Splendours of Egypt
Get face-to-face with Egypt’s most iconic antiquities, including Karnak, the Pyramids and Sphinx, Tutankhamun’s treasure, and the ubiquitous hieroglyphics.
Pricing
Classic group tour starting at $5,250* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
12 Days – Cairo to Cairo
Activity level: Leisurely
Unique experiences
ASWAN: On a traditional Nile felucca, meet a sailor and learn the art of sailing this ancient Nile craft. Visit the High Dam and Granite Quarries.
LUXOR: Enjoy listening to stories of village life from local residents, when you visit a family home for a tasting of authentic Egyptian sun bread.
GIZA: With your Egyptologist, meet the enigmatic Sphinx and venture deep inside one of the pyramids, to the chambers where the pharaohs went to meet their Gods in the afterlife.
CAIRO: With your Egyptologist, gaze upon Tutankhamun’s treasures at the Egyptian Musuem, gaze upon the most recognisable symbols of ancient Egypt: the full-faced funeral mask, gold coffin, gilded throne and precious jewellery – all treasures of Tutankhamun.
Top rated highlights
KARNAK: Stand amid a vast forest of columns in the largest temple complex known to man, as your Egyptologist explains the significance behind it. Walk the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, see the of Rameses II and the Hypostyle Hall.
DENDERA: At the Temple of Hathor, see a rare depiction of Cleopatra and Caesarian.
ASWAN: See Aswan’s High Dam and ponder why the Unfinished Obelisk has been left in mid-creation for thousands of years.
PHILAE ISLAND: Travel by motorboat to Philae Island and witness the majestic Temple of Isis rising from the waters.
KOM OMBO: Visit the unique temple as it is the only double temple in Egypt.
WEST BANK: Explore with an Egyptologist the Valley of the Kings which is home to the magnificent tombs of Egypt’s Pharaohs.
LUXOR: Enjoy your short flight returning to Cairo.
MEMPHIS: Visit this famous capital of the ancient world to see the statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx.
SAKKARA: View the oldest pyramid in the world, the Step Pyramid of Zoser I, existing for over 4,500 years.
CAIRO: Guided by your Local Expert, gaze upon the most recognisable symbols of ancient Egypt: the full-faced funeral mask, gold coffin, gilded throne and precious jewellery – Tutankhamun’s treasures. Sightseeing includes sweeping vies over the city from the Citadel and a visit to the Great Alabaster Mosque.
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Cairo
Meals
Description
Welcome to Egypt. A country rich in wonders and mystery, you’ll start in vibrant Cairo. A representative will meet you at the airport, before you are transferred to your hotel. Later, you will meet your Travel Director, a qualified Egyptologist.
Accommodation: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino (or similar)
Day 2
Cairo – Luxor – Nile Cruise
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall. Later, transfer to your cruise ship, your home for the next seven nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor museum and witness ancient artefacts and two royal mummies. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over a welcome drink. The evening is yours at leisure, enjoy dinner on the ship before relaxing in its lounge or in the comfort of your room.
Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar, 7 nights)
Day 3
Dendera – Edfu
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A day of legend and history awaits you today as you begin with a morning visit to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera. One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, it contains a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarian, whose father was Julius Caesar. At lunchtime return to your ship, and enjoy a scenic journey via the Esna Lock to Edfu.
Day 4
Edfu – Aswan
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You will start the day with breakfast, as you cruise along the Nile to Kom Ombo and continue on to the city of Aswan. Famous for its archaeological sites, such as the Philae Temple Complex and the Temple of Isis, Aswan is a vibrant destination that portray an agreeable mix of ancient and contemporary Egypt. In the evening, enjoy a fun-filled Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.
Day 5
Aswan & Temple of Isis
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to Aswan’s High Dam and Granite Quarries, to see the enormous Unfinished Obelisk.Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, rising from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae.The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities on your cruise ship. Ask your Travel Director for recommendations on things to do onboard or perhaps ask for more insights into Egypt’s fascinating history?
Day 6
Aswan
Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Throughout your journey you’ll have seen many feluccas sailing along the Nile. Now it’s your time to explore one for yourself. On this traditional vessel, you’ll meet a local sailor who will teach you about the ancient art of sailing.As the sun starts to fade, enjoy colonial-style high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, just like Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie once did before you. The hotel is rumoured to be where Christie wrote her bestselling novel, “Death on the Nile.”
Day 7
Aswan – Kom Ombo
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With the morning free, perhaps join an optional experience to Abu Simbel? These temples overlook Lake Nasser and are made up of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor.Later, sail to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple of Egypt, dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus the Elder.
Day 8
Kom Ombo – Luxor
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your cruise continues along the bustling waters of the Nile. Enjoy your facilities on board and have your cameras at the ready for the sights, as you leisurely make your way to Luxor. In the evening, visit Luxor Temple, where you dock for the night.
Day 9
Luxor – Cairo
Breakfast
This morning, disembark from your cruise and travel by coach to the west bank of the Nile. See the Colossi of Memnon and visit both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings, where many Pharaohs, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun were buried. Experience the renowned local hospitality of Egyptians, during a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat. Connect with the community and share bread with the Bahirat family, whilst they regale guests with their fascinating stories of daily life. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.
Accommodation: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino (or similar, 3 nights)
Day 10
Cairo – Memphis – Giza – Cairo
Breakfast
Today you’ll head to Memphis, the famous capital of the ancient world. See the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Sakkara, to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid in the world, dating back to 2,700 BC. In the afternoon, it’s on to Giza, with your Egyptologist to explore the magnificent pyramids, where you’ll come face-to-face with the enigmatic Sphinx. During your visit, venture inside one of these ancient wonders to see the chambers where the pharaohs were sent to meet their Gods in the afterlife. Later, drive to the pyramids to witness the magical Sound & Light Show – an unforgettable introduction to the world of Ancient Egypt.
Day 11
Cairo
Breakfast
This morning, ascend to the Citadel, for breathtaking views over the city. While here visit the Alabaster Mosque, otherwise known as the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, regarded as the founder of modern Egypt. Continue to Tahrir Square, the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, and the Egyptian Museum. Among the many exhibits found here, are the fabulous artefacts recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamun.
Day 12
Cairo
Breakfast
Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport.
*Hotel rooms are subject to availability and are confirmed by the supplier at time of booking; they may be replaced by other hotel rooms of similar category at the sole discretion of the supplier.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “Splendours of Egypt” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.