Wonders of Egypt
9 Day Tour to Cairo & Giza with a Nile Cruise | Operated by InsightVacations
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9 Days
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1 Country
Egypt -
6 Cities
Cairo, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Giza -
17 Meals
8 Breakfasts, 4 Lunchs, 4 Dinners, 1 Afternoon Tea -
Pace: Comfortable
Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.
Trip Itinerary
Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and have time to relax and sample the hotels amenities after your journey. Refreshed and ready to embrace the intoxicating energy of this ancient and modern city
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 four nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor Museum, witness ancient artefacts and see two royal mummies. This 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, enjoy dinner on the ship before relaxing in its lounge or in the comfort of your room.
This morning 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. 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.
In the early morning sail to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple of Egypt dedicated to two gods. Discover the Temple, learning all about its ‘double’ and perfectly symmetrical design for the duo of gods – one side dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, the other to Horus the Elder the falcon god. This evening, enjoy a fun-filled traditional Egyptian themed dinner and galabeya party on board your ship.
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 about traditional sailing practices. As the sun starts to fade, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel. The likes of Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie stayed at this pretty venue, and Christie supposedly wrote “Death on the Nile” from the hotel itself.
In the morning, disembark your cruise ship and enjoy time at leisure in Aswan. Why not join an Optional Experience and travel 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. Otherwise, spend the morning as you wish. Perhaps soak up the African atmosphere in the Nubian bazaar or visit one of the many points of interest nearby, such as the Botanical Gardens, Elephantine Island and the Aga Khan Mausoleum. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo for the night.
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. Explore Cairo Citadel and see the Great Alabaster Mosque. Later, you will have free time to enjoy as you wish.
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 the 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 pyramid in the world. Meet the skilled artisans at a local weaving school, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport.
Price Includes
Dining Summary- - 8 Breakfasts (B)
- - 4 Lunchs (L)
- - 4 Dinners (D)
- - 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
- Take a short scenic flight to Luxor where you will begin your Nile Cruise.
- 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.
- Visit the Luxor Museum and discover ancient artefacts.
- See the massive stone statues of the Colossi of Memnon.
- Embark on an experience with an Egyptologist to visit the mortuary Temple Hatshepsut.
- Explore with an Egyptologist the Valley of the Kings which is home to the magnificent tombs of Egypt's Pharaohs.
- Visit Luxor Temple, constructed approximately 1400 BC. Look to the top of the remaining Pylon of Ramses II and step into the ancient monument.
- Visit the unique temple as it is the only double temple in Egypt.
- Visit Aswan's High Dam and Granite Quarries to ponder why the Unfinished Obelisk has been left in mid-creation for thousands of years.
- Travel by motorboat to Philae Island and witness the majestic Temple of Isis rising from the waters.
- 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.
- Enjoy your short flight back to Cairo for your final night.
- 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 jewelery - all treasures of Tutankhamun.
- 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.
- Visit this famous capital of the ancient world to see the statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx.
- View the oldest pyramid in the world, the Step Pyramid of Zoser I, existing for over 4,500 years.
- Get to know your fellow travelers over a delightful Welcome Drink followed by dinner.
- Join the fun at an Egyptian dinner and galabeya party, dressed in traditional Egyptian attire.
- 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.
- Enjoy listening to stories of village life from local residents, when you visit a family home for a tasting of authentic Egyptian sun bread.
- Be mesmerized by the intricate art of Egyptian carpet weaving as you meet the skilled artisans of a local weaving school. This ancient and traditional Egypt art is one of the oldest in the country, and only few schools have been safeguarding the traditional weaving methods on wooden looms, using silk and cotton, and natural dyes. More than carpets, they come to life as unique works of art. This experience advances UN Global Goal 11: Resilient Cities and Communities.
Optional Experiences
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.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (Available on Day 1)Designed for those visitors with extra pre or post trip nights in Cairo
Located in Old Cairo, visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) to see the 22 royal mummies and over 1500 artefacts on display.
With exhibitions beginning with the predynastic period, followed by the Roman and Coptic periods, until modern day Egypt.
The museum incorporates the array of different civilizations that contributed to Egypt’s rich and diverse history.
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: $55 Sound & Light Show - Aswan (Available on Day 5)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: $55 Life on the Nile (Available on Day 5)A chance to get up close with the wildlife of the world’s most famous rivers. Learn from your local Nubian expert how the Nile has been the center of life for ancient civilizations and local wildlife as you travel by boat around the islands of first cataract.
Watch out for colorful native birds, different species of herons, kingfishers, sunbirds, and other wildlife that thrive in the marsh grass along the riverbanks whilst taking in the unique views of the Sahara sand dunes.
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: $380 Nile Cruise & Dinner (Available on Day 7)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: $88 Full Day Alexandria (Designed For Those Visitors With Extra Pre Or Post Trip Nights In Cairo) (Available on Day 9)Embark on a full day exploration of historic Alexandria. Your sightseeing tour shows you the National Museum, the well preserved Roman Amphitheater, Roman Catacombs, Quayet-Bey Fortress from the outside and Pombey’s Pillar. Prices are in USD.
Adult Price: $155