Welcome to Egypt, a country known for its historical sites and world wonders. We begin in Cairo, the sprawling capital of Egypt and the largest city in Africa. 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. This evening we’ll meet our fellow travellers at a group welcome dinner.

Our touring in Egypt begins at the oldest structures in existence and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the amazing Great Pyramids of Giza. We’ll 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. Our tour will also take us to visit a weaving workshop, with an opportunity to purchase a locally made Egyptian carpet.

Special Experience

Take in the incredible views of the Great Pyramids of Giza while enjoying a delicious lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge

After breakfast we will travel to the city of Alexandria on Egypt’s north coast. The port city located on the Mediterranean Sea was founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great. Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and is best known for the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos) one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We will take a half day tour around Alexandria and visit the Graeco Roman Museum, home to an array of artifacts from the Greco-Roman era that provide a fascinating glimpse into the civilisation of ancient Egypt. Other highlights include Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs, and the New Bibliotheca. Our last stop is for a photo at the Citadel of Qaitbay, a spectacular 15th century fortress overlooking the Mediterranean.

Our journey takes us westward through the dunes along the Mediterranean coast, following the route of Field Marshal Montgomery to El Alamein. The coastal town was the site of two major battles between British and Axis forces during World War II.

Special Experience

Visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery and Military Museum associated with the Battle of El Alamein.

The cemetery encompasses 7,367 tombs of war victims from Britain, New Zealand, Australia, France, India and Malta. We’ll also stop to visit the El Alamein Military Museum including five main halls (representing the countries that participated in the battle) and view the unique paintings of the war scenes.

We’ll then return to Cairo and the evening is for you to explore at your leisure.

This morning we will fly to Luxor in Upper Egypt. Located on the east bank of the Nile River, the city surrounds two huge, surviving ancient monuments. Upon arrival we’ll meet our guide and transfer to the hotel before some sightseeing. Our sightseeing begins at 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 Luxor Temple, once connected to Karnak Temple by a 3-kilometre-long Avenue of Sphinxes. Luxor Temple is 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. We’ll also visit a local gallery to appreciate the ancient artform of papyrus craft, with an opportunity to purchase the artwork to take home.

Special Experience

Take a half-day tour to Dendera Temple complex and see one of the best-preserved temples and most important sites of ancient Egypt, the Temple of Hathor (the goddess of pleasure and love).

Optional Excursion

Sound & Light Show at Karnak - Experience the beauty of Karnak Temple illuminated against the night as the pharaohs of the New Kingdom take you on a journey into ancient Egypt. Please Note: you may not be permitted to use video cameras during this performance – 1.5 hours – from $65pp US.

This morning we discover the sights of Luxor 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 West Bank - Don't miss this opportunity for incomparable views of Luxor's famous temples! Enjoy a hot-air balloon ride directly over the Nile River's West Bank. Away from the crowds in the peaceful glow of dawn, your flight over Egypt's ancient monuments promises to be a highlight of your visit. Includes transport ex hotel. 1.5 hours – from $170pp US.

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

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Today will be spent cruising along the Nile as we set sail for Edfu, crossing the lock at Esna and continuing south.

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.

An early start this morning as we cross the desert to Abu Simbel. Our destination is 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 will spend a few hours exploring the temples before returning to our Nile cruise ship. We’ll enjoy lunch on board and afternoon is at your leisure.

Optional Excursion

Sound & Light Show at Philae - A magical experience visiting Philae Temple at night for the Sound & Light Show. Walk through the dramatically lit temple as its history is narrated. Please Note: you may not be permitted to use video cameras during this performance.1.5 hours – from $65pp US.

Today, 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.

Optional Excursion

Nubian Village - Travel by motorboat to a local village, visit a Nubian family and enjoy tea in their home. 3 hours – from $75pp US, including camel ride; from $65pp US, without camel ride. Cash only.

We’ll return to our hotel where the evening is at leisure.

We’ll transfer to Aswan airport today, for our flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival we’ll meet with our local guide and transfer to our hotel before an evening at leisure.

We begin today in the heart of lively Cairo with a visit to the world-famous Egyptian Museum. We’ll then visit the 12th century Saladin Citadel of Cairo and the Mohammed Ali Mosque. Our last stop is the 14th century Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. We’ll also visit a jewelry shop, that specialises in customised gold and silver cartouches, which will be available for purchase. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a group farewell dinner.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Today marks the completion of our incredible adventure across Egypt as we 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. Visit the Hanging Church, possibly the oldest Christian church in Egypt & Abu Serga, a place where the Holy Family rested after fleeing Israel from King Herod. See Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in Egypt. 3 hours - from $65pp US.

Optional Excursion

Islamic Cairo - Visit the Gayer Anderson Museum, which consists of two houses from the 16th and 17th century built with a unique architectural style and filled with antique furniture from all over the Middle East. Nearby is the Ibn Toulon Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Cairo built in the eighth century with strong Persian influences to the design. The final stop is the El Sultan Hassan Mosque, built in the 13th century and considered one of the best examples of Islamic architecture from that era. 3hrs – from US $65pp

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.