12 DAY WONDERS OF ANCIENT EGYPT

12 DAY ANCIENT EGYPT TOUR WITH NILE CRUISE

The enduring buzz of Cairo's bustling city streets and imposing Great Pyramids of Giza launch your discovery of Ancient Egypt. Cruise down the Nile to Kom-Ombo, past Luxor, and explore the Valley of the Kings.

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Day 1 | Welcome to Cairo

Delve into the antiquities of Egypt on this epic journey which begins in the effervescent Egyptian capital. As you transfer to your hotel for a day at leisure, you’ll feel the intoxicating buzz of this lively city – the perfect introduction to an unforgettable opportunity to learn about Egypt’s ancient past and exciting present. You may choose to relax after your trip, or experience the energy of Cairo for yourself at the Khan El-Khalili souk where the sounds and smells are almost overwhelming.

Hotel: Ramses Hilton

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

National Museum of Egyptian Civilization- Designed for those visitors with extra pre or post trip nights in Cairo or if flight arrives after midday on Day 1. Located in Old Cairo, visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) to see the 22 royal mummies and over 1500 artefacts on display. With exhibitions beginning with the predynastic period, followed by the Roman and Coptic periods, until modern day Egypt. The museum incorporates the array of different civilizations that contributed to Egypt’s rich and diverse history. Adult: 65.00 USD

* This Optional Experience is designed for visitors with extra pre nights in Cairo.

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Day 2 | Admire the Wonders of Giza

Immerse yourself during a full-day excursion to the old kingdom of Egypt. See the Colossus of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx at Memphis. Visit the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, then marvel at the Great Pyramid of Giza and the mighty Sphinx.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Ramses Hilton

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Day 3 | Fly to Luxor and Embark on Your Nile Cruise

We fly to Luxor this morning and embark on a guided tour of the Karnak Temple Complex, before boarding our cruise in time for lunch. Later, marvel at Luxor's Temple and visit the Luxor Museum to see an astounding collection of archaeological treasures, including items from Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel: Nile Cruise

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Day 4 | Explore Ancient Dendera

Pay tribute to the Goddess Hathor at Dendera Temple, a soaring structure built around 330 BC.  Beautifully preserved and elaborate in its design, every inch of this impressive sand-coloured structure is mesmerising and you’ll see many of its halls, shrines and unique features such as the sun dial and replica Dendera zodiac, tracing the images of Taurus and Libra.  You’ll learn about Dendera’s role as one of the major capitals of ancient Upper Egypt before sailing to Kom-Ombo for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel: Nile Cruise

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Day 5 | Journey to Aswan

Today, we travel to Aswan, which for centuries held the important strategic role of being Egypt’s southern frontier and gateway to the rest of Africa. Today it is a tranquil, modern city, most known for its High Dam, Nubian villages and Philae Temple, built to honour Egyptian goddess Isis. We arrive in time for dinner, watching the buzz of the city from the comfort of our boat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel: Nile Cruise

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Day 6 | The High Dam and More in Aswan

During your sightseeing in Aswan, you’ll see how the ancient Egyptians chose a stunning place to honour the goddess of love and you’ll learn how the Temple of Isis on Philae Island. Later, meet the wonderful ladies of a local Women owned co-operative on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience. Our final stop today is a visit to the High Dam, the world’s largest embankment dam which ended the cycle of flood and drought along the Nile River.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel: Nile Cruise

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Day 7 | Onwards to Philae and Kitchener’s Island

Today could see you join a once in a lifetime Optional Experience to Abu Simbel, carved into a solid rock cliff in Egypt’s Nubian Valley. As you approach the Great Temple, you’ll marvel at the four-seated colossi on either side of the entrance and the elaborate engravings depicting great victories and paying homage to the gods. Later, you’ll set sail in a traditional felucca around the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener's Island, a haven for rare exotic birds and unusual plants. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel: Nile Cruise 

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Abu Simbel Adventure - This four-hour excursion includes a flight to Abu Simbel, site of the Temple of Ramses II with his four great statues. You’ll also see statues of Queen Nefertari on the facade of the Temple of Hathor. 75 minutes will be spent at Abu Simbel - the remainder will be travel time. Prices are in USD. Adult: 380.00 USD

* Price subject to airline price fluctuations.

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Day 8 | Off to Ancient Kom-Ombo

We visit the roofless Temple of Kom-Ombo, a highlight along the Nile, where we’ll learn how the temple was built to honour two gods, Horus the Elder and Sobek. The Temple has a perfectly symmetrical design, the two sides a mirror of each other with one side dedicated to the crocodile god, the other to the falcon god. You’ll learn all about the mythical link and why the Nile crocodile were of such importance to the ancient Egyptian priests.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel: Nile Cruise

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Life on the Nile - A chance to get up close with the wildlife of the world’s most famous rivers. Learn from your local Nubian expert how the Nile has been the centre of life for ancient civilizations and local wildlife as you travel by boat around the islands of first cataract. Watch out for colourful native birds, different species of herons, kingfishers, sunbirds, and other wildlife that thrive in the marsh grass along the riverbanks whilst taking in the unique views of the Sahara sand dunes. Adult: 30.00 USD 

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Day 9 | Sail to Stunning Luxor

Watch how the river gives life to an arid landscape and the people who live within it as you sail down the Nile towards Luxor, once an ancient Egyptian capital. Head to the Sundeck for the best views and thrilling experience of passing through Esna Lock before continuing your journey. This evening you may choose to marvel at the Sound and Light show display at Karnak Temple.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel: Nile Cruise

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple - Listen to voices of ancient kings, queens and gods as they share stories about the places you’ll see in the Temple during a walking tour, followed by a show around the Divine Lake. This show is operated in Karnak Temple in Luxor during the evening, lasting for just under an hour. Prices are in USD.  Adult: 55.00 USD

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Day 10 | Disembark and Fly to Cairo

We disembark at Luxor, explore the fascinating complex of mortuary temples and tombs, including Queen Hatshepsut's Temple, the Colossi of Memnon and the Valley of the Kings. Connect With Locals as you enjoy a traditional Be My Guest experience with freshly baked bread, honey and mint tea. We take a return flight to Cairo where we'll enjoy an evening at leisure to soak up the buzzing atmosphere for which the city is famous.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Ramses Hilton

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Day 11 | Discover Colourful Cairo

The buzz of Cairo is undeniable, and you’ll get to feel it first-hand as you embark on an unforgettable sightseeing tour through the effervescent Egyptian capital. History buffs will love the visits to the Hanging Church of St. Mary and the Sultan Hassan Mosque in Old Cairo, built 700 years ago as a spiritual hub for the region. You’ll also see the Alabaster Mosque and Citadel of Cairo, a medieval Islamic-era fortification which served as the seat of the Egyptian government for almost seven centuries. Later, you’ll head to the celebrated Egyptian Museum, where you’ll Dive Into Culture and discover the museum’s unbelievable array of artefacts, from mummies and sarcophagi to jewellery and King Tutankhamun’s treasures.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Ramses Hilton 

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Dinner, Belly Dancing and Nile Cruise - Join us for a two hour cruise along the Nile river on a luxurious ship. You’ll be treated to dinner onboard and be entertained with a belly dancing show. Prices are in USD.  Adult: 88.00 USD * During Ramadan there will be no alcohol or belly dancers

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Day 12 | Farewell Cairo

Our expedition at its end, say a fond farewell to your newfound friends.

Meals: Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Full Day Alexandria (Designed For Those Visitors With Extra Pre Or Post Trip Nights In Cairo) - Join us for a visit to Egypt's second city, Alexandria. You’ll see its nineteenth-century architecture and stop at the National Museum, the catacombs of Kom es-Shoqafa and Pompey's Pillar. You'll also enjoy great views from Fort Qaitbey, and stop at the Roman Theatre with its marble seating before returning to Cairo. Prices are in USD.  Adult: 155.00 USD

* This excursion is only available to guests who have purchased extra nights in Cairo before or after their tour.

* This Optional experience is priced at $155 per person when there are two or more participants. If there is only one participant the cost is $310 per person.