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Essential Egypt by Nile Cruise & Red Sea

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11 days

From the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and Aswan's beautiful Philae Temple, to Luxor's famous Valley of the Kings and might Karnak Temple, discover the wonders of ancient Egypt. This value-packed 11-day Egyptian escapade includes a luxury Nile Cruise and ends with a relaxing Red Sea beach break in Hurghada.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Tour Overview

Duration

11 days

Starts

Cairo

Ends

Cairo

Range

Essentials

Tour Guide

Yes, escorted by a tour guide

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 32

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Saturdays

Hotel Rating

3 - 4 star

Countries

Egypt

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

No - can be booked for a supplement

Meals included

Breakfast: 10, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 3
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Per Person From
$3,435.00
NZD$2,919.75
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$4,839.50

Tour Highlights

Hurghada - Enjoy R&R by the Red Sea, soak up the sunshine, swim and opt to snorkel or scuba dive in the clear coastal waters
Cairo - Visit the legendary pyramids and Sphinx on the Giza Plateau and see King Tut's treasures at the Grand Egyptian Museum
Luxor's West Bank - Marvel at the exquisitely decorated pharaohs' tombs in the Valley of the Kings, see the towering Colossi of Memnon and visit the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Luxor - Explore the colossal Temple of Karnak and take an optional tour of the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple at night
Aswan - Take a scenic boat ride out to Agilika Island to explore the beautiful Philae Temple and stroll around Aswan's colourful souks
Nile cruise - Cruise the River Nile from Aswan to Luxor, spending 3 nights on board a 5 star Nile cruiser
Kom Ombo - Discover the unique double Temple of Kom Ombo, on the bank of the River Nile

Included

Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
6 nights 3 - 4 star hotels and 3 nights aboard a Nile Cruiser (en suite cabin)
1 overnight train from Cairo to Aswan (private 2 berth sleeper cabin)
Airport arrival transfer on day 1
Touring - Cairo, Giza, Aswan, Kom Ombo and Luxor
Red Sea beach break in Hurghada
Escorted by an Egyptian tour guide degree qualified in Egyptology
All relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles

Not Included

International flights and visa
Departure transfer
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$8 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Entrance Fees: USD$100-120pp, paid in local currency
Tipping Kitty: USD$70-90pp, paid in local currency
Tipping is not a natural part of many Western cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much, to tip. However, in the places you will visit, tipping makes up a significant part of many people's wages so it's important that we get it right. For this reason we've developed a very simple system to take all the hassle out of tipping. With our 'tipping made easy' policy, a nominal pre-determined amount is collected from all group tour participants to cover tips en route. This then saves you the hassle of when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support staff through the tour. Our 'tipping made easy' doesn't include a tip to your group tour leader. Naturally, though, the amount is up to you as tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Cairo

You will be met upon arrival at Cairo Airport and transferred to our start 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

Day 2 - Pyramids of Giza

Cairo - Aswan. Our tour begins with a visit to one of the world's most famous sights this morning - the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Sphinx. Built over 4500 years ago, the three great pyramids are sole survivors of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.

This afternoon we take a guided tour of Egyptian Museum, which contains an incredible array of relics and antiquities including the well-preserved mummies, such as those of Yuya and Thuyu - the great-grandparents of King Tutankhamun. These mummies offer a rare glimpse into the past, with some so remarkably preserved that they still have hair on their heads, allowing us to see the incredible skill and techniques used by the ancient Egyptians in their embalming process. We will also visit a government supervised Papyrus Museum. This evening, we board the overnight train to Aswan.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Aswan & Philae Temple

Arriving into Aswan early this morning, we take a boat trip out to Agilika Island for a guided tour of the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Returning to Aswan we stop to visit a perfume oil emporium before check-in on board your Nile Cruiser which will be home for the next three nights. 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 - Nile Cruiser
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Nile Cruise & optional Abu Simbel

Aswan – Nile cruise - Kom Ombo. Consider booking our optional early morning excursion by road to visit the spectacular Temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel this morning. Alternatively enjoy a free morning in Aswan. Our Nile Cruiser departs Aswan this afternoon and we cruise the River Nile to Kom Ombo where we disembark to visit the temple which is dedicated to the crocodile headed god - Sobek before returning to the cruiser.

Overnight: Aswan - Nile Cruiser
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Nile Cruise to Luxor

Nile Cruise - Luxor. Relax, enjoy a swim in the pool and chill out in the sun on deck this morning. Let your troubles melt away as we cruise the River Nile to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its best. Arriving into Luxor this afternoon the rest of the day is free to explore the city before we spend our final night aboard the cruiser.

Overnight: Kom Ombo - Nile Cruiser
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Karnak Temple

This morning we disembark and check into our Luxor hotel. Spend the morning at leisure enjoying the hotel facilities or independently exploring. This afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of the Temple of Karnak, a magnificent religious complex, dedicated to the Theban gods and built on a gigantic scale.

This evening there's an optional visit to Luxor Temple with dinner included (book and pay locally). This remarkable temple and the Avenue of Sphinxes which leads to it, are most spectacular at night when they're illuminated by hundreds of atmospheric lights.

Overnight: Luxor
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Valley of the Kings & Hurghada

Luxor - Hurghada. We travel to Luxor's West Bank this morning for a guided tour of the legendary Valley of the Kings, which is home to an array of beautifully decorated pharaohs' tombs, three of which you can enter. Arriving at the West Bank we will be greeted by the towering 18m-high Colossi of Memnon and after the Valley of the Kings we enjoy a tour of the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.

We bid farewell to Luxor this afternoon and drive east to Hurghada, for three nights at Egypt's beautiful Red Sea Riviera.

Overnight: Hurghada
Meals: Breakfast

Days 8-9 - Hurghada Red Sea Relaxation

Spend the next two days at leisure. Soak up the sunshine on the beach and swim in the sea, enjoy the hotel facilities and stroll around Hurghada. There's also 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 offers a wonderful range of aquatic activities, from sail boarding and deep-sea fishing to SCUBA diving and snorkelling around the incredible offshore reefs, which are some of the finest in the world.

Overnight: Hurghada
Meals: Breakfast x2

Day 10 - Cairo - your way

Hurghada - Cairo. This morning we drive back to Cairo. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore Egypt’s capital at leisure. If you'd like to do some last minute souvenir shopping we offer an optional visit to Cairo's bustling Khan el Khalili bazaar.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Cairo

Cairo. After breakfast, tour ends. Make your own way to the airport for your onward flight or contact us to book a departure transfer.

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre Tour Accom Essentials Tours - Cairo (from price)

Double

$165per passenger

Twin

$165per passenger

Single

$295per passenger

Post Tour Accom Essentials Tours - Cairo (from price)

Double

$165per passenger

Twin

$165per passenger

Single

$295per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Great Temple of Abu Simbel | Egypt
Abu Simbel by Road

Possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gargantuan rock-cut facade is the magnificent Abu Simbel. Guarding the entrance to the temple are 4 colossal seated statues of the pharaoh himself, staring out across Lake Nasser.

$315

per passenger

Cairo Departure Airport Transfer

$105

per passenger

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.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

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.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Train
Pyramids Resort by Jaz
Cairo

Just a stone's throw from the Pyramids, the Pyramids Resort (formerly 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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Pyramids Park Resort
Cairo

Located close to the pyramids, the expansive Pyramids Park Hotel is a beautiful hotel set around a stunning outdoor pool. Rooms are modern and bright with excellent facilities. Balconies and terraces look out onto the gardens and pool area. Wi-Fi is available throughout and there is excellent poolside dining. In the evening why not relax by the pool and enjoy a few cold ones after a long days sightseeing.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Aracan Eatabe Luxor Hotel
Luxor

Offering a prime location in the centre of Luxor, this 4-star hotel is close to top attractions including the Luxor Museum and Luxor Temple. Surrounded by manicured gardens, the contemporary-style guestrooms are well-equipped with air conditioning, a minibar and a balcony overlooking the garden or River Nile. Guests can enjoy a rich breakfast, lunch and dinner in the sun-lit restaurant or outdoors by the resort style pool. There you’ll also find a poolside bar and sun deck, so you can enjoy a cocktail or two as you soak up the rays.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Deluxe Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 4 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
14 Dec - 24 Dec
Save 15%
$4,315$3,668
$6,535$5,555
28 Dec - 7 Jan
Save 15%
$5,065$4,306
$7,615$6,473
2025
Twin/Double
Single
1 Feb - 11 Feb
Save 15%
$3,435$2,920
$4,865$4,136
1 Mar - 11 Mar
Save 15%
$3,435$2,920
$4,865$4,136
15 Mar - 25 Mar
Save 15%
$3,435$2,920
$4,865$4,136
5 Apr - 15 Apr
Save 15%
$3,435$2,920
$4,865$4,136
19 Apr - 29 Apr
Save 15%
$5,065$4,306
$7,785$6,618
26 Apr - 6 May
Save 15%
$4,315$3,668
$6,535$5,555
17 May - 27 May
Save 15%
$3,905$3,320
$5,815$4,943
31 May - 10 Jun
Save 15%
$3,905$3,320
$5,815$4,943

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