Guide

Aswan: Ever wondered what it is like to be in the driver’s seat? Enjoy a tour of the Captain’s quarters and learn about how he sails through the Nile and how knowledge has been passed down through generations. From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

Accommodation

4 nights stay at Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino 7 nights accommodation onboard MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)

Others

1 Afternoon Tea (AT) Choose between two carefully selected activities Aswan: Satisfy your curiosity and your taste buds over an Egyptian cooking demonstration with your talented onboard chef. Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary. Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you’ll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels. We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door. Luxor: Enjoy listening to stories of village life from local residents, when you visit a family home for a tasting of authentic Egyptian sun bread. Aswan: In Aswan, meet the women of a local women-owned co-operative whose mission is to support vulnerable women from the local villages to learn new skills and become financially independent. The organisation provides a hub of support and comfort for over 300 women who may live in poverty or suffer from loneliness and want to become financially independent. Thanks to their newly learnt skills, the women are now able to provide the main source of income for their family. The co-op also strives to reduce waste with a secondary mission to ensure a garbage-free world by using waste and natural material like bamboo or palm trees to create fine handicrafts. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. Dendera: At the Temple of Hathor, see a rare depiction of Cleopatra and Caesarian. Aswan: Visit Aswan’s High Dam and Granite Quarries to ponder why the Unfinished Obelisk has been left in mid-creation for thousands of years. Philae Island: Travel by motorboat to Philae Island and witness the majestic Temple of Isis rising from the waters. Aswan: On a traditional Nile felucca, meet a sailor and learn the art of sailing this ancient Nile craft. Visit the High Dam and Granite Quarries. Take a short boat ride to Philae Island, located between the old and new Aswan Dams, where you’ll have a short tour. You’ll then be seated in a Roman style theatre for a retelling of the perennial Nile flood, and of the goddesses Isis and Hathor, to whose worship the temple was originally dedicated. Kom Ombo: Visit the unique temple as it is the only double temple in Egypt. Luxor: Visit Luxor Temple, constructed approximately 1400 BC. Look to the top of the remaining Pylon of Ramses II and step into the ancient monument. Memphis: Visit this famous capital of the ancient world to see the statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx. Saqqara Necropolis: View the oldest pyramid in the world, the Step Pyramid of Zoser I, existing for over 4,500 years. Giza: With your Egyptologist, meet the enigmatic Sphinx and venture deep inside one of the pyramids, to the chambers where the pharaohs went to meet their Gods in the afterlife. Giza: Admire the remaining Wonders of the Ancient World as you explore through the Pyramids of Giza and the mighty Sphinx. Hear about Egyptian history as you walk through the National Archaeological Museum and learn the art of making papyrus paper out of reeds when you visit a Papyrus Institute. Cairo: Take a short scenic flight to Luxor where you will begin your Nile Cruise. Karnak: Stand amid a vast forest of columns in the largest temple complex known to man, as your Egyptologist explains the significance behind it. Walk the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, see the of Rameses II and the Hypostyle Hall. Luxor: Visit the Luxor Museum and discover ancient artefacts. Cairo: Guided by your Local Expert, gaze upon the most recognisable symbols of ancient Egypt: the full-faced funeral mask, gold coffin, gilded throne and precious jewellery - Tutankhamun’s treasures. Sightseeing includes sweeping vies over the city from the Citadel and a visit to the Great Alabaster Mosque. Cairo: With your Egyptologist, gaze upon Tutankhamun’s treasures at the Egyptian Museum, gaze upon the most recognisable symbols of ancient Egypt: the full-faced funeral mask, gold coffin, gilded throne and precious jewellery - all treasures of Tutankhamun. Colossi of Memnon: See the massive stone statues of the Colossi of Memnon. Valley of the Kings: Embark on an experience with an Egyptologist to visit the mortuary Temple Hatshepsut. Valley of the Kings: Explore the Valley of the Kings, home to the magnificent tombs of Egypt’s Pharaohs, with an Egyptologist. Luxor: Enjoy your short flight returning to Cairo. "Koshari is our national dish, and it never disappoints. Believed to have originated in the 19th century, this vegetarian street food staple is made of rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas, topped with delicious fried onions and a spicy tomato-based garlic sauce." "I love to share our Ancient Egyptian civilization and history with our guests and to explain all the details and stories related to Egyptian mythology so our guests can enjoy a very special guided vacation." "The Abu Simbel Temples are utterly unique in scale, architecture, art and history. From one of the most prominent eras of Ancient Egyptian history, these magnificent structures emphasise how persistent and clever ancient Egyptian architects were to carve a mountain to make such incredible tributes for Egyptian deities." Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Meals

11 Breakfast (B) 7 Lunch (L) 7 Dinner (D) Kom Ombo: Learn about traditional Egyptian attire and immerse yourself in local culture at an Egyptian dinner and galabeya party. Aswan: Follow in the footsteps of Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie as you enjoy high tea at Aswan’s famous Old Cataract Hotel, as the sun begins to set. Luxor: Get to know your fellow travellers over a delightful drink followed by dinner.

Transport

Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available). If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport. Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Insight Vacations through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Not included:

Optional

ABU SIMBEL EXCURSION BY AIR Excursion to Abu Simbel from Aswan to visit the fabulous reconstructed temples of Ramses II and Nefertari. The journey by air takes approximately forty minutes in each direction and allows approximately seventy-five minutes at Abu Simbel to visit the temples and the impressive concrete dome. Price is subject to Airline increases ADULT PRICE: USD 341.00 SOUND + LIGHT SHOW - ASWAN The powerful tale of Isis and Osiris is one of Ancient Egypt’s most momentous legends. Fanciful Egyptian gods and goddesses, as well as the fascinating history of Philae Temple is brought to life before your eyes through the magic of sound and light. The atmospheric temple setting, engaging narration by world-famous celebrities and moonlit boat ride across the lake make it an unforgettable experience. ADULT PRICE: USD 47.00 KARNAK SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW Enjoy the fabulous Sound and Light Show arranged in Luxor at Karnak Temple: While strolling along the ancient avenues of Sphinxes & halls of colossal columns, you will be hearing the tales of these ancient places. ADULT PRICE: USD 47.00 NILE CRUISE & DINNER Experience Cairo from a completely different perspective during a delightful evening dinner cruise on River Nile. Once on board enjoy a delicious buffet dinner with Cairo’s illuminated skyline as a backdrop. Entertainment is provided in the form of a spectacular belly-dancing and folklore show. Not to be missed! ADULT PRICE: USD 75.00 FULL DAY ALEXANDRIA Embark on a full day exploration of historic Alexandria. Your sightseeing tour shows you the National Museum, the well preserved Roman Amphitheatre, Roman Catacombs, Quayet-Bey Fortress and Pombey’s Pillar. Later, visit the Mosque of Abdul Abass and the gardens at Montaza surrounding a former palace of the Royal family. (Please note - This excursion is only available to guests who have purchased extra nights in Cairo before or after their tour). This Optional experience is priced at $132 per person when there are two or more participants. If there is only one participant the cost is $264 per person. ADULT PRICE: USD 132.00

Flights

Flights are not included.

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

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Day 1 Day 1: Arrive In Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive In Cairo

Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and have time to relax and sample the hotels amenities after your journey. Refreshed and ready to embrace the intoxicating energy of this ancient and modern city
Day 2 Day 2: Fly To Luxor, Cruise The Nile
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Fly To Luxor, Cruise The Nile

In the morning, fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall. Later, transfer to your cruise ship, your home for the next seven nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor Museum, witness ancient artefacts. This evening, get to know your Travel Director, a professionally trained Egyptologist, as well as fellow guests over a drink followed by dinner. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Day 3 Day 3: Exploring Dendera And On To Edfu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Exploring Dendera And On To Edfu

A day of legend and history awaits you today as you begin with a morning visit to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera. One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, it contains a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarion, whose father was Julius Caesar. At lunchtime return to your ship and enjoy a scenic journey via the Esna Lock to Edfu.
Day 4 Day 4: Edfu To Aswan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Edfu To Aswan

You will start the day with breakfast, as you cruise along the Nile to Kom Ombo before continuing on to the city of Aswan. Famous for its archaeological sites, such as the Philae Temple Complex and the Temple of Isis, Aswan is a vibrant destination that portray an agreeable mix of ancient and contemporary Egypt. Indulge your culinary side during an Egyptian cooking demonstration or tea with the Captain for your Insight Choice experience. In the evening, enjoy a fun-filled Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.
Day 5 Day 5: Aswan’S High Dam & Temple Of Isis
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Aswan’S High Dam & Temple Of Isis

Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to Aswan’s High Dam and granite quarries to see the enormous unfinished obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, rising from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae. Enjoy a retelling of the Nile flood and the stories of the goddesses Isis and Hathor in a Roman-style theatre. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities on your cruise ship.
Day 6 Day 6: Feluccas And High Tea Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Feluccas And High Tea Relaxed Start

Throughout your journey you’ll have seen many feluccas sailing along the Nile. Now it’s your time to explore one for yourself. On this traditional vessel, you’ll meet a local sailor who will teach you about the ancient art of sailing. Meet the ladies behind the local women’s co-op on your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and see scrap materials come to life as they are being turned into fine handicrafts. The organisation provides an important source of income for the vulnerable women of the co-op. As the sun starts to fade, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, just like Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie once did before you. The hotel is rumoured to be where Christie wrote her bestselling novel, “Death on the Nile.”
Day 7 Day 7: Free Time And On To Kom Ombo Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Free Time And On To Kom Ombo Relaxed Start

With the morning free, perhaps join an Optional Experience to Abu Simbel? These temples overlook Lake Nasser and are made up of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor. Later, sail to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple of Egypt, dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus the Elder.
Day 8 Day 8: Cruising The Nile To Luxor Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Cruising The Nile To Luxor Relaxed Start

Your cruise continues along the bustling waters of the Nile. Enjoy the facilities on board and have your cameras at the ready for the sights, as you leisurely make your way to Luxor. In the evening, visit Luxor Temple, where you dock for the night.
Day 9 Day 9: Explore Luxor And Fly To Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Explore Luxor And Fly To Cairo

This morning, disembark from your cruise and travel by coach to the west bank of the Nile. See the Colossi of Memnon and visit both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs were buried, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun. Experience the renowned local hospitality of Egyptians, during a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat. Connect with the community and share bread with the Bahirat family, whilst they regale guests with their fascinating stories of daily life. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.
Day 10 Day 10: Cairo Sightseeing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Cairo Sightseeing

This morning, ascend to the Citadel, for breathtaking views over the city. While here visit the Alabaster Mosque, otherwise known as the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, regarded as the founder of modern Egypt. Continue to Tahrir Square, the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, and the Egyptian Museum. Among the many exhibits found here, are the fabulous artefacts recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamun.
Day 11 Day 11: Cairo And The Pyramids Of Giza
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Cairo And The Pyramids Of Giza

Today you’ll head to Memphis, the famous capital of the ancient world. See the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Sakkara to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid in the world, dating back to 2700 B.C. In the afternoon, it’s on to Giza to explore the magnificent pyramids. Here you’ll come face-to-face with the enigmatic Sphinx. During your visit, venture inside one of these ancient wonders to see the chambers where the pharaohs were sent to meet their gods in the afterlife.
Day 12 Day 12: Depart Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Depart Cairo

Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport.

12 days tour

Splendours Of Egypt (Small Groups, Summer, 12 Days)

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Splendours Of Egypt (Small Groups, Summer, 12 Days)

Day 1: Arrive In Cairo

Day 2: Fly To Luxor, Cruise The Nile

Day 3: Exploring Dendera And On To Edfu

Day 4: Edfu To Aswan

Day 5: Aswan’S High Dam & Temple Of Isis

Day 6: Feluccas And High Tea Relaxed Start

Day 7: Free Time And On To Kom Ombo Relaxed Start

Day 8: Cruising The Nile To Luxor Relaxed Start

Day 9: Explore Luxor And Fly To Cairo

Day 10: Cairo Sightseeing

Day 11: Cairo And The Pyramids Of Giza

Day 12: Depart Cairo

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