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Egypt Highlights & Hidden Gems

11 days

PRIVATE TOUR: Discover the ancient wonders of Egypt and cruise the River Nile in style on this 11 day tour which takes in the highlights of Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza, explore pharaoh's tombs at the Valley of the Kings, the mighty temple of Karnak and more.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Tour Overview

Duration

11 days

Starts

Cairo

Ends

Cairo

Range

Private

Tour Guide

Yes, for all included sightseeing

Group Size

Min 2 / Max Private Tour

Minimum age

10 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Thursday and Sunday

Hotel Rating

4 - 5 star

Countries

Egypt

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 10, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 4
Per person from
USD$2,775.00
Total From
USD$5,550.00
Deposit From
Final payment
USD$1,666.00
$4,717.00

Tour Highlights

Cairo - Gaze in awe at the ancient Pyramids of Giza, explore the Necropolis of Saqqara and see King Tut's treasures at the Grand Egyptian Museum
Luxor West Bank - Discover exquisite tombs at the Valley of the Kings, see the towering Colossi of Memnon and explore the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Luxor - Roam around the colossal Temple of Karnak and take an optional tour of the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple at night
Dendera - Explore the beautifully preserved Temple of Hathor, with its exquisitely decorated ceiling
Nile cruising - Cruise the River Nile from Luxor to Aswan on board a 5 star river cruiser
Aswan - Take a leisurely boat trip to Agilika Island to explore romantic Philae Temple and wander around the colourful souqs
Kom Ombo - Visit the Nile side Temple of Kom Ombo

Included

Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
4 nights 4-5 star hotels, 4 nights aboard a 5 star Nile Cruiser (en suite cabin)
1 overnight train from Cairo to Luxor (private 2 berth sleeper cabin)
An airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer on day 11
Touring - Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Luxor, Dendera and Aswan
Escorted by an Egyptian tour guide degree qualified in Egyptology
All relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles
Economy class flight from Aswan to Cairo

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tipping. We recommend you allow USD$20 per traveller per day of guiding for your guide, and an additional USD$10 per traveller per day for general tipping such as drivers, and bellmen, though ultimately tipping is an entirely personal gesture.
Entrance Fees: USD$110-120pp, paid in local currency

Itinerary

Day 1 - Cairo

Welcome to Egypt. Upon arrival at Cairo Airport you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or if arriving early, you can opt to pre book our optional private Backstreets of Cairo tour, which introduces you to the highlights of Egypt's bustling capital.

Overnight: Cairo

Day 2 - Pyramids of Giza

Today see the incredible pyramids and the iconic Sphinx at The Giza Plateau. Perhaps opt to ride a camel. Later, travel to Saqqara, to explore the myriad of tombs and temples at the site and see Zhoser's step pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh's chief architect in 2700 BC.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Egyptian Museum

Cairo - Luxor. Take a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo this morning, which houses a vast collection of statues, jewellery, and sarcophagi. Among its treasures are several well-preserved mummies, including those of Yuya and Thuyu, high-ranking nobles and the great-grandparents of King Tutankhamun. Remarkably, some mummies are so well-preserved that they still have hair on their heads!

Then there's time to relax back at the hotel before your guide assists you in boarding the overnight sleeper train to Luxor this evening. Your new guide will welcome you on your arrival to Luxor tomorrow morning.

Overnight: Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Luxor & Dendera

You'll arrive nto Luxor this morning, where your new guide will welcome you. From there, drive to Dendera which is one of Egypt's best preserved temple complexes, located 60km north of Luxor. This vast complex covers 40,000 square meters and its temples, chapels and shrines were gradually built over thousands of years. Dendera's crowning glory is the 2000 year old Temple of Hathor with its exquisitely decorated ceiling. After your guided tour of this incredible site, you'll return to Luxor where the afternoon is free to spend at leisure. Take a stroll around town or enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool and soak up the sunshine.

This evening there is an optional visit to view the beautiful Temple of Luxor at night. Book and pay locally.

Overnight: Luxor
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Valley of the Kings & Karnak Temples

4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its very best and this morning you'll visit Luxor’s famous West Bank. The first stop is the famous Valley of the Kings, which is studded with beautifully decorated pharaoh's tombs, some of which you can enter. After exploring this incredible site you will travel on to visit the striking limestone, colonnaded Temple of Hatshepsut, who was one of only three Egyptian ruling queens. On the West Bank you'll also see the imposing 18m-high Colossi of Memnon, which are all that remains of the temple of the hedonistic Amenophis III.

Returning to the East Bank, you will check-in on board a 5 star Nile cruiser which will be your home for the next four nights. Enjoy lunch and some rest and relaxation on board before visiting the colossal Temple of Karnak later this afternoon. More than a temple, Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons, chapels, halls and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods and to the greater glory of Egypt’s Middle and New Kingdom rulers.

Overnight: Nile cruiser
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Nile Cruising

Nile cruising. Today you'll set sail downstream. Relax on deck and go for a swim, soak up the sunshine and enjoy the views as you cruise the River Nile.

Overnight: Nile cruiser
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Kom Ombo Temple

Nile cruising. Enjoy another day relaxing on board the cruiser as you sail the Nile to the Temple of Kom Ombo today, which is dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, and Horus the falcon-headed god. This temple is unusual because everything is architecturally is doubled and perfectly symmetrical along the main axis of the temple including twin halls, courts, colonnades, sanctuaries and entrances. After a guided tour of the temple, continue your journey, arriving into Aswan this evening.

Overnight: Nile cruiser
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Aswan, Abu Simbel & the Philae Temple

Nile Cruising - Abu Simbel (optional) - Aswan. Today there is an optional early morning flight excursion to Abu Simbel offered. Choose to either join a guided journey to Abu Simbel or opt for a self-guided exploration by exploring the temples at your own pace. Abu Simbel is home to the famous the rock-cut temple of King Ramses II. Alternatively, you can spend the morning at leisure.

This afternoon you will take a short motorboat trip to Philae Temple - dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple dates from 4th century BC but the Ptolomies and the Romans up to 3rd century AD built most of the existing structures. In danger of being completely submerged by the rising water of Lake Nasser, in 1972 UNESCO stepped in and an 8-year rescue effort was undertaken to relocate the entire temple 20m higher on nearby Agilika Island.

Overnight: Nile Cruising - Aswan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Aswan at leisure

Aswan. Today offers free time for you to discover Aswan - your way. Consider a visit to the Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie wrote the novel Death on the Nile or opt for a visit to the well-curated Nubian Museum.

Overnight: Aswan
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Cairo - Old City tour or relax

Aswan - Cairo. Today you will be transferred to Aswan Airport, where you catch a fkight onwards to Cairo. Arriving into Cairo, transfer to the hotel and check in. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the hotel facilities or you can join an optional tour visiting Old Cairo, Coptic Cairo and the Citadel of Saladin (book locally).

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Cairo

The tour comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Abu Simbel | Egypt
Abu Simbel by flight (Air only. Private tours)

Embark on a journey to the magnificent Temples of Abu Simbel with our add-on flight package from Aswan.

$345

per passenger
Abu Simbel | Egypt
Abu Simbel by flight (Air, transfers & guiding. Private tours)

Embark on a journey to the magnificent Temples of Abu Simbel with our add-on flight package from Aswan.

$475

per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Holiday Inn Cairo Maadi
Cairo

Overlooking the Nile and offering distant views of the Great Pyramids of Giza, this Holiday Inn provides the perfect location for your stay in Cairo. Each guestroom features a balcony (not Nile View as standard) and is well-equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi. Evenings can be spent enjoying international or Egyptian cuisine and unwinding with a cocktail at one of the hotel’s bars. Thanks to the friendly hotel staff, you’ll soon feel at home. And with panoramic views of the city from the rooftop lounge and pool, there’s no better place to base yourself for exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Sleeper Train
Cairo

When travelling on an overnight train in Egypt, sleeper carriages offer the highest level of comfort. Cabins are equipped with two beds (one above the other), a basin, electric points and air conditioning. Freshly laundered bedding is provided and in the early evening an attendant will come round and make up your bed for you. The carriages have toilets at each end and there is a club car which serves snacks and beverages. In the morning a very basic breakfast is provided.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Train
Sonesta Hotel, Towers & Casino Cairo
Cairo

The Sonesta Hotel & Casino is a sophisticated and luxurious hotel offering spacious, en-suit rooms with opulent furnishings. Enjoy a cocktail at the poolside bar or indulge in a relaxing massage or Turkish steam bath at the full-service spa. With 5 restaurants located within the hotel you'll be spoilt for choice over dining options.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Sonesta St. George Hotel
Luxor

An elegant and luxurious classical hotel, the Sonesta's sophistication will ensure you a comfortable stay. The hotel has a sweeping terrace with fantastic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail and a beautiful health spa. All its rooms offer views of the city or the river, complemented by a wide range of restaurants and cafes. Just minutes away you will find the temples at Luxor and Karnak, home to two of ancient Egypt's most famed sanctuaries.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Deluxe Hotel
Steigenberger Nile Palace
Luxor

The Steigenburger Nile Palace is a grand hotel and stylishly furnished, with many rooms overlooking the Nile River. The hotel has a health club with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and fitness room, and a tennis court on the roof, not to mention a riverside pool. Its four restaurants offer a choice between Nubian, Lebanese, Italian, and Thai cuisine.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Deluxe Hotel
M/S Medea
Nile Cruising

The M/S Medea is elegantly furnished with rich fabrics, wood panelling and classic style furniture, offering a refined setting for your Nile cruise. The restaurant offers 120 covers with a combination of waiter service and buffet meals which allows to sample both Egyptian and international cuisine. The spacious lounge bar is tastefully furnished with Chesterfield sofas and offers panoramic views of the Nile River.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 star cruise boat
M/S La Traviata
Nile Cruising

M/S La Traviata has proved be a long term favourite with many regular Nile cruise guests. The cosy restaurant on the lower deck serves 88 guests and serves both - international and Egyptian cuisine. Lounge bar with dance floor and music system for evening entertainment. The sundeck offers a pool as well as sun loungers and a shaded area. The reception offers full services including an international phone. The gift shop on board has a wide range of gifts and souvenirs from Egypt.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 star cruise boat
M/S Miriam
Nile Cruising

M/S Miriam is a beautiful Nile cruise boat offering 59 spacious cabins. Onboard you'll find a fantastic restaurant serving both international and Egyptian cuisine. As your cruiser makes it's way along the mighty Nile river, take the opportunity to relax on deck and watch the changing scenery or perhaps indulge in a book.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 star cruise boat

Prices & Dates

'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.

Price reductions are available when there are 4 or more persons travelling in your tour party, since fixed costs like transportation and guiding are shared across the group.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
24 Nov - 4 Dec
$2,775
$3,855
28 Nov - 8 Dec
$2,775
$3,855
1 Dec - 11 Dec
$2,775
$3,855
5 Dec - 15 Dec
$2,775
$3,855
8 Dec - 18 Dec
$2,775
$3,855
12 Dec - 22 Dec
$2,775
$3,855
15 Dec - 25 Dec
$2,775
$3,855
19 Dec - 29 Dec
$2,845
$3,985
2025
Twin/Double
Single
2 Jan - 12 Jan
$2,775
$3,855
5 Jan - 15 Jan
$2,775
$3,855
9 Jan - 19 Jan
$2,775
$3,855
12 Jan - 22 Jan
$2,775
$3,855
16 Jan - 26 Jan
$2,775
$3,855
19 Jan - 29 Jan
$2,775
$3,855
23 Jan - 2 Feb
$2,775
$3,855
26 Jan - 5 Feb
$2,775
$3,855

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