Tour Overview
Capture the very best of Egypt on this eight-day adventure through the fascinating cities of Cairo, Aswan and Luxor. Get up close to the mighty pyramids of Giza, share a homecooked meal in Cairo, discover the fascinating tombs of ancient pharaohs and watch daily life flow by as you cruise in style along the River Nile. Let an experienced guide bring the captivating stories of this time gone by to life, as you immerse yourself in the history, grandeur and culture of ancient Egypt, without forgoing modern comforts. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cairo
Location: Cairo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. You'll be met on arrival at Cairo International Airport and transferred to your hotel, before your Egyptian adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6pm this evening. Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can be symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. If you have some time spare, perhaps get out and explore the busy city streets or visit the Cairo Citadel which dates back to 1176 and is home to multiple museums and mosques.
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Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Cairo - Overnight Train
Location: Cairo - Overnight Train
Accommodation: Overnight Train
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning after breakfast you’ll see two of the world’s most iconic sights – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Explore structures that have stood for over 4500 years and learn the history from a true local. For an additional charge, you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (although occasionally it’s closed to visitors). The Pyramids complex can be very hot in the summer months and has little shade to protect you from the sun so prepare accordingly. Your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's greatest collections of ancient artefacts. Recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun, the gleaming jewellery, golden death mask and gilded sarcophagi are an impressive site to say the least. It’s clear this pharaoh was prepared for a lavish afterlife! Take some time to freshen up back at the hotel before you board an overnight sleeper train to Luxor.
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Day 3: Nile River Cruise
Location: Nile River Cruise
Accommodation: Nile River Cruise
Accommodation Name: Nile River Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It's an early start this morning as you'll pull into Luxor around 6am. Take advantage of the early morning peace by visiting Karnak Temple – a spectacular collection of temples, chapels and pylons that are perhaps the most impressive of all the Pharaoh’s monumental works. Learn the secrets of an ancient Egyptian sanctuary, which developed over 1000 years and was, at its peak, the most important religious complex in Egypt. Your leader will take you through some of the most incredible highlights, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun. After exploring Karnak, board your Nile River Cruise and settle into your cabin. This afternoon you'll have the option of heading off on a walking tour of Luxor and its bazaar with your leader.
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Nile River Cruise
Location: Nile River Cruise
Accommodation: Felucca
Accommodation Name: Nile River Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you’ll hop in a private minivan and discover ancient Thebes. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon – two 17-metre-high statues on Luxor's west bank. Continue on to the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills are over 60 pharaoh tombs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. With your leader, explore the place where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where discoveries are still being made. Your group leader will explain the history and legends of these remarkable people, and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics, still well preserved in the deepest tombs. Visit three of the royal tombs, including Tutankhamun’s tomb where he is buried, then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – a columned building set against high cliffs that create a spectacular natural amphitheatre. The afternoon is yours to explore. Maybe you'd like to shop in the market or visit the world's first Mummification Museum, where you can discover the secrets of pharaonic preservation. This evening, set sail to Edfu.
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Day 5: Nile River Cruise
Location: Nile River Cruise
Accommodation: Felucca
Accommodation Name: Nile River Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, enjoy breakfast before setting off towards Kom Ombo. The temple of Kom Ombo, in the town of the same name, is an unusual double temple right on the bank of the Nile. This second century BC complex is unique because it has a mirror-image design, with either side dedicated to a different set of gods. One half is known as the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed god of fertility), and the other half is dedicated to Haroeris (also known as Horus the falcon god). The whole temple is full of fascinating reliefs. You’ll explore Kom Ombo with your leader and absorb the history of the place, before having lunch aboard the ship. Sail onwards to Aswan, the home of beautiful Nile Valley scenery and significant archaeological sites.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Nile River Cruise
Location: Nile River Cruise
Accommodation: Nile River Cruise
Accommodation Name: Nile River Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You have time this morning to explore or relax as you choose. Your leader can recommend one of the many optional activities that are available to you in this incredible location. Explore the picturesque city centre and its bazaar, opt to visit the High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk or feed your history needs with the Nubian Museum. Maybe you’d like to visit the breathtaking Abu Simbel – built by Ramses II, it was the gateway to Egypt for Southern Africans and its imposing facade clearly delineated the line between what was the Pharaoh's land and what was not. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. Late in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely sailing trip on a traditional felucca before dinner on the ship.
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Cairo
Location: Cairo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast today, say goodbye to your nights spent on the Nile. Visit Philae Temple this morning, an island-based temple complex built during the reign of Ptolemy II (around 280 BC). These picturesque walls show hieroglyphic scenes from Egyptian mythology – when Isis brought Osiris back to life, gave birth to Horus and was mummified after death. Catch a short flight back to Cairo. On your return to the capital, visit the Islamic parts of the city and the frenetic backstreets of the bazaar with your leader. A labyrinth of narrow streets and passageways, Khan is one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world. The 'Khan', sprawling around an old area known as Al-Azhar, is a quintessentially Cairo experience – a warren of alleys with stalls serving up a succession of intoxicating scenes. To celebrate your time in Egypt, join a local Cairo family for a delicious home-cooked dinner. The food and conversation will surely make for an evening to remember!
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Day 8: Cairo
Location: Cairo
Meals Included: Breakfast
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are free to depart at any time. If you would like to extend your stay in Cairo, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Felucca (4 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night) -
Meals
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners -
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
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Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
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Cairo - Egyptian Museum
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Luxor - Karnak Temple
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Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
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Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
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Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
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Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
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Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
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Aswan - Felucca Sail
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
Transport
- SECURITY WHILE TRAVELLING
- Occasionally you may experience a Tourist Police Escort in your vehicle and whilst not common convoys between select towns or regions are possible. This practice has been implemented by local authorities to monitor the safety and security of visitors to Egypt.
- OVERNIGHT TRAIN
- On this itinerary, you will be travelling by overnight sleeper train. The sleeper cabins are about 2x1.5 meters and are 2 berths. There are 2 beds on top of each other. Pillows, sheets and blankets are provided. There is also a compartment next to the upper bed for luggage storage and a small sink. Toilets are located at the end of the carriage. Each carriage has 10 cabins which are all lockable from the inside. If you have booked a single supplement you will be assigned to your own berth.
- During your journey dinner and breakfast are provided however the meals are very basic and you may wish to bring along your own fresh fruit, snacks and water to supplement these.
- NILE RIVERBOAT
- You will be staying on a riverboat for the Nile River section of this itinerary. The company we work with has a large fleet of boats and the actual boat can’t be confirmed until 30 days before departure. However you can expect the following facilities; restaurant, bar & sundeck. Most boats will also have a small swimming pool and in that instance, swimming towels will be available for use.
- All cabins have ensuites, air conditioning, and windows to enjoy the views of the Nile. Accommodation during the cruise is on a full board basis, often in the form of a buffet. Drinks can be purchased from the bar or restaurant. Bottled drinking water and tea and coffee are available but are not included so please ensure you check prices on board.
- Internet is mostly charged at an additional fee. We recommend purchasing a local sim card for your data requirements, please refer to the Communications section of this Essential Trip Information document.
- You will have the opportunity to disembark the boat each day as we explore some of the ancient sites included on the itinerary. The boat will also be anchored at port each evening. Only on the odd occasion would it sail at night depending on the water traffic at Esna Lock.
- Most often when in port there can be many boats and you may be berthed side by side with another ship. Riverboats have anywhere from 50-70 cabins and you will be sharing the facilities with other travellers not on your tour.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- ACCOMMODATION IN JORDAN
- Accommodation on this trip is clean and comfortable, however, you may note some small maintenance issues that have been overlooked. Please bring these to the attention of your Leader so that we can follow up with our hosts.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- SHOWERS
- Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
- HEATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING
- As a desert region, this part of the world has extremes of weather. Winter months (December to March) can be very cold and summer months (June to August) can be very hot. Our accommodation contains suitable bedding, but some properties don’t supply heating or air conditioning. In many cases, this would be a major financial and environmental strain on our hotels and the local towns. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer to have your own room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included, valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
- 3. This trip includes a domestic flight. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
- 4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for transport and entrance tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
Mode of Transport
- SECURITY WHILE TRAVELLING
- Occasionally you may experience a Tourist Police Escort in your vehicle and whilst not common convoys between select towns or regions are possible. This practice has been implemented by local authorities to monitor the safety and security of visitors to Egypt.
- OVERNIGHT TRAIN
- On this itinerary, you will be travelling by overnight sleeper train. The sleeper cabins are about 2x1.5 meters and are 2 berths. There are 2 beds on top of each other. Pillows, sheets and blankets are provided. There is also a compartment next to the upper bed for luggage storage and a small sink. Toilets are located at the end of the carriage. Each carriage has 10 cabins which are all lockable from the inside. If you have booked a single supplement you will be assigned to your own berth.
- During your journey dinner and breakfast are provided however the meals are very basic and you may wish to bring along your own fresh fruit, snacks and water to supplement these.
- NILE RIVERBOAT
- You will be staying on a riverboat for the Nile River section of this itinerary. The company we work with has a large fleet of boats and the actual boat can’t be confirmed until 30 days before departure. However you can expect the following facilities; restaurant, bar & sundeck. Most boats will also have a small swimming pool and in that instance, swimming towels will be available for use.
- All cabins have ensuites, air conditioning, and windows to enjoy the views of the Nile. Accommodation during the cruise is on a full board basis, often in the form of a buffet. Drinks can be purchased from the bar or restaurant. Bottled drinking water and tea and coffee are available but are not included so please ensure you check prices on board.
- Internet is mostly charged at an additional fee. We recommend purchasing a local sim card for your data requirements, please refer to the Communications section of this Essential Trip Information document.
- You will have the opportunity to disembark the boat each day as we explore some of the ancient sites included on the itinerary. The boat will also be anchored at port each evening. Only on the odd occasion would it sail at night depending on the water traffic at Esna Lock.
- Most often when in port there can be many boats and you may be berthed side by side with another ship. Riverboats have anywhere from 50-70 cabins and you will be sharing the facilities with other travellers not on your tour.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- ACCOMMODATION
- Accommodation on this trip is clean and comfortable, however, you may note some small maintenance issues that have been overlooked. Please bring these to the attention of your Leader so that we can follow up with our hosts.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- SHOWERS
- Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
- HEATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING
- As a desert region, this part of the world has extremes of weather. Winter months (December to March) can be very cold and summer months (June to August) can be very hot. Our accommodation contains suitable bedding, but some properties don’t supply heating or air conditioning. In many cases, this would be a major financial and environmental strain on our hotels and the local towns. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
Temperatures can vary across this region and throughout the year. From April to October, to avoid the midday heat, we start some days very early e.g. 6am. Be sure to review the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information and consider the weather at the time of year you wish to travel.
The walkways around ruins can be uneven, dusty and rocky, so be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. At major sites such as the Pyramids, you can expect to be exposed to the elements at length, so be prepared with a hat, sunscreen and plenty of fluids.
Cairo is notorious for road congestion and air pollution. Be prepared for one of the busiest cities in North Africa.
Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins, which are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided, and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. General train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included dinner and breakfast are served on board. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you have any dietary requirements.
The Nile Cruise includes four nights’ accommodation and full board (drinks are not included). Your ship will be docked each night in Aswan, Edfu or Luxor – please see the Itinerary for more details. When docked, Nile cruise ships are moored lengthways alongside each other, and your ship will most likely have a ship on either side. You walk through the other ships to reach the port.
Ramadan is an annual month-long festival, during which travel can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the day, such as restaurants or cafes, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider this when selecting your travel dates. You’ll find dates and further information in the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information. ...more ...less -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Classic Egypt
8 Days Starting and ending in Cairo
Visiting: Cairo, Cairo - Overnight Train, Nile River Cruise
Tour operator:
Tour code:
XEKE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
