Exclusive Egypt - Privacy in the company of expert Egyptologists

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EXCLUSIVE EGYPT

Privacy in the Company of Expert Egyptologists

WELCOME

Imagine exploring the mystical land of Egypt, where ancient wonders and awe-inspiring landscapes converge. From the magnificent pyramids of Giza to the tranquil serenity of the Nile River, this land is teeming with extraordinary wonders, both cultural and natural.

I have built a team of Journeysmiths with the ability to match your dreams and aspirations to their knowledge and experience of the world’s extraordinary places. The outcome is a holiday of a lifetime every time you travel. Our holidays go beyond “tailormade” — they are uniquely crafted and arranged and we simply adore what we do.

When you travel to Egypt, you won't merely experience exclusive comfort; you’ll embark on a transformative journey guided by knowledgeable experts. These guardians of the ancient past will lead you through the labyrinthine temples of Luxor, the bustling bazaars of Cairo, and along the meandering waters of the Nile.

Their expertise ensures that your adventure is both enlightening and enriching, as you forge a deep connection with the land and its inhabitants.

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WHO ARE JOURNEYSMITHS?

Choosing the right company to arrange your holiday to our world’s most complex and remote locations is vitally important. Like mankind, Journeysmiths’ roots are in Africa. 33 years ago John Burdett and Warwick Hoffman, the original Journeysmiths, founded Africa Exclusive. They were, and still are fired by a passion to show clients the wild world they love, in privacy and comfort. Today, driven by that same passion, Journeysmiths arranges the finest possible holidays to amazing places across five continents for our international clientele. Each trip is expertly arranged to exactly meet each client’s requirements and interests. We are proud of our exceptional level of service, which we believe sets us apart from other holiday companies.

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WHY JOURNEYSMITHS?

• We have over 33 years experience

• Our holidays are beautifully engineered

• We are passionate about quality

• We are fastidious about those tiny details

• We listen carefully, each client is unique

• We are committed to positive impact travel

• Our clients have a dedicated expert consultant

• Our prices are fair

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HELPING OUT

We are passionate about protecting the world’s most fragile environments. When you travel with us you are contributing to the protection of wildlife and the environment in partnership with local communities. As well as carefully selecting our partners around the world we also give 5% of our net profit each year to supporting charities and conservation efforts in the places we work.

FINANCIAL SECURITY

You have complete financial security when you book with Journeysmiths. We are fully bonded and licenced under the Civil Aviation Authority’s ATOL scheme, licence number ATOL 2883 (Journeysmiths is a trading name of Africa Exclusive Ltd). This covers all clients who book their international flights from the UK and holiday arrangements through us. If you are arranging your own flights or you are not departing from the UK you are also protected by a separate insurance policy that we voluntarily maintain with Travel and General Insurance Services. This is called a Total Payment Protection Policy (TOPP) and the policy number is AELI/topp/23/17.

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TRAVEL WELL

Travel to the world’s fragile places should benefit the habitats, wildlife and people who live there. We call this ‘travelling well’ and it is a feature of every safari we arrange.

It may seem counterintuitive that visiting a place could protect it, but staying at the right place can do just that. We actively favour safari lodges which work in partnership with local communities to conserve wildlife. We also support charities and NGOs working in our destinations.

We are fortunate enough to enjoy the incredible biodiversity this planet has to offer. We believe it is our responsibility to preserve it for future generations.

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In the 33 year life of Journeysmiths, Africa's human population has doubled. The future of vulnerable species and iconic landscapes can only be assured by a mutually beneficial partnership between Africa's people and wildlife.

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‘‘ ”

THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF YOUR TRIP

30 years ago we encountered Africa and fell in love with its awesome beauty. Ever since, we’ve been spreading the word, sharing our passion so that you too can experience the best of our world. In the best possible way. This means matching your individuality to a unique blend of places and experiences that fulfil your dreams and extend your horizons. It also means fighting to protect these fragile places.

The way we do this is simple but effective:

– We work with people who share our values

– We make it easy for you to see the positive impacts of your holiday

– We encourage you to get involved

– We donate a minimum of 5% of net profit to charity each year

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Our planet’s remote places and wildlife are under constant threat from poaching, encroachment and climate change. We favour lodges which actively conserve the land and its wildlife. This requires dynamic partnerships with local communities which leads to them benefiting significantly from wildlife conservation.

We include details of initiatives run by each property you will visit in your travel itinerary, so that you can see the positive impact of your stay. Our team would also be delighted to discuss ways you can get more involved.

To help protect the amazing places we send our clients to; we donate 5% of our net profits each to charitable conservation projects within Africa.

We also work alongside charities that are dedicated to protecting endangered species, providing environmental education to local children and ensuring human-wildlife coexistence is sustained.

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10 JOURNEYSMITHS.CO.UK +44 1604 628979 | +1-866-871-3829 | DATE SERVICE ROUTE & PROPERTY DURATION CLASS / ROOM TYPE DAY 1 ROAD TRANSFER CAIRO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO ST. REGIS CAIRO APPROX. 45 MINUTES PRIVATE ACTIVITY EVENING TOUR OF CAIRO INCLUDING TAHIR SQUARE AND THE KHAN EL-KHALILI SOUK HALF DAY (PM) PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION ST. REGIS CAIRO 1 NIGHT ASTOR NILE VIEW ONE BEDROOMED SUITE DAY 2 ACTIVITY PRIVATE BRIEFING ON ANCIENT EGYPTIAN CIVILISATION BY EXPERT EGYPTOLOGIST 1 HOUR (AM) PRIVATE ROAD TRANSFER ST. REGIS CAIRO HOTEL TO CAIRO DOMESTIC AIRPORT APPROX. 45 MINUTES PRIVATE PRIVATE CHARTER LIGHT AIRCRAFT FLIGHT CAIRO TO ABU SIMBEL APPROX. 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES PRIVATE ACTIVITY TOUR OF ABU SIMBEL TEMPLE HALF DAY (PM) PRIVATE PRIVATE CHARTER LIGHT AIRCRAFT FLIGHT ABU SIMBEL TO ASWAN APPROX. 25 MINUTES PRIVATE ROAD TRANSFER ASWAN AIRPORT TO SOFITEL LEGEND OLD CATARACT HOTEL APPROX. 30 MNUTES PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION SOFITEL LEGEND OLD CATARACT HOTEL 1 NIGHT PALACE CATARACT SUITE NILE VIEW DAY 3 ACTIVITY TOUR OF ASWAN INCLUDING HIGH DAM, THE OBELISK, TEMPLE OF PHILAE AND THE NUBIAN MUSEUM FULL DAY PRIVATE ACTIVITY CANDLELIT DINNER ON AQABA ISLAND APPROX. 2 HOURS PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION LUXURY NILE CUISE 4 NIGHTS CABIN WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE NILE
AT A GLANCE...

WEST

CAIRO INCLUDING EGYPTIAN MUSEUM, CAIRO FOOD TOUR AND THE CITADEL AND MOHAMMED ALI MOSQUE

GIZA PYRAMIDS EXCLUSIVE DAWN TOUR, PAWS OF THE SPHINX TOUR WITH LEADING ARCHEOLOGIST, PRIVATE PYRAMIDS BREAKFAST AND TOUR OF OLD CAIRO

11 ENQUIRE NOW DATE SERVICE ROUTE & PROPERTY DURATION CLASS / ROOM TYPE DAY 4 ACTIVITY VISIT
OF
OMBO FULL DAY PRIVATE DAY5 ACTIVITY TOUR OF
TEMPLE FULL DAY SHARED DAY 6 ACTIVITY TOUR OF KARNAK
FULL DAY SHARED DAY 7 ACTIVITY TOUR OF
NEFERTARI HALF DAY (AM) SHARED PRIVATE CHARTER LIGHT AIRCRAFT FLIGHT LUXOR AIRPORT TO CAIRO DOMESTIC AIRPORT APPROX. 1 HOUR 15 MINUTES PRIVATE ROAD TRANSFER CAIRO DOMESTIC AIRPORT TO ST. REGIS CAIRO APPROX. 45 MINUTES PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION ST. REGIS CAIRO 3 NIGHTS ASTOR NILE VIEW ONE BEDROOMED SUITE DAY 8 ACTIVITY TOUR
FULL DAY PRIVATE ACTIVITY PRIVATE BRIEFING ON CURRENT AFFAIRS BY EXPERT ACADEMIC 1 HOUR (PM) PRIVATE DAY 9 ACTIVITY
TO PRIVATE BEACH FOR SWIMMING & FISHING AND TOUR
KOM
GABAL EL SELSEAL AND EDFU
AND LUXOR TEMPLES AND LUXOR MUSUEM
VALLEY OF KINGS &
BANK AND PRIVATE VIEWING: TOMB OF QUEEN
OF
FULL DAY PRIVATE DAY 10 ROAD TRANSFER ST. REGIS ACIRO TO CAIRO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT APPROX. 45 MINUTES PRIVATE AT
GLANCE...
A

“I cannot recommend Journeysmiths highly enough for their organisation, attention to detail, choice of camps, quality of information and all-round support. We told them roughly what we wanted and they put together a perfect itinerary within days. Everything went like clockwork from booking, through getting there, to the trip itself. How was it? Idyllic, enchanting, awe-inspiring. ” JUDE

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DAY 1

ITINERARY IN DETAIL

JOURNEY

Arrival into Cairo International Airport booked under own arrangements

Private road transfer to hotel

ACCOMMODATION

St Regis Cairo

Astor Nile View One Bedroom Suite 1 night

INCLUSIONS

Breakfast

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Cairo is one of the world’s great cities with a history which runs back into the mists of time and whose architecture and culture has been influenced by its location at the crossroads between Europe, Arabia and Africa.

Modern Cairo is home to seventeen million people and is hot, noisy and very busy, though the old

parts, particularly the Old Coptic and Old Islamic quarters have fascinating architecture, palaces, ancient mosques and churches, bustling markets, absorbing museums and all are steeped in Egypt’s vibrant culture. The Egyptian Museum is world famous for its collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts including the treasures of Tutankhamen and you could easily spend all day there.

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The St. Regis Cairo is a wondrous five-star hotel, standing tall on the banks of the River Nile. Its stunning architecture and prominent location make it a remarkable landmark along the prestigious Nile Corniche. Located in the heart of Egypt’s bustling metropolis, this towering 39-story hotel offers easy access to many of the city’s key attractions, including the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza.

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This lavish hotel comprises 362 rooms, suites and luxurious apartments, exquisitely adorned with elegant decor. Expansive bathrooms feature standalone baths, spacious showers and delicate mosaics. There is nowhere better to unwind after a busy day exploring, admiring the views of the glistening river or Cairo’s gleaming city lights.

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The St. Regis Cairo offers a delightful array of dining and bar options, catering to every palate. Experience culinary excellence with a diverse selection of restaurants, from authentic Arabic, Southern Italian, and Southeast Asian cuisines to the renowned J&G Steakhouse. Enjoy the elegant ambiance of the bars and lounges, perfect for unwinding with a refreshing drink or indulging in signature cocktails, whilst enjoying panoramic views over the river and city skyline.

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The hotel’s excellent facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, the rejuvenating Iridium Spa, a fitness centre, and the Astor Library — a haven for book enthusiasts. Palatial luxury and Middle Eastern hospitality create an enchanting ambiance in the public areas. Families can enjoy a babysitting service, the Amulet Children’s Club, and a dedicated outdoor kids’ pool. With attentive service throughout, a complimentary butler is available day or night to cater to your needs.

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This evening, experience a different side of the city on your Cairo by Night tour.

Accompanied by your private guide, delve into Cairo’s rich history and vibrant culture. Begin at Tahrir Square, a pivotal site during the Arab Spring, to understand its impact on Egyptian society. Explore downtown Cairo, immersing in the authentic local scene at cafes and sheesha bars.

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Your guide will lead you through the famous Khan El-Khalili souk, a bustling bazaar steeped in history since the 14th century. If you wish, end the evening with a meal at a local restaurant in

the souk, such as Naguib Mahfouz (dinner on own account). Afterward, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel.

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JOURNEY

Private briefing with expert Egyptologist

Private road transfer to Cairo Domestic Airport

Private charter flight to Abu Simbel

Privately guided tour of Abu Simbel

Private charter flight to Aswan

Private road transfer to hotel

ACCOMMODATION

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel

Palace Cataract Suite Nile View

1 night

INCLUSIONS

Breakfast

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2
DAY

This morning, you’ll be joined by an expert Egyptologist for an exclusive briefing on Ancient Egyptian Civilisation. This will lay the foundation for all the incredible ancient sites you’ll be exploring throughout your trip. Delve into the historical roots of the temples, their monumental

size, the civilizations that crafted them, and their multifaceted purpose encompassing both religious and practical aspects. After your hour long briefing, you will be transferred to the airport for your private charter flight to Abu Simbel.

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On arrival at Abu Simbel, enjoy a privately guided tour of the temples.

The two temples were built by Ramesses II. The best known is the Great Temple of Ramesses and the other smaller temple is dedicated to his wife Nefertari and the Goddess Hathor. The Great Temple was painstakingly built so that the sun’s rays would strike the temple to fall on the forehead of the seated gods inside twice a year on his birthday and on the day he ascended to the throne. This now occurs twice a year typicaly in February and October. Of the many temples erected by Ramesses II this is the most spectacular, with a 33m high façade guarded by statues of Ramesses himself, each of which is 20m high.

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Not only are the temples at Abu Simbel among the most magnificent monuments in the world but their removal and reconstruction was an historic event in itself. When the temples (230km from Aswan) were threatened by submersion in Lake Nasser, due to the construction of the High Dam. the Egyptian Government secured the support of UNESCO and launched a worldwide appeal.

During the salvage operation which began in 1964 and continued until 1968, the two temples were dismantled and raised over 60 metres up the sandstone cliff where they had been built more than 3,000 years before. Here they were reassembled, in the exact same relationship to each other and the sun, and covered with an artificial mountain.

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After the tour you will fly by private plane to Aswan. On arrival, you will be met by your guide

and transferred to your hotel for dinner and an evening of relaxation.

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Aswan, Egypt’s most southern frontier town, in its delightful river setting, is the highlight of any visit to the Nile. It is stunningly beautiful, charmingly romantic and very relaxing. This is the sunniest city in Egypt and it is not too large to walk around in the cooler part of the day. From the corniche you can observe the tall masted feluccas, listen to the Nubian musicians and in the late evening watch flocks of egrets skimming the surface of the Nile as they go to roost.

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Perched atop a granite hill at the Nile River’s edge, the Legend Old Cataract Hotel is ideally situated for visitors to the area. Taking its name from the river’s First Cataract (rapids) the hotel was constructed as a Victorian Palace at the end of the 19th century and today, as a five-star Sofitel property, provides a relaxing atmosphere set amongst the gardens and provides comfortable accommodation with excellent facilities.

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The guestrooms are well appointed with elegant private bathrooms, air conditioning and colour televisions. Each room is different, with high ceilings, wonderful Nile views, classic furnishings and bathroom fixtures and comfortable beds.

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There are several restaurants and bars, a beautiful swimming pool, tennis and volleyball courts and health club. Near the large swimming pool, surrounded by gardens, you may find quarry marks from ancient times. The public areas are splendid, with marble, fine wood and artistic drapes.

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ENVIRONMENT

Old Cataract Hotel’s parent company, Accor is committed to offering healthy, balanced and high-quality food, using local products grown in kitchen gardens. They have a policy of reducing food waste, have banned the use of overfished species in their restaurants and offer free range products.

ENVIRONMENT

Old Cataract Hotel offers eco-certified soap, shower gel and shampoo. Furthermore, all cleaning products used in the hotel are environmentallyfriendly Guests are encouraged to reuse their towerls and saving made on water and energy are used to fund tree planting.

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DAYS 3 TO 7

JOURNEY

Private guided tour of Aswan

Private road transfer to Aswan dock

Embark on private Nile cruise to Luxor

ACCOMMODATION

Private charter Nile cruise

Exclusive Use

4 nights

INCLUSIONS

All meals, private sight-seeing shore excursions, butler and housekeeping service

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Embark on a privately guided morning tour of the High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan, a city steeped in historical significance. Witness the impressive result of the ambitious 1960s project to dam the Nile and create Lake Nasser, an engineering marvel that now controls the river’s annual flooding. Stand atop the dam and take in the sweeping vistas of the vast lake and surrounding arid desert landscape.

Continue to the unfinished obelisk which was ordered by Pharaoh Hatshepsut (1508–1458 BC). Had it been finished it would have been the largest obelisk around at over 40 metres, however construction was halted when the stone was cracked. This intriguing site offers valuable insights into ancient Egyptian engineering and stone-cutting techniques.

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Continuing your journey by motorboat, you’ll arrive at the magnificent Philae Temple, an extraordinary complex honoring the goddess Isis, dating back to around 690 BCE during the Ptolemaic era. The temple holds numerous captivating legends, notably the tale of Isis finding the heart of her slain husband Osiris at this sacred site. Like Abu Simbel, Philae Temple was meticulously dismantled and relocated to higher ground to protect it from the Nile’s flooding caused by the dam construction. Witness the grandeur of this remarkable sanctuary while immersing yourself in the rich stories of ancient Egyptian mythology.

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Your tour then continues with a visit to a local Nubian community. The Nubians, an ethnic group from Northern Sudan and Southern Egypt, have a profound history along the Nile, but many were displaced due to the construction of the dam that flooded their ancestral lands. To gain insight into their culture, you will visit the remarkable Nubian Museum.

Spanning over 50,000 sq m of landscaped gardens and buildings, the museum houses a treasure trove of Egyptian, Roman, and African artifacts. Wander through its sections, discovering prehistoric cave art, ancient Egyptian statues, Roman frescoes, and even a complete Nubian house, revealing the richness of their heritage.

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In the afternoon embark on a four night, private charter luxury cruise, from Aswan to Luxor.

Sailing on a private dahabeya or traditional sailing boat is arguably the most luxurious way to travel Egypt’s Nile and explore her great treasures. There are numerous dahabeya vessels available for charter, ranging from 6 to 10 cabins, with each providing an exclusive, Egyptian adventure perfect for a family or group of friends travelling together. Each vessel has its own features and character, ranging from authentically Egyptian in styling and service, to sleek and stylish vessels more akin to luxury Mediterranean cruising.

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The featured dahabeya has a classic design with elegant wood-panelled suites and sumptuous Ottoman inspired deor. Accommodating up to 12 passengers, the six spacious cabins have large

panoramic windows and are equipped with airconditioning, TV and mini-bar. The marble, tiled bathrooms also afford endless views across the Nile.

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On the serene deck, relish a 360-degree view of the river’s picturesque scenery while observing river life pass by. The deck also features a relaxing

plunge pool and comfortable loungers shaded by parasols, ensuring a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

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The upper deck interior has a tastefully furnished lounge and dining area, an inviting and elegant space to enjoy. Onboard dining is a true culinary event, led by an exceptional, imaginative, and adaptable chef, ensuring a delightful dining

experience. While you explore temples and tombs, the chef procures locally sourced ingredients, scouring the vibrant markets for the freshest produce.

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This evening you are in for a treat! We’ll set sail to the charming Aqaba island, exclusively reserved for you. The beach will be beautifully adorned with rugs, cushions and lanterns, where under

candelight you will be served Middle Eastern delicacies like mezzah, charcoal-roasted meats, and local sweets. It will undoubtedly be an unforgettable and extraordinary evening!

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On Day 4 enjoy a relaxed start to the morning, with time to simply enjoy the beach and try your hand at fishing. You can expect everything to be exquisitely arranged with comfortable loungers, fresh fruits, and refreshing drinks available. Enjoy a leisurely morning before embarking on a scenic Nile cruise towards Kom Ombo.

The temple of Kom Ombo, located between Luxor and Aswan, dates back to the Ptolemaic dynasty (180 to 47 BCE). Explore this captivating temple dedicated to two gods: Horus the Elder and Sobek. Horus, the falcon god also worshipped in Edfu, and Sobek, the crocodile god, bestowing fertility and protection along the Nile’s perilous waters.

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Adjacent to the temple, a visit to the intriguing crocodile museum awaits, where you can view the mummified remains of numerous crocodiles. These crocodiles are believed to have been sacrificial offerings to Sobek at the temple.

As the evening approaches, unwind on your Dahabeya with a cocktail in hand, savoring the stunning sunset views. Later, delight in yet another exceptional dining experience.

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On Day 5 your first stop is more of a unique site which is rarely included on most Nile Cruises.

At Gabal el Selsela, the narrowest point of the Nile, you’ll explore the ancient quarries and learn about the Egyptian techniques for sourcing materials, many of which were used in the construction of magnificent temples and tombs along the Nile.

Continuing on the journey, you’ll encounter the remarkable temple of Edfu, also known as the temple of Horus. Dating back to about 200 BCE during the Ptolemaic era, this temple remains exceptionally well-preserved, with its entire structure intact. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, it features inscriptions depicting his battle against the god Seth on its temple walls.

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As you cruise, one of the captivating highlights is observing daily life on the water. Witness local salesmen on rowing boats, traditional felucca sailing boats, Dahabeyas, or river cruise ships passing by. Spend the afternoon leisurely onboard, embracing the ever-changing vistas

along the Nile. For photography enthusiasts, the billowing sail of a felucca provides a picturesque and delightful photo opportunity. Enjoy the serene moments and immerse yourself in the beauty of the river.

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On Day 6 of your luxury Nile cruise, you’ll reach Luxor, formerly known as the ancient city of Thebes and the spiritual heart of ancient Egypt. Luxor and its surroundings boast a dense concentration of temples, tombs, and monuments, reflecting the rich history and cultural significance of this remarkable destination.

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The temple of Karnak was the most important spiritual site in all of ancient Egypt and consisted of shrines, obelisks and temples. Huge does not even begin to describe the scale of Karnak! This site took hundreds of years to build and refine from the time of the Middle Kingdom (about 2000 BCE) into the Ptolemaic Kingdom (about 300 BCE), with around thirty Pharaohs contributing

to the build. Because of the period of time over which it was built, the variety and diversity of archeological remains at Karnak is quite simply unparalleled. The Great Hypostyle Hall in the Precinct of Amun-Re is a highlight, measuring 5000 m2 in size and contains 134 massive columns arranged in 16 rows.

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Continue to the Temple of Luxor, dating back to 1400 BCE. Luxor Temple is an enduring symbol that bridges the past and present, and its colossal statues, intricate carvings, and grand pylon entrance are captivating. While smaller than Karnak Temple, it held significance for the priests rather than the general public. Illuminated at night, it’s a mesmerizing sight.

In the afternoon, explore Luxor Museum, showcasing a remarkable collection of relics including objects from Tutankhamun’s tomb, such as the golden cow’s head of goddess Hathor and his horse carriage.

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DAYS 7-9

JOURNEY

Private tour of Valley of Kings and West Bank

Private viewing: Tomb of Queen Nefertari

Private road transfer to Luxor Airport

Private charter flight to Cairo

Private road transfer to hotel

ACCOMMODATION

St Regis Cairo

Astor Nile View One Bedroom Suite

3 nights

INCLUSIONS

Breakfast

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After breakfast on Day 7, bid farewell to your dahabeya crew, before heading out to explore the majestic sites of The West Bank of Luxor.

The West Bank, known as the necropolis of Thebes, was considered the city of the dead, symbolically situated where the evening sun sets. Ancient Egyptians believed in the cycle of death and rebirth, mirroring the daily sunrise and sunset, and burial practices were crucial for enabling this journey. Explore a vast array of tombs, including remarkably preserved burial chambers like those of Seti I and Queen Nefertari, still showcasing vivid paint colours. Others, like Queen Hatshepsut’s temple tomb, have been meticulously restored, offering insights into their original grandeur. Discover the fascinating world of the afterlife as you delve into the West Bank’s treasures.

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The tomb of the boy king Tutankhamun remains one of the most renowned archaeological discoveries. Unearthed in 1922 by British explorer Howard Carter, it contained a trove of treasures, including gold and jeweled objects, military equipment, clothes, and food, intended to accompany him to the afterlife (now exhibited in the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo). Time permitting, you’ll also explore the tomb of Ramses VI and the intriguing Valley of the Workers. Additionally, you’ll encounter the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, overlooking the Theban Necropolis since 1350 BCE.

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During your tour of the Valley of Kings and the Valley of Queens, an exclusive and remarkable experience awaits: a private visit to the magnificent tomb of Queen Nefertari. This extraordinary encounter is sure to become a cherished highlight of your journey through Egypt. Queen Nefertari, the wife of Ramses II, was aptly named “beautiful companion,” a truth reflected in

the tomb’s intricate illustrations, which emphasize her stunning features and captivating eyes. Beyond her beauty, she possessed remarkable intellect, being highly educated in hieroglyphics and adept in diplomatic correspondence. Notably, her husband Ramses II is the pharaoh credited with building Abu Simbel.

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The remarkable preservation of Queen Nefertari’s tomb is awe-inspiring, with the vivid colors of hieroglyphics and wall images appearing remarkably fresh, as if recently painted. Experiencing this marvel privately, away from the usual tourist crowds, intensifies the emotional and evocative impact of the encounter. It’s a rare and moving experience that leaves a profound impression. Please note that to protect the delicate paintings, the private visit is limited to approximately fifteen minutes.

After your tour of the West Bank, you’ll head to the airport for a private flight back to Cairo. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to the St. Regis hotel, where you’ll continue your stay for the rest of your journey.

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On Day 8, embark on a full-day, privately guided city tour of Cairo immersing yourself in the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

The journey begins with a visit to the renowned Egyptian Museum, housing the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities, including the iconic pure gold death mask of Tutankhamun.

After exploring antiquities, indulge in a unique culinary experience, savoring the delightful flavors of local Egyptian cuisine; from kebabs to stuffed vegetables with mincemeat and rice, to popular street foods like “falafel” and “koshary,” Mouthwatering oriental desserts and traditional Egyptian drinks like tamarind, carob, doab, hibiscus, and orchid juices are also worth a try.

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Your tour continues to the stunning Citadel, one of Cairo’s most iconic and historically significant landmarks dating back to 1183. Your guided tour will lead you through its various parts, with the magnificent Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali serving as a highlight, captivating visitors with its splendor.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a private briefing on the current state of affairs in Egypt with a local expert. It offers a fascinating insight into life in Cairo today. Your expert is chosen from a group of prominent authors, analysts and academics, who will share their deep expertise during this enlightening hour-long meeting, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the city’s present-day context.

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On Day 9, start your day early with an exclusive dawn visit to the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza. Situated on the western edge of Greater Cairo, these monumental structures hold historical significance as the only surviving wonder of

the ancient world. The Great Pyramid, the most renowned among them, stands as a testament to the Ancient Egyptians’ belief in resurrection and immortality, serving as tombs for their esteemed kings.

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During your tour, you will also encounter the Sphinx of Khafre – an iconic monument recognized worldwide for its legendary stature, depicting a lion’s body with a man’s face. This colossal statue spans approximately 70 meters in length and stands 20 meters high. Notably, the Sphinx’s face closely resembles that of King Kephren.

Accompanied by a leading archaeologist, you will have the privilege of entering the Paws of the Sphinx in complete privacy. Your expert

guide will provide captivating insights into the temple’s remarkable structure and share the latest findings from their research in ancient Egyptian archaeology. Please note that all specialist meetings are subject to the experts’ availability.

After your visit to the pyramids, savour a private and beautifully arranged breakfast, providing an enchanting opportunity to admire the iconic landscape surrounding you.

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Following breakfast at the pyramids, your tour continues to Fustat, also known as Old Cairo. This area boasts a remarkable concentration of Islamic architecture and mosques, many of which you will have the opportunity to explore, including the elegantly designed Mosque of Amr ibn al-As.

Cairo’s history also encompasses Judaism, and in the Coptic quarter, you will find the Ibn Ezra synagogue. If time permits, you will visit the remains of Babylon, a Roman fortress strategically positioned between Upper and Lower Egypt for defense. After this tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel to relax and reflect on the day’s incredible experiences.

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DAY 10

JOURNEY

Check out of your room by 1100 but you can continue to enjoy the facilities of the hotel for the rest of the day.

Private road transfer to Cairo International Airport

Depart on international flight home (booked under own arrangements)

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This itinerary is designed for families or groups of friends travelling together. Group sizes can range from 6 to 20 people. Due to the exclusive nature of this itinerary; private charter flights, private access at some sites (as listed) and private Nile Cruise charter, pricing is dependent on group size. Contact us to find out more.

Inclusions:

Accommodation as detailed

Internal private charter flights

Private road transfers as indicated

Meals as listed

All tours as described with private Englishspeaking guide

All admissions for sighseeing as stated in the itinerary

Exclusions:

International Flights

Entry visa to Egypt

Any items not detailed in the travel itinerary Tips

Camera ticket at sights where allowed

Notes:

All the photos contained in this itinerary are illustrative of the lodges, transport and sights you will see on your holiday. Please note however that we cannot guarantee that you will see all the animals and birds shown as these are wild creatures and not under our control. Equally where specific food or drink, or furniture/furnishings are shown, these may not be identical to those you will experience. Please note inclusions are subject to change at the discretion of the property.

If flights have been included within your booking then unless provisionally held for you, these are subject to change and any increases in fares at the time of booking will be passed on. Similarly, if booking a trip inclusive of flights more than 11 months in advance we will try to give as accurate an indicative cost as possible, but exact flight costs will need to be obtained once flight fares become available and as such, any variance will be reflected in your final balance.

The nature of our holidays means that they may not be suitable for people with reduced mobility. If you have reduced mobility or any specific medical requirements, please ensure that you discuss these with your travel designer prior to booking your holiday.

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INFORMATION

START PLANNING YOUR UNIQUE EGYPT ADVENTURE

ENQUIRE NOW

UK: (0)1604 628979

US: 1-866-871-3829

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VISAS, PASSPORTS AND VACCINATIONS INFORMATION

VISAS

Whilst we endeavour to keep up with the latest information regarding visas and entry requirements for each country, we recommend that clients contact the relevant Embassy or High Commission to obtain further information and up to date fees.

PASSPORTS

The passports required validity period is from the date of your departure from that country (note: regulations on this vary so please double-check with us if you have less than specified duration on your passport).

Please ensure you have sufficient blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) available in your passport for the countries to be visited.

VACCINATIONS

COUNTRIES TO BE VISITED

MALARIA PROPHYLACTICS ADVISED?

YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION ADVISED?

YELLOW FEVER CERTIFICATE REQUIRED?

EGYPT NO NO **YES

** This country requires you to have a yellow fever vaccination (or exemption certificate) only if you have recently visited a place where yellow fever is endemic.

EGYPT
TO BE VISITED NATIONALITY VISA REQUIRED VISA COST (PER PERSON) MOST YES (E-VISA) VARIES
COUNTRIES
EGYPT
TO BE VISITED REQUIRED VALIDITY
OF BLANK PAGES PER ENTRY
MONTHS
COUNTRIES
NUMBER
6
2
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18 Mobbs Miller House Christchurch Road Northampton

NN1 5LL

T: +44 (0) 1604 628979 | +1-866-871-3829

E: enquiries@journeysmiths.co.uk

www.journeysmiths.co.uk

JOURNEYSMITHS

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