• Aarp Logo Red
    AARP Members Save $100 AARP SAVE $100 on select vacations booked with us on select vacations
    Learn More

Splendors of Egypt

Operated by: Insight Vacations

12 Days from $3,516 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Egypt Pyramids Tourists Sitting On Steps

Countries Visited

Egypt ...more Egypt

Locations Visited

Cairo, Luxor, Dendera Temple Complex, Edfu, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Giza ...more Cairo, Luxor, Dendera Temple Complex, Edfu, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Giza
  1. Day 1 Arrive in Cairo

    Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

    hotel Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
  2. 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, your home for the next seven nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor Museum, witness ancient artefacts. In the evening, get to know your Travel Director, a professionally trained Egyptologist, as well as fellow guests over a Welcome Drink followed by dinner. The rest of the evening is yours at leisure.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
    hotel MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
  3. Day 3 Exploring Dendera and on to Edfu

    A day of legend and history awaits you today as you begin with a morning visit to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera. One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, it contains a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarian, whose father was Julius Caesar. At lunchtime return to your ship and enjoy a scenic journey via the Esna Lock to Edfu.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    hotel MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
  4. Day 4 Edfu to Aswan

    You will start the day with breakfast, as you cruise along the Nile to Kom Ombo before continuing on to the city of Aswan. Famous for its archaeological sites, such as the Philae Temple Complex and the Temple of Isis, Aswan is a vibrant destination that portray an agreeable mix of ancient and contemporary Egypt. In the evening, enjoy a fun-filled Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    hotel MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
  5. Day 5 Aswan’s High Dam & Temple of Isis

    Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to Aswan's 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.The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities on your cruise ship. Ask your Travel Director for recommendations on things to do onboard or perhaps ask for more insights into Egypt’s fascinating history?

    meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    hotel MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
  6. Day 6 Feluccas and High Tea Relaxed Start

    Throughout your journey you’ll have seen many feluccas sailing along the Nile. Now it’s your time to explore one for yourself. On this traditional vessel, you’ll meet a local sailor who will teach you about the ancient art of sailing. As the sun starts to fade, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, just like Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie once did before you. The hotel is rumoured to be where Christie wrote her bestselling novel, “Death on the Nile.”

    meals Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
    hotel MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
  7. Day 7 Free Time and on to Kom Ombo Relaxed Start

    With the morning free, perhaps join an Optional Experience to Abu Simbel? These temples overlook Lake Nasser and are made up of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor.Later, sail to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple of Egypt, dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus the Elder.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    hotel MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
  8. Day 8 Cruising the Nile to Luxor Relaxed Start

    Your cruise continues along the bustling waters of the Nile. Enjoy the facilities on board and have your cameras at the ready for the sights, as you leisurely make your way to Luxor. In the evening, visit Luxor Temple, where you dock for the night.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    hotel MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
  9. Day 9 Explore Luxor and fly to Cairo

    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 were buried, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun. Experience the renowned local hospitality of Egyptians, during a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat. Connect with the community and share bread with the Bahirat family, whilst they regale guests with their fascinating stories of daily life. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
  10. Day 10 Cairo Sightseeing

    This morning, ascend to the Citadel, for breathtaking views over the city. While here visit the Alabaster Mosque, otherwise known as the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, regarded as the founder of modern Egypt. Continue to Tahrir Square, the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, and the Egyptian Museum*. Among the many exhibits found here, are the fabulous artefacts recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Later, see history come to life on the pyramids as you witness the magical Sound & Light Show - an unforgettable introduction to the world of Ancient Egypt.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
  11. Day 11 Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza

    Today you’ll head to Memphis, the famous capital of the ancient world. See the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Sakkara to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid in the world, dating back to 2700 B.C. In the afternoon, it's on to Giza to explore the magnificent pyramids. Here you’ll come face-to-face with the enigmatic Sphinx. During your visit, venture inside one of these ancient wonders to see the chambers where the pharaohs were sent to meet their gods in the afterlife.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
  12. Day 12 Depart Cairo

    Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport.

    meals Breakfast
Splendours of Egypt Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Dining Summary

  • 11 Breakfast (B)
  • 7 Lunch (L)
  • 6 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
  • 1 Dinner with Wine (DW)

Additional Included Highlights

  • : Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • : Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • : We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • : From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • : Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • : If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Authentic Dining

  • Cairo: Join the fun at an Egyptian dinner and galabeya party, dressed in traditional Egyptian attire.
  • Aswan: Follow in the footsteps of Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie as you enjoy high tea at Aswan's famous Old Cataract Hotel, as the sun begins to set.
  • Luxor: Get to know your fellow travelers over a delightful Welcome Drink followed by dinner.

Insight Experiences

  • Luxor: Enjoy listening to stories of village life from local residents, when you visit a family home for a tasting of authentic Egyptian sun bread.

Top Rated Highlights

  • Dendera: At the Temple of Hathor, see a rare depiction of Cleopatra and Caesarian.
  • Aswan: Visit Aswan's High Dam and Granite Quarries to ponder why the Unfinished Obelisk has been left in mid-creation for thousands of years.
  • Philae Island: Travel by motorboat to Philae Island and witness the majestic Temple of Isis rising from the waters.
  • Aswan: On a traditional Nile felucca, meet a sailor and learn the art of sailing this ancient Nile craft. Visit the High Dam and Granite Quarries.
  • Kom Ombo: Visit the unique temple as it is the only double temple in Egypt.
  • Luxor: Visit Luxor Temple, constructed approximately 1400 BC. Look to the top of the remaining Pylon of Ramses II and step into the ancient monument.
  • Memphis: Visit this famous capital of the ancient world to see the statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx.
  • Saqqara Necropolis: View the oldest pyramid in the world, the Step Pyramid of Zoser I, existing for over 4,500 years.
  • Giza: With your Egyptologist, meet the enigmatic Sphinx and venture deep inside one of the pyramids, to the chambers where the pharaohs went to meet their Gods in the afterlife.
  • Cairo: Admire the remaining Wonders of the Ancient World as you explore through the Pyramids of Giza and the mighty Sphinx. Hear about Egyptian history as you walk through the National Archaeological Museum and learn the art of making papyrus paper out of reeds when you visit a Papyrus Institute.
  • Cairo: Take a short scenic flight to Luxor where you will begin your Nile Cruise.
  • Karnak: Stand amid a vast forest of columns in the largest temple complex known to man, as your Egyptologist explains the significance behind it. Walk the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, see the of Rameses II and the Hypostyle Hall.
  • Luxor: Visit the Luxor Museum and discover ancient artefacts.
  • Cairo: Guided by your Local Expert, gaze upon the most recognisable 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.
  • Cairo: With your Egyptologist, gaze upon Tutankhamun's treasures at the Egyptian Musuem, gaze upon the most recognisable symbols of ancient Egypt: the full-faced funeral mask, gold coffin, gilded throne and precious jewellery - all treasures of Tutankhamun.
  • Giza: Be mesmerised by the Sound & Light Show at the Great Pyramids.
  • Colossi of Memnon: See the massive stone statues of the Colossi of Memnon.
  • Valley of the Kings: Embark on an experience with an Egyptologist to visit the mortuary Temple Hatshepsut.
  • Valley of the Kings: Explore with an Egyptologist the Valley of the Kings which is home to the magnificent tombs of Egypt's Pharaohs.
  • Luxor: Enjoy your short flight returning to Cairo.

Travel Director

  • : "Koshari is our national dish, and it never disappoints. Believed to have originated in the 19th century, this vegetarian street food staple is made of rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas, topped with delicious fried onions and a spicy tomato-based garlic sauce."
  • : "I love to share our Ancient Egyptian civilization and history with our guests and to explain all the details and stories related to Egyptian mythology so our guests can enjoy a very special guided vacation."
  • : "The Abu Simbel Temples are utterly unique in scale, architecture, art and history. From one of the most prominent eras of Ancient Egyptian history, these magnificent structures emphasise how persistent and clever ancient Egyptian architects were to carve a mountain to make such incredible tributes for Egyptian deities."

Well-being

  • : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

Onlinebookingprocesssteps
July 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 26 Wed
Aug 6 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$4,075 $3,516 Save $559
GETAWAY DEALS
August 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Aug 23 Wed
Sep 3 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$4,125 $3,558 Save $567
GETAWAY DEALS
AARP Members Save up to $100
Aug 30 Wed
Sep 10 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$4,125 $3,558 Save $567
GETAWAY DEALS
September 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 6 Wed
Sep 17 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$4,150 $3,580 Save $570
GETAWAY DEALS
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 13 Wed
Sep 24 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$4,150 $3,580 Save $570
GETAWAY DEALS
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 20 Wed
Oct 1 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$4,150
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 27 Wed
Oct 8 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$4,150
Optional Add-Ons

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Aswan

Available on Day 6

Sound & Light Show - Aswan

The powerful tale of Isis and Osiris is one of Ancient Egypt's most momentous legends. Fanciful Egyptian gods and goddesses, as well as the fascinating history of Philae Temple is brought to life before your eyes through the magic of sound and light. The atmospheric temple setting, engaging narration by world-famous celebrities and moonlit boat ride across the lake make it an unforgettable experience. Prices are in USD.
Adult Price: $ 47

Available on Day 7

Abu Simbel Excursion By Air

Excursion to Abu Simbel from Aswan to visit the fabulous reconstructed temples of Ramses II and Nefertari. The journey by air takes approximately forty minutes in each direction and allows approximately seventy-five minutes at Abu Simbel to visit the temples and the impressive concrete dome. Prices are in USD.
Adult Price: $ 343
Note: Price subject to airline price fluctuations.

Luxor

Available on Day 8

Karnak Sound And Light Show

Enjoy the fabulous Sound and Light Show arranged in Luxor at Karnak Temple: While strolling along the ancient avenues of Sphinxes & halls of colossal columns, you will be hearing the tales of these ancient places. Prices are in USD.
Adult Price: $ 50

Cairo

Available on Day 11

Nile Cruise & Dinner

Experience Cairo from a completely different perspective during a delightful evening dinner cruise on River Nile. Once on board enjoy a delicious buffet dinner with Cairo's illuminated skyline as a backdrop. Entertainment is provided in the form of a spectacular belly-dancing and folklore show. Not to be missed! Prices are in USD.
Adult Price: $ 80
Note: During Ramadan there will be no alcohol or belly dancers.

Available on Day 11

Full Day Alexandria

Embark on a full day exploration of historic Alexandria. Your sightseeing tour shows you the National Museum, the well preserved Roman Amphitheatre, Roman Catacombs, Quayet-Bey Fortress and Pombey’s Pillar. Later, visit the Mosque of Abdul Abass and the gardens at Montaza surrounding a former palace of the Royal family. Prices are in USD.
Adult Price: $ 140
Note: "This excursion is only available to guests who have purchased extra nights in Cairo before or after their tour. This Optional experience is priced at $140 per person when there are two or more participants. If there is only one participant the cost is $280 per person."

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
William Gross
Review date: Monday, March 13, 2023
Service
Quick, easy and answered all my questions. No snags whatsoever.
Response from Grand European Travel:
That is so fantastic to hear! We hope to be able to welcome you on another trip very soon. Thank you for your business!
Monday, April 10, 2023
Vacation
The trip of a lifetime. Our guide was outstanding and the itinerary was perfect
Margaret Wendt
Review date: Sunday, February 5, 2023
Service
I would not recommend your company GET in Oregon! Very confusing and incomplete information
Vacation
Great trips, great staff, great tour guide . ( Mohammed ) was Brilliant. His knowledge was unmatched. I've been around the world and all through the middle east. He is and was the brightest, kindest, accomading and best guide I've ever had. A real keeper!!! He is the reason our group became so close. Margaret Wendt Margaret Wendt Production's
See More Reviews
Terms & Conditions
Click here to view Terms and Conditions for this guided vacation
Back To Top