Private Holiday - Departs Daily6 Days ex Cairo
Please note: The Single Room price displayed above is for a single room in conjunction with other travellers. A solo traveller may incur a supplement
Experience the antiquity of ancient Egypt with this insightful package which takes in many of the best sites and monuments in the land of the Pharaohs. With two included domestic flights this tour shows you the best of Egypt in a way which ensures you make the most of your time in this amazing destination.
Highlights:
- Experience the grandeur of the Great Pyramids of Giza the Sphinx and many more wondrous sites
- Discover the old and new capitals of Egypt – Cairo & Luxor (Thebes)
- Gaze in wonder at the intricate workmanship of age-old treasures
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Itinerary
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Accommodation
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Important Information
Day 1: Cairo
Our local operator will meet you inside immigration at the airport and assist you with arrival documents before transferring you through Cairo to your Pyramids area hotel. Spend the rest of the day unwinding before your explorations begin the following day.
Day 2: Cairo (B)
Dive straight into the majestic antiquity of this amazing land, beginning with a visit the ancient capital of Memphis. Continue on to the step pyramid of Sakkara where you will gain insight into the construction processes and architectural desires that lead to monuments at your next destination - the awesome Pyramids of Giza. The enduring image of Egypt, these incomparable tombs make all else seem insignificant and temporary. While viewing the mysterious Sphinx, see if you can spot the bullet holes purportedly the result of Napoleon’s soldiers using the monument for target practice.
Day 3: Cairo – Luxor (B)
This morning fly to Luxor where you will learn the ancient rites and rituals of eternal life with an optional visit the Mummification Museum. Having begun by burying dead in shallow sand graves which naturally mummified remains, the process of preserving bodies for use in the afterlife grew in complexity as Egypt grew in importance and wealth. It was not only the use of their bodies that ancient Egyptians required in the afterlife, however. Mummies’ sarcophagi were sometimes also surrounded by hundreds of tiny dolls called ushabti. These dolls, representatives of officials’ or pharaoh’s servants, were made to answer for the dead and serve them in the afterlife.
Day 4: Luxor (B)
Today cross the Nile to the Valley of the Kings where so many fabulous tombs have been uncovered, including those of Ramses II and Tutankhamun. Also visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, named for the Ethiopian king killed by Achilles at the battle of Troy. Later visit the immense temples of Luxor and Karnak where the vast columns hint at the important events that were held here in antiquity.
Day 5: Luxor – Cairo (B)
Fly to Cairo and transfer to your city hotel. Later marvel as the glittering treasures in the Egyptian Museum are shown to you by your private guide. Visit the Hanging Church before experiencing the Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
Day 6: Cairo (B)
After breakfast there is time for one last plunge through Cairo as you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Accommodation: 3 nights Cairo (2 nights Pyramids, 1 night Downtown), 2 nights Luxor
- Private transfers & A/C transportation
- Daily breakfasts
- Private Egyptologist guide and sightseeing
- Flights Cairo/Luxor/Cairo
- Entrance Fees
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Departure taxes
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the following or similar:
Cairo Pyramids Area
Tourist Class - Cairo Pyramids Hotel
First Class - Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel - Pyramids View
Deluxe Class - Hyatt Regency Cairo West - Pyramids View
Super Deluxe Class - Marriott Mena House Garden Pyramid view
Historic Class - Marriott Mena House - Pyramids View Room
Luxor
Tourist Class - Sonesta St George Standard Room
First Class - Sonesta St George - Side Nile Room
Deluxe Class - Hilton Luxor - Garden View
Super Deluxe Class - Hilton Luxor - Nile Room
Historic Class - Old Winter Palace - Classic Garden View room
Cairo City
Tourist Class - Flamenco Hotel
First Class - Steigenberger Tahir
Deluxe Class - Marriott
Super Deluxe Class - Ritz Carlton Cairo
Historic Class - Marriott
Cruising the Nile Please use cruise itineraries as a guideline only. The order of sightseeing and overnight destinations may vary and are subject to change due to the operation of Esna Lock, or at the discretion of the of the cruise company. Should a change of boat be required due to any unforeseen circumstances prior to departure, an alternative of the same standard or better will be offered if available
There are many river boats that cruise between Luxor and Aswan. They provide accommodation and transportation for the majority of tourists travelling to Egypt. Each night and whilst moored for sightseeing, it is common for 4-5 cruise boats to be parked abreast of each other. The location of your boat will vary from port to port however in many cases your view from your cabin will be restricted to cruising periods only.
Sightseeing on Nile Cruise boats is operated by the cruise company. You will be allocated an English speaking guide and small group of other English speaking tourists for sightseeing upon embarkation. The order of sightseeing may vary depending on the local port authorities. If a tomb or temple is unable to be visited an alternative will be provided where possible.
Sightseeing (non cruise) All sightseeing unless specified is on a private basis with a driver and guide. Sightseeing generally takes place in the cooler periods of the day ie early morning or late afternoon therefore on occasion some early starts may be necessary to avoid the heat
Valley of the Kings: Not all the tombs within the Valley are currently open to the public. Many are closed periodically for resting and renovation (Entrance fees to three tombs is included in tour packages. Entrance fees to Tutankhamen’s Tomb is not included. Currently EGP100pp - subject to change).
Ramadan During the Holy Month of Ramadan Muslims fast, abstaining from eating, drinking & smoking during daylight hours (approx. 7am-6.30pm). As a sign of respect, tourists should also try to refrain eating in public during the fasting hours. Restaurants and Cafes in Hotels and Cruise boats will be open, however limited alcohol may be available over this time. In 2019, Ramadan should begin around 05 May. After 30 days, or on sighting the full moon, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated & most public and private institutions close for at least three days.
Domestic Flights in Egypt. Flight times will reconfirmed by the local operator upon arrival in Egypt. Note, Flights from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor generally involve early morning starts due to flight schedules in the summer season. For flights to Abu Simbel certain flights are allocated to clients travelling for day trips from Cairo and overnight programmes. These flights are set by Egypt air and are outside of the operators control
Dress Codes Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites – Men: Long pants, Women – skirt or long pants and shoulders covered.
Hotels Hotels in regional areas (i.e Abu Simbel/ Siwa/ St Catherine ) can be of a lower standard than the properties in the main tourist centres., with more basic/ less developed infrastructure due to location and surrounding conditions. The options chosen are the best available.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
