Perfume and Pastry Tour
A Girls Day Out in Cairo
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Hotel
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Meals
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Transfer
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Staff Guide
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$115 pp
Adults ≥ 17 Yrs Group of 2
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$100 pp
Groups 3-5 adults
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$95 pp
Groups ≥ 6 adults
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$60 pp
Child 6 – 16.9 Yrs
Overview
Egyptian Priests Were the First Perfumers
Five thousand years have transpired since the ancient Egyptians first produced perfume. Hieroglyphics found in Egyptian tombs dating from 3000BC verify that Egyptian priests were the earliest perfumers. And in ancient Egyptian mythology, Nefertem was the god of each morning’s creation and the god of perfumes and aromatics. Perfumes were associated with mystical functions and served as a gift from and to the Gods. Natural ingredients such as myrrh, frankincense, and cinnamon, were used to create unique fragrances. Perfumes became an important part of Egyptian life and were used by men and women.
Higher Concentrations of Perfume Oil and Alcohol Free
Today, the uniqueness of Egyptian perfumes is because the majority are alcohol free and also because they have higher concentrations of the perfume oils. This increases the duration of the perfume on the skin. And according to the teaching of Muhammad’s, cleanliness is half of faith. Hence Muslims have high standards for personal cleanliness and perfumes are an important part of this. The vibrancy of Egyptian perfumes has an international reputation.
Ancient Egyptians Beauty Secrets
Perfumes were one part of the ancient Egyptians beauty routine. Cosmetics for women and men were Egyptian inventions dating from 4000BC. They mixed soot with minerals to create a black and green eye makeup. The ancient Egyptians believed that eye makeup could cure eye diseases, keep them from falling victim to the evil eye and as a protection from the harsh sun
Wigs Were Also Popular in Ancient Egypt
Wigs were popular with Egyptian women and men. While the cheapest wigs were made of vegetable fibres, the royal family had theirs made of human hair. The first hair stylists were also found in ancient Egypt, with records from as far back as 5000 BC. Men were employed to cut and groom hair using sharpened flints and shells. Wealthy Egyptians often employed their own live in hair stylists.
You Can Sample the Unique Scents
An explanation of the various scents is provided by the perfumery. This presentation identifies the ingredients of the scents that you are sampling. It is fascinating to realise that Egyptian perfumes have an ancient tradition and are a direct link to the daily lives of the ancient traditions. It’s a fascinating insight into the beauty regimes of the ancient Egyptians.
 Not Just a Perfumery But An Insight Into Ancient Traditions
This experience is not like anything else. This is about insight into what Egyptians thought about in terms of their faith, life and rituals. Perfumes and scents were an integral part of their life and perfumes had a spiritual quality that transcended everything else. It was all about connection and values. Today and across the world, the commercial aspect of perfumes dominates.  But it was the Egyptian who developed a range of scents, who taught the rest of the world how to make them and mix them and ultimately that insight has lasted to this day.  A girls day out to be enjoyed knowing that the experience goes back over 400 years!
Gallery
Ancient Egyptian Research Association
One Horizon Africa is a member of AERA. AERA brings together archaeologists and specialists from around the world to address questions regarding the origin, nature, and development of the Egyptian state. By becoming a member of AERA you support the training of young Egyptian archaeologists and the survey, mapping, excavation, and the analysis of archaeological sites. We encourage everyone to become a member and support the work of AERA.
Itinerary
What To Expect From This Experience!
- Today is a day out exclusively for the girls. A day to enjoy an all-girls adventure.
- The first stop is at one of Cairo’s leading perfumeries of exquisite scents and aphrodisiacs.
- The second half of the day we take you to Khan El Khalili bazaar that has operated for over 400 years
- We will enjoy lunch at the famous El-Fishawy Café and an afternoon shopping.
First Stop (am) – Cairo’s Leading Perfumery
We traverse the frenzied traffic of Cairo for the 30-minute drive to Cairo’s largest aromatherapy and perfumery establishment. This perfumery cultivates its own flowers and other natural ingredients and it is these upon which their perfumes are made.
And the range of scents draws upon ancient ingredients which maintain the uniqueness of their perfumes. A link to the past. And perfumes and scents for both men and women.
The Second Stop (pm) – Khan El Khalili and El Fishawy Cafe
Khan El Khalili Bazaar is a great place to experience Egyptian culture. Originally built on the site of an old mausoleum, local and foreign merchants have been trading at Khan El-Khalili since the 14th century. The bazaar was named after its founder who was a mamluk prince.
Located in the heart of Islamic Cairo, this colourful bazaar is filled with over 1500 shops, stalls, restaurants, and cafes selling everything from spices to souvenirs. And after spending time roaming the narrow alley ways and haggling with the store holders, our destination is the El Fishawy Café, the oldest coffee shop in the bazaar.
Coffee Drinking Customs In Egypt
While drinking tea is still a major past time for Egyptians, coffee is also more than just a beverage in Egypt. It’s a reason to meet up with friends and to build relationships. Egyptians believe that it’s impolite to drink coffee alone and prefer to engage friends and family over a coffee.
About Lunch
We enjoy taking our guess out for lunch because it’s another way to experience Egyptian culture. We just want to make the following points. We only take our guests to the best restaurants. We place good hygiene and cleanliness within those establishments as the number 1 priority. The restaurants offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. If you choose to pass on lunch, we won’t take it personally. But please be assured, your health and safety is our overriding priority.
Lunch at El-Fishawy Café
El-Fishawy Café is a destination of both Egyptian and Arab leaders, politicians, and intellectuals. The café has hosted many renowned figures like Napoléon Bonaparte, the famous German military commander Rommel, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir in addition to many Arab princes. The Café has also hosted President Gamal Abdel Nasir, and many other famous Egyptians. And it’s here where we will take coffee/tea and pastries and enjoy the amazing and alluring ambience of the café.
Khan El Khalili Bazaar – Shop Till You Drop
The Bazaar is where over 1500 store holders ply their trade. And whilst you can buy almost anything you want it’s also the humour and good will of the locals that will leave a smile on your face. Haggle well and with courtesy and you will have a great time of it. And so, visiting the bazaar brings together all the great elements of an amazing time – great people and interesting stalls that will entice you to take home those last minute gifts.
You will enjoy this day enormously and your guide will be with you every moment of the day.
Inclusions
This half day tour can be combined with other tours for a full day’s activities. The other tours include Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Old Cairo (Coptic and Islamic History), the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, Stairways to Eternity (The Pyramids of Giza) and many others. Please enquire at One Horizon for your options.
- Pick up from your hotel and return
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Lunch (as well as water, soda, coffee and pastries at El-Fishawy Café)
- Your own personal, English speaking tour guide.
- (Optional) Membership of the Ancient Egyptian Research Association (AERA) which supports the training of young Egyptian archaeologists and field work excavations in Egypt
Exclusions
- Personal expenditure of any kind
- Tips
- Alcoholic Drinks and extra meals (other than those stated in the itinerary)
videos
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge Michael Jiroch for this video which is publicly available on You Tube.
ARCHAEOLOGY 2.0
Dr Mark Lehner ranks amongst the most outstanding Egyptologists of the modern era. Within a select group of Egyptologists such as Petrie, Carter, Hawass and others, Mark has earned his international reputation based on over 40 years of conducting research and excavations in Egypt. His discoveries, such as the workers village close to the Giza Pyramids, and his academic treatise and publications have contributed greatly to the world’s understanding of ancient Egypt. Mark is also the founder of the Ancient Egyptians Research Associates (AERA) whose work includes training the next generation of Egyptian Egyptologists.
Within One Horizon, training our tour guides so that they provide our clients with the most factual, up to date and insightful information draws heavily from Mark’s 40 years of research, analysis and dedication. And so, our guides remain at the forefront of current learnings and knowledge that enhances our guests Egyptian experience with us.
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