From the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Abu Simbel and a five-star Nile cruise, Egypt’s ancient wonders are drawing travellers back.
Lisa Anthony has travelled just about everywhere, but if there’s one place that blew her mind on a daily basis, it was Egypt.
“You read about the pyramids and the Sphinx, you see them on TV, but nothing actually prepares you for when you’re there,” says the product and sales manager at Wendy Wu Tours.
“It is so overwhelming – these structures have been around for over 3000 years.”
It’s not just the history buffs who would appreciate Wendy Wu Tours’ Dreams of Egypt tour, she says, but anyone intrigued by the mystery of Egypt’s iconic constructions, or simply interested in the development of the human race.
Travelling with expert local guides, the trip traces the length of the country, from frenetic Cairo, “the city of a thousand minarets”, to the desert edge of Abu Simbel, home to the Great Temple of the pharaoh Ramesses II, carved from the mountain in the 13th century BC.
The tour is designed to showcase Egypt’s most significant sites in comfort, thanks to Wendy Wu’s fully inclusive touring style, with all meals and logistics arranged, right down to prepaid baksheesh (tips).
With a maximum group size of 28, relatively small for Egypt, you’ll be able to fully take advantage of your local guide’s expert knowledge.
One of the highlights on the itinerary is the Grand Egyptian Museum that opened in Cairo late last year, following 20 years of construction. It spans more than 60 hectares and houses approximately 100,000 ancient artefacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures.
“It’s set up so you feel like you’re walking into ancient Egypt itself,” says Lisa.
After gaining a historical overview and exploring Old Cairo, the adventure continues in Alexandria, visiting the Roman theatre and beautifully carved catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa.
The WWII battle site of El Alamein is next, before a flight to Luxor, once the religious and political capital of Egypt, and the “crème de la crème” of Egyptian cities, says Lisa.
It’s here you’ll see the architectural marvel that is the Temple of Karnak, with its 134 colossal stone columns, and the Avenue of the Sphinxes that runs for more than 3km.
“Luxor is basically an outdoor museum – everything is incredibly well preserved,” she explains. “It’s incredible. You look up and think, ‘How can people possibly have built these?’”
It’s also in Luxor that Wendy Wu travellers embark on a five-star, four-night cruise on the Nile – one of the highlights of the trip, and a chance to unwind a little. Lisa fondly recalls the bathroom towels that are shaped into Egyptian artefacts when the cabins are turned down each night.
Sailing close to the bank provides an intimate perspective of daily Egyptian life as it unfolds, with potters digging mud to make ceramics and villagers washing their clothes in the river.
“I was amazed at how all the temples are built so close to the riverbank,” says Lisa. “You can take the boat straight up to them.”
Cruise travellers visit the Valley of the Kings to explore Tutankhamun’s tomb and other tombs of their choice, including recently discovered inter-chambers newly opened to the public.
Then they see the temples of Kom Ombo and embark on a coach trek to Abu Simbel’s Great Temple, famously moved in the 1960s to protect it from rising dam waters.
In Aswan, the desert landscape gives way to greenery and palm trees – plus the chance to barter for jewellery at the markets and ride a traditional felucca sailboat.
Lisa says she always felt safe travelling in Egypt, led by Wendy Wu Tours’ local guides and security staff who speak the language. She’s now looking forward to a return trip next year.
It’s an advantageous time to visit Egypt, she adds, with fewer tourists due to uncertainty in neighbouring regions.
“I look at it as an opportunity because it means that we’ve got some of these sacred places basically to ourselves. If you always wanted to go there, it’s cheaper now and less crowded.
“Egypt is one of those places you want to get to sooner rather than later, due to the walking, the temples, the heat,” she says.
“It is busy, but it’s a profound experience. Egypt is a highly sophisticated, proud civilisation. You truly get the sense you’re standing in the footsteps of those who came before you.”
Discover Wendy Wu Tours’ Dreams of Egypt, 13-day fully inclusive classic group tour by visiting: www.wendywutours.co.nz