Destination: Egypt
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Itinerary: The ancient Egypt trail
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If you’re interested in the Pharaonic era, it greatly adds to the experience to tour Egypt in a chronological fashion.
Start in Cairo, making Saqqara the first port of call to view the Step Pyramid of Zoser, the prototype of all pyramids to come. Travel to Dahshur to view the failed Bent Pyramid before returning to Giza to see the final article in the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Visit the Egyptian Museum, but try restraining your enthusiasm to the Old Kingdom galleries only.
Travel to Luxor, leaving the Old Kingdom behind and moving into the era of the Middle and New Kingdoms. The temple complex of Karnak, constructed over 1500 years, offers a history lesson set in stone. Then cross to the West Bank and explore the Valley of the Kings, viewing the tombs in chronological order to witness the development of tomb painting.
Visit Medinat Habu for the most complete expression of the Pharaonic golden age. Travel north by taxi or train (tourist police permitting) to Al-Balyana for Abydos and the sublime Temple of Seti I. Return to Cairo and revisit the Egyptian Museum again, this time to see the Middle and New Kingdom galleries.
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