EGYPT UNDISCOVERED

Following an orientation with representatives from Archaeological Paths, your journey begins with a visit to the ancient necropolis of Saqqara. Marvel at the Step Pyramid of Djoser, an architectural marvel constructed 4,700 years ago by the legendary architect Imhotep.

During your exploration of Saqqara, delve into the elaborately decorated Tomb of Mereruka and the Pyramid of Teti, which houses one of the oldest pyramid texts ever discovered. Conclude your Saqqara tour with a visit to the Imhotep Museum.

Your adventure then takes you to the home of a local farming family, providing an intimate encounter with the customs and daily life of Egyptians. Immerse yourself in the experience as you enjoy delectable traditional Egyptian cuisine during a shared lunch at the family's table.

In the morning, as the entire Giza Plateau remains exclusive to Archaeological Paths’ guests, you enjoy unparalleled access to this iconic ancient site. Typically reserved for royals, heads of state, and esteemed guests, this crowd-free experience is a rare privilege.

Your private entry to the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, offers a unique opportunity. After marveling at the King’s Chamber within the pyramid's interior, the Director of the Giza Pyramids grants you access to two additional chambers exclusively: the Queen’s Chamber and the Subterranean Chamber, both off-limits to the general public. Following this, VIP access to the Great Sphinx Enclosure allows you to stand directly in front of the world's most recognizable sculpture, unlike other tourists who view it from a distant observation terrace.

Your exploration continues with a visit to the stone quarry of Giza, followed by an exploration of the Valley Temple of Khafre, utilized for the mummification and purification of Pharaoh Khafre before burial. Concluding your visit, take in a picturesque panorama of the pyramids from a scenic viewpoint.

Embark on another day brimming with exclusive attractions, where not only do you witness sites closed to the public, but you also seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet another distinguished Egyptologist.

Commence your day with a brief journey to Abu Rawash, where you'll encounter the site of Egypt's most northerly pyramid, often referred to as the "lost pyramid" or the Pyramid of Djedefre, the son and successor of Khufu. Initially believed to be incomplete due to its state of ruin, ongoing excavations and research now suggest its completion, comparable in size to the Pyramid of Menkaure, the third-largest pyramid at Giza.

Following the exploration of this enigmatic site, proceed to Abu Sir, a complex housing four of the original 15 pyramids from the 5th Dynasty. While these pyramids may be less sophisticated than their Giza counterparts, they stand as among the few remaining sites in Egypt offering insight into life during the Old Kingdom.

Following breakfast, your journey unfolds along the majestic Nile, guiding you southward towards Middle Egypt. Your initial destination is Meidum, where you delve into the exploration of an immense pyramid crafted by Snefru, the father of Khufu, renowned for constructing the Great Pyramid in Giza.

The adventure persists to Hawara, housing the largest funerary complex of the Middle Kingdom, where you marvel at the pyramid of Amenemhet III, the sixth pharaoh of the 12th Dynasty. Positioned on the south side of the pyramid is an extensive temple complex, thought to be the foundation of the legendary labyrinth recounted in the tales of the Greek historian Herodotus.

After concluding the pyramid tour, your journey winds through rural landscapes to Beni Hasan, unveiling the rock-cut tombs of Middle Kingdom nobles. Carved into the limestone cliffs, these tombs offer a rare glimpse into the everyday life, customs, and beliefs of ancient Egyptians. The well-preserved wall decorations depict scenes of hunting, dancing, playing, and even celebrating a wedding night.

Finally, you settle into the Grand Aton Hotel, gracefully positioned on the banks of the Nile.

The day commences with a visit to Tuna el-Gebel, an extensive site boasting an array of temples and tombs. Here, you delve into the catacombs of the god Thoth, renowned for storing millions of animal mummies, and marvel at the tombs of Isadora and Petosiris, adorned with exquisite paintings.

Following this, you reach one of the tour's highlights and immerse yourself in the history of the ancient Egyptian city of Tell el-Amarna. This location witnessed Pharaoh Akhenaten's pursuit of a society devoted to the cult of one god – Aten, the sun god – a stance later considered heretical. Explore the nobles' tombs adorned with wall reliefs unmatched anywhere else in Egypt.

After an enriching sightseeing experience, you set off for Abydos, the sacred city of Osiris in ancient times.

Begin your day with a visit to the Abydos Temple, also recognized as the Temple of Seti I, its original builder. Once revered as the holiest site in the land, it served as the burial ground for the initial kings of unified Egypt.

Following this, journey to Dendera to immerse yourself in a temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor. Renowned for its exceptional preservation, the temple features colossal columns and ceilings adorned with vibrant paintings, distinguishing it from others in Egypt.

Subsequently, head to Luxor, anciently known as Thebes, a former capital of Egypt, and check in at the opulent Sofitel Winter Palace. This historic venue witnessed Howard Carter's announcement of King Tut's tomb discovery and Agatha Christie's writing of Death on the Nile.

In the evening, wander through Luxor Market, an authentic open-air souk, offering an opportunity to engage with locals and savor regional delicacies at every corner.

Embark on a journey back in time to 3,400 years ago as you explore the Lost Golden City in Luxor, a royal city constructed by Amenhotep III. Discovered in 2021, this archaeological marvel, closed to the public due to its ongoing excavation, is now accessible exclusively for you. Considered the most significant discovery since King Tutankhamun's tomb, this experience is truly exceptional.

Following this, delve into Luxor's Ramesseum, the memorial temple of Pharaoh Ramses the Great, renowned for its towering 57-foot seated statue of Ramses.

Continue your Luxor exploration with a visit to the Valley of the Monkeys, where you explore one of Egypt's most remote and least-visited tombs, once the final resting place of Tutankhamun's successor, the tomb of Ay.

Next, venture into the Valley of the Queens, the burial site for queens and children of the 19th and 20th Dynasty pharaohs. Visit four impeccably preserved tombs, including Nefertari's, celebrated as Egypt's most beautiful due to its vibrant and intricate paintings.

En route to the cruise ship, marvel at the Colossi of Memnon, two colossal stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

Later, visit the Luxor Museum to explore artifacts discovered beneath the Luxor Temple and in King Tut's tomb. The museum showcases finely presented items, including statues of Sekhmet, Thutmose III, Amenhotep III, captivating you with their quality.

Conclude your day with a visit to the magnificent Luxor Temple, a testament to the power and supremacy of New Kingdom pharaohs, including Tutankhamun and Ramses II.

Embark on another day of exploration in Luxor, where our curated experience will make it feel like a fresh discovery. Following breakfast, a brief motorboat ride across the Nile transports you to the Valley of the Kings, a royal cemetery spanning over 500 years and housing the tombs of 62 pharaohs and nobles. Among the notable tombs is that of King Tutankhamun, discovered intact in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter.

Continue your journey with a visit to the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, an iconic temple dedicated to the most successful female pharaoh in Egyptian history.

Next, explore Karnak, the world's largest temple complex. Stroll through the sphinx-lined avenue, marvel at the towering 97-foot-tall obelisk, and wander amidst the colossal pillars of the Great Hypostyle Hall.

Explore the captivating city of Alexandria, the second-largest in Egypt, renowned for its Mediterranean climate and Roman relics. Founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, Alexandria served as Egypt's capital for over 300 years.

Commence your day with a visit to the mesmerizing catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa, showcasing pharaonic funeral art with distinct Greco-Roman influences. Following this, enjoy special-access to the renowned Bibliotheca Alexandrina, also known as the New Library of Alexandria.

Next, discover the harbor of Alexandria, featuring the picturesque Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay, occupying the site where the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood.

Embark on a special-access tour of Taposiris Magna, a crucial New Kingdom religious site and potential location of Cleopatra's tomb, led by one of the field excavation directors.

Conclude your Alexandria exploration with a visit to El-Alamein, the site of a pivotal World War II battle. Amidst the desert landscape, pay homage to the fallen at the War Cemetery. Finally, unwind at the beach resort in Mersa Matruh.

Embark on a morning journey to Siwa Oasis, immersing yourself in four days of exploration amid its historical and natural marvels. Siwa, often referred to as the "paradise in the Western Desert," stands out as one of Egypt's most picturesque oases. Nestled at the Sahara's edge, this idyllic haven is embraced by mountains, adorned with palm trees, verdant fields, and natural springs. Siwa unveils a treasure trove of Pharaonic and Roman-era antiquities, providing a rare opportunity for discovery. The oasis's remote location, coupled with its rich customs and traditions, sets Siwa apart, offering a unique experience within the tapestry of Egypt.

Devote the remainder of the day to reveling in the breathtaking scenery, embracing the serene atmosphere, and preparing for the extraordinary days that lie ahead.

Commence your day with a visit to the Temple of the Oracle, the ancient abode of the Amun oracle, where Alexander the Great sought insight into his destiny and received the proclamation of his divinity. Explore the remnants of the Temple of Umm Ubaydah, originally linked to the Temple of the Oracle and dedicated to the god Amun.

Subsequently, journey to the oasis's heart, where the imposing ruins of the 13th-century Shali Fortress stand as a testament to the region's historical significance. Constructed from local salt rocks and mud, the fortress underwent meticulous restoration, preserving a portion of its former grandeur.

Continue to the Mountain of the Dead, one of Egypt's paramount burial sites, where the Siwans interred their loved ones for over two millennia. Thousands of graves carved into the bedrock, enigmatic inscriptions, and vivid paintings, believed by local legend to possibly house Alexander the Great's burial, characterize this sacred site.

Conclude your day with a visit to Bir Wahed, nestled amidst the Great Sand Sea. Refresh yourself in a scenic freshwater lake, escaping the day's heat. Nearby, indulge in the soothing sulfur water of a hot spring. As the sun sets over vast dunes, relish the unparalleled experience of soaking in a hot spring, creating lasting memories.

Embark on a morning excursion to the serene Taghaghien Island nestled in Siwa Lake. Immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings adorned with turquoise waters, limestone rock formations, verdant fields, and golden desert sands.

Subsequently, explore the Siwa House Museum, a testament to preserving and showcasing artifacts that illuminate Siwan life. Housed within a traditional Siwan dwelling, the museum showcases a diverse array of Siwan cultural items, including silver jewelry, musical instruments, wedding costumes, baskets, and ceramics.

Later, venture to Zeitoun Lake, Siwa Oasis's largest salt lake. Despite its delicate nature, this salt lake has retained its near-pristine condition due to its geographical isolation, offering an opportunity to appreciate its untouched beauty.

Bid a final farewell to the breathtaking Siwa Oasis, capturing one last glance at its natural splendor, as you prepare to journey back to Cairo for continued exploration.

Conclude your remarkable journey with a visit to the highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum, housing the world's most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts spanning 7,000 years of history. Marvel at the spectacular Pharaoh Tutankhamun collection, presented in its entirety for the first time. Among the invaluable treasures is the Khufu Solar Boat, symbolizing the symbolic journey of Pharaoh Khufu from the mortal realm to the afterlife.

In the evening, savor your farewell dinner, dance to live music, and celebrate the memories of your unforgettable exploration across Egypt.

Following breakfast, you will be transported to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight back home.