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.
Cairo - Aswan. Visit to the famous pyramids and huge Sphinx at Giza Plateau. Sole survivors from the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders of the World, the pyramids are the planet’s oldest tourist attraction! Gaze in awe at Cheops (Khufu) - the largest of the three great pyramids. Constructed from over 2.5 million limestone blocks it is thought to have taken more than 20 years to construct. Continuing to Saqqara, we can explore the myriad tombs and temples at this site and see Zhoser’s step pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh’s chief architect in 2700 BC! Later there is a chance to have dinner before the overnight train to Aswan, 1st class recliner seats. Sleeper cabin upgrade available. Overnight - Train (B)
King Tutankhamen - 9 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Arrive and check into our hotel. A visit out of town takes us to the mighty High Dam – a modern feat of engineering - creating the world’s largest artificial lake, Lake Nasser! This afternoon's highlight is a leisurely boat trip to Agilika Island for Philae Temple for a guided tour of the romantic Philae Temple - dedicated to the goddess Isis. As the sun sets, free time to shop in the colourful souqs and markets or simply relax and watch an amazing sunset in Egypt's southern most town straddling the River Nile. Overnight - Aswan (B)
Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Optional early morning drive to Abu Simbel, the famous the rock-cut temple of King Ramses II, the Great Builder. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night voyage downstream on the River Nile. If sailing by felucca is not your style, consider upgrading to a 5 star luxury Nile Cruise with our Nile Cruise Upgrade.Overnight - Felucca Cruise (B, L, D)
Relax, go for a swim or just chill out in the sun on deck. Let your troubles melt away, as the felucca plies its route. Overnight - onboard Felucca (B, L, D)
Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Disembarking near Kom Ombo, we enjoy a guided tour of the Temple of Kom Ombo - dedicated to the crocodile headed god - Sobek and the Temple of Horus at Edfu, before driving north 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 is available to the Temple of Luxor, alternatively enjoy the facilities of your hotel. Overnight - Luxor (B)
Luxor - Cairo. An early start allows us to avoid some of the fierce midday heat as we venture to the tomb strewn Valley of the Kings. Highlights of the visit include the Colossi of Memnon, a massive pair of statues that stand silent against the backdrop of history, the Valleys of the Kings and the awesome ramped and colonnaded Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
The Valley of the Kings is studded with often highly decorated tombs, constructed to once house the regal sarcophagi enclosed mummies of the mighty pharaohs awaiting passage into the after-life. This afternoon after lunch and time to relax we visit the colossal Temple of Karnak, with its stone-columned Hypostle Hall. Tonight, we return by overnight train to Cairo. Sleeper cabin upgrade available. Overnight - Train (B)
Arrival and hotel check-in. Later, we visit the famous Egyptian Museum, famed for the treasures of King Tutankhamen and his famous solid gold funerary mask. This afternoon is free - perhaps spend the remainder of the day exploring Cairo your way. Overnight - Cairo (B)
Sunday. Hotel check out and included onward departure transfer to airport. (B)
GO BEYOND THE PYRAMIDS!
Consider extending your holiday to discover the centuries old customs and traditions of the Siwan people. An isolated community of mainly Libyan decent, who live within a date palm oasis surrounded by the Great Sand Sea. Combine our King Tutankhamen tour with a trip to Siwa and Alexandria, on our 15 day Nile Valley to Siwa Oasis tour. A great combination visiting all of Egypt's best loved sights along the Nile Valley, coupled with the reclusive and fascinating community of the Siwa Oasis. 15 day Nile Valley to Siwa Oasis
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 Saturday 19 October 2013 and our Chase the Sun tour departing Tuesday 18 February 2014.
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.
FROM USD $879
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 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, thus avoiding the single person supplement.
All our scheduled tour departures are guaranteed subject to a minimum of 2 travellers.
King Tutankhamen - 9 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.
Discover the Temples of Abu Simbel on a journey from Aswan by road. Egypt, with its gargantuan rock-cut facade is the magnificent Abu Simbel. Guarding the entrance to the temple are 4 colossal seated statues of King Ramses II, staring out across Lake Nasser.
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.
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.
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.
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
What's Included
Breakfast daily
4 nights 4 - 5 star hotels
2 nights train: Cairo - Aswan and Luxor - Cairo (seater train). Sleeper cabin upgrade possible!
Touring of Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan, Edfu & Luxor
All relevant transfer and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles
All meals aboard felucca cruise
2 nights aboard felucca (open deck)
Airport arrival and departure transfer, day 1 and day 9
Escorted by an Egyptian tour guide degree qualified in Egyptology
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: $35-45 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
Felucca Cruise - Felucca Cruise
Feluccas are simple, traditional Egyptian sailboats that have plied the Nile since ancient times. Feluccas carry between 8 - 12 passengers comfortably. The boat’s deck is draped with soft colourful cushions that serve as your lounging area during the day and as your sleeping area at night. A support boat travels alongside your felucca and is on hand if you need to use the toilet or wash. It is also where your meals are prepared and eaten. You'll need to bring a sleeping bag/sheet and a towel with you. The crew, as well as being experienced sailors, are responsible for the preparation of the included meals, though they welcome helpers!
Our Rating : Simple —
Local Rating:
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.
The hotel is located on the East Bank of the Nile, 12 kilometres from Luxor International Airport and just a few minutes away from Luxor Temple and Luxor Museum.
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.
King Tutankhamen - 9 days
To whom it may concern,
On the 4th of April a group of us went on a Fam trip to Egypt and I just wanted to write and say what an amazing time we had. The tour was incredible and so much fun. I'd never been to Egypt before and it was breath taking and totally exceeded all my expectations.
Haythem Youssry was our guide for the tour and he was truly awesome, he is so passionate about his work and about his country. He has the most amazing knowledge of everything Egyptian, and it was hard not to get swept away by all the history and wonder that is Egypt. No request was ever to much to ask of him, he was always willing to help us out with anything, and he really made our tour memorable. He always participated in everything we were doing and tried to make an effort to get to know everyone and to get us to try new things.
I will definitely recommend this tour to my clients, OTG truly has an amazing product. I feel much more confident about selling this tour, and I know my clients will love it as much as I did.
Kind Regards
Monica Maia ,
King Tutankhamen - 9 days
I loved the tour and the atmosphere of meeting new people. I enjoyed the sightseeing. Overall - best tour ever!
Trent Wenzel ,
King Tutankhamen - 9 days
Hi Sarah,
Just to say I've had another great holiday with On the Go.
Everything about the tour was fantastic. The organisation on the ground by Wael and his team, including the pick up from the airport and all the transfers ran like clockwork. Eli our guide during the duration of the cruise was very informative and interesting. Momo our guide for the rest of the tour was fantastic. His knowledge of the sights was extensive and he told us the information and stories in such a funny and enthusiastic way that we will remember them for a long time. He made sure that everything ran smoothly and that we were well looked after.
Each sight we visited seemed to be more impressive than the last! From the amazing sight of Abu Simbel as it came into sight, to the view of Philae temple from the boat and the peacefulness of the island, from the magnitude of Karnak temple, the magic of Luxor temple lit up at night to the brightness of the colours on the paintings in the tombs in the Valley of the Kings: Everything was stunning.
Thanks again for a fantastic tour.
Jacqueline Mordue,
King Tutankhamen - 9 days
The tour was enjoyable, relaxing and fun! We had a very well informative guide.
Amanda Giri ,
King Tutankhamen - 9 days
Thank you for amazing memories.
Wayne Mammone ,
King Tutankhamen - 9 days
Thanks for an enjoyable fun holiday. I met lovely people and the tour guide was excellent! I'm looking forward to the next adventure!
Karen Anderson,
King Tutankhamen - 9 days
I felt safe and well looked after.
Rebecca Jennings ,
King Tutankhamen - 9 days
I had an awesome time, loved every minute of the tour! thanks everyone.
