Classic Egypt

Trip Type: Explorer
Egypt | 8 Days | 1 - 12 People
Starts From:

NZD 3,307.00 /Person

* Sale Price Available

Capture the very best of Egypt on this eight-day adventure through the fascinating cities of Cairo, Aswan and Luxor. Get up close to the mighty pyr...

Classic Egypt

Capture the very best of Egypt on this eight-day adventure through the fascinating cities of Cairo, Aswan and Luxor. Get up close to the mighty pyramids of Giza, share a homecooked meal in Cairo, discover the fascinating tombs of ancient pharaohs and watch daily life flow by as you cruise in style along the River Nile. Let an experienced guide bring the captivating stories of this time gone by to life, as you immerse yourself in the history, grandeur and culture of ancient Egypt, without forgoing modern comforts. 

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. You'll be met on arrival at Cairo International Airport and transferred to your hotel, before your Egyptian adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6pm this evening. Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can be symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. If you have some time spare, perhaps get out and explore the busy city streets or visit the Cairo Citadel which dates back to 1176 and is home to multiple museums and mosques.

This morning after breakfast you’ll see two of the world’s most iconic sights – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Explore structures that have stood for over 4500 years and learn the history from a true local. For an additional charge, you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (although occasionally it’s closed to visitors). The Pyramids complex can be very hot in the summer months and has little shade to protect you from the sun so prepare accordingly. Your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's greatest collections of ancient artefacts. Recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun, the gleaming jewellery, golden death mask and gilded sarcophagi are an impressive site to say the least. It’s clear this pharaoh was prepared for a lavish afterlife! Take some time to freshen up back at the hotel before you board an overnight sleeper train to Luxor.

It's an early start this morning as you'll pull into Luxor around 6am. Take advantage of the early morning peace by visiting Karnak Temple – a spectacular collection of temples, chapels and pylons that are perhaps the most impressive of all the Pharaoh’s monumental works. Learn the secrets of an ancient Egyptian sanctuary, which developed over 1000 years and was, at its peak, the most important religious complex in Egypt. Your leader will take you through some of the most incredible highlights, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun. After exploring Karnak, board your Nile Felucca and settle into your cabin. This afternoon you'll have the option of heading off on a walking tour of Luxor and its bazaar with your leader. 

Today you’ll hop in a private minivan and discover ancient Thebes. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon – two 17-metre-high statues on Luxor's west bank. Continue on to the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills are over 60 pharaoh tombs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. With your leader, explore the place where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where discoveries are still being made. Your group leader will explain the history and legends of these remarkable people, and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics, still well preserved in the deepest tombs. Visit three of the royal tombs, including Tutankhamun’s tomb where he is buried, then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – a columned building set against high cliffs that create a spectacular natural amphitheatre. The afternoon is yours to explore. Maybe you'd like to shop in the market or visit the world's first Mummification Museum, where you can discover the secrets of pharaonic preservation. This evening, set sail to Edfu.  

This morning, enjoy breakfast before setting off towards Kom Ombo. The temple of Kom Ombo, in the town of the same name, is an unusual double temple right on the bank of the Nile. This second century BC complex is unique because it has a mirror-image design, with either side dedicated to a different set of gods. One half is known as the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed god of fertility), and the other half is dedicated to Haroeris (also known as Horus the falcon god). The whole temple is full of fascinating reliefs. You’ll explore Kom Ombo with your leader and absorb the history of the place, before having lunch aboard the ship. Sail onwards to Aswan, the home of beautiful Nile Valley scenery and significant archaeological sites.  

You have time this morning to explore or relax as you choose. Your leader can recommend one of the many optional activities that are available to you in this incredible location. Explore the picturesque city centre and its bazaar, opt to visit the High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk or feed your history needs with the Nubian Museum. Maybe you’d like to visit the breathtaking Abu Simbel – built by Ramses II, it was the gateway to Egypt for Southern Africans and its imposing facade clearly delineated the line between what was the Pharaoh's land and what was not. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. Late in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely sailing trip on a traditional felucca before dinner on the ship.

After breakfast today, say goodbye to your nights spent on the Nile. Visit Philae Temple this morning, an island-based temple complex built during the reign of Ptolemy II (around 280 BC). These picturesque walls show hieroglyphic scenes from Egyptian mythology – when Isis brought Osiris back to life, gave birth to Horus and was mummified after death. Catch a short flight back to Cairo. On your return to the capital, visit the Islamic parts of the city and the frenetic backstreets of the bazaar with your leader. A labyrinth of narrow streets and passageways, Khan is one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world. The 'Khan', sprawling around an old area known as Al-Azhar, is a quintessentially Cairo experience – a warren of alleys with stalls serving up a succession of intoxicating scenes. To celebrate your time in Egypt, join a local Cairo family for a delicious home-cooked dinner. The food and conversation will surely make for an evening to remember!

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are free to depart at any time. If you would like to extend your stay in Cairo, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Meals
7 Breakfast(s), 4 Lunch(s), 6 Dinner(s)

Transport
Private vehicle , Plane , Felucca , Overnight sleeper train

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Felucca (4 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Included Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
  • Cairo - Egyptian Museum
  • Luxor - Karnak Temple
  • Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
  • Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
  • Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
  • Aswan - Felucca Sail
  • Aswan - Philae Temple
  • Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit
  • Cairo - Home-Cooked Dinner
  • Explore an ancient wonder of the world – the Pyramids of Giza, along with the famed Sphinx,  Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings, as you learn mythological history from an expert guide. 
  • Brush shoulders with the locals and shop owners as you stroll through the colourful bazaars of Aswan, Luxor and Khan al ’Khalili in capital city Cairo.
  • Set sail down the Nile on a four-night river boat cruise and watch day turn to dusk from the sundeck. Then, experience the world’s most iconic river from a traditional felucca boat. 
  • Be welcomed into the home of a family in Cairo for a delicious array of traditional dishes, accompanied by lively conversation about modern Egyptian life.
  • If you choose, opt to explore the magnificent temples at Abu Simbel and see the four gargantuan statues of Ramses, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile. 
  • Temperatures can vary across this region and throughout the year. From April to October, to avoid the midday heat, we start some days very early e.g. 6am. Be sure to review the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information and consider the weather at the time of year you wish to travel. The walkways around ruins can be uneven, dusty and rocky, so be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. At major sites such as the Pyramids, you can expect to be exposed to the elements at length, so be prepared with a hat, sunscreen and plenty of fluids. Cairo is notorious for road congestion and air pollution. Be prepared for one of the busiest cities in North Africa. Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins, which are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided, and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. General train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included dinner and breakfast are served on board. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you have any dietary requirements. The Nile Cruise includes four nights’ accommodation and full board (drinks are not included). Your ship will be docked each night in Aswan, Edfu or Luxor – please see the Itinerary for more details. When docked, Nile cruise ships are moored lengthways alongside each other, and your ship will most likely have a ship on either side. You walk through the other ships to reach the port. Ramadan is an annual month-long festival, during which travel can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the day, such as restaurants or cafes, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider this when selecting your travel dates. You’ll find dates and further information in the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information.

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Provided by
Intrepid Travel
Reference Code:
XEKE
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Cairo, Egypt
Trip Finishes:
Cairo, Egypt
Countries Visited:
Egypt
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Destination Details
Egypt | 8 Days | 1 - 12 People

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