Egypt 2023: 9-Day Luxury Highlights Tour with Five-Star Nile Cruise, Luxor Temple Visit & Internal Flights
Follow the path of the pharaohs and watch history come to life on this nine-day luxury small-group tour (max. 20 travellers) through Egypt. Accompanied by an expert Egyptologist, uncover tombs preserved by desert sands in the Valley of the Kings, watch the sunset from the deck on a deluxe Nile cruise, lose yourself in the colourful chaos of Cairo’s Khan-al-Khalili bazaar and marvel at mummies and impressive treasures in the Egyptian Museum. Capture the iconic images of Egypt – the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza – rising high above the desert plateau and step back in time on an unforgettable optional excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Abu Simbel, two stunning temples carved into the bedrock in impressive detail (charges apply).
Experience ancient wonders and modern comforts with eight luxurious nights of five-star accommodation, daily breakfast and select dining experiences, included one-way flights from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo, all entrance fees per the itinerary, luxury transportation throughout and so much more.
Your journey takes you to: Cairo — Luxor — Nile Cruise — Aswan — Cairo.
Your tour includes:
- Four luxurious nights of accommodation at Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan
- Four-night five-star Nile cruise aboard the boutique MS Nile Paradise (or similar), offering an intimate cruising experience
- All-inclusive dining and onboard entertainment throughout your cruise
- Daily breakfast, three lunches and seven dinners
- One-way economy-class flights from Cairo to Luxor, and Aswan to Cairo
- Witness the magnificent Great Sphinx and Pyramids of the Giza Plateau
- Uncover centuries of fascinating history with entrance into the Egyptian Museum and Luxor Museum
- Explore a myriad of impressive sites including the Temple of Amun, Luxor Temple and Philae Temple
- Set sail toward the impressive Kitchener’s Island onboard a traditional felucca
- The expertise of an Egyptologist guide
- Deluxe air-conditioned transportation
- All sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
- Complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi (where available)
- Roundtrip private airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Enjoy seamless baggage handling, with bags delivered to your room
- Tips at the hotels and restaurants, all taxes and porterage fees
Your tour begins and ends at Cairo Airport (CAI). Private roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only.
One-way economy class airfares are included in your package between Cairo (CAI) and Luxor (LUX), and Aswan (ASW) and Cairo (CAI). International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.
Please book your flights to arrive at Cairo Airport by 2pm on Day 1, and depart from Cairo Airport any time on Day 9.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Cairo on your chosen tour start date.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information: Egypt
Time zone: Eastern European Standard Time +2
Telephone: +20
Currency: Egyptian Pound (LE) but USD is often accepted at tourist sites
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas. There is a shortage of small change; large bills can be difficult to break.
Language: Arabic
Climate: Mild winter (November-April) and hot summer (May-October). Temperatures range between an average minimum of 14°C in winter and an average maximum of 30°C in summer.
Day 1: Arrive Cairo, Egypt
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. At 6pm, 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.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan
Optional Activity:
- Group dinner (from US$20 per person).
Day 2: Cairo
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.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3: Cairo – Luxor – Nile Cruise
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before being transferred to Cairo Airport (CAI) for your included flight to Luxor (LXR) – formally 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 deluxe five-star Nile Cruise onboard MS Nile Paradise, with premium facilities 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 you tonight 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.
Accommodation: MS Nile Paradise or similar
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Optional Activity:
- Karnak sound and light show (from US$35 per person).
Day 4: Nile Cruise
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 MS Nile Paradise 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 MS Nile Paradise as you set sail towards enchanting Edfu.
Accommodation: MS Nile Paradise or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Optional Activity:
- Hot air balloon ride (from US$124 per person).
Day 5: Nile Cruise
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 the town of Kom Ombo, an agricultural settlement that has remained relatively unchanged for over a thousand years. Stroll through the charming village with your guide as you admire the traditional architecture and learn about the villagers’ way of life. Retire to MS Nile Paradise for an evening of local delicacies with a traditional onboard dinner.
Accommodation: MS Nile Paradise or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Nile Cruise
Sail to the city of Aswan onboard the deluxe five-star MS Nile Paradise 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 for a final evening onboard 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.
Accommodation: MS Nile Paradise or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Optional Activity:
- Traditional Nubian village visit (from US$32 per person).
- Sound and light show at Philae Temple (from US$35 per person).
Day 7: Nile Cruise – Abu Simbel – Aswan – Cairo
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 the airport for your flight to Cairo (CAI). Return to the Hyatt Regency Cairo West for a relaxing evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Optional Activity:
- Abu Simbel tour (from US$129 per person).
Day 8: Cairo
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. Late 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 and toast to your incredible adventure.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9: Depart Cairo
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Booking Summary: After you book, your Trusted Partner Tour Operator will make contact with you via email to complete your booking details.
This tour package is valid for the following departure dates:
LOW SEASON
- 3, 24 June 2023
- 15 July 2023
- 5, 26 August 2023
HIGH SEASON
- 5 November 2022
- 17, 24 December 2022
- 21 January 2023
- 11 February 2023
- 4 March 2023
- 22 April 2023
- 13 May 2023
- 9 September 2023
- 23 September 2023
- 7 October 2023
- 21 October 2023
- 4 November 2023
- 16 December 2023
PEAK SEASON
- 8 April 2023
- 23 December 2023
Please allow for travelling time. Flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Cairo on your chosen tour start date. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.
Booking Process
- Select which package option you would like, taking care to choose the correct season, length of stay and room capacity (Twin Room or Solo Traveller)
- Click on the green ‘Check Availability’ tab
- Using the plus or minus, adjust the number of people you would like to book then click the ‘View Available Dates & Prices’ tab
- Click the blue ‘Select’ button then the green ‘Review & Payment’ tab at the bottom right of the screen
- Fill out your preferred payment method and click the green ‘Pay Securely Now’ tab
- Once your order is complete, you will receive your Luxury Escapes automated booking summary email (this is not your tour confirmation)
- You will then be contacted by the Trusted Partner Tour Operator who will collect your Traveller Details
- The Trusted Partner Tour Operator will then also contact you to advise if your tour is confirmed. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.
- Should you require assistance with your tour, please contact your Trusted Partner Tour Operator (refer to your booking summary email for their contact details). Alternatively, contact trustedpartnertours@luxuryescapes.com.
IMPORTANT: The Twin-Room Package is valid for ONE PERSON (based on twin room). If you are travelling with another person, you must purchase TWO PACKAGES, otherwise please purchase a solo traveller package. Solo travellers will get their own room throughout the tour.
Please note that packages cannot be split.
AMENDMENTS & CHANGES
7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee: Things don’t always work out. Our 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee is there to help. Bookings (except for cruise bookings and flights which are subject to the cancellation terms of the relevant supplier) may be cancelled with a full refund provided that cancellation occurs strictly within 7 days from the date of purchase and provided that the cancellation is made no less than 90 days prior to the departure date.
Name Change or Corrections
Following the 7-Day Change of Mind Guarantee period,
- Name corrections may incur a fee
- Name changes are not permitted
Date Changes
- You can enjoy one free date change on selected tours up until 90 days prior to original travel date (subject to seasonal surcharges or package upgrades). Changes can be made via your ‘My Escapes’ account, or by contacting the Luxury Escapes Customer Support Team at trustedpartnertours@luxuryescapes.com. Any subsequent date changes will incur a fee of A$250 per person plus any further costs that may apply.
- The Trusted Partner or the Luxury Escapes Customer Support Team will advise if the change is confirmed via email and provide an invoice for the following: date change fees, costs from third-party suppliers, air and rail travel and hotels (cabins on cruises).
- Date changes do not apply to flights booked with Luxury Escapes. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of finalising the booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s).
Covid-19 Related Cancellations
For all new bookings, if you can’t travel as a direct result of border closures or government-imposed travel restrictions that directly impact your booking, Luxury Escapes will:
- allow you to change the dates of your tour, or
- offer you a credit for another tour, cruise or accommodation offer, less any third-party costs that Luxury Escapes can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers)
Accommodation
This tour includes accommodation at the following hotels:
- Cairo — Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan (Standard King/Twin Room)
- Nile Cruise – MS Nile Paradise or similar (Twin Cabin)
Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation
Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour.
- Cairo — Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan (Standard King/Single Room): from A$255 per night with breakfast and transfers included, subject to availability. Surcharges may apply.
- Cairo — Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan (Standard King/Twin Room): from A$340 per night with breakfast and transfers included, subject to availability. Surcharges may apply.
Please contact tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
IMPORTANT:
- Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar or higher standard without notice.
- Rooms will be made available after 3pm on day of arrival. Checkout is required by 10am. Early check-in and late checkout are available at an additional fee.
- Maximum room capacity is two adults.
Inclusions
- Four luxurious nights of accommodation at Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan
- Four-night deluxe Nile cruise aboard the boutique MS Nile Paradise (or similar), offering an intimate cruising experience
- All-inclusive dining and onboard entertainment throughout your cruise
- Daily breakfast, three lunches and seven dinners
- One-way economy-class flights from Cairo to Luxor, and Aswan to Cairo
- Witness the magnificent Great Sphinx and Pyramids of the Giza Plateau
- Uncover centuries of fascinating history with entrance into the Egyptian Museum and Luxor Museum
- Explore a myriad of impressive sites including the Temple of Amun, Luxor Temple and Philae Temple
- Set sail toward the impressive Kitchener’s Island onboard a traditional felucca
- The expertise of an Egyptologist guide
- Deluxe air-conditioned transportation
- All sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
- Complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi (where available)
- Roundtrip private airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Enjoy seamless baggage handling, with bags delivered to your room
- Tips at the hotels and restaurants, all taxes and porterage fees
Exclusions
- Roundtrip international flights
- Visas
- Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
- Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Tips and gratuities
- Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
- City taxes or resort fees may apply and are payable directly to the hotel on arrival
Age Restrictions
- This tour is restricted to guests aged 18 and over.
Group Size
- Minimum number for this tour to operate is two guests. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.
- Maximum tour capacity is 20 people.
- Please note that this tour is not exclusive to Luxury Escapes guests, and you may be travelling with other members of the public.
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Luxury Escapes recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
- Luxury Escapes can assist you in purchasing travel insurance through our preferred provider. Please enquire for further information and to see if our policy is suitable for you.
Passports & Visas
- A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
- Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 6-8 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
- When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
Photo ID
- For all international tours, a digital copy of your passport may be required to be provided to the Trusted Partner Tour Operator prior to your tour departure.
- For domestic tours, a digital copy of a government-issued photo identification (passport or driver’s license) may be required to be provided to the Trusted Partner Tour Operator prior to your tour departure.
- Failure to provide valid photo ID as required by the Trusted Partner Tour Operator may result in your booking being cancelled and all monies paid remaining non-refundable
Health & Vaccinations
- Travellers are advised to check the vaccine requirements for their trip with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccines require 30 days or more to be effective. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
- By purchasing this tour, you acknowledge the Covid-19 Health & Safety advice as shown here.
- Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. Please contact the Luxury Escapes Customer Support Team on trustedpartnertours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
- Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
Tour Baggage Restrictions
- Passengers are permitted one piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 15kg on tour.
Transfers
- If transfers are included in your package, please note that these are only available on the first and last day of your tour. Arrival and departure transfers are included between the hours of 6am and 6pm only. If you arrive outside these hours a supplement may apply. Please contact the Trusted Partner Tour Operator for further information.
- If booking a Twin Room package, transfers are based on two people sharing one vehicle. If you are arriving on different flights at different times, a supplement will be charged for two separate vehicles.
- Flight details must be advised as per the Trusted Partner Tour Operator requirements. Failure to provide your confirmed flight details within the time period specified by the Trusted Partner Tour Operator will result in forfeiting your transfer.
Flight Schedule Changes and/or Cancellations (if applicable)
- Please note that the rules governing your flight purchase are different from the terms and conditions of your hotel, tour, or cruise purchase. See Flights terms and conditions here.
- Your hotel, tour, or cruise booking cannot be changed or cancelled in the event of unavoidable flight schedule changes or cancellations and will be subject to the terms of that purchase.
- Further, your right to a change or cancellation of a flight is strictly governed by the terms and conditions of the specific airfare you purchased and as determined by the relevant airline carrier.
- We will, however, make every effort to work with airlines and suppliers in order to provide you with the best alternative options available.
Tipping
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the package, unless otherwise stated, and are at your own discretion. As a guide, approx. EGP160 – EGP235 per person, per day, is the industry standard.
Fitness Requirements
Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither Luxury Escapes nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor is Luxury Escapes liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
Itinerary Amendments & Changes
In the event of a change in itinerary (due to safety or events outside of our control) which results in cancellation or change fees in respect of flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable. You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).
Surcharges
After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges as a result of factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes. Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, Luxury Escapes reserves the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges or tour costs where those costs have increased for similar reasons. A material increase will be considered once in excess of 10% of the package price.
Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures that may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to Covid-19 health and safety restrictions. The Trusted Partner Tour Operator will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
PLEASE NOTE:
Luxury Escapes reserves the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.
The supplier reserves the right to cancel or alter tour itineraries as deemed necessary. Tour operation or alterations to itineraries may occur due to road or weather conditions, strikes, public holidays, accommodation availability and/or other factors. Accommodation will be of a similar or better standard if a change is required.
Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase. Refer to your booking summary email for details.
Please note this tour is operated by one of our Trusted Partner Tour Operator partners. You will be contacted post-purchase with further details.