Arrival at Cairo Airport, pick up and transfer to accommodation.

Accommodation: The Sofitel Hotel, Giza (right next to the Pyramids) All breakfasts are included.

Visit the Pyramids & Sphinx on the Giza plateau.

2:00 - 2:15pm (for those attending the Sphinx Festival) Welcome - Festival Launch. Meet the speakers and artists, with a personal introduction and festival overview at the official Festival Launch.

Dinner in a local restaurant

11:00am – 1:00pm 50 Year Golden Jubilee celebrating Mahmoud Reda – Saiidi Saiidi - A spirited, lively Saiidi style dance choreography and Saiidi techniques. Join the world’s pioneer of Egyptian Theatre dance.

Visit the Khan el Khalili Markets shopping for fabulous items…gold, silver, perfumes, papyrus etc. Appointment with Bellydance costume shop exclusive with Mardi. Costumes can be made to order or altered if necessary.

Dinner at local restaurant

Visit the Mohammad Ali Mosque, this is a beautiful Mosque, you will need to bring a head scarf to go inside

2:00 – 4:00pm 50 Year Golden Jubilee year of Mahmoud Reda - Hagalla Hagalla – Festive Bedouin style celebration dance from Marsah Matruh, where the Western Desert meets the Mediterranean Sea

Evening - rug up for an outdoor light show at the Pyramids.

Late dinner in local restaurant.

11:00am – 1:00pm Cultural Arts Seminar: Dance in Egypt - Ethnology Exploring shared characteristics of dance in Egypt - improvisation, use of space and male/female roles. Discussing the social and artistic impact of the Reda Troupe in Egypt and internationally – Cinema, Theatre and Cultural events.

Local Shopping day

Evening Nile Dinner & Show Cruise

8:00PM - Late Sphinx Festival Evening Event - 'Essential Egypt' Gala Dinner and Concert Celebrating Egyptology and the Arts in Egypt @ Le Meridien Grand Ballroom. Hosted by Keti Sharif – festival organiser

Enjoy a Traditional Egyptian Feast with exciting entertainment encompassing three genres of dance and musical arts - Folkloric ensembles performing a colourful journey throughout Egypt’s provinces and villages. Spectacular Oriental dance by Liza Laziza. Modern dance theatre and new directions. Celebrate in a festive atmosphere – the grand finale to the Sphinx Festival! A tribute to Farida Fahmy and Mahmoud Reda's 50th Golden Anniversary 1959-2009!

VIP party Includes Full Buffet Dinner and show, drinks extra. Dress: Glamorous/Evening wear. Evening: Sphinx Closing Event : Essential Egypt Gala Dinner and concert celebrating Egyptology and the Arts and honouring Mahmoud Reda and Farida Fahmy’s 50 Year Golden Anniversary of Dance.

Free day Leave Cairo by night train for Luxor, first class sleeper with dinner and breakfast included.

Arrive Luxor transfer to Hotel.
Visit Huchaputs Temple (she was the only female pharaoh).
Dinner in Local restaurant.

Visit the Valley of the Kings explore the tombs with your guide.

Visit the magnificent Karnak Temple.
Felucca cruise on the Nile.

Visit Ramses Temple.
Evening…Saiidi dinner and show night.

Check out of Hotel.
Free day until return flight to Cairo.
Arrive Cairo airport, transport to Ramses Hotel in downtown Cairo.

Visit the famous Egyptian Museum.

Back to the Khan el Khalili Markets, Last chance shopping and to pick up any Bellydance costumes.

Check out of Hotel and transport to airport for return flight.