Country(ies): Egypt
Tour type: Small Group
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 18
Accommodation: 5-star & Nubian style hotels, sleeper train & felucca sailboat
Meals:
Transport: A/C minibus/coach, sleeper train & felucca sailboat
Highlights: The Pyramids & Sphinx, Antiquities at the Egyptian Museum, Traditional Koshary Lunch, Romantic Philae Temple, Nubian Village Experience, Abu Simbel option, Traditional Felucca Sailing, Ancient Valley of the Kings
This nine-day itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Egypt's iconic historical sites, combined with immersive cultural experiences. Beginning in Cairo, you'll be greeted by our friendly staff who will assist you with your visa and transfer you to your hotel. You'll have the remainder of the day to relax or explore the city at your leisure.
On day two, your adventure truly begins with a visit to the renowned Egyptian Museum, home to an astounding collection of ancient artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. You'll then journey to the Giza Plateau to witness the awe-inspiring pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx. A delicious Koshary lunch will introduce you to the flavours of Egypt before you embark on an overnight train journey to Aswan.
Days three and four are dedicated to exploring the Nubian culture and the scenic beauty of the Nile. You'll visit the majestic Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, before delving into the heart of Nubian life. You'll spend a night in a traditional Nubian guesthouse, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the local people. The village, with its vibrantly painted houses and bustling markets, offers a unique glimpse into a culture that has thrived for centuries along the banks of the Nile. You'll have the opportunity to interact with the villagers, learn about their customs and traditions, and perhaps even try your hand at some traditional crafts. In the evening, you'll share a delicious home-cooked dinner with a Nubian family, savouring authentic dishes and enjoying the convivial atmosphere. This immersive experience provides a deeper understanding of Nubian life and a chance to forge genuine connections with the local community. An optional excursion to the magnificent Abu Simbel temples is also available for those who wish to witness the grandeur of Ramses II's architectural achievements.
You'll also embark on a memorable felucca sailing trip down the river, enjoying the tranquil scenery and observing rural life along the banks.
From Aswan, you'll travel north to Luxor, stopping at the impressive Temple of Horus at Edfu along the way. In Luxor, you'll delve into the wonders of ancient Thebes, exploring the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the sprawling Karnak Temple complex. You'll also have free time to wander through the vibrant markets or join optional tours to nearby temples.
The itinerary concludes with a return to Cairo, where you can further explore the city's historical and cultural treasures, including the Citadel, Coptic Cairo, and the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
Throughout your journey, you'll be accompanied by expert guides who will bring Egypt's rich history to life. Comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and convenient transportation ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
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Hotel Gala Dinners
Many of Egypt's hotels and Nile cruise boats arrange a very special gala dinner with entertainment in the evening on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Payment for these is often optional on Christmas Eve (24 Dec) but may be compulsory on New Year's Eve (31 Dec), whether you attend or not. Prices can range from around US$50 to over US$150 per person. Final decisions on prices and whether dinners are compulsory are made relatively close to the time. We aim to always select hotels that make their Gala Dinners optional, though this is not always possible. Gala dinner prices are therefore not included in our prices above, but will be added to your booking if they become required. More information is available on request.
Total Solar Eclipse 2027 departure:
In August 2027, Egypt will be one of the best places, worldwide to view the total solar eclipse. We are therefore offering a departure to coincide with this, which will include a viewing experience south of Luxor, within the path of totality on August 2nd 2027. As many hotels are yet to release their rates for 2027, final pricing for our Total Solar Eclipse departures will be confirmed closer to the date of departure. A deposit paid now secures your space on one of these very special departures and a second deposit will be payable 6 months prior to the trip start date, by which point final pricing will be available. Should the final price of this departure be more than 20% higher than the rates currently advertised you will be offered the option of cancelling with a full refund.
This tour is also available for booking privately for travel anytime through the year.
The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.
Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination youre visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.
All accommodation based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, cruise upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Other options may either be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.
Many options are priced the same throughout the year, but some may incur single or high season supplements - full details are given on the tour reservation form or on request.
The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.
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