Splendors of Egypt - Small Group, Summer
Splendors of Egypt - Small Group, Summer
$5440
Splendors of Egypt - Small Group, Summer
12 Days Starting and ending in Cairo
Visiting: Cairo, Luxor, Dendera Temple Complex, Edfu, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Giza
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SB945ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Explore the splendors of Egypt on this 12-day tour. Cruise down the Nile and follow in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie for high tea at the Old Cataract Hotel. Continue down the Nile to Luxor, where you will see the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs — including the famous Tutankhamun — are buried. Later, break bread with a family in Geziret Bahirat, who will regale you with tales of local life. In Cairo, see the oldest pyramid in the world, the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, before traveling to see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Pyramids of Giza. Here, stand face-to-face with the towering sphinx and later, see a sound and light show dance across the stones.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Aswan: Satisfy your curiosity and your taste buds over an Egyptian cooking demonstration with your talented onboard chef.
- Aswan: Ever wondered what it is like to be in the driver's seat? Enjoy a tour of the Captain's quarters and learn about how he sails through the Nile and how knowledge has been passed down through generations.
Top Rated Highlights
- Dendera: At the Temple of Hathor, see a rare depiction of Cleopatra and Caesarian.
- Aswan: Visit Aswan's High Dam and Granite Quarries to ponder why the Unfinished Obelisk has been left in mid-creation for thousands of years.
- Philae Island: Travel by motorboat to Philae Island and witness the majestic Temple of Isis rising from the waters.
- Aswan: On a traditional Nile felucca, meet a sailor and learn the art of sailing this ancient Nile craft. Visit the High Dam and Granite Quarries.
- : Take a short boat ride to Philae Island, located between the old and new Aswan Dams, where you’ll have a short tour. You'll then be seated in a Roman style theater for a retelling of the perennial Nile flood, and of the goddesses Isis and Hathor, to whose worship the temple was originally dedicated.
- Kom Ombo: Visit the unique temple as it is the only double temple in Egypt.
- Luxor: Visit Luxor Temple, constructed approximately 1400 BC. Look to the top of the remaining Pylon of Ramses II and step into the ancient monument.
- Memphis: Visit this famous capital of the ancient world to see the statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx.
- Saqqara Necropolis: View the oldest pyramid in the world, the Step Pyramid of Zoser I, existing for over 4,500 years.
- Giza: With your Egyptologist, meet the enigmatic Sphinx and venture deep inside one of the pyramids, to the chambers where the pharaohs went to meet their Gods in the afterlife.
- Giza: Admire the remaining Wonders of the Ancient World as you explore through the Pyramids of Giza and the mighty Sphinx. Hear about Egyptian history as you walk through the National Archaeological Museum and learn the art of making papyrus paper out of reeds when you visit a Papyrus Institute.
- Cairo: Take a short scenic flight to Luxor where you will begin your Nile Cruise.
- Karnak: Stand amid a vast forest of columns in the largest temple complex known to man, as your Egyptologist explains the significance behind it. Walk the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, see the of Rameses II and the Hypostyle Hall.
- Luxor: Visit the Luxor Museum and discover ancient artefacts.
- Cairo: Guided by your Local Expert, gaze upon the most recognisable symbols of ancient Egypt: the full-faced funeral mask, gold coffin, gilded throne and precious jewelery - Tutankhamun's treasures. Sightseeing includes sweeping vies over the city from the Citadel and a visit to the Great Alabaster Mosque.
- Cairo: With your Egyptologist, gaze upon Tutankhamun's treasures at the Egyptian Museum, gaze upon the most recognisable symbols of ancient Egypt: the full-faced funeral mask, gold coffin, gilded throne and precious jewelery - all treasures of Tutankhamun.
- Colossi of Memnon: See the massive stone statues of the Colossi of Memnon.
- Valley of the Kings: Embark on an experience with an Egyptologist to visit the mortuary Temple Hatshepsut.
- Valley of the Kings: Explore the Valley of the Kings, home to the magnificent tombs of Egypt's Pharaohs, with an Egyptologist.
- Luxor: Enjoy your short flight returning to Cairo.
Make Travel Matter
Aswan: In Aswan, meet the women of a local women-owned co-operative whose mission is to support vulnerable women from the local villages to learn new skills and become financially independent. The organization provides a hub of support and comfort for over 300 women who may live in poverty or suffer from loneliness and want to become financially independent. Thanks to their newly learnt skills, the women are now able to provide the main source of income for their family. The co-op also strives to reduce waste with a secondary mission to ensure a garbage-free world by using waste and natural material like bamboo or palm trees to create fine handicrafts. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.
Authentic Dining
Kom Ombo: Learn about traditional Egyptian attire and immerse yourself in local culture at an Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.
Aswan: Follow in the footsteps of Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie as you enjoy high tea at Aswan's famous Old Cataract Hotel, as the sun begins to set.
Luxor: Get to know your fellow travelers over a delightful drink followed by dinner.
Insight Choice
Aswan: Satisfy your curiosity and your taste buds over an Egyptian cooking demonstration with your talented onboard chef.
Aswan: Ever wondered what it is like to be in the driver's seat? Enjoy a tour of the Captain's quarters and learn about how he sails through the Nile and how knowledge has been passed down through generations.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Cairo
Location: Cairo
Accommodation: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
Accommodation Name: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and have time to relax and sample the hotels amenities after your journey. Refreshed and ready to embrace the intoxicating energy of this ancient and modern city
Day 2: Fly To Luxor, Cruise The Nile
Location: Cairo, Luxor
Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall. Later, transfer to your cruise ship, your home for the next seven nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor Museum, witness ancient artefacts. This evening, get to know your Travel Director, a professionally trained Egyptologist, as well as fellow guests over a drink followed by dinner. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Day 3: Exploring Dendera And On To Edfu
Location: Luxor, Dendera Temple Complex, Edfu
Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A day of legend and history awaits you today as you begin with a morning visit to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera. One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, it contains a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarion, whose father was Julius Caesar. At lunchtime return to your ship and enjoy a scenic journey via the Esna Lock to Edfu.
Day 4: Edfu To Aswan
Location: Edfu, Aswan
Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You will start the day with breakfast, as you cruise along the Nile to Kom Ombo before continuing on to the city of Aswan. Famous for its archaeological sites, such as the Philae Temple Complex and the Temple of Isis, Aswan is a vibrant destination that portray an agreeable mix of ancient and contemporary Egypt. Indulge your culinary side during an Egyptian cooking demonstration or tea with the Captain for your Insight Choice experience. In the evening, enjoy a fun-filled Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.
Day 5: Aswan’S High Dam & Temple Of Isis
Location: Aswan
Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to Aswan's High Dam and granite quarries to see the enormous unfinished obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, rising from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae. Enjoy a retelling of the Nile flood and the stories of the goddesses Isis and Hathor in a Roman-style theater. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities on your cruise ship.
Day 6: Feluccas And High Tea Relaxed Start
Location: Aswan
Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Throughout your journey you’ll have seen many feluccas sailing along the Nile. Now it’s your time to explore one for yourself. On this traditional vessel, you’ll meet a local sailor who will teach you about the ancient art of sailing. Meet the ladies behind the local women’s co-op on your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and see scrap materials come to life as they are being turned into fine handicrafts. The organization provides an important source of income for the vulnerable women of the co-op. As the sun starts to fade, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, just like Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie once did before you. The hotel is rumoured to be where Christie wrote her bestselling novel, “Death on the Nile.”
Day 7: Free Time And On To Kom Ombo Relaxed Start
Location: Aswan, Kom Ombo
Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With the morning free, perhaps join an Optional Experience to Abu Simbel? These temples overlook Lake Nasser and are made up of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor. Later, sail to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple of Egypt, dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus the Elder.
Day 8: Cruising The Nile To Luxor Relaxed Start
Location: Kom Ombo, Luxor
Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your cruise continues along the bustling waters of the Nile. Enjoy the facilities on board and have your cameras at the ready for the sights, as you leisurely make your way to Luxor. In the evening, visit Luxor Temple, where you dock for the night.
Day 9: Explore Luxor And Fly To Cairo
Location: Luxor, Cairo
Accommodation: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
Accommodation Name: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, disembark from your cruise and travel by coach to the west bank of the Nile. See the Colossi of Memnon and visit both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs were buried, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun. Experience the renowned local hospitality of Egyptians, during a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat. Connect with the community and share bread with the Bahirat family, whilst they regale guests with their fascinating stories of daily life. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.
Day 10: Cairo Sightseeing
Location: Cairo
Accommodation: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
Accommodation Name: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, ascend to the Citadel, for breathtaking views over the city. While here visit the Alabaster Mosque, otherwise known as the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, regarded as the founder of modern Egypt. Continue to Tahrir Square, the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, and the Egyptian Museum. Among the many exhibits found here, are the fabulous artefacts recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamun.
Day 11: Cairo And The Pyramids Of Giza
Location: Cairo, Giza, Cairo
Accommodation: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
Accommodation Name: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you’ll head to Memphis, the famous capital of the ancient world. See the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Sakkara to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid in the world, dating back to 2700 B.C. In the afternoon, it's on to Giza to explore the magnificent pyramids. Here you’ll come face-to-face with the enigmatic Sphinx. During your visit, venture inside one of these ancient wonders to see the chambers where the pharaohs were sent to meet their gods in the afterlife.
Day 12: Depart Cairo
Location: Cairo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport.
What's Included
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Meals
11 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners, and 1 Afternoon Tea are included.
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Aswan.
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Egyptian Cooking Demonstration
Enjoy an Egyptian cooking demonstration with a talented onboard chef in Aswan.
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Captain's Quarters Tour
Tour the Captain's quarters and learn about sailing through the Nile in Aswan.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided for visits to famous highlights.
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Tips and Taxes
Hotel and restaurant tips, all taxes, and porterage charges at hotels are included.
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Luggage Handling
Bags are carried and delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available) is included.
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a visit to Abu Simbel are not included.
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Flights Outside Itinerary Dates
Transfers for flights outside the itinerary start and end dates are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a scenic flight to Luxor, a return flight to Cairo, and enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
Accommodation
Stay in the luxurious Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino in Cairo and enjoy a seven-night cruise on the MS Medea or MS Miriam, offering comfort and elegance throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 7 Lunch (L)
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Luxor: Enjoy listening to stories of village life from local residents, when you visit a family home for a tasting of authentic Egyptian sun bread.
Travel Director
- "Koshari is our national dish, and it never disappoints. Believed to have originated in the 19th century, this vegetarian street food staple is made of rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas, topped with delicious fried onions and a spicy tomato-based garlic sauce."
- "I love to share our Ancient Egyptian civilization and history with our guests and to explain all the details and stories related to Egyptian mythology so our guests can enjoy a very special guided vacation."
- "The Abu Simbel Temples are utterly unique in scale, architecture, art and history. From one of the most prominent eras of Ancient Egyptian history, these magnificent structures emphasise how persistent and clever ancient Egyptian architects were to carve a mountain to make such incredible tributes for Egyptian deities."
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I choose from in Aswan?
In Aswan, you can choose between an Egyptian cooking demonstration with a talented onboard chef or a tour of the Captain's quarters to learn about sailing the Nile.
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What unique experience is offered at the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan?
At the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, you can enjoy high tea as the sun sets, following in the footsteps of Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie.
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What is special about the Temple of Hathor in Dendera?
The Temple of Hathor in Dendera is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and contains a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarion.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Valley of the Kings?
During the visit to the Valley of the Kings, you will explore the magnificent tombs of Egypt's Pharaohs with an Egyptologist, including the mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut.
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What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Aswan?
The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Aswan involves meeting the women of a local women-owned co-operative that supports vulnerable women from local villages to learn new skills and become financially independent. The co-op also focuses on reducing waste by using natural materials to create fine handicrafts.
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What kind of local cultural experience is included in Kom Ombo?
In Kom Ombo, you will learn about traditional Egyptian attire and immerse yourself in local culture at an Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.
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What will I see at the Luxor Temple?
At the Luxor Temple, you will see the ancient monument constructed around 1400 BC, including the remaining Pylon of Ramses II.
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What is included in the visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo?
The visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo includes seeing Tutankhamun's treasures, such as his full-faced funeral mask, gold coffin, gilded throne, and precious jewelry.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Pyramids of Giza?
During the visit to the Pyramids of Giza, you will explore the magnificent pyramids, meet the enigmatic Sphinx, and venture inside one of the pyramids to see the chambers where the pharaohs were sent to meet their gods in the afterlife.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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