Country(ies): Egypt
Tour type: Small Group
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 18
Accommodation: No Accommodation
Meals: Breakfasts - 9, Lunches - 4, Dinners - 5
Transport: A/C minibus, cruise-boat & flights
Highlights: The Pyramids & Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Philae Temple, Abu Simbel option, luxury Nile cruise, Temple of Karnak & Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, Red Sea at Hurghada
This 10-day Egypt tour showcases the main highlights of the Pharaonic era in Cairo and the Nile Valley, complemented by a luxurious Nile river cruise and some time by the Red Sea in Hurghada. The journey begins in Cairo, where we explore the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, as well as the renowned Egyptian Museum, which houses an extensive collection of ancient artefacts, including the famous King Tutankhamun display.
Next, we take a flight to Aswan in the south, where the Nile is at its most scenic. Here, we will enjoy a boat ride to the stunning island temple of Philae. Additionally, you have the option to visit the remarkable Abu Simbel temples, which were dismantled and relocated when Lake Nasser was flooded. We then embark on a luxury Nile cruise, travelling aboard one of the river's renowned boats. Onboard, you'll have a spacious en-suite cabin with panoramic windows, a restaurant, lounge, bar, and a large sun deck equipped with another bar, recliners, and a plunge pool.
The cruise heads north, stopping at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo before reaching Luxor, often regarded as the world's largest and finest open-air museum. This city boasts an abundance of ancient sites, and we'll explore both the east and west banks of the Nile. Key visits include the underground tombs of the Valley of the Kings, the temples of Queen Hatshepsut and Medinat Habu, and the colossal Colossi of Memnon. We’ll also tour the vast Karnak temple complex and visit Luxor temple, beautifully illuminated in the evening.
After exploring the Nile Valley, we make our way to the Red Sea coast at Hurghada for some much-needed relaxation in a 5-star beach resort. Hurghada is known for its excellent snorkelling and scuba diving, with a variety of watersports also available, or you can simply unwind on the beach. If desired, you can extend your stay here or return to Cairo with the rest of the group. The tour concludes with a free afternoon in Cairo, offering the opportunity to take an optional city tour, explore the markets and bazaars on a final guided walk, revisit the pyramids with an evening sound and light show, or enjoy a scenic dinner cruise on the Nile.
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Upon your arrival at Cairo airport, we will greet you and assist with visa procedures and baggage claim, before transferring you to your hotel. Our representative will ensure you're settled in, and the remainder of the day will be at your leisure. Should your flight arrive earlier than expected, you might consider a first glimpse of the pyramids with an enchanting sound and light show, or perhaps enjoy a Nile dinner cruise and show in central Cairo.
OVERNIGHT:
Cairo 5-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 0, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
Your journey through the Gods of Egypt starts with a visit to the mysterious Sphinx and the three most iconic pyramids in Egypt. Towering at 500 feet and stretching 750 feet wide at its base, the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is a remarkable feat of engineering, constructed from massive stone blocks and originally covered in white limestone. Over time, much of the limestone casing has been removed, revealing the inner stone structure. Together with the smaller pyramids of Khafre (Chephren) and Menkaure (Mycerinus), the awe-inspiring sight of these colossal structures emerging from the desert is unforgettable. You’ll have the opportunity to enter the pyramids if you wish, but please note that your guide cannot accompany you inside (tickets for the Great Pyramid are limited). Following the pyramids, we continue into central Cairo to visit the vast Egyptian Museum, which houses the renowned Tutankhamun exhibit, along with a vast collection of other ancient Egyptian artefacts. A knowledgeable local Egyptologist guide will accompany you throughout the tour, as well as on all other sightseeing excursions. You’ll soon realise that our guides possess an immense passion for Egypt’s history and a deep love for their country. In the evening, we transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Aswan, where we will be met and transferred to our hotel, offering stunning views over the Nile.
OVERNIGHT:
Aswan 5-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
We rise this morning to witness one of the most stunning stretches of the Nile in Egypt. The river here is adorned with islands and traditional felucca boats, while Aswan itself presents a fascinating blend of African and Middle Eastern influences, evident as you wander through the lively markets. You have some leisure time this morning to explore, take a stroll along the Corniche by the river, or visit the Nubian Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of artefacts from the Nubian people. After checking out of our hotel, we board our Nile Cruise boat for lunch, followed by an afternoon tour of Aswan. Our first stop is the Temple of Philae. This captivating island temple, dedicated to Isis, was rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser and can only be accessed via a scenic boat ride. The rest of the day is free for exploration, though there is also the option to take a camel ride across the sands on the far side of the Nile to visit St. Simeon’s monastery.
An optional early morning visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Abu Simbel is also available. Built by Ramses II, this awe-inspiring site was fully dismantled and reconstructed when Lake Nasser was flooded.
OVERNIGHT:
Nile Cruise Boat
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 1, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
None
Today, we embark on a scenic sail down the Nile, unwinding on the sun deck while taking in the serene views of rural Egyptian life unfolding around us. Our first destination is the stunningly located riverside temple at Komombo. This uniquely designed temple is actually a double temple, with one half dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and the other to Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky. We then continue our journey downstream to the Temple of Horus at Edfu. We will stay overnight here.
OVERNIGHT:
Nile Cruise Boat
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 1, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
None
This morning, we visit the Temple of Horus, renowned as the best-preserved temple in all of Egypt. It features numerous inscriptions in the Coptic language and is decorated with vibrant paintings. We then continue our journey, passing through the Esna lock on the Nile, before reaching Luxor. Luxor is located on and around the ancient city of Thebes and boasts the highest concentration of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, if not the entire world. To the west, across the river, is the City of the Dead, with its mortuary temples and rock-hewn tombs, while to the east stand the impressive Temples of Luxor and Karnak.
In the evening, we’ll embark on a walking tour of the smaller Luxor Temple, located in the heart of the city, which is beautifully illuminated at night.
OVERNIGHT:
Nile Cruise Boat
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 1, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
None
We begin our exploration of Luxor’s West Bank with a crossing of the Nile early this morning. This area, home to the Valley of the Kings, still uncovers secrets from the past through its ancient tombs, making it one of the world's most significant archaeological sites. Our visit will take us through several of these royal tombs, as well as the temples of Queen Hatshepsut and Medinat Habu, along with the imposing Colossi of Memnon.
A thrilling hot air balloon ride over the West Bank of the Nile is offered this morning (prepare for an early start to witness the sunrise as the balloon ascends).
Following lunch, we will explore the vast temple complex at Karnak, once the heart of religious life in Thebes and Upper Egypt. It was connected to Luxor by a grand avenue flanked by sphinxes, and the entire site was linked to the Nile by a canal that allowed the sacred boats of the god Amun to pass through. Entering via a smaller sphinx-lined avenue built by Ramesses II, we arrive at the colossal pylon entrance. Within the immense Courtyard are three chapels dedicated to the gods Amun, Khonsu, and Mut. The awe-inspiring Hypostyle Hall features 134 massive columns, each decorated with scenes of gods and pharaohs, and the walls are covered in intricate hieroglyphs.
OVERNIGHT:
Luxor 5-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
Following a relaxed morning, we depart the Nile Valley and make our way to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada, where we check into a luxurious 5-star hotel. Your accommodation here is provided on a 'soft all-inclusive' basis, which covers all meals, soft drinks, and snacks, though alcoholic drinks are not included.
OVERNIGHT:
Hurghada - 5-star resort
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
None
You have a free day today to unwind and enjoy your time by the Red Sea. Hurghada is renowned worldwide for its exceptional scuba diving and snorkelling, and the vibrant marine life of the Red Sea draws divers from across the globe. Additional thrilling activities on offer include windsurfing, kite surfing, glass-bottomed boat tours, quad biking, camel rides, and sea fishing excursions. Our local representative in Hurghada will be available to assist you with any arrangements. Hurghada also boasts a fascinating marina and an old town worth exploring.
If desired, we can arrange extra nights for you at the resort in Hurghada to extend your stay—please get in touch for further information and prices.
Note: Please be aware that by adding extra nights in Hurghada, you will depart from the group and miss the remaining activities in Cairo. You have the option to either conclude the tour in Hurghada or return to Cairo to complete your itinerary. Please contact us for more details and personalised pricing.
OVERNIGHT:
Hurghada 5-star resort
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 1, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
None
We journey back to Cairo this morning (approximately 5 hours) and check into a hotel in the city centre. An upgrade to an internal flight can also be arranged upon request. Later in the afternoon, we embark on a guided stroll through the narrow lanes and markets of Old Cairo. We'll pass through the grand Bab al-Futuh gateway and discover streets filled with metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewellery, and much more, as we gradually make our way to the more tourist-oriented Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. There will be a chance to pause for some mint tea and a shisha pipe, offering a perfect opportunity to purchase a few final souvenirs from your Egyptian adventure.
OVERNIGHT:
Cairo 5-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
You have some free time today for any last-minute sightseeing or shopping before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight. If your flight is in the afternoon or evening, a half-day tour of Coptic Cairo and the Citadel is available, or you may opt for another half-day tour to explore the history of pyramid construction at Saqqara, Dashour, and Memphis. Additional tours are also available today. Alternatively, you can extend your stay in Cairo, allowing you to take a day trip to the colonial city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast, or venture into the desert outside Cairo to visit the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
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The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.
Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.
The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.
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