The Path of the Heart
A pilgrimage through the sacred sites

October 25th - November 11th


Travelling though Egypt as a ‘pilgrim’ offers us a deeper experience from that of the tourist.  It enables us to be more open and receptive to what might be invisible to those with a checklist and fast track itinerary.

Each day at sundown we meet to meditate, to share the experiences of our inner and outer journeys, and reflect upon our intentions and aspirations.

We commence our journey at Aswan, on board the comfortable SS Tiyi, and begin our contemplation of the mysteries with the gentle wisdom of Isis at the temple of Phillae.

As our boat moves northwards on the great river, we experience the dualities of chaos and order expressed in the temple of Kom Ombo, and the powerful authority of the temple of Horus at Edfu.

After three days on the great river we come to Luxor - ancient Thebes.  There are many temples here: we’ll seek to connect with the ancient wisdom in the extraordinary Karnak complex, further north in the Temple of Hathor at Dendera and the Temple of Osiris (with the mysterious and ancient Oseirion) at Abydos, as well as in the exquisite Temple of Hatshepsut.

Also from Luxor we will visit the tombs of the Pharaohs - a very different experience. In this wild, arid, inhospitable terrain we may begin to understand why the ancients saw this place of the sunset as somewhere where the journey through the underworld could begin. We’ll visit first the tranquil Valley of the Monkeys and then the busier Valley of the Kings.

On a less strenuous day, we’ll have time to visit the city of Luxor’s own temple, to wander in the beautiful museum, and finish with a wonderful home-cooked meal in a traditional Nubian house on a working Egyptian farm.

After taking the comfortable overnight sleeper train to Cairo we find ourselves in the realm of the most ancient and mysterious Egyptian structures – the Old Kingdom pyramids. From our base in Giza we will travel to Dahshur for the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid – their surprisingly intact casings may give us a sense of the outstanding beauty of the original structures, shining from afar in the desert light. Next day we’ll drive to Saqqara to see the Tomb of Teti and the serene and elegant Step Pyramid complex of King Zoser.

Now, at last, our day on the Giza plateau, where we begin with private time in the Great Pyramid. An extraordinary opportunity to spend time in the passages and chambers of the pyramid without the usual crowds – perhaps this will give us the space to set aside all the intellectual questions and relate to the building and its purpose on a deeper level.

Back in the open air we’ll also see the Sphinx and the many temples and tombs of the site, as well as smaller pyramids, and the causeways, boat pits and other mysteries.

On a visit to Cairo to explore the amazing museum we’ll see a little more of modern Egypt in Tahrir Square, the site of so much news footage during the recent revolution, and have a chance to feel the spiritual depths of Islamic prayer in a beautiful mosque.

How shall we ever find space and stillness to digest all these experiences and to ground ourselves again?  Our first step in this process will be to drive out into Western Desert for a night under the stars and a visit to the very surprising fossilised marine landscape of Valley of the Whales.



The remainder of the process may take the rest of our lives . . . . . .

Cairo – Aswan – Luxor – Giza
By plane, boat and train

October 25th - November 11th

The cost of this trip is £2,120 per person (in shared double or twin rooms).

Single supplement is £307 (£2,427 total)

The prices above include:

  • All transfers (private air-conditioned bus)
  • Entrance fees for temples (Phillae, Kom Ombo, Efdu, Hatshepsut, Dendera, Abydos)
  • Entrance fees for sites at Valley of the Monkeys, Valley of the Kings, Dahshur, Saqqarra, Giza plateau, Valley of the Whales
  • Dinner at the farm
  • Internal flight from Cairo to Aswan
  • 1 night bed and breakfast at Iberotel Heliopolis, Cairo
  • 3 nights full board on luxury cruiser S.S. Tiye en route Aswan to Luxor
  • 3 nights half board at 5-star Sofitel Karnak, Luxor
  • Overnight sleeper train, Luxor to Cairo, including dinner and breakfast
  • 5 nights half board at 5-star Oasis Hotel, Giza City
  • Private time in Great Pyramid
  • 2 day desert safari, including transport, all meals
  • All tips for baggage handlers, drivers, guides, cruise staff, restaurant staff

These prices do not include:

  • Egypt entry visa (around £15, available at Cairo airport)
  • Lunch on three of the excursions
  • External flights to and from Cairo
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Drinks, souvenirs, personal expenses
  • Entry fees for optional visits to Luxor Temple and Luxor Museum

Secure your place

To secure a place please send a deposit of £200 per person (cheques made out to Sue Minns Travel) to:

Andy Barnes
1, Wrangaton Manor
Wrangaton
South Brent
Devon
TQ10 9HH

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