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9 Day Best of Egypt
Premium Coach Tour starting in Cairo and finishing in Cairo
Countries Visited: Egypt
Tour Type: Regional
Tour Duration: 9 Days (8 Nights)
From: Cairo to Cairo
Tour Code: I900
Operator: Insight Vacations
from AU $1,744 pp
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Tour Description

We invite you to join a long list of travellers, from the ancient Greeks to Barack Obama, who have stood in awe beside the Great Pyramid of Giza. This feature packed tour utilises different modes of transport to maximise your time in Egypt. The comfortable overnight train from Cairo to Aswan not only saves you time and money, but also is a unique experience in itself, evoking the golden age of rail travel. After a day of sightseeing in Aswan return to your luxurious hotel, the perfect retreat and an oasis of calm. Then step aboard your relaxing Nile cruise, with its ever changing scenery and frequent stops at ancient monuments, there is no finer way to explore Upper Egypt.

What's Included

Quality Dining

  • Egyptian galabeya party with entertainment (HD)
  • 8 Buffet breakfasts (BB), 3 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D) (plus bottled water and tea or coffee while cruising)

First Class Services

  • Professional multi-lingual Tour Director/Egyptologist escorts you
  • Headsets for all guided visits and walking tours
  • Sightseeing by air-conditioned coach
  • First Class or Deluxe hotels with service charges, taxes & porterage
  • 3 Night Nile cruise on MS Medea or MS Sapphire or MS La Boheme (or similar) including cruise boat gratuities
  • Cairo to Aswan by overnight train in twin berth cabins
  • Scheduled one-way flight from Luxor to Cairo
  • Services of Insight's Resident Manager
  • Insight Traveller Welcome pack
  • Arrival & departure transfers between the 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.
  • Memphis: See the statue of Rameses II & Alabaster Sphinx.
  • Sakkara: See the Step Pyramid of Zozer, oldest in the world.
  • Giza: See the Sphinx and venture inside one of the Pyramids.
  • 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.
  • Kom Ombo & Edfu: Visit the riverside temples.
  • 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.

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Day
1
Cairo At Leisure
Welcome to a country rich in wonders and mysteries - many are revealed on this tour. You are met at Cairo airport and transferred to your tour hotel. Relax and settle in.
Stay: Marriott
Day
2
Cairo Sightseeing
Begin with a visit to Memphis, the famous capital of the ancient world. See the statue of Rameses II and the great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Sakkara, to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest Pyramid in existence. Now the moment you've been waiting for - a face to face encounter with the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World! Enjoy a guided tour of Giza where you will see the enigmatic Sphinx and the magnificent Pyramids with a highlight visit inside one of these extraordinary creations! (BB)
Day
3
Cairo - Overnight Train
This morning visit Tahrir Square, focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. Now on to the world-famous Egyptian Museum. Star among its attractions is the amazing treasure recovered from Tutankhamun's tomb. Sightseeing continues at the Citadel where you enjoy breathtaking views over the whole city. Salah El Din started the Citadel in the 12th Century, but it owes its present outline to Mohammed Ali whose great alabaster mosque you visit next. Now spend a leisurely afternoon in Cairo before it's time to board your overnight sleeper train to Aswan. (BB/D)
Day
4
Aswan Sightseeing
Begin your Aswan sightseeing at the modern Aswan High Dam and visit the ancient granite quarries where many of Egypt's obelisks were made. See the unfinished obelisk that still lies attached to the bedrock, commissioned by Hatshepsut but abandoned due to a large fault line. Take a motorboat to the lyrical Temples of Philae rising from the waters of the Nile. As a special welcome, enjoy high tea in English colonial style before sunset.
Stay: Mövenpick (BB)
Day
5
Join Your Cruise
This morning is completely at leisure and there is lots here to enjoy; the Botanic Gardens, the mausoleum of the Aga Khan or hunt for bargains in the African atmosphere of the Nubian bazaar. Maybe take an optional excursion by air to the two massive rock temples of Abu Simbel? Later, board your comfortable Nile cruiser.
Stay: Ms Medea/Ms Sapphire/MS La Boheme (BB/L/D)
Day
6
On Board Ship
Board a traditional Nile felucca for a sail around Aswan's Botanical Gardens. Once back on board your cruise ship sets off down the Nile. The Kom Ombo Temple is a beautiful sight as you approach it from the river. Inside you'll find hieroglyphs, pylons, friezes and even mummified crocodile remains. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as you cruise to Edfu. Don traditional Egyptian dress for a fun-filled oriental dinner and galabeya party tonight. (BB/L/HD)
Day
7
On Board Ship
Visit the beautifully preserved Temple of Horus, the Falcon God. Then continue cruising through the Esna Lock to Luxor where you visit the Temple of Luxor, which lay hidden for thousands of years, buried beneath the streets and houses of the town until excavated in the 1860's by archeologist Auguste Mariette. (BB/L/D)
Day
8
Luxor - Cairo
Across the Nile lies the necropolis of ancient Thebes. Stop for a photo of the Colossi of Memnon, these two seated figures are the only remains of the Funerary Temple of Amenphis III. Continue to the reconstructed temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of the rare female Pharaohs. Also visit some of the royal tombs in the nearby Valley of the Kings. Back in Luxor your final highlight is the enormous temple complex of Karnak. Walk through the avenue of Ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the colossal columns of the Hypostyle Hall. This virtual stone forest once supported roof blocks 70 feet high. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo.
Stay: Marriott (BB)
Day
9
Depart Cairo
The tour comes to an end after breakfast with transfers to the 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 $130 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
19 May 2012 27 May 2012 AU $2,125 AU $2,610 Save $65 AU $2,060
26 May 2012 03 Jun 2012 AU $2,125 AU $2,610 Save $65 AU $2,060
02 Jun 2012 10 Jun 2012 AU $2,125 AU $2,610 Save $65 AU $2,060
09 Jun 2012 17 Jun 2012 AU $2,125 AU $2,610 Save $65 AU $2,060
16 Jun 2012 24 Jun 2012 AU $2,125 AU $2,610 Save $65 AU $2,060
23 Jun 2012 01 Jul 2012 AU $2,125 AU $2,610 Save $65 AU $2,060
30 Jun 2012 08 Jul 2012 AU $2,150 AU $2,635 Save $65 AU $2,085
07 Jul 2012 15 Jul 2012 AU $2,225 AU $2,710 Save $65 AU $2,160
14 Jul 2012 22 Jul 2012 AU $2,225 AU $2,710 Save $65 AU $2,160
21 Jul 2012 29 Jul 2012 AU $2,225 AU $2,710 Save $65 AU $2,160
28 Jul 2012 05 Aug 2012 AU $2,225 AU $2,710 Save $65 AU $2,160
04 Aug 2012 12 Aug 2012 AU $2,225 AU $2,710 Save $65 AU $2,160
11 Aug 2012 19 Aug 2012 AU $2,225 AU $2,710 Save $65 AU $2,160
18 Aug 2012 26 Aug 2012 AU $2,199 AU $2,684 Save $65 AU $2,134
25 Aug 2012 02 Sep 2012 AU $2,175 AU $2,670 Save $65 AU $2,110
01 Sep 2012 09 Sep 2012 AU $2,175 AU $2,700 Save $65 AU $2,110
08 Sep 2012 16 Sep 2012 AU $2,175 AU $2,700 Save $65 AU $2,110
15 Sep 2012 23 Sep 2012 AU $2,175 AU $2,700 Save $65 AU $2,110
22 Sep 2012 30 Sep 2012 AU $2,175 AU $2,700 Save $65 AU $2,110
29 Sep 2012 07 Oct 2012 AU $2,175 AU $2,705 Save $65 AU $2,110
06 Oct 2012 14 Oct 2012 AU $2,225 AU $2,755 Save $65 AU $2,160
13 Oct 2012 21 Oct 2012 AU $2,225 AU $2,755 Save $65 AU $2,160
20 Oct 2012 28 Oct 2012 AU $2,225 AU $2,755 Save $65 AU $2,160
27 Oct 2012 04 Nov 2012 AU $2,225 AU $2,760 Save $65 AU $2,160
03 Nov 2012 11 Nov 2012 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
10 Nov 2012 18 Nov 2012 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
17 Nov 2012 25 Nov 2012 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
24 Nov 2012 02 Dec 2012 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
01 Dec 2012 09 Dec 2012 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
08 Dec 2012 16 Dec 2012 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
15 Dec 2012 23 Dec 2012 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
22 Dec 2012 30 Dec 2012 AU $1,850 AU $2,365 Save $55 AU $1,795
29 Dec 2012 06 Jan 2013 AU $1,885 AU $2,430 Save $55 AU $1,830
05 Jan 2013 13 Jan 2013 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
12 Jan 2013 20 Jan 2013 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
19 Jan 2013 27 Jan 2013 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
26 Jan 2013 03 Feb 2013 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
02 Feb 2013 10 Feb 2013 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
09 Feb 2013 17 Feb 2013 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
16 Feb 2013 24 Feb 2013 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
23 Feb 2013 03 Mar 2013 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
02 Mar 2013 10 Mar 2013 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
09 Mar 2013 17 Mar 2013 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
16 Mar 2013 24 Mar 2013 AU $1,799 AU $2,289 Save $55 AU $1,744
23 Mar 2013 31 Mar 2013 AU $1,850 AU $2,365 Save $55 AU $1,795
30 Mar 2013 07 Apr 2013 AU $1,885 AU $2,430 Save $55 AU $1,830

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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