Discover Ancient Land

0 (0 Reviews)
From: 1,799
0
(0 review)
Check
Duration

10 days 9 nights

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

12 people

Languages

Dutch, English, Espanol, Francais, German, Italy, Russian

About this tour

Our journey begins with a visit to the iconic Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, where our knowledgeable Egyptologist guides will provide insights into the ancient Pharaonic history and the evolution of pyramid construction. While in Cairo, we will also explore the vast collection of ancient artifacts and mummies at the Egyptian Museum, including the renowned King Tutankhamun exhibit.
Next, we will embark on an overnight sleeper train journey to Upper Egypt, arriving in Aswan the following morning. Aswan boasts one of the most picturesque stretches of the Nile, and we will take a boat trip to the beautiful Philae temple located on an island. Additionally, guests have the option to explore the remarkable temples built by Ramses II at Abu Simbel, which were dismantled and relocated due to the flooding of Lake Nasser.
We will then proceed on a leisurely overnight river cruise on a traditional Nile felucca sailboat, accompanied by our friendly Nubian crew, giving you the opportunity to unwind and witness rural Egyptian life along the banks of the Nile. After disembarking, we will visit Edfu temple en-route to Luxor, known as the world’s most exceptional open-air museum. While here, we will tour both the east and west banks of the Nile, including the impressive temple complex at Karnak, Luxor temple, and the Valley of the Kings, where we will explore ancient tombs, Queen Hatshepsut temple, Deir El-Medina, the valley of the artisans, and the Colossi of Memnon. For those seeking a thrilling adventure, a hot air balloon flight is also available.
Finally, we will head east to the seaside resort of Hurghada, where you can relax and indulge in snorkelling, scuba diving, and other water sports. You may choose to extend your stay here if you wish. Our tour concludes back in Cairo with a stroll through the charming backstreets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. After the tour, guests have the option to participate in additional day trips and extensions.

Highlights

  • The Pyramids & Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Philae Temple, Abu Simbel option, Nile felucca cruise, Temple of Karnak & Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, Red Sea at Hurghada

Included/Excluded

  • 7 nights accommodation in 5-star hotels
  • 1 night on board felucca sailboat with support boat (hotel upgrade available)
  • 1 night on board sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan (flight & hotel upgrade available)
  • All transport and transfers in private AC vehicles
  • 24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
  • Sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary
  • Services of a local Egyptologist guide for all the sightseeing tours
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • International flights (available on request)
  • Visa fees (US$25 available on arrival for most nationalities)
  • Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to sites visited (allow approx. US$80)
  • Tipping kitty (allow US$65)
  • Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
  • Tour guide tips
  • Hotel gala dinners (if charged by the hotels on 24 & 31 Dec, see Tour notes)
  • Any other items not mentioned above

Itinerary

Upon your arrival, our dedicated staff will be waiting for you at the airport to assist with obtaining your visa and luggage. They will then transfer you to your hotel to begin your trip. Our friendly staff will ensure that you are comfortably settled in, show you around the local area, and explain tomorrow's itinerary. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please. If you arrive early, we recommend taking an evening dinner cruise on the Nile or attending a spectacular sound and light show at the pyramids, both of which can be booked locally on arrival. Overnight: Cairo 5-star hotel

Our Egypt tour begins with a scenic drive to Giza, located on the outskirts of Cairo, to visit the Sphinx and the three magnificent pyramids of Egypt. Accompanying you on this and all other sightseeing tours is one of our knowledgeable and enthusiastic local Egyptologist guides, who will share fascinating insights about Egyptian history and culture. The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is an awe-inspiring man-made structure standing at 500 feet high and 750 feet wide at its base. Constructed of giant stone blocks with a hard limestone casing, the pyramid's stripped-down inner block structure is an impressive sight to behold. Along with the smaller pyramids of Khafre (Chephern) and Menkaure (Mycerinus), the majestic sight of these towering structures rising from the desert is a breathtaking spectacle. You will have the opportunity to climb down inside the pyramids if you wish, although your guide cannot accompany you due to the limited number of tickets available for the Great Pyramid. After exploring the pyramids, we head to the Egyptian Museum, home to a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the fantastic Tutankhamun exhibit. In the evening, we will transfer to the station for an overnight sleeper train journey to Aswan (approximately 12 hours). You will enjoy dinner on board in your private twin-berth compartments before the steward sets up your beds for a comfortable night's rest. Overnight: Sleeper train Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we arrive in Aswan and transfer to our hotel overlooking the Nile, which is at its most picturesque here, with lush green islands and feluccas sailing to and fro. Aswan is a vibrant city, blending African and Middle Eastern cultures, and the best way to experience it is by strolling through the bustling markets. It is also part of the ancient Nubian region, which encompassed parts of present-day southern Egypt and northern Sudan around the Nile rivers. Many Nubian descendants still reside here, and we will visit a local Nubian village to witness their colorful houses and simple way of life and savor a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, we continue our tour with a visit to the Temple of Philae, a stunning island complex dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple was rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser and can be reached by a picturesque boat ride. Later, you are free to explore the spice and general markets of Aswan and stroll along the popular Corniche on the banks of the Nile. For those interested, there is an option to take a camel ride through the sands on the far bank of the Nile to St. Simeon's monastery. If you have opted for the Abu Simbel option, we recommend an early night to prepare for an early start tomorrow morning. Overnight: Aswan 5 star hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you have the option to visit the incredible temples built by Ramses II at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Abu Simbel. We depart very early with the aim of witnessing the magnificent sunrise over the temples. If you choose not to visit Abu Simbel, then you have the morning free to explore at your leisure. At lunchtime, we board a traditional Nile felucca to enjoy an afternoon of sailing down the Nile. This is one of Egypt's most delightful activities, and you will be able to witness local rural Egyptian life from the banks of the river as you peacefully drift by. Our skilled Nubian crew will sail the boat and entertain you along the way, as well as prepare meals for you. Our separate facilities boat will occasionally join us during the day and dock with us at night. This boat has a clean toilet and shower on board, as well as a hygienic kitchen. Tonight, you will sleep on the deck of the boat (mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets will be provided). This is a fun, albeit basic experience, and we offer an optional upgrade to spend the night back in the Aswan hotel for those who prefer more comfort. You will then rejoin the rest of the group the following morning. Overnight: On board felucca Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

After enjoying breakfast on-board, we bid farewell to our felucca crew and proceed to visit the nearby temple at Edfu before continuing our journey northward to Luxor. The town of Luxor is situated on and around the ancient site of Thebes, and it boasts the largest concentration of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, if not the world. To the west of the Nile, lies the City of the Dead, with its mortuary temples and rock-hewn tombs, while to the east, we find the Temples of Luxor and Karnak. We will check-in to a luxurious 5-star hotel overlooking the Nile and have time to unwind and relax by the pool this afternoon. Later in the evening, we will embark on a walking tour of the smaller Luxor Temple, which is located right in the heart of the town and is beautifully illuminated at night. Overnight: Luxor 5-star hotel Meals: Breakfast

We will begin our tour of Luxor's West Bank early this morning by crossing the Nile. Home to the Valley of the Kings, this ancient burial site is still revealing its secrets today, and it remains one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Our tour will include several of these Pharaonic tombs, as well as the temple of Queen Hatchepsut, Deir-el-Medina (the Valley of the Craftsmen), and the colossal Colossi of Memnon. For those who opt for it, a spectacular hot air balloon flight over the West Bank of the Nile is available this morning (an early start is required to catch the sunrise as the balloon rises). After lunch, we will continue our tour with a visit to the immense temple complex at Karnak, once the religious center of Thebes and Upper Egypt. The complex was linked to Luxor by an extensive avenue lined with sphinxes, and the entire complex was connected to the Nile via a canal through which the sacred boats of the god Amun moved. Upon entering through a smaller sphinx-lined avenue built by Ramesses II, you will come across the immense pylon entrance. Inside the vast Courtyard are three chapels dedicated to the gods Amun, Khous, and Mut. The remarkable Hypostyle Hall features 134 towering columns, each adorned with scenes of gods and pharaohs, while hieroglyphic inscriptions decorate the walls. Overnight: Luxor 5-star hotel Meals: Breakfast

Following a relaxing morning, we will depart from the Nile Valley and proceed towards the Red Sea resort of Hurghada, where we will check-in at a luxurious 5-star resort. Your stay here will be on a 'soft all-inclusive' basis, which includes all soft drinks, meals, and snacks, but not alcoholic beverage. Overnight: Hurghada - 5-star resort Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is a free day for you to unwind and relish your time by the Red Sea. Hurghada is renowned for its world-class scuba diving and snorkeling, and the thriving marine life of the Red Sea draws diving enthusiasts from all over the globe. Other exciting activities available include wind surfing and kite surfing, glass-bottomed submarines, quad biking, camel rides, and sea fishing trips. Our local representative, stationed in Hurghada, will be available to assist you in making any necessary arrangements. Additionally, Hurghada features an interesting marina and an old town to explore. If you desire, we can reserve additional nights for you at the Hurghada resort to prolong your stay here—please contact us for further information and pricing details. Note: Please keep in mind that if you add extra nights in Hurghada, you will depart from the group and miss the remaining activities in Cairo. You can either conclude the tour in Hurghada or return to Cairo later by flight. Please contact us for more information and customized pricing. Overnight: Hurghada - 5-star resort Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

This morning, we will drive back to Cairo (approximately 5 hours) and check-in at a hotel located in the city center. An upgrade to an internal flight is available upon request. In the late afternoon, we will embark on a guided walk through the back streets and bazaars of Old Cairo. We will stroll through the enormous Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore streets dedicated to metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewelry, and many other items as we gradually make our way towards the more tourist-oriented Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We will have some time for a break to sample some mint tea and a shisha pipe, and this will be an excellent last chance to purchase souvenirs of your time in Egypt. Overnight: Cairo 5-star hotel Meals: Breakfast

Today, you have some free time to engage in last-minute sightseeing or shopping until we transfer you to the airport for your departing flight. If your flight departure is in the afternoon or evening, a half-day tour of Coptic Cairo and the Citadel is available today, or you could opt for another half-day tour to learn more about the evolution of pyramid building at Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis. Additionally, tours are available today. Alternatively, you may add extra nights to your stay in Cairo, which would give you the opportunity to take a day trip to the colonial city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast or venture into the desert outside Cairo to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan. Meals: Breakfast

Durations

10 Days
Multi day

Languages

Dutch
English
Espanol
Francais
German
Italy
Russian

Tour's Location

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discover Ancient Land 2 2 2 10%
2 Discover Ancient Land 3 3 7 15%
3 Discover Ancient Land 8 8 12 20%

Reviews

0/5
Not Rated
(0 Reviews)
Excellent
0
Very Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
0 reviews on this Tour - Showing 1 to 0

Write a review

From: 1,799
0 (0 Reviews)

Owner

Nilvison Tours

Member Since 2023

Explore other options