherworldly rock formations. Take a relaxing dip in the Dead Sea and visit Mount Nebo, from where Moses is believed to have seen the Promised Land.
EXCLUSIVE VIP EXPERIENCE:
Petra with an archaeologist: Explore Jordan’s most famous site together with one of the leading archaeologists working there. Learn about the latest research and discoveries made in Petra and uncover the secrets of the Treasury, Petra’s most magnificent temple.
Price: $4985 per person for a double room. Single supplement costs $995. The add-on starts the day after the Egypt tour ends. You should purchase an additional night at the hotel, so you can use that day to rest, or take part in our 1-day post-tour add-on which includes the cost of the additional night.
At the Marriott Mena House you can enjoy truly unparalleled accommodation. The hotel’s setting, with its view of the Pyramids of Giza, has entranced travelers through the ages. The tranquility and fresh breezes have attracted royalty and the rich and famous to this magical location for 150 years. The Marriott Mena House merges the exceptional heritage of the Pyramids standing witness to thousands of years of civilization with Marriott International’s 21st-century tradition of innovation. According to Time magazine, Marriott Mena House hotel is one of the World's Greatest Places to visit. The hotel consists of 331 luxury rooms and suites with private balconies, many boasting views of the Pyramids or the lavish gardens, four restaurants and lounges, and a heated swimming pool and a health club.
Sofitel Winter Palace blends rich colonial design with the glory of pharaonic times. This prestigious and opulent hotel is a stunning example of Victorian architecture featuring high-standard facilities, grand staircases, high ceilings and lounge areas appointed with antique furniture and beautiful flower arrangements. In this 19th-century palace, once a winter retreat for the Egyptian royal family, Agatha Christie wrote her famed 1937 novel Death on the Nile and an archaeologist Howard Carter, discoverer of Tutankhamun's tomb, wandered its amazing gardens almost a century ago.
The legendary Old Cataract hotel set on the banks of the Nile in Aswan, just opposite the Elephantine Island, blends pharaonic treasures with French art de recevoir. This 19th-century Victorian palace with the pink granite facade is also famous for its sophisticated interiors by Sybille de Margerie, a world of Moorish arches, ruby red chandeliers, plush Persian carpets, soft armchairs and hand-carved furnishings. The contemporary part of the hotel offers the finest enriching experiences.
Set in an architectural landmark of Alexandria, hotel Four Seasons at San Stefano features a fashionable resort setting and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. It provides a private sandy beach tucked along a bay, full-service spa, outdoor pool and restaurants with terraces offering scenic views. With Egyptian underpinnings and a sleek waterfront setting, the resort-style hotel embodies modern Alexandria and its unique cosmopolitan flare. On one side, the Mediterranean Sea glistens in the sun; on the other, a dynamic metropolis buzzes with life.
The Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino, with its exquisitely designed rooms and suites, sits in Cairo’s legendary Zamalek district. The hotel’s idyllic location offers spectacular views of the River Nile and splendid palace gardens. Constructed as a visitor’s palace to host distinguished guests who were attending the opening of the Suez Canal – including Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and Empress Eugénie of France – it has been providing guests from all over the world with the royal treatment since it opened in 1869. Now, the 150-year-old Gezirah Palace and its lush 6-acre gardens make this modern 5-star hotel an unparalleled oasis in the city.
Le Fayan is one of the newest cruise ships available on the Nile, featured on more than one list of the top 10 Nile cruisers. Its 57 spacious rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beautiful landscapes along the Nile. The boat offers world-class standards and provides attentive hospitality. In your free time you can sip cocktails at the ship’s bar, go to the gym or enjoy the modern sundeck, which boasts tables and chairs along with lounge chairs for sunbathing, a bar, jacuzzi and a swimming pool. A luxury cruise on the Nile is always a memorable experience. It is also the most comfortable way to travel while exploring Egypt’s most renowned temples and historic sites.
Prices Starting From:
• $8,985 – Double Occupancy
• $2,985 – Single Supplement
Payment Schedule:
• $1,200 deposit – during booking
• Remaining balance – 90 days before the tour
Price Includes:
Exclusive VIP Experiences as indicated in the itinerary; Special Guests as indicated in the itinerary; Luxury Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary; All sightseeing tours and entries as indicated in the itinerary; Meals as indicated in the itinerary; English-speaking Egyptology Expert as a tour guide; English-speaking Travel Concierge; Domestic airfare; Bottled water during sightseeing; Transfers in air-conditioned buses; Reception at the airport and airport transfers on standard arrival and departure days; Basic health insurance (to download the Terms and Conditions of travel insurance click here); Taxes.
Not Included:
International airfare (we can assist you with the booking); $25 entry visa (issued and paid in cash on arrival at Cairo International Airport); Tips; Soft and alcoholic beverages; Personal expenses
In order to book your place on the Inside Egypt tour, please click below on the Book Now button and follow the instructions.
Next, please make the deposit payment to confirm your place on the tour. Since the number of places is limited, we encourage you to book the tour as soon as possible. Please contact us if you have any questions.
E-mail: contact@archaeologicalpaths.com
USA phone: 917-724-2772
Other countries: +1 917-724-2772
Office hours: 8am–8pm EST Monday–Friday & 9am–5pm EST Saturdays.
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