Classic Egypt and Eclipse

Our tour begins today in Cairo, Egypt's bustling capital on the banks of the River Nile. This sprawling metropolis is a fascinating mix of modern buildings, ancient landmarks and maze-like streets, home to some of the best Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic sites in the country. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Cairo at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, please arrange to arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI); it's around a 30 to 45-minute drive to the hotel. At 6pm, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception for a welcome meeting, with the option to head out for dinner together afterwards. If you arrive later, your tour leader will catch up with you once you've settled in. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to catch your first glimpse of the mighty Nile, visit the medieval market of Khan el Khalili or cross the river for a stroll along the Nile promenade. Egyptians are famously warm and welcoming, so wherever you wander, you're sure to enjoy an authentic first taste of the country

This morning, we'll make our way to Giza, where we'll see the pyramids and sphinx; among the most impressive man-made spectacles in the world. We'll explore the pyramid complex, which includes the sphinx, a crouching lion with a human head carved from solid rock and the splendid Granite Temple, with a local guide. We'll then head to the spectacular new Egyptian Museum in Giza; a repository of over 100,000 items encompassing all aspects of ancient Egyptian life, including ornate jewellery, caskets and towering granite statues and mummified remains. At the time of writing there are twelve galleries open including the the remarkable golden treasures of Tutankhamun. The Grand Egyptian Museum is a wonderful destination in itself, its sheer size and beautiful architectural design has deservedly drawn acclaim worldwide. After our tour there is time to have lunch in one of the many restaurants in the museum. Returning to our hotel in the city centre, there will be time to take a stroll to visit the capital's medieval market at Khan el Khalili, have a dip in the pool or relax on the rooftop terrace overlooking the Nile.

Today we leave the bustle of Cairo behind and journey south towards Minya, a region often referred to as the \ Bride of Upper Egypt\ for its rich cultural heritage and scenic stretch along the Nile. Travelling by our private, air-conditioned bus, the journey of approximately 270 kilometres will take around four hours, passing through rural villages and landscapes that offer a glimpse into everyday life along the fertile riverbanks. On arrival in Minya, we will head straight to the fascinating archaeological site of Tel el-Amarna once the short-lived capital city of Akhetaten, founded by Pharaoh Akhenaten around 1346 BC. This site marks one of ancient Egypt's most intriguing chapters, a time when Akhenaten and his queen Nefertiti broke from traditional beliefs to worship a single god, Aten, represented by the sun disc. We will explore the remnants of temples, tombs and palaces that reveal the story of this bold experiment in religion and art, as well as enjoy views over the desert plain that once thrived with life and splendour. We plan to arrive at our hotel in Minya by mid-afternoon, with time to relax and unwind.

This morning, after breakfast, we will travel to the archaeological site of Beni Hassan, located about 25 minutes from Minya. Widely regarded as one of the most fascinating sites in the region, Beni Hassan is home to a series of beautifully decorated tombs, renowned for their vibrant wall paintings, inscriptions, and remarkably well-preserved burial chambers. The 39 tombs provide a captivating glimpse into the artistry, beliefs, and daily life of ancient Egypt. The afternoon will be free for leisure.

After breakfast, we will travel to the Aton Hotel, set on the banks of the Nile, in preparation for our once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse experience. While we don't have an astronomer accompanying us on this Egyptian eclipse, we are fortunate to have exclusive use of part of the hotel's outside sundeck, offering us unobstructed views as the eclipse begins. For the viewing we will be joined by another Explore group to witness this spectacle together. The partial phase is expected to start at 11:40 am, with totality commencing at 1:05 pm and lasting 6 minutes and 22 seconds. The partial eclipse will then conclude around 2:26 pm. As direct viewing of the sun, even during a partial eclipse, is not recommended, eclipse glasses will be provided so everyone can safely enjoy this extraordinary event. August is the hottest month in Egypt, so we will ensure your comfort with multiple canopies and shaded areas. Drinks and snacks will be available, and we will enjoy lunch at the hotel. After the eclipse, there will be a few hours to explore Minya or relax at the hotel before we head to the train station for our overnight journey to Aswan. The train is scheduled to depart at 8:35 pm, arriving in Aswan at 6:00 am the following morning. We use the best available sleeper compartments, with two-berth cabins containing a bench seat that converts into bunk beds. While the service is designated as first class, the standard is not comparable to European first-class train travel. Breakfast is delivered directly to your cabin by the carriage steward, but it is worth purchasing some additional snacks before boarding, as we may only have time for an early dinner before departure.

Aswan is Egypt's most southerly city, traditionally regarded as the frontier post of Upper Egypt. Situated on the east bank of the Nile, it lies just below the First Cataract and serves as a meeting point between Arab culture, Nubia, and black Africa. Our early arrival allows time for an excursion to the Philae Temple, beautifully set on a picturesque island. The temple was relocated when the original site was flooded following the completion of the Aswan Dam. Its pylons are adorned with some of Egypt's finest carvings. We will travel to the island and back by a small motorboat. We will head to our hotel around lunchtime, the afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the hotel pool on the banks of the Nile, or undertake independent sightseeing. The Nubian bazaar, a short walk from the hotel in the centre of Aswan, is well worth a visit. It hosts many unusual stalls, including perfume shops and a papyrus institute. We will also visit the Unfinished Obelisk, an impressive example of ancient Egyptian stonework. This evening, we will take a motorboat across the Nile to a traditional Nubian village for a home-cooked dinner with a local family

This morning we will rise for a very early start as we drive south by bus to the extraordinary rock-hewn temple of Abu Simbel. Carved out of solid sandstone on the west bank of the Nile, Abu Simbel is one of Egypt's most impressive monuments. Built by Ramses II in the 13th century BCE, it was designed both as a show of his power and as a lasting tribute to the gods. The colossal statues at the entrance, each 20 metres (65 feet) high, represent Ramses himself and are flanked by smaller figures of his family. Inside, the temple's walls are covered with intricate carvings and hieroglyphics that tell stories of the pharaoh's military victories and devotion to the gods. In the 1960s, the entire complex was painstakingly relocated 61 metres (200 feet) higher to protect it from the rising waters of the Aswan High Dam, a feat of engineering that preserved this masterpiece for future generations. We will return to Aswan in the early afternoon, in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the hotel pool on the banks of the Nile, or explore independently. You will also have the option of venturing out on the Nile in a traditional wooden felucca, floating past palm-fringed islands and riverside settlements. The Nubian bazaar, just a short walk from our hotel in central Aswan, is well worth a visit. It contains many unusual stalls, including perfume shops and a papyrus institute. There is also the option to tour the Aswan High Dam, completed in 1970, and the unfinished obelisk.

After enjoying breakfast, we will begin our drive to Luxor. Along the way, we will stop at the Kom Ombo Temple, a remarkable site located on the banks of the Nile. This temple is particularly unique because it is dedicated to two gods: Haroeris, the falcon-headed sky god, and Sobek, the crocodile god. The choice of Sobek is significant, as this stretch of the Nile was once home to a large population of crocodiles, which made the god an important figure for local communities. While exploring the temple, you will have the opportunity to admire the beautifully preserved reliefs and learn about the fascinating dual dedication that makes Kom Ombo so special. Our journey will continue with a visit to the Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this impressive structure showcases intricate carvings and detailed inscriptions that tell stories of ancient rituals and mythology. The temple's grandeur and peaceful surroundings make it a highlight of the drive along the Nile. After our visit to Edfu, we will continue on to Luxor, passing through the river valley and desert landscape along the way. We expect to arrive in Luxor in the mid-afternoon, giving you time to settle in and relax before the evening.

We will make the most of the early and cooler hours of the day today with a short drive to the Karnak Temple, one of Egypt's most celebrated temple complexes, with parts of the site dating back as far as 2,000 BC. We will then visit the Luxor Temple complex, once the ancient crowning place of the pharaohs. In later years, the Romans transformed parts of the complex into a legionary fortress, which was subsequently converted into several churches during the Christian era. We will return to our hotel in Luxor around noon, and the afternoon is free for you to relax. If you wish, it is possible to visit the Luxor Museum and the Luxor Mummification Museum, both within walking distance from the hotel. Today also offers the opportunity to see Luxor from above with an optional hot air balloon ride over the city, the Valley of the Kings, and the temples of antiquity on the West Bank. If you wish to join, pick-up will be from your hotel between 04:30 and 05:00. Please refer to the Budgeting and Packing section for more details

Arguably Egypt's most famous site, today we will have an early start to visit the world-renowned Valley of the Kings. This is most famous as the burial site of Tutankhamun, discovered in 1922 by British Egyptologist Howard Carter, alongside another 62 royal tombs. Our visit includes entrance to three of these tombs, which will be selected on the day, as many are periodically closed for resting and renovation to ensure their preservation. After exploring the three tombs, there will be an option to pay a supplement to visit Tutankhamun's tomb. Next, we will visit the Temple of Hatshepsut. Pharaoh Hatshepsut is widely regarded as the most successful female ruler of Ancient Egypt, a remarkable achievement in her time. She was buried alongside her male counterparts in the Valley of the Kings. While historians debate aspects of her reign, walking into the shadow of Hatshepsut's immense temple, carved into the limestone cliffs of Luxor's West Bank, is a powerful testament to her accomplishments. The temple's design is strikingly modern and was once linked directly with Karnak Temple on the East Bank. Continuing our exploration of the West Bank, we will visit the striking Habu Temple, one of the less-visited and often overlooked sites in the area. The temple complex is dominated by the highly decorated and well-preserved mortuary temple of Ramses III, which depicts scenes of conquests and famous battles. The complex also houses the Temple of Amun, built by Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III. With the village in the foreground and the Theban hills behind, it provides a fitting end to our morning of visiting some of Egypt's best-preserved ancient sites. For lunch, we will enjoy a home-cooked meal at a local family home on the West Bank, sampling traditional dishes such as okra stew, koshari (a mix of rice, lentils, pasta and chickpeas) and tagen, a rich and flavoursome tomato-based dish, all served with freshly baked bread. We will return to our hotel mid-afternoon, leaving time to relax, take a dip in the pool, or enjoy a stroll through the lively markets of Luxor whilst soaking up our last full day in Egypt.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Luxor. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Luxor at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel, if you wish to explore more of the town before you depart. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Luxor International Airport (LXR), which is approximately a 15-minute drive from the hotel.