Welcome to Cairo! On arrival at Cairo Airport (CAI), you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan – a relaxing haven away from the bustle of the capital. In the afternoon, join your tour director and travel companions in the hotel lobby for a welcome meeting. This evening, savour the exotic and delicious flavours of Egyptian cuisine with an optional group dinner.
Optional Activity:
- Group dinner (from US$20 per person).
Prepare for an exceptional morning of cultural discovery as you get up close and personal with the awe-inspiring Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza. These iconic images of Egypt, rising from the Giza Plateau, are some of the last remaining wonders of the ancient world. Their sheer scale and impeccable geometry even have some believing they have unearthly origins. Allow your expert guide to dissect the theories and give you a deeper understanding of the pyramids' creation. Take a moment to engrave this unique sight into your memory before continuing your adventure through the heart of Cairo. Afterwards, enjoy free time to relax or choose to explore more of Cairo at your own pace. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner.
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before being transferred to Cairo Airport (CAI) for your included flight to Luxor (LXR) – formerly known as Thebes. This extraordinary city is often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum. On arrival, you’ll begin your discovery of its magnificent monuments. Walk the Avenue of the Sphinx through the remnants of much-fabled ancient Thebes and visit Karnak’s great Temple of Amun.
Afterwards, embark on your Nile cruise onboard the Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruiser, with premium facilities, including an outdoor pool, onboard. Continue your discovery with a stop at the remarkable Luxor Museum. Here, you can find an astonishing display of artefacts and items from ancient Egypt’s civilisations, including pieces from Tutankhamun’s famed tomb. Your comfortable cabin awaits as you dock at Luxor, where you can witness Karnak Temple come to life with an optional sound and light show and enjoy an evening stroll through the beautifully lit complex.
Optional Activity:
- Karnak Sound and Light show (from US$35 per person)
This morning, catch the breeze that sweeps over the Nile and perhaps choose to rise above ancient Thebes on an optional hot air balloon ride. Float over Luxor, taking in the stunning Valley of the Kings from above, and capturing the extravagant efforts to honour the pharaohs of Egypt for eternity. Afterwards, step back onboard the Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruiser and enjoy a delicious, locally prepared lunch. Then, uncover the remnants of the civilisations that have shaped the fertile banks of the Nile as you visit Luxor Temple, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. This evening, watch the sunset from the deck of Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruiser as you set sail towards enchanting Edfu.
Optional Activity:
- Hot air balloon ride (from US$124 per person)
Begin the day by discovering the treasures of ancient Edfu, including one of the best-preserved monuments in Egypt – the Temple of Horus. Continue sailing upstream to Kom Ombo, an agricultural settlement that has remained relatively unchanged for over a thousand years. Stroll through the charming site with your guide as you admire the traditional architecture and learn about the villagers' way of life. Retire to the Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruiser for an evening of local delicacies with a traditional dinner onboard.
Sail to the city of Aswan and swap modern comfort for Egyptian tradition with a felucca sailboat experience. Feluccas are a unique mode of transport, used along the Nile for centuries. Step onboard and set sail toward the impressive Kitchener's Island, where you’ll visit the beautiful Botanical Gardens, mighty Aswan High Dam and the incredible surrounding monuments.
Witness impressive sights including the Temple of Isis – dedicated to the divine mother of the pharaohs – the semi-carved, unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple. Dock ashore and watch the sunset behind the shimmering reflections of feluccas on the Nile as you prepare for an authentic local dining experience, accompanied by live music.
Optional Activity:
- Traditional Nubian village visit (from US$32 per person)
- Philae Sound and Light show (from US$35 per person)
Today, you will have the opportunity to explore the phenomenal Abu Simbel complex on a fantastic optional excursion. A must-see for all history and archaeology enthusiasts, the two massive temples were carved into the bedrock in impressive detail to honour the rule of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Later, transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo (CAI). Return to the Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan for a relaxing evening at leisure.
Optional Activity:
- Abu Simbel tour (from US$129 per person).
Your in-depth discovery of the vibrant city of Cairo continues today as you stroll the city's streets and explore its countless treasures with your expert local guide. See the immense collection of ancient artefacts at the Egyptian Museum, Citadel of Saladin, Mosque of Mohammed Ali, Hanging Church and the bustling bazaar of Khan el-Khalili. Later in the afternoon, discover the city at your own pace and take the time to rediscover your favourite sights. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with your newfound friends at the hotel and toast to your incredible adventure.
Your epic adventure finishes after breakfast. Make sure to bid farewell to your fellow travellers before checking out of the hotel by 11am. Complimentary transfers to Cairo Airport (CAI) are available all day.