Egypt: Boats & Bazaars
8 days, Cairo to Cairo
Itinerary
Day 1Cairo
Arrive at any time.
If this is your first visit to Cairo, we highly recommend that you book an airport transfer through your sales agent.
If you opt to prebook the Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour a night of pre-tour accommodation is required as this tour departs at 10am.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Cairo/Aswān
Enjoy a guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Take an orientation tour through the narrow alleys of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, with free time for shopping or people watching from a shisha café. Overnight sleeper train to Aswan.
For lunch, why not go local with a couple of falafel sandwiches, or take the chance to find out what kushari tastes like?
After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and store our luggage in our vehicle, ready to head to the station to catch tonight's overnight sleeper train later in the evening.
Great Pyramid of Giza and Sphinx Tour
Enjoy a tour of the magnificent great pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, the first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, your CEO has all the facts about these massive structures.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar Orientation Walk
Head to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar in downtown Cairo for an orientation walk with the CEO. Learn the best places to buy various things, and opt to enjoy a hookah and a cup of tea in a cafe. Enjoy free time to stroll and shop the narrow pathways.
Overnight Train (beds)
Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 3Aswān
Free morning to explore Aswan. Opt to wander through the souk at your own pace or visit the famous Philae Temple, it's your choice.
In the afternoon, board a boat and cruise down the Nile. Visit a Nubian village and enjoy a home-cooked dinner with locals.
Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but, trains can often be delayed.
Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but, as ever, we should be prepared for "Egypt time"!
Free Time
Head out and explore this sleepy town.
Your Local Living Moment: Boat ride to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal
Board a local boat, to take a trip along the magnificent Nile, with views of the Aga Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island. Stop on one of the inhabited Nile islands in this area, to tour a local Nubian village. Walk through the village and fields and learn more about the life of the Nubian people before enjoying a delicious traditional dinner at a local home.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Nubian Museum Visit
140EGP per personEnjoy a the modern Nubian Museum to learn more about the culture and customs of Aswan's local people.
Visit the Souk
FreeExplore the Souk at your leisure, soaking in the scent and colour of spices and perfumes, and rummaging through beautiful scarves and baskets.
Tour of Aswan
1300EGP per personEnjoy a guided tour of this wonderful city that was the source of marble for many of ancient Egypt's grand buildings. Close to town, in one of these ancient quarries, lies a gigantic unfinished obelisk cut out of local stone.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 4Aswān
Spend the day exploring Aswan.
Spend another day exploring Aswan. Opt to visit one of the most fascinating sights in the area, the Temple of Abu Simbel. Or continue exploring the city to learn more about Aswan's local people. In the evening choose to book the Philae Temple Sound and Light Show.
If you have purchased the Temple of Abu Simbel Excursion, you will visit the temple today. Leaving Aswan at around 4am, you travel deep into the desert to the site of these enormous temples, on the shores of Lake Nasser. You can spend around 2 hours at the temples and then return to Aswan by about 12pm. The round trip drive is around 5-6 hrs.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Aswan, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like bartering with a merchant at a local souk, riding a camel at the West Bank, or sitting back to enjoy a sound and light Show at the Philae Temple. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Abu Simbel Visit (Flight)
1423-2890EGP per personVisit the fantastic twin temples of Abu Simbel by short flight there and back. Enjoy a guided tour then free time to wander through the different temples to learn more about the construction, history, and relocation of these magnificently preserved structures. The temples, built by Ramses II between 1274-1244BC, would now be under Lake Nasser if not for the wonders of modern engineering.
Temple of Abu Simbel Visit
Part historic monument and part modern marvel, Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s grandest temples. Built during the rule of Ramses the II this structure was almost swallowed by the Nile, but now stands safe and sound thanks to some crafty archaeologists and UNESCO. Travel through Egypt’s rugged landscapes and the towering figures of Ramses himself, Ra-Horakhty, Amun, and Ptah will all be waiting to welcome you.
Nubian Museum Visit
140EGP per personEnjoy a the modern Nubian Museum to learn more about the culture and customs of Aswan's local people.
Visit the Souk
FreeExplore the Souk at your leisure, soaking in the scent and colour of spices and perfumes, and rummaging through beautiful scarves and baskets.
Tour of Aswan
1300EGP per personEnjoy a guided tour of this wonderful city that was the source of marble for many of ancient Egypt's grand buildings. Close to town, in one of these ancient quarries, lies a gigantic unfinished obelisk cut out of local stone.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Aswān/Kom Ombo
Sail the Nile on a felucca with a support boat. Sleep on board under the stars.
Feluccas are very basic traditional Nile sailboats and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river. You sleep on the deck of the boat (mattresses and blankets are provided, but if you prefer something between you and the blankets, you will need a sleep sheet/sleeping bag liner of your own). Please note that the Felucca itself does not have toilets or showers, however we will have access to a private support boat, travelling in close proximity to our Felucca. This support boat is equipped with toilets and a shower (please bring a towel) and an area to eat your meals, leaving you stress free to enjoy this tranquil and traditional experience on the Nile.
Felucca Sailing Excursion
Enjoy a relaxing ride on a felucca (traditional Nile sailboat) and travel down the river, watching the scenery glide by. At night, sleep on the deck under the stars (mattresses and blankets are provided). Enjoy delicious meals on board. The felucca itself does not have toilets or showers, but a private support boat travelling in close proximity has both (please bring a towel).
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 6Kom Ombo/Luxor
Visit Kom Ombo and Edfu on the way to Luxor. Opt to visit Karnak Temple.
Kom Ombo Temple Visit
Enjoy a visit to this temple located in a scenic spot, right on the banks of the Nile. It was dedicated to the crocodile god, and you can still see the remains of an ancient mummified crocodile that was worshipped here thousands of years ago.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Edfu Temple Visit
Enjoy a visit to the Edfu Temple, which is located in the middle of a bustling village. It is the most completely preserved temple in Egypt.
Your G for Good Moment: Planeterra Library and Community Education Centre Visit
Visit the Planeterra Foundation Community Library and youth program in the village of El Tod, just outside of Luxor, Egypt. This project provides early childhood education at a very low cost to locals, as well as adult literacy classes. If you would like to bring a donation, this project accepts books in both English and Arabic to expand their library.
Free Time
Start exploring Luxor.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Horse and Carriage Ride
50-150EGP per personEnjoy a horse and carriage (calèche) ride and get oriented in the city.
Karnak Temple Visit
950EGP per personEnjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Built and extended by successive generations of rulers, admire the amazing architecture, massive columns, and painted hieroglyphs.
Bazaar Visit in Luxor
FreeExplore the bustling local bazaar at your leisure, checking out the sights, sounds and wares for sale. Pick up a few if you like! Please note that this visit is self-guided.
Mummification Museum Visit
100EGP per personLearn all there is to know about the ancient art of embalming with a self-guided exploration of the world's only Mummification Museum.
Luxor Temple Visit
160EGP per personTake in the beauty of the Luxor temple, an architectural splendour located near the Nile and right in the centre of downtown Luxor. One of Egypt's most impressive temples, Luxor has been used as a place of worship all the way from it's conception in 1390 BC to present day. Evidence of ancient worship, Coptic Christianity and Islamic architecture are found throughout the temple, illustrating how the regional culture has evolved over several thousand years.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Luxor/Cairo
Enjoy free time to explore Luxor before an overnight sleeper train back to Cairo.
In the evening, board an overnight train back to Cairo. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.
If you have pre-booked the Valley of the Kings Hot Air Balloon Ride you will be flying today.
Free Time
Enjoy a free day to explore Luxor and beyond.
Overnight Train (beds)
Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
Accommodation on the sleeper train is in comfortable twin-share bunk-bed compartments with lockable doors. The beds convert into seats when not in use and luggage is stored under the bottom bunk. Bedding is provided and there is a small wash basin with soap and a towel provided. Shared toilet facilities are at the end of each carriage. A simple “airline style” dinner is provided, but most guests prefer to eat before boarding the train. Non-alcoholic drinks are available to purchase and there is a bar car for socialising.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Colossi of Memnon Visit
Enjoy a visit to the two mammoth statues of Amenophis II at the Colossi of Memnon; they used to stand at the front of a temple that no longer exists. Check out ancient graffiti discussing the statues!
Luxor Temple Visit
160EGP per personTake in the beauty of the Luxor temple, an architectural splendour located near the Nile and right in the centre of downtown Luxor. One of Egypt's most impressive temples, Luxor has been used as a place of worship all the way from it's conception in 1390 BC to present day. Evidence of ancient worship, Coptic Christianity and Islamic architecture are found throughout the temple, illustrating how the regional culture has evolved over several thousand years.
Karnak Temple Visit
950EGP per personEnjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Built and extended by successive generations of rulers, admire the amazing architecture, massive columns, and painted hieroglyphs.
Mummification Museum Visit
100EGP per personLearn all there is to know about the ancient art of embalming with a self-guided exploration of the world's only Mummification Museum.
Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon Visit
1175EGP per personRise early to cross the Nile to the west bank, passing through farmers fields on your way to the Valley of the Kings.
Descend the narrow, rock-hewn corridors and take in the magnificent decoration and designs of the tombs of the pharaohs. While the treasure has now all gone, the tombs contain the incredible paintings of the life of their incumbent and stories from the Book of the Dead.
Continue on to visit to the impressive Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops - a reminder of the power women held in the Ancient Kingdom. End the day with a stop at the two mammoth statues of Amenophis II at the Colossi of Memnon. Please note, there is an additional 300 EGP fee to take photos in the Valley Of Kings.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 8Cairo
Tour ends upon arrival.
Our tour finishes on arrival at Giza train station. Please be aware that delays on overnight trains do quite often occur, so please do not book any onward flights before mid-afternoon today.
We are able to organise extra post-trip accommodation if you wish to extend your stay for a few more days. Please ask at the time of booking.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.