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Ancient Wonders & Modern Adventures

Classic Tours - Egypt
Visiting - Cairo + Ain Sokhna or Makadi Bay 7 nights from £945

Prices | Itinerary | Photos | Holiday Extension Suggestions
Explore the ancient wonders of Cairo along with time to discover one of our two latest Red Sea resorts, each offering a choice of exciting activities. Combine a few days absorbing the hustle and bustle of Cairo while enjoying a relaxing stay on the beach in Ain Sokhna or Makadi Bay.
PRICES
Prices for the Ancient Wonders & Modern Adventures Tour start from £945 per person for 7 nights
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Important information
Guide prices are based on 2 people sharing a room and include flights with EgyptAir from Heathrow. Accommodation has been calculated using the Mercure Cairo Le Sphinx (Bed & Breakfast) and Stella Di Mare Grand Hotel, Ain Sokhna (Half Board).
Note: Excursions/activities detailed are samples of what may be available to book, and as such are not included in the above mentioned price

This classic tour can only be booked by calling 0844 770 9960

Itinerary

3 nights Cairo + 4 nights Ain Sokhna or Makadi Bay

Day 1 Arrive in Cairo, where you will spend 3 nights where you can sightsee pre-book your own excursions.

Day 4 Travel by road to your chosen hotel in Ain Sokhna for the next 4 nights. While in Ain Sokhna why not combine you stay with a round of golf, some water sports or pamper yourself at one of the largest Spa centres in the Middle East.

Day 8 Transfer by road from Ain Sokhna to Cairo Airport or alternatively transfer from Makadi Bay to Hurghada airport for your return journey back to the UK
How To Book
Please note that the prices above should only be used as a guideline.

Our specialist Tailor-Made team are able to provide you quickly and accurately with the most up to date prices.

Due to their specialist nature, our multi-centre holidays are not bookable online - please call reservations for further information on 0844 770 9960
Things to see in Cairo, Ain Sokhna & Makadi Bay


Cairo
The Pyramids of Giza
This must-see ancient Egyptian landmark is Cairo's most remarkable tourist attraction. One of the seven wonders of the world, the great Pyramids of Giza are located on the Giza Plateau with the largest of the 3 pyramids, Khufu, known to be the world's tallest structure for more than 43 centuries until the Eiffel Tower broke its record in 1889. The two smaller pyramids are Khafre and Menkaure. Attend the entertaining Sound & Light Show at Giza which takes place every night with the pyramids as a breathtaking backdrop. Be sure to take that camel ride here as it is one of the experiences all newcomers to Egypt must try!

The Sphinx
Close to the Pyramids stands the incomparable Great Sphinx of Giza, a grand statue which represents a body of a lion with a human head. The Sphinx represents one of Egypt's greatest mysteries as there is no evidence to conclude who the Sphinx represents, why its nose is broken and how it was broken.

Solar Boat Museum
Also on the Giza Plateau is the Solar Boat Museum. The Ancient Egyptians used to build wooden boats and place them into carved ditches of the kings' tombs as they believed that the kings would need transportation to get to the 'after life'. Many ditches have been found underneath the pyramids and one of the boats that have been found in very good condition has been revealed and can now be seen at this museum.

Memphis & Saqqara
Memphis is the oldest capital of Egypt which was built by King Menes around 3100 BC. The limestone statue of Ramses II is the main attraction in Memphis which stands in a small museum. Saqqara is where Memphis was buried and it is one of the oldest ancient Egyptian cemeteries. Saqqara is home to many monuments of most of the main dynasties and is where many pharaohs were buried, making it a very important archaeological site.

The Saqqara Step Pyramid
Considered to be the world's oldest stone structure of this dimension in the world, this 6-tiered step pyramid stands at 60 metres high in the middle of Saqqara. Originally built as a tomb for King Zoser by his physician and architect, Imhotep, it is now part of a mortuary complex for the king with nearby smaller pyramids and monuments.

The Cairo Citadel
To the east of the city centre is Islamic Cairo where the Cairo Citadel of Salah El Din stands overlooking bazaars, mosques, and panoramic views of Cairo reaching out as far as the Pyramids. This interesting highly fortified area resembles a typical early medieval fortress, with large gateways, towers and high defending walls. The Citadel is one of the most popular non-pharaonic monuments in Cairo and is one of the main attractions for Islamic art. The Citadel houses several mosques, museums, gardens, and an impressive gold scripted palace.

Mohamed Ali Mosque
Built inside the citadel is Mohamed Ali Mosque, which took 33 years to build during the Turkish rule of Mohamed Ali. The mosque is also known as the Alabaster Mosque because alabaster was used to cover the mosque's inner and outer walls, resembling the mosques of Istanbul.

The Egyptian Museum
In the heart of Cairo's downtown area in the now popular square of Midan Tahrir, Liberation Square, where the modern-day revolution took place in 2011 to overthrow the former President Mubarak, stands the impressive Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. It is the most extensive museum in Egypt and is the richest exhibit of ancient Egyptian art and treasures from the Pharaonic until the Graeco-Roman period with over 130,000 items on display from artefacts to jewellery to mummies. Make sure you don't miss the artefacts found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun!

Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Khan El Khalili is by far Cairo's busiest and most popular oriental bazaar. With shops left right and centre, this souk is a shopping haven for souvenirs and Egyptian jewellery, sheesha pipes, galabiyyas, papyrus paintings, accessories and even belly dancing gear! Bargaining is part of the bazaar's tradition so make sure to negotiate and offer a third of the asking price. The bazaar also has Egyptian style cafes and restaurants so you can take a break between all the shopping.

The Hanging Church
Located in Old Cairo, the Hanging Church is one of the most famous Coptic churches. It was given its name because it is situated on top of the gatehouse of a Roman fortress. This beautiful church boasts 13 amazing pillars in its interior which represent Jesus and his 12 apostles.

St. Mark's Cathedral
The oldest and largest church in Africa, the cathedral of St. Mark was built in a more modern architectural style in the district of Abbaseya where St. Mark's remains rest. Beautiful icons and mosaics fill the massive Coptic cathedral making for a magnificent sight.

Ibn Tulun Mosque
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun is the largest mosque in Egypt, resembling more of a fortress than a mosque. It was built between 876-870 BC and it is quite unique for its external spiral staircase winding up to the minaret where prayers are called by the sheikh.

Al Azhar Mosque
Located in the heart of Islamic Cairo, Al Azhar is home to one of Cairo's oldest mosques and the world's oldest university which still operates today. It is one of the leading centres of Islamic teachings. It also the place where the graduation black gowns originated! It is believed that the current graduation costume was inspired from the robes worn by the Islamic Scholars who were graduating from Al-Azhar University.

Cairo Tower
A landmark of Egypt, the Cairo Tower is the tallest building in Egypt standing at about 43 metres taller than the Great Pyramid of Giza, Khufu (187 metres in total) and is ranked the 4th tallest in the world. It is located in Cairo's Zamalek district on El Gezirah Island overlooking the Nile. The design is inspired by the lotus flower, one of the most iconic ancient Egyptian plants. At the very top of the tower, you will be able to see the most spectacular 360 degrees panoramic views of Cairo with telescopes in an open air area which will make you feel like you are at the summit of the amazing city. From the top you can see the Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, the Egyptian Museum, and many other sites.

Ain Sokhna
St. Anthony's Monastery
one of Egypt's oldest monasteries, is located at an oasis spring, and dates back to the mid 14th century. It was founded in 360 AD and St. Anthony was one of its founders, making him one of the earliest advocates of the concept of Christian monasticism which originated in Egypt. The Coptic monastery is a unique site with exquisite wall paintings of consecrated knights and hermit founders dating back to the 6th-9th centuries. It has an elaborate library which is home to around 1,700 valuable manuscripts. Monks still live there and follow their regular daily rituals while using the Coptic language. Today it stands with fortifications for protection against attackers and is a cosy village with five churches, a mill and a bakery. The cave in which St. Anthony lived is a 2 km hike up the mountains which boasts amazing views of the Red Sea and mountainous Ain El Sokhna. If you are lucky, you could get a sight of some desert wildlife such as goats, gazelles, and eagles.

St. Paul's Monastery
Located south of St. Anthony's monastery in a place called Wadi el Deir, and is where St. Paul was buried around 340 AD. St. Paul's Church was built underground over the cave where he was buried. The monastery houses invaluable Coptic manuscripts as well. The village has three churches that date back to the medieval ages and a small community of monks also still live here.

Galala El-Bahareya & Gebel Attaqa Mountains
Galala El Bahareya is a mountain that stands 1200 m above sea level towards the southern edge of Ain Sokhna and many historians believe that this is the holy site where Moses led the Jews across the Red Sea and into Sinai. Gebel Attaqa, a neighbouring mountain is also of religious significance and stands 800 m above sea level. It has beautiful valleys or wadis as they are called, of Hougouland and Chuwaiba. Near this mountain, you can visit the hot springs that have given Ain Sokhna its name.

Port of Suez
Built in 1896, the Port of Suez is a historic port and a lively attraction for tourists. Located 40km from Ain El Sokhna, the port is divided into three ports - Port Ibrahim, New Harbour and Port Tewfik. The port receives passenger vessels and general cargo, tankers and livestock vessels. Outside the port area is a vibrant bazaar where you can shop for Egyptian souvenirs. From the port area you can catch a glimpse of the huge tankers and vessels that go through the famous Suez Canal.

Adabiya Bay
Adabiya Bay is a very popular bird watching spot for bird enthusiasts. More than 200 migrating types of birds as well as more than 150 resident birds exist in this area. Lammergeir and golden eagles are residents of the Eastern desert and Sinai and are the most frequently sighted. Adabiya Bay is located 19 km south of Suez and the bay is also home to several shipwrecks.

Makadi Bay
Sunwing Waterworld Makadi
A fun activity for the whole family is this newly opened water theme park which has large slides, a wave pool and other fun-filled water features.

Souk Makadi
Tantalise your senses at this typical Arabian souk where you can shop for anything you can think of from souvenirs to take back home to Egyptian jewellery, perfume, and clothing. Just walking around here is great fun and very entertaining.

Diving
As with every destination on the Red Sea, diving is a key highlight with reefs and an underwater marine world as magnificent as the Red Sea's. The most popular dive spot in Makadi Bay is Abu-Hashish, which means in 'Father of Grass' in Arabic and it was given this name because this very shallow dive site is filled with sea grass. Great for beginners to all levels of divers, at Abu-Hashish you can see puffer fish, octopus, and sea horses, among other fish.

Snorkelling
Perfect for snorkelers, Makadi Bay is fronted by a long stretch of white sandy beach and home to a spectacular house reef. Trips to nearby islands great for snorkelling too can also be arranged from Makadi Bay.

Makadi Serena Spa
Prefer to relax and unwind? There's no better place to do that in than in Makadi Bay's relaxing surroundings. Inspired by ancient Indian wellness rituals, Makadi Serena Spa is the perfect world to get lost in with a variety of treatments to choose from all inspired from Indian traditions.

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  • Weather
  • Things To See
  • Egypt Guide
Here
Valley of the Kings
Dating back to the 11th century, the Valley of the Kings is an ancient burial ground dug deep into the desert mountains and contains the tombs of many of Egypt's ancient pharaoh rulers at the time, most famously, Tutankhamun. His tomb is one of the greatest discoveries of Ancient Egypt as it is the only tomb that remained almost 100% intact until it was discovered in 1922. The stone sarcophagus and the wooden coffin still contain his mummy and are left in the burial chambers. The tombs at Valley of the Kings, carved in rock, were designed to resemble the Underworld.

Karnak Temple
Luxor's centrepiece, The Karnak Temple is one of the largest and most important religious ancient sites in the world. Karnak, meaning 'fortified settlement' in Arabic, covers a complex of 2 square kilometres of temples including the Temple of Amun, which is the largest place of worship ever built. Due to its size and sheer complexity, the Karnak Temple is one of Egypt's most impressive sites. Don't miss the spectacular Sound & Light that takes place at the Karnak Temple every evening.

Luxor Temple
Built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II the Luxor Temple is placed in the middle of the city overlooking the Nile. A must-see site, the Luxor Temple has withstood a multi-layered history, from Alexander the Great's rule where he converted one of its chambers into a sanctuary, followed by the Romans rule who transformed the temple into a military camp, then transformed once more into churches, and later still, Abu El Haggag mosque was built next to the temple. All throughout the temple, paintings and inscriptions tell the stories of the pharaohs and of history. In front of the temple is a giant red granite obelisk and the Avenue of Sphinxes, a long wide entrance road with Sphinx statues left and right which is supposed to lead all the way from the Luxor Temple to the Karnak Temple.

Luxor Museum
The Luxor Museum is located between the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple is home to relics and antiquities and key discoveries from decades of archaeological findings. Priceless masterpieces are exhibited in this small museum that only adds to the glorious story of Luxor's magnificent monuments.

Mummification Museum
Right across from the Luxor Museum is the Mummification Museum where the immortal dead tell their story and take you through the art and science of the mummification process, a true Egyptian specialty. Humans as well as some sacred animals were mummified such as crocodiles and baboons.

Valley of the Queens
On the West Bank of the Nile lies the Valley of the Queens where tombs of wives of pharaohs, princesses, princes, and nobles are there on display. The Valley of the Queens is most popular for the Tomb of Nefertari, the favourite wife of Ramses II, which is referred to as the most beautiful in Egypt is it completely covered with colourful paintings of Nefartari being guided by the gods.

The Colossi of Memnon
The Colossi of Memnon are two gigantic statues of Amenhotep III cut out of single blocks of sandstone. Each statue stands at 21 metres in height and represents Amenhotep III seated on his throne. You can't miss these gigantic figures on your way to the West Bank.

The Ramesseum
The Ramesseum is a mortuary temple of Ramses II who was a prolific builder, known most for his building of Abu Simbel. Although not entirely intact, it is one of the loveliest temples in Egypt. The temple contains a broken statue of Ramses II which used to be the biggest in the world, weighing at 1,000 tons.

Hatshepsut Temple
Located beneath massive, steep cliffs, stands the Temple of Hatshepsut. Designed by Hatshepsut's steward and architect Senenmut, the temple is a true work of art and built to resemble classical architecture with a three-level facade and beautiful wide terraces. Inside the temple you will find halls, a chapel, a sanctuary, and beautifully designed columns with statues in front of them which were once painted in bright and vivid colours.
Language: Arabic (French and English widely spoken)

Currency: Egyptian Pound

Electricity
220 volts AC, 50 cycles. An adaptor, generally 2-pronged, is necessary.

Typical Costs
Eating in Egypt can represent good value for money, with local meals being well priced. Hotels are naturally more expensive, but still offer good value for money.

Tipping
Tipping, or baksheesh, is almost a way of life in Egypt. It is customary and appreciated to tip guides, drivers, hotel staff and your boat/dive crew.

Shopping
Shops are generally open from approximately 10am-11pm year round, although may stay open until later in summer.

Banks
Banking hours are 9am - 1pm Sunday - Thursday. Many banks are open 6pm-9pm Sunday to Thursday for exchange only.

Local customs
When visiting holy sites such as mosques, you may be required to observe customs such as covering your head, shoulders and legs. Please respect such local customs. Swimwear and other revealing clothes should be kept to the beach and by the pool.

Clothing
Much of Egypt is desert, and as such is subject to hot days and cooler nights. Beach resorts are often cooled in the day by sea breezes, however, Nile towns can become stifling, especially in summer months. Lightweight clothing is recommended for days, although a fleece or sweater may be required during the winter months. A pullover or jacket for evenings, may also be required in winter. Shoes are not worn on board dive boats and liveaboards, so please take this into consideration when choosing which footwear to pack. Suitable clothing such as walking boots and a windproof jacket is recommend for touring itineraries.

Passports & Visas
A full 10-year passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of return is required for travel to Egypt for all British, EU and EEA nationals. British passport holders also require a visa to visit all parts of Egypt except for the Gulf coast of Sinai for stays of less than 15 nights. Visitors to the Gulf area wishing to stay 15 nights or more, or those wishing to visit other parts of Egypt including Cairo and Ras Mohammed, must obtain a visa. Visas can be obtained by contacting the Egyptian Embassy on 020 7235 9777. For up to date information on visa requirements, visitors are strongly advised to contact the Embassy prior to travel.

General information
Cameras and video cameras may not be taken into temples, tombs and archaeological sites, or a charge may be levied. Bags over 35cm may not be taken into such sites.

Festivals & holidays
The following festivals and associated holidays are celebrated in either or all of the countries featured in our programme. During these times, resorts may be busier than usual and services may be reduced.

MUSLIM FESTIVALS

Muslim religious festivals may vary by one or two days. For further details, please contact the Egyptian State Tourist Office or the Jordanian Information Bureau.

Ramadan* 20 Jul - 18 Aug 2012 Eid Al Fitr** 19 Aug 2012

New Year (Hijri Day) 15 Nov 2012 Prophet Mohammed's Birthday** 5 Feb 2012

*Dates of Ramadan and Eid Al Adha are confirmed only shortly beforehand and vary from year to year by one or two days. During Ramadan, the pace of life during daylight hours is slower and offices and shops keep shorter opening hours between sunrise and sunset. Hotels may limit facilities, and excursions and entertainment can sometimes be affected.

**These festivals are subject to change by one day before or one day after as the moon governs them.

EGYPTIAN FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS

Revolution Day 23 Jul (annual) Armed Forces Day 6 Oct (annual) Christmas Day 9 Jan (annual) Sham El Nesim 15 Apr (annual) Sinai Liberation Day 25 Apr (annual) Labour Day 1 May (annual)


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