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Map of Egypt Experience including Egypt

Follow the Nile in style, for a while.

Pharaohs, feluccas, temples and tombs. Pyramids, bazaars, mummies and catacombs. Egypt has myriad possibilities to marvel and discover, and on a 12-day cultural expedition to its highlights, you’ll understand how time has stood still and why you’ll need a history lesson at every turn. Lose yourself in the colour and chaos of Cairo’s Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, stand at the feet of Abu Simbel’s monumental temples, set sail down the iconic Nile and feel grand in the Valley of the Kings. With all your comforts cared for and questions answered by knowledgeable local leaders, Egypt will serve up all the historic, symbolic and pharaonic goods.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Cairo, Egypt
Finish
Cairo, Egypt
Destination
Egypt
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
XEKI
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Explore the magnificent temples at Abu Simbel and see the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile.

  • Brush shoulders with the locals and meet some of the many store owners as you stroll through the famous bazaars of Aswan, Luxor and Khan al-Khalili in Egypt’s capital, Cairo.

  • Set sail down the Nile – one of the world’s most iconic rivers. Relax in comfort as scenes of everyday Egyptian life stream by and experience day turn to night from your sundeck.

  • Join a local family in a small village near Aswan for a memorable night of Nubian hospitality. Learn about this ancient culture while sharing a special dinner with your hosts.

  • Explore the marvels, mythology and mystery of Ancient Egypt, including the Pyramids at Giza and the tombs of iconic pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, with expert guides providing a local insight.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Egypt can get hot between June and September, but this is normally a dry heat and easier to cope with than humidity. Where possible we try and visit sites in the early morning before it gets too hot.

  • The walkways around ruins can be uneven, dusty and rocky, so be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. At major sites such as the Pyramids, you can expect to be exposed to the elements at length, so be prepared with a hat, sunscreen and plenty of fluids.

  • Cairo is notorious for road congestion and air pollution. Be prepared for one of the busiest cities in North Africa.

  • Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins, which are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided, and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. General train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included dinner and breakfast are served on board. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you have any dietary requirements.

  • The Nile Cruise includes three nights’ accommodation and full board (drinks are not included). Your ship will be docked each night in Aswan, Edfu or Luxor – please see the Itinerary for more details. When docked, Nile cruise ships are moored lengthways alongside each other, and your ship will most likely have a ship on either side. You walk through the other ships to reach the port.

  • Ramadan is an annual month-long festival, during which travel can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the day, such as restaurants or cafes, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider this when selecting your travel dates. You’ll find dates and further information in the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information.

Abu Simbel in Egypt
The pyramids of Egypt in Cairo
Traveller and local at the temples of Luxor in Egypt
The temples of Luxor in Egypt
The temples of Luxor in Egypt
Cairo in Egypt
Traveller and local enjoying the colourful markets of Aswan in Egypt
Travellers walk between the stall in Aswan market street in Egypt
Aswan in Egypt
Travellers amongst the ruins of Aswan in Egypt
Abu Simbel in Egypt

Itinerary
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Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. You'll be met on arrival at Cairo International Airport and transferred to your hotel, before your Egyptian adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can be symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. If you have some time spare, perhaps get out and explore the busy city streets or visit the Cairo Citadel which dates back to 1176 and is home to multiple museums and mosques.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities
  • Cairo - Coptic Museum (entrance fee) - EGP150
  • Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) - EGP180
  • Cairo - Urban Adventures Downtown Cairo Tour - USD20
  • Cairo - The Citadel (entrance fee) - EGP300
  • Cairo - Saqqara and Memphis Afternoon Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD109
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

This morning after breakfast you’ll see two of the world’s most iconic sights – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Explore these structures which have stood tall for over 4500 years, and for an additional charge, you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, although occasionally it’s closed to visitors. Afterwards, your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's great collections of ancient artefacts. The masses of gleaming artefacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun are an impressive sight – from jewellery to the famous golden death mask and his gilded sarcophagi, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
  • Cairo - Egyptian Museum
Optional Activities
  • Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) - EGP600
  • Cairo - The 2nd Pyramid of Khafre (entrance fee) - EGP100
  • Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD50
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
You'll be required to walk around the Pyramids complex. It can be very hot in the summer months, so be prepared for little shade and pack appropriate clothing, sun protection, and carry lots of water.

The inside thoroughfares of the Pyramids of Giza are very small and very warm, so for those suffering from claustrophobia, it is not recommended.

Jump in a private van today and drive to the Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria. Egypt's second-largest city and main port, locals call this vibrant city the Bride of the Mediterranean Sea. The Greek architect Dinocrates built Alexandria in 331 BC under the orders of Alexander the Great. The city, immortalising Alexander's name, quickly flourished into a prominent cultural, intellectual, political and economic metropolis. On arrival, head underground and delve into the mysteries of the Kom ash-Shuqqafa catacombs. This Roman burial site is the largest of its kind in Egypt. The crypts are 20 metres below street level, and what probably began as a small family tomb grew into a labyrinth of chambers that could accommodate more than 300 bodies. Afterwards, stop by the strikingly modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inspired by the original great library of Alexandria and built to hold over eight million books. Take some time to stroll along the Corniche and around Fort Qaitbey and enjoy the fresh Mediterranean air.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
  • Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
  • Alexandria - Fort Qaitbey
Optional Activities
  • Alexandria - Alexandria National Museum (entrance fee) - EGP100
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours.

This morning, pay a visit to Wadi El Natron, a place used by the ancient Egyptians and Romans for extracting precious resources like salt, silica for making glass and carbonated sodium which was essential for the mummification process. Learn about the history of this fascinating place, view the lakes and soak up the surroundings before returning by private van to Cairo. Take some time to relax or get some snacks before you board an overnight sleeper train to Aswan.
Accommodation
  • Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alexandria - Wadi El Natron monasteries
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours. The train journey from Cairo to Aswan departs around 8pm and takes approximately 13 hours.

Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins, which are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided, and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. We recommend bringing additional toilet paper. General train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included dinner and breakfast are served on board. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you have any dietary requirements.

In rare circumstances you may be paired in your cabin with a group member of the opposite gender, depending on the group configuration. On other occasions, you might be sharing with another traveller of the same gender who may not be part of our group, again determined by the group configuration.

The Nile, Elephantine Island and white-sailed feluccas. You’ll pull into Aswan – Egypt's southernmost city – at around 9am. Its easy-going charm is due in no small part to its large Nubian population. When you arrive, you’ll explore the beautiful Temple of Isis (the Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom), which was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated on Philae Island. It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings – definitely one of the gems of Upper Egypt. This afternoon is yours to explore your way. You might choose to visit the excellent Nubian Museum, which showcases the history, art and culture of the Nubians. This evening you’ll experience modern Nubian culture firsthand with a visit to a nearby village. Join a local Nubian family for a memorable dinner where you’ll get to sample traditional dishes like okra stew or tagen, a tasty tomato-based tagen dish, with sanasel bread to mop up the delicious sauces.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
  • Aswan - Philae Temple
Optional Activities
  • Aswan - Nubian Museum (entrance fee) - EGP200
  • Aswan - Tomb of the Nobles (entrance fee) - EGP60
  • Aswan - High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD35
  • Aswan - Philae Temple Sound & Light Show Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD40
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning, make the drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel where you’ll explore some magnificent temples. Built by Ramses II, it was the gateway to Egypt for Southern Africans and its imposing facade clearly delineated the line between what was the Pharaoh's land and what was not. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. You'll have two hours to explore Abu Simbel before making the drive back to Aswan, where you’ll board your Nile cruise boat. Late in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely sailing trip on a traditional felucca before dinner on the ship.
Accommodation
  • Cruise Boat (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
  • Aswan - Felucca Sail
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 6 hours.

Tonight, your boat will be docked in Aswan.

Nile cruise boats are typically very large with a passenger capacity of around 150. All cabins have private facilities and the boat is fully air-conditioned. All meals are included onboard, but you will need to pay for drinks.

Although we use the best possible five-star rated cruise boats available, the local equivalent of five stars isn't the same standard that you might expect at home. Nile cruise boats are not luxurious, but they are very comfortable and a great way to experience the Nile. Due to varying schedules, we are not able to provide advance notice of which exact boat you’ll be sailing on.

Enjoy a free morning in Aswan, perhaps enjoying coffee and exploration of the bazaar during the morning bustle. After lunch on board your ship, you’ll set sail for your first stop – Kom Ombo. This second century BC complex is unique because it has a mirror-image design, divided down the middle, with either side dedicated to a different set of gods. One half is known as the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed god of fertility) and the other half is dedicated to Haroeris (also known as Horus the falcon god), and the whole temple is full of fascinating reliefs. Afterwards, return to the boat and travel upriver, with free time relaxing on the sundeck and taking in the surrounding sights – desert hills forming a backdrop to lush riverbanks, fishermen casting their nets and farmers working their land. Enjoy dinner on board, before your ship docks in Edfu late in the night.
Accommodation
  • Cruise Boat (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Tonight, your boat will be docked in Edfu.

This morning finds you moored near Edfu – a beautifully preserved temple also dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. After breakfast on board, your ship will sail onwards to Luxor, passing through the Esna Locks. Ships often have to queue to proceed through the locks, a great opportunity to check out the process from deck with a cool drink in hand, listening to the shouts of the many captains as they navigate their way through the various small boats of merchants selling their wares to a captive audience. On arrival in Luxor, join your leader for an orientation walk of the town. You have the option to visit Luxor Temple, which looks incredible, lit up at night. Return to the ship for dinner and your last night on board.
Accommodation
  • Cruise Boat (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Edfu - Edfu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP300
  • Luxor - Luxor Temple (entrance fee) - EGP260
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Tonight, your Nile cruise boat will be docked in Luxor.

We do not include a visit to Edfu Temple as the only mode of transport there is through locally managed horse and carriages, the operators of which have been found to be in breach of our animal welfare guidelines. We have also received feedback that the experience itself is quite uncomfortable due to the nature of the vendors and local suppliers outside the site. Edfu is an included port stop on the Nile River cruise schedule. The duration of the walk is about 30 mins each way, along a busy road. Please inform your Leader if you will be leaving the boat to visit Edfu.

Your Nile cruise comes to an end in the open-air museum of Luxor. From the spectacular temple complex of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of wonderfully preserved reminders of the Pharaohs. After breakfast, depart the ship and drop your bags at your hotel in Luxor. From here, you’ll set off with your leader to explore Karnak Temple which is perhaps the most impressive of all the ancient Pharaoh’s monumental works. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of some 200 years. Your guided tour of this vast temple of impressive pylons, obelisks and chapels will reveal its finest sections, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, shop in the excellent bazaar (open until quite late) or perhaps experience the atmosphere of a local teahouse.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Luxor - Karnak Temple (entrance fee)
Optional Activities
  • Luxor - Luxor Museum (entrance fee) - EGP200
  • Luxor - Mummification Museum (entrance fee) - EGP140
  • Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD35
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you’ll hop in a private minivan and discover ancient Thebes. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon – two 17-metre-high statues on Luxor's west bank. Continue on to the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills here are over 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. With your leader, explore this place, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where discoveries are still being made. Your group leader will explain the history and legends of these remarkable people, and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics, still well preserved in the deepest tombs. You will visit three of the royal tombs, including Tutankhamun’s tomb where Tutankhamun is buried, then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – a colonnaded building set against high cliffs that create a spectacular natural amphitheatre. The afternoon is yours to explore – perhaps you'd like to shop in the market or visit the world's first Mummification Museum where you can discover the secrets of pharaonic preservation.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
  • Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
Optional Activities
  • Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP100
  • Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP100
  • Luxor - Deir el Madina -Entry Fee - EGP140
  • Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP1400
  • Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings - USD130
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
It is possible to do a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings and the Temples of Antiquities on the West Bank. Your Leader can reserve this service for you. We use Dream Balloons in Luxor. Pick up will be from your hotel between 0430 and 0500; balloon capacity is 16-25; cameras are prohibited in the basket but phones are allowed. Activity is subject to weather conditions. Payment by card is possible and will attract a 3% bank service fee.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and catch a short flight back to Cairo. On your return to the capital, visit the Islamic parts of the city and the frenetic backstreets of the bazaar with your leader. A labyrinth of narrow streets and passageways, Khan is one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world. The 'Khan', sprawling around an old area known as Al-Azhar, is a quintessentially Cairo experience – a warren of alleys with stalls serving up a succession of intoxicating scenes. You might explore the gold market, ‘Perfume Street’ and the spice market, where heady aromas fill the air, or make a purchase next door in the cloth market. Or you could visit atmospheric El Fishawy, one of Cairo’s oldest cafes, and discover why it’s been operating for more than 200 years. Tonight, perhaps gather together your fellow travellers for a celebratory kebab, kofta, sheesha, or all three.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 2 hours.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are free to depart at any time. Please ensure you confirm your hotel check-out time with your leader. If you would like to extend your stay in Cairo, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Plane, Cruise boat, Felucca, Overnight sleeper train

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Cruise boat (3 nights), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
  • Cairo - Egyptian Museum
  • Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
  • Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
  • Alexandria - Fort Qaitbey
  • Alexandria - Wadi El Natron monasteries
  • Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
  • Aswan - Philae Temple
  • Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
  • Aswan - Felucca Sail
  • Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
  • Luxor - Karnak Temple (entrance fee)
  • Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
  • Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
  • Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer to have your own room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included, valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. This trip includes a domestic flight. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for transport and entrance tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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