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Alexandria, Ancient Egypt & Red Sea with Cruise

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16 days

Discover the best of Egypt on this awe-inspiring 16-day guided tour, taking in the highlights of Alexandria, the legendary Pyramids of Giza, Aswan, Luxor and the Commonwealth War Graves of El Alamein. Relax onboard a 5-star Nile Cruiser, uncover the ancient wonders of Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple and Philae Temple. Bask in the sun for few days by the stunning Red Sea in Hurghada.

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

16 days

Starts

Cairo

Ends

Cairo

Range

Signature

Tour Guide

Yes, escorted by a tour guide

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 24

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Tuesdays

Hotel Rating

4 - 5 star

Countries

Egypt

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 14, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 4
Per person from
NZD$4,477.50
Save 10% today
Total From
$9,950.00
NZD$8,955.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$8,455.00

Tour Highlights

Alexandria - Take in the highlights of this beautiful Mediterranean port city, including the Roman Catacombs, Pompey's Pillar, the Library of Alexandria and Quaitbay Fort, the site of the great Lighthouse of Alexandria
Cairo - Marvel at the legendary Pyramids of Giza, explore the Necropolis of Saqqara and see King Tut's treasures at the Grand Egyptian Museum
El Alamein - Tour the WWII battlefields, pay your respects at the Commonwealth War Graves and visit the El Alamein Military 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
Aswan - Take a leisurely boat trip to Agilika Island to explore romantic Philae Temple and wander around the colourful souqs
Nile cruising - Cruise from Aswan to Luxor, spending 3 nights on board a 5 star Nile cruiser
Kom Ombo - Visit the Nile side Temple of Kom Ombo
Hurghada by the Red Sea stay - Swim, snorkel and relax

Included

Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
11 nights 4-5 star hotels and 3 nights Nile Cruiser (en suite cabin)
Escorted by an Egyptian tour guide degree qualified in Egyptology
Touring - Alexandria , the El Alamein Battlefields, Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan, Luxor, and Hurghada
Touring - Alexandria and the El Alamein Battlefields and museum
Hurghada by the Red Sea stay - Swim, snorkel and relax
Overnight trains from Cairo to Aswan
Airport arrival and departure transfer on day 1 and day 16
All relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$8 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Entrance Fees: USD$110-130pp, paid in local currency
Tipping Kitty: USD$70-90pp, paid in local currency
Tipping is not a natural part of many Western cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much, to tip. However, in the places you will visit, tipping makes up a significant part of many people's wages so it's important that we get it right. For this reason we've developed a very simple system to take all the hassle out of tipping. With our 'tipping made easy' policy, a nominal pre-determined amount is collected from all group tour participants to cover tips en route. This then saves you the hassle of when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support staff through the tour. Our 'tipping made easy' doesn't include a tip to your group tour leader. Naturally, though, the amount is up to you as tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Cairo

Tuesday. Welcome to Egypt! On arrival at the airport you’ll be transferred to our hotel to spend the rest of today exploring Cairo at leisure.

Overnight: Cairo

Day 2 - Alexandria sightseeing

Cairo – Alexandria. Today we drive to the Mediterranean coast and discover the beautiful port city of Alexandria. We explore the ancient Roman Catacombs, rediscovered in 1900, they're the largest of catacombs in Egypt. As we make our way to Citadel of Qaitbay, we visit Pompey’s Pillar and see the incredible Library of Alexandria (exterior). The Qaitbay fortress was built on the site of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the seven Wonder of the Ancient World. A powerful earthquake struck the lighthouse in 1323AD, and the stones recovered from the ruin were used to build this famous citadel. After our sightseeing there's time to freshen up at the hotel before we head out for dinner this evening.

Overnight: Alexandria
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - El Alamein

Alexandria – Cairo. Our morning starts with a visit the El Alamein. Known for its sobering Commonwealth War Graves, El Alamein witnessed two bloody battles during the Second World War. Approximately 13,000 allied soldiers were killed and 70,000 were wounded as they defeated the Axis powers. The victory ensured the threats to Egypt and the strategically important Suez Canal was eliminated. As we continue with our tour, we will stop to pay our respect to the fallen soldiers and learn more about the battles once fought on this ground. After our visit to the El Alamein Military museum, we return to Cairo.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 - Free Time in Cairo

Today is spent at leisure, you can explore Egypt’s capital as you please. Perhaps explore the lesser-known sights of the city by taking our optional Backstreet of Cairo tour. On this tour wander down El Moez street in Islamic Cairo, visit Garbage City and the famous cave church of St Simon.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Pyramids of Giza & Saqqara

We start our day with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, Egypt’s most famous attraction. The Pyramids of Giza are the only surviving Ancient Wonder of the World. Marvel at the colossal structure of Cheops, the largest of the pyramids, which was the tallest man-made building on Earth for 3,800 years. We continue to the necropolis of Saqqara to set our sights on the famous stepped Pyramid of Zhoser, the world's earliest stone monument, which dates back to 2700BC.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Grand Egyptian Museum

Cairo – Aswan. On today’s excursion, we visit the Grand Egyptian Museum. This extraordinary 490,000 sq.m complex is just 2km from the pyramids and houses over 100,000 artefacts from ancient Egypt’s diverse history. Many of the exhibits have never been on public display before, and artefacts have been brought together from across Egypt and the rest of the world. The museum will eventually showcase a giant exhibition dedicated to the treasures of King Tutankhamun.

After our guided tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum, we head over to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which continues to house a vast collection of statues, jewellery, and sarcophagi. Among its treasures are several remarkably well-preserved mummies, including those of Yuya and Thuyu, high-ranking nobles and the great-grandparents of King Tutankhamun. These mummies are so well-preserved that they still have thick locks of hair, visible fingernails, and smooth, blackened skin. Then there's time to relax back at the hotel before we board the night train to Aswan this evening.

Overnight: Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Aswan & Philae Temple

We arrive into Aswan this morning and our sightseeing begins with a visit to the breath-takingly beautiful Philae Temple. A boat will transfer us to Agilika Island to explore the site. In 1960 UNESCO started a project to preserve the temple from the ever-increasing waters of the Nile, the intact ancient building was carefully relocated from its original location to Agilika. Our final stop today is a fragrant one, as we stop at a perfume oil emporium. Check in onboard a Nile Cruiser which will be your home for the next three nights. This evening is free to spend exploring Aswan – why not head over to experience the hustle and bustle of the vibrant market.

Overnight: Nile Cruising
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Nile Cruising & optional Abu Simbel

Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. This morning there's an optional excursion to the spectacular temple of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II and famously guarded by 4 colossal statues of the pharaoh himself. Setting sail we cruise to Kom Ombo to visit the temple which is dedicated to the crocodile headed god - Sobek before returning to the cruiser.

Overnight: Nile Cruising
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Nile Cruising

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.

Overnight: Nile Cruising
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - Luxor

Kom Ombo – Luxor. This morning we disembark our Nile Cruiser and make our way to Luxor, home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak. The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure, relaxing by the hotel pool. This evening there's an optional excursion to Luxor Temple, where hundreds of lights bring this spectacular temple to life.

Overnight: Luxor
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Valley of the Kings

This morning our journey takes us to the West Bank and the incredible Valley of the Kings, where we visit the tombs of famous pharaohs and take in the beauty of the well-preserved vibrant colours. The best known tombs are those of Ramses II, Seti I, Amenhotep II and of course, the tomb of King Tutankhamun. If open, an additional entrance fee applies to visit King Tuts' tomb. We also set our sights on the Colossi of Memnon and explore the beautiful temple of Egypt’s second female pharaoh, Queen Hatshepsut before returning to our hotel at midday.

Later this afternoon we discover the majestic Karnak Temple, dominated by the great Temple of Amun-ra, one of the largest religious buildings in the world. The construction of this temple took over 1,500 years and showcases contributions from around 30 different pharaohs. All dedicated to the Theban gods and to the greater glory of Egypt’s Middle and New Kingdom rulers. The evening is free to spent at leisure.

Overnight: Luxor
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Luxor - Hurghada

Luxor - Hurghada. Today we depart Luxor and drive east to Hurghada, part of the beautiful Red Sea Riviera, for 3 days by the beach!

Overnight: Hurghada
Meals: Breakfast

Days 13-14 - Hurghada

We are in Hurghada for the next two days, simply relax and take in the beautiful scenery. There will also be the opportunity to join an optional excursion to Giftun Island for swimming and snorkelling.

Hurghada is one of the most popular Red Sea resorts, extending across 36kms with beautiful beaches and azure water, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing stay There's excellent aquatic facilities for sail boarding, yachting, deep-sea fishing, SCUBA diving and snorkelling, with some of the world's finest offshore reefs. 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.

Overnight: Hurghada
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 - Hurghada - Cairo

Hurghada – Cairo. This morning we make our way back to Cairo. The rest of today is free to relax and explore Cairo at leisure, or there's an optional visit to Khan El Khalili bazaar, where you can shop for any last-minute souvenirs.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 16 - Cairo

Our ancient exploration of Egypt tour comes to an end after breakfast and a hotel check-out, you’ll be transferred to Cairo airport.

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.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Post Tour Accommodation - Cairo

Double

$255per passenger

Twin

$255per passenger

Single

$465per passenger

Pre Tour Accommodation - Cairo (from price)

Double

$255per passenger

Twin

$255per passenger

Single

$465per passenger

Additional Excursions

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

Great Temple of Abu Simbel | Egypt
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.

$315

per passenger
Khan el-Khalili Market Cairo
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.

$215

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.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

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
Radisson Blu Hotel
Cairo

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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Holiday Inn City Stars
Cairo

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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
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
Paradise Inn Le Metropole
Alexandria

Le Metropole is one of the oldest in Alexandria and is a superb example of 18th century architecture. The rooms are are cozy and well appointed.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star 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
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
Swiss Inn Resort Hurghada
Hurghada

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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Marriott Beach Resort
Hurghada

The Marriott Beach Resort is a luxurious beachfront hotel, with every room enjoying a view of the Red Sea and Hurghada city centre just a few minutes drive away. There is a choice of 8 restaurants and bars for hungry travellers, and a health club, tennis & squash courts, and fitness centre to stay in shape. During the day, soak in the heated outdoor pool or book a watersport activity. The hotel even has its own private island if you fancy a massage among the palm trees.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Deluxe Hotel
Continental Hotel
Hurghada

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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

The Nile Cruise Upgrade version of this tour includes 3 nights on board a 5 star Nile Cruiser (en suite cabin) in place of the felucca. For full details, please refer to the 'Nile Cruise Upgrade Trip Notes', in the right hand column for details. All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. '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. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
26 Nov - 11 Dec
$5,845
$7,805
3 Dec - 18 Dec
$5,845
$7,805
10 Dec - 25 Dec
$5,845
$7,805
19 Dec - 3 Jan
$6,555
$9,045
26 Dec - 10 Jan
$6,555
$9,045
2025
Twin/Double
Single
7 Jan - 22 Jan
Save 10%
$4,975$4,478
$7,605$6,845
21 Jan - 5 Feb
Save 10%
$4,975$4,478
$7,605$6,845
28 Jan - 12 Feb
Save 10%
$4,975$4,478
$7,605$6,845
4 Feb - 19 Feb
Save 10%
$4,975$4,478
$7,605$6,845
18 Feb - 5 Mar
Save 10%
$4,975$4,478
$7,605$6,845
25 Feb - 12 Mar
Save 10%
$4,975$4,478
$7,605$6,845
4 Mar - 19 Mar
Save 10%
$4,975$4,478
$7,605$6,845
11 Mar - 26 Mar
Save 10%
$4,975$4,478
$7,605$6,845
2026
Twin/Double
Single
6 Jan - 21 Jan
$6,205
$8,275
13 Jan - 28 Jan
$6,205
$8,275
20 Jan - 4 Feb
$6,205
$8,275
3 Feb - 18 Feb
$6,205
$8,275
17 Feb - 4 Mar
$6,205
$8,275
24 Feb - 11 Mar
$6,205
$8,275
3 Mar - 18 Mar
$6,205
$8,275
10 Mar - 25 Mar
$6,205
$8,275

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