Ahlan wa sahlan! The grandeur and glory of Egypt await as you arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI). Steeped in ancient mystery and buzzing with modern vibrancy, cosmopolitan Cairo is a city alive with culture. Fed by the lifeline of the glittering Nile, Egypt’s capital is known as the ‘City of a Thousand Minarets’ thanks to its spectacular collection of preserved Islamic Caliphate architecture.
Take your private transfer to the stately Fairmont Nile City Hotel, situated on the banks of the Nile with sweeping views all the way to the distant Pyramids. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure before an elegant set welcome dinner with your touring party, including a complimentary glass of wine or beer.
Today, experience one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, with a full day dedicated to the extraordinary pyramids.
The Great Pyramids of Giza are the only present-day survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, built over 4,500 years ago as giant tombs for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. Truly monumental in scale, the largest of these ancient structures is estimated to have taken over two million blocks to complete.
Nearby rests the enigmatic Sphinx, watchful guardian of the colossal funerary monuments. About a thousand years after its construction, a young prince had a dream in which the Sphinx promised him the title of Pharaoh if he cleared the sand from the statue. See the story for yourself, carved on the famed Dream Stele set between the Sphinx's great paws.
Enjoy a lunch of traditional Egyptian cuisine at 9 Pyramids Lounge and relax in Bedouin-style seating overlooking the spectacular pyramids of Giza.
Visit the necropolis of Saqqara, where the very first pyramids were built as tombs for kings. Instead of the smooth sides featured on other pyramids, these stepped pyramids represent the pharaoh's stepladder to heaven. Discover the famous Step Pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser, the oldest known pyramid in Egypt and the world’s first freestanding stone structure.
Round out your dig through history in the legendary city of Memphis, founded almost 5,000 years ago by the Pharaoh Menes, who united Upper and Lower Egypt. Memphis became the capital of the Old Kingdom and the heart of Egypt's busy import-export activity, with traders from around the world lending it a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Return to your luxurious accommodation in Cairo for another evening spent in Egypt’s vibrant capital.
Optional activities:
- Pyramid camel ride (A$48 per person).
- Cairo sound and light show (A$94 per person).
After a delicious buffet breakfast, meet with your tour guide for an exploration of this storied city.
The study of ancient Egyptian language, history and architecture has obsessed archaeologists and linguists for centuries, and Egyptology has become a respected discipline across the world. Waste no time mining your guide’s expert knowledge as you head to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza – a cutting-edge collection of archaeological gems from this historic region, housed in one of the largest museum complexes in the world. Uncover thousands of Tutankhamun’s treasured relics and piece together a complex picture of ancient Egypt in the halls of this long-awaited archival project.
Enjoy lunch in the manicured Al-Azhar Park, then continue to Al-Muizz Street in Cairo’s Old Town. Built in the 10th century BCE, this monument-lined street takes its name from the founder of Cairo himself and offers a glimpse at the city’s Islamic history. Continue to the bustling brightness of Khan el-Khalili, a renowned bazaar dating back over 1,000 years. Peruse the wares of the innumerable shopfronts, then take your transfer back to your hotel for an evening of opulent comfort.
Optional activities:
- Cairo city tour with felucca ride (A$58 per person).
- Sufi dance show (A$96 per person).
Gather your energy with a delicious breakfast before being transferred to Cairo Airport (CAI) for your included flight to Luxor (LXR), formerly known as Thebes. Often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum, Luxor is a true archaeological wonderland.
On arrival, visit the expansive Karnak Temple Complex and explore the great Temple of Amun-Re. Walk the remnants of much-fabled ancient Thebes through the Avenue of Sphinxes, then check in for your decadent Nile River cruise and savour a refreshing lunch aboard.
Later, disembark once more for a tour of the remarkable Luxor Temple, near-perfectly preserved and dramatically lit against the desert night. As evening falls, retire to your cabin or recline beneath the stars on deck as you drift lazily along the Nile.
Optional activities:
- Luxor city tour by horse carriage (A$68 per person).
- Karnak Temple sound and light show (A$87 per person).
Today, set out to explore the West Bank of Luxor and uncover the mysterious Valley of the Kings. Witness the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI, as well as the beautifully decorated tomb of Seti I. Majestic and meticulously constructed, the tombs of the pharaohs have fascinated archaeologists for over a hundred years and remain an integral part of Egypt’s millennia-old history.
Be drawn to the mesmerising Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set low against the surrounding cliffs. Later, pass the famed Colossi of Memnon, built to depict King Amenhotep III in a resting position and known for the mournful sounds they’re said to make at dawn.
Back aboard, indulge in a well-earned lunch as you sail onward to new wonders.
Optional activities:
- Sunrise hot air balloon ride (A$269 per person).
After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Egypt’s largest and best-preserved Pharaonic temple – the Temple of Horus at Edfu. Built to venerate ancient Horus, god of the Sun – later identified by the Greeks as Apollo – the site is a breathtaking glimpse into Hellenistic Egypt.
Continue to the ancient agricultural settlement of Kom Ombo. Take your time strolling through the charming village, positioned on a bend in the river where sacred crocodiles once basked in the sun. Central to Kom Ombo is the unique double temple, dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Haroeris, the falcon god of the sky. Wonder at the detailed inscriptions throughout the remains, then return to your vessel to spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Following breakfast aboard, set out to explore fantastical Aswan. Witness the enormity of the Aswan High Dam, constructed with support from UNESCO to help protect the ancient monuments in danger of flooding. Visit the island of Agilika for a glimpse at its countless historic sites, painstakingly relocated during the construction of the nearby dam.
Survey the gargantuan Unfinished Obelisk and learn of its abandoned fate, then meander through the majestic Philae Temple Complex to study the walls of the Temple of Isis.
Return to your elegant cruiser for a refreshing lunch, then spend the rest of your afternoon freely, perhaps choosing to join an optional tour of the many surrounding wonders.
Optional activities:
- Aswan city tour by horse carriage (A$68 per person).
- Nubian village visit (A$96 per person).
- Philae Temple sound and light show (A$87 per person).
After one more breakfast – and the chance to join an optional trip to the jaw-dropping Abu Simbel – it’s time to take your flight back to Cairo, where you’ll transfer to your elegant hotel at the edge of the Nile.
The rest of the day is yours for the taking, whether you wish to explore Cairo’s vibrant street life or settle in for indulgent comfort at your accommodation.
Optional activities:
- Abu Simbel trip by land (A$230 per person).
- Abu Simbel trip by air (A$615 per person).
- Egypt farewell dinner at hotel (A$154 per person).
With one last breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to bid farewell to enchanting Egypt and transfer to Cairo International Airport (CAI), where your journey comes to a close.