Wonders of Egypt and the Nile
12 days, Cairo to Cairo
Itinerary Notes
On the evening of day 8 our boat will moor overnight just outside of Luxor.
However, please note that sometimes the ship is directed to arrive in Luxor earlier on day 8 and therefore, the free time on board on this day will be swapped with the activities on day 10. Day 10 will then become a free day to explore Luxor on your own.
Itinerary
Day 1Cairo
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
If you arrive early there are plenty of things to see and do in this amazing city. Visit the Saladin Citadel of Cairo one of the most popular attractions in the city, or to really get a feel for the place, get lost in the bazaars and join the locals for a coffee in a local cafe.
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
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
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.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour
Explore Cairo’s fascinating architectural, cultural, and historical contrasts on a tour of Coptic and Islamic Cairo. Visit of the iconic Citadel of Saladin, the Mohamed Ali Mosque, the Hanging Church, St. Sergius Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Flamenco Hotel Cairo (or similar)
Day 2Cairo/Alexandria
Embark on a guided tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Continue to the historic Mediterranean city of Alexandria.
We begin with one of the key highlights of any visit to Egypt, the Great Pyramids of Giza. While once located in remote desert, they now touch the suburbs of modern Cairo. Also visit the mysterious Sphinx, with its lion’s body and man’s face. In the afternoon we drive to Alexandria, where we will spend the next two evenings.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Metropole Hotel Alexandria (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Alexandria
Spend the day exploring this ancient seaside city, including Pompey's Pillar, the catacombs, and the new Alexandria Library. In the afternoon opt to explore the city further on a guided tour, or see the sights at your own pace. It's up to you!
We have plenty of time to explore all the incredible sites this ancient city has to offer. Founded by Alexander the Great around 331BC, Egypt's only Mediterranean city is characterized by a distinctly European atmosphere and a refreshing sea breeze. Don't miss the chance to enjoy an optional seafood dinner at one of the city's many outdoor seaside restaurants this evening.
Pompey's Pillar Visit
The name "Pompey's Pillar" is actually a misnomer, as it has nothing to do with Pompey, having been erected in 293 for Emperor Diocletian, possibly in memory of the rebellion of Domitius Domitianus.
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Visit
These tombs were tunneled into the bedrock in the age of the Antonine Emperors (2nd century AD) for a single wealthy family still practicing the ancient religion of Egypt. They represent the last existing major construction of the old Egyptian religion.
Alexandria Library Visit
The Ancient Library of Alexandria was probably the largest and certainly the most famous of the libraries of the ancient world. It flourished during Greek rule and functioned as a major centre of scholarship, at least until the time of the Roman conquest of Egypt, and probably for many centuries thereafter. The old library was destroyed in a fire around the 1st century BC. The magnificent new library was opened in 2002 very close to the site of the ancient one.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Alexandria City Tour
50USD per personExplore Alexandria on a guided tour of the city, visit the famous Citadel of Quait bay where Alexandria Lighthouse used to be and was considered one of the wonders of the ancient world followed by a photo stop at Abu El Abbas mosque and the Unknown Soldier and finally an opportunity to walk around Alexandria busiest streets and explore the heart of the mediterranean city.
Accommodation
Metropole Hotel Alexandria (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Alexandria/Cairo
Head back to Cairo, and stop for a tour inside the monasteries of Wadi Natrun en route. In the afternoon explore the treasures of the Egyptian Museum.
Please note that you should be modestly dressed this morning with shoulders and knees covered for our visit to the monastery.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Monasteries of Wadi Natrun Visit
Take a tour with a local monk at the the monasteries of Wadi Natrun. The history of the Wadi and its importance to Coptic Christians dates back to the 4th century AD and they constitute some of the earliest Christian monasteries in the world.
Egyptian Museum
With over 10,000 pieces from every period of Egyptian history, including the treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun, this massive museum is a fantastic place to learn about the country. There is plenty of free time for you to explore on your own. Please note, there is an additional 50 EGP fee to take photos in the museum.
Accommodation
Flamenco Hotel Cairo (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Cairo/Aswān
Catch an early morning flight to Aswan. Opt to explore the busy Aswan market or visit the beautiful Philae Temple. Later, take a scenic felucca ride on the Nile to a Nubian village and enjoy a home cooked dinner with locals.
Aswan has a distinctively African feel to it. Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing.
Late in the afternoon, board a local boat, known as a felucca, to take a trip along the Nile. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the river in this busy port city. Our final stop is on the largest of the Nile islands in this area to enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home.
Free Time
Spend time strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts, or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating fresh fish.
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 5 HideShow
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.
Philae Temple Visit
Sail across the Nile to the beautiful island of Agilkia and explore the Greco Roman history of the Temple of Philae, built as a dedication to the Goddess Isis. This temple complex was moved from its original location on the Island of Philae after the flooding of Lake Nasser, the word "philae" meaning "the end" in reference to this island's placement on what was once the southernmost border of Egypt.
Accommodation
Basma Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 6Aswān
Early in the morning, drive to the famed temples of Abu Simbel for a guided tour. Later, board our river cruise ship for the night.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
3-night Nile Cruise
Enjoy floating down the Nile on a comfortable river boat with a guided tour of Kom Ombo Temple en route. In between excursions, relax on the outside decks with a drink, watching the passing desert sands.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Philae Temple Sound and Light Show
70USD per personAs the sun sets, sail across the Nile to Philae island. Watch the Philae Temple turn into a time machine through a magnificent sound and light display.
Accommodation
Iberotel crown empress Nile Cruise (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 7Aswān/Kom Ombo
Enjoy an excursion to the magnificent temples of Karnak and Luxor. In the afternoon, use free time to explore the bazaar, museums or opt to take a guided tour of the temples of Habu, Ramsseum and Deir El Medina.
Following breakfast, we set sail. Before too long it is time for our first shore excursion, with a visit to Kom Ombo, a temple dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god. It still contains an ancient mummified crocodile.
3-night Nile Cruise
Enjoy floating down the Nile on a comfortable river boat with a guided tour of Kom Ombo Temple en route. In between excursions, relax on the outside decks with a drink, watching the passing desert sands.
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.
Free Time
Enjoy some time relaxing onboard our Nile river boat.
Accommodation
Iberotel crown empress Nile Cruise (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 8Kom Ombo/Luxor
Continuing cruising the Nile, relaxing and taking in the desert scenery while observing daily life along the river. Arrive to Luxor in the evening.
On the evening of day 8 our boat will moor overnight just outside of Luxor.
However, please note that sometimes the ship is directed to arrive in Luxor earlier on day 8 and therefore, the free time on board on this day will be swapped with the activities on day 10. Day 10 will then become a free day to explore Luxor on your own.
3-night Nile Cruise
Enjoy floating down the Nile on a comfortable river boat with a guided tour of Kom Ombo Temple en route. In between excursions, relax on the outside decks with a drink, watching the passing desert sands.
Free Time
Sit up on the deck and relax, watching the Nile landscapes.
Accommodation
Iberotel crown empress Nile Cruise (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 9Luxor
After breakfast the group will leave for the West Bank to enjoy a guided visit to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Then, have lunch with a local family on the West Bank of the Nile. In the afternoon you will meet your student-guide at the Funtasia Project Center. Together you will bike through the village to visit the community. The group will then return to the centre to learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with your guide. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
After checking in to the hotel, our day starts with a visit to Luxor's West Bank and the famed Valley of the Kings. Enjoy seeing and learning about these exciting ancient sites before eating a traditional lunch in a local family home. Upon finishing the meal, the group will visit the G Adventures-supported Planeterra project in Luxor before ending the day with some leisure time.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon Visit
Rise 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.
Your Local Living Moment: Lunch with a Local Family
Sit down to a traditional lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile.
Your G for Good Moment: Funtasia Project Visit
In the afternoon after lunch you will meet your student-guide. Together the group will bike through the village and enjoy a workshop with members of the community. Afterwards, return the bikes to the centre and learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with your guide.
Funtasia is a local nonprofit that works with young people in the West Bank of Luxor to develop life skills and social consciousness. They work with youth in an after school programs that teaches art, communication, and social skills.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
King Tutankhamen Tomb
300EGP per personOpt to descend down into the Tomb of Tutankhamun, the Valley of the Kings' most famous pharaoh. While the treasure has been moved to the Cairo Museum, it is fascinating to enter the tomb that held one of the most intact collection of treasures found in all of Egypt.
Accommodation
Steigenberger Resort Achti Luxor (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 10Luxor
Enjoy an excursion to the magnificent temples of Karnak and Luxor. In the afternoon, use free time to explore the bazaar, museums or opt to take a guided tour of the temples of Habu, Ramsseum and Deir El Medina.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Karnak Temple Visit
Enjoy 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.
Luxor Temple Visit
Take 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.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Explore Luxor in Depth Tour
75USD per personFor those who wish to explore Luxor in depth, this morning excursion allow you to go back to the west bank and explore more sites of Luxor city including the beautiful temples of Habu, Ramesseum and Deir El Medina.
Accommodation
Steigenberger Resort Achti Luxor (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Luxor/Cairo
Catch a flight back to Cairo and enjoy another day exploring this wonderful city. Visit the bazaar, any museums you missed or opt to explore nearby Sakkara and Memphis on a guided tour.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Free Time
Explore Cairo on your own or take an optional tour.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Explore Memphis and Sakkara
Travel through desert and farm lands to Sakkara the site of Egypt's first pyramids. Delve into the history of one of Egypt’s most important archeological sites before continuing on to explore the streets of Memphis, the ancient capital of Aneb-Hetch.
Accommodation
Flamenco Hotel Cairo (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Cairo
Depart at any time.
Please note that check-out time from the hotel is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage facilities are available. We are able to organise extra post-trip accommodation if you wish to extend your stay for a few more days.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.