Highlights of Egypt
14 days
from Cairo to Cairo
From
$ 1499
Duration14 days
Dig deep and discover the riches of Egypt's geography, culture, and, of course, archaeology, on this epic adventure. Step into a world filled with giant statues, temples, and legendary pyramids. Take it easy as you float along the Nile on a traditional felucca, explore the white sands of Hurghada on the Red Sea, or enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family. Our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) and local experts will share an intriguing combination of the region’s attractions and hidden secrets. Meet the gaze of the Sphinx and get into the spirit of bygone times when travelling to the Valley of the Kings.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 14 daysService level: Standard
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Starts in: CairoPhysical Grading: Light
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Ends in: CairoAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Cairo
Start place: Cairo
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Arrive at any time.
If this is your first visit to Cairo, we highly recommend that you book an airport transfer.
End place: Cairo
Day 2: Cairo/Aswān
Start place: Cairo
Head straight to the pyramids and soak in the history of these majestic structures. Later, visit the Egyptian Museum to see more ancient artifacts.
In the evening, board an overnight train to Aswan. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.
In the evening, board an overnight train to Aswan. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.
Tour the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx before a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum. Catch an overnight train to Aswan.
Enjoy a simple dinner on the train.
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Aswān
Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but, trains can often be delayed. Enjoy some free time in the morning to browse the souk or walk along the Nile.
Later, board a boat to reach one of the many Nile islands and visit a Nubian village. Walk around the small community, then enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home.
Later, board a boat to reach one of the many Nile islands and visit a Nubian village. Walk around the small community, then enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home.
Explore Aswan before visiting a Nubian village and enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family.
A simple continental style breakfast on the train.
Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home.
Meals: B, D
Day 4: Aswān
One of the most fascinating sights in the area is the Temple of Abu Simbel. Later, opt for a half-day tour of the Unfinished Obelisk, High Dam, and Philae Temple. Visit the modern Nubian Museum to learn more about Aswan's local people.
Spend the day exploring Aswan. Opt to visit the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel.
Meals: B
Day 5: Aswān/Kom Ombo
Board the felucca and spend the rest of the day out on the river and a night under the stars.
Feluccas are a basic, traditional Nile sailboat and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river. You sleep, open-air on the deck of the boat (mattresses and blankets are provided, but if you prefer something between you and the blankets, you will need to bring a sleep sheet/sleeping bag liner of your own). The Felucca itself does not have toilets or showers, however we will have access to a private support boat, travelling in close proximity to our Felucca. This support boat is equipped with toilets and a shower (please bring a towel) and and an area to eat your meals, leaving you stress free to enjoy this tranquil and traditional experience on the Nile.
Feluccas are a basic, traditional Nile sailboat and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river. You sleep, open-air on the deck of the boat (mattresses and blankets are provided, but if you prefer something between you and the blankets, you will need to bring a sleep sheet/sleeping bag liner of your own). The Felucca itself does not have toilets or showers, however we will have access to a private support boat, travelling in close proximity to our Felucca. This support boat is equipped with toilets and a shower (please bring a towel) and and an area to eat your meals, leaving you stress free to enjoy this tranquil and traditional experience on the Nile.
Sail the Nile on a traditional felucca. Sleep onboard under the stars.
Enjoy meals on board the felucca.
End place: Kawm Umbu
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Kom Ombo/Luxor
Start place: Kawm Umbu
Enjoy a guided visit Kom Ombo Temple before driving to Luxor. En route, visit the Temple of Karnak.
End place: Luxor
Meals: B
Day 7: Luxor
Start place: Luxor
Cross to the West Bank. Visit the massive 18m (59ft)-high Colossi of Memnon, which is all that remains of an ancient temple. Descend down the narrow corridors and check out the tombs of the pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings. The Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut literally seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops.
Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile and then explore Luxor at your own pace.
Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile and then explore Luxor at your own pace.
Visit the Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West Bank of the Nile.
Lunch with local family.
End place: Luxor
Meals: B, L
Day 8: Luxor/Alexandria
Start place: Luxor
Fly to Cairo and transfer to Alexandria. Soak in the European feeling of this Mediterranean city.
End place: Alexandria
Meals: B
Day 9: Alexandria
Start place: Alexandria
Take a guided tour of Catacombs, the National Museum, Pompey's Pillar, and Qaitbay Fort. With free time, opt to explore the city, check out the city's cafés, or dine on fantastic seafood.
End place: Alexandria
Meals: B
Day 10: Alexandria/Sīwah
Start place: Alexandria
Journey to the hidden Oasis of Siwa. Visit El Alamein Cemetery and Memorial en route.
Meals: B
Day 11: Sīwah
Bike to the Mountain of the Dead and the Temple of the Oracle. Opt to take a dip in Cleopatra's bath or travel by donkey cart for a perfect desert sunset.
Meals: B
Day 12: Sīwah
Enjoy a 4x4 excursion to the sand dunes, followed by a picnic lunch in the desert.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the desert.
Meals: B, L
Day 13: Sīwah/Cairo
Journey back to Cairo.
End place: Cairo
Meals: B
Day 14: Cairo
Start place: Cairo
Depart at any time.
End place: Cairo
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Boat ride to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal, Aswān Your Discover Moment: Aswān Your Local Living Moment: Lunch with a Local Family, Luxor
- Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx entrance and guided tour
- Egyptian Museum entrance and guided tour
- Felucca overnight sailing excursion with support boat
- Karnak and Kom Ombo temples entrance and guided tour
- Temple of Hatshepsut and Valley of the Kings guided visit
- Colossi of Memnon visit
- Alexandria guided tour
- Boat and snorkelling trip in Hurghada
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private air-conditioned van, Train, Felucca, Plane, 4x4, Walking -
Accommodation
Simple hotels (11 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt), Felucca with support boat for toilet/showers (1 nt)