trip
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9 Days$2820USD

Activities
  • 3 day boat cruise
  • Day Walking
Accommodation
  • 4 nights hotel
  • 4 nights boat
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 8 Breakfasts
2
Adventure touring

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

Trip highlights


  • Discover the many treasures in the renowned Egyptian Museum
  • Marvel at the ancient pyramids of Giza and Saqqara
  • Cruise along the Nile River from Luxor and Edfu to Aswan
  • Experience the wonders of the magnificent temple of Abu Simbel
  • Explore the tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut

This journey covers the many treasures and wonders of ancient Egypt. From exploring the vibrant capital of Cairo to the iconic pyramids of Giza, Saqqara and Dahshur, as well as the many beautiful temples of Luxor and the tombs of the Pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings. With four nights cruising along the Nile River on our comfortable river boat, we undertake regular shore excursions to the fascinating temples on the riverside and a day trip to the impressive and remote Abu Simbel.

Trip Code: EYE

Today is an arrival day. You will be met at the airport (if arriving on Day 1 only) and transferred to the group hotel for overnight accommodation. A group briefing will be held in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight hotel in Cairo.

Meals:  Nil

Before appreciating the best preserved pyramids at Giza, this morning we visit the Step Pyramid at Saqqara which shows the style of construction used to build them. The Step Pyramid was built by the Pharaoh’s chief architect, Imhotep, in 27BC and was at that time the largest stone construction ever built. Following our visit to Saqqara, we travel to the nearby old capital of Memphis. Little remains of the once grand and thriving metropolis, except a small museum and garden. The Great Pyramids of Egypt set on a plateau in the Arabian Desert, are one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the reason for which becomes evident as we first set our eyes on these awesome monuments. We spend the morning exploring the main sites. Time is spent appreciating the majestic Sphinx and wondering at the mystery that surrounds this enormous structure. Overnight hotel in Cairo.

Meals:  B,L

Cairo is a city of more than 18 million people – a bustling, dusty and boisterous metropolis with an abundance of character and history. Our time here is limited although we have included the highlights and focused our itinerary on the archaeological importance of the city and its surrounds. This morning we have a city tour including visits to the Citadel, the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar and Al-Muizz Street. A full afternoon is spent at the Egyptian Museum, providing you with an excellent insight into Egyptian history from the Old Kingdom right through to the Roman Empire. The highlight of the museum is the Tutankhamen exhibit, which houses the treasure from the tomb discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter. Although he was an insignificant Pharaoh, Tutankhamen’s tomb contained a stunning array of gold, including pure gold sandals. It is astounding to imagine what treasures a significant Pharaoh may have taken into their next life, had their tombs not been ransacked. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon for a rest before dinner (NB - dinner is not included in the tour cost; at your own additional expense).

Meals:  B,L

This morning we transfer to the airport for our internal flight to Luxor, one of the most magnificent cities in all of Egypt (note the flight can be between 05:00 - 10.00am, subject to availability). The city is located on the banks of the Nile, and is built on the site of the former capital of Egypt, Thebes which dates back 4000 years. In the centre of the town is the Luxor Temple and to the north, Karnak and the Temple of Amun. We visit these impressive temples which are well preserved and contain numerous columns, obelisks and in the temple of Karnak, an avenue of ram-headed sphinxes. The imprint of the various Pharaohs, including Tuthmosis III, Hatshepsut, Tutankhamun and Ramses II is evident. During our visit we will be in the company of a local site guide with specific knowledge of these temples. Then we board our comfortable 4/5 star (Standard Class) Nile River cruise boat for overnight. (Please note: we will be accommodated in first class cabins. The boat is not exclusive for our group and is a public cruise vessel. This tour is confirmed on 4/5 stars (Standard Class) cruise. Boat upgrades to higher category (eg. Deluxe or Luxury Class) are possible subject to cost & availability).

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we cross over to the west bank of the Nile visiting the Valley of the Kings, the necropolis for the ancient city of Thebes. The rock-hewn tombs are found in an arid valley and from the exterior it is hard to imagine the riches which once lay within. Ironically the most recent discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922 by Howard Carter, the contents of which are now in the Cairo Museum, is the least decorated. The tombs of Ramses I, III, IV, IX, Seti II and Tuthmosis III and IV are all richly decorated with paintings of goddesses and the stories from the Book of Day and Night. We will have the opportunity to visit a few of these tombs depending which ones are open to the public. The tombs are reached through a series of ornately painted underground corridors and ante chambers until these open out to the burial chamber where the sarcophagus is found. There will also be time to visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, the first woman to reign as a king. In paintings and reliefs she was depicted as a man. Return to our Nile River boat for overnight and commence our cruise towards Edfu.

Meals:  B,L,D

The days spent sailing on the Nile allow us to relax and take in the view, experiencing first hand rural life on this life-giving river. Our relaxation time is interspersed with visits to the various fascinating temples on the riverside. Early this morning we will visit the temple of Horus at Edfu, which is one of the largest and best preserved in Egypt. Then return to our boat to cruise to Kom Ombo Temple. Afterwards we re-board our boat for overnight and cruise towards Aswan.

Meals:  B,L,D

We arrive today in the bustling town of Aswan. Set primarily on the East Bank of the Nile, it is the most southern city in Egypt and is said to be the gateway to Africa. Ancient trade routes once crossed over in this town and the Sharia as-Souq today retains all of the activity and colour of the great trading days. We visit the High Dam, which at the time it was completed (1902) was the largest of its kind in the world. This afternoon we will visit the unfinished Obelisk and the Temple of Philae. We return to our boat in the evening for dinner and our last night on board.

Meals:  B,L,D

The Great Temple of Ramses II was carved from a mountain between 1290 and 1224 BC and was dedicated to the gods Ra-Harakhty, Amun and Ptah. Threatened by the rising waters of Lake Nasser, UNESCO organised a rescue of the temple in the 1960’s. The rescue involved carving the temple into more than 2000 blocks weighing up to 40 tonnes each and transferring them 210 metres away to a man made mountain, and reconstructing the temple façade which stands 30 metres high and 35 metres wide. From the outside it is hard to imagine that the temple is not original, and only by entering the mountain constructed in steel and concrete, is it possible to appreciate the enormous feat achieved by the archaeological teams. A very early morning wake-up call as we start our overland trip at 4.00am to visit this magnificent temple. Following a tour around the temple, we return to Aswan. Transfer to the airport for our internal flight to Cairo (note the flight can be between 14:00 - 23:00pm, subject to availability). You will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel for overnight accommodation.

Meals:  B

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward travel. If you would like additional nights in Cairo or an airport transfer on any other day, please ask your Reservations Consultant for details. Additional costs apply.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinners
  • 4 nights in 4 star hotels on a twin share basis
  • 4 nights on a Nile River 4/5 star (Standard Class) boat on a twin share basis
  • airport transfers (day 1 and 9 only) and internal transfers as listed in itinerary
  • private transport
  • English speaking local guide
  • entrance fees and sightseeing as listed in itinerary

  • International airfares and departure taxes
  • Internal flights Cairo/Luxor and Aswan/Cairo are NOT included in the trip price. Please ask us for best available airfare prices on booking.
  • Airport transfers if not arriving/ departing on Days 1 & 9
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, phone calls, spending money, etc
  • Tips
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance
  • Optional activities and sightseeing during free time
  • High season surcharge for Easter (two weeks) & between 20 Dec to 7 Jan inclusive

Departure dates

Departs Wednesdays or Fridays from September to June

Notes

HS
Holiday Season
Note:
Internal flights Cairo/Luxor and Aswan/Cairo are NOT included in the tour cost

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$2820USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementUSD$470
  • Single Traveller SupplementUSD$990
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Egypt Explorer trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

Thoughtful Travel

Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

Ultimate Value

 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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