9-Day Premium Ancient Egypt Tour from Cairo: Aswan, Nile Cruise, Edfu and Luxor | 8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 6 Dinners
5.0
(5 reviews)
Tour Code: 683736
Operated by Intrepid Travel
$5,295.50 per person
Best Price Guaranteed
Departure CityCairo
End CityCairo
Duration9 days
LanguageEnglish Live
Tour ThemesCultural & Historical
Guide TypeGuided Tour
Activity LevelModerate
Highlights
• Enjoy three unforgettable evenings on a Nile riverboat with first-class facilities, including a swimming pool and sundeck, and stunning riverside views
• Discover Egypt's cuisine with dinner in Cairo, Nubian delights on a Nile island, and traditional meals with locals
• Visit the Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo Temple, and Karnak Temple with expert guidance
• Experience exclusive activities like dining in a Cairo family home, a visit to the city's oldest coffeeshop, and sunset drinks on a traditional felucca
• Explore Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings, with the option to enter three tombs of your choice
• Your trip supports Animal Care in Egypt, aiding sick or injured working animals and empowering local communities
• Discover Egypt's cuisine with dinner in Cairo, Nubian delights on a Nile island, and traditional meals with locals
• Visit the Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo Temple, and Karnak Temple with expert guidance
• Experience exclusive activities like dining in a Cairo family home, a visit to the city's oldest coffeeshop, and sunset drinks on a traditional felucca
• Explore Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings, with the option to enter three tombs of your choice
• Your trip supports Animal Care in Egypt, aiding sick or injured working animals and empowering local communities
Itinerary
Unlock Egypt's ancient past, hitting all the must-see sites, tombs and Wonders of the World
Take to the Nile Valley on a nine-day Premium adventure by river, road and air, visiting the mighty pyramids of Giza, one of the ancient Wonders of the World. See the majestic temples of Karnak, the famous tomb of Tutankhamun and Cairo's bustling Khan al-Khalili Bazaar. Spend an evening with a Nubian family and another with an Egyptian family in Cairo for a look at local life and enjoy plenty of time for independent discoveries in each destination. Tuck into Egypt's unique cuisine, cruise down the Nile on a riverboat and a felucca and visit Cairo’s oldest coffeeshop. With an ancient past that has led to a colourful present, Egypt is a traveller's dream!
Day 1 • Cairo
Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. When you arrive at the Cairo airport, an included transfer will take you to your hotel. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe get out and explore the busy streets, find a hole-in-the-wall eatery for a snack or relax at your hotel - the pool offers magnificent pyramid views!
After your meeting, head out for an included dinner with the group. Your leader will introduce you to Egyptian cuisine, known for being fresh, delicious and unique to the country. Best enjoyed when shared, you'll tuck into an array of traditional dishes like fatta (a dish made with rice, bread and meat in a garlic and vinegar sauce) and kushari (a delicious mixture of pasta, rice, lentils and fried onions).
Accommodation: Steigenberger Cairo Pyramids Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals: Dinner
Included activities:
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Cairo - Welcome Dinner
Optional activities:
Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) - EGP340
Urban Adventures - Saqqara and Memphis - USD109
Cairo - Urban Adventures Downtown Cairo Tour - USD29
Special information:
It's very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Day 2 • Cairo
This morning, tour the mighty Pyramids of Giza - one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World - and the Sphinx with your leader and expert local guide. For an additional charge, you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops). After some time for lunch, your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum - home to one of the world's great collections of ancient artefacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun.
From jewellery to the famous golden death mask and his gilded sarcophagi, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife. Your leader will take you through some of Egypt's dynastic history and you'll have plenty of time to explore on your own - home to almost 100,000 artefacts, there's a whole ancient world to uncover!
Accommodation: Steigenberger Cairo Pyramids Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included activities:
Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Cairo - Egyptian Museum
Optional activities:
Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) - EGP1000
Special information:
The Egyptian Museum opening has now been postponed. Your tour will still include a visit to the current Egyptian Museum, which holds many of the same treasures due to be moved to the new premises.
You will be required to walk around the pyramids complex. It can be very hot in the summer months, so be prepared for little shade and pack appropriate clothing, sun protection, and lots of water. Inside the pyramids is very small and warm. For those suffering from claustrophobia, it is not recommended. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is occasionally closed to visitors without notice.
Day 3 • Aswan
Catch a morning flight to Aswan - Egypt's southernmost city. Check into your hotel, then travel to Philae Island and visit the Temple of Isis - the goddess of health, marriage and wisdom - rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated here. Your leader will share stories of the history and changing landscape of the island.
Then, take a boat to a Nubian village on an island in the middle of the Nile. Walk through the village before sitting down to dinner with a local Nubian family in their home. Enjoy traditional Nubian food, swap stories with your friendly hosts and gain a unique perspective into their way of life.
Accommodation: Sonesta Nouba or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Included activities:
Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
Aswan - Philae Temple
Special information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
Day 4 • Aswan - Nile Cruise
After breakfast, you may like to take a stroll around Aswan or join an optional tour of Abu Simbel - a temple complex that was dismantled and moved to make way for the Aswan High Dam. Board a Nile riverboat - your Feature Stay accommodation for the next three nights! Travelling by riverboat allows you to get to the heart of each destination while ensuring the journeys in between are every bit as interesting.
In the afternoon, board a traditional felucca sailing boat where you can sit back and relax with some drinks as the sun sets over your surroundings. Return to your riverboat for dinner.
Accommodation: Amwaj Nile Cruise (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Included activities:
Aswan - Sunset drinks on a felucca
Optional activities:
Aswan – Abu Simbel excursion by car (includes transfer, guide and entry) - USD110
Aswan - Abu Simbel excursion by flight (includes flights, transfers, guide and entry) from price - USD450
Special information:
It's possible to book a morning excursion from Aswan to Abu Simbel, where you can explore some magnificent temples. Abu Simbel can be reached by plane or by road. For the flight, please speak to your booking agent to arrange this in advance, as flights frequently sell out. Currently, flight times to Abu Simbel change frequently and may require a very early start.
Abu Simbel visits by road can only be arranged locally, please speak with your leader at the welcome meeting if you are interested in arranging this. The price listed is indicative and will vary depending on the group size.
Accommodation aboard the Nile riverboat is full board – breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Drinks are offered from the bar area for an additional cost. An evening program is also available. Please note that you may sail on either the Amwaj Nile Cruise, Nile Premium, or Kahila Cruise depending on sailing dates.
Day 5 • Nile Cruise - Edfu
Enjoy a peaceful morning on board your riverboat, then set out in the afternoon along the river, relaxing in the sun on deck and taking in the desert hills. Arrive at Kom Ombo Temple, where your leader will let you in on the secrets of this ancient sanctuary. Built in approximately 181 BC, Kom Ombo is dedicated to two gods - Horus (god of protection) and Sobek (god of fertility, linked to the Nile's water).
Each god has a dedicated section - north or south - and there have been recent discoveries of mummified crocodiles in the Sobek section. After, return to your riverboat and continue to Edfu where you'll dock for the evening.
Accommodation: Amwaj Nile Cruise (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Included activities:
Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
Day 6 • Nile Cruise - Luxor
This morning, you'll be moored near Edfu and may have the option to venture independently into town to see the nearby temple. Sail towards Luxor passing through the Esna Locks. Arrive at the open-air museum of Luxor - from the spectacular temple complex of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of wonderfully preserved reminders of the Pharaohs.
Today you'll explore the Karnak Temple. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of some 200 years. You'll also head over to our Intrepid Foundation partner, Animal Care in Egypt (ACE), a local NGO dedicated to providing free veterinary care for wounded working animals in the region.
Accommodation: Amwaj Nile Cruise (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Included activities:
Luxor - Karnak Temple
Optional activities:
Edfu - Edfu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP550
Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (minimum 2 people) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD45
Special information:
The only mode of transport to the Temple of Horus in Edfu is by locally managed horses and carriages. As a company committed to responsible travel, animal welfare is extremely important to us. Operators of this service have been found to be in breach of our animal welfare guidelines and, for this reason, we do not include this visit. In addition to animal welfare concerns, we have had a large amount of feedback suggesting that the visit itself is uncomfortable due to pushy vendors and suppliers at the site.
Previously, some travellers have decided to walk to the temple. This takes approximately 30 minutes each way. Be aware the road is very busy and there have been instances of travellers getting hassled by the carriage drivers. If you choose to walk, inform your leader before you depart and ensure you are carrying water, hat and sunscreen and have comfortable shoes.
If there is no time to visit the Karnak Temple today, this will take place tomorrow on Day 7.
Day 7 • Luxor
Today you will leave your riverboat and travel to the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills are over 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. With your leader, explore the place where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where discoveries are still being made. Your leader will explain the history and legends of these people and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics.
Entry is included to three tombs of your choosing, as well as access to the tomb of Tutankhamun. The unearthing of the young Pharaoh’s resting place is one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries, and today you'll explore the painted chamber that holds his famous golden sarcophagus. Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut then view the Colossi of Memnon – two 17-m-high statues on Luxor's west bank.
Accommodation: Sonesta St George Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included activities:
Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
Optional activities:
Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings (Per Person) - USD120
Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP220
Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP2500
Special information:
You can purchase a photo ticket that will entitle you to take photos in any of the tombs that you visit as part of your visit to the Valley of the Kings. The cost of the camera ticket is around EGP300.
It's possible to do a Valley of the Kings hot air balloon tour which your leader can reserve for you. We only uses providers that have been risk assessed. You will be picked up between 4.30 and 5am from your hotel. Balloon capacity is maximum of 25 people and cameras are prohibited in the basket (mobile phones are acceptable). This activity runs subject to weather conditions. Please speak to your leader on Day 1 if you would like to book this activity.
Day 8 • Cairo
Board a flight to Cairo this morning. When you arrive, settle into your hotel then head out to the Al-Azhar neighbourhood to visit Khan al-Khalili Bazaar - a sprawling maze of alleyways including the gold market, cloth market, 'perfume street' and the spice market. Continue to the 9th-century Al-Azhar Mosque - one of the oldest and largest in Egypt and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
Stop off in Cairo's oldest coffeeshop for an Arabic coffee or mint tea as you watch the world go by. The best food in Cairo is made inside a local home - this afternoon, you’ll be welcomed into the home of a local family to sit down and enjoy a meal of traditional dishes as you gain an inside look at modern Egyptian life.
Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo, Sonesta Cairo, or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Included activities:
Cairo - Home-Cooked Dinner
Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
Cairo - Al-Azhar Mosque
Cairo - Coffee/tea in a local cafe
Special information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
The meal in a family home may be lunch or dinner, depending on your flight time.
Day 9 • Cairo
Your trip will come to an end today after breakfast and you're free to leave at any time after check out. If you have arranged a private airport transfer, you'll be advised of the pick-up time. If you would like to spend more time in Cairo, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast
Take to the Nile Valley on a nine-day Premium adventure by river, road and air, visiting the mighty pyramids of Giza, one of the ancient Wonders of the World. See the majestic temples of Karnak, the famous tomb of Tutankhamun and Cairo's bustling Khan al-Khalili Bazaar. Spend an evening with a Nubian family and another with an Egyptian family in Cairo for a look at local life and enjoy plenty of time for independent discoveries in each destination. Tuck into Egypt's unique cuisine, cruise down the Nile on a riverboat and a felucca and visit Cairo’s oldest coffeeshop. With an ancient past that has led to a colourful present, Egypt is a traveller's dream!
Day 1 • Cairo
Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. When you arrive at the Cairo airport, an included transfer will take you to your hotel. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe get out and explore the busy streets, find a hole-in-the-wall eatery for a snack or relax at your hotel - the pool offers magnificent pyramid views!
After your meeting, head out for an included dinner with the group. Your leader will introduce you to Egyptian cuisine, known for being fresh, delicious and unique to the country. Best enjoyed when shared, you'll tuck into an array of traditional dishes like fatta (a dish made with rice, bread and meat in a garlic and vinegar sauce) and kushari (a delicious mixture of pasta, rice, lentils and fried onions).
Accommodation: Steigenberger Cairo Pyramids Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals: Dinner
Included activities:
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Cairo - Welcome Dinner
Optional activities:
Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) - EGP340
Urban Adventures - Saqqara and Memphis - USD109
Cairo - Urban Adventures Downtown Cairo Tour - USD29
Special information:
It's very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Day 2 • Cairo
This morning, tour the mighty Pyramids of Giza - one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World - and the Sphinx with your leader and expert local guide. For an additional charge, you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops). After some time for lunch, your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum - home to one of the world's great collections of ancient artefacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun.
From jewellery to the famous golden death mask and his gilded sarcophagi, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife. Your leader will take you through some of Egypt's dynastic history and you'll have plenty of time to explore on your own - home to almost 100,000 artefacts, there's a whole ancient world to uncover!
Accommodation: Steigenberger Cairo Pyramids Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included activities:
Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Cairo - Egyptian Museum
Optional activities:
Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) - EGP1000
Special information:
The Egyptian Museum opening has now been postponed. Your tour will still include a visit to the current Egyptian Museum, which holds many of the same treasures due to be moved to the new premises.
You will be required to walk around the pyramids complex. It can be very hot in the summer months, so be prepared for little shade and pack appropriate clothing, sun protection, and lots of water. Inside the pyramids is very small and warm. For those suffering from claustrophobia, it is not recommended. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is occasionally closed to visitors without notice.
Day 3 • Aswan
Catch a morning flight to Aswan - Egypt's southernmost city. Check into your hotel, then travel to Philae Island and visit the Temple of Isis - the goddess of health, marriage and wisdom - rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated here. Your leader will share stories of the history and changing landscape of the island.
Then, take a boat to a Nubian village on an island in the middle of the Nile. Walk through the village before sitting down to dinner with a local Nubian family in their home. Enjoy traditional Nubian food, swap stories with your friendly hosts and gain a unique perspective into their way of life.
Accommodation: Sonesta Nouba or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Included activities:
Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
Aswan - Philae Temple
Special information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
Day 4 • Aswan - Nile Cruise
After breakfast, you may like to take a stroll around Aswan or join an optional tour of Abu Simbel - a temple complex that was dismantled and moved to make way for the Aswan High Dam. Board a Nile riverboat - your Feature Stay accommodation for the next three nights! Travelling by riverboat allows you to get to the heart of each destination while ensuring the journeys in between are every bit as interesting.
In the afternoon, board a traditional felucca sailing boat where you can sit back and relax with some drinks as the sun sets over your surroundings. Return to your riverboat for dinner.
Accommodation: Amwaj Nile Cruise (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Included activities:
Aswan - Sunset drinks on a felucca
Optional activities:
Aswan – Abu Simbel excursion by car (includes transfer, guide and entry) - USD110
Aswan - Abu Simbel excursion by flight (includes flights, transfers, guide and entry) from price - USD450
Special information:
It's possible to book a morning excursion from Aswan to Abu Simbel, where you can explore some magnificent temples. Abu Simbel can be reached by plane or by road. For the flight, please speak to your booking agent to arrange this in advance, as flights frequently sell out. Currently, flight times to Abu Simbel change frequently and may require a very early start.
Abu Simbel visits by road can only be arranged locally, please speak with your leader at the welcome meeting if you are interested in arranging this. The price listed is indicative and will vary depending on the group size.
Accommodation aboard the Nile riverboat is full board – breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Drinks are offered from the bar area for an additional cost. An evening program is also available. Please note that you may sail on either the Amwaj Nile Cruise, Nile Premium, or Kahila Cruise depending on sailing dates.
Day 5 • Nile Cruise - Edfu
Enjoy a peaceful morning on board your riverboat, then set out in the afternoon along the river, relaxing in the sun on deck and taking in the desert hills. Arrive at Kom Ombo Temple, where your leader will let you in on the secrets of this ancient sanctuary. Built in approximately 181 BC, Kom Ombo is dedicated to two gods - Horus (god of protection) and Sobek (god of fertility, linked to the Nile's water).
Each god has a dedicated section - north or south - and there have been recent discoveries of mummified crocodiles in the Sobek section. After, return to your riverboat and continue to Edfu where you'll dock for the evening.
Accommodation: Amwaj Nile Cruise (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Included activities:
Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
Day 6 • Nile Cruise - Luxor
This morning, you'll be moored near Edfu and may have the option to venture independently into town to see the nearby temple. Sail towards Luxor passing through the Esna Locks. Arrive at the open-air museum of Luxor - from the spectacular temple complex of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of wonderfully preserved reminders of the Pharaohs.
Today you'll explore the Karnak Temple. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of some 200 years. You'll also head over to our Intrepid Foundation partner, Animal Care in Egypt (ACE), a local NGO dedicated to providing free veterinary care for wounded working animals in the region.
Accommodation: Amwaj Nile Cruise (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Included activities:
Luxor - Karnak Temple
Optional activities:
Edfu - Edfu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP550
Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (minimum 2 people) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD45
Special information:
The only mode of transport to the Temple of Horus in Edfu is by locally managed horses and carriages. As a company committed to responsible travel, animal welfare is extremely important to us. Operators of this service have been found to be in breach of our animal welfare guidelines and, for this reason, we do not include this visit. In addition to animal welfare concerns, we have had a large amount of feedback suggesting that the visit itself is uncomfortable due to pushy vendors and suppliers at the site.
Previously, some travellers have decided to walk to the temple. This takes approximately 30 minutes each way. Be aware the road is very busy and there have been instances of travellers getting hassled by the carriage drivers. If you choose to walk, inform your leader before you depart and ensure you are carrying water, hat and sunscreen and have comfortable shoes.
If there is no time to visit the Karnak Temple today, this will take place tomorrow on Day 7.
Day 7 • Luxor
Today you will leave your riverboat and travel to the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills are over 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. With your leader, explore the place where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where discoveries are still being made. Your leader will explain the history and legends of these people and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics.
Entry is included to three tombs of your choosing, as well as access to the tomb of Tutankhamun. The unearthing of the young Pharaoh’s resting place is one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries, and today you'll explore the painted chamber that holds his famous golden sarcophagus. Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut then view the Colossi of Memnon – two 17-m-high statues on Luxor's west bank.
Accommodation: Sonesta St George Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included activities:
Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
Optional activities:
Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings (Per Person) - USD120
Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP220
Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP2500
Special information:
You can purchase a photo ticket that will entitle you to take photos in any of the tombs that you visit as part of your visit to the Valley of the Kings. The cost of the camera ticket is around EGP300.
It's possible to do a Valley of the Kings hot air balloon tour which your leader can reserve for you. We only uses providers that have been risk assessed. You will be picked up between 4.30 and 5am from your hotel. Balloon capacity is maximum of 25 people and cameras are prohibited in the basket (mobile phones are acceptable). This activity runs subject to weather conditions. Please speak to your leader on Day 1 if you would like to book this activity.
Day 8 • Cairo
Board a flight to Cairo this morning. When you arrive, settle into your hotel then head out to the Al-Azhar neighbourhood to visit Khan al-Khalili Bazaar - a sprawling maze of alleyways including the gold market, cloth market, 'perfume street' and the spice market. Continue to the 9th-century Al-Azhar Mosque - one of the oldest and largest in Egypt and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
Stop off in Cairo's oldest coffeeshop for an Arabic coffee or mint tea as you watch the world go by. The best food in Cairo is made inside a local home - this afternoon, you’ll be welcomed into the home of a local family to sit down and enjoy a meal of traditional dishes as you gain an inside look at modern Egyptian life.
Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo, Sonesta Cairo, or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Included activities:
Cairo - Home-Cooked Dinner
Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
Cairo - Al-Azhar Mosque
Cairo - Coffee/tea in a local cafe
Special information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
The meal in a family home may be lunch or dinner, depending on your flight time.
Day 9 • Cairo
Your trip will come to an end today after breakfast and you're free to leave at any time after check out. If you have arranged a private airport transfer, you'll be advised of the pick-up time. If you would like to spend more time in Cairo, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast
Visiting Attractions
Great Pyramid of Giza
Great Sphinx of Giza
Philae Temple
Kom Ombo Temple
Karnak Temple
Colossi of Memnon
Al Azhar Mosque
Meal
B: Included(on day 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9), L: Included(on day 4,5,6), D: Included(on day 1,3,4,5,6,8)
Own Expenses
- Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee)EGP340.00/Person
- Urban Adventures - Saqqara and Memphis$109.00/Peson
- Urban Adventures Downtown Cairo Tour$29.00/Person
- The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee)EGP1000.00/Person
- Abu Simbel excursion by car (includes transfer, guide and entry)$110.00/Person
- Abu Simbel excursion by flight (includes flights, transfers, guide and entry) from price$450.00/Person
- Edfu Temple (entrance fee)EGP550.00/Person
- Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (minimum 2 people) (entrance, guide & transport)$45.00/Person
- Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings (Per Person)$120.00/Person
- Valley of the Queens (entrance fee)EGP220.00/Person
- Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee)EGP2500.00/Person
What’s Included
Includes
- Guide: A top rated knowledgeable local leader
- Meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners
- Transport: Private vehicle, Plane, Riverboat, Felucca
- Accommodation: Comfortable hotel (5 nights), Feature Stay (3 nights)
- Premium inclusions:
Arrival airport transfer
Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
Luggage transfer
Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
24/7 on-ground support - Included activities
Cairo - Welcome Dinner
Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Cairo - Egyptian Museum
Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
Aswan - Philae Temple
Aswan - Sunset drinks on a felucca
Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
Luxor - Karnak Temple
Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
Cairo - Home-Cooked Dinner
Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
Cairo - Al-Azhar Mosque
Cairo - Coffee/tea in a local cafe
Excludes
- International or internal flights unless specified
- Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
- Meals other than those specified
- Visa and passport fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities and all personal expenses
Special Notes
- Cancellation policy:
- 32 days or more prior to departure date, 25% penalty;
- 17-31 days prior to departure date, 50% penalty;
- 16 days or less prior to departure date, 100% penalty.
- Note that different cancellation conditions apply to some trips and additional services. Please note that for certain travel arrangements the cancellation charge may be higher than those shown. In certain cases a 100% cancellation fee applies as soon as the booking is made and the ticket is issued. You are strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking which will cover cancellation fees. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. The above cancellation fees are in addition to fees which may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents or third party tour and transport operator fees. - Amendment policy:
- If you wish to transfer from one trip to another or transfer your booking to a third party you must notify us at least 58 days prior to the proposed departure date. A fee of $220 per person per change will apply (in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines).
- If you notify us less than 58 days prior to the proposed departure date the refund policy applicable to cancellations will apply.
- Transfers to a third party are only permitted where the transferee meets all the requirements in relation to the trip, and transfers to another departure can only be made to a departure within the current validity period. Amendments to any other arrangements made in conjunction with your trip will incur a $140 administration fee per booking per change. This fee is in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines. No amendments are permitted to your booking within 12 days of departure. - ITINERARY DISCLAIMER: Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.
- FEEDBACK: Can't stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you.
- FOOD AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. Your group leader or representative will endeavor to cater for specific dietary requirements where possible. Please note that Gluten Intolerances and Vegan can be more challenging in some parts of the Middle East, you may wish to speak to your trip leader at the group meeting to alert them of this so they can help you throughout the trip in planning suitable meals. Your group leader or representative will endeavor to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic.
- ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- NILE CRUISE SCHEDULES: Nile cruise boats must negotiate the lock at Esna. As a result, boats arrive and depart Luxor continuously throughout the day. This printed itinerary is therefore only a guide and you may find you have more (or less) time in either Luxor or Aswan. The actual cruising time from Luxor to Aswan (and vice versa) is about a day and a half and this journey is accomplished both during the day and at night.
- SECURITY WHILE TRAVELLING: Occasionally you may experience a Tourist Police Escort in your vehicle and whilst not common convoys between select towns or regions are possible. This practice has been implemented by local authorities to monitor the safety and security of visitors to Egypt.
- NILE RIVERBOAT: You will be staying on a riverboat for the Nile River section of this itinerary. The company we work with has a large fleet of boats and the actual boat can’t be confirmed until 30 days before departure. However you can expect the following facilities; restaurant, bar & sundeck. Most boats will also have a small swimming pool and in that instance, swimming towels will be available for use. All cabins have ensuites, air conditioning, and windows to enjoy the views of the Nile. Accommodation during the cruise is on a full board basis, often in the form of a buffet. Drinks can be purchased from the bar or restaurant. Bottled drinking water and tea and coffee are available but are not included so please ensure you check prices on board. Internet is mostly charged at an additional fee. We recommend purchasing a local sim card for your data requirements, please refer to the Communications section of this Essential Trip Information document. You will have the opportunity to disembark the boat each day as we explore some of the ancient sites included on the itinerary. The boat will also be anchored at port each evening. Only on the odd occasion would it sail at night depending on the water traffic at Esna Lock. Most often when in port there can be many boats and you may be berthed side by side with another ship. Riverboats have anywhere from 50-70 cabins and you will be sharing the facilities with other travellers not on your tour.
- PACKING: What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible, ensuring that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Help will be on hand in most locations, but there may be times you need to handle your own luggage, for example in airports and train stations. A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal for this trip. It is recommended that you keep your main luggage weight around 15kg and certainly no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, jacket, etc. when you’re exploring during the day. Below is a link to our ultimate packing list, a guide to get you started: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list
- DRONES: Drones are generally not permitted to enter or be used in Egypt, neither for personal nor professional/commercial use. If you are considering taking a drone with you, please check local laws and with your airline.
- BINCOULARS: We do not recommend bringing binoculars into Egypt. Having binoculars often results in extended searches by airport security, which can result in multi-hour delays, and confiscation.
SUMMER IN EGYPT: As the days get warmer, temperatures can start to soar, particularly in Upper Egypt (Luxor and Aswan). From April to October, to avoid the midday heat, some days start very early (for example - 5am). Please be prepared for this - our schedules are designed to make touring as comfortable for you as possible.
RAMADAN: The important month of Ramadan will be in progress 22 March - 20 April 2023 and 10 March to 08 April 2024, and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected - GROUP LEADER: All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.
- FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.
BALCONIES: Some hotel balconies don't meet western standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm. - TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!
- SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts.
- PICK POCKETING & PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking at night and encourage you to walk in groups and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.
- WATER SAFETY: Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water.
- TRAVEL ADVICE & TRAVEL INSURANCE: We recommend that you check your government's advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.
- SAFETY IN EGYPT: We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before your departure and that you ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas in your itinerary. We have links to all major travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting your trip on our travel alerts page. The safety of our travellers and staff is our first priority. We continue to monitor the situation through official travel advisories and our local operations team, and we’re able to quickly change arrangements if for any reason we become concerned. If there should be any changes to the situation you will be advised immediately. We have also taken the following measures to minimise the potential risk for our travellers in Egypt: *24 to 48hrs prior to each departure our local office are in contact with tourist police to get approval for each itinerary. The tourist police notify our local operator immediately should any advice or information change. *We use private rather than public transport on all our itineraries.
- WOMEN'S SAFETY: Women should exercise caution when travelling in the Middle East. While the risk of an incident occurring on your trip is very low, below are some things you can do for your safety and peace of mind when travelling: *As with all travel, it’s important to use common sense and be vigilant. * Respect local dress codes and customs, perhaps dressing more conservatively than you do at home. * Avoid isolated areas when alone at any time of day. * We recommend not accepting invitations from locals to guide you through a temple or show you the local sights. * Consider booking any pre or post tour activities with a reputable tour operator, we do not recommend reserving a local driver with your hotel which often translates to local taxi drivers. We encourage you to call our local team for further advice on additional touring options. * If hotel staff need access to your room for any reason, request that they do this while you are out, or wait at reception while they attend to any cleaning or repairs. For the protection of both our customers and staff, our leaders worldwide are not permitted to be alone in a room with a group member. * Always take a hotel card with you when going out so you know the address and contact numbers. * Should you encounter any inappropriate behavior, inform your leader straight away.
- Passport & visas: You must carry a valid passport and have obtained all of the appropriate visas, permits and certificates for the countries which you will visit during your trip. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the duration of the trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your trip; please refer to the Essential Trip Information for details. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation.
- Flexibility: You appreciate and acknowledge that the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and you should allow for alternatives. The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated, but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events.
- Change of itinerary: While we endeavor to operate all trips as described we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary. Please refer to our website before departure for the most recent updates to your itinerary. before departure: If we make a major change we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before departure. The definition of a major change is deemed to be a change affecting at least one day in five of the itinerary. When a major change is made you may choose between accepting the change, obtaining a refund of money paid on the land portion of the trip only or accepting an alternative tour offered. after departure: We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or events outside of our control. In such emergency circumstances the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itinerary such as visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights.
- Authority on tour: Our group trips are run by a group leader. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any person participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our responsible travel guidelines.
- Acceptance of risk: Our group trips are run by a group leader. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our responsible travel guidelines.
- Optional activities: Optional activities not included in the trip price do not form part of the trip or this contract. You accept that any assistance given by your group leader or local representative in arranging optional activities does not render us liable for them in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and activity provider.
- Claims & complaints: If you have a complaint about your trip please inform your group leader or our local representative at the time in order that they can attempt to rectify the matter. If satisfaction is not reached through these means then any further complaint should be put in writing to us within 32 days of the end of the tour.
- Severability: In the event that any term or condition contained in these Booking Conditions is unenforceable or void by operation of law or as being against public policy or for any other reason than such term or condition shall be deemed to be severed from this contract or amended accordingly only to such extent necessary to allow all remaining terms and conditions to survive and continue as binding.
The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement: If you have traveled to or transited through yellow fever-endemic regions including East African countries (excluding Tanzania) or South American countries, either before or after your trip, you may be required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This requirement can apply not only for joining tours but also for certain flights or entry into specific countries. For more details, please refer to the official site: : Yellow Fever Risk Areas - Fit for Travel
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