SUN FESTIVAL TOUR: Add an extra special element to your Egyptian holiday by combining it with the magical Abu Simbel Sun Festival. The legendary Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, felucca sailing on the Nile, the tomb laden Valley of the Kings and energetic Cairo all in 11 unforgettable 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
Wednesday 18 Oct 2023. Welcome to Egypt! Arrive Cairo, included transfer to hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or those arriving early can opt to join our optional Backstreets of Cairo tour which departs the hotel at 10am. Tonight your Welcome Meeting will be held at 7pm.
Overnight: Cairo
Pyramids & Saqqara
Today visit to the stunning pyramids and the 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.
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
Grand Egyptian Museum
Cairo - Aswan. Today we have a guided tour of Grand Egyptian Museum, which houses a giant exhibition containing the treasures of King Tutankhamun. In this incredible 490,000 sq.m complex many of the exhibits are being displayed for the first time and artefacts have been brought together from across Egypt and the world. Then we head over to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to visit the fascinating Royal Mummies' Hall, where the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens are now on display. This incredible hall contains 20 mummies in total and some are so well preserved that they still have thick locks of hair, visible finger nails and smooth blackened skin.
Returning to the hotel, there's time to relax by the pool before we board the overnight 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 - Abu Simbel. After arrival in Aswan and hotel check-in, we visit the Temples of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Upon returning to Aswan we visit a perfume oil emporium. Spend the rest of the day at leisure; shop in the colourful souqs or simply kick back and relax.
Back at the hotel there will be time to rest before we depart at around midnight on our coach journey to the Temples of Abu Simbel. Here, we await the first rays of sunlight to touch the temple gate signifying the start of the Sun Festival of the mighty King Ramses II.
Overnight: Hotel/Coach Journey to Abu Simbel | Breakfast
ABU SIMBEL SUN FESTIVAL
22 October. Abu Simbel - Aswan - Nile Felucca Cruise. Possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gargantuan rock-cut façade, the great Sun Temple of King Ramses II at Abu Simbel was created to revere the mighty pharaonic ruler King Ramses II. Guarding the entrance to the temple (built between 1290 and 1224 BC) hewn into the side of a mountain are four famous colossal statues of the pharaoh himself, which sit majestically staring out across the desert.
Ramses II had the entire temple precisely positioned in order for the sun’s rays to align just twice a year, on the date of his ascension to the throne (21 February) and on his birthday (21 October) to illuminate the inner sanctum of the temple. This incredible natural phenomenon provides for a most spectacular sight, which has come to be referred to as the Sun Festival of King Ramses II. The temple was re-located further up from the shoreline of Lake Nasser in 1972 in order to avoid erosion. For this reason, the sun now strikes a day later than Ramses had originally planned, though the event this morning itself is no less stunning.
Gathering in the temple before sunrise watch the shafts of light slowly creeping through the rock hewn inner Hypostyle Hall (replete with further statues of the King) and through to the Sanctuary. As we are lead through the temple there will be time to pause for a moment to watch the sun illuminating the statues of Amun-Re, Re-Herakhte and Ramses the god, whilst the statute of Ptah - the god of darkness - remains in the shadows. After the event, there will be plenty of time to explore the Sun Temple of King Ramses II, the Temple of Hathor and take plenty of pictures.
Returning to Aswan around noon we board a traditional Nile felucca for our 2 night voyage downstream on the River Nile.
If sailing by felucca is not your style, consider our Nile Cruise upgrade and stay aboard a 5 star luxury Nile Cruiser in place of the felucca, please see the Nile Cruise Upgrade Prices & Dates tab above and the Nile Cruise Upgrade Trip Notes for details.
Overnight: Felucca Cruise | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Felucca Sailing & Kom Ombo
Nile Felucca Sailing. 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 and Egyptian life carries on all around you. In the afternoon, we dock near Kom Ombo and take a motorboat to visit the temple before returning to the felucca for the night.
Overnight: Felucca Cruise | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Luxor
We disembark this morning and drive a few hours north too 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 beautifully illuminated at night, alternatively enjoy the facilities of our hotel.
Overnight: Luxor | Breakfast
Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Cairo. On day 8, 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 built on a gigantic scale, where you get lost wandering around the stone papyrus columns.
Day 9 is a free day for you to explore the wonders of Luxor independently or take advantage of the facilities at the hotel that include a relaxing pool with swim up bar and health and fitness facilities. Tonight, we return by overnight train to Cairo.
Overnight: Luxor (1) & Sleeper Train (1) | Breakfast x 2
Day at leisure in Cairo
This morning we arrive back into Cairo and transfer to our hotel. Today is at your leisure to independently explore Cairo, or you could book locally our optional visit to the exotic Khan el Khalili Bazaar where you can pick up a few souvenirs.
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
Cairo
Saturday 28 Oct 2023. Our Egyptian adventure comes to an end today. Included departure transfer to the airport later today in time for your international flight.
Breakfast
King Ramses Sun Festival
If you have a little more time on your hands consider our 13 day King Ramses Sun Festival tour. See the mighty pyramids, witness the spectacular Sun Festival at Abu Simbel, then set sail down the Nile onboard a traditional felucca. Followed by sightseeing in Luxor and relaxation on the beach in Hurghada. Bliss!
Prices & Dates
Departure dates marked with a 'G' are operating. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Reviews
Travellers have rated this tour as 5 out of 5 based on 3 recent reviews
Visiting Egypt had been a lifelong dream of mine and my trip with On the Go exceeded all of my expectations. The ancient sites we visited, the felucca ride and all of the other experiences along the way are things I will never forget. Our guide Alam, an Egyptologist, was extremely knowledgeable, organised and above all a great person. He went above and beyond to ensure the trip ran smoothly and everybody in our group was looked after. Alam really made our trip, he is a wonderful tour guide. Overall I felt very safe in Egypt and would encourage everybody to experience this beautiful country. ”
Wonderful trip very well organised, all the guides were there when needed, very articulate and well informed. Amal is very intelligent, kind and considerate to all the ages represented on the tour.”
To Alam,
Thank you for making my visit to Egypt so wonderful and memorable. You have to be the most patient man I have ever met. Managing 19 people can be challenging but you always had a smile for us.
I feel like I got lucky with our group because our group dynamics just clicked and we all got along so well, but, we were even luckier having you as our guide. You were always smiling and super accommodating. Your passion for Egypt and her history really came through. That sit-down, group round-table we had at the Mosque was both illuminating & special. I have come back from Egypt with not just a lot of knowledge about her ancient history, but also a better understanding of Egypt today and a better understanding about Islam. You are a great ambassador for Egypt.
Being on a guided tour made my experience much more enriching because of the group camaraderie and because I felt I was able to see a LOT in a short time and it also made me feel extremely safe. As a single woman traveling, safety is a big factor for me so this tour was the perfect way to travel . I'm already looking forward to the next one. Thank you so much!
PS. Also wanted to give a big Thank you to Mido, our Cairo rep. You made it so seamless and easy to get through the airport and hotel transfers. Totally Appreciate :)”
I just want to say thank you for everything.
That was the BEST trip I have ever been on. Ever!
We had Waleed as our tour guide and he is phenomenal.
We left three days later and he arranged our transfer for us
back to the airport. Gave us his personal phone number if we needed him...he was so concerned about our safety in Cairo.
Everything was a highlight of the trip for me, but I think
my Egypt moment was going into Abu Simbel when the sun
came up on the Solstice. IT WAS SO INCREDIBLE. With
the drums going and the whirling dervishes dancing there was
so much excitement at that place. Still gives me goose bumps
when I think about it!
Thank you again for everything and you be rest assured that
I will book On the Go for everything I can!! And I will be going
on another one in the future! Not one complaint came out of the
group that we had!!!! ”
At a Glance
Tour Add-ons
Enhance your trip with these amazing added extras and add-ons
Extra Tour Info
Visiting Egypt had been a lifelong dream of mine and my trip with On the Go exceeded all of my expectations. The ancient sites we visited, the felucca ride and all of the other experiences along the way are things I will never forget. Our guide Alam, an Egyptologist, was extremely knowledgeable, organised and above all a great person. He went above and beyond to ensure the trip ran smoothly and everybody in our group was looked after. Alam really made our trip, he is a wonderful tour guide. Overall I felt very safe in Egypt and would encourage everybody to experience this beautiful country. ”
