Egypt
Upper Egypt & the Eternal Nile
Embark on a journey through Egypt's ancient wonders, starting in Cairo with the iconic Pyramids of Giza. Spend extra nights in Luxor to discover the house of Howard Carter and the Mummification Museum before setting sail on a captivating 4-night Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan, experiencing Egypt's historic sites and picturesque landscapes. Conclude your adventure with an additional night in Aswan, where you can explore its tranquil temples and vibrant markets at your leisure. This thoughtfully planned itinerary ensures a comprehensive and unforgettable journey through Egypt's cultural and historical treasures.
Your inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation in chosen category with daily breakfast
- 4 night Nile cruise
- Daily breakfast, lunch & dinner on-board the Nile cruise
- Domestic flights - Cairo/Luxor and Aswan/Cairo
- Private sightseeing in Cairo and Luxor with English-speaking Egyptologist-guide
- Entry into the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI
- Group sightseeing on Nile Cruise with English-speaking Egyptologist-guide
- Egyptian visa for US, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and UK passport holders
- Fast Track meet and assistance prior to immigration at Cairo Airport
- Private transfers
Price from
- From $5899 per person share twin
- Travel: 08 Jan-09 Apr 25
- From $7099 per person share twin
- Travel: 10-30 Apr 25
- From $5539 per person share twin
- Travel: 01 May-14 Sep 25
Your itinerary
Welcome to Egypt. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you will be welcomed by our local Airport representative PRIOR to immigration who will assist you with your included Egyptian Visa. Your special fast track immigration service ensures priority access. After immigration clearance, you will be assisted with your luggage collection and customs control by our local team, then transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the Pyramids area. You will be assisted with your hotel check-in then have the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight Cairo.
A day to remember! Meet your private Egyptologist guide who will unlock the secrets of the ancient capital on this full day tour.
Begin your day with a visit to the impressive site of the Pyramids whose construction began in 2690 BC. The Pyramids of Mycerinus, Chefren and the Great Pyramid of Cheops are the only survivors from the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Face the mystical Sphinx, reputedly used as target practice by Napoleon’s troops.
Optional (supplement applies): Take a Camel Ride across the sands of the desert with the Pyramids in the background
After regathering your thoughts travel with your driver cross country to the ancient capital of Memphis, then continue to visit the original pyramids at Sakkara – the oldest surviving Egyptian pyramid. This most ancient of pyramids was the first to be built in ancient Egypt, preceding those at Giza by many centuries. Essentially a sequence of decreasingly sized mastaba placed atop each other, this architectural advance of raising tombs closer to the heavens ultimately led to the creation of the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Optional Tour (supplement applies): Top off an unforgettable day with an incredible evening attending the Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids
From the oldest buildings in Egypt to one of the newest. Embark on a captivating visit with your private Egyptologist-Guide to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the largest and most comprehensive archaeological museums in the world located near the Pyramids. Spanning over 5,000 years of history, this museum boasts an extraordinary collection of artifacts that trace the rich cultural heritage of Egypt inspired by the boy King Tutankhamun. Currently in its "second soft-opening phase," the GEM has unveiled 12 of its main galleries, offering a glimpse into its vast treasures. As you step inside, you’ll be welcomed by the imposing figure of Ramses II, a colossal statue that has been relocated from Tahrir Square and now stands proudly in the museum’s grand foyer. From here, you'll journey through the newly opened galleries, where over 15,000 meticulously curated artifacts are displayed. These exhibits span millennia, showcasing the incredible achievements of ancient Egyptian civilization, from its earliest dynasties to the grandeur of its later empires. With each step, you'll delve deeper into the stories of pharaohs, gods, and everyday life, uncovering the mysteries and marvels of one of the world's oldest and most influential cultures. (The GEM also has a shopping complex and cafes).
Upon completion of the tour, you will be transferred to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. On arrival in Luxor, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel where accommodation has been reserved for two nights.
This morning you will be met by your private Egyptologist-guide then head out to discover the Temple of Medinat Habu which is the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III. Continue to the house of famed archaeologist Howard Carter. Neglected for a long time, the house has been restored to its former state under the guidance of the famous Egyptologist and Archaeologist Dr Zahi Hawass. It is a fascinating insight into the life of the man who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun after years of searching the Valley of the Kings.
In the afternoon, return to the East Bank and visit the Mummification Museum. The ancient Egyptians believed that for a person to reach the afterlife, it was essential that both their body and their name remained, so their Soul would be transported from one life to the next. To achieve this the mummification rituals were developed to preserve the body. The museum contains several human and animal mummies as well as the tools and the canopic jars needed for the ritual. Evening at leisure or to explore the markets of Luxor. Overnight Luxor.
Leisurely morning before embarking on your Nile Cruise. After lunch on board your cruise ship you will head out to explore one of the world’s most remarkable open-air museums - Thebes. Visit the magnificent Luxor Temple then follow the Avenue of the Sphinx to the Temple complex of Karnak. This gigantic site was added to by approximately 30 different Pharaohs over time, which goes some way to explaining its immense size and majestic grandeur. Dinner on board. Overnight Luxor.
In the early hours of the morning your cruise ship will cross the Esna locks and sail for Edfu. Following breakfast on board you will set out to view remains dating back to the Old Kingdom, as well as the revered Temple of Horus – one of the holiest of the Egyptian pantheon of gods. Return to the ship mid-morning and continue sailing to Kom Ombo. Spend time relaxing onboard the ship prior to a late afternoon visit to the Kom Ombo Temple. This remarkable temple was jointly shared by the two Gods: Sobek, depicted with the head of a crocodile, and Horus, represented with the head of a falcon. It was constructed during the Ptolemaic period, spanning from 237 to 57 BCE. Admire the beautifully preserved murals and intricate bas-relief, adorned with inscriptions that offer valuable insights into language, mythology, and religion during the Egypt's Greco-Roman era. There will be a Galabeya party on board this evening.
Early this morning your ship will set sail for Aswan. After breakfast visit the High Dam, the Granite Quarries and the beautifully restored Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis (the mother of Horus). This remarkable temple was rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam’s construction. Return for a leisurely lunch on board your cruise ship before setting off mid-afternoon to sail by traditional felucca around Kitchener’s Island with a view of the Agha Khan Mausoleum. This evening attend dinner and a Nubian folkloric show on board.
Disembark from your cruise this morning after breakfast. You will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your Aswan hotel where accommodation is reserved for one night. Remainder of the day at leisure. Let the natural beauty of Aswan capture your imagination, explore the markets and/or sip a drink on the banks of the Nile. Overnight Aswan.
Optional (surcharge applies): Half day or overnight visit to Abu Simbel
This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo, a modern cosmopolitan capital with a rich heritage of cultural influences and echoes of ancient civilisations.
Meet your private Egyptologist-guide and embark on a journey through Egypt's rich history. Your first stop is the magnificently curated National Museum of Ancient Civilizations. The Museum’s vision is to bring the rich tapestry of tangible and intangible Egyptian heritage to life within a vibrant cultural, artistic and scientific context.
After a break for lunch (own arrangements) walk through Old Cairo with your guide. Start at Bab al-Futuh and stroll through al-Moez Street visiting and viewing the magnificent Islamic architectural heritage including mausoleums, mosques, Sabils (fountains), and medieval houses dating back to the Fatimid and Mamluk periods. If you wish, take a moment to reenergize with a refreshing beverage at Fishawy Café, an optional stop amidst the bustling Khan El Khalili bazaars.
OPTION: You have the option to replace the visit to the Ancient Civilisation Museum with a visit of Coptic Cairo where you will explore iconic Coptic churches, including the renowned Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, mosque of Amr ibn al-As and the Coptic Museum.
This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Cairo Airport for your onward flight.
- Discover the iconic Pyramids of Giza and delve into Cairo's rich history with a private Egyptologist-Guide
- Experience a captivating 4-night cruise along the Nile, from Luxor to Aswan, witnessing historic sites and picturesque landscapes
- Roam the magnificent temples of Luxor and Karnak, as well as the Valley of the Kings and Queens – bonus entry into the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI included
Terms & Conditions
Sales until sold out. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice until time of confirmation. Prices displayed are per person, based on two people travelling together in First Class. Upgrades are available, subject to availability and an extra cost. All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Prices are based on payment by cash or eftpos. Credit card fees will apply. Amendment and cancellation fees apply. International Airfares are not included and are at an additional cost. Supplements may apply for tours commencing on certain days. Nile Cruise itinerary may vary according to the cruise boat confirmed or may operate in reverse. Travel insurance is mandatory. Payment deadlines and conditions apply. FINANCE CONDITIONS: Lending criteria, fees, terms & conditions apply. Offer available for bookings made with House of Travel only. Not available for bookings made with MixandMatch. For finance terms and conditions visit hot.co.nz/payment-options. For full terms and conditions please ask your House of Travel Consultant. Supplier code: Innovative
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