King Ramses with Cruise
Explore the ancient Pyramids of Giza, cruise the River Nile and discover the wonders of Aswan and Luxor before spending a few days by the beautiful Red Sea in Hurghada. This is Egypt at its best in 13 wonderful days.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Cairo
Day 1 Cairo
Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival in Cairo you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or those arriving early can opt to join our optional Backstreets of Cairo tour which departs the hotel at 10am.
his evening a Welcome Meeting will be held at 7pm. For those who wish to extend their stay, we also offer a pre or post tour Alexandria Day Trip.
Day 2 Pyramids of Giza
Day 2 Pyramids of Giza
Bright and early this morning set off on a guided tour to see iconic Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx. Sole survivors from the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders of the World, the pyramids are the planet’s oldest tourist attraction! Known as Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus, the pyramids were already more than 2,000 years old. Next we explore the sand-strewn tombs and temples of the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, home to the Zhoser’s step pyramid. A visit to a government supervised Papyrus Museum will also be made at some point during today.
Day 3 The Grand Egyptian Museum
Day 3 The Grand Egyptian Museum
Cairo - Aswan. We take a guided tour of the vast new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza this morning. In this incredible 490,000 sq.m complex we'll discover a mind-boggling array of relics and antiquities from almost every period of ancient Egyptian history. Arguably the most famous exhibit is the spectacular funerary mask of King Tutankhamun. Made of solid gold and weighing 11kg, the mask was found covering the head of mummy, where it lay inside a series of 3 sarcophagi.
Continuing our tour, we travel on to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization where the mummies of ancient Egyptian pharaohs are now on display in the Royal Mummies' Hall. Some of the mummies you will see are so well preserved, they still have thick locks of hair, visible finger nails! Then there's time to relax back at the hotel before we board the night train to Aswan this evening.
Please Note: the Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in late 2024, though an official opening date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.
Day 4 Aswan & Philae Temple
Day 4 Aswan & Philae Temple
This morning we arrive into Aswan and enjoy a short boat trip to Agilika Island for Philae Temple - dedicated to the goddess Isis. Back in Aswan we visit a perfume oil emporium. Then check-in on board your Nile Cruiser which will be home for the next three nights. Later, there is free time to perhaps enjoy some shopping in the colourful souks and markets or simply relax in this attractive town which straddles the River Nile.
Day 5 Nile Cruise & optional excursion to Abu Simbel
Day 5 Nile Cruise & optional excursion to Abu Simbel
Aswan – Nile cruise - Kom Ombo. Today there is an optional early morning excursion by road to Abu Simbel, the famous the rock-cut temple of King Ramses II. Our Nile cruiser departs Aswan this afternoon and we cruise the River Nile to Kom Ombo where we disembark to visit the temple which is dedicated to the crocodile headed god - Sobek before returning to the cruiser.
Day 6 Nile Cruise to Luxor
Day 6 Nile Cruise to Luxor
Nile Cruise - Luxor. Relax, enjoy a swim in the pool and chill out in the sun on deck this morning. Let your troubles melt away as we cruise the River Nile to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its best. Arriving into Luxor this afternoon the rest of the day is free to explore the city before we spend our final night aboard the cruiser.
Day 7 Luxor
Day 7 Luxor
This morning we disembark and check into our 5 star Luxor hotel. The day is free to relax and explore. Tonight, an optional visit is available to the Temple of Luxor.
Day 8 Valley of the Kings
Day 8 Valley of the Kings
This morning we explore the West Bank of the Nile and the legendary Valley of the Kings. Marvel at Colossi of Memnon, the massive stone remains of the temple of Amenophis III, and explore the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and surrounding tombs.
After lunch we visit the Temple of Karnak, a spectacular religious complex built on a gigantic scale, where you get lost wandering around the stone papyrus columns. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Day 9 Red Sea Riviera
Day 9 Red Sea Riviera
Luxor - Hurghada. Departing Luxor we drive east to Hurghada part of the beautiful Red Sea Riviera for 3 days on the beach!
Days 10-11 Sun, Sea & Sand
Days 10-11 Sun, Sea & Sand
The next 2 days are free to explore Hurghada or simply relax. Today there's an optional day trip to Giftun Island for swimming and snorkelling, which can be booked locally.
Hurghada is one of the Red Sea's most popular resorts and it is easy to see why. Hotels and expanded infrastructure provide holidaymakers with excellent aquatic facilities for sail boarding, yachting, deep-sea fishing, SCUBA diving and snorkeling. Hurghada’s central location provides a gateway to prime offshore reefs, which are some of the finest in the world. Hurghada also has plenty of restaurants and late night bars for evening entertainment. Just outside Hurghada is an ancient Roman quarry called Mons Porphyritis and Port Safarga – a famously windy place which is ideal for windsurfing.
Day 12 Cairo - your way
Day 12 Cairo - your way
Hurghada - Cairo. This morning we drive to Cairo. The remainder of today is free for you to relax or explore Egypt’s capital at leisure. You can opt to join us on a visit to Khan el Khalili bazaar, the ideal place for some last minute souvenir shopping.
Day 13 Cairo
Day 13 Cairo
Cairo. After breakfast, hotel check-out and onward transfer to the airport.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
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.
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.
Radisson Blu is in the Heliopolis area of Cairo, just 3 kms from Cairo International Airport. Providing spacious, well appointed guest rooms with amenities such as a daily newspaper and turndown service, the hotel is the perfect oasis for guests visiting the city. Its two restaurants, lobby lounge, and gourmet bakery offer a range of culinary choices. To top it all off, the hotel boasts a rooftop spa and pool with panoramic Cairo views.
The Holiday Inn Cairo City Stars Hotel is an ideal base for exploring the modern and historic attractions of Egypt's capital. Rooms are spacious, offering a flatscreen TV and private bathroom. There are restaurants on site, including the rooftop garden that offers panoramic views of the city.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Set in tropical gardens, the Swiss Inn Resort makes for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The property is equipped with large swimming pools and a private beach. All rooms have a balcony or terrace with views of the garden, pools or sea. Guests can work out in the onsite fitness centre, get active at the watersports centre, enjoy a game of tennis or simply relax with a drink in one of the many bars or lounges.
Tucked into Hurghada Bay, right on its scenic promenade, the Continental is a delightful beachfront resort boasting fantastic terraced rooms (many with seaviews) and excellent facilities. Watersports are in abundance here with swimming pools, scuba diving and snorkelling all readily available. A leisure club offers a sauna and spa treatments to relax after the day's activities. You can also wine and dine at one of the many great restaurants and bars.
Tour Reviews
Alam was amazing and very knowledgeable
Fantastic tour from start to finish! If you start with our tour guide, Medo, you couldn't ask for a better guide - he is full of knowledge, a great sense of humour, full of whit, caring, kind and helped us when we needed a translator, what more could you ask for.
I found Medo to be very accommodating, knowledgeable and kind with a bubbly personality and very non judgmental to any ignorance we may have had towards the Egyptian culture at times educating us with sincerity. I found some of the extra lunches to not be value for money to my needs and palate. I do wish it was explained in broader detail the extra lunch costs prior as I myself would have greatly preferred to select my own meal of the menu instead of a set lunch. The fragrance experience felt extremely transactional and did come across a tad scamish even though I desired pre tour to purchase fragrance it still had a tad bit of an uncomfortable feel. Upon reflection the sleeper train experience was positively the worst I don’t mean any offence but some one was smoking in our cabin and despite another tour member cautioning the man he persisted which resulted in sinus issue for a couple of the tour group. Our hotel in Cairo the holiday in was mostly pleasant despite the constant forced efforts of some hotel staff to tip even when we did not need assistance and try to refused assistance. The hotel was mostly clean apart from the showers it actually looked like some one had defecated on the blind inside the shower. There were some inconsistencies in our day to day restock of amenity supplies. The Iberotel cruise was very pleasant staff were kind and non pushy which was of great comfort however the ship is in dire need of a revamp and one of our members sprained her ankle due to the un levelled flooring. Food was good and up to expectations. Our accomodation in Luxor was nice and comforting we opted for own own lunches which was very satisfying. Our transport was comfortable and felt safe. Hurghada was a very pleasant experience I would however point out the snorkelling experience was a little below my expectations as the boat was a little in disrepair and the snorkelling time was a little less than expected but I still had a nice time experiencing the Red Sea. And lastly our hotel on our last night in Cairo was lovely and very close to the airport which was of great comfort. Overall I was satisfied with our tour guide and mostly our tour as a whole.
iNCREDIBLE TRIP, Highly recommend. So well organised. The order of the trip was great. You were wowed at the first things you see, but it just gets better and better as you go. Medo was amazing, he made the trip. What an asset to OTG. Being an Eqyptologist was so valuable, we weren't just given the information about what we were seeing, he was so passionate about his Country and he asked us questions and made us really think about what we were seeing. It helped understand the deep history in Egypt and it kept you thinking. Medo also shared with us his love of Egypt and I felt like we got taken to special personal places for lunch and meals which were experiences in themselves. Medo was very very helpful around the many skelpers or men wanting money for pictures,goods etc. We are from New Zealand and this behaviour was way out of our comfort zone. He always made sure we were never ripped off. We really, really appreciated his advice. Medo always kept us safe. We arrived a day early and did the Back streets of Cairo tour. Wow what a great wee tour that is. And stayed on an extra day at the end and did the Alexandria day trip. Again just superb. Medo was great on both of these trips too, so informative and we had alot of fun. Overall Medo made us all feel like part of a close family and he treated us like best friends. His humour, respect, knowledge, guidance and expertise gave us a trip of a life time that we will never forget. Thank you OTG we would never have done or seen as much as we did without the OTG package holiday. And a very special thank you to Medo, you made it the Best Ever!!!
From the moment we were greeted in the airport, our King Rameses tour of the ancient treasures of Egypt was a unforgettable experience. We had two weeks truly 'on-the-go' made special with the support, courtesy and enthusiasm of our tour leader Ahmed (Medo). With his wide experience and knowledge (not to mention contacts), he helped and guided us through the many wonders of Egypt which for me, was a childhood ambition fulfilled. We were his 'Habibi's' - beloved! Guide Aamer Ibrahim deserves a mention as well; his deep knowledge and love of Egypt shone through as well plus a quiet sense of humour. He considerably added to our experience on the Nile Cruise while Medo helped those on the Felucca. We enjoyed the company of all our fellow travellers and this fellowship added significantly to our enjoyment of our adventure. Would I recommend OnTheGoTours and this one in particular? Yes.
Extras and add-ons
Alexandria Day Trip
Carry on your Egyptian affair before or after your tour, with a day trip (including lunch) to amazing Alexandria on the Mediterranean Coast. Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria boasts wonderful beaches and an impressive seafront corniche, along which are dotted cafes and restaurants, as well as catacombs, a fortress, souks and relics from a bygone age.
Abu Simbel by Road
Possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gargantuan rock-cut facade is the magnificent Abu Simbel. Guarding the entrance to the temple are 4 colossal seated statues of the pharaoh himself, staring out across Lake Nasser.
Backstreets of Cairo
Discover some of Cairo’s most fascinating neighbourhoods and get off the beaten track on this Backstreets of Cairo tour. Stroll through the bustling Downtown and explore the beautiful mosques and monuments of Islamic Cairo’s spectacular El Moez Street, before bartering for goods at Khan el Khalili Bazaar. Then learn about the life of the Zabbaleen waste pickers before visiting the famous Cave Church of St Simon.
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