Egypt is a country that sparks the imagination with thoughts of the ancient pyramids and the majestic Nile. On this 10-day adventure, visit all the main archeological sites, while also stopping at smaller lesser know temples along the Nile. Experience the sounds of the river and countryside on a traditional dahabiya sailboat — your home for five unforgettable nights. Connect with a local family over a meal in Aswan and visit the renowned Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Do more than just see Egypt; take part in it and let it stay with you until the end of time.
Travel Style
The Geluxe Collection
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Funtasia Project Visit, Luxor
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Nubian Village Visit, Aswān
Your OMG Day: Egyptian Lunch & Historic Walk or Downtown Cairo Food & Walking Tour, Cairo. Complimentary arrival transfer. Welcome dinner. Guided visit of Sakkara and and the Step Pyramid of Zoser. Guided visit of the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx. Guided visit to the temples of Dandara, Karnak and Luxor. 5-night traditional dahabiya sailing excursion. Guided visit of the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Guided visit of the tomb complex of El Kab and the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo. Guided visit of Philea Temple in Aswan. Fly in and fly out Abu Simbel tour. Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum. Farewell Dinner. Departure transfer. Internal flights and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Explore the Pyramids of Giza the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel, Cruise the Nile on a traditional dahabiya sail boat and experience life along the Nile at a slower pace, Visit Luxor temple at night, Enjoy a meal with a local family in Aswan, Dive into Egypt's fascinating history while looking at artifacts and mummies at the Egyptian Museum.
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, Dahabiya, plane, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (4 nts), Traditional Dahabiya Nile Sailing Boat (5 nts).
Itinerary
Cairo: Welcome to Egypt
Famous for pyramids, temples and pharaohs, Egypt is so much more than its monuments and rich history, the deep-rooted culture makes it a very special place to explore. From chaotic Cairo to charming Nile riverbank villages, the people are warm and they sincerely open their hearts to visitors. We welcome you to Egypt, and invite you to be charmed by Egypt's 6000-plus years of living traditions. Arrive to Cairo at any time and transfer to the hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a local restaurant perched overlooking the Pyramids.
Giza: The Great Pyramids and the Sphinx
Imagine you are back in time joining the first scientist in documenting the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Set eyes on these impressive structures and try to picture them half-submerged in sand ready to be discovered. While none of this was new to the locals, foreigners were seeing them for the first time, just like you now are. Start the day in Giza, exploring the Great Pyramid site and the Sphinx. Later head to Sakkara, a vast complex of Pyramids and Tombs from the Old Kingdom.
Luxor: The Great Temples of Egypt
What was once a multi-week journey up the Nile now only takes a few hours to travel from Cairo to Luxor. However the amazement you feel is profound when your eyes first see the great temples of Egypt. You immediately understand why for centuries people have been coming here to explore and observe these incredible monuments. Leave Cairo on an early morning flight to Luxor, then drive north to the temple complex of Dandara. Check in to our very own Nile River vessel called a dahabiya, our home for the next 5 nights, before heading out to explore the temples of Karnak and Luxor, both within the city.
Luxor: The West Bank & Valley of the Kings
Step back in time as you set off on an early morning journey to explore the tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the temples of the West Bank. Rumours of ancient curses abound here and yet the real true curse is that you can never have enough time to explore each tomb. Rejoin our dahabiya, and set sail like the early explorers, continuing up the Nile. An early start takes us to a local community G for Good project before the heat of the day sets in. Enjoy a home-hosted lunch, then head out to explore the Valley of the Kings. This afternoon, return to our dahabiya and depart up the Nile to Esna.
Esna to Ramadi: Sailing the Nile
Our sails are up and your first full day of sailing on the Nile is ahead. Get ready to discover incredible sites and enjoy experience only possible on a dahabiya. Sail from Esna to the cliff side tomb complex of El Kab, then continue sailing to the Temple of Edfu. Sail a bit further and we stop for the night and enjoy an Egyptian style barbecue on a remote Island in the middle of the Nile.
Ramadi to Herdyab Island: People along the Nile
Our journey south continues. Today the Nile meanders along farmlands and small islands that have forever been bathed by rich nutrients, creating fertile land in a narrow green ribbon along the river's banks, surrounded by desert on both sides. Even if living here can be challenging, the people are always welcoming and smile at you when you meet. Explore two places only possible by dahabiya. Stop at Besaw Island, a village in the Nile that has changed very little over time. Then sail up river to Gebal El Silseila and to Kom Ombo. Our day ends as we dock along the shore of Herdyab Island as the sun sets over the Nile valley.
Herdyab Island to Aswan: Sailing to Philea
The last day sailing the Nile begins as you set sail for Aswan, the furthest South you can go by boat since the dam that formed Lake Nassar was built. As you approach Aswan the river gets busier and the city comes in view. Dotted with small islands, Aswan is our last stop on the Nile. Sail to Aswan. After lunch, take a small local ferry to the other side of the river to explore Philea Temple then head over to a Nubian village and learn about Nubian culture.
Aswan to Cairo: Visit Abu Simbel
In 1964, the world united around the mission to save the Abu Simbel temple from being submerged forever in the rising waters of Lake Nassar. A global effort was put in place to dismantle and rebuild the temple at a site above the high water mark. That feat of humanity meant that these temples were saved for all of us to enjoy. Transfer to the airport in the early morning for our short flight to Abu Simbel. Visit the temple complex and fly back to Aswan to connect to your flight to Cairo. Make your way to the hotel and enjoy a free evening.
Cairo: Your OMG day
There is nothing better than ending on a high note and today you will do just that. After having seen the temples, the pyramid and the tombs, today you get to see the great treasures of Egypt housed in The Grand Egyptian Museum. Then discover Cairo on your own terms, with two activity options to choose from for the rest of the day, one focused on the culture and history of Egypt and the other on food. Transfer to The Grand Egyptian Museum for a morning tour then have a choice between two activity options to discover Cairo. Later, return to the hotel for a farewell dinner together along the Nile, with Cairo as our background.
Cairo: Departure
Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today. You may be leaving Egypt behind, but the experiences you have will last forever. Depart at any time, your departure transfer is included.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
