Cultural Egypt

Ker & Downey’s Cultural Egypt journeys to the heart of one of the world’s most fascinating historical landscapes. The pillars of Egyptian culture come into full focus on this luxury Egypt escape through the ancient wonders of Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the still relatively unknown Fayoum oasis.

Suggested Itinerary-at-a-glance:

• Day 1:

  Arrive Alexandria / Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano

• Day 2:

  Alexandria / Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano (B,L)

• Day 3:

  Fayoum / Lazib Inn (B)

• Day 4:

  Fayoum / Lazib Inn (B)

• Day 5:

  Cairo / Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence (B)

• Day 6:

  Cairo / Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence (B,L)

• Day 7:

  Cairo / Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence (B,L)

• Day 8:

  Luxor / Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor (B)

• Day 9:

  Luxor / Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor (B)

• Day 10:

  Aswan / Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan Hotel (B)

• Day 11:

  Aswan / Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan Hotel (B)

• Day 12:

  Aswan / Departure (B)

Itinerary Description:

Your cultural Egypt explorations begin in Alexandria, long known as the capital of historic culture and Mediterranean ambiance since its founding by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. From your luxurious Mediterranean-facing accommodations at the Four Seasons Hotel at San Stefano, set off into the city to explore the secret catacombs of Kom El Shogafa, the Roman-era Pompey's Pillar, the Montazah Palace Gardens, and the shimmering Bibliotheca Alexandria.

You will then retreat to Lazib Inn, a newly minted and relatively unknown establishment within the lush Fayoum oasis just outside of Cairo. Its delicious cuisine, endless wine cellars, sumptuous Turkish bath, and manicured gardens are the definition of luxury in the desert and offer a lovely reprieve overlooking the world's oldest nature reserve, Lake Qaroun. Fayoum is Egypt’s oldest city and one of the most ancient in all of Africa. Its wealth of history and remote setting opens up a magical landscape of shimmering sand flats, pristine desert, rich archaeological sites, and 40-million-year-old fossil remains for those who make the journey.

The culture of Egypt is perhaps at its most astounding in Cairo, your next destination. From the lovely apartments at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence, you will set off with your personal Egyptologist guide for full-day discoveries of the Great Pyramids of Giza, the mysterious Sphinx, and the ancient capital of Memphis alongside the burial grounds at Sakkara. You will also have the opportunity to wander through the treasure trove of rare cultural pieces in the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and try your hand at bargaining in the bustling Khan el Khalili Bazaar, the oldest and most lively market in the country.

Your discoveries of cultural Egypt continue down the Nile, starting in Luxor at the Sofitel Winter Palace, where Agatha Christie penned her novel Death on the Nile. The Valley of the Kings and the temples of Karnak and Luxor are on the agenda for viewing, both sprawling complexes containing impressive statuary that surpass all other temple complexes from the ancient world. Visit the dual temple of Kom Ombo on the way to Aswan, where the High Dam and Temple of Philae await exploration. A felucca ride will take you to Elephantine Kitchener's Island, a botanical haven with plants imported from all over the world and your final taste of cultural and luxury Egypt with Ker & Downey.

Share