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12 Day Splendours of Egypt
Premium Coach Tour starting in Cairo and finishing in Cairo
Countries Visited: Egypt
Tour Type: Regional
Tour Duration: 12 Days (11 Nights)
From: Cairo to Cairo
Tour Code: B945
Operator: Insight Vacations
from AU $2,390 pp
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Tour Description

Egypt's vast wealth of antiquities take centre stage here: Karnak, the Pyramids and Sphinx, Tutankhamun's treasure, and the ubiquitous hieroglyphics. While you might find hustle and bustle in the bazaars of Cairo, it is certainly not to be found aboard your stylish Nile cruiser. With seven nights to relax while you glide down the Nile, this tour could quite possibly be one of the most graceful holidays you will ever experience. Whilst staying in Cairo your Insight hotel is the deluxe, river front Marriott, housed in a former palace in the heart of this vibrant city, with six acres of lush, tranquil gardens. Your traditional Nile cruiser has comfortable cabins, bars, shops, a restaurant and plunge pool.

What's Included

Quality Dining

  • Egyptian dinner and galabeya party with entertainment (HD)
  • 11 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 7 Lunches (L) and 6 Dinners (D), plus bottled water, tea or coffee with included lunches and dinners while cruising

First Class Services

  • Insight's professional multilingual Egyptologist/Tour Director accompanies you
  • Headsets for all guided visits and walking tours
  • Sightseeing by air-conditioned coach
  • Deluxe hotel with all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • 7 night Nile cruise on the MS Miriam or MS Giselle (or similar) including cruise boat gratuities
  • Scheduled air travel between Cairo and Luxor
  • Services of Insight's Representative in Egypt
  • Insight Traveller Welcome pack
  • Arrival & departure transfers between Cairo airport and your Insight tour hotel

Highlights

  • Cairo: See Tutankhamun's treasure in the Egyptian Museum. Visit Tahrir Square, `beating heart' of the 2011 Revolution. Visit Mohammed Ali Mosque and view Cairo from the Citadel.
  • Giza: Enjoy a Sound & Light Show at the Great Pyramids. See the Sphinx and venture inside one of the Pyramids.
  • Memphis: See the statue of Rameses II & Alabaster Sphinx.
  • Sakkara: See the Step Pyramid of Zozer, oldest in the world.
  • Dendara: Visit the Temple of Hathor with its rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarian.
  • Luxor: Visit the awe-inspiring Temples of Luxor and Karnak. See the Colossi of Memnon, visit the Temple of Hatshepsut and some of the Pharaoh's tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
  • Kom Ombo & Edfu: Visit the riverside temples.
  • Aswan: Enjoy the sunset and high tea in colonial English style at at Agatha Christie's Old Cataract hotel. Sail on a traditional `felucca' around the Botanical gardens Visit the Aswan High Dam and the unfinished obelisk.Board a motorboat to the Philae Island temple complex.

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Day
1
Cairo At Leisure
Welcome to the timeless land of the Pharaohs, a vast treasure trove of ancient temples, tombs and monuments, which has attracted travellers for centuries. On arrival in Cairo, you are met and transferred to your hotel to relax and settle in.
Day
2
Cairo Sightseeing
After breakfast there is a detailed pre-tour briefing with your Tour Director. Then commence your exploration of Cairo with a visit to the Citadel for breath-taking views over the city. It owes its present outline to Mohammed Ali, whose great Mosque you visit next. Continue to Tahrir Square, focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. Now on to the world-famous Egyptian Museum. Among the many exhibits are the fabulous artefacts recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Later, drive to the Pyramids to witness the magical Sound and Light Show an unforgettable introduction to the world of ancient Egypt. (BB)
Day
3
Cairo - Luxor - Join Cruise
Transfer to the airport for your flight south to Luxor, founded around the ancient site of Thebes. On arrival, drive immediately to Karnak, the largest temple complex ever built by man. Walk through the avenue of Ram-headed sphinxes, past the statue of Rameses II, to the vast Hypostyle Hall, housing 134 giant decorated columns. Later, get to know your cruise boat, and set sail for Dendara. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Stay: MS Miriam/Ms Giselle (BB/L/D)
Day
4
On Board Ship
Visit the Temple of Dendara this morning. It was built in the 1st century BC by Ptolemy VIII, and then later, Roman Emperors continued to decorate it in honour of Hathor, the Goddess of maternity, love and music. One of the best preserved temples in all Egypt it also contains a rare depiction of Cleopatra VII and Caesarian, the son of Julius Caesar. Cruise back along the Nile to Luxor, arriving around midday where the rest of the day is at your leisure. In the cool of early evening, visit the ancient Temple of Luxor, which lay hidden for thousands of years. (BB/L/D)
Day
5
On Board Ship
Across the Nile, to the west of the city, lies the necropolis of ancient Thebes. Stop for a photo of the Colossi of Memnon; these two giant seated figures of Amenhotep III once guarded his mortuary temple. Continue to the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of the rare female Pharaohs. In the nearby Valley of the Kings, the Egyptian kings planned to meet their Gods in the afterlife. See how when you visit some of their tombs! Return to your cruise ship now and set sail via the Esna Lock to Edfu. (BB/L/D)
Day
6
On Board Ship
This morning, have a look inside the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, dedicated to the Falcon God. After exploring this fascinating site, your cruise continues to the exotic city of Aswan. Don your galabeyas (traditional Egyptian attire), for a fun-filled Egyptian dinner and galabeya party. (BB/L/HD)
Day
7
On Board Ship
Begin your sightseeing with a motorboat ride to the well preserved temple complex of Isis on the island of Philae. Visit the High Dam and granite quarries to see the unfinished obelisk commissioned by Hatshepsut, but abandoned due to a fault line. Complete your day by sailing in a traditional felucca around Aswan's botanic gardens and a very English high tea before sunset. (BB/L/D)
Day
8
On Board Ship
Spend the morning at leisure in Aswan or perhaps join the optional excursion by air to the temples of Abu Simbel. In the afternoon, sail for Kom Ombo. It's uniquely dedicated to both Horus the Elder and Sobek the Crocodile headed God. At one time crocodiles would have been kept in the temple and there is even a mummified example on display. (BB/L/D)
Day
9
On Board Ship
Your cruise continues along the life giving waters of the Nile. In the evening, arrive back in Luxor where there is time for last minute shopping and sightseeing. (BB/L/D)
Day
10
Luxor - Cairo
Disembark your cruise and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.
Stay: Marriott (BB)
Day
11
Cairo Sightseeing
Drive to Memphis, the famous capital of the ancient world. Admire the colossal statue of Rameses II and the great alabaster sphinx. Continue to Sakkara to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid in the world. In the afternoon, a guided tour of Giza shows you the enigmatic Sphinx and magnificent Pyramids, the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Included is a highlight visit inside one of these extraordinary creations! (BB)
Day
12
Depart Cairo
The tour ends with transfers to Cairo airport. (BB)
Insight Vacations Brochure Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online.

Tour Prices

Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*

2012 Season Sale! Save up to $190 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify! Subject to availability at the time of booking.

START DATE END DATE BROCHURE
(Twin Share)
BROCHURE
(Single)
OUR
SAVINGS
OUR
PRICE
22 May 2012 02 Jun 2012 AU $2,999 AU $3,594 Save $90 AU $2,909
29 May 2012 09 Jun 2012 AU $2,999 AU $3,594 Save $90 AU $2,909
05 Jun 2012 16 Jun 2012 AU $2,999 AU $3,594 Save $90 AU $2,909
12 Jun 2012 23 Jun 2012 AU $2,999 AU $3,594 Save $90 AU $2,909
19 Jun 2012 30 Jun 2012 AU $3,050 AU $3,645 Save $90 AU $2,960
26 Jun 2012 07 Jul 2012 AU $3,050 AU $3,645 Save $90 AU $2,960
03 Jul 2012 14 Jul 2012 AU $3,125 AU $3,720 Save $95 AU $3,030
10 Jul 2012 21 Jul 2012 AU $3,125 AU $3,720 Save $95 AU $3,030
17 Jul 2012 28 Jul 2012 AU $3,125 AU $3,720 Save $95 AU $3,030
24 Jul 2012 04 Aug 2012 AU $3,125 AU $3,720 Save $95 AU $3,030
31 Jul 2012 11 Aug 2012 AU $3,125 AU $3,720 Save $95 AU $3,030
07 Aug 2012 18 Aug 2012 AU $3,099 AU $3,694 Save $95 AU $3,004
14 Aug 2012 25 Aug 2012 AU $3,050 AU $3,645 Save $90 AU $2,960
21 Aug 2012 01 Sep 2012 AU $3,050 AU $3,645 Save $90 AU $2,960
28 Aug 2012 08 Sep 2012 AU $3,050 AU $3,670 Save $90 AU $2,960
04 Sep 2012 15 Sep 2012 AU $3,050 AU $3,675 Save $90 AU $2,960
11 Sep 2012 22 Sep 2012 AU $3,050 AU $3,675 Save $90 AU $2,960
18 Sep 2012 29 Sep 2012 AU $3,050 AU $3,675 Save $90 AU $2,960
25 Sep 2012 06 Oct 2012 AU $3,125 AU $3,770 Save $95 AU $3,030
02 Oct 2012 13 Oct 2012 AU $3,125 AU $3,770 Save $95 AU $3,030
09 Oct 2012 20 Oct 2012 AU $3,125 AU $3,770 Save $95 AU $3,030
16 Oct 2012 27 Oct 2012 AU $3,125 AU $3,770 Save $95 AU $3,030
23 Oct 2012 03 Nov 2012 AU $3,199 AU $3,829 Save $95 AU $3,104
30 Oct 2012 10 Nov 2012 AU $3,199 AU $3,829 Save $95 AU $3,104
06 Nov 2012 17 Nov 2012 AU $2,465 AU $3,040 Save $75 AU $2,390
13 Nov 2012 24 Nov 2012 AU $2,465 AU $3,040 Save $75 AU $2,390
20 Nov 2012 01 Dec 2012 AU $2,465 AU $3,040 Save $75 AU $2,390
27 Nov 2012 08 Dec 2012 AU $2,465 AU $3,040 Save $75 AU $2,390
04 Dec 2012 15 Dec 2012 AU $2,465 AU $3,040 Save $75 AU $2,390
11 Dec 2012 22 Dec 2012 AU $2,465 AU $3,070 Save $75 AU $2,390
18 Dec 2012 29 Dec 2012 AU $2,525 AU $3,155 Save $75 AU $2,450
25 Dec 2012 05 Jan 2013 AU $2,699 AU $3,359 Save $80 AU $2,619
01 Jan 2013 12 Jan 2013 AU $2,525 AU $3,155 Save $75 AU $2,450
08 Jan 2013 19 Jan 2013 AU $2,465 AU $3,040 Save $75 AU $2,390
15 Jan 2013 26 Jan 2013 AU $2,465 AU $3,040 Save $75 AU $2,390
22 Jan 2013 02 Feb 2013 AU $2,465 AU $3,040 Save $75 AU $2,390
29 Jan 2013 09 Feb 2013 AU $2,465 AU $3,040 Save $75 AU $2,390
05 Feb 2013 16 Feb 2013 AU $2,465 AU $3,040 Save $75 AU $2,390
12 Feb 2013 23 Feb 2013 AU $2,465 AU $3,040 Save $75 AU $2,390
19 Feb 2013 02 Mar 2013 AU $2,465 AU $3,040 Save $75 AU $2,390
26 Feb 2013 09 Mar 2013 AU $2,465 AU $3,040 Save $75 AU $2,390
05 Mar 2013 16 Mar 2013 AU $2,465 AU $3,040 Save $75 AU $2,390
12 Mar 2013 23 Mar 2013 AU $2,465 AU $3,040 Save $75 AU $2,390
19 Mar 2013 30 Mar 2013 AU $2,525 AU $3,155 Save $75 AU $2,450
26 Mar 2013 06 Apr 2013 AU $2,575 AU $3,265 Save $75 AU $2,500

Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.

Flights:

Book your tour and flights together to SAVE!
  The prices on our site are land only prices. If you would like to include flights with your quote, then we have some amazing specials for you to take advantage of! Flight specials only apply for clients booking this tour from Global Journeys. Terms & Conditions apply and full details will be provided in your quote.



General Information

The information below relates to this itinerary only.

Tour Operator: Insight Vacations

Insight Vacations, Europe's premier escorted tour operator, provides premium escorted motorcoach vacations throughout Britain, Ireland, Europe, Scandinavia the Eastern Mediterranean and North America. 'The Art of Touring in Style' lies at the very heart of Insight philosophy. Our carefully chosen unique features and impeccable service standards enable us to deliver exceptional quality, unequalled value, unforgettable memories and personal freedom at levels currently unrivalled elsewhere in the industry.


Tour Type: Regional

These in-depth tours concentrate on towns, cities or scenic areas in a specific region or country. The majority of overnight stays are two nights or more, and are leisurely paced, often with shorter travelling time between exciting destinations.


Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose a premium Insight Vacation?

Insight is completely unique. Simply, we are the only tour operator to give you more legroom on every tour at no extra cost: you'll consistently stay in quality hotels in desirable locations; you'll enjoy more included sightseeing; and because you'll travel in smaller groups (max 40 people), you'll receive better personal service from your experienced Tour Director and Tour Driver.

When will I receive my documents?

Documents will normally be mailed 21 days prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

Who else will be travelling with me?

Insight Vacations plays host to over 100,000 guests every year and has offices in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore and the UK . The company has also appointed specialist agents in Argentina, Brazil, Mauritius, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan and China. It is therefore quite typical to find many different nationalities on any one tour.

How many people will be on tour with me?

With only 40 guests on our premium tours instead of the standard 53, Insight clients enjoy a more personalised service. In a smaller group, you'll be closer to your local guide for a more in-depth experience, you'll spend less time waiting to get into sights and it will be faster checking into hotels with your luggage arriving quicker to your room. Insight groups are smaller, more intimate and more friendly.

Will the coach be modern and comfortable?

Yet another exclusive feature of an Insight premium tour is the incredible space and comfort you'll enjoy when travelling. Our luxury coaches have been specially reconfigured with fewer seats, you'll relax in style whilst enjoying up to twice as much legroom than on a standard touring coach.

Where will my hotel be located and what will it be like?

Insight hotels are consistently first class standard and higher or in a style appropriate to the destination. They have been selected because they are good private or small collection hotels or from well-known chains such as Marriott, Renaissance and Hilton. Insight also chooses hotels based on their location. We know you'll prefer to stay centrally, convenient to the main historic, shopping or entertainment districts; or scenically in areas of natural beauty.

What are Insight Tour Directors like?

Time & time again, our guests tell us that it was their Tour Director who really made their trip. Our Tour Directors are amongst the finest in the business and will help steer you through the labyrinth of Europe 's cultures, languages and diversities and bring its magic to life before your eyes.

I want to see all the main sights, but will I have time to explore on my own?

At Insight, planning the perfect tour is our speciality. Not only to we include the 'must see' sights, we carefully balance our itineraries to give you plenty of free time to relax and immerse yourself in the location.

What does the tour cost include?

The prices listed cover all hotel accommodations, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motorcoach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Insight Tour Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on tour by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.

Are tips included?

On an Insight Vacation, some gratuities are included in the price of your trip: baggage handling, meal service for all meals listed in the tour itinerary, and hotel service charge. Room service, however, is not included in the tour price. Tips are customarily given to your Tour Director, Driver and Local Guides at your discretion. The recommended amounts are: Tour Directors EUR4 per day, Drivers EUR2.50 per day and Local Guides EUR1 per day. The option to prepay these tips prior to departure is possible. Please ask your consultant to include this in your quote.

What is an 'Optional Activity'?

These are activities that we do not automatically include but are offered at the start of your tour designed to enhance your travel experience. Your Tour Director will have a list of available options and the appropriate costs. They are carefully programmed to coincide with the best highlights available at the time of your visit. It could be a seafood lunch in Venice, a concert in Vienna or a Grand Canyon Helicopter ride. A detailed list and costs can be found in your tour documentation.

Do you have a share program for singles?

If you wish to share with another tour member you can advise Global Journeys at the time of booking. Insight believes that traveling solo doesn't have to cost you more. We will try to match you with someone of the same sex in order to avoid having to pay the single supplement. If we are not able to provide a suitable roommate, we will provide a single room at no extra cost. Several tours do not provide this option (generally tours containing a cruise component) and so the Single Supplement applies.

Do you have a non-smoking policy?

There is a no smoking policy motorcoach touring policy. However, we do make plenty of convenience stops giving you the opportunity to smoke, use local restroom facilities, take a scenic snapshot or just relax and enjoy of cup of coffee.

Where can I find out more information on Insight?

We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Insight including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).


Airport Transfer Information

Transfers Athens, Cairo, Tel Aviv, Amman And Istanbul

An Insight bonus in the Eastern Mediterranean region! Insight is pleased to offer complimentary airport transfers at any time either on the first or last day of the tour or on other days in conjunction with pre and post tour accommodation booked through Insight. Flight timings must be provided to Global Journeys no less than 21 days before the flight departure.

Terms & Conditions:

Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!

 

Yvonne Brooks

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Yvonne Brooks
Tour Consultant
Email: yvonne@globaljourneys.com
Expertise: International Coach Touring & River Cruising
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