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Egypt Spectacular: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan & More

Duration
10 Days
Prices From:
US$ 4,354

FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Enjoy a superb introduction to Ancient Egypt on this classic tour. Explore the Great Pyramids of Giza and Cairo’s medieval corners before you board your boutique sailing boat for your trip up the Nile from Luxor to Aswan to explore ancient temples and tombs.


This 10-day Egyptian vacation begins in Cairo before heading on a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan to see the Valley of the Kings and discover ancient secrets and stories of the land of the Pharaohs. It features deluxe accommodations, small group touring, and is a great option for travellers who want to avoid larger crowds on a trip through Egypt. 

Your journey begins in Egypt’s gateway, Cairo, one of the world’s great cities and the largest urban centre in the Middle East. Cairo offers a fantastic introduction to Egypt. Spend your first morning exploring the country’s biggest attraction, the great Pyramids of Giza. You’ll have the opportunity to go inside the Cheops Pyramid to explore the world’s sole surviving ancient wonder for yourself. After seeing the nearby Great Sphinx, head to ancient Memphis to see the ruins of the former capital before venturing through Sakkara, where archaeological artifacts and the pyramid of King Zoser shed light on ancient Egypt’s earliest centuries. 

Fly to Luxor, where you’ll board your “floating hotel” for four magical nights on the Nile. Luxor is often called the world’s greatest open-air museum, so it’s fitting that you’ll start your cruise here. Visit the temples of Karnak and Luxor before overnighting near the city. The next day, explore the Valley of the King’s, Valley of the Queens, Hatshepsut’s mortuary, and the Colossi of Memnon. The Valley of the Kings is well-known, containing the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses among many others, but the Valley of the Queens also contains close to 80 tombs including such historic figures as Nefertiti.

Overnight near Esna and continue your cruise to Edfu, where you’ll see the Temple of Horus, reached by horse-drawn carriage. Arguably the best-preserved temple in Egypt, and certainly one of the largest, it’s a highlight of your Nile cruise. Continue to Aswan, enjoying entertainment on board as you leisurely cruise the river. Reach Aswan, where you’ll visit the High Dam and the Temple of Philae, one of a number of important sites dismantled and reassembled to prevent their being lost to the dam’s rising waters. Aswan itself bears a distinctly African atmosphere compared to the rest of Egypt, and yields some surprising discoveries. 

End your cruise and board your return flight to Cairo, where you’ll have another two nights to explore the capital’s treasures. Put your discoveries in the ancient temples into context at the Egyptian Museum, which unsurprisingly has the world’s greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, artworks, and antiquities, including mummies and the treasures of Tutankhamun. You’ll also have a chance to explore the Islamic quarters of medieval Cairo, where the Citadel served as the centrepiece of the sultanate. You will also tour Khan el-Khalili, possibly the most memorable bazaar in the entire Middle East, where you can barter for goods and collect some souvenirs to take home. 

At the end of your trip, return to the airport to catch your flight home. 


 

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Duration
10 Days
Prices From:
US$ 4,354

Itinerary View Trip Map

Day 1

Arrive Cairo

Upon arrival into Cairo International Airport, you will be met by Goway's local representative and transferred to your hotel. You will be presented with full documentation if required, including domestic airline tickets. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo

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Location View map
  • starstarstarstarstar

    Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo



    Located in Egypt's beautiful capital, Kempinski Nile Hotel offers guests a boutique five-star experience on the banks of the Nile River. Right in the heart of Cairo's Garden City district in down-town, guests are only a short drive from the Pyramids of Giza, shopping areas …

    Located in Egypt's beautiful capital, Kempinski Nile Hotel offers guests a boutique five-star experience on the banks of the Nile River.

    Right in the heart of Cairo's Garden City district in down-town, guests are only a short drive from the Pyramids of Giza, shopping areas and local attractions.

    Facilities

    • Bar
    • Executive Lounge
    • Fitness Centre
    • Internet Access
    • Meeting Rooms
    • Restaurant
    • Rooftop Pool
    • Spa

    More Details

Day 2

Cairo

Today you will be taken on a full day tour that will first take you to the Pyramids and Sphinx which were reckoned by the Greeks to be one of the seven wonders of the world. A single pyramid is built of 2,300,000 blocks, each weighing an average of two and a half tons. In the face of such immensity, one cannot help but feel the wonder and awe that so many writers and artists have sought to convey over the centuries. The Cheops Pyramid is especially interesting since its interior burial chambers are open for inspection by the public. Not far from the Pyramids is the Great Sphinx of Giza, which dates from the time of Chephren (2620BC).
Hewn from natural yellowish limestone and standing 65 feet high and 187 feet long, this unforgettable statue combines the head of a Pharaoh with a lion's body. You will then head off to Memphis which served as the capital of Upper and Lower Egypt some 5,000 years ago during the 1st Dynasty. Menes, the first pharaoh of this dynasty, built a great white-walled palace and the Temple of Ptah here. Then onto Sakkara, one of the most exciting historical and archaeological area in all of Egypt, situated about 12 miles South West of Cairo. The site is dominated by the famous step pyramid of King Zoser. It was the first pyramid to be built in ancient Egypt, preceding those at Giza by many centuries and is the work of the famous pharaonic architect, Imhotep.
You will have the opportunity to stop for lunch at a local spot during the day.

Meal Plan Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3

Cairo to Luxor

Today, you will transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your ship, your floating hotel for the next 5 days as you cruise up the Nile. In an unforgettable excursion, visitors drive to the Luxor Temple. Many festivals were celebrated in Thebes. The Temple of Luxor was the center of the most important one, the festival of Opet. Built largely by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, the temple served as a setting for the rituals of the festival, which was held to reconcile the human aspect of the ruler with his divine office. The procession of images of the current royal family began at Karnak and ended at the Luxor temple.

Karnak was erected in 1928 BC as a small shrine dedicated to Amun, god of Thebes then. The Temple of Karnak comprises three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples - all constructed over 1300 years. The three main temples of Mut, Monthu and Amun, are enclosed in enormous brick walls, with the temple of Amun at the center. Karnak is now the largest.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Duration5 Nights
Accommodation

Merit Dahabiya

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Location View map
  • starstarstarstarstar

    Merit Dahabiya



    A Dahabiya is an upscale, luxurious boutique sailing boat where you enjoy a unique and stylish sailing experience up and down the great spectacular River Nile between Aswan & Luxor. A journey on this legendary river aboard a Dahabiya offers the romance of the past …

    A Dahabiya is an upscale, luxurious boutique sailing boat where you enjoy a unique and
    stylish sailing experience up and down the great spectacular River Nile between Aswan
    & Luxor. A journey on this legendary river aboard a Dahabiya offers the romance of the
    past with every modern comfort and convenience. A wonderful mix of superb
    sightseeing, traditional cuisine and attentive personal service.

    It is a traditional sail boat that is powered by wind. In case the wind current is low, the
    Dahabiya has its own tow boat that can pull the boat with a 15 meters wire, ensuring
    that visitors are neither disturbed by vibration caused by possible onboard engines nor
    the loud noise that an engine would create.

    The relatively small, maneuverable Dahabiya is able to sail to less accessible monuments
    & moor besides isolated Nile islands, whose virgin landscapes have hardly changed
    throughout millennia. Wandering the gardens and Nile islands is an idyllic pastime, and
    the perfect compliment to your visits to Egypt's matchless monuments.

    More Details

Day 4

Explore Luxor's West Bank, Sail to Esna

Breakfast on board at the sun deck. Visit the West Bank Necropolis, the burial ground of the Pharaohs - the Valley of the Kings - where Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922. Proceed to the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, the only woman Pharaoh to rule ancient Egypt. End the tour by a panoramic stop at the Colossi of Amenhutep III named the Colossi of Memnon by the Greeks. After the visit, you will be offered a cold wet towel and a chilled drink.

Seated menu Lunch on board. Sail to Esna and tea time on the sundeck with variety of seasonal fruits and ice cream. Dinner during sailing on the Sundeck. Tonight the Dahabiya will dock at a small island close to Esna city where you can enjoy watching the clear sky and the noise of silence. Overnight on the way to Esna near El Hegz Island.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5

Sail Esna to Edfu

Start your Sailing experience with the sunrise and enjoying the beautiful sights and scenes of the Nile. Breakfast on board while crossing Esna lock. Sail to Edfu and Lunch during sailing on the Sundeck with the view of the Egyptian countryside and villages on the way to Edfu. This afternoon, visit one of the best preserved temples of the Greco - Roman era, that of Horus at Edfu. Experience the horse drawn carriage ride back and forth to the temple.

After the visit, you will be offered a cold wet towel and a chilled drink. Then afternoon tea and refreshments will be served on the Sundeck while sailing to Al Ramady Island. Dinner will be on board followed by the traditional Rababa musicians show. Overnight besides Al Ramady island near Edfu.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6

Edfu to Aswan

Today will be dedicated to a long relaxing sailing starting from Sunrise heading to Aswan. Breakfast will be served on the Sundeck. Sail to Sheikh Fadl Island and lunch on board while enjoying the panoramic view of Kom Ombo Temple. Tea time and dinner will be served while docking on El Sheikh Fadl Island. Tonight the Dahabiya staff will be your entertainers, they will dress their traditional costume (Galabeya) and will teach how to dance like an Egyptian. Sail to Aswan after dinner and overnight on board.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7

Aswan

Arrive to Aswan in the early morning and enjoy breakfast on board. Visit the High Dam and then proceed with a short motorboat ride to visit the majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilika. After the visit, you will be offered a cold wet towel and a chilled drink.
Lunch on board.
Dinner and overnight on board in Aswan.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8

Aswan to Cairo

Disembark from your ship after breakfast and transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight back to Cairo (optional Abu Simbel for own account). Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the night.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo

More Info

Location View map
  • starstarstarstarstar

    Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo



    Located in Egypt's beautiful capital, Kempinski Nile Hotel offers guests a boutique five-star experience on the banks of the Nile River. Right in the heart of Cairo's Garden City district in down-town, guests are only a short drive from the Pyramids of Giza, shopping areas …

    Located in Egypt's beautiful capital, Kempinski Nile Hotel offers guests a boutique five-star experience on the banks of the Nile River.

    Right in the heart of Cairo's Garden City district in down-town, guests are only a short drive from the Pyramids of Giza, shopping areas and local attractions.

    Facilities

    • Bar
    • Executive Lounge
    • Fitness Centre
    • Internet Access
    • Meeting Rooms
    • Restaurant
    • Rooftop Pool
    • Spa

    More Details

Day 9

Cairo

Today you will be collected from your hotel after breakfast in time for a full day tour of Cairo. The Egyptian Museum is the most important depository of Egyptian antiquities anywhere in the world. It features artifacts from the Pharaonic and Graeco-Roman periods, including the celebrated mummies of ancient Egypt's king and Tut Ankh Amun treasures.

The Citadel situated on a highly visible spur of the Mokattam Hills of Old Cairo, was the nerve center of Egypt for almost 700 years. Construction of the grand structure began in 1176 and was completed by Muhammad Ali Pasha, ruler of Egypt in the late 19th century.
Mamluk sultans and Turkish governors resided in the Citadel, which is among the worlds most splendid monuments of medieval warfare. Facing the Citadel is the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, built between 1356 and 1363 and perhaps the most majestic monument of Arab architecture in Egypt and the Mosque of Al Rifai was constructed in two phases over the period between 1869 and 1912, when it was finally completed.
The tour also includes a visit to Khan ElKhalili, known as the Turkish bazaar during the Ottoman period, was built in 1382 by Emir Djaharks ElKhalili, in the heart of what was then Fatimid City. Until this day, the bazaar is a center of trade and communion in the city, and offers a wide array of antiques, handcrafts of gold, silver and copper as well as numerous old coffee shops and local restaurants which attract both Egyptians and tourists alike.

Meal Plan Breakfast and Lunch
Day 10

Depart Cairo

Today you will be transferred to Cairo Airport in time for your onward flight.

Meal Plan Breakfast

Other Information

DEPARTURES:

Thursdays 1 Oct ’21 – 21 Apr ’22

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Meet and assist on arrival
  • Private arrival and departure airport transfers in Cairo
  • Private arrival airport transfer in Luxor
  • Private departure airport transfer in Aswan
  • 4 nights in deluxe accommodations in Cairo
  • 5 nights in First class accommodations onboard Dahabiya cruise *
  • Private-guided tour of Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis and Sakkara
  • Small group tour of Luxor East Bank (max 20 guests)
  • Small group tour of Luxor West Bank (max 20 guests)
  • Small group tour of Temple of Horus and Temple of Sobek (max 20 guests)
  • Small group tour of Aswan and Temple of Philae (max 20 guests)
  • Private-guided tour of Egyptian Museum, Citadel, Mosques and Khan El Khalili Bazaar
  • Economy class domestic airfare Cairo - Luxor / Aswan - Cairo including airport taxes
  • 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 5 dinners

*An alternate vessel may be used depending on availability

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare and airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees if applicable

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.

TB EMECOTRCAI23CR: CE SS
18 Apr 2024
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