I went on an amazing educational to Egypt and it is something I will never forget.
We left Johannesburg late in the evening for Cairo. Arrival in Cairo was very early in the morning so we connected immediately to Luxor and were taken straight to our boat – the Sonesta Nile Goddess. We were booked on a 3 night cruise from Luxor to Aswan. We boarded just before lunch so that we could start sightseeing after lunch on the day of arrival.
On our first day we visited the Temple of Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Colossi of Memnon and The Temple of Hatshepsut. Just after setting sail in the early evening, we passed through the lock which was an exciting experience for all of us. In the evening we enjoyed a formal dinner with the Captain and a disco afterwards.
The following day we were taken on a horse drawn carriage through Edfu to the Temple of Horus, which is dedicated to the falcon god. We then returned to the cruiser and enjoyed the changing scenery as we cruised to Kom Ombo. We visited Kom Ombo Temple and then did a bit of shopping at the market just outside the temple where we bought a galabaya’s for the evening Galabaya Party.
On the last day of the cruise, we visited the High Dam – a huge rock-fill dam and the unfinished obelisk at the Granite Quarries near the High Dam. We also visited Philae Temple which was moved stone by stone to Agilikia Island, when High Dam was built. In the afternoon, we sailed by felucca around Kitchener’s Island, Elephantine Island and the Aga Khan’s Mausoleum. In the evening there was a Nubian Folklore Show aboard the boat.
The following day we disembarked in Aswan and were taken to the airport where we flew to Cairo. Our first stop in Cairo was at the Muhammad Ali Mosque (Citadel). What an amazing place! It has a stunning view over Cairo from the Citadel. We then went shopping (and did loads of bargaining) at the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar.
The following day we did a full day tour and visited Memphis, the ancient capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt and then on to Sakkara to view the step pyramid which is the oldest of all pyramids. We then visited Giza to see the famous Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. There is also the opportunity to have a camel ride here.
On our last day we visited the Egyptian Museum which houses the most important collection of Egyptian art in the world. It also houses Tutankhamen’s treasure.
The last night in Egypt was spent at the Ramses Hilton Hotel enjoying a Nubian Folk Show before leaving for the airport. The flights from Cairo back to Johannesburg leave just after midnight so this turns out to be a very long day.
All in all, I think Egypt is a great holiday destination if you are looking for a very historical holiday.