Pharaohs & Pyramids

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Our Price From 25,505 Per Person
 Trip Length
13 Days
 Trip Starts
Cairo
 Trip Finishes
Cairo
13 Day Pharaohs & Pyramids Itinerary (Abercrombie & Kent)
Countries Explored: Egypt
Trip Operator
No Reviews
Trip Style
Luxury Small Group Journey
Departures
Accommodation
5 Star
Max. Group Size
34
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
AKPP
Cruise Line
Sanctuary
Sanctuary
No Reviews
Ship
Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Passengers
36
Crew
45
Launched
1993
Refurbished
2009

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Abercrombie & Kent's 13 Day Pharaohs & Pyramids. Cruise for seven nights along the Nile on an A&K-exclusive charter of ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat III,’ delving deeply into the majesty of ancient Egypt at a leisurely pace, following a comprehensive itinerary that features sites found off the beaten path as well as special private openings, the convenience of privately chartered air and a stay at a top luxury hotel.

Itinerary

Arrive in Cairo, Egypt's “Mother of All Cities,” an age-old crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, where you are met and privately transferred to your riverside hotel. Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza

Explore the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities (or the Grand Egyptian Museum, upon its opening), home to over 120,000 relics, some dating back to 4000 BC. After lunch, return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza (B/L/D)

Set out for the Giza Plateau on a full-day excursion. Observe the great pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure as well as other historical sites. Enter the interior of one of these legendary structures, and marvel at the massive stones used to construct them. Enjoy special private access to the nearby Great Sphinx, seizing the rare opportunity to lay your hands on its massive paws. Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza (B/L)

Fly south to Luxor, formerly known as Thebes. Upon arrival visit the Temple of Karnak, featuring 134 great columns that once supported an enormous roof. Board ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat III,' your luxurious home on the Nile for the next seven nights, in time for lunch. This afternoon, explore the Temple of Luxor, built by Amenhotep III (1405-1367 BC). This evening, gather for a complimentary cocktail and canapés, followed by dinner. Stay: Sanctuary Sun Boat III (B/L/D)

Visit the Nile's West Bank, starting at the fabled Colossi of Memnon, two enormous, seated statues of Amenhotep III. Proceed to the terraced funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's first female pharaoh, and continue to the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of the pharaohs. See the iconic tomb of Tutankhamun (King Tut), before visiting the former home of the legendary archaeologist who found it, Howard Carter, to see the original tools he used for the excavation. Gain entry to the lesser-visited, well-preserved tomb of Seti I, father of Ramses II. Then, in the Valley of the Queens, explore the tomb of Queen Nefertari, said to be the finest tomb in Egypt. After lunch back aboard the ship, relax on board or explore the Luxor Museum, browsing its fascinating collections. Stay: Sanctuary Sun Boat III (B/L/D)

Rise early this morning for an exhilarating hot air balloon ride over the Nile and the temples that line its shores. Afterwards, go off the beaten path to one of Luxor's less-visited sites, Medinet Habu, built by Ramses III. Return to Sanctuary Sun Boat III and partake in a Scenic Sundowner as you cruise toward Esna.

Stay: Sanctuary Sun Boat III (B/L/D)

This morning at Esna, explore the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum with your Egyptologist guide. Its Great Hypostyle Hall was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius. Then, board your river ship and cruise to Edfu, where you visit the well-preserved Temple of Horus (the falcon god). Stay: Sanctuary Sun Boat III (B/L/D)

Relax on board as the morning unfolds. This afternoon, learn to prepare local dishes during a Chef's Table experience with an onboard chef as you cruise to Kom Ombo. Disembark for a walking visit to this lovely Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god), whom some ancient Egyptians considered the creator of the world. View the mummified remains of several crocodile that once basked along the ancient Nile shore, just as their descendants do today. Join the party tonight, dressing up in traditional Egyptian galabeyyas and savouring a lavish buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by Arabic music and dancing. Stay: Sanctuary Sun Boat III (B/L/D)

Disembark in Aswan to visit the granite quarries that supplied stone for many of Egypt's pyramids and temples. View the 1,200-ton ‘Unfinished Obelisk,' which exemplifies the technique used to create such enormous monoliths. Then, boat to the island of Agilika to view the exquisite Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Ride Like a Local as you sail by felucca (traditional sailing vessel), weather permitting, around Elephantine Island and view the splendid Aga Khan Mausoleum, which overlooks the river. After lunch, relax on board or explore a local Aswan spice market. Stay: Sanctuary Sun Boat III (B/L/D)

Fly to Abu Simbel, site of the magnificent temple of Ramses II, and marvel at the four enormous statues of the pharaoh that grace its façade, each over 19 metres high. Amazingly, the site was raised up the hillside to avoid floodwaters caused by the Aswan High Dam project. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before boarding your privately chartered aircraft back to Aswan, to return to your ship.

Stay: Sanctuary Sun Boat III (B/L/D)

Disembark Sanctuary Sun Boat III and return to Cairo in time for lunch.

This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:

  • Discover Coptic Cairo, visiting a church built where the Holy Family stayed and other Christian sites.
  • Tour Islamic Cairo, including the lively Khan el-Khalili Bazaar.
  • View the Royal Mummies, and countless other artifacts as you tour the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation.

The remainder of your day is at leisure. Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza (B/L)

Today, venture just outside the city to Sakkara, the vast necropolis of ancient Memphis, site of the famous Step Pyramid. Built by Zoser I in 2700 BC, it is the world's oldest stone structure. Enjoy a special private opening of the 4,400-year-old tomb of Wahtye. Unearthed in 2018, it is considered one of the biggest discoveries of the decade, completely untouched and filled with painted hieroglyphics, sculptures, and inscriptions. Also visit the Mereruka Tomb, one of the most exquisitely decorated tombs of the Old Kingdom. Tonight, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner. Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza (B/L/D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and depart. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Embark on a leisurely seven-night river cruise aboard the exclusively chartered ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat III,' visiting less-frequented sites, tombs and temples
  • Fly between destinations aboard aircraft chartered exclusively for A&K guests
  • Venture inside one of the pyramids on the Giza Plateau
  • Get up close to the massive paws of the enigmatic Great Sphinx on a special private visit
  • Rise early for a stunning balloon trip over the Nile, viewing the marvellous monuments of ancient Thebes as the sun rises
  • Descend into the tomb of Tutankhamun (King Tut) and visit famed archaeologist Howard Carter's home
  • Be among the privileged visitors to explore Wahtye's Tomb at Sakkara — discovered only recently after 4,400 years — during a private opening specially arranged by A&K

  • English-Speaking Resident Tour Director and Local Guides
  • Hand-Selected Luxury Accommodations
  • Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
  • Travelling Bell Boy Luggage Handling
  • Breakfast in Bed on Select Days
  • Full Breakfast Daily; Select Lunches and Dinners
  • Your Choice of Activity on Design Your Day
  • Traveller's Valet Laundry Service
  • Internet Access
  • Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
  • 24/7 A&K On-Call Support

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Disruptions to itinerary may occur.
  • Internal air included: Cairo/Luxor; Aswan/Abu Simbel/Aswan/Cairo
  • Routes may run in reverse on select departures (cruise beginning and ending in Aswan instead of Luxor)
  • This journey contains some active elements
  • Minimum age is 10 years
  • First group event: welcome briefing at 8:00am on Day 2
  • Last group event: farewell dinner at 7:00pm on Day 12
  • Departures are not guaranteed to operate
Luxury Small Group Journeys
Luxury Small Group Journeys

Delivering the best in comfort and service in the world's greatest destinations. Read more

Itineraries You Won't Find Anywhere Else
Itineraries You Won't Find Anywhere Else

Every journey we offer has been designed by on-the-ground experts who know each destination intimately. Read more

A&K's Small Group Inclusions
A&K's Small Group Inclusions

A&K's small group journeys include unmatched service, local knowledge and painstaking attention to detail. Read more

Deck Plans

 
Luxury Cabin
Nile Deck (Deck 1)
 
Luxury Cabin
 
Presidential Suite
Promenade Deck (Deck 2)
 
Royal Suite
Tower Deck (Level 3)
Sun Deck (Level 4)

Cabins

Luxury Cabin

All 14 luxury cabins are all beautifully appointed with old fashioned four poster beds, draped with Egyptian linens. The shutters are the traditional focal point of the cabin and are a striking design element. The warm colours of the cabin and traditional tones evoke the glamour of the 1930s. All cabins have Nile views, a mini-bar, safe deposit box, and LCD television with satellite and in-house movies, along with being fully air-conditioned with individual controls. The private bathrooms all have a bathtub, shower and hairdryer.

Presidential Suites

Indulge in this spacious, elegant suite decorated in cool calm tones that will leave you in absolute serenity. Comfort and style are reflected in all corners of the presidential suite to give a naturally astonishing look. There are two presidential suites. All cabins have Nile views, a mini-bar, safe deposit box, and LCD television with satellite and in-house movies, along with being fully air-conditioned with individual controls. The private bathrooms all have a bathtub, shower and hairdryer.

Royal Suites

Discover the essence of tranquility and elegance during your luxury Nile cruise in our two Royal Suites. Honey hues welcome you to these opulent and spacious suites. All cabins have Nile views, a mini-bar, safe deposit box, and LCD television with satellite and in-house movies, along with being fully air-conditioned with individual controls. The private bathrooms all have a bathtub, shower and hairdryer.

Brochure

North Africa & Middle East

Abercrombie & Kent North Africa & Middle East (2024)

In a region where ancient civilisations have come and gone, Crusaders, invaders, explorers and philosophers have all left their mark on the desert lands of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. From the bustling medinas and timeless walled cities of Morocco to Egypt’s mysterious pyramids and its iconic waterway the Nile. From the sacred sites of Israel,...more a country worshipped by three faiths, to the ancient attractions of Jordan. From the forts, castles and beaches of Oman to the enigmatic desert kingdom of Saudi Arabia. All destinations will dazzle and dwarf the modern traveller.

Availability

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Sunday 08 Sep 2024
Friday 20 Sep 2024
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From: $25,505
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Thursday 19 Sep 2024
Tuesday 01 Oct 2024
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Wednesday 16 Oct 2024
Monday 28 Oct 2024
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From: $30,370
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Friday 08 Nov 2024
Wednesday 20 Nov 2024
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Sunday 01 Dec 2024
Friday 13 Dec 2024
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Sunday 08 Sep 2024
Friday 20 Sep 2024
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From: $29,345
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Thursday 19 Sep 2024
Tuesday 01 Oct 2024
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Wednesday 16 Oct 2024
Monday 28 Oct 2024
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From: $35,285
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Exclusive Savings
Friday 08 Nov 2024
Wednesday 20 Nov 2024
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From: $35,285
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Exclusive Savings
Sunday 01 Dec 2024
Friday 13 Dec 2024
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From: $35,285
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Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Abercrombie & Kent. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Abercrombie & Kent. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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