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.
Day 1: Saturday 5 March Pyramids of Giza & Saqqara
Meet by your personal guide who will accompany you to Giza Plateau to visit the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren and Mykerinus - Famous Sphinx and Valley temple facing the great statue. Lunch included during the tour and then proceed to Sakkara area to visit Sakkara Complex and first pyramid ever built (Djoser Pyramid). Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Lunch.
Day 2: Sunday 6 March Tour of Old Cairo
Breakfast at the hotel and begin your day by visiting the Egyptian Museum where you will many fascinating artifacts. Lunch through out the tour at local restaurant. Continue to Coptic Cairo to visit the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Continue driving to Islamic Cairo, where you will be able to explore Khan El Khalili, Cairo’s old bazaar. Later, transfer to Cairo International Airport for departure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 3: Monday 7 March Fly Cairo to Aswān
Fly to Aswwan. Explore Aswan by visiting a Nubian village and enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family.
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, Lunch.
Day 4: Tuesday 8 March 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: Wednesday 9 March 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: Thursday 10 March 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
Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 7: Friday 11 March 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.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 8: Saturday 12 March 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.
Price
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.