This was an excellent trip, full of extraordinary sights. We were able to see many of the most impressive sites in Cairo and the Upper Nile. Hotel accommodation was of a high standard and the cruise ship was good. We had an outstanding guide and a friendly and interesting group of people. When I had an accident in the temple at Edfu the response from our guide, from Exodus, and from the personnel on the cruise ship was incredibly supportive. The guide’s knowledge of first aid was much appreciated. We have a few reservations: we found the early starts made sight-seeing rather tiring after very little sleep. The 7am briefing on the first morning seemed unnecessary, for example, after a late arrival the night before and the two hour time difference. We didn’t think the trip should be described as ‘leisurely’: there was a lot of standing in queues at both airports and sites and this was especially exhausting in conjunction with the early starts. Also, while we realise that Exodus doesn’t control the entertainment on the cruise ship, we would have preferred informational talks and preparation for the following day’s events to the party games and belly dancer. We would also have liked to have had more Egyptian food.
Culture Holidays in Egypt
Egypt Culture Holidays
Top 5 Places to Visit on Cultural Holidays in Egypt
Cairo: Egypt’s sprawling capital of Cairo is a dizzying mix of antiquities, bazaars and cultural performances, each jostling for your attention. The city is awash with things to do and places to see but our Egypt cultural trips ensure you’re directed to the best sites so you can really get to grips with the city and its people. The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities should be high up on your list of places to go if you want to uncover the rich history. Housing ancient artefacts that date back to 4,000 BCE, the museum is also home to the treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Alternatively, visit the Al Azhar Mosque or stroll through the meandering alleyways of the vibrant bazaar.
Pyramids of Giza: Arguably the most famous and astounding site to explore on Egypt culture holidays, the Pyramids of Giza can be found on the edge of the desert. The mind-boggling pyramids are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and at more than 4,000 years old, it’s incredible that they remain intact today. Made up of three pyramids, the site still perplexes historians and they’re considered one of Egypt’s greatest mysteries. Owing to the ancient beliefs that Pharaohs would become gods in the afterlife, the pyramids were constructed to house tombs which would contain their worldly possessions.
Valley of the Kings: Another of the most famous royal burial grounds is the Valley of the Kings, where 63 pharaohs were buried inside exquisite tombs adorned with scenes from ancient mythology, and the tomb of Tutankhamun is one of the most fascinating of them all. The burial site lies on the west bank of the Nile and is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Luxor: A curious city on the eastern banks of the Nile, Luxor, also known as Thebes, has become reputed as the finest open-air museums in the world. The city plays host to some of the most famous temples, tombs and monuments in Egypt, including the magnificent Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and the Karnak Temple Complex. If you visit the Karnak Temple Complex in the evening, you’ll be treated to a spectacular light and sound show which teaches you about the history of Thebes. It’s also worth visiting the Colossi of Memnon which are two giant statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III that stand at the entrance of the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III.
Red Sea: Spanning the inlet of the Indian Ocean in between Asia and Africa, the Red Sea was believed to be where Moses parted the waves in the Bible. However, it is now more famously known for its colourful sea life and unusual coral formations. Our Egypt trips let you go beneath the surface either on a snorkelling adventure or in a submarine to explore this kaleidoscopic world. But if you prefer to kick back and soak up the sun, the beach is a great place to enjoy the views on terra firma.
Derekv Attridge Nile Cruise
Paul Watt Petra & Wadi Rum by BikeWe were a private group of 9 chaps, none of us spring chickens. We went early-March, and the weather was generally warm apart from a couple of very chilly mornings. We were led there by our brilliant leader Mikhled; nothing was too much trouble for him, and he is very knowledgeable. A wonderful country, very friendly. The trip was a good mixture of biking and mini-bus transport. Highlights were Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and Red Sea/Aqaba. Some steep cycling downhill sections and the odd walk up hills – no great surprise at our age! Accommodation fine and food generally excellent; alcohol is sometimes available, sometimes not, so you need to plan a bit in advance if you like to imbibe, as we do. Overall view – highly recommended. (One tip – we were advised to take US dollars as well as Jordanian dinar; you only need the latter in reality).
Yolanda harris Cape Town to JohannesburgThis is a good tour covering a lot of South Africa. There is a lot of travel but it is worth it!
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