A value-packed adventure through ancient Egypt. Travelling from Cairo, home of the legendary Pyramids of Giza, to Aswan with its colorful souqs and Luxor, famed for its awe-inspiring temples and incredible Valley of the Kings. Combined with two days felucca sailing along the River Nile, this is the best of Egypt in 8 days!
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Cairo
You will be met upon arrival at Cairo Airport and transferred to our start hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or those arriving early can opt to join our optional Backstreets of Cairo tour which departs the hotel at 10am.
If you'd like to extend your stay in Egypt we offer a pre tour (Wednesday) or post tour Sunday Day Trip to Alexandria.
Overnight: Cairo
Pyramids of Giza
Cairo - Aswan. Our tour begins with a visit to one of the world's most famous sights this morning - the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Sphinx. Built over 4500 years ago, the three great pyramids are sole survivors of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.
This afternoon we take a guided tour of the new Grand Egyptian Museum, which contains an incredible array of relics and antiquities including the treasures of King Tutankhamun and his spectacular gold funerary mask. Our sightseeing today also includes a visit to a government supervised Papyrus Museum. This evening we board the night train to Aswan.
Please Note: the Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in late 2024, though an official opening date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.
Overnight: Sleeper train | Breakfast
Aswan & the Philae Temple
Our train pulls into Aswan early this morning and we check into our hotel. Then we take a scenic boat ride out to Agilika Island for a guided tour of the beautiful Philae Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Isis. Travelling back to Aswan we visit a perfume oil emporium before spending the rest of the day at leisure. Relax by the hotel pool, explore Aswan's colorful souks and watch a beautiful sunset over the Nile.
Overnight: Aswan | Breakfast
Optional Abu Simbel
Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Very early this morning there's an optional excursion by road to the spectacular Temple of Abu Simbel, arguably Egypt's most awe-inspiring temple. This gigantic rock-cut temple was created to revere King Ramses II, with four colossal statues of the pharaoh guarding the entrance. In the afternoon we board a felucca for a relaxing two night journey along the River Nile, stopping at villages and islands along the way.
Overnight: Felucca Cruise | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Felucca sailing & Kom Ombo
Spend the day relaxing onboard a felucca and enjoying the views as we sail down the River Nile. Soak up the sunshine on deck and perhaps go for a swim. In the afternoon we reach Kom Ombo and take a motorboat to visit this ancient temple, which is dedicated to the crocodile headed god - Sobek. Then we return to the felucca for our second night sleeping under the stars.
Overnight: Felucca Cruise | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Luxor & Karnak Temple
Kom Ombo - Luxor. Leaving the felucca we drive to the ancient city Luxor this morning, which is often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum. This afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of the Temple of Karnak, a magnificent religious complex, dedicated to the Theban gods and built on a gigantic scale. In evening there's an optional tour of the beautiful Temple of Luxor with dinner included (book and pay locally). This remarkable temple and the Avenue of Sphinxes which leads to it, are most spectacular at night when they're illuminated by hundreds of atmospheric lights.
Overnight: Luxor | Breakfast
Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Cairo. We travel to Luxor's West Bank this morning for a guided tour of the legendary Valley of the Kings, which is home to an array of beautifully decorated pharaohs' tombs, three of which you can enter. Arriving at the West Bank we will be greeted by the towering 18m-high Colossi of Memnon and after the Valley of the Kings we enjoy a tour of the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Returning to the hotel the afternoon is free to relax by the pool. This evening we board the overnight train to Cairo.
Overnight: Sleeper Train | Breakfast
Cairo
Cairo. After breakfast, hotel check-out and onward transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates marked with a 'G' are operating. All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 4 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travellers or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Pyramids Resort by Jaz, Cairo
Just a stone's throw from the Pyramids, the Pyramids Resort (formerly the Oasis Hotel) is a classic Egyptian hotel with beautiful expansive gardens. Rooms are very spacious with comfortable beds and fantastic en suite facilities. Wi-Fi is available and the buffet breakfast offers a good spread. In the evening the outdoor pool and fountains are lit up making the restaurant and bar the perfect place to spend an evening sipping on a cold glass of beer.
Sleeper Train, Cairo
When travelling on an overnight train in Egypt, sleeper carriages offer the highest level of comfort. Cabins are equipped with two beds (one above the other), a basin, electric points and air conditioning. Freshly laundered bedding is provided and in the early evening an attendant will come round and make up your bed for you. The carriages have toilets at each end and there is a club car which serves snacks and beverages. In the morning a very basic breakfast is provided.
Citymax Hotel Aswan, Aswan
Located right on the banks of the river Nile, the Citymax Aswan offers an outdoor pool with fantastic views across the water. Connected to a nearby shopping centre, you're also just a short walk from the beautiful Feryal Gardens. All rooms are spacious with private bathrooms and modern amenities including a television and air conditioning. Free WiFi is available in the public areas and a restaurant serves meals throughout the day.
Felucca Sailing, Felucca Cruise
Feluccas are simple, traditional Egyptian sailboats that have plied the Nile since ancient times. Feluccas come in varying sizes and can sleep 20 persons comfortably. The boat’s deck is draped with soft colourful cushions that serve as your lounging area during the day and as your sleeping area at night. Our felucca is equipped with a flush toilet and basin for hand washing. You'll need to bring a sleeping bag/sheet (or hire for a nominal cost) and a towel with you. The crew, as well as being experienced sailors, are responsible for the preparation of included meals which are served onboard.
Aracan Eatabe Luxor Hotel, Luxor
Offering a prime location in the centre of Luxor, this 4-star hotel is close to top attractions including the Luxor Museum and Luxor Temple. Surrounded by manicured gardens, the contemporary-style guestrooms are well-equipped with air conditioning, a minibar and a balcony overlooking the garden or River Nile. Guests can enjoy a rich breakfast, lunch and dinner in the sun-lit restaurant or outdoors by the resort style pool. There you’ll also find a poolside bar and sun deck, so you can enjoy a cocktail or two as you soak up the rays.
At a Glance
Visiting Egypt was an amazing experience. The entire trip went seamless without us ever having to worry about anything. The transport and accommodation were always clean and comfortable, the food options were ok and we felt safe at all times.
The itinerary included most of the main ancient sites to visit in Egypt. I also appreciated going to selected artisan shops to learn and buy natural/traditional products manufactured in Egypt.
Many thanks to our guide Amir Essam for his positive energy and bringing our group together! I was very pleased with the service with the On The Go team in Egypt. ”
