Overview:
Embark on an extraordinary 10-day journey through the timeless wonders of Egypt with our Luxury Small Group Tour. Immerse yourself in the rich history and captivating landscapes of this ancient land, exploring iconic landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Temples of Karnak, and the Philae Temple. Cruise along the majestic Nile on the Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV,’ uncovering hidden treasures and absorbing the fascinating stories that have shaped Egypt’s legacy. With expert guides and hand-selected luxury accommodations, this immersive experience promises an unforgettable adventure through the heart of antiquity.
Highlights:
- Giza’s Timeless Marvels: Explore the Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx, and other ancient wonders.
- Cruising the Nile: Sail in style on the Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV,’ discovering lesser-known gems like the Temple of Hathor at Denderah.
- Valley of the Kings: Unearth the mysteries of the ancient burial grounds, including the tomb of Tutankhamun.
- Philae Temple: Experience the fusion of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures at this sacred island sanctuary dedicated to the Goddess Isis.
- Abu Simbel: Stand in awe of the colossal twin temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, relocated to preserve them from the Aswan High Dam.
Advantages:
- Expert Guidance: Benefit from the knowledge of English-speaking Resident Tour Directors and local guides who bring history to life.
- Luxurious Accommodations: Enjoy hand-selected luxury accommodations, including the historic Mena House Hotel and the opulent Four Seasons Hotel Cairo.
- Seamless Travel: Internal flights, visas, and a local sim card are all included, ensuring a hassle-free and well-organized journey.
- Unique Experiences: Ride Like a Local on camel back, engage in a local cooking lesson on the Nile cruise, and sail on a traditional felucca in Aswan.
- Exclusive Cruising: Experience the Nile away from crowds, with a scenic route on the Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV.’
Itinerary
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN CAIRO, EGYPT
Upon your arrival in Cairo, you will be greeted by a representative from Ramasside Tours, who will assist you with the visa process. Subsequently, you will be transferred to your distinguished hotel, offering magnificent views of the pyramids. An evening excursion is planned for you to attend the Sound & Light show in the Pyramids area.
Accommodation: Mena House Hotel
DAY 2 GIZA | EXPLORATION OF THE PYRAMIDS & SPHINX
Commence your day by touring the Giza Plateau, home to the pyramids of Mycerinus and Chefren, along with the Great Pyramid. Erected in the Fourth Dynasty around 2690 BC, the Great Pyramid is the sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Delve into the interiors of one of these legendary pyramids and experience a camel ride as a local. Explore the Great Sphinx as well. Following lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is at your leisure. Conclude the day with a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Mena House Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 LUXOR | KARNAK AND THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS
Embark on a flight to Luxor (internal flights included), the site of the ancient city of Thebes. Begin your extensive exploration with a visit to the Temple of Karnak, a place where successive pharaohs sought to etch their legacies. Traverse the Great Hypostyle Hall, featuring colossal columns, the tallest reaching 80 feet in height with a circumference of 33 feet. Subsequently, board the Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV’ for lunch and continue to the west bank of the Nile. Discover the Necropolis of Thebes and proceed to the Valley of the Kings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the burial ground for pharaohs. Explore the tomb of Tutankhamun and visit the Temple of Hatshepsut. Capture memorable moments at the Colossi of Memnon during a photo stop.
Accommodation: Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV’– Oberoi Cruises
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 NILE CRUISE | TEMPLE OF HATHOR AT DENDERAH
Today’s journey involves a scenic cruise north, away from other vessels, to the well-preserved Temple of Hathor at Denderah. Marvel at its massive stone roof, dark chambers, underground passages, and columns adorned with hieroglyphs. Return to the Nile cruiser and sail back to Luxor. Later in the day, explore the east bank of the Nile, visiting the city of Thebes and the impressive Temple of Luxor, featuring statues of Ramses II and the Colonnade of Amenhotep III.
Accommodation: Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV’– Oberoi Cruises
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 NILE CRUISE | EDFU TO KOM OMBO
Cruise to Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus, depicting the falcon-headed god of the sky. Dating back to 230 BC, this remarkably well-preserved temple provides insights into ancient Egyptian temple worship. Enjoy a local cooking lesson on board and later disembark at Kom Ombo to explore the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris and Sobek. View the mummified remains of crocodiles and absorb the historical significance of the site.
Accommodation: Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV’– Oberoi Cruises
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 ASWAN | MAJESTIC PHILAE
Cruise to Aswan and embark on a motorized boat to reach the Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. Dedicated to the Goddess Isis, this sacred complex showcases a blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations. Visit the granite quarries and the Unfinished Obelisk, a testament to the skills of Egypt’s stonemasons. Conclude the day with a felucca ride, weather permitting, around the Aswan islands.
Accommodation: Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV’– Oberoi Cruises
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 ABU SIMBEL | TEMPLES OF RAMSES II & NEFERTARI
Bid farewell to the Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV’ as you disembark to fly to Abu Simbel. Explore the commanding twin temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, featuring statues of the pharaoh towering nearly 70 feet. This entire archaeological site was relocated to its current location to protect it from the flooding caused by the Aswan High Dam. Return to Cairo for an afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8 CAIRO | EXPLORATION OF LEGENDARY PHARAOHS & BUSTLING SOUK
Commence the day with a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, housing the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including treasures from Tutankhamun. Explore the Mummy Room, showcasing the remains of Egypt’s pharaohs. Following lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, a prime example of early Mamluk architecture. Walk through the Bab el-Foutouh gate to reach Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, a historic souk where bargaining is customary. The evening is at your leisure.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9 CAIRO | UNVEILING ANCIENT TREASURES
Embark on a journey to Memphis, the ancient capital, now housing an open-air museum and a colossal statue of Ramses II. Continue to Sakkara, home to numerous tombs and the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Conclude your Egyptian odyssey with a farewell dinner, reflecting on the remarkable journey.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10 DEPARTURE FROM CAIRO
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure.
Meals: Breakfast
INCLUDED WITH EVERY LUXURY SMALL GROUP JOURNEY
- Internal flights included
- Visa included
- Sim card for use in Egypt
- English-Speaking Resident Tour Director and Local Guides
- Hand-Selected Luxury Accommodations
- Travelling Bell Boy® Luggage Handling
- New for 2018! Breakfast in Bed on Select Days
- Traveller’s Valet® Laundry Service
- Internet Access (Where Available)
- Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
- Full Breakfast Daily; Select Lunches and Dinners
- Entrance Fees, Taxes, and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
- 24/7 On-Call Support
- All sightseeing tours in Cairo are private as outlined in the itinerary.
- All sightseeing tours during the cruise are shared with the cruise group.
Excluded:
- International flights
Tour Price
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo -Mena House Hotel
Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat ‘– Oberoi Cruises
| All year round | High seasons | |
|---|---|---|
| DBL or TRPL Room | 7895 $ | 8495 $ |
| Solo traveller | 10390 $ | 11390 $ |
Tips and Advice for Travelers:
- Comfortable Attire: Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, especially for explorations in historic sites and during camel rides.
- Sun Protection: Carry sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the Egyptian sun can be intense, particularly during daytime excursions.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, especially during outdoor activities, and carry a reusable water bottle.
- Respecting Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with and respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites or engaging with locals.
- Photography: Capture the beauty but be mindful of photography rules at historical sites, some of which may have restrictions.
FAQs:
Q: Are meals included during the tour? A: Yes, full breakfast is provided daily, along with select lunches and dinners.
Q: Is the tour suitable for solo travelers? A: Absolutely, our Luxury Small Group Tour is designed for solo travelers seeking a curated and enriching experience.
Q: Are tips and gratuities included? A: Gratuity is included for all services except the Resident Tour Director.
Q: What is the group size for this tour? A: The tour is limited to a small group, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Q: Is Wi-Fi available during the cruise? A: Yes, internet access is available where possible, allowing you to stay connected during your journey.