Adventure tour of Cairo, Luxor & Aswan including a Nile felucca cruise
Highlights
The Pyramids & Sphinx, Antiquities at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Romantic Philae Temple, 2 Night Felucca Cruise, Komombo Temple, Ancient Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple
Itinerary
Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport, assist you with obtaining your visa and luggage, and then transfer you to your hotel for the start of your trip. They will help you settle in, introduce you to the local area, and explain tomorrow's arrangements. The rest of the day is free. If you arrive early you may like to take an evening dinner cruise on the Nile, or enjoy a spectacular sound and light show at the pyramids (both available to book locally on arrival).
OVERNIGHT:
Cairo hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Single room supplement (EGSGNA)
Your Egyptian adventure begins with a visit to the iconic pyramids of Giza. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), a monumental structure standing tall at 500 feet and spanning 750 feet at its base. Constructed with massive stone blocks and adorned with a hard limestone casing, this architectural masterpiece will leave you speachless. Alongside the Great Pyramid, admire the smaller yet equally impressive pyramids of Khafre (Chephren) and Menkaure (Mycerinus). You'll even have the chance to venture inside the pyramids (limited tickets available for the Great Pyramid) for an unforgettable experience.
Next, we'll visit the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located near the Pyramids of Giza. Immerse yourself in the wonders of ancient Egypt as you explore the Tutankhamun exhibit and countless other fascinating artifacts. Our expert Egyptologist guide will accompany you throughout your visit, sharing their wealth of knowledge and passion for Egyptian history and culture. Please note: While we will have dedicated time to visit the Museum highlights, the GEM holds one of the largest archaeological collections in the world and therefore it won't be possible to explore the museum in its entirety. If you wish to explore further, you have the option to add on our GEM re-visit package, which will allow you to return and explore at your leisure during your scheduled free time.
As the day draws to a close, we'll transfer to the station for an overnight sleeper train to Aswan. The journey takes around 12 hours and you'll be accommodated in a twin birth cabin, where an airline style dinner and breakfast will also be served.
OVERNIGHT:
Overnight Sleeper Train
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
Internal flights upgrade
After our night onboard the sleeper train, we arrive in Aswan, a city steeped in ancient Nubian history. The Nubian people have inhabited this region for millennia, their culture intertwined with the Nile.
Following your arrival, we will take to the water for a scenic boat ride to the magnificent Philae Temple. Dedicated to Isis, the goddess of healing and magic, this breathtaking complex sits gracefully on its own island. It famously faced the threat of being submerged forever by the rising waters of Lake Nasser following the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Fortunately, a monumental rescue project carefully dismantled and relocated the entire temple to nearby Agilkia Island, meticulously preserving its stunning colonnades and intricate carvings for future generations.
At lunchtime, we embark on a quintessential Egyptian adventure: a felucca sailing trip on the Nile. These traditional wooden sailboats offer a unique perspective of the river, allowing you to witness the beauty of the Nile and observe rural Egyptian life unfold along its banks. Our Nubian crew will expertly navigate the felucca, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable journey. They'll also entertain you with their local knowledge and prepare meals onboard.
For your comfort and convenience, a separate facilities boat will accompany us, providing essential amenities such as toilets, showers, and a hygienic kitchen. In the evening, we'll moor along the riverbank and enjoy a dinner prepared by our crew. As the stars twinkle overhead, we'll settle down for a magical night's sleep on deck, under the vast expanse of the Egyptian sky (mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets are provided).
Today we'll sail as far as Aswan Bridge Pier where we'll spend the night onboard.
OVERNIGHT:
Felucca Sailboat
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Start the morning with a freshly prepared breakfast on board, enjoying the serene atmosphere as the day begins. Following breakfast, we set off on an early four-hour sailing towards El Harbeyyat. This leisurely cruise provides the perfect opportunity to relax on the deck and admire the timeless landscapes along the riverbanks.
Upon reaching El Harbeyyat, we will disembark for an invigorating one-hour nature walk. This peaceful stroll allows you to immerse yourself in the lush surroundings, discover the local flora, and appreciate the vibrant birdlife thriving along the water's edge.
After our walk, we will rejoin the Felucca and continue our journey, sailing for another four hours towards Daraw. As we glide along the water, you can unwind and take in the changing scenery throughout the afternoon. We will conclude the day's adventure by docking at Daraw, where you will enjoy a restful overnight stay on board.
OVERNIGHT:
Felucca Sailboat
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Following a hearty breakfast, we will depart by road for our journey north towards Luxor, famously known as the world's greatest open-air museum. As we travel, you can watch the timeless landscapes of rural Egypt pass by, where the lush, green agricultural land along the River Nile contrasts dramatically with the arid desert beyond.
Along the way we'll make a stop to visit Komombo Temple. Uniquely designed as a double temple, this remarkable architectural marvel is perfectly symmetrical and dedicated to two distinct deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon-headed Horus the Elder.
Upon arrival in Luxor, we will head straight to our hotel. You will have ample time to check in, settle into your room, and refresh after the morning's drive before we step back in time for an afternoon of exploration.
Our first stop in this historic city is the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple complex. Vast, monumental, and spectacular, Karnak is one of the largest religious complexes ever constructed, having been developed continuously by successive pharaohs over more than two thousand years. We will take a guided walk through the magnificent Great Hypostyle Hall, dwarfed by its towering columns, and marvel at the towering obelisks, sacred sanctuaries, and intricately carved hieroglyphs dedicated to the god Amun-Ra.
OVERNIGHT:
Luxor hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
This morning, we embark on a journey to the West Bank of Luxor, a realm steeped in ancient history and shrouded in the mystique of pharaohs and their eternal resting places. Our exploration begins with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, a vast necropolis where generations of pharaohs were laid to rest in elaborately decorated tombs. We'll venture into several of these tombs, marvelling at the vibrant hieroglyphs and intricate paintings that adorn their walls. These ancient chambers continue to reveal their secrets to archaeologists, making the Valley of the Kings one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world.
Next, we'll be captivated by the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a unique mortuary temple built into the cliffs. Its elegant colonnades and terraces offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. And no visit to the West Bank would be complete without encountering the Colossi of Memnon, two colossal statues that have stood guard over the Theban necropolis for millennia.
This evening, we re-join the sleeper train for the overnight journey back to Cairo where our journey will come to an end.
OVERNIGHT:
Overnight sleeper train
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
Hot air balloon in Luxor
We arrive back into Cairo this morning where you have the choice of joining our transfer directly to Cairo Airport, or remaining in Cairo. If you'd like to extend your stay in Cairo, we can assist with booking extra nights and additional day tours if you'd like to see more of what this fascinating country has to offer These include a city tour in Cairo which visits Coptic Cairo, the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, or a half day tour to Saqqara, Dashour and Memphis to learn more about the history and evolution of pyramid building. Another full day option further afield includes a trip into the desert outside Cairo to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Cairo city tour
Wadi Rayan day trip (Valley of the Whales)
Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis
Alexandria day trip
2 nights on a felucca sailboat with accompanying support boat with toilet & shower
Sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary
All transport and transfers in private AC vehicles
24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
Services of a local Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing tours
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
excluded by
International flights (available on request)
Visa fees (available on arrival for most nationalities)
Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Entrance fees (allow approx. US$124)
Tipping kitty (allow US$75)
Drinks, snacks, guide tips and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Hotel gala dinners (see Tour notes)
Any other items not mentioned above
Extras /
Upgrades
Hot air balloon in Luxor
Abu Simbel temples
Cairo city tour
Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis
Felucca to hotel upgrade
Detailed Description
Embark on an unforgettable seven-day adventure through the heart of ancient Egypt, blending iconic historical sites with authentic cultural experiences. Your journey begins in the bustling metropolis of Cairo, where you will stand in awe of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx. Delve deep into the nation's rich heritage with a guided visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to an unrivalled collection of pharaonic artefacts, before boarding a classic overnight sleeper train southbound to Aswan.
In Aswan, the pace of life slows as you explore the island-bound Philae Temple and embrace the timeless rhythms of the River Nile. A true highlight of this itinerary is the two-day felucca sailing expedition. Navigating the river on a traditional wooden sailboat, you will witness rural Egyptian life unfold, embark on peaceful nature walks along the riverbanks, and sleep on deck under a vast blanket of stars. This serene voyage is expertly guided by a local Nubian crew, offering a genuine connection to the region, complete with freshly prepared meals and a dedicated facilities boat for your comfort.
The final leg of your expedition takes you overland to Luxor, famously known as the world's greatest open-air museum, with a fascinating stop at the perfectly symmetrical double temple of Komombo. In Luxor, you will trace the footsteps of pharaohs through the colossal Karnak Temple complex and the legendary Valley of the Kings on the West Bank. After marvelling at the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the towering Colossi of Memnon, a final sleeper train returns you to Cairo.
Throughout your stay, you will be comfortably accommodated in good quality 3- and 4-star hotels, a traditional Nile Felucca and journey on the overnight sleeper train
