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 thar 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.

Special Experience

Tour the historic Serapeum of Sakkara, the burial place of the Apis bulls.

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. Built in classic Turkish style, it resembles the great mosques of Istanbul. Our last stop is 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. There are no fixed prices here, so make sure you practice your haggling skills! We’ll also visit a local jewelry shop, that specialises in customised gold and silver cartouches, which will be available for purchase.

We’ll transfer to Cairo airport today, for a short flight to Aswan, gateway to the incredible history, temples and monuments of Upper Egypt. On a half day tour we visit the High Dam, the picturesque Philae Temple on Agilkia Island . This afternoon we’ll relax on a cruise along the Nile on board a traditional felucca sailboat, observing life along the banks of the river as our boat takes advantage of the gentle winds and currents.

Optional Excursion

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

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 Aswan to embark the Nile cruise ship. We’ll enjoy lunch on board and the afternoon is at your leisure.

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.

After breakfast we’ll cruise to the riverside Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris. We’ll then cruise onward to Edfu, located on the west bank of the Nile River between Esna and Aswan. It is famous for the Temple of Horus, dedicated to the Falcon God, the main attraction which we will visit this afternoon. This beautiful ancient temple is one of the best-preserved in Egypt and the second largest after Karnak Temple. Continuing our journey, we cross the lock at Esna and sail on towards Luxor. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional Galabeya party on board.

We’ll arrive in Luxor after breakfast. Located on the east bank of the Nile River, the city surrounds two huge, surviving ancient monuments. 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 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 Temple at night. 1.5 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.

Today we disembark the Nile cruise ship after breakfast and set off to 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

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 we farewell Luxor as we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Cairo. Enjoy some free time before a group farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Today marks the end 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.