King Tutankhamen - 9 days

Egypt at its very best! Pyramids, Pharaohs and mighty temples, Nile felucca cruising, ancient Thebes and the tomb strewn Valley of the Kings. Sun, fun and time to explore. This very popular itinerary provides a fantastic overview of legendary Egypt in nine intoxicating days.

KING RAMSES II - ABU SIMBEL SUN FESTIVAL

Join us to watch the Sun Festival of King Ramses II at Abu Simbel on our Glory of Light tour, departing Tuesday 18 October 2011 and our Chase the Sun tour departing Saturday 18 February 2012.

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 offers an opportunity to witness the phenomenon on our special Glory of Light  and Chase the Sun 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.

Prices & Departure Dates

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.

Tour Bolt-Ons - Abu Simbel

watch video USD $259

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. This excursion is offered on all tours visiting Aswan.

Tour Bolt-Ons - El Alamein Day Trip

USD $119

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.

Tour Bolt-Ons - Hot Air Ballooning

watch video USD $199

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!

Tour Bolt-Ons - Nile Cruise Upgrade

watch video USD $339

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.

Tour Bolt-Ons - Sleeper Train Upgrade - one way

USD $89

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.

Tour Bolt-Ons - Western Oasis - 3 day extension

USD $499

Start - any day of the year. Ex. Cairo. Chart Egypt’s Western Oases! Journeying to Bahariyya Oasis, we continue by 4 x 4's to the amazing expanse of the White Desert, where we’ll camp out under a blanket of stars and watch an amazing sunrise over the desert sands before returning to Cairo.

Experiences

If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.

Live It Local

Bazaars 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.

The Great Outdoors

Feluccas 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!

Wonders of the World

Pyramids of Giza 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

What's Included

What's Not Included

Hotels

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

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: 3 Star Hotel

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

Postcards

Here's what some of our past travellers have written in to us and said about their experiences on this trip.