8 Day Felucca Odyssey

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From USD 1'200

This journey through Egypt packs in awe-inspiring culture and adventure in eight energetic days. Explore the ancient sites along the Nile and discover the most famous of them all, the Great Pyramid of Giza. Embrace the culture and meet remarkable people as you sample some traditional fare with a Nubian family in a local village. Feel the buzz of vibrant bazaars in Aswan and Luxor, but still manage to relax and watch life unfold as you sail the Nile in a traditional felucca.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: Classic

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 08

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

From USD 1'200

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Day 1: Cairo

Arrive at any time.

Inclusions: Your Welcome Moment Meet Your representative.

Day 2: Cairo/Aswān

Tour the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx before a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum. Catch an overnight train to Aswan.

Head straight to the pyramids and soak in the history of these majestic structures. Later, visit the Egyptian Museum to see more ancient artifacts.

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.

Great Pyramid of Giza and Sphinx Tour Cairo

Enjoy a tour of the magnificent great pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, the first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, has all the facts about these massive structures.

Egyptian Museum Visit Cairo

With over 10,000 pieces from every period of Egyptian history, including the treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun, this massive museum is a fantastic place to learn about the country. Your tour leader will direct you to the most important and magnificent items. There is also plenty of free time for you to explore on your own.

Overnight Train (beds)Cairo – Aswān12h

Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

Day 3: Aswān

Explore Aswan before visiting a Nubian village and enjoy 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 in the morning to browse the souk or walk along the Nile.

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.

Your Local Living Moment: Boat ride to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal

Board a local boat, to take a trip along the magnificent Nile, with views of the Aga Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island. Stop on one of the inhabited Nile islands in this area, to tour a local Nubian village. Walk through the village and fields and learn more about the life of the Nubian people before enjoying a delicious traditional dinner at a local home.

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

Day 4: Aswān

Spend the day exploring Aswan.

One of the most fascinating sights in the area is 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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5: Aswān - Kom Ombo

Sail the Nile on a traditional felucca. Sleep onboard under the stars.

Board the felucca and spend the rest of the day out on the river and a night under the stars.

Feluccas are a basic, traditional Nile sailboat and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river. You sleep, open-air on the deck of the boat (mattresses and blankets are provided, but if you prefer something between you and the blankets, you will need to bring a sleep sheet/sleeping bag liner of your own). The Felucca itself does not have toilets or showers, however we will have access to a private support boat, travelling in close proximity to our Felucca. This support boat is equipped with toilets and a shower (please bring a towel) and and an area to eat your meals, leaving you stress free to enjoy this tranquil and traditional experience on the Nile.

Felucca Overnight Sailing Excursion Nile River – Aswān

Enjoy a relaxing ride on a felucca (traditional Nile sailboat) and travel down the river, watching the scenery glide by. At night, sleep on the deck under the stars (mattresses and blankets are provided). Enjoy delicious meals on board. The felucca itself does not have toilets or showers, but a private support boat travelling in close proximity has both (please bring a towel).

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6: Kom Ombo - Luxor

Enjoy a guided visit Kom Ombo Temple before driving to Luxor. En route, visit the Temple of Karnak.

Kom Ombo Temple Visit Kom Ombo

Enjoy a visit to this temple located in a scenic spot, right on the banks of the Nile. It was dedicated to the crocodile god, and you can still see the remains of an ancient mummified crocodile that was worshipped here thousands of years ago.

Private Vehicle Kom Ombo – Luxor

Stop en route to visit the Karnak Temple.

Karnak Temple Visit Luxor

Enjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Built and extended by successive generations of rulers, admire the amazing architecture, massive columns, and painted hieroglyphs.

Free Time Luxor Afternoon

Day 7: Luxor

Visit the Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West Bank of the Nile.

Cross to the West Bank. Visit the massive 18m (59ft)-high Colossi of Memnon, which is all that remains of an ancient temple. 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.

Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile and then explore Luxor at your own pace.

Private Vehicle Luxor

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Colossi of Memnon Visit Luxor

Enjoy a visit to the two mammoth statues of Amenophis II at the Colossi of Memnon; they used to stand at the front of a temple that no longer exists. Check out ancient graffiti discussing the statues!

Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon Visit Luxor

Enjoy a full day guided excursion to the famous Valley of the Kings. Rise early to catch the sunrise from the motorboat that will take you across the Nile to the West Bank. From here, ride through farmer's fields to reach the Valley of the Kings.

Descend the narrow, rock-hewn corridors and take in the magnificent decoration and designs of the tombs of the pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings. While the treasure has now all gone, the tombs contain the most incredible paintings of the life of their incumbent and stories from the Book of the Dead; visit three tombs in total, and opt to visit the famous tomb of King (‘Tut’) Tutankhamun. Then visit to the impressive Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops -- it's a reminder of the power women held in the Ancient Kingdom. Last stop is to the two mammoth statues of Amenophis II at the Colossi of Memnon before returning to your hotel.

Your Local Living Moment: Lunch with a Local Family

Sit down to a traditional lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile.

Free Time Luxor Afternoon

Enjoy time in Luxor exploring ruins or relaxing.

Day 8: Luxor - Cairo

Fly back to Cairo where the tour ends upon on arrival to the Cairo International Airport in the morning.

We highly recommend booking pre- or post-accommodation to fully explore this vibrant city.

Our tour finishes on arrival in Cairo at the Cairo International Airport. Please be aware that flight delays do quite often occur, so please do not book any onward flights before 2pm today.

We are able to organize extra post-trip accommodation if you wish to extend your stay for a few more days. Please ask at the time of booking.

Plane Luxor Airport – Cairo International Airport

Meals included: Breakfast

Prices

FROM USD 1'200

Available extras

(Add these to your tour when you book)

Temple of Abu Simbel - From $110.00

Part historic monument and part modern marvel, Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s grandest temples. Built during the rule of Ramses the II this structure was almost swallowed by the Nile, but now stands safe and sound thanks to some crafty archaeologists and UNESCO. Travel through Egypt’s rugged landscapes and the towering figures of Ramses himself, Ra-Horakhty, Amun, and Ptah will all be waiting to welcome you.

My Own Room - From $249.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Highlights

Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your representative.
  • 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.
  • Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx guided tour.
  • Egyptian Museum guided tour.
  • Felucca overnight sailing excursion with support boat.
  • Karnak and Kom Ombo temples guided tour.
  • Temple of Hatshepsut and Valley of the Kings guided visit.
  • Colossi of Memnon visit.
  • All entrance fees to included monuments.
  • Internal flights.
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Excluded

  • International Airfare.
  • Entry visa to Egypt.
  • Gratuities for Tour Guides, Felucca crew and drivers.

Accommodation

  • Simple hotels (5 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), felucca with support boat for toilet/showers (1 nt).

Meals

  • 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Allow USD150-195 for meals not included.

Transportation

  • Private air-conditioned van, train, felucca, plane, walking.

Staff & experts

  • Certified tour guides throughout.

Route

  1. Cairo
  2. Aswan
  3. Luxor
  4. Cairo