Over 13 days you will explore the secrets of Egypt on this comprehensive tour. Taking in the key historical sites of Cairo, including the Sphinx and Great Pyramid at Giza, you will then travel to Aswan to explore the beautiful and romantic temples of Philae and the impressive Aswan High Dam, leaving you time to also wander around the exciting souks and markets. There is an optional trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Abu Simbel to see the amazing temples built by Ramses II. Your traditional felucca cruise (with toilets, showers and massage deck) takes you down the Nile River, visiting key temples before arriving in Luxor where you will experience the incredible temples and world famous tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the impressive temple complex at Karnak, as well as the less visited Medinat Habu on the West Bank and the Colossi of Memnon. We then set off for some fun and relaxation by the sandy beaches of Hurghada on the Red Sea. Here you can scuba dive or snorkel, quad bike or kiteboard, windsurf or go fishing, and even ride a camel! It is your choice whether to then depart from Hurghada or travel back to Cairo.
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. The evening is free to have a walk along the corniche, have a drink overlooking the Nile, or walk through the town's markets.
OVERNIGHTLuxor 4/5 star hotel
MEALSBreakfast
DAY 8 Luxor to the Red Sea at HurghadaWe leave Luxor this morning and drive through the hills and desert to the Red Sea beach resort of Hurghada (approx. 5 hours). Hurghada is world famous for its scuba diving and snorkelling and the rich Red Sea marine life here attracts divers from all over the world. Other adventurous activities available include wind surfing and kite surfing, glass bottomed submarines, quad biking, camel rides and sea fishing trips. Alternatively you can spend the next few days here relaxing on the beach and enjoying the year-round sunshine.
OVERNIGHTHurghada 4 star beach resort
MEALSBreakfast
DAY 9 Hurghada. Free timeYour time is free for the next 3 days to relax in Hurghada, or to take advantage of some of the adventurous activities on offer. Our local representative will be happy to help assist with any arrangements.
OVERNIGHTHurghada 4 star beach resort
MEALSBreakfast
DAY 10 Hurghada. Free timeFree time in Hurghada.
OVERNIGHTHurghada 4 star beach resort
MEALSBreakfast
DAY 11 Hurghada. Free timeFree time in Hurghada.
OVERNIGHTHurghada 4 star beach resort
MEALSBreakfast
DAY 12 Hurghada to CairoWe leave Hurghada this morning for the transfer back to Cairo by private minibus (approx. 8 hours). Upon arrival the rest of the day is free in Cairo. You could take a final evening dinner cruise on the Nile, or perhaps revisit the pyramids for a spectacular sound and light show. You can also fly home directly from Hurghada today if you wish instead of returning to Cairo (discounts available).
OVERNIGHTCairo – 4 star hotel
MEALSBreakfast
DAY 13 Cairo. Departure airport transferYour time is free in Cairo today until we pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
OVERNIGHTN/A
MEALSBreakfast
EXTRASExtra night - post-tour