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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.

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 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.

  • Wander the treasure-filled halls of the Egyptian Museum and stroll through past the colours and aromas of the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar in Egypt’s capital, Cairo.

  • 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?

  • Before booking on this trip we recommend that you read the ‘Safety’ section in the Essential Trip Information regarding special safety considerations for Egypt trips.

  • 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 carriage. 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
The temples of Luxor in Egypt
The temples of Luxor in Egypt
The temples of Luxor in Egypt
The pyramids of Egypt in Cairo
The pyramids of Egypt in Cairo
Mohammed Ali Mosque in Cairo, Egypt
Cairo in Egypt
Cairo in Egypt
Enjoy the colourful markets of Aswan in Egypt
Aswan market streets in Egypt
Aswan in Egypt
Aswan in Egypt
Abu Simbel in Egypt
Abu Simbel in Egypt
Abu Simbel 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, and 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 Mosque of Mohammed Ali. If you have some time spare, perhaps get out and explore the busy streets of this city of contrasts – from donkey carts to expensive cars, desert slums to modern shopping malls. You could also travel along the river by felucca – a traditional wooden sailboat – or head out to explore the Khan al-Khalili markets.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities
  • Cairo - Coptic Museum -Entry Fee - EGP100
  • Cairo - Islamic Art Museum -Entry Fee - EGP140
  • Urban Adventures -Downtown Cairo Tour - USD45
  • Cairo - Sufi Dance Khan al-Khalili -Entry Fee - EGP85
  • Cairo- Saqqara and Memphis Afternoon Tour (Min 2 customers) - Transfers/Entry/Guiding-p/p - EGP1100
  • Cairo - The Citadel - Entry Fee - EGP180
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. 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).

Optional Activities listed are suggestions for time spent in Cairo if arriving early or spending extra time in Cairo at the end of your tour.
If you are arriving early then check out the range of local day tours offered by our sister company Urban Adventures   https://www.urbanadventures.com/destination/Cairo-tours.  Book on line OR contact our local team +201096811067 for further assistance with pre tour activities.


This morning after breakfast you’ll see some of the world’s most iconic sights – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Explore these structures that 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. Wander the treasure-filled halls, and make sure to check out the optional Mummies Hall 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 – 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 and Sphinx
  • Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset
  • Cairo - Egyptian Museum
Optional Activities
  • Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops - Entry Fee - EGP400
  • Cairo - The 2nd Pyramid of Khafre - Entry Fee - EGP100
  • Cairo -The Royal Mummy Room- Entry Fee - EGP180
  • Cairo - Solar Boat Museum - Entry Fee - EGP100
  • Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids Tour (Min 2 customers)-Transfers/Entry-p/p - EGP700
  • Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids -Entry Fee - EGP300
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The inside thoroughfares of the Pyramids of Giza 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.

Jump in a private van today and drive 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. 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 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-Entry Fee - EGP100
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 manicured gardens. They are located along the shoreline and flow from splendidly landscaped 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 snacks before you board an overnight sleeper train to Aswan (approximately 13 hours).
Accommodation
  • Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alexandria - Al Montazah Palace & Gardens
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Overnight train journeys are a fast way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. You will share two-berth cabins which 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.

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 firsthand with a visit to a nearby village. Join a local Nubian family for a memorable dinner and get an insight into the daily life of the local people.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
  • Aswan - Philae Temple
Optional Activities
  • Aswan - Nubian Museum -Entry Fee - EGP140
  • Aswan - Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple -Entry Fee - EGP300
  • Aswan - Monastery of St. Simeon -Entry Fee - EGP60
  • Aswan - Tomb of the Nobles -Entry Fee - EGP60
  • Aswan - High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk Tour (Min 2 customers) Transfers/Entry/Guiding-p/p - EGP700
  • Aswan -Sound & Light Show Philae Temple Tour (Min 2 customers) -Transfers/Entry/Guiding-p/p - EGP800
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 a Nile River cruise to Luxor.
Accommodation
  • Cruise ship (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
  • Aswan - Felucca Sail
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Your included flight to Abu Simbel from Aswan will be early, usually around 7 am. You will have two hours on site which includes transport to and from the temple. Expected arrival back to Aswan is before midday (12 pm). Due to 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 tomorrow before setting sail from Aswan. If this occurs, an additional local guide will join you to ensure that full guiding services are included at the temple for the entire group.

The total duration of the Abu Simbel Excursion will be between 4-5 hours.

Continue your leisurely cruise down the Nile, with today’s stop at 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 second 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. 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. This is living.
Accommodation
  • Cruise ship (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Aswan - Kom Ombo Temple
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
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 you 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 are not able to provide advance notice of which exact boat you’ll be sailing on.

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, so get acquainted the bustling town centre and the bazaar. You’ll have time to visit the City of Edfu if you wish (please see our notes below regarding visiting Edfu Temple)  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 their way through the various small boats of merchants selling their wares to a captive audience – life on the Nile. Chill out and make the most of the incredible views across one of the world’s greatest rivers and your last night onboard.

Edfu Temple:  In the past some of our customers have made the decision to walk to the Temple. The duration of the walk is about 30 mins each way, but be aware the road is busy and there is the risk of getting hassled from the carriage drivers. If you choose to walk please inform your Leader before you depart and ensure you are carrying water and have comfortable shoes and a hat and sunscreen.
Accommodation
  • Cruise ship (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Edfu - Edfu Temple -Entry Fee - EGP180
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 no longer include 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 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 explore the 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 -Entry Fee
Optional Activities
  • Luxor - Luxor Temple -Entry Fee - EGP160
  • Luxor - Luxor Museum -Entry Fee - EGP140
  • Luxor - Mummification Museum -Entry Fee - EGP100
  • Luxor - Sound and Light Show at Karnak -Entry Fee - EGP300
  • Luxor - Sound and Light Show Karnak Tour (Min 2 customers)-Transfers/Entry/Guiding-p/p - EGP800
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that some of the Tombs incur a fee if you choose to take your camera inside. For more information, please speak to your group leader.

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 and 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 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 - Tut Ank Amon Tomb
  • Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
Optional Activities
  • Luxor - Valley of the Queens -Entry Fee - EGP100
  • Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple -Entry Fee - EGP100
  • Luxor - Deir el Madina -Entry Fee - EGP80
  • Luxor - Dinner Local Family (Min 4 customers)-p/p - EGP225
  • Luxor - Valley of the Queens -Tomb of Queen Nefertari -Entry Fee - EGP1200
  • Hot Air Balloon - Valley of the Kings - USD120
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
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.  The cost of the camera ticket is around EGP 300.

Optional Activities mentioned today are for entry only OR for organised tour programmes facilitated by your Group Leader. In the past we have found that this suits most of our travellers. If you prefer to do your own thing, transport to sites are available and your leader can assist with organising this.

It is possible to do a hot air balloon 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 cell phones are allowed. Activity is subject to weather conditions. Payment by card is possible and will attract a 3% bank service fee.

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 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 hang in the air like a thick blanket of Damascene cloth – which you could purchase next door in the cloth market! Tonight, perhaps gather together you fellow travellers for a celebratory kebab, kofta, sheesha, or all of the above.
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, provided you comply with your accommodation’s internal check-out times.
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 headset
  • Cairo - Egyptian Museum
  • 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 Sail
  • Aswan - Kom Ombo Temple
  • Luxor - Karnak Temple -Entry Fee
  • Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Tut Ank Amon Tomb
  • Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
  • Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit

Dates & availability

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Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a 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.

TRANSFER
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.

GROUP MEETING
Group meeting on the trip is at 6.00pm on day one

INTERNAL FLIGHTS
There is an internal flights included on this trip. We use Egypt Air for this service. Baggage allowance is as follows: Checked-in - 1 Bag, max 23kg; Hand luggage - 1 bag, max 7kg

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

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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