Enjoy a fascinating, fun-packed & educational family adventure. See the best of legendary ancient Egypt & experience the local way of life. It's an interactive adventure for all the family - especially visiting the Nubian island & people of Aswan.
Saturday - Welcome to the start of your Egyptian Adventure! Arrive Cairo airport, included onward transfer to your hotel and overnight. Overnight - Cairo
This morning we visit the great pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau. Sole survivors of the ancient Greek-listed seven wonders of the world, they were constructed from over 2.5million limestone blocks, taking more than 20 years to build. We explore this area on foot and then on camel back! Off we ride into the sands, our sturdy ships of the desert beneath us. Overnight - Cairo (B)
Pharaohs and Beaches - 13 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Cairo – Aswan. Today we see the treasures of King Tutankhamen, mummies and more at the Egyptian Museum. In the afternoon we explore the Citadel and the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar before taking the comfortable overnight sleeper train to Aswan including dinner. Overnight - Sleeper Train (B, D)
Explore the Nubian city of Aswan with a guided walk of the local market and souq. Stunningly situated right on the Nile, a walk along the river corniche to view the many boats is a real treat, as is Aswan bazaar. Free afternoon. Overnight - Aswan (B)
Free morning or opt for the morning excursion to Abu Simbel. The remainder of the afternoon at leisure; maybe relax by the pool, take a stroll along the Nile corniche or explore the ever lively market place. Overnight - Aswan (B)
Aswan - Luxor. This morning we take a motor boat to cruise around and between the islands located on the Nile, before stopping at Sahal island where we visit a local village and school (if open); sometimes there is even a local football game in action. Lunch will be served in the home of an Egyptian family followed by the train north to Luxor, one of the world’s greatest open-air museums. The 4000 year old site of ancient Thebes, known today as Luxor, is our base for the next three days. Overnight - Luxor (B, L)
This morning we have the option to go hot air ballooning before visiting Karnak Temple. More than a temple, Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons, statuettes and obelisks. Built on a grand scale, Karnak is probably Egypt’s finest ancient temple. Free afternoon or wander along Luxor’s historic waterfront. This evening, we travel in horse-drawn carriages to the illuminated Temple of Luxor where we enjoy a tour in the cool evening air. Rest of evening free. Overnight - Luxor (B)
Today, we visit Luxor’s West Bank. The subject of countless documentaries, our destination this morning is the site made famous by the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb - the Valley of the Kings. Other exciting highlights of ancient Egypt include the Valley of the Queens, the imposing colonnaded temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the gigantic Colossi of Memnon. Returning to Luxor, enjoy free time. Overnight - Luxor (B)
Luxor - Hurghada. Bidding farewell to Luxor, we travel by road north-west to Hurghada, a coastal resort town on Egypt’s famous Red Sea coast. This evening, enjoy dinner at your 4 star hotel located near the beach. Overnight - Hurghada (B, D)
Why not pack your bathing suits, sun lotions and sun glasses and opt for a boat excursion on the Red Sea. Dropping the anchor at a location renowned for it’s safe snorkelling and swimming possibilities, you can opt to don mask, snorkel and fins for a great view of the colourful shoals of fish in the aquatic wonderland that is the Red Sea. After a day of swimming, snorkelling, sun tanning or relaxing, you’ll have no doubt worked up a healthy appetite - dinner is served up at the hotel. Overnight - Hurghada (B:2, D:2)
Thursday. Tour ends after breakfast. Included onward transfer to airport. (B)
Take to the skies and bolt-on an exciting hot air balloon ride!
Luxor Hot Air Ballooning bolt-on. An aerial adventure awaits in Luxor! Imagine drifting silently over temples, ancient sites, ruins and villages in the early morning sun. See ancient Thebes from a different angle as you float above the River Nile and wave down at the locals as you drift a few metres from their open rooftops!
FROM USD $1,849
Prices & Departure Dates
Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'single supplement' applies for single travellers and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price. Single travellers will have to book a single room for any pre and/or post tour accommodation that is required.
Child Prices are based on the child being under 12 years of age at the date of arrival into Egypt. The low season child price is listed below, for high season child prices please contact us.
Pharaohs and Beaches - 13 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Bolt-ons
Make the most of your time away! Listed below are the optional activities that are available on this trip. Please note that you will need to book these prior to travel as we cannot always guarantee availability of these activities once you are on holiday.
Abu Simbel by flight. The massive rock-cut temple of Abu Simbel never fails to impress. It's possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gargantuan intricately carved facade, created to revere the mighty pharaonic ruler King Ramses II. Guarding the entrance to the temple, the 4 colossal statues of Ramses II sit majestically staring out across the desert, seemingly since time began.
The World War II cemeteries of El Alamein. In 1942 the Allies under Britain’s field Marshal Montgomery halted the German- Italian advance towards the River Nile. Marked as a major victory for the Allies, though not without loss of life, with some 11,000 killed and 60,000 wounded. We visit the Commonwealth cemetery and recently erected memorials funded by the Australian and New Zealand governments. Through the arches and beyond the gardens, 7,000 white headstones commemorate the Australian, New Zealand and British soldiers who fought and died here.
Experiences
If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.
Take a memorable camel ride across the rolling sand dunes of the mighty Sahara Desert in Morocco or the Great Indian Thar Desert in Rajasthan. Alternatively, enjoy the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World on camel back as you ride between the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Shop til you drop and experience a myriad of different sights, sounds and souvenirs in bustling bazaars around the world. Soak up the atmosphere in the souks of Marrakech, barter for bargains at the ginormous Grand Bazaar in Istanbul or lose yourself in Beijing's Silk Alley Markets. Visit the old covered market in Damascus or get some great souvenirs in Otavalo the handicraft market in Ecuador.
We offer a range of opportunities for you to get to know the locals and learn about their culture and lifestyle whilst travelling. The best way to learn about any culture is to live in the homes of the people, and participate in day to day activities. Whether its through community visits, accompanying Berbers in Morocco on their bi-annual migration or using homestay accommodation where you can experience real local warmth and hospitality.
Nothing beats a little rest and relaxation by the sea - wind down from an action packed tour with a few days lazing on golden sands or spend your entire holiday soaking up the sun. From the coral rich Red Sea and the azure Aegean and Mediterranean to the crystal clear waters of the Indian ocean, choose from a wide range of idyllic destinations.
Sole survivors from the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders of the World, the amazing pyramids at Giza are the planet’s oldest tourist attraction! Known as Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus, the pyramids were already more than 2,000 years old when Herodotus the Greek historian visited them (5th century BC).
Highlights & Inclusions
Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.
Trip Highlights
Cairo - Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza Plateau
Egyptian Museum
Visit to local primary school, village/market walks
Luxor - Luxor Temple illuminated by night
Luxor - Colossi of Memnon and Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Citadel & Khan el-Khalili bazaar
Aswan - boating on the Nile to Sahal island and lunch with village family
Luxor - Temple of Karnak by day,
Valley of the Kings
Hurghada - Red Sea coast - swim, relax, opt to dive or snorkel!
What's Included
Maximum group size: 25
7 nights 5 star hotels and
4 nights 4 star hotels
all with swimming pools
Giza - camel ride by the pyramids
Luxor - horse-drawn carriage to Luxor Temple
Touring of Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan & Luxor
Enlish speaking Egyptian tour leader/guide degree qualified in Egyptology (days 1 - 9)
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch (with village family on Sahal island) and four dinners
1 night train: Cairo - Aswan (1st Class sleeper accommodation) including meals
Aswan - boating on the Nile and visit to a Nubian island
Airport arrival and departure transfer day 1 and day 13
3 nights Hurghada - Red Sea stay - swim, sun and sand
All relevant transfer and transportation
What's Not Included
International flights and visa
Entrance Fees: Adt $75-85 USD / Chd $30-40 USD
Gratuity for your tour guide. We suggest $20-30 USD per adult. Tipping your tour guide is an entirely personal gesture.
Tipping Kitty: Adt 45-55 USD / Chd $25-35 USD
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard when necessary.
Oasis Hotel - Cairo
The Oasis Hotel is surrounded by a palm forest and tropical gardens and boasts a swimming pool and an array of recreational facilities. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, with views over the gardens.
Our Rating : Superior —
Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel
Pyramisa Isis Corniche - Aswan
The Isis Corniche has panoramic views of the Nile. There is a range of rooms, which have views over the garden or Nile. The hotel has a wellness centre, with sauna, jacuzzi and steam bath.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel
Sonesta Hotel - Luxor
A grand and classical hotel, the Sonesta is luxurious, ensuring you a comfortable stay. The hotel has a sweeping terrace with fantastic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail and a beautiful health spa.
Our Rating : Deluxe —
Local Rating: 5 Star Deluxe Hotel
Grand Plaza Hotel - Hurghada
The Grand Plaza Hotel is a stylish hotel with large rooms that all have spectacular views of the Red Sea from a balcony or terrace. This is an all-inclusive property which offers different meal plans.
Our Rating : Superior —
Local Rating: 5 Star Hotel
Postcards
Here's what some of our past travellers have written in to us and said about their experiences on this trip.
Pharaohs and Beaches - 13 days
The whole tour was amazing. The standard of accommodation was much better than I had expected. Our tour guide Yasser - incredible. His knowledge was extensive & his patience lasts a long time. Yasser was the reason that our tour was so good.
Sharon Causer,
Pharaohs and Beaches - 13 days
Well paced, perfectly balanced between leisure and activities, no pressure, fantastic info from very knowledgable guide.
Anthony Moulsdale ,
Pharaohs and Beaches - 13 days
Hi John,
Myself and my son Nathaniel booked with yourself the 'Pharaohs and Beaches - 13 days' tour to Egypt with On the Go.
I would just like to take this opportunity to say what a fantastic time we both had. Egypt is a lively and fascinating country not only in history but in it's people. I felt the tour covered all the main sights that Egypt had to offer it's visitors.
Also, may I take this opportunity to thank Alam our On the Go Guide who lead our group starting in Cairo and on to Aswan and Luxor. Alam was extremely knowledgable and informative in his country's history and for all the places we visisted. He made the group feel comfortable by being very friendly and easily approachable throughout and was incredibly kind and patient to all the children on the tour especially with my very lively 6 year old son. He is an asset to your company.
I would be more than happy to recommend On the Go to friends who are interested in travelling.
Deborah Shipton,
Pharaohs and Beaches - 13 days
Sam was a wonderful guide - lots of information on all the sites, he made our trip to Egypt very memorable.
Zoe and Mark loved him!
Samantha Watkins,
Pharaohs and Beaches - 13 days
I would definitely do it all again, it was excellent!
my daughter was very happy and well taken care of.
Amazing tour.
James Kerr,
Pharaohs and Beaches - 13 days
We have all arrived safely back in the UK and wanted to thank you, together with the rest of the staff at on the go, for your help and guidance.
Without a doubt the holiday was superb, and we very much enjoyed the combination of sight-seeing, relaxation and adventure. We were impressed by how well organised the trip was, right from the moment we arrived in Cairo to the final check in on our departure.
In particular we enjoyed your guided tours and were all impressed by your depth of knowledge of all things Pharoahic.
We wish you well with your next group and am sure that they will enjoy the holiday as much as we did.