SAHARA FROM EAST TO WEST

From the very moment you land in Egypt, you'll feel the beginning of a journey filled with ancient history and oriental mystique. Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, a Greca representative will be waiting to give you a warm welcome and assist you with private transfers to your hotel. Along the way, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Cairo’s bustling energy—a vibrant metropolis that blends the ancient and the modern like few others in the world.

Once at the hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day free to rest and acclimate, or to take your first stroll on your own and start soaking in the soul of the city. The streets of Cairo invite you to explore them slowly, surrounded by the aromas of spices, Islamic domes, and the eternal whisper of the Nile.

Greca Tip: If time allows, we recommend a sunset walk along the Nile Corniche, where the city comes alive under golden lights. Try a refreshing karkadé, the traditional hibiscus tea of Egypt.

After enjoying a delicious and hearty breakfast featuring traditional regional products, we will begin our journey through the most iconic landmarks of the largest metropolis on the African continent.

Accompanied by our official English-speaking guide, we will start with the majestic Pyramids of Giza, where the only surviving wonder of the ancient world still stands: the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

This extraordinary funerary complex is guarded by the legendary Sphinx, bearing the head of Pharaoh Khafre and the body of a lion. We will admire it both from the panoramic esplanade and from up close. 

As an optional experience, we may include lunch and an excursion to the Saqqara necropolis, home to the extraordinary Step Pyramid of Djoser—the first monumental stone structure built in Egypt. This impressive site was conceived as a city for the king’s eternal life.

To end the day in style, you may choose to witness the Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show or enjoy a dinner cruise on the Nile—both optional and available upon request with your travel assistant.

Greca Tip: Beyond its famous pyramid, Saqqara also shelters richly decorated mastabas and tombs of nobles and high priests—hidden gems of ancient Egyptian art and history.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on an exciting full-day excursion to the legendary city of Alexandria, a Mediterranean gem rich in history and culture. Along the way, we’ll be accompanied by the echoes of ancient civilizations that left their mark on this fascinating land.

We will begin our visit at the impressive Pompey's Pillar, the most important remnant of the Serapeion, once the most splendid temple in Alexandria. Next, we will descend into the mysterious Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, where Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art intertwine. We will then enjoy a scenic walk along the charming corniche, passing through the old fishermen’s quarter, until we reach the majestic Fort of Qaitbay, built in the 15th century on the site of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria.

After savoring a typical lunch, we will visit the striking New Library of Alexandria, a modern architectural marvel and symbol of cultural rebirth, where we will also explore its fascinating annex museum. In the afternoon, we will stroll through the lush Al-Montazah Park, with its 46 hectares of gardens, pine groves, and elegant Royal Palace, once the summer residence of King Farouk.

We will enjoy some free time to explore the city at our own pace before returning to Cairo by highway.

Greca Tip: For a memorable souvenir, look for alabaster or papyrus handicrafts in Alexandria’s small markets—perfect gifts full of history.

Begin your day with a delectable breakfast served in the hotel dining room, followed by a free day in Cairo to enjoy at your leisure.

For those seeking an immersive experience, we offer an optional full-day tour to Cairo, where you will explore the significant landmarks of this historic city.

The journey starts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, situated in the heart of the city. Inside, you will encounter a vast collection of invaluable artifacts, including the renowned treasures of Tutankhamun, magnificent sarcophagi, well-preserved mummies, and sculptures of indescribable beauty.

Next, venture into the captivating historic district of Cairo, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area has been home to caliphs and their mosques since the 10th century. One notable attraction is the Citadel of Saladin, which was fortified to safeguard the city against Crusader invasions nearly a thousand years ago.

Afterward, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Khan el Khalili bazaar, where you will have the opportunity to test your negotiation skills during some free time.

Before returning to the hotel, you will personally explore the Coptic neighborhood, a melting pot of different religions. Stand in awe of the Hanging Church, a remarkable structure built on the foundations of the Babylon Fortress.

There, you should visit the Saints Sergius and Wachus Church, believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their escape from Herod, and discover the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest in the country.

At the designated time, you will be transferred to Cairo Airport to catch your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, embark on a memorable cruise ship journey along the legendary Nile River. Indulge in comfortable accommodation and enjoy a delicious dinner onboard.

Greca Tip: Don't forget to inquire about the optional excursions available during the cruise, such as the unforgettable balloon ride in Luxor, offering a truly unique and breathtaking experience.

Start your day in Edfu with a memorable experience of witnessing one of Egypt's most beautiful sunrises. After indulging in a delicious breakfast onboard, prepare to embark on an enchanting carriage ride to the Temple of Horus.

This remarkable sanctuary holds the distinction of being the best-preserved Egyptian temple, having been concealed beneath the sand for centuries until its discovery by French archaeologist Auguste Mariette in the mid-19th century.

Following your visit to the Temple of Horus, return to the motor ship for a delectable lunch as you set sail towards Kom Ombo. Here, an exciting excursion awaits you at the temple dedicated to Haroeris, the falcon god, and Sobek, the crocodile god.

As part of your visit, you will have the opportunity to explore an exhibition showcasing remarkably preserved mummified crocodiles, providing fascinating insights into the culture of Ancient Egypt.

As the day draws to a close, a delightful dinner will be served onboard before you embark on a serene night sailing towards Aswan.

Greca Tip: Make sure not to miss the chance to savor a cup of traditional Turkish coffee, infused with the aromatic flavors of cardamom, for an authentic and delightful experience.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a relaxing morning to rejuvenate. If you're interested, we highly recommend considering an optional visit to the Temples of Abu Simbel in Nubia, located in southern Egypt on the shores of Lake Nasser.

These remarkable temples form part of the Nubia and Aswan Open-Air Museum and have been meticulously relocated piece by piece due to the rising waters of the Nile River caused by the construction of the Aswan Dam.

Commissioned by Ramses II, the rock-cut temples were constructed over 20 years to commemorate the Battle of Kadesh, paying homage to the great deities while also honoring Ramses himself.

Also, the main highlight of the complex is the Temple of Ramses II, featuring four awe-inspiring statues on its façade that exude the majesty of Ancient Egypt. Additionally, you will find the temple dedicated to Nefertari, the esteemed wife of the pharaoh, in Abu Simbel.

In the afternoon, following a delectable lunch onboard, we suggest considering an optional felucca ride, an authentic Egyptian wooden boat, allowing you to intimately admire the scenic beauty of the Nile.

Along this journey, you will encounter Elephantine Island, once a thriving center for the ivory trade, as well as Kitchener Island, renowned for its exquisite botanical garden and panoramic view of the Agha Khan Mausoleum. A single glance at this sight will help you comprehend why it was chosen as the eternal resting place for Supreme Chief Ismaelita.

Next, you will embark on a visit to Aswan Dam, an impressive feat of hydraulic engineering initiated by the British Empire and completed by the Egyptians in the mid-20th century. Designed to regulate the flooding of the Nile River, this monumental structure stands as a testament to human ingenuity.

Following the visit, you will proceed to the inaccessible island of Philae, where you will have the opportunity to witness the temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. Like the temples of Abu Simbel and other sites across Egypt, the Philae Temple complex had to be relocated from its original location to protect it from the Nile's rising waters.

After a day filled with exploration, return to the motor ship and enjoy a restful overnight stay onboard in Aswan.

Greca Tip: This is the perfect occasion to try karkadé, a delightful Nubian infusion made from hibiscus flowers. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, adding a refreshing touch to your Egyptian experience.

After a delicious breakfast on board, you will disembark and at the established time, you will transfer to the Aswan airport to take a domestic flight to Cairo.

After arrival in Cairo, our team will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the city.

Greca Tip: Optionally, you can enjoy a buffet dinner with a show in a floating restaurant on the Nile.

At the designated time, our vehicle will pick you up and take you to Cairo International Airport for your flight to Casablanca.

Casablanca was formerly known as "Anafé" until the 18th century and was later rebuilt and renamed by Sultan Mohamed Ben Abadía as "Dar el Beida."

Upon arrival in Casablanca, an English-speaking representative will be waiting for you at the exit. He will assist you, provide details about your itinerary, answer any questions you may have, and give you a brief introduction to the city and its daily life.

We will transport you to your hotel in one of our air-conditioned vehicles. Once you reach the hotel, your assistant will assist you with the check-in process. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and, if you wish, explore Casablanca.

Greca Tip: Consult our assistant for the best dining options in Casablanca.

After a tasty breakfast, we will visit Casablanca, starting with the Boulevard of the Corniche, the seafront promenade, and the coastal road, through which we'll reach Anfa (old quarters of the historic city), a famous neighborhood in which its luxurious houses stand out.

The tour will lead to the exterior of the Great Mosque of Hassan II, a monumental and modern work (sliding roof and resistance to earthquakes) that holds the title of the third largest mosque in the world after Mecca and Medina (optionally, you can visit the inside). It is the most representative monument of the 20th century.

We will depart from Casablanca through the road and fertile valleys until we reach Meknes, a World Heritage Site and one of the four imperial cities along with Marrakesh, Fez, and Rabat, the former capital of Morocco.

You will visit the fortified city starting with its walls and great gates: Bab El Mansour Laalej, the largest gate in the country and North Africa; the Agdal pond, built for irrigation in the area; and the Lahdim Square, the epicenter of the city's activity. Then you will have free time for lunch (optional).

Finally, we will arrive in Fez, where we will have dinner and stay overnight.

Greca Tip: It is worth sitting in one of the restaurants in Bab Lahdim Square and watching life go by while having tea or cane juice.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will start our journey with a visit to Fez Royal Palace with its magnificent golden doors. These seven bronze doors, each of different sizes, represent the seven days of the week and the seven levels of the monarchy.

Next, we will explore the Medina, also known as the Old Quarter. Here, we'll have the opportunity to visit the Madrasa Bou Inania, which is an Islamic school. We'll also see the Nejjarine Fountain, one of the most beautiful fountains in the medina and the oldest in Fez.

Additionally, we'll visit the Al-Karaouine Mosque, a significant cultural center of Islam, housing a library with over 30,000 copies. This mosque is also the headquarters of the University of Fez. Lastly, we'll visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, the most revered saint in Morocco.

During our journey, we'll make a stop in the famous neighborhood of the Tanners, which is truly unique in the world.

Later, there will be an optional lunch opportunity. In the afternoon, we will continue our exploration of Fez, visiting its beautiful artisan neighborhoods that are divided by guilds.

Finally, we will return to our hotel to relax and unwind.

Greca Tip: We recommend finding a seat at one of the restaurants in Bab Lahdim Square. From there, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere and observe life in the city while sipping on tea or cane juice.

After a tasty breakfast at the hotel, we will go to the imperial city of Rabat, the capital of the kingdom and the second most populous city in Morocco. The visit will begin with the Royal Palace of Rabat and the seat of government, Dar-el-Makhzen, where more than two thousand people reside.

Later we will visit the Kasbah of the Oudaya, a fortified space of Berber origin dating back to the 12th century, a World Heritage Site. You will continue through the Mausoleum of Mohamed V (10 years of work and the collaboration of more than 400 artists), the unfinished Mosque and the Hassan Tower, and monuments of the Berber dynasty of the 12th century.

At the end of the visit, we will have free time for lunch (optional) and then continue the route to Marrakech, where we will have dinner and stay overnight at the hotel. 

Greca Tip: The Arabic term ribat or rábida refers to the building that functioned as a fortress and monastery in the center of the city.

After a delicious breakfast, we will begin your visit to the city of Marrakech, the magical red city.

Our visit will begin with the Menara Gardens, on the outskirts of the city. These gardens with a 14-hectare park in the center of which is an immense 12th-century pond. Later you will go to the city center to see the majestic Koutoubia minaret, the twin tower of the Giralda in Seville. You will also visit the Bahia Palace, built in the 19th century.

We will have lunch in the hotel and, later, you will continue the tour in a magical place: the Yemaa el Fna Square, declared a World Heritage Site.

In the morning, you will find sellers of orange juice and other fruit, wicker baskets, souvenirs, sweets, jewelry, dentists, healers, and commissioned writers. This universe becomes particularly fascinating at nightfall when the square is lit up with a thousand lights.

We will have free time on the afternoon and we will retourn to our hotel for accommodation.

Greca Tip: Try a fabulous orange juice in Djemaa el Fna Square, you won't regret it.

After a fabulous breakfast, you will enjoy a day off with half board at the hotel. You can walk at your own pace and enjoy the magic that the city of Marrakech offers you.

You can also choose one of the optional excursions as the tour to the Ourika Valley, a fertile area, with small villages of adobe houses hanging from the slopes of the mountain, or the visit to the Majorelle Garden, a beautiful garden designed by the Frenchman Jacques Majorelle in 1924.

Overnight and dinner at the hotel in Marrakech.

Greca Tip: If you decide to stay in Marrakech, lose yourself in its streets and test your skills by haggling with the merchants.

After a fabulous breakfast, you will enjoy the morning at leisure. you can walk at your own pace enjoy the magic that the city of Marrakech offers you and take the opportunity to make your last purchases.

At the agreed time you will leave for Casablanca, where you will have time for lunch (optional) and then you will have the afternoon free to enjoy the city at your own pace.

At the end of the day, you will have dinner and stay at your hotel in Casablanca.

Greca Tip: In Tangier from the Atlantic beaches you can enjoy the most beautiful sunsets in North Africa.

After an exquisite breakfast and at the agreed time, we will be transferred to Casablanca's Airport.

After spending a few fantastic days with Greca, we hope to see you again to enjoy some wonderful moments that will remain forever in your memory.

Have a good trip! Or, as you will say yourself: "Rihlat saeida!".

Greca Tip: If you think that your stay was too short, you can add additional nights at the time of your booking.