Egypt Family Holiday
8 days from Cairo to Cairo
From $ 1465
Duration8 days

Tour a land of Feluccas and Pharaohs and witness Egypt’s most iconic sites. Uncover the ancient mysteries and modern marvels of Egypt and see why this classic destination inspires millions of travellers each year. With an action-packed itinerary that is purpose built for families, this authentic Egypt experience blends all the must-see highlights with plenty of adventurous, off the beaten-track activities. So whether you're cruising the Nile in a felucca, sitting down to dinner with a Nubian family or checking out the mummified crocodiles at the Temple of Kom Ombo, this relaxing, exciting and always enlightening family tour of Egypt is sure to fill the photo album and keep you reminiscing around the dinner table for years to come.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 8 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Cairo
    Physical Grading: Light
  • Ends in: Cairo
    Ages: 5+
Egypt Family Holiday - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Cairo

Start place: Cairo

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. Cairo is an intriguing mix of the modern and ancient. You will meet your group and leader at a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight, so please make sure you have your next of kin and insurance details handy. Head out for a meal with your new crew and get to know each other over some local fare. For those who arrive early and have free time, there are plenty of things to see and do. Travel along the river by felucca, head out to explore the markets, or, if the hustle and bustle of the city is too much, catch the metro into the oldest part of the city, the Coptic Christian sector. The latter is a haven of peace and quiet, with narrow cobbled streets and beautiful old churches.
Day 2: Cairo/Overnight Train
Explore the amazing Pyramids of Giza which have stood tall for 4,500 years. Afterwards, make your way to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's great collections of antiquities. Wander the treasure-filled halls of the museum, and be sure to check out the Mummies Hall (optional) for a close encounter with some of the country’s most important queens and pharaohs. You'll have plenty of time to explore the sites today (approximately 3 hours for the pyramids and 3 hours for the museum). In the evening you will board an overnight train to the southern city of Aswan (approximately 13 hours).
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Aswan
Arrive in Aswan in the morning. Here the Nile runs deep and fast between granite rocks as the desert encroaches on the river. Even to travellers in ancient times, Aswan was known as the legendary gateway to the kingdom of Nubia. Today it is still something of a frontier town, where the Arab Middle East meets Africa.
You will have the rest of the morning free to explore Aswan, have a swim in the hotel pool or simply sit back and enjoy the view of the Nile. In the early afternoon we will take a water taxi over to the Temple of Isis at Philae. The Temple of Isis (the Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom), which was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated on Philae Island. It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings – definitely one of the real gems of Upper Egypt.
In the early evening you will take a trip across the river to a Nubian village and enjoy dinner at one of the local houses.
Meals: B, D
Day 4: Aswan
Today is free for you to explore Aswan, or the surrounding area, at your family’s preferred pace. If you can wrangle the troops, you might want to visit the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, located near the Sudan border. These two temples – one for Ramses II and another he dedicated to his wife Queen Nefertari – were cut into the cliff face in the 13th century and remain impressive in their scope and detail. Ask your leader for details on how to arrange a visit, but be aware you need a minimum of four people to participate in this optional activity. We highly recommend this activity.
If you would prefer to stay in Aswan and get a taste of contemporary Egypt there is plenty to do. The relaxed atmosphere makes Aswan a great city to wander and watch the boats cruise the Nile, plus there’s always the hotel pool nearby where you and the kids can cool off.
Meals: B
Day 5: Felucca Sailing
Climb aboard a felucca (traditional wooden boat with a broad canvas sail) with your family and spend a day on the Nile River and an evening under the stars. Watch the sun set across the river and relax, taking in life along the water. While there's no cabin or enclosed section on the felucca, (you will sleep outside, on a mattress on the deck) a canopy offers shade and protection from the elements. Conditions are basic, but there is a clean toilet on board and the crew will prepare all your meals. While blankets are provided, a sleeping sheet is recommended.
It is highly recommended your bring with you some books, games or art supplies for the family while sailing along the Nile.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Luxor
Rise and shine - have breakfast on the felucca before transferring by bus to Luxor (approximately 4 hours), tracing the path of the Nile to the north. Upon arrival you'll have time to relax at the hotel before we head over to the Karnak Temple in the afternoon.  Karnak Temple is perhaps the most impressive of all the ancient Pharoahs' monumental works. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of some 200 years. Your guided tour of this vast temple of impressive pylons, obelisks and chapels will reveal its finest sections, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun.
Meals: B
Day 7: Cairo
Embrace another early morning, cross the Nile and drive to the secluded Valley of the Kings. Sixty-three pharaohs were buried here as part of their journey to the afterlife. In the company of a local guide you will spend a few hours exploring some of the exquisitely decorated tombs. It is here that the burial site of the boy-king, Tutankhamun, was re-discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. If you'd like to organise a visit to King Tut's tomb today, this can be arranged with advance notice – ask your leader for details at the beginning of your trip. On your way back to the river, spend an hour at the funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's first female ruler. Late this afternoon, board a flight back to Cairo. Check-in to the hotel on arrival, then perhaps freshen up and head out for an optional final dinner with your fellow family travellers. 
Meals: B
Day 8: Cairo
You family adventure through Egypt comes to an end after breakfast this morning. There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart your accommodation at any time after check-out.

End place: Cairo

Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Cairo - The Egyptian Museum
  • Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx
  • Aswan - Philae Temple
  • Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
  • Luxor - Temple of Karnak
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
  • Transport

    Felucca, Overnight train, Private Minivan, Flight
  • Accommodation

    Hotel (5 nights), Felucca (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

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