DESTINATIONS EGYPT ESCORTED TOURS


AGENT VERDICTS


is being hailed as the largest archaeological museum in the world. For now, there’s the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which houses 120,000 artefacts, including the Royal Mummy Room and the gold bed of King Tutankhamun, the ‘boy’ pharaoh. However, there isn't enough room for the treasures to really shine and we quickly felt overwhelmed, so the new museum will be a welcome addition.


Kelly Hanson, travel consultant, Trailfinders “We received a first- class insight into the wonders of ancient Egypt, thanks to our guide Hazem. He studied under Mr Zahi Hawass, the legendary archaeologist and Egypt’s former minister for


antiquities, so has a wealth of incredible knowledge and is passionate about sharing it. We were treated like royalty; the service was second to none. I will definitely be recommending this tour to my clients.”


 LUXOR: ROYAL CIRCLES The ancient pharaohs could never have guessed that the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank – the burial site of 62 important rulers of the 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties – would one day be worshipped not by their loyal subjects, but by tourists keen to witness the many treasures found on the site. You could easily spend a full week


here because there’s so much to see. If, like us, you only have half a day, there’s no need to worry – virtually every tomb features jaw-dropping painted scenes revealing the Egyptians’ reverence for their gods and a fundamental belief in the afterlife. By this stage, our group had


acclimatised to the pace of a Nile cruise onboard Medea, our ship for the week. A cruise offers a laid-back way to tick off the important temples and sights, but navigating the Nile in this way is a


Ploughing through these biblical waters offers views of villages little changed by time and kids playing on the river bank


remarkable experience in its own right. Gently ploughing through these biblical waters offers views of villages little changed by time, oxen basking lazily in the midday heat and children


playing on the river banks. It’s also when you'll get to experience the sublime sound of simultaneous calls to prayer coming from the mosques on both sides of the river: a distinctive memory that visitors will recall for years to come. It is possible to start feeling a little


‘pharaoh-ed out’, so a visit to a working bakery in a family home later that day was a welcome breather. We got the chance to help knead the dough – it’s harder work than it looks! – and met the whole family, including grandma. The excursion was part of a


government-funded initiative and offered an authentic glimpse of life in Luxor today.


Sharon Chin, assistant manager, Harpers Travel “There are multiple very early starts to beat the midday heat and the crowds, but it’s a small price to pay for the treasures that await. Our safety was paramount throughout the week, giving us total peace of mind to concentrate on our journey back through time.”


48travelweekly.co.uk21 February 2019


ABOVE: Karnak temple


LEFT: Temple of Philae


 ASWAN: NUBIAN CHARM Our final port of call was the ancient city of Aswan, home to the Nubian people, and one of the first civilisations to establish homes along the Nile. Today, there’s a laid-back vibe: clients will appreciate being able to browse the bazaar without any pressure to buy. A felucca excursion – traditional sailing boats that are carried along by the breeze – is an authentic experience to offer clients. Another short boat ride away is the striking Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, and there’s the colonial charm of the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract hotel, where Agatha Christie penned many of her novels. For another unforgettable experience in Egypt, book high tea in the garden for 4pm. It can easily stretch into cocktails and you’ll get the very best view over the Nile when the sun starts to slip down the sky.


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