Day 6: We’ll get off the beaten path and drive south along the Nile Valley to El Minya. In pharaonic times, this section of the country was ruled by independent lords who became virtual kings. On the way we’ll visit Dahshur and the Bent and Red Pyramids of Sneferu. Those who wish, may enter the Red pyramid, climbing down the long ramp to the burial chamber. Nefertiti Hotel * B/L

Day 7: Heading south, we’ll spend the day at Akhetaten, now known as Amarna a vast site were we will visit the tombs of the nobles, including the splendid tomb of Ay, who was later to become pharaoh following Tutankhamon. The rock-cut tombs show scenes of Akhenaten and Nefertiti worshipping the sun god, Aten. We will travel up the Royal Wadi to the tomb of Akhenaten himself. We will see the remains of the northern palace of Akhenaten and, at the heart of the city the remains of the temples of Aten. * B/L

Day 8: Drive to Sohag. Here, there are important tombs from that period, particularly the rock-cut tombs of Beni Hassan. Beni Hassan boasts the earliest rock-cut temple, built by the 18th dynasty female pharaoh, Hatshepsut. Then, on to Hermopolis, with some interesting 18th dynasty remains. Then to Tuna El Jebel, and extremely important Greco Roman necropolis. Here we will visit chapels and tombs including the galleries that once housed thousands of mummified ibises and baboon – both emblematic of Thoth, god of writing and wisdom. Hotel El Safa, Sohag * B/L