Egypt Uncovered

Tour description

The beauty and splendour of Egypt has captivated travellers for centuries. Awe-inspiring, ancient monuments rise majestically from the desert to give a glimpse of Egypt’s mighty past. The lush, green Nile valley cuts its way through barren, sandy desert and the hustle and bustle of Cairo hides a wealth of interesting sights. Add to this the sun drenched, sandy beaches and crystal blue waters of the Red Sea and you've got a great, 9-day holiday.

Your tour begins in Cairo with a visit to the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at Gisa, as well as a tour around the famous Egyptian Museum, including the Tutankhamun display, and an insight into Egypt's ancient past.

The overnight sleeper train (or optional flight) then takes you to Luxor some 310 miles (500 km) to the south, which is pleasantly situated on the east bank of the Nile. Here in Luxor you take time to visit the west bank of the Nile with a trip to the Valley of the Kings where the tombs of numerous Pharaohs lay concealed in the desert hills. You also visit the temple to Queen Hatchepsut, and Medinat Habu, which has perhaps the best preserved colourful wall paintings in Egypt, really giving you a feel for how these temples looked in ancient times. On the East bank of the Nile, you tour the majestic Luxor Temple, and the vast temple complex at Karnak.

After some free time to explore Luxor further, we leave the Nile valley behind as we drive to Red Sea and the resort town of Hurghada. Here you have a couple of days to relax on the beautiful, sandy beaches and swim in the warm blue waters of the Red Sea. You can just soak up the sun or if you feel more energetic there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy - take a trip into the desert on a jeep or camel safari, try some scuba diving or snorkelling on the stunning, coral reefs, or perhaps an excursion to the  monasteries of St Paul and St Anthony.

Another drive (or optional flight) brings you back to Cairo where you have the rest of the day to do some last minute shopping or sightseeing. In the evening have the option of revisiting the pyramids for a spectacular sound and light show, taking a dinner cruise on the Nile with a sufi and belly dancing show, or exploring one of Cairo's many excellent restaurants for a farewell meal.

Your tour ends the following morning with a transfer back to the airport.