Gods of Egypt
This comprehensive 10-day Egypt tour encompasses all the major Pharaonic attractions, from the vibrant city of Cairo to the serene Nile Valley, and offers a luxurious Nile River cruise experience followed by some leisure time by the Red Sea in Hurghada. Here’s an overview of the journey:
We kick off in Cairo with visits to the iconic Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, as well as the renowned Egyptian Museum, renowned for its vast collection of ancient artifacts, including the captivating King Tutankhamun exhibition.
From Cairo, we embark on an internal flight south to Aswan, where the Nile showcases its most picturesque charm. A boat excursion takes us to the enchanting island temple of Philae. For those interested, there’s also an option to explore the remarkable temples of Abu Simbel, meticulously dismantled and reconstructed when Lake Nasser was formed.
Our adventure continues as we depart Aswan on a luxury Nile cruise, with spacious en-suite cabins featuring panoramic windows, a restaurant, lounge, bar, and a sprawling sun deck equipped with another bar, recliners, and a plunge pool. Our cruise journey takes us northward, passing by the temples at Edfu and Komombo en route to Luxor, often hailed as the world’s most extensive open-air museum. In Luxor, we explore both the east and west banks of the Nile, including underground Pharaonic tombs in the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatchepsut and Medinat Habu temples, the colossal Colossi of Memnon, and the grand temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor, with the latter beautifully illuminated at night.
We then leave the Nile Valley behind and head to the Red Sea coast in Hurghada, where a 5-star beach resort awaits, offering a relaxing escape. Hurghada is renowned for its excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, as well as a variety of other water sports. Alternatively, you can simply unwind on the pristine beaches. You have the option to extend your stay here or rejoin the group for the return journey to Cairo.
The tour culminates with a free afternoon in Cairo, during which you can opt for a city tour, explore the vibrant markets and bazaars on a guided walk, revisit the Pyramids for an evening sound and light show, or indulge in a dinner cruise on the Nile.
- Luxurious accommodations at 5-star hotels for the entire duration of the tour
- 3 nights on board 5-star-deluxe level Nile Cruise boat
- All transport and transfers in private AC vehicles
- Domestic flights
- Airport arrival and departure transfer
- Sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary
- The expertise of local Egyptologist guides for all sightseeing excursions
- Private guiding during the Nile cruise
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- International flights (available upon inquiry)
- Entry visa to Egypt
- Entrance fees to sites visited (allow approx. US$85)
- Tipping kitty.
- Meals not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls, laundry, drinks, extra meals, etc
- Tipping for the tour guide and the tour leader
- Hotel gala dinners on 24 and/or 31 Dec (budget up to $180 p/p)
- Additional activities or unmentioned items.
CairoPyramidsSphinxEgyptian MuseumPhilae TempleLuxury Nile CruiseAbu Simbel OptionKarnak TempleLuxorValley of the KingsColossi of MemnonRed SeaHurghadaToday, you take your first steps towards a new adventure… Board your flight to Cairo International Airport where we will be waiting for you just before customs for any assistance needed before we transfer you to your chosen hotel to settle in and relax.
Overnight : Cairo Hotel
No Meals
Our journey in Egypt begins with a visit to Giza, where you’ll explore the Sphinx and the iconic pyramids. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local Egyptologist guide, you’ll learn about Egyptian history and culture. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, standing at 500 feet tall and 750 feet wide at its base, is a remarkable man-made structure constructed from massive stone blocks. You’ll also have the chance to enter the pyramids if you wish, though your guide can’t join you due to limited tickets. Afterward, we’ll visit the Egyptian Museum, home to the famous Tutankhamun exhibit and a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. In the evening, we’ll transfer to the station for an overnight sleeper train journey to Aswan, where you’ll enjoy dinner in your private twin-berth compartments before a restful night’s sleep.
OVERNIGHT: Sleeper train
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS: Cairo to Aswan flight upgrade
This morning, we wake up to the breathtaking beauty of the Nile River, featuring a picturesque landscape with scattered islands and graceful felucca sailing boats. Aswan, with its captivating blend of African and Middle Eastern cultures, unfolds before us, evident in the vibrant markets and streets. You’ll have some free time in the morning to explore, walk along the Corniche by the river, or venture to the Nubian Museum, showcasing a remarkable collection of Nubian artifacts.
After checking out of our hotel, we board our Nile Cruise boat for lunch, setting the stage for our organized sightseeing in Aswan in the afternoon. Our first stop is the Temple of Philae, a stunning island temple devoted to Isis, skillfully rescued from the encroaching waters of Lake Nasser and accessible via a scenic boat ride. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, with the option to take a camel ride across the sands on the opposite bank of the Nile to visit St. Simeon’s Monastery.
For those interested, there’s also an early morning optional visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Abu Simbel, a mesmerizing complex built by Ramses II, which underwent a remarkable dismantling and reconstruction process when Lake Nasser was formed.
OVERNIGHT: Nile Cruise Boat
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we embark on a leisurely journey down the Nile, reveling in the serene atmosphere on the sun deck while observing the tranquil rhythm of rural Egyptian life along the riverbanks. Our initial stop brings us to the striking riverside temple at Kom ombo, known for its unique design as a double temple. One side is devoted to Sobek, the crocodile god, while the other is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed Sky God.
Our voyage continues, taking us to the magnificent Temple of Horus at Edfu. This evening, we will spend the night here, immersing ourselves in the rich history and culture of this ancient land.
OVERNIGHT: Nile Cruise Boat
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a satisfying breakfast on-board, we say goodbye to our felucca crew and proceed to visit the nearby Edfu Temple before continuing north towards Luxor. Luxor, built upon the ancient site of Thebes, is renowned for housing the largest concentration of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, if not the world. On the west bank of the Nile, you’ll find the City of the Dead, featuring mortuary temples and rock-hewn tombs, while on the east bank lie the captivating Temples of Luxor and Karnak.
Upon our arrival in Luxor, we check into a luxurious 5-star hotel on the Nile’s banks, allowing you the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the afternoon by the pool. Later in the evening, we embark on a guided walking tour of the enchanting Luxor Temple, nestled right in the heart of the city and beautifully illuminated at night.
OVERNIGHT: Luxor 5-star hotel
MEALS: Breakfast
EXTRAS: None
Early this morning, we cross the Nile to embark on our exploration of Luxor’s West Bank. This area is renowned for the Valley of the Kings, where ancient burial tombs continue to unveil their secrets, making it one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites. Our tour includes visits to several Pharaonic tombs, the Temple of Queen Hatchepsut, Deir-el-Medina (known as the Valley of the Craftsmen), and the impressive Colossi of Memnon.
For those seeking an extraordinary experience, a breathtaking hot air balloon flight over the West Bank of the Nile is available this morning, offering the chance to witness the sunrise from high above (please note, an early start is necessary to catch the sunrise as the balloon ascends).
Following lunch, we’ll explore the vast temple complex of Karnak, once the religious epicenter of Thebes and Upper Egypt. It was connected to Luxor by an extensive avenue, lined with sphinxes, and was also linked to the Nile via a canal used for the sacred boats of the god Amun. Upon entering through a smaller sphinx-lined avenue, constructed by Ramesses II, you’ll encounter the immense pylon entrance. Inside the enormous courtyard stand three chapels dedicated to the gods Amun, Khous, and Mut. The remarkable Hypostyle Hall boasts 134 towering columns, each intricately carved with scenes of gods, pharaohs, and adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions on the walls.
OVERNIGHT: Luxor 5-star hotel
MEALS: Breakfast
EXTRAS: Hot air balloon in Luxor
Following a leisurely morning, we bid farewell to the Nile Valley and journey to the Red Sea’s enchanting resort town of Hurghada. Upon arrival, we check into a luxurious 5-star resort. During your stay here, you’ll enjoy a ‘soft all-inclusive’ package, which covers all meals, soft drinks, and snacks, excluding alcoholic beverages.
OVERNIGHT: Hurghada – 5-star resort
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS: None
Today, you have a free day to unwind and savor the delights of the Red Sea. Hurghada is renowned worldwide for its exceptional scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities, with the vibrant marine life of the Red Sea drawing divers from across the globe. For those seeking adventure, there are options for windsurfing, kite surfing, glass-bottomed submarine tours, quad biking, camel rides, and sea fishing trips. Our local representative, stationed in Hurghada, will be available to assist with any arrangements you’d like to make.
Hurghada itself offers an interesting marina and an old town waiting to be explored. If you desire, we can arrange additional nights at the resort in Hurghada to extend your stay here. Please feel free to contact us for details and pricing.
Please note that by adding extra nights in Hurghada, you will depart from the group and miss the remaining activities in Cairo. You can choose to conclude the tour in Hurghada or arrange a later flight back to Cairo. For further information and customized pricing, please reach out to us.
OVERNIGHT: Hurghada 5-star resort
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
EXTRAS: None
After breakfast, your private Coaster will escort on your journey from Hurghada to Cairo, which will take approximately 5 hours. (For those seeking a quicker return, an upgrade to an internal flight is available upon request.)
This day is all yours, make the most out of it is your last days in the buzzing capital!
If you prefer some structured guidance, you have the option to participate in a guided walking tour in the late afternoon, we set out on a guided exploration of the labyrinthine backstreets and bustling bazaars of Old Cairo. Our journey will lead us through the imposing Bab al-Futuh gateway and along streets dedicated to various crafts such as metalwork, spices, pottery, fabrics, jewelry, and much more, gradually guiding us into the more tourist-oriented Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. During our visit, we’ll take a well-deserved break to savor some mint tea and perhaps try a shisha pipe. This excursion provides a splendid final opportunity to acquire souvenirs that will forever remind you of your Egyptian adventure.
OVERNIGHT: Cairo Hotel
MEALS: Breakfast
EXTRAS: Hurghada to Cairo flight upgrade
Old Cairo and Khan Khalili Walking Tour
Today is your free day, giving you the opportunity for some last-minute sightseeing or shopping until it’s time for us to transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. If you have an afternoon or evening flight, you can opt for a half-day tour of Coptic Cairo and the Citadel, or explore the evolution of pyramid building at Saqqara, Dashour, and Memphis.
You can also consider adding extra nights to your stay in Cairo, which would open up options for a day trip to the historic city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast or an excursion into the desert near Cairo to visit the World Heritage Site known as the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan. Your journey’s end is flexible, and we are here to accommodate your preferences and interests.
OVERNIGHT: N/A
MEALS: Breakfast
EXTRAS: Alexandria day trip / Cairo city tour / Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis / Extra day in Cairo (5-star) – post-tour
No Accommodations on this tour
Please visit https://visacentral.com/egypt-visa
Please note your passport should be valid for 6 months after the end date of your visa.
Egypt’s national airline is Egypt Air. Most major international airlines fly to Cairo.
Please check with your travel agent or your favourite travel website for more
information.
On Health – Bring a supply of your medication if you take any on a regular basis as well as a copy of your prescription. However, please be assured that your hotel or our staff will find you a specialized doctor should the need arise.
On Clothing – Upon visiting mosques, please dress conservatively, i.e. half/long sleeved shirt and no shorts. In public areas, this would also be our advice. However, in some touristic areas such as the seaside, it perfectly fine to wear shorts and sleeveless shirts. Please remember to remove your footwear upon stepping into a mosque.
On Photography – Taking photos inside many temples is restricted, so please follow the advice of your guide and the keeper of the sites. In some places, please be aware that the government will charge you for taking photographs. Due to new policies put in place by the Ministry of Tourism, cameras are not permitted at all in the Valley of the Kings. Please exercise caution and respect when taking photographs of anything other than tourist sites. It is forbidden to take photographs of the police, anything of a military nature or indeed bridges, airports and public works. Respect should be given to Egyptian women, use discretion. Always ask permission before taking photos of people and expect to be asked for a tip in return.
Always carry local currency as it will make your life easier, especially when paying for groceries, taxis, touristic venues, museums and souvenirs. In big shops, restaurants and hotels you may use your credit cards.
On Tips – If you feel generous enough to tip one child, then expect to be followed by a hoard of others expecting to be tipped as well. Make sure you have a lot of small bills for such ventures as tipping is sort of expected and even the smallest bill (one pound) will be welcomed.
On Transportation – Taxis are a problem as they do not have a counter and pricing can be very tricky. Best is to use Uber or Careem or else have your hotel get you a cab and negotiate the price before you go on your ride.
In general, always take a bottle of water on your expedition. The heat will get to you.
On the Egyptian Language- Learn the basic words: La’ (no) and shukran (thank you). You will be needing them.
On Dining Out, first time travelers are at a loss. It is best to seek out a hotel chain or a well-reviewed restaurant (ask around if you can) then you can be assured to get good, clean food. The price will be worth it. Never drink tap water! Wash and shower with it, but do not drink it.
On independent travel, for a first timer it is not advised. It much better to take a guide. You don’t need to book a package tour, groups can be arranged here. First and foremost, prepare yourself for a culture shock. Many seasoned travelers arrive and find it is unlike any other country they have previously visited.
On Organizing your Trip – Alone or in a couple or with friends and you wish to organize everything yourself, please let the hotel know of your plans before leaving. Should you get lost, the hotel will be able to act on your behalf. Also arm yourself with hotel address and telephone number, always, as you may need it. Be aware that you might be ripped-off. Like many tourist destinations, Egypt has its “wolves”, preying on unsuspecting, trustful travelers. Often the total cost will be more than if you had arranged it through a travel agent or your hotel and a lot less enjoyable.
The ones recommended are: Yellow Fever (common to most parts of Africa), Tetanus and Hepatitis. Otherwise, just take the usual precautions when travelling to hot parts of the world. Drink bottled water, avoiding ice and unless you are in a well-known hotel and restaurant, avoid eating uncooked greens. Avoid roadside food stands. Bring a good insect repellent as the evenings might be full of mosquitoes. At all cost, avoid contact with street dogs, rabies is still a risk in Egypt. Make sure you have condoms on you, they are also available in all pharmacies. Carry a small medical kit for your needs, with painkillers and diarrhea tablets at hand at all times. We also advise you to carry a travel insurance.
It has never been a problem, however you have to put up sometimes with annoying verbal harassment and this happens to Egyptian women as well. The best thing is to ignore and go on. It can sometimes get really irritating but reacting does not work. There is nothing forbidden in Egypt. You do not need to cover up or anything of the sort, yet to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself, do please cover your shoulders and cleavage and do not wear shorts. It is just a matter of feeling comfortable and fitting in. Best footwear are sneakers as there is a lot of walking and it is dusty and sometimes the streets are in poor condition and dirty.
The high-season is October to May, making June to September (the summer months and the hottest) the low-season and therefore prices are at their lowest.
Spend a couple of nights in Cairo, take the sleeper-train to Aswan, spend another two nights there while visiting Abu Simbel and the Philae Temple, maybe Kom Ombo too. Then you can take a cruise down the Nile to Luxor, spend two nights visiting the Valleys of the Kings and Queens and the Karnak Temple Complex. Then you can return to Cairo and from there head to a Red Sea resort, either on the Sinai Peninsula or the coast, for a few nights.
Even though we arrange tours… the best BUDGET way is to do it yourself.
It is easier to sit back, have someone make all arrangements for you and just zip, worry-free from place to place (and some people wouldn’t do it any other way; it is a vacation after all LOL). But if you’re willing to put in the work, are flexible, easily adaptable, easy going and you’re willing to deal with haggling etc. it is not impossible to do Egypt without an operator.
In 10 days you can definitely visit three cities. You can even add Aswan in there. For most first-time visitors, 2 days in Cairo is enough. It is an overwhelming city, especially if you’re going about on your own.
If you’re going to do this yourself, I suggest at least securing ground transportation for the day. That can be a hired private car or taxi but you don’t want to be wasting time flagging down and haggling with taxis at every turn. Having pre-arranged transport will take lots of the hassle out of doing things yourself. Having a good guide book is essential but if you can, book a guide or two to break up the monotony and really help with understanding the sites and bringing them to life. There are many good budget hotels in Luxor, Cairo and Aswan, which can be booked on sites such as hostelworld.com. You pre-pay 10% of the booking when it’s made and then pay the rest on arrival. The hostels do tours as well.
If you’re a student, be sure to bring your ISIC card for 50% discount on tickets to the sites.
If you decide you need help arranging all or part of the trip, don’t hesitate to contact us.
The best time to visit Egypt is from October to May. It is the peak travel season, temperatures are milder though comparatively warmer than in the northern hemisphere. This is our High-Season with its two busiest periods: the Christmas/New Year period and the Easter Period, whereby hotels and cruises will put their prices up. This can mean that some hotels become really expensive, so making your reservations very early, even for the budget hotels, is strongly advised. The other 4 months are the low-season so to speak. May to September are the height of Egyptian summer, with very high temperatures, especially in Upper Egypt (Luxor and the southern parts of the country). However, this is the time for you to see Egypt in virtual peace and quiet, giving you the advantage of seeing the sites without any hassle either from school children or crowds of tourists.
Egypt offers a wide variety of 3-star hotels. The prices range from $12 to $20 per person per night in a double room. I would suggest you check hotel directories for rates and locations. Backpacker services are not popular in Egypt, although a few are available.
No comments on this tour so far:
$Loading...
10 Days / 9 Nights
