Experience the wonders of Egypt over 9 days on this special tour. Taking in the key historical sites of the world renowned Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the Sphinx and Great Pyramid at Giza, you will then travel to Aswan to explore the romantic temples of Philae and the Aswan High Dam, leaving time for you to wander around the fascinating souks and markets. Optional trips to Abu Simbel are available before your traditional felucca cruise takes you down the Nile River, through the Nile Valley to Luxor where you will experience the incredible temples and world famous tombs of the Valley of the Kings. Finishing back in Cairo, you will be able to further explore this incredible city at your leisure, or join us on an optional city or desert tour.
DAY 1 Arrive into Cairo. Transfer to hotelUpon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel close to the Pyramids for the start of your trip. They will help you settle in, introduce you to the local area, and explain tomorrow’s arrangements.
OVERNIGHTCairo – 4 star hotel
EXTRASExtra night - pre-tour, Single Room Supplement - Egypt
DAY 2 Cairo. Museum & Pyramids tourOur tour of Egypt begins with a trip to the Egyptian Museum in central Cairo. Home to the fantastic Tutankhamun exhibit the museum hosts many other ancient Egyptian artefacts. Following on from the museum we then make the short trip to Giza to visit the Sphinx and the great pyramids of Egypt. This evening we transfer to the station for the overnight train to Aswan (1st class carriage, reclining seats - sleeper train upgrade available).
OVERNIGHTOn board train
MEALSBreakfast
DAY 3 Arrive in Aswan. Tour of Philae TempleThis morning we arrive in Aswan and transfer to the hotel. We then start our tour of Aswan with a trip to the island temple complex of Philae visiting the impressive Aswan High Dam en-route. The Philae temple remains one of Egypt’s most romantic and picturesque sites having been completely relocated following work on the Dam. The rest of the day is free to explore the colourful souks and markets found in the town or watch the sunset over the river Nile.
OVERNIGHTAswan - 4 star hotel
MEALSNone
EXTRASNile Cruise Upgrade, Nile Dababiya upgrade
DAY 4 Aswan. Abu Simbel option. Start felucca cruiseThis morning we have the option of taking an early start for the drive to the UNESCO world heritage site at Abu Simbel. These amazing temples built by Ramses II are one of Egypt's main highlights and attractions. Those not visiting Abu Simbel can explore Aswan's markets this morning, or visit the Nubian Museum which has a fascinating collection covering the development of the Nubian people in the region. In the afternoon we then board a traditional felucca boat and start our leisurely cruise along the Nile towards the temple at Kom Ombo. In the evening our facilities boat will join us with its welcome toilet and showers, and our Nubian crew will prepare a delicious evening meal.
OVERNIGHTOn board felucca
MEALSBreakfast, Dinner
EXTRASAbu Simbel overland
DAY 5 Nile felucca cruiseWake up today on board your traditional felucca and let yourself unwind as we make our way downriver. Whether you feel the urge to take a swim or just sunbathe on deck there is no better way to experience life on the river Nile.
OVERNIGHTOn board felucca
MEALSBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 Kom Ombo and Edfu Temple tours. Arrive in LuxorAfter a leisurely breakfast on-board we bid farewell to our felucca this morning and visit the nearby temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu before continuing on north to Luxor. In the evening we have the chance to enjoy a walking tour of the beautiful Luxor Temple.
OVERNIGHTLuxor – 4/5 star hotel
MEALSBreakfast
DAY 7 Luxor. East and West Bank toursWe cross over the river Nile early this morning to begin our tour of Luxor’s West Bank. Home to the Valley of the Kings, the dusty tombs in this ancient burial site are still revealing their secrets today and so it remains one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Our tour inclues several of these Pharaonic tombs, as well as the temples of Queen Hatchepsut and Medinat Habu, and the huge Colossi of Memnon. We return to the hotel for some free time before visiting the enormous temple complex at Karnak on the East bank of the Nile later in the afternoon. Finally we head to the station to catch the overnight train back to Cairo (1st class carriage, reclining seats. Sleeper upgrade available).
OVERNIGHTOn board train
MEALSBreakfast
DAY 8 Cairo. Free DayWe arrive back into Cairo this morning and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Cairo as you choose or you may join us on our optional Cairo city tour. This tour visits the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque as well as the bustling market streets of Khan El Khalili bazaar.
OVERNIGHTCairo 4 star hotel
MEALSNone
EXTRASAlexandria day trip, Cairo city tour, Nile Dinner Cruise in Cairo (deluxe), Wadi Rayan day trip (Valley of the Whales)
DAY 9 Cairo. Departure transfer to the airportFree day. Transfer to the airport for departure flight.
OVERNIGHTN/A
MEALSBreakfast
EXTRASExtra night - post-tour