Definitive Egypt, including the pyramids, Nubian Aswan, the Philae Temple, Nile felucca sailing, Luxor & the Valley of the Kings. Topped off with Dahab on the sunny Red Sea coast, where you can swim, dive, snorkel or just relax!
Our King Ramses - 13 day tour departs weekly till 01 July 2012. If travelling AFTER 01 July, please see our New King Ramses - 14 day tour with similar touring arrangements.
Cairo - Aswan. A big day out. First to the Giza Plateau to see the pyramids and lion-headed Sphinx. Onwards to Saqqara, an ancient necropolis of sand-strewn tombs and home to the great step pyramid. Zhoser’s step pyramid was the first ever constructed in 2700 BC by Imhotep, the pharaoh’s chief architect.
Later there is opportunity to freshen up before boarding the overnight seater train to Aswan. Sleeper cabin upgrade available. Overnight - Train (B)
Old King Ramses - 13 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Arrive Aswan and check into our hotel. Today, we visit the High Dam and travel by boat to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Remainder of day and evening free. Overnight - Aswan (B)
Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Optional early morning air excursion to the colossal Temple of Abu Simbel. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night voyage on the River Nile downstream, stopping along the way at local villages and islands.
If sailing by felucca is not your style, navigate the River Nile on board a 5 star Nile Cruiser with private cabin and ensuite bathroom. Add to this a sleeper train upgrade. Sleeper train cabins are fully enclosed, fitted with bunk beds, linen and washbasins. Sleeper train upgrades are offered independently. Whilst our Nile Cruise Upgrade can be purchased in conjunction with a sleeper train upgrade. Overnight - Felucca Cruise (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Disembarking in Kom Ombo we visit the temple before travelling to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, a huge complex that began construction in 237 BC! We then continue to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at it’s best. Enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tonight, an optional visit to the Temple of Luxor is available alternatively, enjoy the facilities of our hotel. Overnight - Luxor (B)
Luxor - Dahab. Optional early morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor before crossing to the west side of the Nile and commencing our tour of the Valley of the Kings. One of the first sights you’ll see is the Colossi of Memnon. This huge pair of enthroned statues is all that remains of the temple of Amenophis III. Touring of Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. After a little R&R by the hotel pool, visit Karnak Temple. This evening we travel by overnight bus to Dahab via Hurghada. Overnight - Bus (B)
Arriving at Dahab, our base for the coming days, there is plenty of time to explore the Sinai – a region of incredible beauty. Dahab offers great diving, snorkelling, swimming and sun-worshipping possibilities. Check out our exciting range of 4 day dive bolt-ons. Overnight - Dahab (B)
Dahab's waterfront is dotted with laid back cafes, bars and shops, perfect for eating, top seafood, drinking and a little relaxing retail therapy.
Optional excursions such as snorkelling at Dahab's Blue Hole or an energetic climb to the summit of Mt Sinai and a visit to St Katherine's Monastery are available. Watching a magnificent sunrise or sunset from the top of the mountain is a truly wonderful experience. Camel and jeep treks into the surrounding Sinai Desert are also available. Overnight - Dahab (B:3)
Dahab - Cairo. Very early this morning, approx 6am, we bid farewell to Dahab and travel back to Cairo and enjoy a guided visit to the Egyptian Museum.
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, commonly referred to as the Egyptian Museum is home to an extensive collection of some 120 000 ancient Egyptian antiquities, with a representative amount on display and the remainder in storerooms. Opt to visit the Royal Mummy Room, where 9 royal mummies from the New Kingdom are displayed. Overnight - Cairo (B)
Thursday. Cairo - breakfast. Hotel check out and included onward transfer to airport. (B)
Combine Egypt and Jordan!
Explore Egypt and visit the neighbouring Kingdom of Jordan, renowned for the mineral rich and incredibly buoyant Dead Sea, its stunning red desertscapes at Wadi Rum and the jewel in its archaeological crown, the Rose City of Petra.
Our Road to Jordan tour, combines the King Ramses itinerary with five memorable days in Jordan. Discover the stunning Treasury and Monastery at Petra, 4x4 in Wadi Rum and camp out under the stars and bolt on an excursion to the Dead Sea.
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 who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price.
If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged, (if another solo traveller of the same sex is already booked upon the tour), thus avoiding the single person supplement.
Our King Ramses - 13 day tour departs weekly till 01 July 2012. If travelling AFTER 01 July, please see our New King Ramses - 14 day tour with similar touring arrangements.
Supplementary Prices
Twin/Double
Single Supp.
Pre Tour Accommodation - Cairo
USD $79
USD $20
Post Tour Accommodation - Cairo
USD $79
USD $20
Old King Ramses - 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.
Upgrade from the included Nile felucca cruise from Aswan to Luxor and cruise in style aboard a luxury Nile cruiser. Our 5 star cruiser has a bar and restaurant, whilst your well–appointed, air-conditioned cabin offers a private bathroom. The boat deck offers plenty of space for relaxation and a swimming pool. Sightseeing stops are made en-route. All meals included, buffet style during your onboard stay.
On our Jewel of the Nile, Family tours and many tailor-made itineraries we include the Sleeper Cabin Train as part of your journey. On all other tours (taking the Nefertiti Seater Train) we offer the option to upgrade to a sleeper cabin on the Sleeper train. Cabins are lockable, equipped with 2 bunk beds, linen, washbasin and towel, allowing passengers to relax and stretch out.
Spend longer in Dahab and learn to dive in the Red Sea with our PADI Openwater Learn to Dive Course - 4 day/3 night bolt–on (4/5 day course). Or for experienced divers we offer a Certified Dive and Advanced Dive Bolt-on. Named as one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World, the Red Sea boasts more than a 1000 species of fish, 400 types of coral, perfect visibility and warm waters. It is a diver's dream!
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 the plunge and explore the underwater world with on the go, from the warm waters of the Red Sea, teeming with fish and brightly coloured coral to the icy depths of the Southern Ocean in Antarctica, with seals, penguins and icebergs!
Trot, canter or gallop along the coast at sunrise in Egypt, through the towering Todra Gorge in Morocco, up to the narrow Siq in Petra or through the breathtaking wilderness and grassy steppe in Mongolia.
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.
One of the highlights of our Egypt group tours, is felucca sailing on the mighty River Nile. Feluccas are simple, traditional sailboats, with broad sails, that have plied the mighty Nile since ancient times. Sail during the day, taking in the colourful sights of the Nile village life en-route, soak up the sun, relax, jump in for a swim and let the peaceful routine of life aboard allow, you to escape the stress of everyday life! At night sleep ondeck under a blanket of stars! What better way to experience the great outdoors!
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 and Sphinx at Giza Plateau, Necropolis of Saqqara, Egyptian Museum
Nile felucca cruising - islands en route
Edfu - Temple of Horus
Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Aswan - High Dam, Philae Temple, River Nile
Kom Ombo - Temple of Kom Ombo
Luxor - Temple of Karnak
Dahab - Red Sea coast - swim, relax, opt to snorkel or scuba dive in the clear coastal waters
Touring of Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan, Edfu & Luxor
Escorted by an Egyptian tour guide degree qualified in Egyptology & tour leader in Dahab.
All meals aboard felucca cruise
1 night train: Cairo - Aswan (seater train). Sleeper cabin upgrade possible!
Airport arrival and departure transfer, day 1 and day 13
4 days Dahab - Red Sea stay - swim, sun and sand
All relevant transfer and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles
What's Not Included
International flights and visa
Entrance Fees: $80-90 USD
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow $3 - 5 USD per day, per traveller. Tip for your Felucca Crew/ Nile Cruise staff, we recommend you allow $10 USD. Tipping your guide and crew is an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: $45-55 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
Just a stone's throw from the Pyramids, the Oasis Hotel is a classic Egyptian hotel with beautiful expansive gardens. Rooms are very spacious with comfortable beds and fantastic en suite facilities. Wi-Fi is available and the buffet breakfast offers a good spread. In the evening the outdoor pool and fountains are lit up making the restaurant and bar the perfect place to spend an evening sipping on a cold glass of beer.
Well located in Giza on the Cairo-Alexandria Road. The pyramids and Sphinx are all close by.
Our Rating : Superior —
Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel
Pyramisa Isis Corniche - Aswan
Situated on the banks of the Nile, the Isis Corniche offers panoramic views of this famous river. Guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, all with either a garden or pool view. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and there is a beautiful outdoor pool. In the evening, why not sip a refreshing beverage by the pool whilst watching the world go by on the Nile.
Perfectly located in the centre of Aswan, with shops, the local market and even a McDonalds just a few minutes walk away.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel
Steigenberger Nile Palace - Luxor
The Steigenburger Nile Palace is a grand hotel and stylishly furnished. The hotel has a health club with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and fitness room and there is a tennis court on the roof.
The hotel is situated on the banks of the Nile, with the train station is 1.5 kilometres away and the airport 10 kilometres away.
Our Rating : Deluxe —
Local Rating: 5 Star Deluxe Hotel
Tropitel Hotel - Dahab
Set on the beach, the Tropitel is a haven of tranquility, with stunning clear water and coral reefs.
Our Rating : Superior —
Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel
Postcards
Here's what some of our past travellers have written in to us and said about their experiences on this trip.
Old King Ramses - 13 days
Thank you for all the wonderful times we have had during our tour in Egypt. I have wished to travel to Egypt for most of my adult life and doing it with on the go has allowed me to see everything I’ve always wanted to see and much more. We are so happy to have experienced Egypt in such a wonderful way.
Richard & Gemma,
KING RAMSES II - ABU SIMBEL SUN FESTIVAL
Join us to watch the Sun Festival of King Ramses II at Abu Simbel on our King Rames Sun Festival tour, departing Friday 19 October 2012 and our Sun Chasing tour, departing Monday 18 February 2013.
King Ramses II had his grand temple carefully angled and oriented in order that the sun's rays would align twice a year on the date of his ascension to the throne (21 February) and on his birthday (21 October) and illuminate the inner sanctum of the temple. This incredible natural phenomenon provides for a most spectacular sight as the sun illuminates the 3 statues of the living world, whilst the statute of Ptah - the god of darkness - remains in the shadows. The temple was re-located in a multi-million dollar operation in 1972, further up from the shoreline of Lake Nasser. In the temples new position the sun now strikes a day later than Ramses had originally planned.
On The Go Tours offers an opportunity to witness the phenomenon on our special King Ramses Sun Festival and Sun Chasing tours. Includes: Coach from Aswan to Abu Simbel in the wee hours of the morn prior to the festival commencement. Guided visit to Abu Simbel, the sunrise event, entrance fees and visitor ticket for this excursion. Return coach journey to Aswan after the event.