At morning, our representative will meet you at your hotel in Cairo or at the air port, then you'll have a scenic drive along the Nile valley to Minya, with a stop for having breakfast or coffee.

Upon arrival in El Minya, begin your journey with a visit to the Beni Hassan Tombs. Climb the cliffside path to explore beautifully painted rock-cut tombs of Middle Kingdom nobles, including the Tomb of Baqet III, famous for its wrestling scenes, the Tomb of Kheti, showcasing depictions of agriculture, warfare, and food preparation, and the Tomb of Khnumhotep II.

Enjoy a lunch break in Minya at a local restaurant or a Nile-view café, sampling traditional Egyptian dishes such as grilled meats, falafel, lentil soup, or kushari.

In the afternoon, visit Tuna el-Gebel, the Greco-Roman necropolis of ancient Hermopolis Magna. Highlights include the Tomb of Petosiris, renowned for its unique Greco-Egyptian art and architecture, the Tomb of Isadora, home to the preserved mummy of a young woman with a tragic story, the Animal Catacombs housing sacred ibis and baboon mummies, and the remains of temples and chapels dedicated to Thoth and Osiris.

Conclude the day with overnight accommodation in Minya. Guests may enjoy an optional evening stroll along the Nile Corniche or relax at a local café.

After breakfast and early check-out, depart for Tell el-Amarna, driving eastward across the Nile. Explore the ruins of Akhetaten, the ancient capital built by Pharaoh Akhenaten, and immerse yourself in the history of Egypt’s Middle Kingdom.

Key sites include the Great Aten Temple and Small Aten Temple, foundations of open-air sun temples, as well as the Northern Tombs (e.g., Meryra, Huya) featuring beautiful reliefs of sun rays and the royal family. The Southern Tombs (e.g., Ay, Mahu) offer fascinating insights into city administration and daily life. Visit the Royal Tomb of Akhenaten, carved into the desert rock like those in the Valley of the Kings. Although partially damaged, the tomb depicts scenes of the royal family mourning a deceased daughter, and it is believed that Akhenaten may have originally been buried here before being moved.

Other notable sites include the tomb of Ay, later Pharaoh and vizier of Tutankhamun, with scenes of hunting and worship, and the tomb of Mahu, the city’s police chief, showcasing aspects of administration. Guests may also opt for a short hike to the Royal Tomb of Akhenaten in the desert valley for panoramic views of the site.

Enjoy a final lunch in Minya city before beginning the return drive to Cairo. Along the way, take in the changing scenery of the Nile Delta. Arrive in Cairo by evening for drop-off at your hotel or airport, concluding your memorable two-day cultural journey.