ITINERARY:
Arrival in Cairo, Egypt
Day 2: Full-Day Tour - The Wonders of Ancient Egypt
Sakkara Exploration
Lunch Break Enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant, offering authentic flavors of Cairo.
Evening at Leisure Return to your hotel to relax and unwind. Dinner is at your leisure—explore local dining options or savor a quiet meal at the hotel.
Overnight Stay Accommodation at your Cairo hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch at a local restaurant. Dinner at your leisure (not included).
Day 3: Cairo to Aswan - Begin Your Nile Cruise
Early Morning Transfer to the airport for your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, meet your guide and begin your exploration of Aswan.
Guided Tours in Aswan Visit the magnificent Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, nestled on Agilkia Island. Tour the impressive Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel responsible for creating Lake Nasser.
Authentic Lunch Experience Savor an Authentic Nubian Tajin for lunch, a flavorful local dish prepared with care and tradition.
Afternoon Excursion Embark on a serene Sunset Felucca Ride on the Nile, gliding past picturesque islands and enjoying the tranquil waters.
Evening Adventures Explore the vibrant Aswan Souk, a bustling marketplace filled with spices, handicrafts, and colorful fabrics. Stroll through the Spice Market, taking in the aromatic scents and lively atmosphere.
Overnight on Nile Cruise Check into your Nile Cruise ship, where you'll enjoy dinner and your first night aboard.
Meals Included: Breakfast at your hotel or during transit. Lunch: Authentic Nubian Tajin at a local restaurant. Dinner: Onboard the Nile Cruise.
Day 4: Full Day of Sailing on the Nile and temples.
Morning Adventure: Kom Ombo Temple
Begin the day with a visit to Kom Ombo Temple, uniquely dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god. Explore the Mummified Crocodile Museum, housing fascinating relics and mummified crocodiles that were sacred in ancient times.
Nile Cruise Sailing Return to the cruise ship and enjoy a leisurely sail along the Nile, taking in the breathtaking scenery of lush riverbanks, desert landscapes, and small villages.
Afternoon Stop: Edfu Temple Discover the Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of the most well-preserved monuments of ancient Egypt. Learn about its significance as a center of worship for the falcon god Horus and marvel at its massive columns and intricate reliefs.
Relaxation Onboard Continue sailing towards your next destination while enjoying the serene views and comforts of your Nile Cruise.
Overnight on the Nile Cruise Spend the night onboard, dining and relaxing in luxurious surroundings.
Meals Included: Breakfast: Onboard the cruise. Lunch: Enjoy a freshly prepared meal while sailing Dinner: Onboard the cruise, featuring a selection of local and international cuisine.
Day 5: Exploring Luxor – The Jewel of Ancient Egypt: Timeless wonders.
Early Morning Optional Experience Start your day with an Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Valley of the Kings. Soar above the West Bank of Luxor, witnessing breathtaking views of ancient temples, tombs, and the desert landscape as the sun rises.
Morning Exploration: The West Bank of Luxor
Visit the legendary Valley of the Kings, where ancient pharaohs were laid to rest. Explore three well-preserved tombs, with the option to add a visit to King Tutankhamun’s tomb for an additional fee.
Continue to the stunning Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a magnificent mortuary temple showcasing the story of Egypt’s first female pharaoh. Stop by the Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues that have stood guard for over 3,000 years.
Afternoon Adventure: Luxor’s East Bank Visit the magnificent Temple of Luxor, built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, featuring impressive statues and hieroglyphs.
Stroll along the Sphinx Avenue, a beautifully lit path lined with sphinx statues, connecting the Luxor Temple to the Karnak Temple.
Evening Entertainment Return to your Nile Cruise for a lively Oriental Show featuring traditional music, dancing, and cultural performances to cap off your day.
Overnight on the Nile Cruise Enjoy your final night aboard the cruise, savoring delicious meals and relaxing under the stars.
Meals Included: Breakfast: Onboard the cruise. Lunch: Freshly prepared on the cruise.Dinner: Onboard the cruise, paired with evening entertainment.
Day 6: Luxor to Hurghada – From Ancient Temples to the Red Sea
Morning Tour Begin your day with a guided visit to the Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious structure ever built. Walk among its towering columns, explore the sacred lake, and marvel at the intricately carved statues and hieroglyphs.
Lunch Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Luxor, featuring authentic Egyptian cuisine.
Afternoon Transfer After lunch, embark on a scenic drive to the Red Sea resort town of Hurghada (approximately 4 hours). Enjoy views of the changing landscapes from the lush Nile Valley to the arid desert leading to the azure waters of the Red Sea.
Evening at Leisure Upon arrival in Hurghada, check in at your resort and unwind. Spend the evening relaxing by the beach or pool. Dinner is at your leisure, giving you the chance to explore local dining options or indulge in your resort’s offerings.
Meals Included: Breakfast: Served onboard the Nile Cruise. Lunch: At a local restaurant in Luxor. Dinner: On your own.
Day 7 and Day 8: Leisure and Adventure in Hurghada: Optional Sea Adventures
Day at Your Pace Spend the day relaxing at your resort, soaking up the sun by the beach or pool, and enjoying the serene Red Sea atmosphere.
Optional Sea Activities Add some excitement to your day with optional activities (available at an additional cost):
Meals Included: Breakfast: At the resort. Lunch: On your own at the resort or a local restaurant.Dinner: On your own—choose from a variety of local or international cuisine options.
Day 9 To Cairo - A perfect way to wrap up your wonderlust Egypt trip!
Morning:
Fight from Hurghada to Cairo: Depending on your flight time, you'll either depart early in the morning or mid-morning, arriving in Cairo after a 1-hour flight. Transfer to your hotel in Cairo to leave your luggage and prepare for your day tour.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (Morning to Early Afternoon) Explore one of the world's largest and most impressive museums, featuring an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Highlights include the treasures of King Tutankhamun, statues, mummies, and more. Expect to spend 2-3 hours here, depending on your interest in ancient Egyptian history.
Islamic Cairo: The Citadel & The Mosque of King Muhammad Ali The Citadel is an impressive fortress offering stunning panoramic views of Cairo. You'll explore its history, museums, and mosques. Visit the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, a prominent example of Ottoman architecture. Don't forget to take in the view of Cairo from the mosque’s elevated position.
Coptic Cairo: Hanging Church & St. Sergius Church The Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church) is one of the oldest and most famous churches in Cairo. It's an iconic symbol of Egypt's Christian heritage. St. Sergius and Bacchus Church is another important stop, famous for its historical significance and connection to Egyptian Christian traditions.
Khan El Khalili Bazaar (Old Souk) Wander through one of Cairo’s oldest and most famous markets, offering everything from spices to jewelry and textiles. It's the perfect spot for souvenirs, bargaining, and experiencing the local culture.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant where you can taste Egyptian specialties, such as koshari, falafel, grilled meats, and a variety of mezze.
Afternoon: After lunch, continue your exploration of Islamic and Coptic Cairo, completing your visits to the Hanging Church, St. Sergius Church, and the Khan El Khalili Souk.
Evening: Farewell Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Egyptian meal, possibly at a riverside restaurant with views of the Nile or in a restaurant that offers a mix of local and international flavors. Expect a memorable dinner with entertainment, perhaps a folkloric dance or music performance. This is the perfect way to reminisce about your trip and say goodbye to Egypt.
Overnight: O/N Cairo Hotel: After dinner, return to your hotel for a restful night in Cairo before your departure the next day.
Meal Plan: Breakfast (B): Provided at your hotel. Lunch (L): At a local restaurant, included in your tour. Dinner (D): Your farewell dinner, included in the tour.
Tips for Your Day: Dress Modestly: As you’ll be visiting religious sites, it’s important to dress conservatively, especially for mosques and churches.
Water: Keep bottled water with you to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Time Management: Make sure to manage time carefully between the sites, as some may require more time than others.
Souvenirs: Khan El Khalili is famous for bargaining. Be prepared to haggle for the best prices.
Day 10: Departure Day
On your final day in Cairo, the plan is straightforward but still filled with essential activities. Check-out from your hotel: Depending on your flight time, you’ll need to check out of your Cairo hotel in the morning. Ensure your luggage is packed and ready to go. If you have a bit of time before your departure, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.
Transfer to Cairo International Airport Make sure to leave early enough to accommodate traffic and any necessary security checks. The transfer will take about 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the hotel location and the time of day.
Flight Home: Arrival at Cairo International Airport:
After reaching the airport, proceed with check-in and security procedures. If you have time before your flight, you can browse through duty-free shops or relax in the airport lounge. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll board your flight home, concluding your memorable journey in Egypt.
Meals:
Tips:
Safe travels and have a wonderful return home! Let me know if you need help with anything else before your trip or during your travels.
What's Included in Your Egypt 2025 Tour:
Hotels: 3 Nights in Cairo: Bed and Breakfast (B/B) 3 Nights in Hurghada (Red Sea Resort): Bed and Breakfast (B/B) Nile Cruise: 3 Nights on a Cruise from Aswan to Luxor: Full Board (F/B), which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast: Daily at hotels and on the cruise. Lunch: As per itinerary. Dinner: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided aboard the Nile River Cruise.
Beverages: Daily Water & Soft Drinks: Included during tours and on the Nile cruise.
Transportation: Air-conditioned Vehicles: All transportation throughout the tour is provided in modern air-conditioned vehicles.
Transfers: Transfers to/from airports on arrival and departure. Transfers as per the itinerary (including Luxor to Hurghada, and Abu Simbel).
Local Tour Manager: English-Speaking Egyptologist: All tours are escorted by a local fluent English-speaking Egyptologist.
Domestic Flights: Round Trip Domestic Flight Tickets: Cairo to Aswan. Red Sea Hurghada to Cairo.
Service & Fees: Meet & Assist Services: Representative services at airports. All Taxes: Included in the cost.
Admission Tickets: All admission tickets to the attractions listed in the itinerary.
Tours: All sightseeing tours as outlined in the itinerary.
Pricing for EGYPT 2025 Tour: $3,800 based on double occupancy (2 people per room).
Single Room Occupancy: Add $1,200 (Total: $5,000 for a single room). Promotions: Bring a friend: Save $50 off your trip (not applicable with the first five to sign up).
First three sign-ups: Save $100 off. Pay in full:
Save 4% off the total price. Note: All promotions end on December 31, 2024.
Room Occupancy:
Double Occupancy: Two people per room, or an extra fee if you're traveling alone and prefer a single room.
Single Room: Available for an additional $1,200 fee.
Payment & Deposits:
Non-refundable Deposit: A $500 deposit is required to secure your spot.
Payment Schedule: First Payment: Due 30-45 days after the deposit. Final Payment: Due 30 days prior to the trip. Note: There are no refunds 30 days prior to the trip. If you have extenuating circumstances, like a COVID-19 positive test, part of your payment may be applied to a future trip.
Exclusions (Not Included in Tour Price): International Airfare: To and from Egypt. Visa: Visa on arrival at Cairo Airport (Approx. $25 per person). Optional Excursions: Any optional activities outside the itinerary. Beverages: Soft and alcoholic drinks outside the provided ones. Tips: Customary tips for cruise staff, airport agents, and tour guides. Travel Insurance: Not included, though strongly recommended. Souvenir Money: For personal shopping. Additional Meals/Snacks: Not part of the itinerary.
Important Notes: