Cheap Egypt Holidays

Abu Simbel is located 280km south of Aswan on the banks of Lake Nasser. Take our coach trip from Aswan to this breath taking monument. Comprising of two temples cut into the rock, it was built by Ramses ll to honour himself and his beloved wife Nefertari.

View our great airfares, travel insurance, hotels and car hire.

Day1: Cairo
Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Cairo Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town! Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.
Day2: Cairo
With a population of around 16 million people, Cairo is one of the world’s biggest cities, and there’s a lot to see and do. With our guide we may visit the pyramids and the Sphinx (entrance fees not included), the afternoon is free to explore further and many will want to check out the Egyptian Museum (just a short taxi ride away on the other side of the river… depending on Cairo traffic!) or the famous Khan al-Khalili bazaar. Your Tour Guide can arrange these visits for you.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day3-6: Dahab
Dahab is about 8 hours from Cairo on the public air conditioned bus. We’ll leave reasonably early and aim to get into Dahab in time for an afternoon swim. You then have 3 full days to check out the many activities in and around Dahab. Dahab is a great place to chill out. There’s good snorkelling, windsurfing and you can also arrange a day dive (providing you have your PADI certificate with you). For non-divers there are numerous other activities which can be arranged while you are there. These include trip to Mt. Sinai, a jeep safari into the desert or a camel ride. Prices generally depend on how many people are booking and of course you’ll need to haggle! Your leader is on hand of course to help with all of this. On Day 6 we drive back to Cairo for a last night out.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day7: Cairo
Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast

Day1: Cairo
Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. Please refer to your itinerary for the joining hotel name and address. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Cairo Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town! Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.
Day2: Cairo-Luxor
With a population of around 16 million people, Cairo is one of the world’s biggest cities, and there’s a lot to see and do. With our local site guide we may visit the pyramids and the Sphinx, and we also see the wonderful Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren). (entrance fees not included) The afternoon is free to explore further and many will want to check out the Egyptian Museum (just a short taxi ride away on the other side of the river… depending on Cairo traffic!). In the evening we head to the train station for the overnight train to Luxor – always a fun experience. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a plane) that recline back at about 45 degrees. Dinner is taken at the hotel prior to departure. There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day3: Luxor
Luxor boasts the greatest quantity of ancient sites anywhere in the world, and there’s heaps to see and do while here. After checking our gear in to the hotel, just near the bazaar, we have time for a quick breakfast and then we are off to explore our surroundings – or perhaps enjoy a swim in the rooftop pool. The bazaar is pretty big and will keep shopaholics busy for hours. Alternatively you can visit the excellent little Luxor Museum – or take a stroll around Luxor Temple, dominating the centre of town. Entrance fees for these two options are listed below. Another popular activity is to take a horse-carriage ride to Karnak Temple, dedicated to the great God Amon, and considered one of the greatest of Ancient Egyptian monuments. Your tour guide can help organise the carriages. Don’t miss the sunset tonight over the West Bank!
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day4: Luxor-Aswan
We wake early and may take the very popular option to cross the Nile where our donkeys are waiting to take us into the Valley of the Kings. After matching up the donkeys to our riders we head off, just as the sun begins to rise in the eastern skies. It’s great fun and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. (all costs extra) Around midday we return to east bank where the rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening we take the train down to Aswan, where we spend the night.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day5: Aswan
Those who have booked the optional excursion to Abu Simbel will rise early and travel by road along the shores of Lake Nasser to the great Temple of Ramses II, one of the most impressive ever built. For the rest of us, there’s heaps of things to do in and around Aswan. It’s one of our favourite places and very popular with travellers. It has an easy-going charm and the locals are very friendly. We can visit the beautiful Temple of Isis at Philae, saved from the rising waters of the Nile, or just hang around in town, exploring the vibrant Nubian bazaar and checking out the excellent Nubian Museum. In the afternoon we board our traditional felucca and sail around the islands. We stop on the west bank, where there's time for an optional camel ride, just as the sun is tinting the evening sky. We then head to a nearby Nubian village for a traditional dinner.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day6: Aswan-Cairo
We make our way back to Aswan where the rest of the day is free to explore further, or shop in the Nubian bazaar. In the late afternoon we have an early dinner and are transferred to the train station for the overnight recliner train back to Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day7: Cairo
Arriving back in Cairo we are met with breakfast boxes and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore. In the older part of the city there is a lot to see, including some beautiful old mosques and, of course, the fantastic Khan al-Khalili bazaar – an amazing mix of shops and stalls that have traded goods and gossip since the Middle Ages. There’s time for everything both and our tour guide can help organise taxis: but be prepared to bargain! Tonight we can enjoy a final evening together.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day8: Cairo
Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast

Day 1, Cairo
Welcome to Egypt and the start of your citystay! Arrive Cairo, included transfer to your hotel and overnight.
No meals included.
Day 2, Pyramids & the Egyptian Museum
Hello Cairo! Today, enjoy a guided visit to the famous pyramids and lion-headed Sphinx at Giza Plateau. 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. Whilst here, you can opt to enter inside one of the pyramids, subject to opening. Not built for the purpose of accommodating curious travellers, a visit inside one of the pyramids is hot, humid and not recommended for the claustrophobic! For a real Arabian experience, perhaps opt to hire a camel for a trot across the sands of Giza.

We later enjoy a guided visit at the Egyptian Museum. Prize exhibit has to be the priceless funerary treasures of King Tutankhamen, including his legendary solid gold death mask. Also during the visit you can choose to visit the Royal Mummy Room, where 9 royal mummies from the New Kingdom is displayed.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 3, Explore or relax
Free day to enjoy Cairo your way. Perhaps enjoy an optional Cairo city tour or a visit to the first pyramid ever built - Zhoser’s Step Pyramid at Saqqara. There are also plenty of cabs available from you hotel to take you into central Cairo. Perhaps check out the bargains at Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 4, Cairo
Hotel check out and included onward transfer to airport.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.

HIGHLIGHTS: Cairo - Aswan - Luxor

This compact adventure offers maximum Egypt at minimum cost. Stare in amazement at the pyramids and float down the Nile on a felucca. Embrace the culture and meet remarkable people as you dine on traditional fare with a local family in a Nubian village.

You'll enjoy basic accommodation and transport to the best sites. Walk through the Valley of Kings or explore Karnak - it's your call. Don't just dream of Egypt, wake up in the Land of the Pharaohs and open your eyes to adventure.

View our great airfares, travel insurance, hotels and car hire.

You'll be stunned by the majesty and sheer longevity of the Pyramids, get swept up in the bustle of Cairo and feel urban living drop away as you sail down the Nile. There are no half measures here: trinkets sit proudly next to ancient tombs and you'll travel from dusty deserts to rich coastal resorts. Take in the history of Egypt with our expert Egyptologist guides but don't miss out on the contemporary scene.

View our great airfares, travel insurance, hotels and car hire.

There's no better way to feel the pulse of Egypt than to drift lazily along the Nile in a traditional sailing boat. This great little trip is a fantastic low-cost way to experience the highlights of the Nile Valley, visiting the key sites while still allowing plenty of time to make your own discoveries. In Cairo we explore the pyramids and Sphinx before heading south to Aswan where we visit the incredible temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel - one of the highlights of our trip. Boarding our traditional 'feluccas' we then sail with the warm winds that sweep in from the Western Desert, spending three nights on board with plenty of time to kick back, relax and observe life along the banks. Along the way we visit the romantic Temple of Sobek, at Komombo, and a couple of days later we reach Edfu, where we visit the Temple of Horus. In Luxor we ride our donkeys into the Valley of the Kings - always great fun - and explore the tombs of the Pharaohs.

Day1: Cairo
Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Cairo Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town! Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him/her tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast. When you arrive in Cairo you are thrown headlong into the hustle and bustle of this wonderful city. As you wander the streets your senses will be assaulted on all levels – an endless cacophony of noise with cars tooting donkeys braying and the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer; the mix of smells like the aroma from cooking pots bubbling with 'foul' (pronounced 'fool' - a local bean paste dish that we will certainly get to sample); the delicious taste of mint tea as you sit in a shaded café to relax; and the endless river of life that you can watch roll past you – women haggling in the bazaars, men talking whilst enjoying a traditional sheesha pipe, cars vying for space on the crowded roads, camels ambling serenely along and children playing in the back streets. There are many things to do in Cairo, from visiting the fantastic Egyptian Museum to the bazaars of Khan al-Khalili.
Day2: Cairo - overnight train
Today we enjoy a guided visit to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza. The Pyramids really do have to be seen to be believed! To get there we weave our way through the manic Cairo traffic, out into the suburbs and then, suddenly, there they are. Huge majestic tombs rising out the desert, towering above the modern city of Cairo, they are an incredible testament to the immense achievements of the Ancient Egyptians. Built over 5000 years ago the Pyramids are the only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world that is still standing. We explore the Pyramids and the Sphinx with our Egyptologist guide who can explain all the mysteries surrounding their creation – were they built by aliens or are they aligned to the stars? We also have the opportunity to climb inside the Great Pyramid (optional) and see for ourselves the burial chamber inside (not for the claustrophobic!). Later there is the option to visit the Egyptian Museum with an Egyptologist. What a museum, what a collection! This museum houses the world's greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts including many of the treasures discovered in the tombs of pharaohs, the amazing golden mask of Tutankhamun and a large number of mummies. To put that in perspective, if you spend just one minute at each exhibit it would take more than nine months to see everything! In the evening we catch our overnight train and travel south to Aswan. The journey takes about 13 hours and we will be travelling in 1st class reclining seats. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business-class seats on a plane) that recline to about 45°. A simple dinner and breakfast are served on board. There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day3: Aswan
Aswan is one of our favourite places. Despite the fact that it is Egypt's third largest city, it has an easy-going, laid-back atmosphere that belies its size. There is certainly a lot to see and do. For those keen on visiting as many great sites of antiquities as possible, we highly recommend a visit to the exquisite Temple of Isis at Philae. Alternatively you can take a sailboat across to the Botanical Gardens on Lord Kitchener's Island and then continue to the other side of the river, where you can take a fun camel ride up to the Monastery of St. Simeon. Your tour guide will give you all the information you require. At any time of the day the Nubian Bazaar, which snakes through the back streets of town, is a hive of activity.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day4: Abu Simbel - Nubian village - Aswan
Rising early we travel by road to Abu Simbel, one of the most impressive temples ever built and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We follow the shores of Lake Nasser and generally arrive at the temple just after sunrise, a perfect time for photographs. Located deep in the heart of the desert and miles from the nearest habitation, this site is a gigantic monolith out of which are carved four colossal statues – each one the seated figure of Ramses II, one of Ancient Egypt’s greatest pharaohs. Built in the 13th century BC, the temples remained totally hidden by sand until 1813 and were almost destined to be submerged again 150 years later by the rising waters of Lake Nasser – a man-made lake formed due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Remarkably, a massive UNESCO project dismantled the entire temple and the cliff out of which it is carved, and reassembled it on higher ground, redirecting the magnificent stare of Ramses II across Lake Nasser's blue waters. It is still possible to see just how close they came to being submerged by the watermarks around the base of the statues. We enjoy a tour of the site and later return to Aswan, arriving around midday. In the late afternoon our Nubian sailors meet us and we travel by boat to their village for dinner. We enjoy a variety of traditional dishes and it's a great chance to meet their family.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day5-6: Felucca Cruise
Boarding our feluccas we set sail, travelling with the current towards Edfu. Sailing down the Nile is a magical experience, lying on thick mattresses, watching the dark waters glide past. We stop off at Komombo where there is an optional visit of the classic Greco-Roman Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed god) overlooking the river and the rest of our time is spent relaxing and enjoying timeless scenes of local life, as we travel slowly down the Nile. Nights are spent sleeping on board and our crew provides simple, healthy meals. Feluccas are simple sailing boats, no more and no less. They have no engines and no toilets. There is a single deck on which you can stretch out during the day under a shade awning. It is an extremely relaxing way of travelling down the Nile, however many people find the pace very slow, especially when contrasted with a busy life back home. We strongly recommend you take books, magazines, card games, mp3 players and any other items which might help to while away your time on board. Meals are simple. They are prepared by your Nubian crew and include chicken, rice, local breads and vegetables. Each evening your crew pulls into the shore. They generally find a flat, sandy area for the night. Toilet facilities are very basic. Note that, during the winter months (Oct-Mar), it be very cold on the river at night so you should bring thermals and a fleece. A sleeping bag is required.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day7: Edfu - Luxor
Reaching Edfu we say farewell to our Nubian friends. We have time to explore the Temple of Horus - one of Egypt's finest temples (optional), before travelling by bus into Luxor. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the town and there’s certainly a lot to see and do. The bazaar is extensive and it can occupy you for several hours. Alternatively you can visit the exquisite Luxor Museum – or take a stroll around Luxor Temple, which dominates the centre of town. Entrance fees for these two options are listed below. Another popular activity is to take a horse-carriage ride to Karnak Temple, dedicated to the great God Amon, and considered one of the greatest of ancient Egypt's monuments. Our tour guide can help organise the carriages.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day8: Luxor-Cairo
Today we rise early to cross the Nile where our donkeys are waiting to take us into the Valley of the Kings. After matching up donkeys and riders we head off, just as the sun begins to rise in the eastern skies. It’s great fun and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We return to the east bank where the afternoon is free to explore the town further. In the evening we take the overnight recliner train back to Cairo, with dinner served on board.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day9: Cairo
Arriving back in Cairo we are transferred to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore. In the older part of the city there is a lot to see, including some beautiful old mosques and, of course, the fantastic Khan al-Khalili bazaar – an amazing mix of shops and stalls that have traded goods and gossip since the Middle Ages. There’s time for everything and our tour guide can help organise taxis: but be prepared to bargain! Tonight we can enjoy a final evening together.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day10: Cairo
Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast

Day 1, Cairo
Welcome to Egypt and the start of your citystay! Arrive Cairo, included transfer to the 5 star Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel and overnight.
No meals included.
Day 2, The Pyramids of Giza & the Egyptian Museum
Hello Cairo! Today, enjoy a guided visit to the famous pyramids and lion-headed Sphinx at Giza Plateau. 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. Whilst here, you can opt to enter inside one of the pyramids, subject to opening. Not built for the purpose of accommodating curious travellers, a visit inside one of the pyramids is hot, humid and not recommended for the claustrophobic! For a real Arabian experience, perhaps opt to hire a camel for a trot across the sands of Giza.

After time for lunch and a little respite we embark upon a guided tour of the famous Egyptian National Museum of Antiquities. In addition to witnessing the priceless funerary treasures of King Tutankhamen, including his legendary solid gold death mask, the museum boasts an amazing and certainly extensive collection of some 120 000 ancient Egyptian artifacts. Also during the visit you can choose to visit the Royal Mummy Room, where 9 royal mummies from the New Kingdom is displayed.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 3, Discover Cairo - your own way
A free day to enjoy Cairo your own way. Consider relaxing by the hotel swimming pool, snapping up a few bargains at the Khan el Khalili bazaar or further sightseeing Cairo with our optional Cairo City tour or a visit to the tomb-strewn Saqqara, home to Zhoser’s step pyramid. The step pyramid was constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh’s chief architect in 2700 BC, and was the template for all future pyramid construction, including the Great Pyramids of Giza.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 4, Cairo
Taday marks the conclusion of our arrangement. Enjoy breakfast at leisure before hotel check out and included onward departure transfer to the airport.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.

Day 1, Cairo
Tuesday. Welcome to Egypt and the start of your holiday! Arrive Cairo, included airport arrival transfer to hotel and overnight.
No meals included.
Day 2, Pyramids of Giza & Saqqara
Cairo - Luxor. Today a visit to the incredible pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau. It’s estimated the largest - Khufu (Cheops) was constructed from no less than 2.5 million quarried limestone blocks, weighing around 6 million tonnes. No mean feat, when you consider the pyramids were built without the use of modern equipment! Maybe opt for a camel ride. Travelling on to the necropolis of Saqqara, innumerable sand strewn temples and tombs await discovery. It’s at Saqqara where you’ll see Zhoser’s step pyramid. Rising 6 steps, it served as the prototype for ancient Egypt’s most enduring architectural legacy. Overnight train to Luxor - consider upgrading to a Sleeper cabin.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 3, Luxor
Arrive and check into hotel. One of the world’s greatest open-air museums, the 4000 year old site of ancient Thebes - known today as Luxor is our base for two exciting days of exploration. Enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tonight, an optional visit to Temple of Luxor. The temple is magically illuminated by a thousand coloured lights at night fall, book and pay locally. Remainder of the evening at leisure with a chance to enjoy the facilities of our hotel.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 4, Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Cairo. There is the option to float over Luxor in a hot air balloon at sunrise. From high above we look down upon ancient Thebes, remarkable landscape and local villages waking up to start their day. Afterward we cross to the West Bank of the Nile. The massive pair of statues known as the Colossi of Memnon are the first monuments we’ll see as we start our day's sightseeing. They are all that remains of the temple of Amenophis III. Today, we visit the Valleys of the Kings and the imposing colonnaded temple of Queen Hatshepsut.

Returning to our hotel, we enjoy free time before visiting Karnak. More than a temple, Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons and obelisks - built on a grand scale. During the height of Theban power, Karnak was the most important place of worship. Tonight, we return to Cairo by overnight train.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 5, Egyptian Museum
Arrive to Cairo and hotel check-in. Later, a guided visit to the Egyptian Museum. See the famous King Tutankhamen solid gold death mask or opt to see the Royal Mummy room. Remains of the afternoon and evening free to do your own thing.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 6, Cairo
Sunday. Our tour ends after breakfast and included onward departure transfer to the airport.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.

Day1: Cairo
Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Cairo Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town! Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.
Day2: Cairo-Aswan
Cairo is the ‘Mother’ of all cities, a massive, sprawling metropolis of some 16 million people. Our first stop today is the celebrated Egyptian Museum, where our local site guide explains the history and mysteries of Ancient Egypt. We see the golden mask of King Tutankhamun, and numerous other treasures and later we drive out to the edge of the desert to explore the pyramids and the nearby Sphinx. We also visit the beautiful Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren), a superb example of Old Kingdom engineering. In the evening we are transferred to the station for the night train to Aswan. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a ‘plane) that recline to about 45°, and a simple dinner and breakfast are served on board. There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day3: Aswan
On arrival in Aswan we head to our hotel where we can relax for a while before heading out to explore the Nubian bazaar - a long and colourful street that snakes through the centre of town. Another option is a visit to the stunning Temple of Isis at Philae Island. After a break for lunch we might decide to head out on a felucca sailboat and then take a camel ride towards the Monastery of St. Simeon - a great way to spend the afternoon!
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day4: Abu Simbel-Nile Cruise
Rising early we travel by road to Abu Simbel, one of the most impressive temples ever built and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We follow the shores of Lake Nasser and generally arrive at the temple just after sunrise, a perfect time for photographs. We enjoy a tour of the site and later return to Aswan, arriving around midday, where we board our Nile Cruise boat. After lunch the rest of the day is free to sleep or relax on the sundeck.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day5-6: Nile Cruise
Cruising along the Nile is a magical experience, sitting on the sundeck, watching timeless scenes as we glide over the dark waters. We stop at Komombo to visit the Temple of Sobek, a Greco-Roman temple that overlooks the river, and at Edfu we explore the well-preserved Temple of Horus, considered one of the finest examples of temple construction. All meals are served in the comfortable dining room, and on one evening we enjoy an impromptu fancy-dress party, which is always great fun. On arrival in Luxor we take horse-drawn carriages to the massive complex at Karnak, built over a period of some 2000 years, and one of the greatest temples ever constructed.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day7: Luxor-Cairo
We rise early to cross the Nile, where our donkeys are waiting to take us into the Valley of the Kings. After matching up the donkeys to our riders we head off, just as the sun begins to rise in the eastern skies. It’s a great experience and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We return to the east bank where the afternoon is free to explore the bazaar. In the evening we take the overnight recliner train back to Cairo, with dinner served on board.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day8: Cairo
Arriving back in Cairo we are transferred to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore. In the older part of the city there is a lot to see, including some beautiful old mosques and, of course, the fantastic Khan al-Khalili bazaar – an amazing mix of shops and stalls that have traded goods and gossip since the Middle Ages. There’s time for everything and our tour guide can help organise taxis: but be prepared to bargain! This evening we can enjoy a final night out together.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day9: Cairo
Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast

Day1: Cairo
Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Cairo Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town! Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.
Day2: Cairo-Luxor
With a population of around 16 million people, Cairo is one of the world’s biggest cities, and there’s a lot to see and do. With our guide we may visit the pyramids and the Sphinx, and we also see the wonderful Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren). (entrance fees not included) The afternoon is free to explore further and many will want to check out the Egyptian Museum (just a short taxi ride away on the other side of the river… depending on Cairo traffic!). In the evening we head to the train station for the overnight train to Luxor – always a fun experience. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a ‘plane) that recline to about 45°, and a simple dinner and breakfast are served on board. There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day3: Luxor
Luxor boasts the greatest quantity of ancient sites anywhere in the world, and there’s heaps to see and do while here. After checking our gear in to the hotel, we have time to explore our surroundings. The bazaar is pretty big and will keep shopaholics busy for hours. Alternatively you can visit the excellent little Luxor Museum – or take a stroll around Luxor Temple, dominating the centre of town. Entrance fees for these two options are listed below. Another popular activity is to take a horse-carriage ride to Karnak Temple, dedicated to the great God Amon, and considered one of the greatest of Ancient Egyptian monuments. Your tour guide can help organise the carriages. Don’t miss the sunset tonight over the West Bank!
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day4: Luxor-Aswan
We wake early and may take the very popular option to cross the Nile where our donkeys are waiting to take us into the Valley of the Kings. After matching up the donkeys to our riders we head off, just as the sun begins to rise in the eastern skies. It’s great fun and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. (all costs extra) Around midday we return to east bank where the rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening we take the train down to Aswan, where we spend the night.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day5: Aswan
Those who have booked the optional excursion to Abu Simbel will rise early and travel by road along the shores of Lake Nasser to the great Temple of Ramses II, one of the most impressive ever built. For the rest of us, there’s heaps of things to do in and around Aswan. It’s one of our favourite places and very popular with travellers. It has an easy-going charm and the locals are very friendly. We can visit the beautiful Temple of Isis at Philae, saved from the rising waters of the Nile, or just hang around in town, exploring the vibrant Nubian bazaar and checking out the excellent Nubian Museum. In the afternoon we board our traditional felucca and sail around the islands. We stop on the west bank, where there's time for an optional camel ride, just as the sun is tinting the evening sky. We then head to a nearby Nubian village for a traditional dinner.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day6: Aswan-Cairo
We make our way back to Aswan where the rest of the day is free to explore further, or shop in the Nubian bazaar. In the late afternoon we are transferred to the train station for the overnight recliner train back to Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day7: Cairo
Arriving back in Cairo we are transferred to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore. In the older part of the city there is a lot to see, including some beautiful old mosques and, of course, the fantastic Khan al-Khalili bazaar – an amazing mix of shops and stalls that have traded goods and gossip since the Middle Ages. There’s time for everything and our tour guide can help organise taxis: but be prepared to bargain!
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day8: Cairo-Dahab
This morning we are transferred to the bus station to catch the public air-conditioned bus to the Sinai. The journey to Dahab is a long one (around eight hours) and we can expect to arrive at around 17.00 this afternoon. On arrival we are taken to our hotel and after checking in we're free to wander along the beachfront where there's always plenty of action.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day9-10: Dahab
Dahab is a great place to chill out. There’s good snorkelling, windsurfing and you can also arrange a day dive (providing you have your PADI certificate with you). For non-divers there numerous other activities which can be arranged while we are here. These include a day trip to Mt. Sinai, a jeep safari into the desert or a camel ride. Prices generally depend on how many people are booking and of course you’ll need to haggle! Our tour guide will be on hand to help sort out the options.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day11: Dahab-Cairo
This morning we take the public air-conditioned bus back to Cairo, arriving at around 17.00 this afternoon (subject to traffic conditions). On arrival we head back to our hotel and the evening is free to enjoy a final night out together.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day12: Cairo
Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast

Day 1, Cairo
Welcome to Egypt and the start of your eco holiday. It’s a fantastic opportunity to do something good for Egypt’s environment and segments of the local community. Arrive Cairo, included transfer to hotel and overnight Cairo.
No meals included.
Day 2, Children's home
Today, we undertake an orientation at a children’s home in Cairo. The centre offers warm and safe shelter to homeless and disabled children. We’ll spend some time interacting with the children, whether it be assisting with their daily activities or sharing a little love and attention.

Later, we’ll be handing over much needed items purchased with proceeds from your eco tour. These items might include clothing, shoes, bedding and educational materials. What is purchased will be dependent on what is deemed to be a priority for the children. We also welcome and encourage individual donations of goods that are easily portable in your luggage from your home port. Overnight - Cairo
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 3, Pyramids of Giza & Saqqara
Cairo - Aswan. Today, we’ll enjoy a visit to the famous pyramids and lion-headed Sphinx at Giza Plateau. The planet’s oldest tourist attraction, the pyramids are one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Cheops (Khufu), a behemoth constructed with in excess of 2.5 million handcut limestone blocks is thought to have taken more than 20 years to construct and is the biggest of the three great pyramids. The other two in order of size are called Chephren and Mycerinus. Whilst here, perhaps haggle for a camel ride and have yourself a ride across the desert beyond the pyramids.

Continuing to the necropolis of 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, the step pyramid which rises in six steps served as the prototype for ancient Egypt’s most enduring architectural legacy. Later there is time for dinner before travelling on the overnight seater train to Aswan.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 4, Philae Temple
Arrive and check into our hotel. A visit out of town takes us to the mighty High Dam. A modern feat of engineering, the High Dam contains 18 times the amount of material used in the construction of Cheops, the largest pyramid at Giza. The by-product for this awesome construction is Lake Nasser, the world’s largest artificial lake! Cultivable land has increased considerably and the High Dam’s hydro-electric station has doubled Egypt’s power supply. Continuing, we enjoy a short boat trip to Agilika Island and Philae Temple. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, Philae Temple was rescued in an enormous UNESCO effort in the 1970s. Due to high water levels in the resevoir created by the Old Aswan Dam and further aquatic drama due to the creation of the mighty High Dam, Philae Temple was relocated stone by stone on higher ground on nearby Agilika Island. The oldest part of Philae Temple dates from the 4th century BC but most it was built by the Ptolomies and Christians up to the 3rd century AD. Compact as compared to other temples, Philae is a nice site to wander around. Later, free time to perhaps do some shopping in the colourful souks and markets or simply relax in this attractive town which straddles the River Nile.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 5, Felucca Cruise
Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Optional early morning air excursion to famous Abu Simbel - the rock-cut temple of King Ramses II, the Great Builder. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night voyage on the River Nile downstream.
1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner included.
Day 6, Nile Cleaning
Today, armed with large waste bags and attired in protective gloves, we cruise downstream stopping at all the regular felucca stops and commence our effort to clean-up sections of the Nile, paying particular attention to any detritus along the shoreline. In addition to this eco effort, further initiatives may be introduced.
1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner included.
Day 7, Edfu Temple & Luxor Temple by night
Nile Felucca Cruise - Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Disembarking at Kom Ombo we visit the waterside temple to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, before driving north to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year old Luxor is ancient Egypt at it’s best. Enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tonight, an optional visit is available to the Temple of Luxor. Book and pay locally. Rest of evening free.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 8, Valley of the Kings
Luxor – Cairo. An early start! There is the option to float over Luxor in a hot air balloon ride and see area wake up and come alive. Afterwards, our excursion to the mighty West Bank. We visit and explore the Valley of the Kings, Deir al-Bahri (Temple of Queen Hatshepsut) and the Colossi of Memnon, all that remains of the temple of Amenophis III. Time then to relax, before our afternoon visit to the Temple of Karnak. Tonight, we return to Cairo by train!
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 9, Women's Co-operative
Arrive and check into hotel. Later, we visit the famous Egyptian Museum. We then continue to one of the poorest communites in Cairo, where we undertake an orientation visit to a Women’s co-operative. The women who work here from around 12 years of age, live in an area locally known as ‘rubbish city’ owing to the fact that all of Cairo’s trash is dumped here for sorting and recycling. Sorting through the waste, the women salvage any textiles, old buttons and zippers and return to the co-operative, from where these materials are laundered and used to create the most amazing handicrafts. The proceeds from the sale of these items and a tended garden which sells nurtured plants goes directly back into the community, benefitting these industrious and hardworking women and their families, who are some of the most impoverised souls in Egypt. It is suggested you fill a daypack with textile scraps, cotton, sewing yarn and needles and other goods suitable for use by these shining seamstresses.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 10, Cairo
Morning at leisure, hotel check out and included onward transfer to airport.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.

Day1: Cairo
Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Cairo Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town! Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.
Day2: Cairo-Luxor
With a population of around 16 million people, Cairo is one of the world’s biggest cities, and there’s a lot to see and do. With our guide we visit the pyramids and the Sphinx, and we also see the wonderful Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren). The afternoon is free to explore further and many will want to check out the Egyptian Museum (just a short taxi ride away on the other side of the river… depending on Cairo traffic!). In the evening we head to the train station for the overnight train to Luxor – always a fun experience. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a plane) that recline back at about 45 degrees and a simple dinner and breakfast are served on board. There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day3: Luxor
Luxor boasts the greatest quantity of ancient sites anywhere in the world, and there’s heaps to see and do while here. After checking our gear in to the hotel, just near the bazaar, we have time to explore our surroundings – or perhaps enjoy a swim in the rooftop pool. The bazaar is pretty big and will keep shopaholics busy for hours. Alternatively you can visit the excellent little Luxor Museum – or take a stroll around Luxor Temple, dominating the centre of town. Entrance fees for these two options are listed below. Another popular activity is to take a horse-carriage ride to Karnak Temple, dedicated to the great God Amon, and considered one of the greatest of Ancient Egyptian monuments. Your tour guide can help organise the carriages. Don’t miss the sunset tonight over the West Bank!
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day4-6: Luxor, Nile Cruise
We wake early and cross the Nile where our donkeys are waiting to take us into the Valley of the Kings. After matching up the donkeys to our riders we head off, just as the sun begins to rise in the eastern skies. It’s great fun and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. Around midday we return to the east bank where we board our Nile riverboat and set sail towards Aswan. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax on the sundeck. During the next two days we sail upstream, watching the dark waters of the Nile glide past. We stop at Edfu, to explore the well-preserved Temple of Horus, considered one of the finest examples of temple building, and at Komombo we visit the Temple of Sobek, a Greco-Roman temple that overlooks the river. All meals are served in the comfortable dining room, and on one evening we enjoy an impromptu fancy-dress party, which is always fun.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day7: Aswan
There’s heaps of things to do in and around Aswan. It’s one of our favourite places and very popular with travellers. It has an easy-going charm and the locals are very friendly. We can visit the beautiful Temple of Isis at Philae, saved from the rising waters of the Nile, or just hang around in town, exploring the vibrant Nubian bazaar and checking out the excellent Nubian Museum.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day8: Aswan-Cairo
Those who have booked the optional excursion to Abu Simbel will rise early and travel by road along the shores of Lake Nasser to the great Temple of Ramses II, one of the most impressive ever built. For the rest of us, it's another lazy day in Aswan, checking out the shops and watching the locals. After a break for lunch we might head out on a felucca sailboat and then take a camel ride towards the Monastery of St. Simeon a great way to spend the afternoon! In the late afternoon we are transferred to the station for the overnight sleeper train back to Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day9: Cairo
Arriving back in Cairo we are transferred to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore. In the older part of the city there is a lot to see, including some beautiful old mosques and, of course, the fantastic Khan al-Khalili bazaar – an amazing mix of shops and stalls that have traded goods and gossip since the Middle Ages. There’s time for everything and our tour guide can help organise taxis: but be prepared to bargain! Tonight we can enjoy a final evening together.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day10: Cairo
Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast

Day1: Cairo
Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Cairo Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town! Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.
Day2: Cairo-Aswan
Cairo is the ‘Mother’ of all cities, a massive, sprawling metropolis of some 16 million people. Our first stop today is the celebrated Egyptian Museum, where our local site guide explains the history and mysteries of Ancient Egypt. We see the golden mask of King Tutankhamun, and numerous other treasures and later we drive out to the edge of the desert to explore the pyramids and the nearby Sphinx. We also visit the beautiful Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren), a superb example of Old Kingdom engineering. In the evening we are transferred to the station for the night train to Aswan. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a ‘plane) that recline to about 45°. There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage. Breakfast is delivered on arrival in Aswan.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day3: Aswan
On arrival in Aswan we head to our hotel where we can relax for a while before heading out to explore the Nubian bazaar - a long and colourful street that snakes through the centre of town. Another option is a visit to the stunning Temple of Isis at Philae Island. After a break for lunch we might decide to head out on a felucca sailboat and then take a camel ride towards the Monastery of St. Simeon - a great way to spend the afternoon!
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day4: Abu Simbel-Nile Cruise
Rising early we travel by road to Abu Simbel, one of the most impressive temples ever built and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We follow the shores of Lake Nasser and generally arrive at the temple just after sunrise, a perfect time for photographs. We enjoy a tour of the site and later return to Aswan, arriving around midday, where we board our Nile Cruise boat. After lunch the rest of the day is free to sleep or relax on the sundeck.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day5-6: Nile Cruise
Cruising along the Nile is a magical experience, sitting on the sundeck, watching timeless scenes as we glide over the dark waters. We stop at Komombo to visit the Temple of Sobek, a Greco-Roman temple that overlooks the river, and at Edfu we explore the well-preserved Temple of Horus, considered one of the finest examples of temple construction. All meals are served in the comfortable dining room, and on one evening we enjoy an impromptu fancy-dress party, which is always great fun. On arrival in Luxor we take horse-drawn carriages to the massive complex at Karnak, built over a period of some 2000 years, and one of the greatest temples ever constructed.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day7: Luxor-Cairo
We rise early to cross the Nile, where our donkeys are waiting to take us into the Valley of the Kings. After matching up the donkeys to our riders we head off, just as the sun begins to rise in the eastern skies. It’s a great experience and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We return to the east bank where the afternoon is free to explore the bazaar. In the evening we take the overnight recliner train back to Cairo, with dinner served prior to departure.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day8: Cairo
Arriving back in Cairo we are met with breakfast boxes and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore. In the older part of the city there is a lot to see, including some beautiful old mosques and, of course, the fantastic Khan al-Khalili bazaar – an amazing mix of shops and stalls that have traded goods and gossip since the Middle Ages. There’s time for everything and our tour guide can help organise taxis: but be prepared to bargain!
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day9: Cairo-Mt.Sinai
The Sinai is an untamed wilderness of immense beauty, with jagged pink granite mountains punching up into clear blue skies. We drive east from Cairo, and spend the night in a simple bungalow style hotel near Mt. Sinai. The hotel is in a beautiful location and very close to the start point for our hike tomorrow.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day10: Mt. Sinai-Dahab
Those wishing to ascend Mt. Sinai to watch the sun rise over the peninsula will be woken up between 2.00am and 3.00am (depending on the season). It is a fairly steep climb (with stairs all the way) and most people take about an two and a half to three hours to reach the summit. We take it easy, with plenty of rest stops, and our aim is to reach the top in time to watch the sun rise over the southern end of the peninsula - a magical experience! We then continue to Dahab, a laid-back travellers haunt on the Gulf of Aqaba, where we can relax for the rest of the day. Note that, during the winter months (Oct-Mar) it can be very cold on Mt Sinai, so you should bring thermals and a fleece.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day11: Dahab
Dahab is a great place to chill out. There’s good snorkelling, windsurfing and you can also arrange a day dive (providing you have your PADI certificate with you). For non-divers there are numerous other activities which can be arranged while you are there, including a jeep safari into the desert or a camel ride along the beach. Prices generally depend on how many people are booking and of course you’ll need to haggle! Our tour guide will be on hand to help sort out the options.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day12: Dahab-Cairo
We make our way back to Cairo today, arriving at our hotel in the evening. This evening we have time for a final night out together.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day13: Cairo
Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast

Day1: Cairo
Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Cairo Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town! Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.
Day2: Cairo
Cairo is the ‘Mother’ of all cities, a massive, sprawling metropolis of some 16 million people. Our first stop today is Memphis, the first capital of Ancient Egypt, and Saqqara, its necropolis. Here we explore the step-pyramid, the oldest recorded stone building in the world, constructed around 2660BC, and the predecessor to the pyramids at Meidum, Dahshur and Giza. Our guide gives us a fascinating insight into the concept and development of pyramid building. Nearby are several old kingdom tombs that are well worth visiting and once we have finished we make our way back to Cairo. The rest of our day is free to relax or further explore this fascinating city.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day3: Cairo-Aswan
Today we visit the celebrated Egyptian Museum, where our local site guide explains the history and mysteries of Ancient Egypt. We see the golden mask of King Tutankhamun, and numerous other treasures and later we drive out to the edge of the desert to explore the pyramids and the nearby Sphinx. We also visit the beautiful Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren), a superb example of Old Kingdom engineering. Please ntoe that depending on the season we may head to the Pyramids first. This evening after dinner it’s time to head to the station for the night train to Aswan. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a ‘plane) that recline to about 45.° There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day4: Philae Temple, Aswan
Aswan is one of our favourite places and very popular with travellers. It has an easy-going charm and it's easy to slip into its laid-back rhythm. After time to freshen up at our hotel we drive out of town to visit the beautiful Temple of Isis, at Philae. Threatened by the rising waters of the Nile (after the completion of the old dam in 1902), the temple was eventually dismantled, block by block, and re-situated on Agiliki Island. It is considered one of the most exquisite temples in Egypt and is a highlight of our trip. Returning to Aswan, we have time to explore the colourful Nubian Bazaar and after a break for lunch we head out on a felucca sailboat. This is a fun activity and there is an option to take a camel ride towards the Monastery of St. Simeon - a great way to spend the afternoon!
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day5: Abu Simbel-Nile Cruise
Rising early we travel by road to Abu Simbel, one of the most impressive temples ever built and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We follow the shores of Lake Nasser and generally arrive at the temple just after sunrise, a perfect time for photographs. We enjoy a tour of the site and later return to Aswan, arriving around midday, where we board our Nile Cruise boat. After lunch, the afternoon can be spent sleeping, relaxing, reading or enjoy the sundeck.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day6-7: Nile Cruise
Morning finds us near Komombo where we visit the Temple of Sobek, a classically-ruined Greco-Roman temple that overlooks the river. Reboarding our boat we continue cruising towards Edfu, and from the sundeck we can enjoy timeless scenes of life on the Nile. We stop at Edfu to explore the well-preserved Temple of Horus, considered one of the finest examples of temple construction. The following day we head off on donkeys to the Valley of the Kings - always great fun - and visit the outstanding Temple of Hatshepsut, beautifully situated at the foot of the red Theban cliffs. In the afternoon we take horse-drawn carriages to the massive complex at Karnak, built over a period of some 2000 years, and one of the greatest temples ever constructed. All meals are served in the comfortable dining room, and on one evening we enjoy an impromptu fancy-dress party.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day8: Luxor-Cairo
Today is at leisure, allowing time to visit some of the many other sights of interest. Don't miss the brilliant Luxor Museum, which has a superb collection of statues and other artefacts. Luxor Temple is also well worth exploring and then there's the extensive bazaar, which can occupy us for hours. In the evening we take the overnight recliner train back to Cairo, with dinner served on board.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day9: Cairo
Arriving back in Cairo we are transferred to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore. In the older part of the city there is a lot to see, including some beautiful old mosques and, of course, the fantastic Khan al-Khalili bazaar – an amazing mix of shops and stalls that have traded goods and gossip since the Middle Ages. There’s time for everything and our tour guide can help organise taxis: but be prepared to bargain! This evening we can enjoy a final night out together.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day10: Cairo
Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast

Day1: Cairo
Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Cairo Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town! Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him/her tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast. When you arrive in Cairo you are thrown headlong into the hustle and bustle of this wonderful city. As you wander the streets your senses will be assaulted on all levels – an endless cacophony of noise with cars tooting donkeys braying and the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer; the mix of smells like the aroma from cooking pots bubbling with 'foul' (pronounced 'fool' - a local bean paste dish that we will certainly get to sample); the delicious taste of mint tea as you sit in a shaded café to relax; and the endless river of life that you can watch roll past you – women haggling in the bazaars, men talking whilst enjoying a traditional sheesha pipe, cars vying for space on the crowded roads, camels ambling serenely along and children playing in the back streets. There are many things to do in Cairo, from visiting the fantastic Egyptian Museum to the bazaars of Khan al-Khalili.
Day2: Cairo - overnight train
Today we enjoy a guided visit to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza. The Pyramids really do have to be seen to be believed! To get there we weave our way through the manic Cairo traffic, out into the suburbs and then, suddenly, there they are. Huge majestic tombs rising out the desert, towering above the modern city of Cairo, they are an incredible testament to the immense achievements of the Ancient Egyptians. Built over 5000 years ago the Pyramids are the only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world that is still standing. We explore the Pyramids and the Sphinx with our Egyptologist guide who can explain all the mysteries surrounding their creation – were they built by aliens or are they aligned to the stars? We also have the opportunity to climb inside the Great Pyramid (optional) and see for ourselves the burial chamber inside (not for the claustrophobic!). Later there is the option to visit the Egyptian Museum with an Egyptologist. What a museum, what a collection! This museum houses the world's greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts including many of the treasures discovered in the tombs of pharaohs, the amazing golden mask of Tutankhamun and a large number of mummies. To put that in perspective, if you spend just one minute at each exhibit it would take more than nine months to see everything! In the evening we catch our overnight train and travel south to Aswan. The journey takes about 13 hours and we will be travelling in 1st class reclining seats. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business-class seats on a plane) that recline to about 45°. There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day3: Aswan
Aswan is one of our favourite places. Despite the fact that it is Egypt's third largest city, it has an easy-going, laid-back atmosphere that belies its size. There is certainly a lot to see and do. For those keen on visiting as many great sites of antiquities as possible, we highly recommend a visit to the exquisite Temple of Isis at Philae. Alternatively you can take a sailboat across to the Botanical Gardens on Lord Kitchener's Island and then continue to the other side of the river, where you can take a fun camel ride up to the Monastery of St. Simeon. Your tour guide will give you all the information you require. At any time of the day the Nubian Bazaar, which snakes through the back streets of town, is a hive of activity.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day4: Abu Simbel - Nubian village - Aswan
Rising early we travel by road to Abu Simbel, one of the most impressive temples ever built and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We follow the shores of Lake Nasser and generally arrive at the temple just after sunrise, a perfect time for photographs. Located deep in the heart of the desert and miles from the nearest habitation, this site is a gigantic monolith out of which are carved four colossal statues – each one the seated figure of Ramses II, one of Ancient Egypt’s greatest pharaohs. Built in the 13th century BC, the temples remained totally hidden by sand until 1813 and were almost destined to be submerged again 150 years later by the rising waters of Lake Nasser – a man-made lake formed due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Remarkably, a massive UNESCO project dismantled the entire temple and the cliff out of which it is carved, and reassembled it on higher ground, redirecting the magnificent stare of Ramses II across Lake Nasser's blue waters. It is still possible to see just how close they came to being submerged by the watermarks around the base of the statues. We enjoy a tour of the site and later return to Aswan, arriving around midday. In the late afternoon our Nubian sailors meet us and we travel by boat to their village for dinner. We enjoy a variety of traditional dishes and it's a great chance to meet their family. Meals included:
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day5 - 6: Felucca Cruise
Boarding our feluccas we set sail, travelling with the current towards Edfu. Sailing down the Nile is a magical experience, lying on thick mattresses, watching the dark waters glide past. We stop off at Komombo where there is an optional visit of the classic Greco-Roman Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed god) overlooking the river and the rest of our time is spent relaxing and enjoying timeless scenes of local life, as we travel slowly down the Nile. Nights are spent sleeping on board and our crew provides simple, healthy meals. Feluccas are simple sailing boats, no more and no less. They have no engines and no toilets. There is a single deck on which you can stretch out during the day under a shade awning. It is an extremely relaxing way of travelling down the Nile, however many people find the pace very slow, especially when contrasted with a busy life back home. We strongly recommend you take books, magazines, card games, mp3 players and any other items which might help to while away your time on board. Meals are simple. They are prepared by your Nubian crew and include chicken, rice, local breads and vegetables. Each evening your crew pulls into the shore. They generally find a flat, sandy area for the night. Toilet facilities are very basic. Note that, during the winter months (Oct-Mar), it be very cold on the river at night so you should bring thermals and a fleece. A sleeping bag is strongly suggested.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day7: Edfu - Luxor
Reaching Edfu we say farewell to our Nubian friends. We have time to explore the Temple of Horus - one of Egypt's finest temples (optional), before travelling by bus into Luxor. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the town and there’s certainly a lot to see and do. The bazaar is extensive and it can occupy you for several hours. Alternatively you can visit the exquisite Luxor Museum – or take a stroll around Luxor Temple, which dominates the centre of town. Entrance fees for these two options are listed below. Another popular activity is to take a horse-carriage ride to Karnak Temple, dedicated to the great God Amon, and considered one of the greatest of ancient Egypt's monuments. Our tour guide can help organise the carriages.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day8: Luxor-Cairo
Today we rise early to cross the Nile where our donkeys are waiting to take us into the Valley of the Kings. After matching up donkeys and riders we head off, just as the sun begins to rise in the eastern skies. It’s great fun and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We return to the east bank where the afternoon is free to explore the town further. In the evening we take the overnight recliner train back to Cairo, dinner is served at our hotel prior to departure.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day9: Cairo
Arriving back in Cairo we are transferred to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore. In the older part of the city there is a lot to see, including some beautiful old mosques and, of course, the fantastic Khan al-Khalili bazaar – an amazing mix of shops and stalls that have traded goods and gossip since the Middle Ages. There’s time for everything and our tour guide can help organise taxis: but be prepared to bargain! Tonight we can enjoy a final evening together.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day10 - 11: Cairo - Alexandria
We leave early or the three hour journey to Alexandria. You generally arrive around midday and in the afternoon we visit the new Alexandria Museum ), containing a fine collection of artefacts discovered in and around the city. The remainder of the day is free, but some worthwhile highlights include the Amphitheatre (entry US$5) and the splendid Roman Catacombs (entry US$3), built in the 2nd century AD and one of the best examples of private tomb construction from this period. Day 11 is free to soak up the atmosphere of this temperate coastal city. Options include: - Qaitbey Fortress, now a naval museum, where you can see what remains of the famous Pharos (lighthouse) once considered one of the seven wonders of the world. - Enjoy a drink in the classic Cecil Hotel, built in 1930 and now one of the city’s great institutions. - Explore the bazaar on Nokrashi Street. - Visit one of Alexandria’s famous cafes, including ‘Pastroudi’s’ or ‘Trianon’. We head back to Cairo this afternoon and should arrive in time for a goodbye meal together in this vibrant city.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day12: Cairo
Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast

Day 1, Cairo
Saturday. Welcome to Egypt and the start of your holiday! Arrive Cairo, included transfer to hotel and overnight.
No meals included.
Day 2, Pyramids & Saqqara
Cairo - Aswan. Visit to the famous pyramids and lion-headed Sphinx at Giza Plateau. 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! Later there is a chance to have dinner before the overnight train to Aswan, 1st class recliner seats. Sleeper cabin upgrade available.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 3, Philae Temple
Arrive and check into our hotel. A visit out of town takes us to the mighty High Dam – a modern feat of engineering - creating the world’s largest artificial lake, Lake Nasser! This afternoon's highlight is a leisurely boat trip to Agilika Island for Philae Temple for a guided tour of the romantic Philae Temple - dedicated to the goddess Isis. As the sun sets, free time to shop in the colourful souqs and markets or simply relax and watch an amazing sunset in Egypt's southern most town straddling the River Nile.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 4, Felucca Cruise
Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Optional early morning air excursion to the famed Temples of Abu Simbel, the rock-cut temple of King Ramses II, the Great Builder. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night voyage downstream on the River Nile. If sailing by felucca is not your style, consider upgrading to a 5 star luxury Nile Cruise with our Nile Cruise Upgrade.
1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner included.
Day 5, Felucca Cruise
Relax, go for a swim or just chill out in the sun on deck. Let your troubles melt away, as the felucca plies its route.
1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner included.
Day 6, Kom Ombo Temple & Luxor
Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Disembarking in Kom Ombo, we enjoy a guided tour of the Temple of Kom Ombo - dedicated to the crocodile headed god - Sobek and the Temple of Horus at Edfu, before driving north to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at it’s best. Enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tonight, an optional visit is available to the Temple of Luxor, alternatively enjoy the facilities of your hotel.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 7, Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Cairo. An early start allows us to avoid some of the fierce midday heat as we venture to the tomb strewn Valley of the Kings. Consider opting to join our hot air ballooning excursion over ancient Thebes - fabulous early in the morning! Highlights of the visit include the Colossi of Memnon, a massive pair of statues that stand silent against the backdrop of history, the Valleys of the Kings and the awesome ramped and colonnaded Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.

The Valley of the Kings is studded with often highly decorated tombs, constructed to once house the regal sarcophagi enclosed mummies of the mighty pharaohs awaiting passage into the after-life. 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. Sleeper cabin upgrade available.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 8, Cairo
Arrival and hotel check-in. Later, we visit the famous Egyptian Museum, famed for the treasures of King Tutankhamen and his famous solid gold funerary mask. This afternoon is free - perhaps spend the remainder of the day exploring Cairo your way
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 9, Cairo
Sunday. Hotel check out and included onward departure transfer to airport.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.

Features: Cairo, The Pyramids, Aswan, Lake Nasser, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor, Thebes, Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon , Nile River, Cairo Province.

Travel to Egypt and follow the path of the River Nile as you revel in a taste of Egypt's history, beauty and colour on this short but action-packed trip along the longest river in the world. Cruise the Nile on a felucca, discover the largest and most impressive pharaonic temples, chat and dine with interesting locals and live it up in this country of deserts, bazaars, monuments and good old-fashioned adventures.

Days 1-2 Cairo
Welcome to a city like no other. Be immersed in Cairo's chaos, colour and culture with a trip to Khan al-Khalili, Egypt's most famous bazaar. For a change of pace, climb aboard a camel and visit the impressive Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza for those iconic vistas. Take time to visit the fascinating Egyptian Museum, home to more than 120,000 antiquities and relics including the famous burial treasures recovered from King Tutankhamun's tomb. In the evening, take an overnight sleeper train bound south.

Days 3-5 Aswan/Nile Felucca
Join a local Nubian family for dinner to experience a slice of Nile culture firsthand. There is also time for an optional day trip to the fascinating temples of Abu Simbel. Later, set sail down the Nile on a magical overnight felucca journey, sleeping on deck under the starry sky.

Days 6-7 Luxor
Known as Thebes to the ancient Egyptians, Luxor conceals amazing treasures. Pay a visit to an Intrepid-supported animal care project and wander the amazing Temples of Karnak. Enjoy a donkey ride before heading to the Valley of the Kings to visit three of the best-preserved pharaonic tombs. Afterwards, join a local family for a traditional home-cooked lunch and enjoy free time before boarding an overnight sleeper train back to Cairo.

Day 8 Cairo
Return to Egypt's pulsating heart. For those with extra time, roam through the walled citadel for wonderful views over the busy streets, pick up some exotic trinkets at one of the many markets or escape the hazy chaos of the inner city with a final stroll along the banks of the Nile.

Day 1, Cairo
Mon 24 Dec 2012 or Wed 26 Dec 2012. Welcome to Egypt and the start of your holiday! Arrive Cairo, included airport arrival transfer to hotel and overnight.
No meals included.
Day 2, Pyramids of Giza & Saqqara
Cairo - Luxor. It's Merry Christmas for those on our 24 Dec tour! We hope santa has brought you something nice!

Both tours start the day with a visit to the incredible pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau. It’s estimated the largest - Khufu (Cheops) was constructed from no less than 2.5 million quarried limestone blocks, weighing around 6 million tonnes. No mean feat, when you consider the pyramids were built without the use of modern equipment! Maybe opt for a camel ride.

Travelling on to the necropolis of Saqqara, innumerable sand strewn temples and tombs await discovery. It’s at Saqqara where you’ll see Zhoser’s step pyramid. Rising 6 steps, it served as the prototype for ancient Egypt’s most enduring architectural legacy. Overnight seater train to Luxor - consider upgrading to a Sleeper cabin.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 3, Luxor
Arrive and check into hotel. One of the world’s greatest open-air museums, the 4000 year old site of ancient Thebes - known today as Luxor is our base for two exciting days of exploration. Enjoy some rest and relaxation time this afternoon by the pool or bar. Tonight, an optional visit to Temple of Luxor. The temple is magically illuminated by a thousand coloured lights at night fall, book and pay locally. Remainder of the evening at leisure with a chance to enjoy the facilities of our hotel.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 4, Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Cairo. There is the option to float over Luxor in a hot air balloon at sunrise. From high above we look down upon ancient Thebes, remarkable landscape and local villages waking up to start their day. Afterward we cross to the West Bank of the Nile. The massive pair of statues known as the Colossi of Memnon are the first monuments we’ll see as we start our day's sightseeing. They are all that remains of the temple of Amenophis III. Today, we visit the Valleys of the Kings and the imposing colonnaded temple of Queen Hatshepsut.

Returning to our hotel, we enjoy free time before visiting Karnak. More than a temple, Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons and obelisks - built on a grand scale. During the height of Theban power, Karnak was the most important place of worship. Tonight, we return to Cairo by overnight seater train. Sleeper cabin upgrade available.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 5, Egyptian Museum
Arrive to Cairo and hotel check-in. Later, a guided visit to the Egyptian Museum. See the famous King Tutankhamen solid gold death mask or opt to see the Royal Mummy room. Remains of the afternoon and evening free to do your own thing. Overnight - Cairo.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 6, Cairo your way
Sat 29 Dec 2012 or Mon 31 Dec 2012. Today marks the final day of your tour and its New Year's Eve for our 26 Dec tour. Which ever tour you are on, today offers rest and relaxation. Maybe enjoy a lie in, a late breakfast and later a beer or two by the pool, before your departure transfer to the airport.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.

Day1: Cairo
Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Cairo Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town! Your tour guide will meet you tomorrow morning.
Day2: Cairo
Cairo is the ‘Mother’ of all cities, a massive, sprawling metropolis of some 16 million people. Our first stop today is the celebrated Egyptian Museum, where our local site guide explains the history and mysteries of Ancient Egypt. We see the golden mask of King Tutankhamun, and numerous other treasures and later we drive out to the edge of the desert to explore the pyramids and the nearby Sphinx. We also visit the beautiful Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren), a superb example of Old Kingdom engineering.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day3: Cairo-Aswan
We visit Memphis, the first capital of Ancient Egypt, and Saqqara, its necropolis. Here we explore the step-pyramid, the oldest recorded stone building in the world, constructed around 2660BC, and the predecessor to the pyramids at Meidum, Dahshur and Giza. Our guide gives us a fascinating insight into the concept and development of pyramid building. Nearby are several old kingdom tombs that are well worth visiting and once we have finished we make our way back to Cairo. The rest of our day is free to relax or explore further until it’s time to head to the station for the night train to Aswan. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a ‘plane) that recline to about 45°, and a simple dinner and breakfast are served on board. There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day4: Aswan
Aswan is one of our favourite places and very popular with travellers. It has an easy-going charm and it's easy to slip into its laid-back rhythm. After time to freshen up at our hotel we drive out of town to visit the beautiful Temple of Isis, at Philae. Threatened by the rising waters of the Nile (after the completion of the old dam in 1902), the temple was eventually dismantled, block by block, and re-situated on Agiliki Island. It is considered one of the most exquisite temples in Egypt and is a highlight of our trip. Returning to Aswan, we have time to explore the colourful Nubian Bazaar and after a break for lunch we head out on a felucca sailboat. This is a fun activity and there is an option to take a camel ride towards the Monastery of St. Simeon - a great way to spend the afternoon!
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day5: Abu Simbel-Nile Cruise
Rising early we travel by road to Abu Simbel, one of the most impressive temples ever built and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We follow the shores of Lake Nasser and generally arrive at the temple just after sunrise, a perfect time for photographs. We enjoy a tour of the site and later return to Aswan, arriving around midday, where we board our Nile Cruise boat. After lunch the rest of the day is free to sleep, or to relax on the sundeck.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day6 & 7: Nile Cruise
Cruising along the Nile is a magical experience, sitting on the sundeck, watching timeless scenes as we glide over the dark waters. We stop at Komombo to visit the Temple of Sobek, a Greco-Roman temple that overlooks the river, and at Edfu we explore the well-preserved Temple of Horus, considered one of the finest examples of temple building. All meals are served in the comfortable dining room, and on one evening we enjoy an impromptu fancy-dress party, which is always great fun. On arrival in Luxor we take horse-drawn carriages to the massive complex at Karnak, built over a period of some 2000 years, and one of the greatest temples ever constructed.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day8: Luxor
We rise early to cross the Nile, where our donkeys are waiting to take us into the Valley of the Kings. After matching up donkeys and riders we head off, just as the sun begins to rise in the eastern skies. This is a lot of fun and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We meet our guide in the Valley of the Kings where we enjoy a full tour of the area before visiting several tombs. Then we climb up over the red Theban hills as our donkeys lead us up to a panoramic viewpoint where the whole of the west bank, the Nile and Luxor town can be seen. We then return to the east bank where the afternoon is free to check out the bazaar.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day9: Luxor-Red Sea
The Red Sea coast is renowned for its incredible turquoise waters and splendid coral reefs. In the morning we drive up from Luxor, arriving in Hurghada around midday. The afternoon is free to relax and swim.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day10: Red Sea
Today we head out on a local boat for a full day of exploration. It’s great to be out on the sea after the dusty landscapes of the Nile valley, and we enjoy the incredibly warm waters that are perfect for swimming. We can also explore the many excellent coral reefs and we enjoy a local seafood lunch.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
Day11: Red Sea-Cairo
We have most of the morning to relax in Hurghada before making our way back to Cairo. We leave in the late morning and arrive back in the late afternoon.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day12: Cairo
Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast

There's something truly epic about this nine-day adventure through the spectacular, history-steeped landscapes of Jordan and Egypt. Wander the ancient city of Petra, climb Mt Sinai for astounding views and finish up among the souqs and pyramids in Cairo. As you tour this land of tenacious adventurers, mighty pharaohs and biblical prophets, the legendary hospitality of the area's beautiful Bedouin people will ensure you a warm welcome to desert camps and the tranquil beaches of the Red Sea.

The Sinai is a place of awesome beauty where rugged beaches, lapped by the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Aqaba, form a picturesque frame for the jagged mountains of the peninsula. We experience the raw beauty of this region, with the chance to ascend Mt. Sinai for a spectacular sunrise. Our trip begins in Cairo, and we then head south to Aswan, a laid-back city that sprawls along the banks for the Nile. We visit the superb temple complex at Abu Simbel and after time to discover Aswan’s other pleasures we embark on our four-day felucca sailboat trip. Borne along by the current and warm desert winds, we have ample time to observe life along the river. At Luxor we enjoy a memorable donkey ride into the fabled Valley of the Kings before making our way back to Cairo and on into the Sinai Peninsula. We ascend Mt. Sinai at dawn, watching the sun’s rays gild the tips of the granite cliffs that surround us, and we then head to Dahab, a laid-back traveller’s ...

Day1: Cairo
Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Cairo Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town! Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.
Day2: Cairo-Luxor
Cairo is the Mother of all cities, a massive, sprawling metropolis of some 16 million people. After breakfast we head out to the edge of the desert to explore the pyramids and the nearby Sphinx. We also visit the beautiful Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren), a superb example of Old Kingdom engineering. The rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own. Many will want to visit the celebrated Egyptian Museum (just a short taxi ride away on the other side of the river). In the evening we are transferred to the station for the night train to Luxor. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a plane) that recline to about 45 degrees, and a simple dinner and breakfast are served on board. There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day3: Luxor
On arrival in Luxor we are transferred to our hotel. The day is then free to explore on our own. There’s loads to see and do, including the extensive bazaar (great for shopaholics), the excellent Luxor Museum and Luxor Temple - dominating the centre of the city. Others may wish to visit Karnak Temple, or alternatively check out the spectacular Sound & Light Show (also held at Karnak) that takes place each evening.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day4: Luxor
In the morning we rise early to cross the Nile where our donkeys are waiting to take us into the Valley of the Kings. After matching up donkeys and riders we head off, just as the sun begins to rise in the eastern skies. This is really good fun and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We visit the Valley of the Kings and enjoy superb aerial views of the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Later, we return to the east bank where the afternoon is free to explore the town further. You can head back to the bazaar, or alternatively you can kick back in a coffee shop and watch the world go by.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day5: Luxor-Aswan
An early start sees us on the road Aswan, one of our favourite places. Despite the fact that it is Egypt’s third-largest city, it has an easy-going, laid-back atmosphere that belies its size. Once we have checked in to our hotel the balance of the day is free to explore the Nubian bazaar that snakes through the back streets of town, take a sailboat ride around the islands – or just stroll along the riverfront watching the felucca sailboats drifting with the current.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day6: Abu Simbel, Felucca Cruise
Rising early we travel by road to Abu Simbel, one of the most impressive temples ever built and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We follow the shores of Lake Nasser and generally arrive at the temple just after sunrise, a perfect time for photographs. We enjoy a tour of the site and later return to Aswan, arriving back around midday. We then head to the river where we board our felucca/s and start sailing north, towards Komombo.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day7-8: Felucca Cruise
Sailing down the Nile is a magic experience, lying on thick mattresses, watching the dark waters glide past. At Komombo we visit the classic Greco-Roman Temple of Sobek, overlooking the river, and the rest of our time is spent relaxing and enjoying timeless scenes of local life as we travel slowly down the Nile. Nights are spent sleeping on board and our crew provides simple, healthy meals.Life on board the FeluccaFeluccas are simple sailing boats, no more and no less. They have no engines and no toilets. There is a single deck on which you can stretch out during the day under a shade awning. It is an extremely relaxing way of travelling down the Nile, however many people find the pace very slow, especially when contrasted with a busy life back home. We strongly recommend you take books, magazines, card games, mp3 players and any other items which might help to while away your time on board. Meals are simple. They are prepared by your Nubian crew and include chicken, rice, local breads and vegetables. Each evening your crew pulls into the shore. They generally find a flat, sandy area for the night. Toilet facilities are very basic. Note that, during the winter months (Oct-Mar), it be very cold on the river at night so you should bring thermals and a fleece.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day9: Edfu-Luxor-Cairo
Reaching Edfu we say farewell to our Nubian friends, then explore the Temple of Horus - one of Egypt's finest temples, before travelling by bus into Luxor. We have a couple of rooms set aside to store our gear and once sorted we can head into town for a final ‘tour’ of the bazaar. In the evening we take the night train back to Cairo, with dinner served on board. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a ‘plane) that recline back at about 45 degrees. A toilet is located at the end of the carriage. A simple dinner and breakfast are served on board.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day10: Cairo
Arriving back in Cairo we are transferred to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore. In the older part of the city there is a lot to see, including some beautiful old mosques and, of course, the fantastic Khan al-Khalili bazaar – an amazing mix of shops and stalls that have traded goods and gossip since the Middle Ages. There’s time for everything and our tour guide can help organise taxis: but be prepared to bargain!
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day11: Cairo-Mt. Sinai
The Sinai is an untamed wilderness of immense beauty, with jagged pink granite mountains punching up into clear blue skies. We drive east from Cairo, and spend the night in a simple bungalow style hotel near Mt. Sinai. The hotel is in a beautiful location and very close to the start point for our hike tomorrow.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day12: Mt. Sinai-Dahab
Those wishing to ascend Mt. Sinai to watch the sun rise over the peninsula will be woken up between 2.00am and 3.00am (depending on the season). It is a fairly steep climb (with stairs all the way) and most people take about two and a half to three hours to reach the summit. We take it easy, with plenty of rest stops, and our aim is to reach the top in time to watch the sun rise over the southern end of the peninsula - a magical experience! We then continue to Dahab, a laid-back travellers haunt on the Gulf of Aqaba, where we can relax for the rest of the day. Note that, during the winter months (Oct-Mar) it can be very cold on Mt Sinai, so you should bring thermals and a fleece.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day13-14: Dahab
Dahab is a great place to chill out. There’s good snorkelling, windsurfing and you can also arrange a day dive (providing you have your PADI certificate with you). For non-divers there numerous other activities which can be arranged while you are there, including a jeep safari into the desert or a camel ride along the beach. Prices generally depend on how many people are booking and of course you’ll need to haggle! Our tour guide will be on hand to help sort out the options.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day15: Dahab-Cairo
We make our way back to Cairo today, arriving at our hotel in the evening. We have time this evening for a final night out together.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day16: Cairo
Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast

Day 1, Cairo
Tuesday. Marhaba, welcome to Egypt and the start of your holiday! Arrive Cairo, included transfer to hotel and check in. Afternoon and evening at leisure.
No meals included.
Day 2, Pyramids of Giza & Saqqara
Cairo - Luxor. A big day out at the pyramids and sphinx at Giza. Perhaps opt to hire a camel! Later we travel to Saqqara, to explore the myraid tombs and temples at the site and see Zhoser's step pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh's chief architect in 2700 BC! Later there is time for dinner before travelling on the overnight seater train to Luxor. Opt for a sleeper cabin upgrade, if you desire.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 3, Explore Ancient Thebes
Arrival and check into our hotel. Time to explore Luxor on foot following the waterside corniche or maybe stop for drink at one of the many Nile side cafes and tea houses. Tonight, an optional visit is offered to view Temple of Luxor at night. Book and pay locally. Remainder of the evening at leisure.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 4, Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Dahab. Why not watch the sunrise from the heady heights of a hot air balloon - take the optional hot air balloon ride over Luxor and see it come alive in the morning sun. Early today, we visit Luxor’s famous West Bank. The twin seated statues known as the Colossi of Memnon represent the first view of what is to come. We then visit the legendary Valleys of the Kings and the imposing ramped and limestone - colonnaded Temple of Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut was one of only 3 Egyptian ruling queens. Perhaps the most famous tomb in the Valley of the Kings is that of the boy-King Tutankhamen. Archaeologist Howard Carter discovered his intact and treasure -filled tomb in 1922. Taking a break, we later visit the colossal Temple of Karnak.

This evening, we travel by overnight bus to Dahab via Hurghada. Option to foresake the overnight bus journey and upgrade with our Luxor to Dahab Flight Bolt-on!
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 5, Dahab
Arrival and hotel check-in in our great hotel. SCUBA diving, snorkelling, sun-worshipping, horse-riding, chilling, shopping - take your pick. You’ve 4 whole days to do as you want. Today is spent at leisure.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 6-8, Plenty to offer!
Enjoy time at leisure in Dahab. Optional activities (book and pay locally) include a snorkelling excursion to the Blue Hole. 80 metres deep, the Blue Hole boasts an abundance of colourful coral, fish and marine life. Most of the aquatic species live within the first 5 metres beneath the sea level, allowing even the novice a fantastic display of the underwater world.

You can also opt for an energetic climb to the summit of Mt Sinai and visit St Katherine's Monastery or camel and jeep treks into the surrounding Sinai Desert.

If you would like to extend your stay in Dahab, consider our exciting range of 4 day dive bolt-ons or hop over to Jordan for a 5 day middle eastern treat on our Petra & Wadi Rum bolt-on.
3 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 9, Cairo & the Egyptian Museum
Dahab - Cairo. Very early this morning, approx 6am, we bid farewell to Dahab and travel back to Cairo and enjoy a guided visit to the Egyptian Museum.

The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, commonly referred to as the Egyptian Museum is home to an extensive collection of some 120 000 ancient Egyptian antiquities, with a representative amount on display and the remainder in storerooms. Opt to visit the Royal Mummy Room, where 9 royal mummies from the New Kingdom are displayed.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 10, Cairo
Thursday. Cairo - breakfast. Hotel check out and included onward transfer to airport.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.

Day 1, Cairo
Tuesday. Marhaba, welcome to Egypt and the start of your holiday! Arrive Cairo, included transfer to hotel and check in. Afternoon and evening at leisure.
No meals included.
Day 2, Pyramids of Giza & Saqqara
Cairo - Luxor. A big day out at the pyramids and sphinx at Giza. Perhaps opt to hire a camel! Later we travel to Saqqara, to explore the myraid tombs and temples at the site and see Zhoser's step pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh's chief architect in 2700 BC! Later there is time for dinner before travelling on the overnight seater train to Luxor. Opt for a sleeper cabin upgrade, if you desire.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 3, Explore Ancient Thebes
Arrival and check into our hotel. Time to explore Luxor on foot following the waterside corniche or maybe stop for drink at one of the many Nile side cafes and tea houses. Tonight, an optional visit is offered to view Temple of Luxor at night. Book and pay locally. Remainder of the evening at leisure.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 4, Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Cairo. Why not watch the sunrise from the heady heights of a hot air balloon - take the optional hot air balloon ride over Luxor and see it come alive in the morning sun. Early today, we visit Luxor’s famous West Bank. The twin seated statues known as the Colossi of Memnon represent the first view of what is to come. We then visit the legendary Valleys of the Kings and the imposing ramped and limestone - colonnaded Temple of Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut was one of only 3 Egyptian ruling queens. Perhaps the most famous tomb in the Valley of the Kings is that of the boy-King Tutankhamen. Archaeologist Howard Carter discovered his intact and treasure -filled tomb in 1922. Taking a break, we later visit the colossal Temple of Karnak.

There's time for R&R by the hotel swimming pool this afternoon, before returning to Cairo by overnight seater train. sleeper cabin upgrade available.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 5, Egyptian Museum
Arriving to Cairo, we set off on a guided tour of the Egyptian National Museum of Antiquities. The museum is home to an extensive collection of some 120 000 ancient Egyptian antiquities, with a representative amount on display and the remainder in storerooms. You can choose to visit the Royal Mummy Room, where 9 royal mummies from the New Kingdom is displayed. The afternoon and evening offer free time or the option to take part in a city tour.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 6, Dahab
Cairo - Dahab. Today we cross the Suez Canal and travel onto Dahab, located on the Red Sea. Dahab has developed from a hippy village to a respected haven with a solid infrastructure for SCUBA divers, snorkellers and travellers seeking sun, sea and relaxation. The waterfront is dotted with laid back cafes, bars and shops, perfect for eating, drinking or relaxing with a little retail therapy. You’ve 4 whole days to do as you please.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 7-9, Dahab & beyond
Enjoy time at leisure in Dahab. Optional activities (book and pay locally) include a snorkelling excursion to the Blue Hole. 80 metres deep, the Blue Hole boasts an abundance of colourful coral, fish and marine life. Most of the aquatic species live within the first 5 metres beneath the sea level, allowing even the novice a fantastic display of the underwater world.

You can also opt for an energetic climb to the summit of Mt Sinai and visit St Katherine's Monastery or camel and jeep treks into the surrounding Sinai Desert.

If you would like to extend your stay in Dahab, consider our exciting range of 4 day dive bolt-ons or hop over to Jordan for a 5 day middle eastern treat on our Petra & Wadi Rum bolt-on.
3 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 10, Cairo - free time
Dahab - Cairo. After a leisurely breakfast we return to Cairo. The remainder of the day and evening offer free to enjoy Cairo your way. You can enjoy the remains of the day shopping and exploring Cairo. Perhaps take a cab to Cairo’s Khan al-Khalili bazaar and enjoy a few hours wandering through the many alleyways. It’s a top spot for the purchase of ornate free-standing tobacco pipes, pharaonic tat, belly dancing costumes, spices and carpets.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 11, Cairo
Friday. Cairo - breakfast. Hotel check out and included onward transfer to airport.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.

Features: Cairo, The Pyramids, Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon , Nile River, Luxor, Dahab, Red Sea, Mount Sinai, Cairo Province, Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada.

The sheer scope of Egypt's diversity is breathtaking. From the iconic legacy of its ancient civilisation to the modern urban bustle of Cairo. There are no half measures here: trinkets sit proudly next to ancient tombs and you'll travel from dusty deserts to rich coastal resorts. Take in the history of Egypt with our expert Egyptologist guides and also its contemporary scene with modern day sun-worshippers on the Red Sea.

View our great airfares, travel insurance, hotels and car hire.

Travel back in time to the days of the Pharoahs with this action packed trek around Egypt. Youll be guided through the craziness of Cairo with an expert Egyptian Tour Manager, wholl be at your side for the entire tour. See the Great Pyramids & Sphinx in Giza & Valley of the Kings in Luxor. Sail on a traditional Felucca & enjoy shopping in the bazaar! No sitting on a coach for 8 days either - admire the scenery from the deck of your luxury cruise ship as you sail along the Nile. Step back in time & enjoy!

Day1: Cairo
Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Cairo Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town! Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.
Day2: Cairo-Luxor
With a population of around 16 million people, Cairo is one of the world’s biggest cities, and there’s a lot to see and do. With our guide we visit the pyramids and the Sphinx, and we also see the wonderful Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren). The afternoon is free to explore further and many will want to check out the Egyptian Museum (just a short taxi ride away on the other side of the river… depending on Cairo traffic!). In the evening we head to the train station for the overnight train to Luxor – always a fun experience. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a plane) that recline back at about 45 degrees and a simple dinner and breakfast are served on board. There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day3: Luxor
Luxor boasts the greatest quantity of ancient sites anywhere in the world, and there’s heaps to see and do while here. After checking our gear in to the hotel, just near the bazaar, we have time to explore our surroundings – or perhaps enjoy a swim in the rooftop pool. The bazaar is pretty big and will keep shopaholics busy for hours. Alternatively you can visit the excellent little Luxor Museum – or take a stroll around Luxor Temple, dominating the centre of town. Entrance fees for these two options are listed below. Another popular activity is to take a horse-carriage ride to Karnak Temple, dedicated to the great God Amon, and considered one of the greatest of Ancient Egyptian monuments. Your tour guide can help organise the carriages. Don’t miss the sunset tonight over the West Bank!
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day4-6: Luxor, Nile Cruise
We wake early and cross the Nile where our donkeys are waiting to take us into the Valley of the Kings. After matching up the donkeys to our riders we head off, just as the sun begins to rise in the eastern skies. It’s great fun and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. Around midday we return to the east bank where we board our Nile riverboat and set sail towards Aswan. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax on the sundeck. During the next two days we sail upstream, watching the dark waters of the Nile glide past. We stop at Edfu, to explore the well-preserved Temple of Horus, considered one of the finest examples of temple building, and at Komombo we visit the Temple of Sobek, a Greco-Roman temple that overlooks the river. All meals are served in the comfortable dining room, and on one evening we enjoy an impromptu fancy-dress party, which is always fun.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day7: Aswan
There’s heaps of things to do in and around Aswan. It’s one of our favourite places and very popular with travellers. It has an easy-going charm and the locals are very friendly. We can visit the beautiful Temple of Isis at Philae, saved from the rising waters of the Nile, or just hang around in town, exploring the vibrant Nubian bazaar and checking out the excellent Nubian Museum.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day8: Aswan-Cairo
Those who have booked the optional excursion to Abu Simbel will rise early and travel by road along the shores of Lake Nasser to the great Temple of Ramses II, one of the most impressive ever built. For the rest of us, it's another lazy day in Aswan, checking out the shops and watching the locals. After a break for lunch we might head out on a felucca sailboat and then take a camel ride towards the Monastery of St. Simeon - a great way to spend the afternoon! In the late afternoon we are transferred to the station where we board the sleeper train, offering private, twin berth cabins for the trip back to Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day9: Cairo
Arriving back in Cairo we are transferred to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore. In the older part of the city there is a lot to see, including some beautiful old mosques and, of course, the fantastic Khan al-Khalili bazaar – an amazing mix of shops and stalls that have traded goods and gossip since the Middle Ages. There’s time for everything and our tour guide can help organise taxis: but be prepared to bargain!
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day10: Cairo-Alexandria
Today we travel to Alexandria, arriving around midday. After checking in to the hotel we make an afternoon visit to the new Alexandria Museum, which has a marvellous collection of artefacts dating back to around 350BC-100AD. We also visit the Roman Catacombs. The rest of the day is then free to explore this waterfront city, which stretches for some 17 kilometres along the Mediterranean coast.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day11: Alexandria
We have the best part of two free days to check out Alexandria. Among the various things worth doing are: -Visit Qaitbey Fortress, now a naval museum, where you can see what remains of the famous Pharos (lighthouse) once considered one of the seven wonders of the world. -Have a drink in the classic Cecil Hotel, built in 1930 and now one of the city’s great institutions. -Explore the bazaar on Nokrashi Street. -Stroll along the lengthy corniche and watch locals having fun on the extensive beachfront. -Visit one of Alexandria’s famous cafes, such as ‘Pastroudi’s’ or ‘Trianon’. -Splash out on a seafood dinner at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants. We also have the chance to make an optional full day excursion to the battlefields at El Alamein. The cost of this varies, depending on how many decide to go. A rough indication of price is given below.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day12: Alexandria-Cairo
The morning is free for further exploration and around midday we head back to Cairo, arriving in the late afternoon. This evening we can enjoy a final night out together.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day13: Cairo
Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast

Travel back in time to the days of the Pharoahs with this action packed trek around Egypt. Youll be guided through the craziness of Cairo with an expert Egyptian Tour Manager, wholl be at your side for the entire tour. See the Great Pyramids & Sphinx in Giza & Valley of the Kings in Luxor. Sail on a traditional Felucca & enjoy shopping in the bazaar! No sitting on a coach for 8 days either - admire the scenery from the deck of your luxury cruise ship as you sail along the Nile. Step back in time & enjoy!

HIGHLIGHTS Abu Simbel - Aswan - Luxor - Mt Sinai - Red Sea

This great itinerary features the best of Egypt, visiting the Nile Valley and the fabulous Temple of Rames II at Abu Simbel, before heading into the Sinai peninsula to experience the raw beauty of the region. The Nile is Egypt's lifeline, a fertile green ribbon that brings life to the desert and supports an ever-burgeoning population. Since ancient times it has transported people and their goods on a lively assortment of ships, boats and barges.

These days the boats are carrying a different cargo, with many travellers enjoying a riverboat cruise between Aswan and Luxor. It's a great way to observe everyday life in the Nile Valley, and also allows the opportunity to explore the ancient temples at Komombo and Edfu. Our Nile riverboat offers a comfortable on-board atmosphere, with air-conditioned cabins - each with their own private shower and toilet.

In addition there is a pleasant restaurant, where all meals are served, and a rooftop bar. The spacious top deck is ideal for sunbathing and relaxing, with great views of the river. The Sinai is a place of awesome beauty with jagged mountains framed by rugged beaches, lapped by the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Aqaba.

We explore the southern end of the peninsula, ascending Mt. Sinai at dawn, before heading to Dahab, a laid-back traveller's haunt, where we have a couple of days of R&R.

View our great airfares, travel insurance, hotels and car hire.

Day1: Cairo
Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Cairo Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town! Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.
Day2: Cairo - Luxor
With a population of around 16 million people, Cairo is one of the world’s biggest cities, and there’s a lot to see and do. With our guide we visit the pyramids and the Sphinx, and we also see the wonderful Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren). The afternoon is free to explore further and many will want to check out the Egyptian Museum (just a short taxi ride away on the other side of the river… depending on Cairo traffic!). In the evening we head to the train station for the overnight train to Luxor – always a fun experience. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a ‘plane) that recline back at about 45 degrees and a simple dinner and breakfast are served on board. There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day3: Luxor
Luxor boasts the greatest quantity of ancient sites anywhere in the world, and there’s heaps to see and do while here. After checking our gear in to the hotel, just near the bazaar, we have time to explore our surroundings – or perhaps enjoy a swim in the rooftop pool. The bazaar is pretty big and will keep shopaholics busy for hours. Alternatively you can visit the excellent little Luxor Museum – or take a stroll around Luxor Temple, dominating the centre of town. Entrance fees for these two options are listed below. Another popular activity is to take a horse-carriage ride to Karnak Temple, dedicated to the great God Amon, and considered one of the greatest of Ancient Egyptian monuments. Your tour guide can help organise the carriages. Don’t miss the sunset tonight over the West Bank!
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day4 - 6: Luxor - Nile Cruise
We wake early and cross the Nile where our donkeys are waiting to take us into the Valley of the Kings. After matching up the donkeys to our riders we head off, just as the sun begins to rise in the eastern skies. It’s great fun and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. Around midday we return to the east bank where we board our Nile riverboat and set sail towards Aswan. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax on the sundeck. During the next two days we sail upstream, watching the dark waters of the Nile glide past. We stop at Edfu, to explore the well-preserved Temple of Horus, considered one of the finest examples of temple building, and at Komombo we visit the Temple of Sobek, a Greco-Roman temple that overlooks the river. All meals are served in the comfortable dining room, and on one evening we enjoy an impromptu fancy-dress party, which is always fun.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day7: Aswan
There’s heaps of things to do in and around Aswan. It’s one of our favourite places and very popular with travellers. It has an easy-going charm and the locals are very friendly. We can visit the beautiful Temple of Isis at Philae, saved from the rising waters of the Nile, or just hang around in town, exploring the vibrant Nubian bazaar and checking out the excellent Nubian Museum.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day8: Aswan - Cairo
Those who have booked the optional excursion to Abu Simbel will rise early and travel by road along the shores of Lake Nasser to the great Temple of Ramses II, one of the most impressive ever built. For the rest of us, it's another lazy day in Aswan, checking out the shops and watching the locals. After a break for lunch we might head out on a felucca sailboat and then take a camel ride towards the Monastery of St. Simeon - a great way to spend the afternoon! In the late afternoon we are transferred to the station for the overnight sleeper train back to Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day9: Cairo
Arriving back in Cairo we are transferred to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore. In the older part of the city there is a lot to see, including some beautiful old mosques and, of course, the fantastic Khan al-Khalili bazaar – an amazing mix of shops and stalls that have traded goods and gossip since the Middle Ages. There’s time for everything and our tour guide can help organise taxis: but be prepared to bargain!
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day10 - 13: Cairo - Dahab - Cairo
You are transferred from your hotel to the bus station where you catch the public air-conditioned bus to the Sinai. The journey to Dahab is a long one (around eight hours) and you can expect to arrive approximately 17:00 this afternoon. There are a couple of rest stops along the way. On arrival you are taken to your hotel and after checking in you are free to wander along the beachfront where you’ll find numerous bars and restaurants. Dahab is a great place to chill out. There’s good snorkelling, windsurfing and you can also arrange a day dive (providing you have your PADI certificate with you). For non-divers there are numerous other activities which can be arranged while you are there. These include a day trip to Mt. Sinai, a jeep safari into the desert or a camel ride. Prices generally depend on how many people are booking and of course you’ll need to haggle! Your leader is on hand of course to help with all of this! On Wednesday (Day 13) you catch the air-conditioned bus back to Cairo where you are met at the bus station and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a last night out on the town with your leader and new groups of friends!
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day14: Cairo
Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast

Day1: Cairo
Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Cairo Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town! Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.
Day2: Cairo
Cairo is the 'Mother' of all cities, a massive, sprawling metropolis of some 16 million people. We generally arrange a tour briefing this morning, after breakfast, and we then head out to the edge of the desert to explore the pyramids and the nearby sphinx. We also visit the beautiful Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren), a superb example of old kingdom engineering. In the afternoon there's time for further exploration and some may wish to visit the bustling Khan al-Khalili bazaar, a famous 'souk' in the older part of Cairo. Your tour guide will point you in the right direction.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day3: White Desert
We meet our Bedouin guide/s in Cairo, load our gear into jeeps and set off into the Western Desert, a vast, isolated expanse covering a total of some 2.8 million square kilometres. Our destination is the oasis of Farafra, where we stop for a simple picnic lunch in the date groves. If it's hot we usually make time for a swim in a natural spring, nearby. Leaving Farafra we enter the White Desert, a spectacular region of wind-eroded limestone formations. The continual erosion has left a layer of fine white dust on the desert sands, hence the name 'white desert'. We enjoy a sunset walk in this surreal landscape and spend the night camping under the stars. Note it can be very cold in the winter months (Oct-Mar) so make sure you are well rugged up if you are travelling at this time. We recommend you have thermals and a fleece. A sleeping bag and sleep sheet are required.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day4: Dakhla Oasis
We continue our journey south, reaching the oasis town of Dakhla. Like Farafra, the cultivation of dates is a major source of income for the local people and we can see date palms everywhere. We visit the fabulous medieval mud-brick town of Al Qasr, exploring the timeless streets, seeing the old school, an ancient olive press and the granary. We also visit the excellent little Ethnographic Museum, a locally-sponsored project which we support through our visits. We spend the night at a rustic camp with reed huts, communal showers and basic facilities and after a traditional meal we enjoy a fun night of music and dancing around the campfire.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day5: Dakhla/Camel Safari
After a leisurely breakfast we head out in the jeeps to explore the nearby dunes. There’s another hot spring in the area which makes a great rest stop either on the way out or when we return. The programme varies, depending on the season. We return for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing while we wait for the heat of the day to pass. In the late afternoon we set off on camels, riding through a desolate windswept landscape to the base of a Great escarpment, where we spend the night under the stars. With our Bedouin friends we sleep in a communal tent – or outside on mats – and can perhaps appreciate something of what life might have been like in the days when camel trading was the principal source of income.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day6: Dakhla-Al Kharga-Baris
We reach Al Kharga, the largest of the oasis towns and a sizeable producer not only of dates but also cereals and vegetables. There is time to visit the Christian burial ground at Al Bagawat, dating to the end of the 7th century. We drive on, to Baris Oasis, for a final night of fun and friendship with our Bedouin companions.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day7: Baris-Luxor
Today, after a leisurely start, we drive from Baris to Luxor. The journey takes between 4 and 5 hours and we expect to reach Luxor around lunchtime. On arrival we can browse the extensive bazaar (great for shopaholics) or visit Karnak Temple – one of Egypt’s greatest temple complexes.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day8: Luxor
In the morning we rise early to cross the Nile where our donkeys are waiting to take us into the Valley of the Kings. After matching up donkeys and riders we head off, just as the sun begins to rise in the eastern skies. This is a lot of fun and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We explore the Valley of the Kings and enjoy superb aerial views of the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Later, we return to the east bank where the afternoon is free to explore the town further. You can head back to the bazaar, or alternatively you can kick back in a coffee shop and watch the world go by.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day9: Luxor-Aswan
An early start sees us on the road to Aswan, one of our favourite places. Despite the fact that it is Egypt’s third-largest city, it has an easy-going, laid-back atmosphere that belies its size. Once we have checked in to our hotel the balance of the day is free to explore the Nubian bazaar that snakes through the back streets of town, take a sailboat ride around the islands – or just stroll along the riverfront watching the felucca sailboats drifting with the current.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day10: Abu Simbel-Felucca Cruise
Rising early we travel by road to Abu Simbel, one of the most impressive temples ever built and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. We follow the shores of Lake Nasser and generally arrive at the temple just after sunrise, a perfect time for photographs. We enjoy a tour of the site and later return to Aswan, arriving around midday, where we board our felucca/s and sail north, travelling with the current towards Komombo.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day11-12: Felucca Cruise
Sailing down the Nile is a magic experience, lying on thick mattresses, watching the dark waters glide past. We stop off at Komombo to visit the classic Greco-Roman Temple of Sobek, overlooking the river and the rest of our time is spent relaxing and enjoying timeless scenes of local life as we travel slowly down the Nile. Nights are spent sleeping on board and our crew provides simple, healthy meals. Feluccas are simple sailing boats, no more and no less. They have no engines and no toilets. There is a single deck on which you can stretch out during the day under a shade awning. It is an extremely relaxing way of travelling down the Nile, however many people find the pace very slow, especially when contrasted with a busy life back home. We strongly recommend you take books, magazines, card games, mp3 player and any other items which might help to while away your time on board. Meals are simple. They are prepared by your Nubian crew and include chicken, rice, local breads and vegetables. Each evening your crew pulls into the shore. They generally find a flat, sandy area for the night. Toilet facilities are very basic. Note that, during the winter months (Oct-Mar), it can be very cold on the river at night so you should bring thermals and a fleece.
Meals Included
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Day13: Edfu-Luxor-Cairo
Reaching Edfu we say farewell to our Nubian friends, then explore the Temple of Horus - one of Egypt's finest temples, before travelling by bus into Luxor. We have a couple of rooms set aside to store our gear and once sorted we can head into town for a final ‘tour’ of the bazaar. In the evening we take the night train back to Cairo, with dinner served prior to departing the hotel. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a plane) that recline back at about 45 degrees. A toilet is located at the end of the carriage.
Meals Included
Breakfast
dinner
Day14: Cairo
Arriving back in Cairo we have a final day to explore this historic city. Our breakfast boxes are delivered to the station in the morning upon arrival and we are ready to go. There’s heaps to see so we won’t be short of things to do. Quite a few will probably want to go (or go back) to the Khan al-Khalili now that we've developed some bargaining skills! Or we can venture into ’Islamic Cairo’ to visit some of the more important mosques. This evening we can enjoy a final night out together.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day15: Cairo
Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.
Meals Included
Breakfast

Day 1, Cairo
Welcome to Egypt and the start of a great festive Egyptian adventure. Arrive Cairo airport and included transfer to our hotel.
No meals included.
Day 2, Pyramids & Saqqara
Cairo - Aswan. A big day out with a visit to the famous pyramids of Giza, sole survivors from the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders of the World. Later we continue to Saqqara to tour King Zhoser's step pyramid - the first known pyramid ever built. Later there is time for dinner before travelling on the overnight seater train to Aswan. Sleeper train upgrade available
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 3, Philae Temple & Aswan High Dam
Arrival and check into our hotel. Our first stop is the mighty High Dam and later a leisurely boat trip to the romantic Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and rescued under an enormous UNESCO effort in the 1970's to save the temple from the rising waters of the High Dam. As night falls, free time to shop in the colourful souqs or simply relax and watch an amazing sunset.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 4, Abu Simbel, Nile Cruising
Aswan - Nile Felucca cruise. Optional early morning excursion to the magnificent rock-cut Temples of Abu Simbel, built by mighty King Ramses II. If travelling on 15 Dec 2012, our optional Abu Simbel excursion is undertaken by air. On 21, 23 and 27 Dec 2012, the optional excursion is undertaken by road. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night voyage downstream on the River Nile. Relax, top up your tan and chat with new friends as the felucca gently plies its route. Stops are made en route for swimming and visiting local villages.

If sailing by felucca is not your style, navigate the River Nile on board a 5 star Nile Cruiser with private cabin and ensuite bathroom. Our Nile Cruise Upgrade can be purchased in conjunction with a sleeper train upgrade.
1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner included.
Day 5, Sail away...
Relax, go for a swim or just chill out in the sun on deck. Let your troubles melt away, as the felucca plies its route.
1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner included.
Day 6, Kom Ombo Temple
Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Disembarking, we enjoy a guided tour of Kom Ombo Temple and the Temple of Horus at Edfu, before driving north to Luxor. Chcking into our 5 star hotel the afternoon is free for swimming or relaxing by the pool. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Queens and the gigantic Temple of Karnak, 4000 year old Luxor is ancient Egypt at it's best. Tonight, we have the opportunity to view Luxor Temple - built by Amenophis III, at night with dinner afterward. The temple looks stunning at nightfall illuminated by hundreds of coloured lights. Book/pay locally. Remainder of the evening at leisure
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 7, Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Cairo. An early start allows us to avoid some of the fierce midday heat as we venture to the tomb strewn Valley of the Kings. Consider opting to join our hot air ballooning excursion over ancient Thebes - fabulous at sunrise! Highlights of the visit include the Colossi of Memnon, a massive pair of statues that stand silent against the backdrop of history, the Valleys of the Kings and the awesome ramped and colonnaded Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.

The Valley of the Kings is studded with often highly decorated tombs, constructed to once house the regal sarcophagi enclosed mummies of the mighty pharaohs awaiting passage into the after-life. This afternoon after lunch and time to relax we visit the colossal Temple of Karnak. Lose yourself in the stone-columned Hypostle Hall and go crazy with your camera. This is ancient Egypt. Tonight, we return by overnight train to Cairo, 1st class recliner seats.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 8, Egyptian Museum
Arrival and hotel check in. Later we enjoy a guided tour of the famous Egyptian Museum. See the priceless funerary treasures of King Tutankhamen, including his legendary solid gold death mask. Enjoy the remains of the day shopping and exploring Cairo.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 9, Cairo
Our tour concluded after breakfast and onward departure transfer to the airport.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.

Travel back in time to the days of the Pharoahs with this action packed trek around Egypt. Youll be guided through the craziness of Cairo with an expert Egyptian Tour Manager, wholl be at your side for the entire tour. See the Great Pyramids & Sphinx in Giza & Valley of the Kings in Luxor. Sail on a traditional Felucca & enjoy shopping in the bazaar! No sitting on a coach for 8 days either - admire the scenery from the deck of your luxury cruise ship as you sail along the Nile. Step back in time & enjoy!

Day 1, Cairo
Saturday. Welcome to Egypt and the start of your holiday! We pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
No meals included.
Day 2, Pyramids & Saqqara
Cairo - Aswan. A big day out. First to the Giza Plateau to see the pyramids and lion-headed Sphinx. Onwards to Saqqara, an ancient necropolis of sand-strewn tombs and home to the great step pyramid. Zhoser’s step pyramid was the first ever constructed in 2700 BC by Imhotep, the pharaoh’s chief architect.

Later there is opportunity to freshen up before boarding the overnight seater train to Aswan. Sleeper cabin upgrade available.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 3, Philae Temple
Arrive Aswan and check into our hotel. Today, we visit the High Dam and travel by boat to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Remainder of day and evening free.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 4-5, Felucca Cruise
Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Optional early morning air excursion to the colossal Temple of Abu Simbel. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night voyage on the River Nile downstream, stopping along the way at local villages and islands.

If sailing by felucca is not your style, navigate the River Nile on board a 5 star Nile Cruiser with private cabin and ensuite bathroom. Add to this a sleeper train upgrade. Sleeper train cabins are fully enclosed, fitted with bunk beds, linen and washbasins. Sleeper train upgrades are offered independently. Whilst our Nile Cruise Upgrade can be purchased in conjunction with a sleeper train upgrade.
2 breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 dinner included.
Day 6, Kom Ombo & Edfu Temple
Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Disembarking in Kom Ombo we visit the temple before travelling to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, a huge complex that began construction in 237 BC! We then continue to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at it’s best. Enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tonight, an optional visit to the Temple of Luxor is available alternatively, enjoy the facilities of our hotel.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 7, Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Dahab. Optional early morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor before crossing to the west side of the Nile and commencing our tour of the Valley of the Kings. One of the first sights you’ll see is the Colossi of Memnon. This huge pair of enthroned statues is all that remains of the temple of Amenophis III. Touring of Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. After a little R&R by the hotel pool, visit Karnak Temple. This evening we travel by overnight bus to Dahab via Hurghada.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 8, Dahab...laid back & relaxed
Arriving at Dahab, our base for the coming days, there is plenty of time to explore the Sinai – a region of incredible beauty. Dahab offers great diving, snorkelling, swimming and sun-worshipping possibilities. Check out our exciting range of 4 day dive bolt-ons.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 9-11, Snorkelling or Mt Sinai
Dahab's waterfront is dotted with laid back cafes, bars and shops, perfect for eating, top seafood, drinking and a little relaxing retail therapy.

Optional excursions such as snorkelling at Dahab's Blue Hole or an energetic climb to the summit of Mt Sinai and a visit to St Katherine's Monastery are available. Watching a magnificent sunrise or sunset from the top of the mountain is a truly wonderful experience. Camel and jeep treks into the surrounding Sinai Desert are also available.
3 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 12, Cairo & the Egyptian Museum
Dahab - Cairo. Very early this morning, approx 6am, we bid farewell to Dahab and travel back to Cairo and enjoy a guided visit to the Egyptian Museum.

The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, commonly referred to as the Egyptian Museum is home to an extensive collection of some 120 000 ancient Egyptian antiquities, with a representative amount on display and the remainder in storerooms. Opt to visit the Royal Mummy Room, where 9 royal mummies from the New Kingdom are displayed.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 13, Cairo
Thursday. Cairo - breakfast. Hotel check out and included onward transfer to airport.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.

Day 1, Cairo
Saturday. Welcome to Egypt and the start of your holiday! We pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
No meals included.
Day 2, Pyramids & Saqqara
Cairo - Aswan. A big day out. First to the Giza Plateau to see the pyramids and lion-headed Sphinx. Onwards to Saqqara, an ancient necropolis of sand-strewn tombs and home to the great step pyramid. Zhoser’s step pyramid was the first ever constructed in 2700 BC by Imhotep, the pharaoh’s chief architect.

Later there is opportunity to freshen up before boarding the overnight seater train to Aswan. Sleeper cabin upgrade available.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 3, Philae Temple
Arrive Aswan and check into our hotel. Today, we visit the High Dam and travel by boat to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Remainder of day and evening free.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 4-5, Felucca Cruise
Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Optional early morning air excursion to the colossal Temple of Abu Simbel. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night voyage on the River Nile downstream, stopping along the way at local villages and islands.

If sailing by felucca is not your style, navigate the River Nile on board a 5 star Nile Cruiser with private cabin and ensuite bathroom. Add to this a sleeper train upgrade. Sleeper train cabins are fully enclosed, fitted with bunk beds, linen and washbasins. Sleeper train upgrades are offered independently. Whilst our Nile Cruise Upgrade can be purchased in conjunction with a sleeper train upgrade.
2 breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 dinner included.
Day 6, Kom Ombo & Edfu Temple
Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Disembarking in Kom Ombo we visit the temple before travelling to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, a huge complex that began construction in 237 BC! We then continue to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at it’s best. Enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tonight, an optional visit to the Temple of Luxor is available alternatively, enjoy the facilities of our hotel.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 7, Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Cairo. An early start! There is the option to float over Luxor in a hot air baloon and see area wake up and come alive. Afterwards, we cross to Luxor’s West Bank, where one of the first sights you’ll see is the Colossi of Memnon. This huge pair of enthroned statues is all that remains of the temple of Amenophis III. Later we tour the famed Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.

At Valley of the Kings, you'll note the more powerful the deceased pharaoh, the deeper and more elaborate was his tomb. King Tut’s tomb, although nondescript as compared with say the highly decorated tomb of Ramses III, is more remarkable for the treasures revealed upon Howard Carter’s archeological discovery in 1922. Loaded to the gunnels with priceless treasures intended for Tutankhamen’s passage to the afterlife, Carter’s find has never been equalled.

Returning to the East, we’ll have a little R&R time by the pool before exploring the vast temple complex of Karnak. Lose yourself in the forest of stone papyrus columns in the huge Hypostle Hall. Karnak is an awesome, lasting legacy of the power of ancient Egypt. Later, we return to Cairo by overnight seater train. A sleeper cabin upgrade in available.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 8, Egyptian Museum & free time
Arrive to Cairo and time to freshen up. Later, we take a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum. See the famous King Tutankhamen solid gold death mask or opt to see the Royal Mummy room. Remains of the afternoon and evening free to do your own thing. Maybe head over to Khan el-Khalili bazaar. It's a top spot for the purchase of ornate free-standing tobacco pipes, pharaonic tat, belly dancing costumes, spices and carpets.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 9, Dahab...laid back & relaxed
Cairo - Dahab. Today we cross the Suez Canal and travel onto Dahab, located on the Red Sea. Dahab is our base for the coming days and there is plenty of free time to explore the Sinai – a region of incredible beauty. Dahab offers great diving, snorkelling, swimming and sun-worshipping possibilities. Check out our exciting range of 4 day dive bolt-ons.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 10-12, Snorkelling or Mt Sinai
Dahab's waterfront is dotted with laid back cafes, bars and shops, perfect for eating, top seafood, drinking and a little relaxing retail therapy.

Optional excursions such as snorkelling at Dahab's Blue Hole or an energetic climb to the summit of Mt Sinai and a visit to St Katherine's Monastery are available. Watching a magnificent sunrise or sunset from the top of the mountain is a truly wonderful experience. Camel and jeep treks into the surrounding Sinai Desert are also available.
3 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 13, Cairo - your way
Dahab - Cairo. After a leisurely breakfast we return to Cairo. The remainder of the day and evening offer free to enjoy Cairo your way.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 14, Cairo
Friday. Cairo - breakfast. Hotel check out and included onward transfer to airport.
1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.