Egypt Nile Jewel - 9 Days

Welcome to Egypt! Arrive at Cairo International Airport and meet the tour representative who will assist with the immigration process, passport control and baggage collection. Travel to the hotel in Cairo to freshen up before receiving a brief overview of the tour from your Egyptologist tour guide who will accompany the group for the duration of the trip. Find out more about the incredible experiences to look forward to over the following eight days! Relax at the hotel or head out to explore the city during the free time tonight.

This morning, experience the icons of ancient Egypt! Your Egyptologist guide will accompany the group to the Giza pyramid complex. Here, you can see the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Great Sphinx. Next, visit Sakkara to see the unique step pyramid of Zoser (also known as Djoser). This is Egypt’s first-ever pyramid and is constructed of six tombs built on top of each other. Choose to complete the day on an epic note with an optional sound and light show at the Giza Pyramids or a dinner cruise along the famous Nile River for a night of Egyptian food, culture and dancing!

Catch an early-morning flight to Aswan. Arrive and board the 5-star Nile cruise ship. After some time to freshen up, the Nile quest begins! Start with a visit to the High Dam of Aswan, where your guide will explain how the construction of the dam and subsequent creation of Lake Nasser required the relocation of the Nubian people and several important historical monuments, including Abu Simbel (which can be visited tomorrow). Next, take a short boat ride to Agilkia Island to explore the Temple of Isis at Philae. Built during the Ptolemaic Kingdom (305 BC to 30 BC), the temple is dedicated to Isis, one of ancient Egypt’s oldest goddesses! Enjoy the first night of the Nile Cruise tonight.

This morning, enjoy the opportunity to join the optional excursion to the temples of Abu Simbel, two massive temples in southern Egypt. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Nubian Monuments", these iconic temples were carved out of the mountainside in the 13th century BC, during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II. The tour then continues with a visit to the Temple of Kom-Ombo, a unique 'double' temple dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris (Horus). After some time to explore the temple, continue onwards to Luxor, where the tour will spend the night on board the 5-star cruise ship.

After breakfast, disembark and tour the East Bank of Luxor. Experience the incredible Karnak Temple Complex which is part of the ancient city of Thebes. Dedicated to the powerful ram-headed god Amun, it offers a vast mix of temples, chapels, statues and obelisks. Next, it’s time to explore Luxor Temple, a place of worship that is dedicated to three gods: Amun, his wife Mut and his son Khons. Together these temples and gods were key players in the great Opet Festival which was held each year during the flood season.

This morning, it’s time for a tour of the West Bank of Luxor. Visit the world famous Valley of the Kings and explore the incredible tombs of the New Kingdom Pharaohs, such as King Tutankhamen. Then, experience the Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir El Bahary) which is the mortuary temple of the only Pharaoh Queen that ruled Egypt. The day will finish off with a visit to the great Colossi of Memnon - the last remains of Amenophis III’s temple. Finally, hop on board the air-conditioned private bus to Hurghada on the Red Sea coast and look forward to a two-night stay at this all inclusive resort!

This is a free day for you to enjoy however you wish. The resort in Hurghada offers a large swimming pool complex, long sandy beaches and all-inclusive food and drink; total relaxation awaits! Alternatively, choose to take part in any number of water sports activities, including full-day snorkelling and scuba diving excursions. The seas around Hurghada offer some of the best coral reef dive spots in the world, offering the opportunity to see many colourful fish species, including the Red Sea Clownfish, Emperor Angelfish, Picasso Trigger Fish and Moray Eels. Overnight at the resort in Hurghada.

This morning, travel back to Cairo by air-conditioned private minibus. Arrive at the hotel with some time to freshen up before setting out to explore more of Egypt’s capital city on a tour of Cairo! Begin with a visit to the Egyptian Museum to learn more about the country's incredible ancient history, followed by a tour of the old city of Cairo including the Hanging Church and the Mosque of Mohammed Ali. Afterwards, explore Khan El Khalili, a bazaar crammed with souvenir shops, cafés and shisha bars which is a great place to pick up a few souvenirs!

After nine days spent exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders and cruising the Nile River, it’s time for the tour to come to an end. The tour will finish after breakfast at the hotel in Cairo. Expat Explore hopes to welcome you on tour again soon and wishes you a safe trip home!