excursion to al-minya
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
Al-Minya is the capital of Middle Egypt about 250 km south of Cairo.
A few kilometers further south, there are the sites of Beni Hassan, Antinoupolis and Tell el-Amarna (Akhetaton) on the right bank of the Nile, as well as Tounah el-Gebel and Hermopolis Magna on the left bank. It is the region chosen by the Monotheist King Akhenaton.
Day 1
Transfer from your hotel in Cairo to the train station to take the train to Al Minya. Arrive in Al Minya and transfer to your hotel.
In the late afternoon visit to the Convent and Church of the Virgin Mary in Gebel al-Tayr . Dating from the 4th century, it was built by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, on the east bank of the Nile. It is said that Gebel al-Tayr was the first stop during the journey of the holy family to Egypt, the Virgin Mary would have spent three days in a cave on this mountain.
Day: 2
After breakfast visit to Beni-Hassan.
A small village in Middle Egypt, located on the right bank of the Nile, 18 km south of Minya. All the interest of this small village lies in the ancient necropolis which dates from the Middle Kingdom, around 2500 BC.
39 hypogeums dug in the cliff, 12 present wall decorations of great interest which represent Scenes of hunting, fishing, dances, crafts; agricultural life and details of military life
Tell El Amarna: It is the modern name of the archaeological site containing the ruins of the city built by King Amenophis IV, Akhenaten.
Akhénaton gives its new name to the city; "Akhétaton" means "The horizon of Aten".
Akhetaten is now completely destroyed, but its foundations and the remains of palaces as well as the huge temple of Aten have been unearthed.
The city was delimited by 14 border stelae, 3 on the left bank, 11 on the right bank of the Nile.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day: 3
After breakfast visit of the necropolis of Tounah el Gebel
Tunah el-Gebel was the necropolis of Hermopolis Magna, the city dedicated to the god Thoth, which explains the impressive number of mummies of ibis and baboons, sacred animals of the god Thoth, found in the long galleries of animal necropolises Holy.
The visit of Tounah El Gebel is varied, it allows to admire the facades of some chapels such as:
Isadora's tomb
Petosiris' tomb
Hermopolis Magma (El Ashmounein):
A city which is 12 km further west of the necropolis of Tounah el-Gebel
At the entrance of the site we find two huge colossal baboon statues of 4 m 50 high representing the God Thoth,
You can see the ruins of an Agora and the remains of a temple dedicated to Thoth. The remains of a Roman basilica with 24 thin Corinthian columns and its foundations, it was originally a Ptolemaic temple
Return to take the train to Cairo
Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your hotel.
Cost:
Based on 2 people: 435 dollars per person.
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The price includes:
Train tickets (Cairo / Minya / Cairo)
Note: in case of 5 or more people, possibility of privatizing an air-conditioned vehicle.
Accommodation 2 nights / 3 days in a 3 * hotel in Minya
Entrances to the sites, travel by private vehicle
The services of a private French-speaking guide.
The price does not include:
Supplements not mentioned in this program.
Tips.
