Classic Egypt

Day 1: Arrive into Cairo. Transfer to hotel
Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel close to the Pyramids for the start of your trip. They will help you settle in, introduce you to the local area, and explain tomorrow’s arrangements.
| OVERNIGHT: Cairo – 5 star hotel
| EXTRAS: Extra night - pre-tour, Single Room Supplement - Egypt

Day 2: Cairo. Pyramids & Saqqara tour
Our tour of Egypt starts with a visit to the Giza Plateau, home of Egypt's world famous Great Pyramids, proclaimed by the Greeks to be among the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. We visit the great Pyramids of Giza and their guardian Sphinx, Memphis-first capital of the ancient kingdom to see the statue of Ramses II, then to Sakkara to see the Step pyramid.
| OVERNIGHT: Cairo hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast
| EXTRAS: Nile Dinner Cruise in Cairo (deluxe)

Day 3: Luxor. West bank tour. Luxor temple
This moring we transfer to Cairo airport of an early flight to Luxor. We begin our tour of the West bank of the Nile starting at the Colossi of Memnon we then get to explore the dusty Pharaonic tombs located at the world famous Valley of the Kings. We also visit the Temple of Queen Hatchepsut and see the colourful hieroglyphics at Medinat Habu temple before crossing back into Luxor. Your afternoon is free to relax on board your 5-star Nile cruise boat or to explore Luxor's markets. In the evening we take a walking tour of the beautiful Luxor Temple which is spectacularly lit up at night.
| OVERNIGHT: On board - 5 star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Luxor. Karnak Temple. Sail to Edfu
This morning you have the chance to take a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon flight over the West bank of the Nile. After breakfast, our tour of Luxor today is to the huge temple complex of Karnak which features towering columns and numerous temples and structures - rightly justifying Luxor's reputation as the largest open air museum in the world! In the afternoon the boat starts sailing up the Nile, through the lock at Esna and on to Edfu where we | OVERNIGHT: (Note - Nile cruise boat itineraries are subject to slight alterations en-route).
| OVERNIGHT: On board - 5 star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
| EXTRAS: Hot air balloon in Luxor

Day 5: Edfu. Cruise to Kom Ombo & Aswan
After breakfast we visit the nearby Edfu Temple which is dedicated to the god Horus. We then continue upriver towards Kom Ombo, watching traditional rural Egyptian life pass us by on the banks of the Nile. You may want to enjoy a relaxing soak in the plunge pool on the boat's sun deck. At Kom Omombo we tour the temple which sits scenicly by the banks of the Nile and is home to mummified crocodiles amongst other things! The cruise then continues onwards to Aswan.
| OVERNIGHT: On board - 5 star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Aswan. Philae Temple, Aswan Dam
We start our tour of Aswan with a trip to the island temple complex of Philae visiting the impressive Aswan High Dam en-route. The Philae temple remains one of Egypt’s most romantic and picturesque sites having been completely relocated following work on the Dam. The rest of the day is free to explore the colourful souks and markets found in the town or watch the sunset over the River Nile.
| OVERNIGHT: Aswan - 5-star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
| EXTRAS: Abu Simbel overland

Day 7: Abu Simbel option. Cruise to Edfu
This morning we have the option of taking an early start for the drive to the UNESCO world heritage site at Abu Simbel. These amazing temples built by Ramses II are one of Egypt's main highlights and attractions. Those not visiting Abu Simbel can explore Aswan's markets this morning, walk up and down the Corniche on the banks of the river or visit the Nubian Museum which has a fascinating collection covering the development of the Nubian people in the region.
Later the cruise begin sailing back towards Luxor and the night will be spent onboard close to Edfu.
| OVERNIGHT: Edfu- 5-star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
| EXTRAS: Abu Simbel overland

Day 8: Cruise to Luxor.
After leaving Edfu this morning, we'll continue our journey back to Luxor.
After breaking the journey in Esna, the cruise boat will continue to Luxor where you'll spend the night onboard.
| OVERNIGHT: Luxor- 5-star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Free day in Luxor (optional tours available)
After leaving Edfu this morning, we'll continue our journey back to Luxor, making a stop on the way to visit the lesser known Esna Temple, dedicated to the God Khnum. In Ancient Egypt, Khnum was known as the ram-headed god of creation. The temple was first founded during the reign of Tuthmosis the 3rd, in the 18th Dynasty, however throughout history, additions were made by the Ptolomies and Romans, who recorded their names on the temple walls.
After breaking the journey in Esna, the cruise boat will continue to Luxor where you'll spend the night onboard.
| OVERNIGHT: Luxor- 5-star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Fly to Cairo, free afternoon
This morning we transfer to Luxor airport for a flight back to Cairo. This afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure, or to take an optional half day tour to discover Cairo's old churches and synagogues in Coptic Cairo, visit the Citadel overlooking the city, and explore the narrow streets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. Finally, an optional dinner cruise on the Nile is available this evening.
| OVERNIGHT: Cairo hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 11: Grand Egyptian Museum and Backstreets of Old Cairo
We start our tour of Cairo with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the world-renowned Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. Accompanied by your certified Egyptologist, you'll stroll through the halls highlighting each historical period of this ancient land. In the late afternoon we take a guided walk through the back streets and bazaars in central Cairo. We'll walk through the huge Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore streets dedicated to metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewelery and anything else you can imagine as we gradually enter the more touristy Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We'll have time for a break to try some tea and a shisha pipe and perhaps enjoy an early dinner of Egypt's unofficial national dish, Kushari before returning to our hotel.
| OVERNIGHT: Cairo hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 12: Cairo. Departure transfer to the airport
Your time is free today until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
| OVERNIGHT: N/A
| MEALS: Breakfast
| EXTRAS: Extra night - post-tour

Day 1: Arrive into Cairo. Transfer to hotel
Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel close to the Pyramids for the start of your trip. They will help you settle in, introduce you to the local area, and explain tomorrow’s arrangements.
| OVERNIGHT: Cairo – 5 star hotel
| EXTRAS: Extra night - pre-tour, Single Room Supplement - Egypt

Day 2: Cairo. Pyramids & Saqqara tour
Our tour of Egypt starts with a visit to the Giza Plateau, home of Egypt's world famous Great Pyramids, proclaimed by the Greeks to be among the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. We visit the great Pyramids of Giza and their guardian Sphinx, Memphis-first capital of the ancient kingdom to see the statue of Ramses II, then to Sakkara to see the Step pyramid.
| OVERNIGHT: Cairo hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast
| EXTRAS: Nile Dinner Cruise in Cairo (deluxe)

Day 3: Luxor. West bank tour. Luxor temple
This moring we transfer to Cairo airport of an early flight to Luxor. We begin our tour of the West bank of the Nile starting at the Colossi of Memnon we then get to explore the dusty Pharaonic tombs located at the world famous Valley of the Kings. We also visit the Temple of Queen Hatchepsut and see the colourful hieroglyphics at Medinat Habu temple before crossing back into Luxor. Your afternoon is free to relax on board your 5-star Nile cruise boat or to explore Luxor's markets. In the evening we take a walking tour of the beautiful Luxor Temple which is spectacularly lit up at night.
| OVERNIGHT: On board - 5 star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Luxor. Karnak Temple. Sail to Edfu
This morning you have the chance to take a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon flight over the West bank of the Nile. After breakfast, our tour of Luxor today is to the huge temple complex of Karnak which features towering columns and numerous temples and structures - rightly justifying Luxor's reputation as the largest open air museum in the world! In the afternoon the boat starts sailing up the Nile, through the lock at Esna and on to Edfu where we | OVERNIGHT: (Note - Nile cruise boat itineraries are subject to slight alterations en-route).
| OVERNIGHT: On board - 5 star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
| EXTRAS: Hot air balloon in Luxor

Day 5: Edfu. Cruise to Kom Ombo & Aswan
After breakfast we visit the nearby Edfu Temple which is dedicated to the god Horus. We then continue upriver towards Kom Ombo, watching traditional rural Egyptian life pass us by on the banks of the Nile. You may want to enjoy a relaxing soak in the plunge pool on the boat's sun deck. At Kom Omombo we tour the temple which sits scenicly by the banks of the Nile and is home to mummified crocodiles amongst other things! The cruise then continues onwards to Aswan.
| OVERNIGHT: On board - 5 star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Aswan. Philae Temple, Aswan Dam
We start our tour of Aswan with a trip to the island temple complex of Philae visiting the impressive Aswan High Dam en-route. The Philae temple remains one of Egypt’s most romantic and picturesque sites having been completely relocated following work on the Dam. The rest of the day is free to explore the colourful souks and markets found in the town or watch the sunset over the River Nile.
| OVERNIGHT: Aswan - 5-star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
| EXTRAS: Abu Simbel overland

Day 7: Abu Simbel option. Cruise to Edfu
This morning we have the option of taking an early start for the drive to the UNESCO world heritage site at Abu Simbel. These amazing temples built by Ramses II are one of Egypt's main highlights and attractions. Those not visiting Abu Simbel can explore Aswan's markets this morning, walk up and down the Corniche on the banks of the river or visit the Nubian Museum which has a fascinating collection covering the development of the Nubian people in the region.
Later the cruise begin sailing back towards Luxor and the night will be spent onboard close to Edfu.
| OVERNIGHT: Edfu- 5-star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
| EXTRAS: Abu Simbel overland

Day 8: Cruise to Luxor.
After leaving Edfu this morning, we'll continue our journey back to Luxor.
After breaking the journey in Esna, the cruise boat will continue to Luxor where you'll spend the night onboard.
| OVERNIGHT: Luxor- 5-star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Free day in Luxor (optional tours available)
After leaving Edfu this morning, we'll continue our journey back to Luxor, making a stop on the way to visit the lesser known Esna Temple, dedicated to the God Khnum. In Ancient Egypt, Khnum was known as the ram-headed god of creation. The temple was first founded during the reign of Tuthmosis the 3rd, in the 18th Dynasty, however throughout history, additions were made by the Ptolomies and Romans, who recorded their names on the temple walls.
After breaking the journey in Esna, the cruise boat will continue to Luxor where you'll spend the night onboard.
| OVERNIGHT: Luxor- 5-star cruise
| MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Fly to Cairo, free afternoon
This morning we transfer to Luxor airport for a flight back to Cairo. This afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure, or to take an optional half day tour to discover Cairo's old churches and synagogues in Coptic Cairo, visit the Citadel overlooking the city, and explore the narrow streets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. Finally, an optional dinner cruise on the Nile is available this evening.
| OVERNIGHT: Cairo hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 11: Grand Egyptian Museum and Backstreets of Old Cairo
We start our tour of Cairo with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the world-renowned Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. Accompanied by your certified Egyptologist, you'll stroll through the halls highlighting each historical period of this ancient land. In the late afternoon we take a guided walk through the back streets and bazaars in central Cairo. We'll walk through the huge Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore streets dedicated to metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewelery and anything else you can imagine as we gradually enter the more touristy Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We'll have time for a break to try some tea and a shisha pipe and perhaps enjoy an early dinner of Egypt's unofficial national dish, Kushari before returning to our hotel.
| OVERNIGHT: Cairo hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 12: Cairo. Departure transfer to the airport
Your time is free today until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
| OVERNIGHT: N/A
| MEALS: Breakfast
| EXTRAS: Extra night - post-tour