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Elegance of the Pharaohs

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 Trip Length
10 Days
 Trip Starts
Cairo
 Trip Finishes
Cairo
10 Day Elegance of the Pharaohs Itinerary (Luxury Gold)
Countries Explored: Egypt
Accommodation
4.5 - 5 Star
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
P945

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Luxury Gold's 10 Day Elegance of the Pharaohs. Explore amazing Egypt on this 10-day guided tour. Join an Egyptologist at the Pyramids of Giza, for an insider’s look at one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Enjoy a VIP, after-hours visit to the Temple of Luxor; you’ll be able to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site free from other tour groups. Later, choose to relax in Luxor your way: learn about the powerful women in Egypt’s past, such as Queen Cleopatra, from an Egyptologist, or watch a cocktail demonstration as you relax on a sundeck. At the Valley...read more of the Kings, see where Tutankhamun, or the infamous King Tut, is buried. Enjoy high tea on the terrace of the Cataract Hotel, where Winston Churchill once relaxed. And in Cairo, visit the Egyptian Museum, where you can see treasures taken from the Tomb of Tutankhamun.

Itinerary

Welcome to Egypt - a mystical and timeless land, where the ancient and modern world live side by side. On arrival in Cairo, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Mena House Hotel, your luxury five-star accommodation for the next two nights. Having welcomed numerous heads of state over the years, you'll be treated to the same luxuries. In the evening, get to know your Travelling Concierge and fellow guests over a welcome drink at the hotel. (B) Stay: Mena House Hotel, Giza.

After meeting your Travelling Concierge, a knowledgeable Egyptologist, head for one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramids at Giza and their guardian Sphinx. Your exploration of Cairo with your Egyptologist includes entry into one of the Pyramids.

Continue to Sakkara to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest in the world, dating back to 2700 BC. Nearby lies Memphis; famous capital of ancient Egypt. See the colossal statue of Ramses II and the great Alabaster Sphinx. As night falls, attend a magical Sound and Light show at the world famous Pyramids, which literally illuminates the ancient history of Giza! (B)

Wake early and transfer to the airport for your flight to Luxor. Famed for its ancient treasures and the grandeur of its monuments, this beautiful city is a treasure trove for those looking to delve further into Egypt's grand history. On arrival head to Karnak, the largest temple complex built by man. This striking complex was constructed over a period of 1500 years. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, past the statue of Rameses II, to stand in awe among the huge columns of the vast Hypostyle Hall. Later, embark on your cruise aboard one of the most stylish and spacious ships on the Nile.

The all-suite River Tosca provides a relaxing and comfortable setting as you cruise the legendary Nile River. Featuring a stylishly adorned lounge, with full-service bar, a cosy library, restaurant, fitness rooms and swimming pool, you'll take in the sights in the utmost luxury. Your Journey, Your Way. With help from your Egyptologist, choose to learn about the powerful women in Egypt's history such as Queen Cleopatra and Nefertiti. Alternatively, relax on the sundeck for a cocktail demonstration and sample a delicious drink made from local herbs and ingredients. In the evening, enjoy an onboard gala reception and dinner. (B/L/D) Stay: River Tosca.

In the morning, visit the Temple of Hathor. Built in the 1st century B.C., it remains one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt and contains a rare depiction of Cleopatra VII and Caesarian, the son of Julius Caesar. Return to Luxor for some leisure time before visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Temple of Luxor for a VIP, after-hours visit. Founded in 1400 B.C. during the Golden Age of Thebes, the temple complex blends in seamlessly with the surrounding city. (B/L/D)

Travel to the West Bank of the Nile. Stop for photos at the Colossi of Memnon – these gigantic twin stone statues of Amenhotep III once guarded his mortuary temple. Venture on to the amazing Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt's first female pharaoh who ruled from 1479 to 1458 BC. Next, head to the Valley of the Kings, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.

Later, experience a warm welcome as you meet a local family and take a tour of their village. As you stroll through the streets, hear stories of local life and the importance of family contribution, ensuring all members of the village are looked after. Part of this communal practice is the baking of traditional sun bread, where each group of families in the village will have their own bakery oven. A member from each group is chosen to be the assigned baker to provide bread to the community. Watch as the family demonstrates the bread-making process and enjoy a taste of the delicious bread, paired perfectly with a cup of Egyptian tea.

In the evening, join in the fun at an Egyptian dinner and a lively galabeya party. (B/L/D)

Visit the unique double-temple of Kom Ombo, which is dedicated to both the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon god, Horus the Elder. In this sacred place near the riverbank, captive crocodiles were worshipped in life and mummified after death. Then, begin your return voyage along the Nile. Back on board, relax and enjoy a visual feast as you cruise along the Nile to Aswan.

Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to stretch out on a Nile felucca, a traditional sailboat, for a peaceful ride around Kitchener's Island. Known for the Aswan Botanical Garden and its tropical plants and palm trees, this petite island is less than a kilometre long. Alternatively, visit the lively Aswan Market and shop for local products such as clothes, herbs and souvenirs. In the evening, you will indulge on dinner aboard the ship, before you are treated to an Egyptian belly dancing performance. (B/L/D)

In the morning, your luxurious cruise experience comes to an end. Sightseeing today includes a visit to the modern Aswan High Dam and the ancient Granite Quarries, where one of Queen Hatshepsut's obelisks lies abandoned in the bedrock. Cross the Nile by motorboat to the well-preserved Philae temple complex. Revered by locals, it was moved stone-by-stone to its current location to avoid being ruined by rising water levels, following the construction of the High Dam.

Next, take a small boat along the banks of the Nile with the birdman of Aswan. Keep a lookout for colourful native birds as you travel to his small Nubian village. Visit the traditional dwelling of a local family and enjoy Nubian-style hospitality as you learn more about the area's unique culture. Later, join the likes of Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie before you for a colonial-style afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel. (B/AT) Stay: Old Cataract Hotel, Aswan.

In the morning you will board to flight back to Cairo. Why not head on a Locally Available Experience by air to Abu Simbel? In an amazing feat of modern engineering, these extraordinary temples were carved out of the cliffside by Rameses II and later transported out of the rising waters of Lake Nasser. In the evening, check into the famous Four Seasons at the First Residence, a hotel originally built to attract the nobility of Europe. (B) Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence.

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour where you will visit the towering Alabaster Mosque, commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha between 1830 and 1848. Enjoy incredible hilltop views over the city from the imposing Citadel of Salah El Din. This massive 12th century compound was home to Egypt's rulers for more than seven hundred years. Visit the Egyptian Museum*, to witness the priceless treasures recovered from the Tomb of Tutankhamun. Next, head to Khan el-Khalili, a major souk in the historic centre of Islamic Cairo,stock up on local goods and put your bargaining skills to the test. (B)

Your luxury tour from Cairo ends in style with a private transfer to Cairo Airport. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Giza: Join your Egyptologist to explore the impressive city of Giza, where you meet the enigmatic Sphinx and proceed deep inside one of the Pyramids. Admire the hieroglyphs etched on the walls and the covert chambers where great pharaohs met their gods.
  • Saqqara Necropolis: Accompany your Egyptologist to see the Step Pyramid of Zoser, the first pyramid that the Egyptians built, more than 4,700 years ago. It was designed by the architect, Imhotep, to honour his much-respected King, whom it is named after.
  • Memphis: Explore the ancient capital of Memphis with your Travel Concierge as they guide you through the city's historic streets. Witness the colossal red granite statue of Ramses II and the brilliantly preserved sphinx carved from a single block of alabaster.
  • El Omraniya: Watch in wonder as the Pyramids of Giza are brought to life against the night sky by a mesmerising presentation of sound and light. Hear the ancient tales of Egypt as these spectacular monuments are illuminated by giant scale projections.
  • Karnak: Stand amid a vast forest of columns in the largest temple complex known to man. The most important place of worship in Egypt for nearly 800 years, Karnak is an extraordinary sight, presided over by the archaeologically magnificent Temple of Amun.
  • Dendera: Visit the magnificent Temple of Hathor, one of the best preserved temples in all Egypt. Explore the complex to see rare images of Cleopatra VII and Caesarian and witness the Dendera Light, which some historians believe depicts an ancient electric lightbulb.
  • West Bank: Pause to view the spectacular Colossi of Memnon. These enormous twin statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III sit 60 feet above the plain and dominate the landscape with their 720-tonne masses. Gaze upon the breathtaking scene they create.
  • Valley of the Kings: Follow in the footsteps of the Pharaohs as you walk into the Valley of the Kings and explore the magnificent burial chambers of Egypt's ancient rulers.
  • Valley of the Kings: Venture to the Necropolis with your Egyptologist and discover the resting place of many Pharaohs. See the royal tombs and visit the Temple of Hatshepsut with its pillared porticoes and vibrant reliefs, making it one of the world's most striking architectural masterpieces.
  • Kom Ombo: Arrive at Kom Ombo on the banks of the Nile, a unique double temple that is dedicated to two gods. See the mummified crocodiles that were in honour of Sobek and the identical temple made for Horus, the falcon-headed god.
  • Aswan: Marvel at the monumental engineering of Egypt, ancient and modern. See the 3500-year-old unfinished obelisk of Hatshepsut, an unrivaled example of the advanced construction of the Pharaohs, and take in the Aswan High Dam, responsible for creating the enormous Lake Nasser.
  • Aswan: Visit the traditional home of a local family and enjoy Nubian-style hospitality as you learn about life in the small village. Discover the deeper meanings behind the bright colours and painted symbols of the remarkable dwellings.
  • Philae Island: Cross the Nile by motorboat and visit the immaculately preserved Philae temple complex. Walk amidst the ancient columns of this Nubian monument site, rescued from devastation by UNESCO when it was moved stone by stone from the flood plains of the Aswan High Dam.
  • Cairo: Walk through the Egyptian Museum in the company of your Travel Concierge, a knowledgeable Egyptologist, who will guide you through the most extensive collection of Pharaonic antiquities in the world, including the priceless ancient treasures from the Tomb of Tutankhamun.
  • Cairo: Go sightseeing with your Travel Concierge to visit the medieval citadel and Muhammed Ali Pasha's distinctive Alabaster Mosque. Then venture into the dazzling Khan El Halili bazaar, where stained glass lamps sit alongside handmade carpets and the aroma of traditional spices fills the air.
  • Luxor: Approach the Temple of Luxor along the Avenue of Sphinxes and see the ancient stones on your special after-hours visit. Look to the top of the remaining Pylon of Ramses II and step into the ancient monument.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

  • Kom Ombo: Learn about the roles of powerful women in Egypt's history from an Egyptologist, including famous leaders such as Queen Cleopatra, Queen Hatshpsut and Nefertiti.
  • Kom Ombo: Relax on the sundeck for a cocktail demonstration and sample a delicious drink made from local herbs and ingredients, some of which have been used since the time of the pharaohs such as Sugar Cane Juice and Roselle.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

  • Kitchener's Island: Cruise on the Nile in an elegant wooden felucca as the winds ease you around the botanical vistas of Kitchener's Island. Admire the lush greenery of the Island of Plants as your drift through the afternoon aboard your traditional vessel.
  • Aswan: Visit the lively Aswan Market and shop for local products. Traders sell a wide variety of Egyptian and African goods such as dried hibiscus flowers, Ancient Egyptian souvenirs, spices and carpets.

  • You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges and certified Egyptologist, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
  • At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels. See Notes in the pricing panel for exemptions.
  • Complimentary, private airport transfers are included on start and end dates, when flights are included within the itinerary and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travellers that arrive on the same flight. Complimentary port transfers are included when cruise travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed.

  • Luxor: Visit a family home and witness the making authentic Egyptian sun bread.
  • Don your finest traditional Nile Valley galabeya for a night of dancing and games on the river. Enjoy a relaxed Egyptian dinner and take the opportunity to unwind and spend an informal evening with your Travel Concierge and cruise companions.
  • Feast on a delicious evening meal in the elegant settings of your onboard restaurant as you continue to cruise along the Nile. Enjoy a lively Egyptian belly dancing display by traditional local dancers while you dine.
  • Aswan: Enjoy afternoon tea on the shaded terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel as you gaze over the waters of the Nile River. Soak up the afternoon as Winston Churchill, Princess Diana, and Agatha Christie have done before you.

  • Our customised luxury coaches are sanitised before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customised luxury coaches.
  • Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travelling Concierge's and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
  • We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

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 Luxury Gold. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Luxury Gold. 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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