Alexandria & Ancient Egypt with Cruise
Take a 13 day tour of incredible Egypt, from Mediterranean Alexandria and the Commonwealth War Graves of El Alamein, to the legendary Pyramids of Giza, the sunny southern city of Aswan and Luxor's tomb strewn Valley of Kings. Cruising the Nile, exploring ancient wonders and more.
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
Tuesday. Welcome to Egypt and the start of your holiday. Arrive Cairo Airport and included transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day offers free time for you relax and maybe have a dip in the swimming pool.
Day 2 Exploring Alexandria
Day 2 Exploring Alexandria
Bright and early this morning we drive to the port side city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean Coast. Arriving at the windswept city known for its broad beaches and seafront corniche dotted with sun loungers, amusements and cafes we embark on a guided tour of the Roman catacombs. Heading underground we view the largest known Roman burial site in Egypt, complete with burial chambers, labyrinth alleyways and entertaining rooms for families coming to visit the dead.
From the catacombs we visit Pompey's Pillar, a modest 25m tower, which is all that remains of an ancient column, from the ruined Temple of Serapis. Our next stop is the impressive Library of Alexandria, where free time will be offered for photos of the exterior (and if we are fortunate and it is open to the public during our stop here, those who are interested can go inside). Lastly today, we take a leisurely stroll along the corniche to the Citadel of Quaitbey. We explore this attractive fortress, which was built on the site of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which was destroyed by a powerful earthquake 1323AD.
After hotel check in and time to freshen up we'll head out for a drive along the corniche followed by dinner (included).
Day 3 El Alamein
Day 3 El Alamein
Today we visit the Commonwealth War Graves of El Alamein. It is here where two extended battles were fought during World War II. The first began on the 1st July 1942 and lasted for 27 days, it ended as a stalemate. After 3 months of holding back the enemy, the Allies launched a second attack which lasted for 13 days. This saw the Allied forces (including British, Australian and New Zealand soldiers) push back the Axis powers for ultimate defeat in Tunisia. Some 13,000 Allied soldiers were killed and 70,000 were wounded in the battle.
Later, we tour the compact El Alamein military museum that acts as a memorial for the battle and houses lots of original war vehicles, weapons, uniforms and records. Displays in the museum detail the complete history of World War II in North Africa from all sides and stands on the site where the actual battle took place. This afternoon we return to Cairo.
Day 4 Cairo Free Day
Day 4 Cairo Free Day
Enjoy a free day in Cairo before the rest of your Egyptian adventure. Relax by the hotel pool or join our optional Backstreets of Cairo tour, which departs the hotel at 10am and takes you off the beaten track in Egypt's bustling capital, visiting Downtown Cairo, the exquisite mosques and monuments of El Moez Street in Islamic Cairo, Garbage City and the incredible Cave Church of St. Simon.
Day 5 Pyramids of Giza & Saqqara
Day 5 Pyramids of Giza & Saqqara
Visit the famous pyramids and iconic Sphinx at Giza Plateau today. Sole survivors from the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders of the World, the pyramids are the planet’s oldest tourist attraction! Gaze in awe at Cheops (Khufu) - the largest of the three great pyramids. Constructed from over 2.5 million limestone blocks it is thought to have taken more than 20 years to construct. Continuing to Saqqara, we can explore the myriad tombs and temples at this site and see Zhoser’s step pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh’s chief architect in 2700 BC! A visit to a government supervised Papyrus Museum will also be made at some point during today.
Day 6 The Egyptian Museum
Day 6 The Egyptian Museum
Cairo - Aswan. On today’s excursion we visit the Grand Egyptian Museum. This newly opened site is just 2km from the pyramids and is home to a vast collection of artefacts from across ancient Egypt’s diverse history. Many of the exhibits have never been on public display before and many more have been recalled to the museum from across Egypt and the rest of the world. There is a full exhibition dedicated to the treasures of Tutankhamun and the museum makes use of modern technology including virtual reality.
After our guided tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum we head over to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to visit the fascinating Royal Mummies' Hall, where the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens are on display. 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 7 Aswan & the Philae Temple
Day 7 Aswan & the 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. Then a brief stop will be made at a perfume oil emporium before 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 8 Nile Cruising & optional Abu Simbel
Day 8 Nile Cruising & optional Abu Simbel
Aswan - Nile Cruising. 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 9 Nile Cruising
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.
Day 10 Luxor
Day 10 Luxor
This morning we disembark and check into our 5 star Luxor hotel. The day is free to enjoy the hotel facilities, relax and explore. Tonight, we have the opportunity to visit Luxor Temple with dinner afterwards. Built by Amenophis III, Luxor Temple looks stunning at night when it's illuminated by hundreds of lights (book and pay locally).
Day 11 Valley of the Kings
Day 11 Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Cairo. Today we will tour the West Bank of the Nile. An early start allows us to avoid some of the fierce midday heat as we venture to the tomb strewn Valley of the Kings. Highlights of the visit include the Colossi of Memnon, a massive pair of statues that stand silent against a historic backdrop, the Valleys of the Kings with its beautifully decorated tombs, constructed to once house the regal sarcophagi enclosed mummies of the mighty pharaohs awaiting passage into the after-life and the awesome colonnaded Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
This afternoon after lunch and time to relax we visit the colossal Temple of Karnak, with its stone-columned Hypostle Hall. Tonight, we return by overnight train to Cairo.
Day 12 Free time in Cairo
Day 12 Free time in Cairo
We arrive back in Cairo where today is free for you to relax or explore Egypt’s capital at leisure. You can opt to visit Khan el Khalili bazaar, the ideal place for some last minute souvenir shopping.
Day 13 Cairo
Day 13 Cairo
Sunday. Hotel check out and included onward departure transfer to 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.
Ideally located in the heart of downtown Cairo, the Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir is right by the lively Tahrir Square. Guestrooms offer peace and quiet away from the high-energy of the city, with contemporary decor and sound-proofed windows overlooking views of Cairo. The wellness facilities are state-of-the-art, including a fitness centre, outdoor pool and sauna and massage rooms. Be sure to take advantage of the poolside bar and delicious hotel restaurant, or enjoy the option of 24-hour in-room dining.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Tour Reviews
Overall, Egypt was a wonderful country to visit. Everyone we spoke to (that wasn't out to get money from us) was very friendly, helpful, and pleasant. The sites were magnificent! Now to the not so good part... Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about Egypt, but he needs to have a better attitude and customer service. His interactions with other members of our group were extremely aggressive and abrasive, which felt very awkward and embarrassing. There were times when I felt I was being swindled out of more money than originally expected. For example, our tour guide offered a camel riding at Giza excursion for a specific price, but when we arrived to the location the next day, he asked for more money than mentioned the night before. Further, for several lunches, the tour guide told us the price per person and he would pool our money for the restaurant. While I can see how this would help expedite the payment process, our drinks were not included - so we had to individually pay for those anyway. Pooling our money to speed up the bill process was moot. We never saw a menu and didn't know how much the food cost, which leads to doubt and uncertainty about whether we're paying a fair price for our meals or if the guide is pocketing any extra. Moreover, when we went to the tour-sponsored papyrus store, I asked the tour guide if we were allowed to haggle. He said there is no haggling allowed, as the prices are set by the government. I ended up paying a very high price, trusting my tour guide, only to later find out through Google reviews of the store that haggling was a MUST and expected by the store. While the tour guide told us he doesn't accept a commission from the store, as he supposedly asks them to pass it on to the customer as a discount, I'm fairly certain a commission was still earned from the high price I paid. It is a shame when you can't trust the only connection you have to the locals. On another note, many tour members were frustrated that the tour guide would wait until we arrived at the site to start giving history lessons, in the 45 degree Celsius heat. These history lessons would be better delivered on the air conditioned bus/van enroute to the site than at the site itself. If something must be said at the site, keep it very specific and brief. Many people wanted to spend their time admiring the site and exploring, rather than spending a majority of their time listening to the tour guide's history lesson in the heat. My family tried our best to enjoy our time in Egypt, even though we were very disappointed with the tour guide. All of our drivers were excellent. The ship staff on M/S Mariam for the Nile cruise were top notch.
Extras and add-ons
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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