Encompassing Egypt’s greatest highlights and a three-day Nile cruise, this adventure enhances a wide variety of included activities with the expertise of our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs), through whom you’ll gain a greater appreciation of the region’s history and archaeological finds. Discover the secrets of the Great Pyramids and explore the Valley of the Kings, then meet local people and share a traditional meal. A combination of air-conditioned transport and domestic flights will get you to the sights (and your comfortable accommodations) quickly and conveniently. From ancient history to bustling modern Cairo, embark on an incredible journey to the very heart of Egypt.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Upgraded
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 Local Living Moment: Lunch with a Local Family, Luxor. Arrival transfer. All entrance fees to included monuments. Guided tour of the Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. Visit the Library of Alexandria, catacombs, and Pompey’s Pillar. Guided visit of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Tour of Abu Simbel. Three-night Nile cruise. Tour of Kom Ombo Temple. Visit the Colossi of Memnon. Cycle and Funtasia Project visit. Excursion to the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Luxor and Karnak Temples. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Visit some of the most revered wonders of the ancient world with a certified Egyptologist, Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza and the temples of Abu Simbel, Savour a traditional Nubian dinner in a local village, Bargain with the locals in bazaars and markets
How large will the group be?
Max 16, Avg 10.
What meals are included in this trip?
11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private air-conditioned minibus, felucca, Nile cruise boat, 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 (8 nts), Nile cruise boat (3 nts).
Itinerary
Cairo
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included. If you arrive early there are plenty of things to see and do in this amazing city. Visit the Saladin Citadel of Cairo one of the most popular attractions in the city, or to really get a feel for the place, get lost in the bazaars and join the locals for a coffee in a local cafe.
Cairo/Aswān
Catch an early morning flight to Aswan. Opt to explore the busy Aswan market or visit the beautiful Philae Temple. Later, board a boat to visit a Nubian village. Walk around the small community and enjoy a traditional dinner in a local home.
Aswān
Early in the morning, drive to the famed temples of Abu Simbel for a guided tour. Later, board our river cruise ship for the night.
Aswān/Kom Ombo
Spend your day floating down the Nile on a spacious river boat with a guided tour of Kom Ombo Temple en route. Relax on the outside decks with a drink, watching the passing desert sands and enjoying the scenery Following breakfast, we set sail. Before too long it is time for our first shore excursion, with a visit to Kom Ombo, a temple dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god. It still contains an ancient mummified crocodile.
Kom Ombo/Luxor
Continuing cruising the Nile, relaxing and taking in the desert scenery while observing daily life along the river. Arrive to Luxor in the evening. On the evening of day 5 our boat will moor overnight just outside of Luxor.
However, please note that sometimes the ship is directed to arrive in Luxor earlier on day 5 and therefore, the free time on board on this day will be swapped with the activities on day 7. Day 7 will then become a free day to explore Luxor on your own.
Luxor
Today your journey takes you to the West Bank to enjoy a guided visit to the Temple of Hatshepsu. Later, you will meet your student-guide at the Funtasia Project Center where together you will bike through the village to visit the community. The group will then return to the centre to learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with your guide. Then, visit the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon before having lunch with a local family on the West Bank of the Nile. On the way back to the hotel, stop at an Alabaster factory and watch as the manufacturer's own hands mold, shape, and reshape the rocks until they end up with stunning sculptures, statues, candle holders, etc. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Luxor
Enjoy an excursion to the magnificent temples of Karnak and Luxor. In the afternoon, use free time to explore the bazaar, museums or opt to take a guided tour of the temples of Habu, Ramsseum and Deir El Medina.
Luxor/Alexandria
Catch a flight back to Cairo in the morning. Stop for a tour inside the monasteries of Wadi Natrun en route to the historic Mediterranean city of Alexandria. Enjoy a free afternoon at your leisure to explore.
Alexandria
Spend the day exploring this ancient seaside city, including Pompey's Pillar, the catacombs, and the new Alexandria Library. In the afternoon opt to explore the city further on a guided tour, or see the sights at your own pace. It's up to you! We have plenty of time to explore all the incredible sites this ancient city has to offer. Founded by Alexander the Great around 331BC, Egypt's only Mediterranean city is characterized by a distinctly European atmosphere and a refreshing sea breeze. Don't miss the chance to enjoy an optional seafood dinner at one of the city's many outdoor seaside restaurants this evening.
Alexandria/Cairo
Head back to Cairo and explore the treasures of The Grand Egyptian Museum. Enjoy lunch at your leisure in one of the many local restaurants in the area. Afterwards, pay a visit to Khan el-Khalili, a famous bazaar and souk in the historic center of Cairo. The remainder of the evening will be at your leisure.
Cairo
Embark on a guided tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Enjoy a visit to the Papyrus institute—home to the world’s largest collection of papyrus documents. In the afternoon take advantage of free time to explore more of Cairo on your own. We begin with one of the key highlights of any visit to Egypt, the Great Pyramids of Giza. While once located in remote desert, they now touch the suburbs of modern Cairo. Also visit the mysterious Sphinx, with its lion’s body and man’s face.
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.
