Country(ies): Egypt
Tour type: Small Group
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 18
Accommodation: No Accommodation
Meals: Breakfasts - 11, Lunches - 5, Dinners - 6
Transport: A/C minibus/coach, sleepter train & felucca sailboat
Highlights: The great Pyramids & Sphinx, antiquities of the Egyptian museum, Abu Simbel option, hidden tombs - Valley of the Kings, relaxing on a traditional Felucca, Red Sea at Hurghada
Explore the secrets of Egypt on this comprehensive 12-day adventure, which takes you from Cairo up the Nile to Upper Egypt. The journey starts in Cairo, where you’ll have the chance to visit the iconic Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, before continuing to Aswan to explore the picturesque island temple of Philae by boat. At this stage, there is also an opportunity to add a trip to the remarkable Abu Simbel temples. From there, you’ll embark on a traditional Nile felucca cruise, making your way down the river towards Luxor in the Nile Valley. Along the journey, our support boat will join us, providing the convenience of toilets, showers, and a massage deck. Once in Luxor, you'll have the chance to tour magnificent temples, including the vast Karnak Temple complex and the lesser-known Medinat Habu on the West Bank of the Nile. Other highlights include the impressive Queen Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, and the famous ancient tombs of the Pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings. The next stop is Hurghada, a beautiful Red Sea resort where you can relax and enjoy a range of optional water activities. Known for its excellent scuba diving, snorkelling, and delicious seafood, Hurghada also offers various adventurous activities such as quad biking, kiteboarding, windsurfing, fishing, and camel rides. Alternatively, unwind on the beach and enjoy the warm sunshine year-round. The tour concludes with a drive back to Cairo, though if you prefer, you may also opt to fly home directly from Hurghada.
You will be staying in 5-star hotels, with the option to upgrade to a flight and hotel stay in place of the sleeper train journey, as well as replacing the overnight felucca stay with an extra night in a hotel in Aswan for added comfort.
Private Tour Option
If our scheduled departure dates don’t align with your plans, or if you would prefer not to travel with a group, we also offer the option to run this tour privately. Please contact us for more information and pricing.
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Once you arrive, our team will be at the airport to welcome you, help you get your visa and collect your luggage, and then take you to your hotel to start your trip. They'll help you settle in, show you around the local area, and give you details about the plans for the next day. You can then spend the rest of the day relaxing. If you arrive early, you might like to take an evening dinner cruise along the Nile or see a fantastic sound and light show at the pyramids (both can be booked locally when you arrive).
OVERNIGHT:
Cairo 5-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 0, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
Our journey through Egypt begins with a scenic drive to Giza, located on the edge of Cairo, where we will explore the iconic Sphinx and the three grand pyramids. A local Egyptologist will guide you throughout this tour, as well as all subsequent sightseeing excursions, offering vast knowledge and passionate insights into Egyptian history and culture. Standing at an impressive 500 feet in height and 750 feet in width at its base, the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is an awe-inspiring monument made from enormous stone blocks with a durable limestone exterior. Over time, the limestone casing has been removed, revealing the internal structure of the pyramid. Alongside the smaller pyramids of Khafre (Chephren) and Menkaure (Mycerinus), the view of these monumental structures rising from the desert is truly spectacular. You’ll also have the chance to venture inside the pyramids, should you wish, although your guide will not be able to accompany you. (Please note that there is a limited number of tickets available for entry to the Great Pyramid). After visiting the pyramids, we’ll proceed to the Egyptian Museum, which houses the remarkable Tutankhamun exhibit, along with a vast collection of other ancient Egyptian artefacts.
In the evening, we transfer to the station to board the overnight sleeper train to Aswan (approximately 12 hours). Dinner will be served on board in your private twin-berth compartment, before the steward prepares your beds for a restful night’s sleep.
OVERNIGHT:
Sleeper train
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
None
This morning, we arrive in Aswan and transfer to our hotel, which overlooks the Nile at its most scenic, with verdant islands and feluccas drifting by. Aswan is a vibrant mix of African and Middle Eastern influences, best explored by strolling through its lively markets. It also lies within the historic region of Nubia, which once spanned parts of modern southern Egypt and northern Sudan along the Nile. Many descendants of the Nubian people still live in this area, and we will visit a local Nubian village to admire their colourful homes, simple lifestyle, and enjoy a traditional meal.
In the afternoon, we continue our tour with a visit to the Temple of Philae, an exquisite island temple dedicated to Isis, rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, which we reach via a scenic boat ride. The evening is free to explore Aswan's spice and general markets, as well as to stroll along the popular Corniche by the Nile. For those interested, an optional camel ride is available across the sands to St. Simeon’s Monastery on the far bank. If you've chosen the Abu Simbel excursion, make sure to rest early this evening in preparation for a very early start tomorrow.
OVERNIGHT:
Aswan 5 star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 1, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
This morning, you have the opportunity to visit the temples of Ramses II at the incredible UNESCO World Heritage site of Abu Simbel. We depart early with the goal of witnessing the sunrise over the temples. If you choose not to visit Abu Simbel, the morning is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.
At lunchtime, we embark on a traditional Nile felucca for a relaxing afternoon sailing down the river. Cruising along the Nile on a felucca is one of Egypt's most delightful activities, allowing you to observe rural Egyptian life along the riverbanks as we drift by. Our Nubian crew will sail the boat, provide entertainment, and prepare meals for you throughout the journey. Our separate facilities boat will join us intermittently during the day and dock with us overnight. This boat features a toilet and shower facilities, as well as a hygienic kitchen. Tonight, you will sleep on the deck of the felucca (mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets are provided). While this is a fun yet simple experience, an optional upgrade is available for those who prefer more comfort. You can opt to spend the night in the Aswan hotel instead of on the felucca and rejoin the group the following morning.
OVERNIGHT:
On board felucca
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 1, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast on board, we say our goodbyes to the felucca crew and head to the nearby temple at Edfu for a visit, before continuing our journey north to Luxor. The town of Luxor is built upon and around the ancient site of Thebes, and it is home to the largest concentration of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, and arguably the world. To the west of the Nile lies the City of the Dead, with its mortuary temples and tombs carved into the rock, while to the east are the majestic Temples of Luxor and Karnak.
We check in to a luxurious 5-star hotel on the banks of the Nile, where you will have time to relax and unwind by the pool this afternoon.
Later this evening, we will embark on a walking tour of the smaller Luxor Temple, located right in the heart of the town, which is beautifully illuminated at night.
OVERNIGHT:
Luxor 5-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
We cross the Nile early this morning to commence our exploration of Luxor’s West Bank. Renowned for the Valley of the Kings, the ancient tombs in this burial site continue to reveal their mysteries, maintaining its status as one of the world’s most significant archaeological locations. Our journey includes visits to several of these Pharaonic tombs, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Deir El-Medina (the Valley of the Artisans), and the grand Colossi of Memnon.
A breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the west bank of the Nile is available this morning (prepare for an early rise to witness the sunrise as the balloon ascends).
Following lunch, we will visit the vast temple complex at Karnak, once the spiritual heart of Thebes and Upper Egypt. This site was connected to Luxor by a grand avenue lined with sphinxes, and the entire complex was linked to the Nile by a canal that transported the sacred boats of the god Amun. Entering through a smaller sphinx-lined avenue, constructed by Ramesses II, you arrive at the monumental pylon entrance. Inside the expansive Courtyard are three chapels dedicated to the gods Amun, Khons, and Mut. The impressive Hypostyle Hall features 134 towering columns, each adorned with scenes of gods and pharaohs, while the walls are covered in hieroglyphic inscriptions.
OVERNIGHT:
Luxor 5-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
Following a relaxed morning, we depart from the Nile Valley and journey to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada, where we check in to a 5-star hotel. Your accommodation here is on a 'soft all-inclusive' basis, including all meals, soft drinks, and snacks, but excluding alcoholic drinks.
OVERNIGHT:
Hurghada - 5-star resort
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
None
You have the day off today to unwind and make the most of your time by the Red Sea. Hurghada is renowned worldwide for its scuba diving and snorkelling, with the vibrant marine life of the Red Sea attracting divers from across the globe. Other thrilling activities available include windsurfing, kite surfing, glass-bottomed boat trips, quad biking, camel rides, and sea fishing excursions. Our local representative in Hurghada will be available to assist with any arrangements you may need. The town itself boasts an intriguing marina and an old town worth exploring. Alternatively, you can spend the next few days here simply relaxing by the pool or on the beach, soaking up the year-round sunshine.
OVERNIGHT:
Hurghada 5-star resort
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 1, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
None
You have another day of leisure in Hurghada today, either to unwind or to explore some of the exciting activities available. Our local representative will be delighted to assist with any arrangements.
OVERNIGHT:
Hurghada - 5-star resort
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 1, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
None
This is your final full day in Hurghada to bask in the sunshine or enjoy some last-minute optional activities, which our local representative will be pleased to assist you with arranging.
OVERNIGHT:
Hurghada - 5-star resort
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 1, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
None
We return to Cairo this morning (approximately 5 hours) and check into a hotel in the city centre. An upgrade to an internal flight is available upon request. In the late afternoon, we embark on a guided walk through the hidden streets and markets of Old Cairo. We’ll pass through the grand Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore lanes filled with metalwork, spices, pottery, textiles, jewellery, and all sorts of goods, gradually making our way into the more tourist-focused Khan-el-Khalili bazaar.
There will be a chance to take a break, enjoy some mint tea and a shisha pipe, and this is the perfect opportunity to pick up some final souvenirs from your time in Egypt.
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 we transfer you to the airport for your departure. Should your flight be in the afternoon or evening, we offer a half-day tour of Coptic Cairo and the Citadel, or a further half-day tour to explore the development of pyramid construction at Saqqara, Dashour, and Memphis. Additional tours are available today. Alternatively, you may extend your stay in Cairo, giving you the opportunity to take a day trip to the historic city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast, or visit the desert outside Cairo to see 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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We operate consistent small-group departures for this tour every Saturday throughout the year. All departures are guaranteed to take place with a minimum of 2 travellers and a maximum of 18. You can find the departure dates and prices on our website, as well as on a dedicated dates & prices sheet available upon request.
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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Our new facilities boat makes the whole felucca experience more enjoyable, with a clean toilet and hot showers on board, as well as massage beds and a hygienic kitchen.