Dig deep and discover the riches of Egypt's geography, culture, and, of course, archaeology, on this epic adventure. Step into a world filled with giant statues, temples, and legendary pyramids. Take it easy as you float along the Nile on a traditional felucca, explore the white sands of Hurghada on the Red Sea, or enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family. Our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) and local experts will share an intriguing combination of the region’s attractions and hidden secrets. Meet the gaze of the Sphinx and get into the spirit of bygone times when travelling to the Valley of the Kings.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
2 - Light
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: Boat ride to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal, Aswān
Your Discover Moment: Aswān
Your Local Living Moment: Lunch with a Local Family, Luxor
Your Discover Moment: Luxor. Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx entrance and guided tour. Grand Egyptian Museum entrance and guided tour. Felucca sailing excursion. Karnak and Kom Ombo temples entrance and guided tour. Cycle and Funtasia Project visit. Temple of Hatshepsut and Valley of the Kings guided visit. Colossi of Memnon visit. Alexandria guided tour. Boat and snorkelling trip in Hurghada. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Explore ancient temples and monuments, Gaze at the pyramids and mysterious Sphinx, Journey down the Nile on a felucca, Connect with history on the streets of Alexandria, Explore the coral gardens of the Red Sea, Take a tour of the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private air-conditioned minibus, train, felucca, 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?
Simple hotels (12 nts), sleeper train (1 nt).
Itinerary
Cairo
Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Cairo/Aswān
Enjoy a visit to the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx before a guided tour of the The Grand Egyptian Museum. Catch an overnight train to Aswan. Visit the pyramids and soak in the history of these majestic structures before a visit to The Grand Egyptian Museum.
In the evening, board an overnight train to Aswan. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.
Aswān
Opt to explore the busy Aswan market or visit the beautiful Philae Temple, before visiting a Nubian village and enjoying a home-cooked dinner with a local family. Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but, trains can often be delayed. Enjoy some free time to browse the souk, walk along the Nile or opt to book the 'Philae Temple Excursion'.
Later, board a boat to reach one of the many Nile islands and visit a Nubian village. Walk around the small community, then enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home.
Aswān
Spend the day exploring Aswan. Opt to check out one of the most fascinating sights in the area: the Temple of Abu Simbel. Later, opt for a half-day tour of the Unfinished Obelisk, High Dam, and Philae Temple. Visit the modern Nubian Museum to learn more about Aswan's local people.
Aswān/Luxor
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning. Ride on a Felucca to Aswan Bridge, where we will disembark and transfer to Kom Umbo. Later visit Kom Umbo temple before transferring to Luxor. Tonight, opt to grab dinner at the local market where you can try some local specialties.
Luxor
After breakfast the group will set off on a guided visit to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Have lunch with a local family on the West Bank of the Nile, then visit an Alabaster Factory en route back to Luxor. The remainder of the afternoon will be at your leisure. Cross to the West Bank. Descend down the narrow corridors and check out the tombs of the pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings. The Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut literally seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops. Then visit the massive 18m (59ft)-high Colossi of Memnon, which is all that remains of an ancient temple.
Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile and then explore Luxor at your own pace.
Luxor
After breakfast the group will enjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. From here, sail by ferry to the West Bank to meet our student-guide. Together we will bike through the village and visit the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. Later take advantage of free time in Luxor to explore the bustling local bazaar at your leisure.
Luxor
Take a final free day in Luxor to explore any last minute sights in this storied city. Opt to check out the local bazaar to pick up a last minute keepsake, choose to embark on the optional Luxor Temple and Museum Tour, or head back over to the West Bank for an in-depth look at some of the sites there on an optional tour.
Luxor/Hurghada
Drive from Luxor to Hurghada on the stunning Red Sea. The rest of the day is free at leisure, opt to relax and enjoy the beach. After arriving in Hurghada, prepare to spend the next few days soaking in the tranquility of it's white sand beaches, and the rich marine environment of the Red Sea.
Hurghada
Enjoy a day on a boat trip to the local islands and snorkel amid the crystal clear waters and stunning coral gardens of the Red Sea. The Red Sea is a global hotspot for snorkelling, thanks to it's crystal clear waters and incredible aquatic ecosystems. Explore the rich coral reefs and be overwhelmed with the amount of colourful coral and fish you encounter.
Hurghada/Alexandria
Catch an early flight from Hurghada to Cairo. Continue by private vehicle to Alexandria. Stop en route to visit the monasteries of Wadi Al Natrun Travel by plane and private car to Alexandria, one of the ancient world's most important trade and cultural hubs. Explore it's many Greek, Roman and Egyptian ruins as you walk in the footsteps of some of histories greatest heroes.
Alexandria
Take a guided tour of Pompeys Pillar, Catacombs, the Alexandria Library, and Qaitbay Fort. Later, opt to explore the cities's cafés, or dine on fantastic seafood Prepare for a full day of exploring the many historical wonders of Alexandria. Delve into the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, marvel at the resolute Citadel of Qaitbay, and explore the grounds of Pompey's Pillar, one of Egypt's most impressive Roman architectural works.
Alexandria/Cairo
Drive to El Alamein to visit the World War cemeteries and memorial. Continue to Cairo for the final evening. As we travel from Alexandria to Cairo, take a stop at the El Alamein World War memorials, and learn more about the pivotal battles that changed the course of the war in Africa. Afterwards, continue on to the bustling metropolis of Cairo.
Cairo
Depart at any time.
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.
