Wonders of Egypt and the Nile

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included. If you arrive early there are plenty of things to see and do in this amazing city. Visit the Saladin Citadel of Cairo one of the most popular attractions in the city, or to really get a feel for the place, get lost in the bazaars and join the locals for a coffee in a local cafe.

Included Experiences

• Arrival Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Optional Experiences

• Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour: Explore Cairo’s fascinating architectural, cultural, and historical contrasts on a tour of Coptic and Islamic Cairo. Visit the iconic Citadel of Saladin, the Mohamed Ali Mosque, the Hanging Church, St. Sergius Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue.

Catch an early morning flight to Aswan. Opt to explore the busy Aswan market or visit the beautiful Philae Temple. Later, board a boat to visit a Nubian village. Walk around the small community and enjoy a traditional dinner in a local home.

Included Experiences

• Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
• Free Time: Spend time strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts, or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating fresh fish.
• Boat ride to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal: Board a local boat, to take a trip along the magnificent Nile, with views of the Aga Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island. Stop on one of the inhabited Nile islands in this area, to tour a local Nubian village. Walk through the village and fields and learn more about the life of the Nubian people before enjoying a delicious traditional dinner at a local home.

Optional Experiences

• Philae Temple Visit: Sail across the Nile to the beautiful island of Agilkia and explore the Greco Roman history of the Temple of Philae, built as a dedication to the Goddess Isis. This temple complex was moved from its original location on the Island of Philae after the flooding of Lake Nasser, the word "philae" meaning "the end" in reference to this island's placement on what was once the southernmost border of Egypt.
• Visit the Souk: Explore the Souk at your leisure, soaking in the scent and colour of spices and perfumes, and rummaging through beautiful scarves and baskets.

Early in the morning, drive to the famed temples of Abu Simbel for a guided tour. Later, board our river cruise ship for the night.

Included Experiences

• 3-night Nile Cruise: Enjoy floating down the Nile on a comfortable river boat with a guided tour of Kom Ombo Temple en route. In between excursions, relax on the outside decks with a drink, watching the passing desert sands.
• Temple of Abu Simbel Visit: Part historic monument and part modern marvel, Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s grandest temples. Built during the rule of Ramses the II this structure was almost swallowed by the Nile, but now stands safe and sound thanks to some crafty archaeologists and UNESCO. Travel through Egypt’s rugged landscapes and the towering figures of Ramses himself, Ra-Horakhty, Amun, and Ptah will all be waiting to welcome you. *Please be aware this optional activity lasts for about 6hrs including the roundtrip bus transport to/from Abu Simbel. Around 2 hours are spent exploring the site itself.

Optional Experiences

• Philae Temple Sound and Light Show: As the sun sets, sail across the Nile to Philae island. Watch the Philae Temple turn into a time machine through a magnificent sound and light display.

Spend your day floating down the Nile on a spacious river boat with a guided tour of Kom Ombo Temple en route. Relax on the outside decks with a drink, watching the passing desert sands and enjoying the scenery Following breakfast, we set sail. Before too long it is time for our first shore excursion, with a visit to Kom Ombo, a temple dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god. It still contains an ancient mummified crocodile.

Included Experiences

• 3-night Nile Cruise: Enjoy floating down the Nile on a comfortable river boat with a guided tour of Kom Ombo Temple en route. In between excursions, relax on the outside decks with a drink, watching the passing desert sands.
• Kom Ombo Temple Visit: Enjoy a visit to this temple located in a scenic spot, right on the banks of the Nile. It was dedicated to the crocodile god, and you can still see the remains of an ancient mummified crocodile that was worshipped here thousands of years ago.
• Free Time: Enjoy some time relaxing onboard our Nile river boat.

Continuing cruising the Nile, relaxing and taking in the desert scenery while observing daily life along the river. Arrive to Luxor in the evening. On the evening of day 5 our boat will moor overnight just outside of Luxor. However, please note that sometimes the ship is directed to arrive in Luxor earlier on day 5 and therefore, the free time on board on this day will be swapped with the activities on day 7. Day 7 will then become a free day to explore Luxor on your own.

Included Experiences

• 3-night Nile Cruise: Enjoy floating down the Nile on a comfortable river boat with a guided tour of Kom Ombo Temple en route. In between excursions, relax on the outside decks with a drink, watching the passing desert sands.
• Free Time: Sit up on the deck and relax, watching the Nile landscapes.

Today your journey takes you to the West Bank to enjoy a guided visit to the Temple of Hatshepsu. Later, you will meet your student-guide at the Funtasia Project Center where together you will bike through the village to visit the community. The group will then return to the centre to learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with your guide. Then, visit the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon before having lunch with a local family on the West Bank of the Nile. On the way back to the hotel, stop at an Alabaster factory and watch as the manufacturer's own hands mold, shape, and reshape the rocks until they end up with stunning sculptures, statues, candle holders, etc. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Included Experiences

• Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon Visit: Rise early to cross the Nile to the west bank, passing through farmers fields on your way to visit to the impressive Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops - a reminder of the power women held in the Ancient Kingdom. After the Funtasia project experience, visit the Valley of the Kings. Descend the narrow, rock-hewn corridors and take in the magnificent decoration and designs of the tombs of the pharaohs. While the treasure has now all gone, the tombs contain the incredible paintings of the life of their incumbent and stories from the Book of the Dead. End the day with a stop at the two mammoth statues of Amenophis II at the Colossi of Memnon. Please note, there is an additional 300 EGP fee to take photos in the Valley Of Kings.
• Funtasia Project Visit: In the afternoon after lunch you will meet your student-guide. Together the group will bike through the village and enjoy a workshop with members of the community. Afterwards, return the bikes to the centre and learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with your guide. Funtasia is a local nonprofit that works with young people in the West Bank of Luxor to develop life skills and social consciousness. They work with youth in an after school programs that teaches art, communication, and social skills.
• Lunch with a Local Family: Sit down to a traditional lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile.

Optional Experiences

• King Tutankhamen Tomb: Opt to descend down into the Tomb of Tutankhamun, the Valley of the Kings' most famous pharaoh. While the treasure has been moved to the Cairo Museum, it is fascinating to enter the tomb that held one of the most intact collection of treasures found in all of Egypt.

Enjoy an excursion to the magnificent temples of Karnak and Luxor. In the afternoon, use free time to explore the bazaar, museums or opt to take a guided tour of the temples of Habu, Ramsseum and Deir El Medina.

Included Experiences

• Luxor Temple Visit: Take in the beauty of the Luxor temple, an architectural splendour located near the Nile and right in the centre of downtown Luxor. One of Egypt's most impressive temples, Luxor has been used as a place of worship all the way from it's conception in 1390 BC to present day. Evidence of ancient worship, Coptic Christianity and Islamic architecture are found throughout the temple, illustrating how the regional culture has evolved over several thousand years.
• Karnak Temple Visit: Enjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Built and extended by successive generations of rulers, admire the amazing architecture, massive columns, and painted hieroglyphs.

Optional Experiences

• Explore Luxor in Depth Tour: For those who wish to explore Luxor in depth, this morning excursion allow you to go back to the west bank and explore more sites of Luxor city including the beautiful temples of Habu, Ramesseum and Deir El Medina.

Catch a flight back to Cairo in the morning. Stop for a tour inside the monasteries of Wadi Natrun en route to the historic Mediterranean city of Alexandria. Enjoy a free afternoon at your leisure to explore.

Included Experiences

• Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
• Monasteries of Wadi Natrun Visit: Take a tour with a local monk at the the monasteries of Wadi Natrun. The history of the Wadi and its importance to Coptic Christians dates back to the 4th century AD and they constitute some of the earliest Christian monasteries in the world.
• Free Time: Spend time becoming acquainted with Alexandria during a free afternoon and evening.

Spend the day exploring this ancient seaside city, including Pompey's Pillar, the catacombs, and the new Alexandria Library. In the afternoon opt to explore the city further on a guided tour, or see the sights at your own pace. It's up to you! We have plenty of time to explore all the incredible sites this ancient city has to offer. Founded by Alexander the Great around 331BC, Egypt's only Mediterranean city is characterized by a distinctly European atmosphere and a refreshing sea breeze. Don't miss the chance to enjoy an optional seafood dinner at one of the city's many outdoor seaside restaurants this evening.

Included Experiences

• Pompey's Pillar Visit: The name "Pompey's Pillar" is actually a misnomer, as it has nothing to do with Pompey, having been erected in 293 for Emperor Diocletian, possibly in memory of the rebellion of Domitius Domitianus.
• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Visit: These tombs were tunneled into the bedrock in the age of the Antonine Emperors (2nd century AD) for a single wealthy family still practicing the ancient religion of Egypt. They represent the last existing major construction of the old Egyptian religion.
• Alexandria Library Visit: The Ancient Library of Alexandria was probably the largest and certainly the most famous of the libraries of the ancient world. It flourished during Greek rule and functioned as a major centre of scholarship, at least until the time of the Roman conquest of Egypt, and probably for many centuries thereafter. The old library was destroyed in a fire around the 1st century BC. The magnificent new library was opened in 2002 very close to the site of the ancient one.

Optional Experiences

• Alexandria City Tour: Explore Alexandria on a guided tour of the city, visit the famous Citadel of Quait bay where Alexandria Lighthouse used to be and was considered one of the wonders of the ancient world followed by a photo stop at Abu El Abbas mosque and the Unknown Soldier and finally an opportunity to walk around Alexandria busiest streets and explore the heart of the mediterranean city.

Head back to Cairo and explore the treasures of The Grand Egyptian Museum. Enjoy lunch at your leisure in one of the many local restaurants in the area. Afterwards, pay a visit to Khan el-Khalili, a famous bazaar and souk in the historic center of Cairo. The remainder of the evening will be at your leisure.

Included Experiences

• Khan el-Khalili Bazaar Visit: Rummage through the stalls of bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar and check out the fine brassware, copper, perfumes, leather, silver, gold, and antiques it is famous for. Pick up a trinket for yourself if you'd like!
• The Grand Egyptian Museum Guided Tour: The Grand Egyptian Museum is the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to the single civilization of ancient Egypt. Here you will find vast collections of over 100,000 artifacts, many of which have never been displayed before. Wander the grand halls and take a journey through Egypt’s ancient heritage and modern design.
• Free Time: Explore Cairo on your own or take an optional tour.

Embark on a guided tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Enjoy a visit to the Papyrus institute—home to the world’s largest collection of papyrus documents. In the afternoon take advantage of free time to explore more of Cairo on your own. We begin with one of the key highlights of any visit to Egypt, the Great Pyramids of Giza. While once located in remote desert, they now touch the suburbs of modern Cairo. Also visit the mysterious Sphinx, with its lion’s body and man’s face.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Explore Cairo on your own or take an optional tour.
• Great Pyramid of Giza and Sphinx Tour: Enjoy a tour of the magnificent great pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, the first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, your CEO has all the facts about these massive structures.

Optional Experiences

• Explore Memphis and Sakkara: Travel through desert and farm lands to Sakkara the site of Egypt's first pyramids. Delve into the history of one of Egypt’s most important archeological sites before continuing on to explore the streets of Memphis, the ancient capital of Aneb-Hetch.

Depart at any time.