Visit the towering Pyramids of Giza, relax on a felucca as you cruise down the Nile and discover the ancient wonders of Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple and Philae Temple, before a few days by the beautiful Red Sea in Hurghada. This is Egypt at its best in 13 wonderful days.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Choose to travel by felucca or Nile river cruiser
On this tour you have the option of a 2 night stay onboard a traditional felucca sail boat or 3 nights onboard a 5 star Nile Cruiser. The details of both are noted in our itinerary.
Cairo
Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival in Cairo you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or those arriving early can opt to join our optional Backstreets of Cairo tour which departs the hotel at 10am.
If you'd like to extend your stay in Egypt we also offer a pre or post tour Day Trip to Alexandria.
Overnight: Cairo
Pyramids of Giza
Bright and early this morning set off on a guided tour to see Ancient Egypt's most famous site: the iconic Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx. Sole survivors from the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders of the World, the pyramids are the planet’s oldest tourist attraction! Known as Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus, the pyramids were already more than 2,000 years old. Next we explore the sand-strewn tombs and temples of the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, home to the Zhoser’s step pyramid. A visit to a government supervised Papyrus Museum will also be made at some point during today.
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
The Grand Egyptian Museum
Cairo - Aswan. We take a guided tour of the vast new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza this morning. In this incredible 490,000 sq.m complex we'll discover a mind-boggling array of relics and antiquities from almost every period of ancient Egyptian history. Arguably the most famous exhibit is the spectacular funerary mask of King Tutankhamun. Made of solid gold and weighing 11kg, the mask was found covering the head of mummy, where it lay inside a series of 3 sarcophagi.
Continuing our tour, we travel on to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization where the mummies of ancient Egyptian pharaohs are now on display in the Royal Mummies' Hall. Some of the mummies you will see are so well preserved, they still have thick locks of hair, visible finger nails! Then there's time to relax back at the hotel before we board the night train to Aswan this evening.
Please Note: the Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in late 2024, though an official opening date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.
Overnight: Sleeper Train | Breakfast
Philae Temple
Aswan. After arrival into Aswan and hotel check-in we enjoy a boat trip to Agilika Island where we visit the Temples of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and then we visit a perfume oil emporium back in Aswan. Spend the remainder of the evening at your own leisure; shop in the colorful souqs or simply kick back and relax.
Overnight: Aswan | Breakfast
Optional Abu Simbel
Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Early birds can go on an optional excursion to the majestic Temple of Abu Simbel. The gargantuan rock-cut temple at Abu Simbel was created to revere the mighty pharaonic ruler King Ramses II. Guarding the entrance to the temple, the four colossal statues of Ramses II sit majestically, staring out across the desert. In the afternoon we board a felucca for a 2-night journey downstream the River Nile, stopping at villages and islands along the way.
If sailing by felucca is not your style, consider upgrading to a 5 star luxury Nile Cruise, please see the tab above for prices. For more information about Nile Cruising please click here.
Overnight: Felucca Cruise | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Felucca sailing & Kom Ombo
Spend a relaxing day sailing the Nile. Admire the views, go for a swim and chill out in the sun on deck. Let your troubles melt away, as the felucca plies its route. In the afternoon we dock near Kom Ombo and take a motorboat to visit the temple, which is dedicated to the crocodile headed god - Sobek, before returning to the felucca for the night.
Overnight: Felucca Cruise | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kom Ombo & Luxor
Kom Ombo - Luxor. This morning we disembark and continue to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its 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 | Breakfast
Valley of the Kings
Luxor. This morning we explore the West Bank of the Nile and the legendary Valley of the Kings. Marvel at Colossi of Memnon, the massive stone remains of the temple of Amenophis III, and explore the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and surrounding tombs.
After lunch we visit the Temple of Karnak, a spectacular religious complex dedicated to the gods, and built on a gigantic scale. Here you can get lost wandering around the stone papyrus columns. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Luxor | Breakfast
Red Sea Riviera
Luxor - Hurghada. Departing Luxor we drive east to Hurghada, which is part of the beautiful Red Sea Riviera for 3 days on the beach!
Overnight: Hurghada | Breakfast
Sun, Sea & Sand
The next 2 days are free to explore Hurghada or simply relax. Today there's an optional day trip to Giftun Island for swimming and snorkelling, which can be booked locally.
Hurghada is one of the Red Sea's most popular resorts and it is easy to see why. Hotels and expanded infrastructure provide holidaymakers with excellent aquatic facilities for sail boarding, yachting, deep-sea fishing, SCUBA diving and snorkeling. Hurghada’s central location provides a gateway to prime offshore reefs, which are some of the finest in the world. Hurghada also has plenty of restaurants and late night bars for evening entertainment. Just outside Hurghada is an ancient Roman quarry called Mons Porphyritis and Port Safarga – a famously windy place which is ideal for windsurfing.
Overnight: Hurghada | Breakfast x 2
Cairo - your way
Hurghada - Cairo. This morning we drive to Cairo. The remainder of today is free for you to relax or explore Egypt’s capital at leisure. You can opt to join us on a visit to Khan el Khalili bazaar, the ideal place for some last minute souvenir shopping.
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
Cairo
Cairo. After breakfast, hotel check-out and onward transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
Upgrade to a private tour!
We can offer a private version of King Ramses including the Nile Cruise. Experience our most popular tour, travelling in the comfort of your own bubble, surrounded by family or friends. Departs with a minimum of two travelers. Please contact us for a quote.
Prices & Dates
All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travellers or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Extra Prices
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.
Holiday Inn Cairo Maadi, Cairo
Overlooking the Nile and offering distant views of the Great Pyramids of Giza, this Holiday Inn provides the perfect location for your stay in Cairo. Each guestroom features a balcony (not Nile View as standard) and is well-equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi. Evenings can be spent enjoying international or Egyptian cuisine and unwinding with a cocktail at one of the hotel’s bars. Thanks to the friendly hotel staff, you’ll soon feel at home. And with panoramic views of the city from the rooftop lounge and pool, there’s no better place to base yourself for exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders.
Sleeper Train, Cairo
When travelling on an overnight train in Egypt, sleeper carriages offer the highest level of comfort. Cabins are equipped with two beds (one above the other), a basin, electric points and air conditioning. Freshly laundered bedding is provided and in the early evening an attendant will come round and make up your bed for you. The carriages have toilets at each end and there is a club car which serves snacks and beverages. In the morning a very basic breakfast is provided.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo
Radisson Blu is in the Heliopolis area of Cairo, just 3 kms from Cairo International Airport. Providing spacious, well appointed guest rooms with amenities such as a daily newspaper and turndown service, the hotel is the perfect oasis for guests visiting the city. Its two restaurants, lobby lounge, and gourmet bakery offer a range of culinary choices. To top it all off, the hotel boasts a rooftop spa and pool with panoramic Cairo views.
Holiday Inn City Stars, Cairo
The Holiday Inn Cairo City Stars Hotel is an ideal base for exploring the modern and historic attractions of Egypt's capital. Rooms are spacious, offering a flatscreen TV and private bathroom. There are restaurants on site, including the rooftop garden that offers panoramic views of the city.
Sonesta Hotel, Towers & Casino Cairo, Cairo
The Sonesta Hotel & Casino is a sophisticated and luxurious hotel offering spacious, en-suit rooms with opulent furnishings. Enjoy a cocktail at the poolside bar or indulge in a relaxing massage or Turkish steam bath at the full-service spa. With 5 restaurants located within the hotel you'll be spoilt for choice over dining options.
Tolip Hotel, Aswan
Set in manicured gardens, the Helnan Aswan is an elegant hotel with impressive views of the Nile. Guest rooms are spacious with modern interiors and located next to the beautiful pool. Wi-fi is available in the lobby and by the pool. There are also two restaurants and bars, a bowling alley, a swimming pool and a cinema. Why not relax by the pool before exploring the rest of Aswan.
Felucca Sailboat, Felucca Cruise
Feluccas are simple, traditional Egyptian sailboats that have plied the Nile since ancient times. Feluccas carry between 10 - 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. The support boat is also where your meals are prepared and eaten. You'll need to bring a sleeping bag/sheet (or hire for a nominal cost) and a towel with you. The crew, as well as being experienced sailors, are responsible for the preparation of the included meals.
Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor
An elegant and luxurious classical hotel, the Sonesta's sophistication will ensure 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. All its rooms offer views of the city or the river, complemented by a wide range of restaurants and cafes. Just minutes away you will find the temples at Luxor and Karnak, home to two of ancient Egypt's most famed sanctuaries.
Steigenberger Nile Palace, Luxor
The Steigenburger Nile Palace is a grand hotel and stylishly furnished, with many rooms overlooking the Nile River. The hotel has a health club with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and fitness room, and a tennis court on the roof, not to mention a riverside pool. Its four restaurants offer a choice between Nubian, Lebanese, Italian, and Thai cuisine.
Swiss Inn Resort Hurghada, Hurghada
Set in tropical gardens, the Swiss Inn Resort makes for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The property is equipped with large swimming pools and a private beach. All rooms have a balcony or terrace with views of the garden, pools or sea. Guests can work out in the onsite fitness centre, get active at the watersports centre, enjoy a game of tennis or simply relax with a drink in one of the many bars or lounges.
Marriott Beach Resort, Hurghada
The Marriott Beach Resort is a luxurious beachfront hotel, with every room enjoying a view of the Red Sea and Hurghada city centre just a few minutes drive away. There is a choice of 8 restaurants and bars for hungry travellers, and a health club, tennis & squash courts, and fitness centre to stay in shape. During the day, soak in the heated outdoor pool or book a watersport activity. The hotel even has its own private island if you fancy a massage among the palm trees.
Continental Hotel, Hurghada
Tucked into Hurghada Bay, right on its scenic promenade, the Continental is a delightful beachfront resort boasting fantastic terraced rooms (many with seaviews) and excellent facilities. Watersports are in abundance here with swimming pools, scuba diving and snorkelling all readily available. A leisure club offers a sauna and spa treatments to relax after the day's activities. You can also wine and dine at one of the many great restaurants and bars.
My sister and I vote that our trip to Egypt has to be the best holiday we have had. Ramadan, our tour guide took such good care of us. He constantly checked in on us to make sure we were okay and went the extra mile to ensure we were happy. This meant alot to us and our dad, who was initially worried but because of Ramadan our dad felt at ease about us being in a foreign country as two girls. Ramadan's knowledge about Egypt was unlimited and his passion and love for all things Egypt could be felt through his tours. We left Egypt having a greater understanding and love for the history, food and locals thanks to Ramadan. This wasn't just a vacation but an experience to last us a lifetime. Thanks Ramadan and thanks On the Go Tours!”
Amazing! An absolute trip of a lifetime.
It was the first time my boyfriend had traveled outside of North America and to say it was a culture shock for him would be an understatement - in the best way possible!! Being in a place with such hustle and bustle, surrounded by the ancient world is just an amazing space to be in.
Enjoyed every second of the trip!!”
It was truly an amazing tour. We had a very nice small group of 7, lots of sightseeings, amazing Nile cruise! Our guide Aamer was fantastic: very knowledgeable and nice guy.
The hotels are decent, some better than others but don't expect really fancy 5 star hotels.”
Aamer was amazing in every way! He was the most memorable part of the whole experience ”
Nadar was a great guide and really watched the group and catered to all the folks. the tour over all i found was great. the one issue that i have is the train ride that train ride should not be allowed on any tour
Nile cruse was fantastic.
Luxor fantastic
hot air balloon fantastic
valley of the kings great
pyramids awesome ”
Egypt was an awesome experience, the tour Director and our two Guides were very, very good at taking care of us, and all of their Egyptian history stories!!! All of the Egyptian people we met along the way were warm and welcoming. 13 day King Ramses Tour, November 2023. Almost forgot the feluca sailing was a time we will never forget, the Nile and time spent with the crew!!!”
The tour was very good.We had an excellent tour guide ”
Aamer is the utmost professional and caring guide. He was a great story teller and Egyptologist. His passion for all the sites and subject was amazing. Aamer also made sure he took care of us as a group. He looked out for our well being and made sure we looked out for each other as a little family! He also made a point to explain all the customs and rules around tipping for washrooms etc. This tour was everything and more. Every day was a true adventure. You were never disappointed with the itinerary.
My only negative is about the sleeper train. All of the accommodations for the trip are 4-5 star hotels. The sleeper train does not meet with your standards at all. There must be another way to get us to Aswan without the train! The train was unhygienic and just plain grungy and dirty. As Aamer said it's is an "experience". I say it's one we could do without. The cabin cruiser was lovely. Maybe add more time to that !
This was a trip of a lifetime for me. I would highly recommend On the go Tours to everyone. ”
I believed the tour was actually good. Ahmed Esmat was nice and certainly committed to his role of the tour. My two favourite days of the experience were the day visiting the Egyptian Museum as well as the Egyptian Civilisation Museum and the day going snorkelling. I also made friends with a friendly family during the tour.”
The tour was fabulous and what increased the value was the guide. Sherif was very knowledgeable, kind and truly cared about his group. If someone was separated from the group, he immediately doubled back to be sure all was ok. He was helpful not only at the historic sites but also when we snorkeled. He is a perfect ambassador for Egypt. I will definitely be sending people your way. Nice pace too. Busy day followed by a little less busy day. The venues were fabulous. Great job! ”
Prices & Dates
The Nile Cruise Upgrade version of this tour includes 3 nights on board a 5 star Nile Cruiser (en suite cabin) in place of the felucca. For full details, please refer to the 'Nile Cruise Upgrade Trip Notes', in the right hand column for details.
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Tour Add-ons
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My sister and I vote that our trip to Egypt has to be the best holiday we have had. Ramadan, our tour guide took such good care of us. He constantly checked in on us to make sure we were okay and went the extra mile to ensure we were happy. This meant alot to us and our dad, who was initially worried but because of Ramadan our dad felt at ease about us being in a foreign country as two girls. Ramadan's knowledge about Egypt was unlimited and his passion and love for all things Egypt could be felt through his tours. We left Egypt having a greater understanding and love for the history, food and locals thanks to Ramadan. This wasn't just a vacation but an experience to last us a lifetime. Thanks Ramadan and thanks On the Go Tours!”