Country(ies): Egypt
Tour type: Small Group
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 18
Accommodation: No Accommodation
Meals: Breakfasts - 6, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 2
Transport: A/C minibus/coach & sleeper train
Highlights: The great Pyramids & Sphinx, dramatic Karnak temple, King Tut's death mask in the Egyptian museum, hidden tombs of the Valley of the Kings
Embark on an enthralling 7-day voyage through the captivating ancient history of Egypt, an experience that promises to be both enlightening and awe-inspiring. This meticulously crafted tour serves as the quintessential introduction to the wonders of this ancient civilisation, offering an immersive exploration of its most iconic landmarks and cultural treasures.
Day 1-3: Cairo - The City of a Thousand Minarets
Your adventure commences in the vibrant metropolis of Cairo, amidst a backdrop of towering monuments and storied relics. Begin with a comprehensive exploration of the city's historical gems, including the illustrious Giza Plateau. Here, marvel at the enigmatic Great Pyramid, a testament to the ingenuity and grandeur of the ancient Egyptians, alongside the timeless allure of the enigmatic Sphinx. Delve deeper into the annals of history with a visit to the renowned Egyptian Museum, home to an unparalleled collection of artefacts and antiquities, each whispering tales of bygone eras.
Day 4-6: Luxor - The World's Greatest Open-Air Museum
Setting course towards the sun-drenched landscapes of Upper Egypt, the tour ventures southward to the legendary city of Luxor, aptly hailed as the World's largest outdoor museum. Prepare to be enraptured by a plethora of majestic temples and sacred tombs, each bearing witness to the splendour of ancient dynasties. Traverse the hallowed grounds of Luxor Temple, where the echoes of rituals past still linger amidst the towering columns and intricately carved reliefs. Journey onward to the sprawling complex of Karnak, a testament to the devotion and architectural prowess of the Pharaohs.
Venture into the mystical realm of the Valley of the Kings, where the silent guardians of the pharaohs' eternal rest lie in solemn repose. Pay homage to the legacies of queens and nobles as you explore the intricately adorned tombs of Queen Hatshepsut and Medinat Habu. Behold the majestic Colossi of Memnon, standing sentinel amidst the desert sands, their imposing visages bearing witness to the passage of millennia.
Day 7: Luxor - Cairo
Amidst the splendour of Luxor, embrace the opportunity for optional experiences, from exhilarating hot air balloon flights offering panoramic vistas of the Nile, to leisurely felucca trips along its tranquil waters. Conclude your odyssey with a return to Cairo and savour moments of leisure to explore the bustling streets at your own pace or partake in optional excursions. A captivating stroll through the labyrinthine alleys of Islamic Cairo, where the echoes of history intertwine with the vibrant tapestry of everyday life, culminating in the bustling ambiance of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar, is a fitting end to your Egyptian adventure.
Private Tour Option
If our scheduled departure dates don't work for you, or you would prefer not to travel with a group, then we can also run this tour privately for you. Please contact us for more information and prices.
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Upon your arrival, our team will greet you at the airport, assist with your visa and baggage, and then take you to your hotel to begin your journey. They will help you get settled, provide an introduction to the local surroundings, and give you details about the plans for tomorrow. The remainder of the day is free. If you arrive early, you may wish to enjoy an evening dinner cruise on the Nile or attend a breathtaking sound and light show at the pyramids (both can be booked locally upon arrival).
OVERNIGHT:
Cairo 5-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 0, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
Our journey through Egypt begins with a visit to the renowned Egyptian Museum, home to a vast collection of ancient Pharaonic artefacts. The museum is particularly famous for its exceptional Tutankhamun exhibit, alongside countless other treasures from ancient Egypt. You will be accompanied by one of our expert local Egyptologist guides throughout this and all your other sightseeing excursions. They are a rich source of knowledge, sharing their passion for Egyptian history and culture. After the museum, we proceed to Giza, located on the outskirts of Cairo, to see the Sphinx and the three grand pyramids of Egypt. The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), standing 500 feet tall and 750 feet wide at its base, is an awe-inspiring feat of engineering, built from massive stone blocks with a smooth limestone casing, most of which has since eroded, revealing the inner stone structure. Alongside this, the smaller pyramids of Khafre (Chephren) and Menkaure (Mycerinus) rise majestically from the desert, creating a truly spectacular sight. If you wish, you may descend inside the pyramids, though your guide will not be able to join you (tickets for the Great Pyramid are limited).
In the evening, we will transfer you to the station for the overnight sleeper train to Luxor (approximately 9 hours). You will enjoy a meal on board in your private twin-berth compartment before the steward prepares your beds for a comfortable night's sleep.
OVERNIGHT:
On board sleeper train
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
None
We arrive in Luxor early this morning and take a crossing over the Nile to begin our exploration of Luxor's West Bank. This area, home to the Valley of the Kings, is still unveiling its ancient secrets through its dusty tombs, making it one of the world's most significant archaeological sites. Our tour will take us through several of these Pharaonic tombs, alongside the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Deir el-Medina (the Valley of the Craftsmen), and the massive Colossi of Memnon.
The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the amenities of your 5-star hotel, located along the banks of the Nile. In the evening, we will visit Luxor Temple, a majestic structure in the heart of the city, dramatically illuminated at night.
OVERNIGHT:
Luxor 5-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
Your morning is at your leisure today, allowing you to enjoy a well-deserved lie-in after yesterday's early start. Following lunch, we will explore the vast Karnak temple complex, which was once the spiritual heart of Thebes and Upper Egypt. This impressive site was connected to Luxor by a long avenue lined with sphinxes, and the entire complex was further linked to the Nile by a canal that allowed the sacred boats of the god Amun to travel. Entering through a smaller sphinx-lined avenue constructed by Ramesses II, you will encounter the grand pylon entrance. Within the expansive Courtyard, you'll find three chapels dedicated to the gods Amun, Khons, and Mut. The awe-inspiring Hypostyle Hall boasts 134 towering columns, each adorned with intricate carvings of gods and pharaohs, while hieroglyphic inscriptions decorate the walls.
A thrilling hot air balloon ride over the west bank of the Nile is offered this morning (be prepared for an early start to catch the sunrise as the balloon ascends).
OVERNIGHT:
Luxor 5-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
Today is your free day to unwind at the hotel or opt for an extra tour if you'd like to delve deeper into Egypt's rich history. You might consider visiting the Rammesseum, Medinat Habu, and the Valley of the Queens on the Nile's west bank, or perhaps the Luxor Museum. Alternatively, you could continue exploring Luxor, enjoy shopping or browsing the local market, visit the Mummification Museum, or take a relaxing felucca ride to Banana Island. Your guide will be happy to arrange any additional excursions or you can book tours in advance.
In the evening, we return to the station to board the overnight sleeper train back to Cairo. Flight upgrades are available upon request.
OVERNIGHT:
On board sleeper train
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
None
We return to Cairo this morning and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Cairo at your own pace, or you can choose to join an optional excursion. These include a city tour of Cairo, visiting Coptic Cairo, the Citadel, and the Mohamed Ali Mosque, or a half-day trip to Saqqara, Dashour, and Memphis to delve deeper into the history and development of pyramid construction. Alternatively, you can opt for full-day trips further afield, such as visiting the colonial city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast, or a desert excursion to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan (please note, these full-day options will cause you to miss the bazaar walk).
Later in the afternoon, we embark on a guided stroll through the winding streets and markets of Old Cairo. We’ll pass through the grand Bab al-Futuh gate and meander through areas specialising in metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewellery, and much more, gradually making our way to the bustling Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We’ll have a chance to relax with a cup of mint tea and a shisha pipe, providing the perfect opportunity to pick up souvenirs of your Egyptian adventure.
OVERNIGHT:
Cairo 5-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
You have some free time today for last-minute sightseeing or shopping before we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. If your flight is in the evening, the Cairo City Tour and the Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis tours are also available today. Alternatively, you can extend your stay in Cairo, allowing you to take a day trip to the historic city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast or venture into the desert to explore 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 organise frequent small-group departures for this tour, beginning on Tuesdays throughout the year. Each departure is guaranteed to proceed with a minimum of 2 travellers and a maximum of 18. Departure dates and prices can be found on our website, as well as on a separate 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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