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Travel to Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan and Luxor to experience Egypt

Travel to Egypt and experience the 'Land of the Pharaohs' on this exciting trip. Be immersed in the history, grandeur and culture of ancient Egypt on a journey from Cairo, through the fascinating cities of Alexandria and Aswan, to Luxor. For action and adventure that doesn't stray too far out of the comfort zone, this is the perfect introduction to Egypt's famous treasures.
Before booking on this trip we recommend that you read the ‘Safety’ section in the trip notes regarding special safety considerations for Egypt trips.

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

  • Set sail down the Nile, one of the world’s most iconic rivers. Relax in comfort as scenes of everyday Egyptian life stream by

  • 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

  • Cairo's Khan al-Khalili Bazaar is an essential Egyptian experience – lose yourself in the colours and aromas of this fascinating marketplace

  • Stand at the feet of Abu Simbel’s monumental temples and marvel at the sheer scale of these stunning structures

  • Discover the delights of Cairo, the chaos and contrasts of a rambling metropolis of sand-beaten colours

  • Wander the treasure-filled halls of Cairo’s Egyptian Museum and seek out the riches of Tutankhamun

Is this trip right for you?

  • Egypt can get hot in with the summer months of July and August, being the warmest 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.

  • Accommodation aboard the Nile cruise is based on full board basis – all drinks served on board are at your own expense. An evening entertainment program is also available on board.

  • 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 and surrounds traffic can be notorious as can the level of pollution so be prepared for one of the busiest cities in North Africa.

  • Accommodation aboard the overnight train is two-berth cabins which are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided onboard by the porter. and western-style toilets are located in each carriager. Keep in mind 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're a vegetarian.

Map of Egypt Experience including Egypt
Abu Simbel in Egypt
Abu Simbel in Egypt
Abu Simbel in Egypt
Abu Simbel in Egypt
Aswan in Egypt
Aswan in Egypt
Aswan in Egypt
Aswan market streets in Egypt
Cairo in Egypt
The pyramids of Egypt in Cairo
Cairo in Egypt
Mohammed Ali Mosque in Cairo, Egypt
The pyramids of Egypt in Cairo
The temples of Luxor in Egypt
The temples of Luxor in Egypt
Enjoy the colourful markets of Aswan in Egypt
The temples of Luxor in Egypt

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2018 to 31 Dec 2019.
 View the 2019 itinerary

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. You'll be met on arrival at Cairo airport and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand. 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 Mosque of Mohammed Ali. In free time perhaps get out and explore the busy streets of this city of contrasts, where you can see donkey carts and expensive cars, medieval slums and modern shopping malls. If you have time, perhaps travel along the river by felucca (a traditional wooden boat with broad canvas sails) or head out to explore the markets. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, the Christian Coptic sector is well worth a visit.

Notes: Complimentary transfers are only applicable if you arrive on Day 1 of your Intrepid trip or have booked pre-tour accommodation through Intrepid. Please advise flight arrival details (flight number and time) at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities
  • Cairo - The Citadel - EGP100
  • Cairo - Coptic Museum - EGP100
  • Cairo - Islamic Art Museum - EGP100
  • Urban Adventures - Downtown Cairo Tour - USD45
  • Urban Adventures - Saqqara and Memphis - USD73
  • Urban Adventures - Treasures and Tut Tour - USD65
  • Cairo - Sufi dance performance at Khan al-Khalili - EGP50
  • Cairo - Pyramid of Saqqara - EGP150
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This morning after breakfast you’ll see some of the world’s most iconic sights – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Instantly familiar yet retaining a mystique and power, getting up close to these incredible pharaonic tombs is amazing. Explore these structures that have stood tall for 4,500 years, and for an additional charge you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, (although occasionally it may be closed to visitors). The inside thoroughfares of the Pyramids are very small and very warm, so for those suffering from claustrophobia it is not recommended. Please note that 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.

Afterwards, make your way to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's great collections of antiquities. Wander the treasure-filled halls of the museum, and make sure to check out the Mummies Hall (optional) for a close encounter with some of the country’s most important queens and pharaohs. The masses of gleaming artefacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun are an impressive sight to behold. From gold 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 and Sphinx
  • Cairo - The Egyptian Museum
  • Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset
Optional Activities
  • Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entry fee) - EGP300
  • Cairo - The 2nd Pyramid of Khafre (entry fee) - EGP60
  • Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids (entry fee) - EGP200
  • Cairo -The Royal Mummy Room - EGP180
  • Cairo - Solar Boat Museum - EGP80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The Egyptian Museum will be re-located in 2018. The current exhibits may be in the process for being moved or packed so as such the museum may not be operational at its full capacity

Jump in a private van today and drive following the ‘desert road’ to the Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria (approximately 3 hours). 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. It was the renowned capital of Ancient Egypt's last royal dynasty, the Ptolemies, and the site of the Pharos. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this lighthouse acted as a beacon, guiding sailors away from this notoriously treacherous stretch of coastline.

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 and was discovered, quite accidentally, by a hapless donkey. 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. Murals and reliefs inside show how Alexandria was a place where Egyptian and Greek funerary myths coexisted. Stop by the strikingly modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inspired by the original great library of Alexandria and built to hold over 8 million books.

Take some time to stroll along the Corniche and around Fort Qaitbey to enjoy the fresh Mediterranean air.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom Ash-Suqqafa
  • Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Optional Activities
  • Alexandria - Alexandria National Museum - EGP80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, pay a visit to Al Montazah Palace and Gardens. Montazah gardens is home to two palaces, one built in 1892 and another in 1932 by King Fuad I, and acres of picturesque gardens. The gardens are located along the shoreline and flow from splendidly landscape gardens into great beaches. Soak up the surroundings before returning by private van to Cairo (approximately 3 hours). Take some time to relax or get some supplies before you board an overnight sleeper train to Aswan (approximately 13 hours).

Notes: The two-berth cabins are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided onboard by the porter. Western-style toilets are located in each carriage, but we recommend bringing additional toilet paper. Keep in mind 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're a vegetarian as only a single type of meal is served for dinner, which always includes meat. In rare circumstances you may be paired in your cabin with a group member of the opposite sex, depending on the group configuration. On other occasions, you might be sharing with another traveller of the same sex who may not be part of our group, again determined by the group configuration.
Accommodation
  • Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alexandria - Al Montazah Palace & Gardens
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

The Nile, Elephantine Island and white-sailed feluccas: welcome to Aswan, Egypt's southernmost city. Its easy-going charm is due in no small part to its large Nubian population. The city is Egypt's southern gateway to Africa and an important market town, so take time here to check out one of the country's best bazaars. 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 real gems of Upper Egypt. In any free time 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 first-hand with a visit to a nearby village. You’ll join a local Nubian family for dinner and get an unforgettable insight into the daily life of the local people. This is a rare and memorable experience, giving you the chance to become fully immersed in the local culture.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
  • Aswan - Philae Temple
Optional Activities
  • Aswan - Nubian Museum (entry fee) - EGP100
  • Aswan - Unfinished Obelisk (entrance only) - EGP80
  • Aswan - Monastery of St. Simeon - EGP40
  • Aswan - Kalabsha Temple - EGP60
  • Aswan - Tomb of the Nobles - EGP80
  • Aswan - High Dam - EGP30
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning take a short flight (approximately 45 minutes) 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.
 
Return from Abu Simbel and transfer to meet your Nile cruise boat. Enjoy a fantastic mix of total relaxation and organised sightseeing on an iconic Nile River cruise to Luxor.

Notes: 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. Evenings will be spent on the boat, so make full use of the boat's facilities where you can relax on the top deck by the pool and watch stunning Nile scenery pass by. All meals are included on board. Although we use the best possible five-star rated cruise boats available, please note that the local equivalent of five stars isn't to the same standard that we might expect at home. Nile cruise boats are not luxury, but they are very comfortable and a great way to experience the Nile. Due to varying schedules we aren't able to provide advance notice of which exact boat we'll be sailing on.
Accommodation
  • Cruise ship (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
  • Aswan - Felucca trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Abu Simbel Flights 
Your included flight to Abu Simbel will be on the  0655 flight from Aswan.  You will have two hours on site which includes transport to and from the temple.  Expected arrival back to Aswan is 1130
Due to flight scheduling and availability these times may change.

On rare occasions the group may be split over several flights OR this included activity may take place on day seven before setting sail from Aswan.  If this occurs a additional local guide is contracted to ensure that full guiding services are included at he temple for the entire group.

Continue your leisurely cruise down the Nile, with today’s stop Kom Ombo Temple, north of Aswan. Built on a high dune overlooking the Nile, the complex sits picturesquely ruined on the river's edge and dates back to the early 2nd century BC. The 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 it includes details on the Ancient Egyptian's relationship with crocodiles, whom they revered and feared in equal measure. The other half is dedicated to Haroeris (also known as Horus the falcon god), and the whole temple is full of fascinating reliefs.

Return to the cruise boat where you’ll continue travelling 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.
Accommodation
  • Cruise ship (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kom Ombo - Kom Ombo Temple
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today finds you moored near Edfu, a beautifully preserved temple also dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. You will disembark and discover the lively streets of Edfu town – get acquainted the bustling town centre and the bazaar.

Visiting the Temple of Edfu is included in your itinerary however you may want to read our notes below before you decide.  Back on board continue towards Luxor passing through the Esna Locks.   It is not uncommon to have to queue to proceed through the locks, a great opportunity to check out the process from deck with a cool drink in hand, and listen to the shouts of the many captains as they navigate there way through the various small boats of merchants selling their wares to a captive audience - Life on the Nile. 

Settle back and and make the most of the incredible views across one of the world’s greatest rivers and your last night onboard.
Accommodation
  • Cruise ship (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The only mode of transport available to visit the Edfu temple is by locally managed horse and carriages. As a responsible travel focused business, animal welfare is extremely important to us and we want to ensure that we are not promoting any activities where the working animals are not properly cared for. Unfortunately, some operators of the Horse and Carriages have been found to be in breach of our animal welfare guidelines and it is, for this reason, we will no longer including the visit the Edfu Temple.

In addition to the animal welfare concerns, we have had a substantial amount of feedback suggesting that the experience itself is quite uncomfortable due to the pushy nature of the vendors and local suppliers outside the site. While we recommend that you do not use the horse and carriage to visit the Temple, the decision is ultimately up to you. Edfu is an included port stop on the Nile River cruise schedule

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.

Today you’ll visit the Intrepid Foundation's local project ACE (Animal Care in Egypt). It’s a great chance to see the holistic approach the project takes towards animal welfare, and to raising awareness among the locals.

You’ll also explore the magnificent Karnak Temple, which is perhaps the most impressive of all the ancient Pharoahs' 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
  • Luxor - Intrepid Foundation Project visit - ACE (Animal Care in Egypt)
Optional Activities
  • Luxor - Luxor Temple (entry fee) - EGP100
  • Luxor - Luxor Museum (entry fee) - EGP120
  • Luxor - Mummification Museum - EGP80
  • Luxor - Sound and Light Show at Karnak (entry fee) - EGP250
  • Luxor - Bicycle Hire - EGP100
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Some of the Tombs incur a fee to take your camera your Tour Leader will advise you.

Today you’ll hop in a private minivan and discover some the many wonders of ancient Thebes. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon, two 17 metre-high statues on Luxor's west bank. Carved from granite blocks, they represent the Pharaoh Amenhotep III and were once part of an impressive colonnade.

Continue on to the spectacular royal burial site of 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 sprawling and spectacular 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, their funerary rites, and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics, still well preserved in the deepest tombs. You will visit three of the most interesting royal tombs and then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning colonnaded building set against high cliffs that create a spectacular natural amphitheatre. One of the Egypt’s greatest queens, she built this temple to prove her importance among the ancestors.

The afternoon is yours to explore – perhaps you'd like to shop in the market or visit the world's first Mummification Museum to discover the secrets of pharaonic preservation.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
  • Luxor - Tut Ank Amon Tomb
Optional Activities
  • Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entry fee) - EGP80
  • Luxor - Tombs of Nobles - EGP60
  • Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple - EGP60
  • Luxor - Deir el Madina - EGP80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Visiting the Valley of the Kings:  You are able to purchase a photo ticket that will entitle you to take photos in any of the three tombs that you visit as part of your tour.   You are not allowed to use a flash as it damages the reliefs. There are guards present that monitor the taking of photographs.  The cost of the camera ticket is 300 EGP  

Catch a short flight back up to Cairo this morning (approximately 1.5 hours). On your return to the capital, visit the Islamic parts of the city and the frenetic backstreets of the local bazaar (Khan el-Khalili) with your trip 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. It retains a distinctly medieval feel. You might explore the gold market, ‘Perfume Street’ and the spice market, where heady aromas hang in the air like a thick blanket of Damascene cloth (which can be purchased next door in the cloth market). Then maybe gather together you fellow travellers for a celebratory kebab, kofta, or sheesha as this Egypt Experience comes to an end.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (7 nights), Cruise ship (3 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx
  • Cairo - The Egyptian Museum
  • Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset
  • Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom Ash-Suqqafa
  • Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
  • Alexandria - Al Montazah Palace & Gardens
  • Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
  • Aswan - Philae Temple
  • Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
  • Aswan - Felucca trip
  • Kom Ombo - Kom Ombo Temple
  • Luxor - Karnak Temple
  • Luxor - Intrepid Foundation Project visit - ACE (Animal Care in Egypt)
  • Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
  • Luxor - Tut Ank Amon Tomb
  • Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit

Dates & availability

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip, please see trip notes for details.
2. An airport arrival transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking

Following recent safety incidents we recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Egypt before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts

Essential trip information

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