Recently updated on December 4th, 2023 at 03:40 pm
History doesn’t get more thrilling than in Egypt. As one of the world’s greatest cradles of civilisation and the land of the Pharaohs, Egypt is absolutely packed with ancient wonders that will leave you scratching your head at the genius of the Ancient Egyptians. From the iconic Pyramids to the grand temples of Luxor and Aswan, and the medieval treasures of Alexandria, discovering the history of Egypt is sure to be one of the best trips of your life.
Luxor
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Set on the site of ancient Thebes on the beautiful banks of the Nile River, the city of Luxor is more like one giant open-air museum. Famed as the Valley of the Kings and the final resting place of Egypt’s pharaohs, it was once the glorious capital of the pharaohs.
The prestige and grandeur of the ancient kings and queens remain today and we’ll take you around this ancient paradise to discover the real history of Egypt.
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You’ll visit all the most impressive monuments including the Grand Temple of Luxor and the massive Karnak Temple Complex, home to the famous Temple of Amun, Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple, and the incredible Avenue of the Sphinxes.
You’ll also see the giant Colossi of Memnon and marvel at the incredibly well-preserved Dendera Temple just a couple of hours away from Luxor. And don’t miss the Luxor Museum’s staggering collection of archaeological treasures, including wonders from Tutankhamun’s tomb.
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The historical magic continues into the night, with the option to go to a Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple. You’ll hear the voices of ancient pharaohs and gods as they tell stories about the temple on a walking tour, then watch a spectacular show around the Divine Lake.
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Aswan
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Once a strategic garrison town, today Aswan is a place to slow down and soak up Egypt’s ancient history. It doesn’t take long to fall in love with the palm-dotted islands and colourful riverside villages here.
We’ll explore the Aswan Dam and take a traditional felucca across the Nile to the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener’s Island. We’ll also sail to Philae Island to explore the incredible Temple of Isis. It’s here you’ll see the Unfinished Obelisk, carved from the solid bedrock of the ancient stone quarries of Aswan.
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You can discover more culture and history of Egypt with a trip along the Nile to a traditional Nubian Village. You’ll marvel at the colourful villages and even visit one of the painted houses to learn about the villagers daily life.
For more Egyptian history, you could embark on our Abu Simbel Adventure. This four-hour excursion whisks you away to the Temple of Ramses II, famed for his four grand statues. You’ll also see the amazing Temple of Hathor, lined with statues of Queen Nefertari.
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As night falls in Aswan, you’re in for a treat, with the chance to witness the Philae Temple Sound And Light Performance. You’ll sit down in the temple’s Roman-style theatre to watch the fascinating retelling of the perennial Nile flood and the story of the temple’s goddesses Isis and Hathor.
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Kom Ombo
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If you want to see what life was like in Egypt a thousand years ago, we’ll take you sailing up the Nile to Kom Ombo. This pretty agricultural town is home to an ancient community of fellaheen (farmers) and huge cattle markets.
Set between Aswan and Luxor, Kom Ombo was originally a city called Nubt, meaning City of Gold. Today, its ancient treasures are unmissable – especially the famous Temple of Kom Ombo.
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This unique temple worships two gods: Horus the Elder (Haroeris) and the crocodile god Sobek. The temple stands on a bend in the Nile where sacred crocodiles once lounged in the sun in ancient times. You’ll be amazed by the perfectly symmetrical twin design as we tour the temple. Your local guide will point out all the highlights including the twin entrances, twin sanctuaries, and hypostyle halls with carvings of the two gods.
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Cairo
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Known by Egyptians as Umm Ad Dunya – the Mother of the World – Cairo is the buzzing capital of the country. It’s where you’ll find the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Great Pyramid of Giza – along with a sprawling maze of mosques, museums and monuments.
We’ll take you on a sightseeing tour to explore the highlights including the Hanging Church of St Mary and the ancient Citadel of Cairo, a medieval fortification. You also can’t miss the Alabaster Mosque and the giant Sultan Hassan Mosque.
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We’ll also discover the priceless wonders of the Egyptian Museum, including Tutankhamun’s treasures, before heading out on an unforgettable journey to the ancient Kingdom of Egypt.
Marvel at the Colossus of Ramses II, the Alabaster Sphinx at Memphis, the Step Pyramid of Sakkara, and the Pyramid of Cheops. Then set eyes on the most iconic wonder – the Great Pyramid of Giza and the legendary Sphinx.
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You can even watch these iconic feats of humanity light up in a stunning sound and light show. The walls of the Pyramids and Sphinx will be illuminated against the twinkling night sky, and you’ll get to hear the ancient stories of the pharaohs, all backed by a stirring musical score. It’s a truly moving experience to see the history of Egypt come to life before your very eyes, and a moment you’ll cherish forever.
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Alexandria
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The ancient history of Egypt is just as thrilling in Alexandria, the port city founded in 331 BC by Alexandra the Great. The whole city is filled with the stuff of legend, including the towering Pharos lighthouse at the harbour’s entrance. It was even once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The lighthouse’s Great Library was also once hailed as the greatest archive of ancient knowledge until the lighthouse collapsed and the library was torched. It was later replaced by the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
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We’ll take you around the remnants of Alexandria’s ancient glory days, including the Roman Amphitheatre with its bright white marble seating. There’s also the giant 30-metre Pompey’s Pillar that rises above the ruins of the Temple of Serapeum.
Wander the incredible Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. Marvel at the treasures and learn more Egypt history facts at the National Museum. Then admire the ocean views from the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century defensive fortress that’s now a fascinating museum.
Are you dreaming of discovering the incredible history of Egypt? Where would you like to go on your Egypt trip? Let us know in the comments below!