Roman Egypt with Toldinstone

Let's raise a glass together to an exciting trip ahead during your welcome dinner! Tonight's dinner will be at a local restaurant, just a 20-minute transfer away from the hotel. It will feature a 3-course set menu with a modern twist on traditional Egyptian cuisine. Please note that drinks are not included and are at your own expense. Kindly be aware that the menu is subject to change based on the confirmed restaurant.

If jet lag hasn't got you down, we'll gather after dinner for an informal Q & A session. I'll do my best to answer any questions you might have about Roman Egypt, or Roman history in general.

Overnight in Cairo.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Your adventure begins with an early pick-up from the hotel. Following a 30-minute transfer, you'll arrive at the iconic Giza Plateau, where time seems to stand still. Stepping out of the vehicle, you'll be greeted by the breathtaking majesty of the Pyramids, instantly captivated by their mystique and historical significance as marvelous pharaonic tombs. You'll have ample time to explore these ancient structures that have towered for over 4500 years. While you wander around the three largest Pyramids, capturing countless photos, your knowledgeable guide will regale you with the fascinating history and mysteries behind these imposing structures. The exploration will last about 2 hours, covering approximately 1 to 1.5 miles over flat terrain. Please note that restrooms are available at the gate of the pyramids, and it's recommended tipping for the housekeeping staff.

Just 0.5 miles from the Pyramids, the Great Sphinx of Giza is a quick 10-minute walk. Guided by your expert, delve into the details of this colossal 4,500-year-old limestone statue, stretching 240 feet in length and towering 66 feet tall. As one of the world’s largest and most recognizable relics of ancient Egypt, take your time to absorb the mystical aura of this awe-inspiring site. After the Sphinx exploration, enjoy some free time for lunch in the Pyramids' surroundings. Discover restaurants with incredible flavors, some boasting impressive views of the Pyramids. Following lunch, a 45-minute transfer will return you to Cairo for a visit to one of the world's foremost museums.

Marking the commencement of your exploration of Saqqara. Guided by an expert, delve into the depths of this expansive and historically significant archaeological site, renowned as one of ancient Egypt's paramount burial grounds and serving as a necropolis for the ancient capital city of Memphis. The tour includes The Serapeum. Lasting approximately 3 hours and covering approximately 1.5 miles on foot, this comprehensive exploration offers a deep insight into the rich history and architecture of Saqqara.

Be amazed by the sheer size of these sarcophagi and take a moment to wonder how the ancient Egyptians managed to transport them here.

Why were statues of Greek philosophers set up in the middle of the Saqqara Necropolis? We'll discuss this enigmatic monument and the Greco-Roman history of the Memphis temples.

Overnight in Cairo.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Take a private transfer to Fayoum.

Kom Aushim Museum in Al fayoum, houses a collection from the predynastic period to the Graeco-Roman period.

Mady City in Al fayoum, explore the small temple of Amenemhat the 3rd.

Um El Burigat (Place of the Towerlets) is located 30 km from Fayoum city on the southern edge of the province. It is accessible by a track from the road to Wadi El Rayan off Misr – Assiut highway, near the Sugar Factory, Qasr El Basel village.

Discover the ancient marvel of Qasr Qarun in Al Fayum, Egypt, a historical site steeped in mystery and wonder. In this comprehensive tour, we take you through the intriguing corridors and chambers of this ancient temple, showcasing its unique architectural features and historical significance. Qasr Qarun, also known as the Temple of Dionysias, dates back to the Ptolemaic period and offers a fascinating glimpse into Egypt's rich cultural heritage.

Thousands of papyri were discovered in Karanis, shedding a fascinating light on this Roman city at the desert's edge.

Take a return transfer to Cairo.

Overnight in Cairo.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

The Grand Egyptian Museum is simply one of the world's great museums, home to a stupendous collection of antiquities and the perfect introduction to your tour, exhibiting many of the region's treasures. your expert guide will take you through Egypt's rich and fascinating dynastic history.

Coptic Cairo, visit couple of churches date back to the end of the 3rd, beginning of the 4th century AD, and the Jewish Synagogue.(the hanging church, St Serge and Bin Ezra Synagogue). Explore the history of the Copt in Egypt through their artifacts.

No, not that Babylon. This Babylon - confusingly - was a Roman fort built on the future site of Cairo. We'll investigate its remains and discuss why they matter.

Overnight in Cairo.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Take a private transfer to Alexandria. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

Fort of Qaitbey, dates back to 1480 AD, was built by the Mamluk ruler to protect the shores from the Ottoman invasion. Stroll along the Corniche and around Fort Qaitbey to enjoy the fresh Mediterranean air.

Graeco Roman Museum Alexandria contains indeed a big variety of coins from different countries. They arranged and date back from 630 BC to the Ottoman period in the 19th century. There is a collection which covers the period from the 3rd BC to 7th AC centuries.

The Serapeum of Alexandria in the Ptolemaic Kingdom was an ancient Greek temple built by Ptolemy III Euergetes (reigned 246–222 BC) and dedicated to Serapis, who was made the protector of Alexandria, Egypt. There are also signs of Harpocrates. It has been referred to as the daughter of the Library of Alexandria.

Kom Al Dikka was a well-off residential area in Graeco-Roman times, with lovely villas, bathhouses and a theatre. The area was known at the time as the Park of Pan, a pleasure garden where citizens of Alexandria could indulge in various lazy pursuits. Although the ruins aren't terribly impressive in scale, they remain a superbly preserved ode to the days of the centurion and include the 13 white-marble terraces of the only Roman amphitheater found in Egypt.

The mysteries of the Kom El Shoqafa catacombs. This Roman burial site is the largest of its kind in Egypt and was discovered quite accidentally, by a hapless donkey. The crypts are 20 meters below street level, and what probably began as a small family tomb grew into a labyrinth of chambers that could accommodate more than 300 bodies. Murals and reliefs inside show how Alexandria was a place where Egyptian and Greek funerary myths coexisted.

Qaitbay Citadel stands on the site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, a wonder of the ancient world. We'll discuss the building and see some of its stones, now built into the fortress.

Overnight in Alexandria.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Take a private transfer to Cairo International Airport.

Take a domestic flight from Cairo to Luxor.

Once we've arrived in Luxor, I'll hold another informal Q&A to address your questions about places we've seen (and anything else related to Roman or Egyptian history).

Overnight in Luxor.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Upon your arrival in Luxor, you will directly visit the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, renowned as one of the most impressive temple complexes globally, and a testament to ancient Egyptian architectural brilliance. This monumental structure, dedicated to the god Amun, unfolded over an astonishing period of approximately 2000 years. Guided by a professional, you'll delve into the labyrinthine halls, towering columns, majestic obelisks, and statues that adorn the temple grounds. A sacred lake, likely utilized for ritualistic practices and ceremonial cleansings, adds an extra layer of intrigue. The sheer size, historical significance, and architectural grandeur make Karnak Temple an indispensable destination for those captivated by ancient Egyptian history and culture. You'll have roughly 2.5 hours to explore this extraordinary site before being transferred to your hotel for check-in, with free time for lunch at your leisure. Expect to cover approximately 0.5 to 1 mile on flat terrain during this tour. Restrooms are conveniently available at the temple gate, and it's customary to consider tipping the housekeeping staff.

Visit Luxor temple, dedicated to the Gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Luxor Temple was the focus of one of the most important religious festivals in ancient Egypt - the annual Opet Festival, the temple is lighted, so you may want to visit the temple at sunset.

A brief tour of this remarkable relic, and of other traces from the era when Luxor Temple became a legionary fortress.

Overnight in Luxor.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

In the morning, a transfer from your hotel will take you on a 20-minute drive to the remarkable royal burial site of the Valley of the Kings. Concealed beneath these arid hills are over 60 lavishly adorned pharaohs' tombs. Guided by your professional guide, immerse yourself in this expansive and awe-inspiring location, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly laid to rest for eternity, and ongoing discoveries continue to unfold. Explore three of the most attractive tombs—Ramesses IV, Ramesses IX, and Merenptah—during your approximately 2.5-hour visit before heading to the next attraction, the Hatshepsut Temple. Expect to cover around 0.5 to 1 mile on flat terrain during this tour. Restrooms are available at the temple gate, and it's customary to consider tipping the housekeeping staff.

In the West Bank of Luxor, home to the Medinet Habu Temple. Dating back to the New Kingdom, it was one of the earliest temples where the ancient Egyptian god Amun was worshiped.

The Colossi of Memnon is a mere 10-minute transfer from the Hatshepsut Temple. Upon arrival, you'll be awestruck by these towering statues that were once integral to an impressive colonnade. Each statue, reaching a height of around 60 feet, was intricately carved from a single piece of stone. You'll have approximately 30 minutes to explore the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the city, where a traditional lunch awaits in a local house. It's important to note that restrooms are not available at the Colossi of Memnon.

Well over a hundred Greek and Latin inscriptions were etched onto the legs of the Colossus of Memnon, one of Roman Egypt's most famous tourist attractions.

Overnight in Luxor.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Catch a morning flight from Luxor to Cairo.

The cluttered, overstuffed Egyptian Museum is one of my favorite places in Cairo. Anyone interested can join me for a quick tour, focused - of course - on the Greek and Roman artifacts.

Later in the afternoon, a quick 30-minute transfer will take you to a local restaurant for your final dinner with fellow travelers. Enjoy a delightful 3-course set menu featuring traditional Egyptian cuisine. Please note that drinks are not included and are at your own expense. Keep in mind that the menu is subject to change based on the confirmed restaurant.

Overnight in Cairo.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.