Welcome to Egypt, a country renowned for its rich history and awe-inspiring world wonders. Our journey begins in Cairo, Egypt’s bustling capital city. Here, ancient and modern worlds blend seamlessly, creating a fascinating experience for travellers. We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 6:00pm. We’ll enjoy some free time to freshen up, before meeting our fellow travellers at a group welcome dinner this evening.

We’re set for a magical day of touring, visiting some of the sites that frequently top traveller’s bucket lists. We begin our Egyptian touring at the oldest structures in existence and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the amazing Great Pyramids of Giza. Serving as the tomb of the pharaoh Khufu, the largest pyramid was originally 481 feet high and has managed to stay largely intact since its construction in 2600 BC. The two slightly smaller pyramids were built for Khufu’s son, Khafre, and grandson, Menkaure, likewise as burial places for three generations of Egyptian kings. We’ll then visit the nearby Great Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a king, often referred to as the national symbol of Egypt. This iconic statue is believed to have been built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre and is thought to represent him, yet its construction and purpose remains a fascinating mystery.

Special Experience

Take in the incredible views of the Great Pyramids of Giza while enjoying a delicious lunch at Khufu's Restaurant.

We have an early start this morning as we leave the hustle and bustle of Cairo behind and fly to Luxor. Located on the east bank of the Nile River, the city surrounds two huge, surviving ancient monuments. Once in Luxor, we’ll explore the fascinating Karnak Temple, dedicated to the Pharaoh Amun. Approximately 30 pharaohs contributed to the temple’s structure over time, which explains its monumental size! We’ll then visit a local gallery to appreciate the ancient artform of papyrus craft, with an opportunity to purchase the artwork to take home.

Special Experience

Explore the spectacular Luxor Temple at sunset and witness as the sun brings this ancient wonder to life.

Luxor Temple was once connected to Karnak Temple by a 3-kilometre-long Avenue of Sphinxes. It’s also home to a 25-metre-tall pink granite obelisk, which was part of a matching pair until the 1830s when one was given to France. It now stands in the centre of the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

This morning we explore the West Bank – the world’s largest open-air museum! On a half day tour, our first destination is the spectacular Valley of the Kings. Serving as a royal burial chamber for around 500 years, it is home to legendary kings and queens, their families, and their possessions for the afterlife. Here we’ll explore tombs carved deep into the limestone rock, where each tomb has a similar pattern of three corridors, an antechamber and a sarcophagus chamber.

Special Experience

Descend underground into Tutankhamun’s Tomb, adorned with intricate corridors, ancient artefacts, and well-preserved hieroglyphic paintings.

Optional Excursion

Hot Air Balloon Ride over the West Bank in the early morning. Includes transport from hotel. 1.5 hours – from $170pp US. Cash only.

Optional Excursion

Deir El Medina & Medinet Habu – Visit one of the most well-preserved ancient settlements in Egypt and the Mortuary Temple of Ramses ll. 3 hours – minimum 4 participants required – from $105pp US, including Nobles Tombs; from $160pp US, including Nefertari’s Tomb (subject to open times). Cash Only

Today will be spent cruising along the Nile as we set sail for Edfu, crossing the lock at Esna and continuing south. Kick back, relax and take in the passing views as we cruise this iconic river.

Located on the west bank of the Nile River between Esna and Aswan you will find Edfu. The Egyptian city has a population of approximately sixty thousand people. It is famous for the Temple of Horus, dedicated to the Falcon God, the main attraction which we’ll visit this morning. This beautiful ancient temple is one of the best-preserved in Egypt and the second largest after Karnak Temple. We’ll then cruise to the riverside Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris, before continuing to Aswan this evening. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional Galabeya party on board.

We’ll transfer to Aswan airport this morning for our flight to Abu Simbel. We visit the incredible UNESCO listed twin temples of Abu Simbel. The temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC, as a monument to himself and his queen, Nefertari. We’ll spend a couple of hours exploring these gigantic temples, before flying back to Aswan for a Nubian show onboard the ship tonight.

Optional Excursion

Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple at night. 1.5 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.

This morning we disembark the Nile cruise ship and bid farewell to the crew. Today will be spent exploring the incredible sights of Aswan. On a half day tour, we visit the High Dam and the picturesque Philae Temple on Agilkia Island. This tiny island is approximately 450 metres long and 150 metres wide!

Deluxe Experience

We’ll indulge in a decadent high tea of delicate sandwiches and freshly baked scones with clotted cream whilst enjoying spectacular views over the Nile at the Old Cataract Hotel.

We will then head to Aswan airport and make our way back to Cairo.

Our day begins as we make our way to the small town of Sakkara to uncover Egypt’s oldest pyramid, the ancient Step Pyramid of Sakkara. It’s believed to have been designed by the famous vizier of King Zoser, Imhotep, one of the first recognised architects in history.

Special Experience

Tour the historic Serapeum of Sakkara, the burial place of the Apis Bulls

Special Experience

Enjoy a culinary experience at a local farm, featuring an array of delicious dishes made of fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

Our first stop of the day is the historic El Moez Street, one of the oldest streets in historic Cario. We’ll then wander around the 14th century Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, a major souk in Cairo’s Islamic District. Famous for its handmade crafts, it’s also the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Arabic coffee whilst soaking up the local bustling atmosphere. There are no fixed prices here, so make sure you practice your haggling skills! We’ll visit the 12th century Saladin Citadel of Cairo, serving throughout history as both a royal residence and military barracks, and the Mohammed Ali Mosque, one of the most prominent Ottoman-style landmarks in Cairo. Next, we stop at a local jewellery shop that specialises in customised gold and silver cartouches, before visiting a weaving workshop to learn about locally made Egyptian carpet.

Deluxe Experience

Tour the historic Manial Palace, one of the most impressive palaces in Egypt, and discover an ancient nilometer.

Today marks the completion of our incredible adventure across Egypt. Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to Egypt and begin our journey home. We hope you leave with fantastic memories! Please note, in order to undertake the following optional tours additional post tour accommodation in Cairo may be required. Please check with your Travel Specialist for details.

Optional Excursion

Coptic Cairo - Discover the ancient sites & culture of Coptic Christians throughout Old Cairo. 3 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.

Optional Excursion

Islamic Cairo - Visit the Gayer Anderson Museum, Ibn Toulon Mosque & El Sultan Hassan Mosque. 3 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.

Optional Excursion

The Pyramids of Dahshur - Dahshur forms the southernmost area of the Memphis Necropolis & contains a number of pyramid complexes & monuments 3 hours – from $65pp US (cash only).

Optional Excursion

National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation – Displaying the civilisation of Egypt from the prehistoric period to the present era. 3 hours – from $80pp US. Cash only.