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We are delighted to offer the following tours both in Luxor and all over Egypt with the help of our Cairo partner. You can mix and match according to your own wishes as these are private tours organised for you alone.LUXOR
West Bank Highlights
Valley of Kings
Site of the burial of some of the most famous names in Egyptian history, this remote Valley houses some 64 tombs dating from the XVIII to XX dynasty. The most famous being Tutankhamen, (a separate ticket is required to visit this tomb).
Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple at Deir el Bahri
This unique temple was built by Queen Hatshepsut and designed by her architect Senmut. On the walls there are scenes of the most famous events of her reign, her divine birth, the expedition to Punt, the building of two gold covered obelisks.
Valley of the Queens
The recently restored tomb of Nefertari has highly restricted visiting and you may not be able to get a ticket or it may be closed for conservation reasons. However there are other tombs in the Valley which are included in the standard ticket e.g. Amunhirkhepshat, Queen Titi and Khaermweset
Colossi of Memnon
These two statues front the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III, arguably the largest temple on the West bank. But now little remains but the so called Colossi
Quiet West Bank
This is an attempt to show you the other side of Luxor, you get away from the crowds at the main sites and often are the only tourists in there locations, although this can not be guaranteed. Suggested sites are:
Tomb of Ay
The Western branch of the Valley of the Kings is a haven of tranquillity after the over commercialism of the main valley. The tomb of Ay is very similar in style to that of Tutankhamen and still bears influences from the reign of Akhenaton.
Khokha Tombs
This small group of Nobles tombs Nefronpet, Dhutmosi and Nefersekheru contains some excellent relief’s, with wonderful colours. There are judgement scenes, ka statues and scenes from the Amun temple treasury.
Ramesseum
Thus is Ramses II mortuary temple and the inspiration for Shelley’s poem Ozymandias. The walls have scenes from Ramses famous battle against the Hittites and are a spin doctor’s delight as they show Ramses victorious and Hittite records tell a very different story.
West Bank at Leisure
Still want more, well there is much more to see and here are some further ideas.
Medinet Habu
This is the mortuary temple of Ramses III and shows scenes of the king’s triumph in battle and there are chapels dedicated to Ptah, Osirus and Soktar. Rare scenes of sea battles can be seen on the exterior wall. How did they count the dead, see the piles of hands and genitals!!
Tombs of the Nobles
Rahmoses, Userhat and Khaemhat are just one of the many groups of Nobles tombs. Each group of tombs requires a separate ticket and depending on your stamina and level of interest you can visit more if you wish. We can direct you to the least visited tombs where you can enjoy the pictures in isolation.
Recently opened are the tombs of Roy and Shu Roy which although small are very interesting. As they are not yet in the guide books they are seldom visited however they are superb examples of Nobles tombs.
Deir El Medina
This is a chance to see how the men who built the tombs lived, worshipped and died. The site consists of their temple dedicated to Hathor and Ma’at, the remains of the village and houses clearly showing rooms, cooking sites and sleeping platforms and their unique tombs with both royal and noble decoration styles. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/medinahathor.htm
Temple of Seti I
Seti I was the father of Ramses II and the remains of his mortuary temple near the village of Gurna Ta’rif are still being excavated. It is dedicated to Amun, Seti and his father Ramses I. It is one of the quieter locations and can often be found deserted.
Temple of Merenptah
Although little remains of Merenptah’s mortuary temple enough is visible to do a comparison between those of his father (Ramses II) and grandfather (Seti I). There are also some fantastic, very colourful, remains of Amenhotep III temple including his monumental gateway and the contents of a small museum. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/mortuarytemples.htm
East Bank
Karnak Temple – The centre of Amun worship since the 12th Dynasty, large enough to contain 10 cathedrals. Built and added to over a period of 1500 years. Lose yourself in the forest of columns in the hypostyle hall. Don’t miss the Open Air Museum, a quiet part of Karnak with many reconstructed shrines and temple parts.
Luxor Temple - Linked to Karnak temple by an avenue of sphinxes and originally built by Amenhotep III and added to by Ramses II
Sound and Light at Karnak Temple - One of the most spectacular sounds and lights in Egypt, processional with a good historical commentary,
Mummification Museum – Everything you wanted to know about mummification but were afraid to ask.
Luxor Museum – everything is well labelled and presented, it was arranged by the Brooklyn Museum of New York. A new exhibit on Egyptian Military history has just been opened. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/luxormuseum.htm
Non ticketed sites.
The palace of Amenhotep III is one of the many non ticketed sites you can visit, some need special permission and we can help with that. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/malkata.htm
Ramasseum Coffee shop
We take you to a coffee shop next to the Ramesseum, this shop is owned by the family of a man who worked with Howard Carter on Tutankhamen tomb. You can see photos of the grandfather as a young boy wearing one of Tutankhamen pectorals.
Breakfast at Ibrahim’s
Egypt’s answer to fast food, have a real Egyptian breakfast in a local café, no tourists here.
Road to Aswan – One Day Trip
On the road Aswan you can stop at some of these sites:-
Edfu – Temple of Horus most completely preserved pharaonic temple built by the Greeks
Esna – Temple of Khum Graeco Roman temple built in the reign of Claudius
Ko Ombo – Temple of Sobek and Harosis (Horus the Elder)
Aswan – One Day Trip
In Aswan you go to
Unfinished Obelisk – see how the stone was cut from the rock and the skill of the ancient craftsman.
High Dam – one of Egypt modern accomplishments contains 18 times the amount of material in the great pyramid and has increased to cultivated land by 30%
Philae – rescued from the waters of Lake Nasser this beautiful temple dedicated to Isis has been a tourist attraction since Roman times
Nubian Museum – shows the culture, art and history of Nubia from prehistoric times until today.
Aswan and Abu Simbel – Two Day Trip
As above on the first day but instead of returning to Luxor an addition of a night in Aswan in order to visit Abu Simbel. The temple of Ramses II which was rescued from the High Dam together with that dedicated to his wife Nefertari. Then return to Luxor
Abydos and Dendera Day Trip
The almost intact temple of Hathor at Dendera is wonderfully preserved temple with the famous Egyptian zodiac
Seti I temple at Abydos contains an almost complete king list as well as scenes from the kings jubilee is beautiful raised relief. The temple was completed by Ramses II and you can see the difference in the quality of relief. There are many shrines within the temple dedicated to various Gods giving you an overview of the Egyptian pantheon.
One Off Excursions
Some of the more unusual trips we have arranged for guests.
Off Road Desert Trip
Using two vehicles, GPS, back up drivers and full camping equipment we arranged a specialist desert trip into the Wadis south of Aswan. Searching the rocks for petroglyphs and camping under the desert sky at night this was a unique trip for one set of guests.
Memorial Visit to the War Cemetery at Suez
Despite the rather sparse direction provided by the War Graves Commission we got another set of guests to the cemetery to visit the grave of her relative.
Tel Amarna and Beni Hassan
Driving to Minya and staying overnight then visiting the Amarna site and the rock tombs at Beni Hassan.
Some of the more modern attractions with local colour and culture.
Nile Sunset
Cruise the Nile in either a motor boat or felucca sailing boat (depending on the wind). You can see the entire riverside and as the sun sets get lots of great photos. This trip can also included dinner if requested
Nile Side Barbeque
Again we go on the Nile for a cruise but this time we land in a quiet spot and have a barbeque. This is popular with many locals and we can arrange for them to join the party.
Banana Island
Take a cruise to Banana Island, a lovely oasis of tropical vegetation, a delight for the eyes; this can be combined with the Nile Sunset cruise if required.
Donkey and Camel Rides
A favourite with kids of ALL ages and can be for any length of time, go round the local villages and see the area.
An alternative to the hot air balloon go on a donkey ride across the ridge following the route taken by the Ancient Workmen going from Deir el Medina overlook the temple of Hatshepsut and ending up in the Valley of Kings. The views are spectacular and unique. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/donkeyride.htm
Take a camel out into the desert and visit the Christian village and purchase some local honey. Another long trip that will really make you ‘walk like an Egyptian’
ACE – Animal Care in Egypt
If you care about animals you will be impressed by the work of this British based charity. They welcome visitors and love to show people around. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/ace.htm
Moulids and other events
If there is a local festical or wedding goijg on in the area during your stay we will let you know so you can join in http://touregypt.net/featurestories/haggag.htm
CAIRO
Our partner in Cairo Waleed Mohammed of Kairo Eyes can arrange the following trips. We can arrange for him to meet you from your train or plane and escort you round. We can also get your train tickets for you.
Cairo Highlights
Egyptian Museum
More than 100,000 antiquities from almost every period of ancient Egyptian history are housed in the Egyptian Museum. With so much to see, trying to get around everything in one go is liable to induce Pharaonic phatigue. The best strategy is to make a couple of visits.
Without doubt, the exhibit that outshines everything else is the treasure of the young New Kingdom pharaoh Tutankhamun - don't miss the astonishing solid-gold death mask.
Giza Pyramids
The Pyramids at Giza are the best known of the ancient pyramids. Part of a massive necropolis attached to the ancient capital of Memphis, their wonder lies in their age and in the twin mysteries of how they were built and what for. The key sites to visit are Giza, closest to Cairo, as well as Abu Sir, Memphis, Saqqara and Dahshur.
Cairo Culture
Islamic Cairo
World Heritage-listed Islamic Cairo is the old medieval metropolis, stretching from the northern walls and gates of Al-Qahira down to Fustat in the south. Unchanged over the centuries, the neighbourhood is a maze of narrow, twisting alleyways lined with splendid mosques and medieval facades. Vans compete for right of way with donkeys and carts, and boys with impossibly laden barrows. Remember to dress appropriately if you're planning to take in some mosques, and take your shoes off before entering prayer halls. Most mosques are closed to visitors during prayer times.
The Citadel
Home to Egypt's rulers for 700 years, the impressive fortifications offer a superb panorama of the city. The nearby Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan is the finest piece of Mamluk architecture in Cairo, while the Madrassa and Mausoleum of Qalaun is one of the most lavishly decorated Mamluk interiors. The Northern Cemetery, where the city's homeless squat cheek to jowl with the city's dead, buried in their mausoleums. It is home to the Mosque of Qaitbey, whose exquisitely carved dome is a must-see.
Museum of Islamic Art
Has one of the world's finest collections of Islamic applied art. James Bond fans may recognise the Orientalist fantasy Gayer-Anderson Museum, the only fully furnished medieval house in the city, from The Spy Who Loved Me.
The Pharaonic Village Reconstruction of Ancient Glory
It is a village built entirely in the ancient style, inhabited by some 300 living in the Ancient Egyptian atmosphere and practicing all agricultural and industrial activities with the same tools and implements used in Ancient Egypt. The village covers 150,000 m2 at Ya'aqoob Island, Giza, only a few miles from downtown Cairo. The village teems with hundreds of birds and animals known in ancient times, some of which are now completely extinct. It is surrounded by 5000 trees tall enough to screen adjacent vestiges of modern life, making a visitor feel as if gone back 5000 years in history. Transportation through the village is carried out through navigable canals by means of floating amphitheatres. Fantastic for kids ******
Cairo Tower
Built during the presidency of Gamal Abdel Nasser , this 187m-high slender tower on an island in the Nile offers spectacular views of Cairo. Its concrete lattice work with a fluted lotus flower finial is unique. It has fantastic panoramic views of Cairo from the top.
Whirling Dervishes
The Whirling Dervishes, a Sufi sect founded inTurkey, extol music and dance as a way to shred their earthly ties and give themselves wholly to God; for voyeurs like you, their form of worship will be a dazzling - and dizzying – spectacle.
Floating Restaurants
Floating restaurants - such as The Nile Pharaoh and Golden Pharaoh, a mock-pharaonic barge bedecked in scarab friezes and golden lotus flowers - provide a refreshing if somewhat kitschy way to view the Nile. They have also belly dancing parties at night.
Cities of the Dead
Approximately 300,000 Cairenes live amid the Cities of the Dead, two vast cemeteries that have merged with poor neighbourhoods, where funerary architecture and shops and schools stand side by side
Bazaars
Cairo's famous bazaars live up to their billing - they're overflowing with brass and copper goods, jewelry, rugs, hand-crafted musical instruments, and spices; and even for non-shoppers, the haggling and frantic peddling are sights in themselves.
Old Cairo
Once known as Babylon, this ancient part of Cairo predates the coming of Islam and is the seat of the Coptic Christian community. The area's heartland is a small, tightly walled compound known as Coptic Cairo. Once hosting more than 20 churches within less than a square kilometer, this number is now down to five. It remains a haven of tranquility. Pick of the crop is the Coptic Museum, which houses Coptic art from Graeco-Roman times to the Islamic era. Also worth a visit are the Al-Muallaqa (Hanging Church) and St Sergius church, on whose site the Holy Family are reputed to have sought shelter in a cave during their Flight into Egypt.
Day Trips Out of Cairo
Dahshur
Some 20km (12.4mi) south of Saqqara, Dahshur is an impressive field of 4th- and 12th-dynasty pyramids. There were originally 11 pyramids at the site, although only the Bent and Red Pyramids remain intact.
Memphis and Saqqara (Step Pyramid). The oldest Stone Building in history.
There isn't much left of the former Pharaonic capital of Memphis, 24km (15mi) south of Cairo, although the museum contains a fairly impressive statue of Ramses II. The real reason for heading out here is to see the pyramids, temples and tombs strewn around Saqqara, the heart of Memphis' ancient necropolis, 3km (1.8mi) away from the former capital
ALEXANDRIA
The Graeco-Roman Museum:
Houses many collections of rare Roman relics and coins- about 40 thousand pieces, from the 3rd century B.C. to the 7th century A.D. The most important being the " Tanafra " statues.
Pompeii's Pillar:
This is a granite pillar, over 25 meters high, and built amidst the ruins of the Serapium in 297 A.D., in honor of Emperor Diocletian.
The Catacombs of Kom al-Shqafa:
This is the largest Roman cemetery. It is of three levels and cut in the rock to a depth of 100 feet. Dating to the beginning of the 2nd century A.D., it is a blend of Pharaonic and Roman art.
The Tombs of Al-Anfushi:
These Limestone tombs, dating from about 250 B.C. are decorated with pictures of Egyptian gods and daily life.
The Museum Of Fine Arts:
Houses collections of sculptures, paintings and architectural works. Exhibitions by contemporary foreign and Egyptian artists are often held there.
The Montazah Palace Gardens:
Acres of formal gardens and a beautiful beach make Montazah the foremost city pleasure grounds. Montazah Palace, a grand structure built in a mixture of Turkish and Florentine styles, is now a great statehouse.
The Mosque of Mursi Abul Abbas
Situated in Al-Anfushi, this Andalusian-style mosque is the largest in the city.
It has four domes and a very tall minaret.
The Roman Theatre
At Kom Al-Dekka, near the Graeco-Roman Museum, the theatre is considered unique in Egypt for it has 12 semi-circular marble tiers and the theatre is in good condition.
Al-Shatby Necropolis
Built along lines of the old Greek houses, it comprises a doorway, corridor and two chambers, it dates back to the 3rd century B.C. and lies north of Saint Mark's College.
The Library of Alexandria
The newest attraction is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern revival of the ancient library. The round, sloped building is partly submerged in water, and inscriptions from various civilizations are carved into its granite walls. The library is a center for culture, science and research.
Fortress of QaitBey,
An impressive 15th-century fortress (under renovation). It's on the site where the Great Lighthouse (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) once stood.
N.B : All of Alexandria’s main attractions can be done in one day, so the guests can go by train in the morning and come back to Cairo by train in the evening, unless they want to do diving or spend a lot of time on the beach. In this case we can find them accommodation.
El- Alamein: ( the site of one of the most decisive battles of WWII) – 60 km. from Alexandria.
Day visit to the coastal village of El Alamein.
Visit the War Museum
Visit War Cemeteries .
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