Travel Dates
Departing 22nd Apr 2020
Tour Provider: Insight Vacations
Region:
Duration: 9 Days
Day 1 / Welcome to Cairo.
Welcome to Egypt. A country rich in wonders and mystery, you’ll start in vibrant Cairo. A representative will meet you at the airport, before you are transferred to your hotel. Later, you will meet your Travel Director who is a qualified Egyptologist, as well as fellow travellers for a welcome drink.
Day 2 / Fly to Luxor, Cruise the Nile.
In the morning, fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall. Later, transfer to your cruise ship. One of the most luxurious vessels on the Nile, it will be your home for the next four nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor museum and witness ancient artefacts and two royal mummies. The evening is yours at leisure, enjoy dinner on the ship before relaxing in its lounge or in the comfort of your room.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 3 / Valley of the Kings to Edfu.
This morning, disembark from your cruise and travel by coach to the west bank of the Nile. See the Colossi of Memnon and visit both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings, where many Pharaohs, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun were buried. In the afternoon, visit a family home and witness the making of authentic Egyptian sun bread. You’ll be able to find out more about local life in the village and why baking this delicacy is so important to the family. Visit Luxor Temple which was unearthed by Mariette in the 1860s, before returning to your cruise ship and sail via the Esna Lock to Edfu for your overnight stay.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 4 / Kom Ombo to Aswan.
In the early morning sail to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple of Egypt dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed Sobek and falcon-headed Horus the Elder. In the evening, enjoy a fun-filled Egyptian dinner and galabeya party on board your ship.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Day 5 / Aswan’s High Dam and Nile Felucca.
In the morning, visit the Aswan High Dam and Granite Quarries to see the enormous Unfinished Obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis. Rising from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae, it was the last temple built in the classical Egyptian style. Later, on a traditional Nile Felucca, meet a sailor and learn the art of sailing this ancient craft. As the sun starts to fade, enjoy colonial-style high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel. The likes of Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie have stayed at this pretty venue, and Christie supposedly wrote “Death on the Nile” from the hotel itself.(Breakfast / Lunch / Afternoon Tea / Dinner)
Day 6 / Aswan and Back to Cairo.
In the morning, disembark your cruise ship and enjoy time at leisure in Aswan. Why not join an optional experience by air to the magnificent Temples of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel? These temples overlook Lake Nasser and are made up of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor. Located in a village in Nubia, they are found in Upper Egypt. Otherwise, spend the morning as you wish. There are many points of interest to enjoy; the Botanic Gardens, Elephantine Island, the Aga Khan Mausoleum, or soak up the African atmosphere in the Nubian bazaar. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo for the night.(Breakfast)
Day 7 / The Egyptian Museum and Citadel
Begin your city sightseeing with your Egyptologist at the world-famous Egyptian Museum. Starring among its attractions is the amazing treasure recovered from Tutankhamun's tomb. Sightseeing continues at the Citadel where you will enjoy breathtaking views over the whole city. Salah El-Din started the Citadel in the 12th century, but it owes its present outline to Mohammed Ali, whose Great Alabaster Mosque is the next stop. Later, you will have free time to enjoy as you wish. In the evening, take your seats at the magical Sound & Light Show at the Great Pyramids which literally illuminates the history of Giza — an unforgettable introduction to the world of ancient Egypt.(Breakfast)
Day 8 / The Great Pyramids of Giza
Gain a deeper understanding of the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World during a visit to Giza with your Egyptologist. Meet the enigmatic Sphinx crouching at the foot of Chephrenís Causeway and venture inside one of the magnificent Pyramids. Nearby lies Memphis, capital of the Old Kingdom, where you can see the colossal statue of Ramesses II and the great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Sakkara to view the Step Pyramid of Zoser, which dates back 2686 B.C., making it the oldest in the world. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.(Breakfast)
Day 9 / Depart Cairo.
It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your journey comes to an end. A transfer will take you to Cairo International airport for your onward flights.(Breakfast)
Incredibly, after gazing upon the illustrious pyramids, this trip only gets better. Further, up the Nile, your cruise ship is poised to take you to royal tombs and breathtaking temples.
Your Guided Holiday Includes:
Price is based on 22 Apr 2020 – 14 Oct 2020 departures
Top rate highlights
Cairo: Guided by your Local Expert, gaze upon the most recognizable symbols of ancient Egypt: the full-faced funeral mask, gold coffin, gilded throne and precious jewellery – Tutankhamun's treasures. Sightseeing includes sweeping vies over the city from the Citadel and a visit to the Great Alabaster Mosque.
Giza: If only these walls could talk! Oh, but they do at the audio visual Sound & Light Show at the Great Pyramids.
Sakkara: View the oldest pyramid in the world, the Step Pyramid of Zoser I, existing for over 4,500 years.
Luxor: Visit Luxor Temple.
West Bank: Explore with an Egyptologist the Valley of the Kings which is home to the magnificent tombs of Egypt's Pharaohs.
Philae Island: Travel by motorboat to Philae Island and witness the majestic Temple of Isis rising from the waters.
Authentic Dining
Luxor: Enjoy listening to stories of village life when you visit a family home for a tasting of authentic Egyptian sun bread.
Nile Cruise: Dress in traditional attire and join the fun at an Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.
Aswan: In true tradition, just like Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie before you, enjoy high tea in true colonial English-style at Aswan's famous Old Cataract Hotel, as the sun begins to set.
Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.