14 Day Egypt Tour Classic

In Search of Pharaohs
TOURCODE: EG3

Duration:
14 Days

Activity Level:
2

When To Go:
Jan, Feb, Oct, Nov

Countries Visited:
1

Arrive In / Depart From:
/

Max Group Size:
Never more than 18

Tour Style:
Cultural

Price From:

  Overnight in: Cairo, Aswan, Nile, Luxor

Discover the country's true culture with the help of experienced local guides.

  • Small group sizes to help escape the beaten path.
  • All-inclusive with top-rated restaurants and hotels.
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Tour Overview
Tour Overview
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Countries Visited: 1 Activity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural

On our Classic Egypt tour, you'll discover a country of mythological proportion and one whose ancient civilization dates back as far as any that the world has seen, Egypt is a land of mystical beauty and incomparable legacy.

For an adventure-packed two weeks, we tour the world-famous historic highlights, like the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, now symbols of the country's mystery and glory.

We also tour the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, which allows incredible opportunities for close-up exploration inside pyramid tombs, the colossal, 1,500-year-old Karnak Temple, with its tremendous pylon gateway near the Avenue of 1,000 Sphinxes that originally ran all the way to Luxor Temple, and the bounties of the world's longest river; the Nile.

Bewitching desertscapes and lush oases serve as the backdrops to some of the most memorable sceneries on the planet as we spend time marvelling at the architectural and engineering genius of an ancient civilization light-years ahead of its time.

Donkey-rides on stony pathways, camel treks through the desert and street tours by horse-drawn carriage add an element of authenticity to the experience as we explore the ancient past and contemporary faces of this first-rate destination.

 


 

Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices

 

Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.

 

Select a date below to reserve your spot:

 

Optional Single Supplement: $1150 USD (number of singles limited).
This tour may require a mandatory single supplement charge of $580 if you join our share program and we are unable to pair you.

 


 

Full Itinerary
Full Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Cairo
Today we arrive in Cairo.*

Al-Qahira, literally "The Vanquisher" or "The Conqueror", is the capital of Egypt (about to be replaced by the city of "New Cairo"). The combined populations of the five cities that make up the metropolitan area on the Nile are over 21,000,000, making it the largest urban area on the continent. Nicknamed "The City of a Thousand Minarets" for its preponderance of Islamic architecture, Cairo has long been a centre of the region's political and cultural life.

* PLEASE NOTE - As tomorrow will be an early start and a full day, you may want to arrive a day early should your arrival time be late at night. Extra nights at the same hotel can be quoted/booked by your tour consultants once your flight schedule is known.

Overnight in Cairo.

Included Meal(s): Dinner



Day 2 Cairo: Great Pyramids & the Sphinx - Grand Egyptian Museum
This morning we kick off our comprehensive sightseeing program with some of the most iconic of Egyptian monuments: The Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.

Impressive in their grandeur, the pyramids are estimated to have been constructed over a period of 20 years using more than 100,000 labourers each year. The Great Pyramid of Cheops, constructed from over two million stone blocks, is 135m (443 feet) high! You may enter one of the pyramids through a long, narrow passageway and explore the deep inner chambers (OPTIONAL - extra fee applicable).

Later we visit the Sphinx. This feline-human was named by the Greeks because it resembled the mythical winged monster with a woman's head and lion's body. Legend has it that this "Sphinx" proposed a riddle to the Thebans and killed all who could not guess the correct answer! The Sphinx was carved from one solid piece of limestone.

We then continue to the Great Egyptian Museum (GEM), where we can break for lunch at your choice of one of several on-site restaurants/cafes.*

After our break, our visit of the museum begins with a 45-minute guided tour, with a "sneak peek" into this vast facility prior to the official opening of all of the galleries. As part of our tour, we will also learn about the history of the museum itself, including answers to the inevitable question: “why has it taken 20 years to build?” We will also learn of how the inspiration of ancient Egypt is reflected in the museum’s design and its various components.

We’ll also receive an explanation of one of the main themes that repeats throughout GEM -- “Kingship and Eternity” -- and witness how this is reflected in the monuments accessible to us on today’s visit, namely: The Hanging Obelisk, the Colossal Statue of King Ramesses II, the ten Statues of King Senusret I (distance view), the Grand Staircase (distance view), double statues of Ptolemaic King and Queen, the Victory Column of King Merenptah, the statue of the god Hapy, and the Statue of King Ramesses II.

Our visit will culminate with the ground-breaking "Tutankhamun - The Immersive Exhibition," which takes us on a mythical journey to the mesmerizing world of Ancient Egypt. Through state-of-the-art digital projections, you will have the unparalleled opportunity to step into the astonishing life of the legendary Golden King via an awe-inspiring audiovisual adventure that spans an astonishing 3,400 years of history.

After our visit we return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

* PLEASE NOTE that the above day description refers specifically to how our time in Cairo will be spent for our tours that occur in February/March 2024. After this time, as conditions warrant, this day will be adjusted to reflect our plans from Fall/Winter of 2024/25, when the GEM is expected to be fully-open to visitors.

Overnight in Cairo (Giza).

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 3 Cairo: Dahshur, Memphis & Saqqara
We have an early start for a full-day day of sightseeing. Our drive this morning takes us through the suburbs of Giza, past some small, colourful villages and plantations in the fertile Nile Valley.

We first travel to the stunning site of Dahshur, known chiefly for several pyramids, mainly Senefru's Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, which are among the oldest, largest, and best-preserved in Egypt, built from 2613 to 2589 BC. These pyramids were an extremely important learning experience for the Egyptians as they provided knowledge and know-how to transition from step-sided pyramids to smooth-sided pyramids. Ultimately their breadth of experience would allow them to build the Great Pyramid of Giza.

We continue to Memphis and Saqqara, chronologically the two most important sites in all of Egypt. Memphis was the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom (ca 2700-2180 BC). Here we will see several statues in a garden-like setting, including the colossal statue of Rameses the Great.

From Memphis we travel a short distance to Saqqara, the ancient burial site for the people of Memphis. On the site, considered by many archaeologists to be one of the world's most important excavations, is the Step Pyramid, constructed by Imhotep in the 27th century BC. The pyramid began as a simple mastaba, or long, flat tomb building. Over the course of time, Imhotep added to this mastaba five times -- the pyramid eventually measured 62m (203 feet) in height!

While at Saqqara we also see the Serapeum, the tomb of the sacred Apis bulls that were associated with the god Ptah, whose cult center was in Memphis. An avenue of sphinxes leads to the Serapeum, which is composed of two long corridors that once housed the mummified remains of the bulls.

After a full day we return to our hotel.

Overnight in Cairo (Giza).

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 4 Cairo - Fly to Aswan: The High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk & Philae Temple
Another early start for our flight to Aswan in Upper Egypt.* Aswan is Egypt's sunniest southern city and an ancient frontier town. Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life in Aswan is slow and relaxing.

On arrival we'll take a trip to the High Dam of Aswan. Constructed between 1960 and 1971, the High Dam collects and stores water over a number of years so that the annual Nile flood can be controlled. From here we will have a panoramic view of Aswan to the north and Lake Nasser to the south.

We also visit Philae Temple. The temple is dramatically situated on an island, so we enjoy a short boat journey to get to the site. The site is relatively small, but the charm of the setting and the excellent state of preservation makes this a must-see.

On our way back to town, we'll visit the 'Unfinished Obelisk'. The obelisk's creators began to carve it directly out of bedrock, but cracks appeared in the granite and the project was abandoned. The bottom side of the obelisk is still attached to the bedrock. The unfinished obelisk offers unusual insights into ancient Egyptian stone-working techniques, with marks from workers' tools still clearly visible as well as ochre-coloured lines marking where they were working.

* NOTE: The actual order of our sightseeing in Upper Egypt may vary depending on variables such as flight schedules and weather. Your Tour Leader will keep you apprised of any adjustments as the tour progresses.

Overnight in Aswan.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 5 Aswan: St. Simeon Monastery & Kitchener's Island
This morning we will take a private boat across the River Nile to the west bank. From here we travel by camel across the sandy desert to the Christian Monastery of St Simeon. Before we begin this easy trek, our Tour Leader and camel trainer will teach you the technique of riding a camel. This is a journey that can be undertaken by anyone at any age (one rider per camel). Our trek is about 45 minutes to the monastery, and then 15 minutes back to the riverbank. Those who prefer not to ride can travel by open truck to the monastery and meet up with the group there.

Dating from the 6th century, and in use until the 13th century, the Monastery of St Simeon is one of the best-preserved Christian sites in Egypt. Inside we will see the chapel, living quarters, kitchen and dining areas, wine press, bake area and storerooms. On our tour we will also see the remains of some Coptic frescoes -- depictions of Christ and saints as well as many geometric patterns.

We then return to the banks of the Nile and re-board our boat and ride among the islands dotting the Nile. Up the hill, above the river, is the Mausoleum of the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismailis, a Shi'ite sect based principally in India but with followers around the world. The tomb is an elegant pink granite structure of late 1950 origin.

The main island in the middle of the Nile is called Elephantine Island because many of the rocks look like elephants bathing in the Nile. On the west side of the river is the beautiful Kitchener's Island, where we will have time to stroll through the rich botanical gardens.

Later this afternoon we have a leisurely sail on a felucca, a traditional sailing vessel used for centuries for carrying goods and passengers along the Nile.

Overnight in Aswan.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 6 Aswan: Abu Simbel
A pre-dawn departure by road (+/- 3 hours, each way)* takes us south from Aswan across the Western Desert to Nubia, or the "Land of the Gold". Our destination this morning is the impressive Abu Simbel -- the imposing rock temples of Rameses II and his queen, Nefertari.

We have a guided tour of this site, including the interior of the colossal temples. The Temple of Rameses II, with its immense statues of the Pharaoh seated on his throne, is one of the classic images of the power of the Pharaohs. Inside the temple you will see well-preserved wall decorations and several murals. There is a wonderful relief of Rameses presenting captives to various gods, including himself! We also gain insight into the reconstruction process by visiting the interior of the artificial mountain. Return by road to Aswan in time for a late lunch.

* When visiting Abu Simbel we choose to travel by road instead of flying as the air schedules tend to be rather restrictive and do not always allow enough time at the site (much time is taken up by check-in, security, boarding, transferring etc). Driving frees us from this inconvenience and adds flexibility, plus allows us to see the High Dam en route. Departing very early ensures that we are at the site at the optimal time for photography; later in the morning, shadows fall across the temple making conditions less than ideal.

Overnight in Aswan.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 7 Aswan - Luxor via Kom Ombo & Edfu
This morning we say farewell to Aswan and travel by road to the Temple of Kom Ombo. In ancient times, Kom Ombo was strategically important as a trading town on the caravan route from Nubia to Cairo. Kom Ombo, actually two temples in one, is dedicated dually to Haroeris (Horus) and Sobek, respectively the god of the sky and the crocodile-headed god. Here we are able to see the remains of a mummified crocodile. Crocodiles no longer exist in the Egyptian part of the River Nile, but in Pharaonic times they lived here in great numbers and were worshipped as gods!

From Kom Ombo we travel to the site of Edfu. As the largest and most completely preserved Pharaonic temple, albeit Greek-built, Edfu is dedicated to the god Horus. Construction of this temple began under Ptolemy III Euergetes I in 237 BC. We will allow time to explore this massive and impressive site, enclosed by walls and flanked by two large pylon gateways. Here we will also be able to see a Nilometer -- an ancient technique of measuring the Nile's water fluctuations and setting the level of taxes

Overnight in Luxor.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 8 Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple
This morning we start our day with a guided tour of Karnak Temple.

Karnak was built, added to, dismantled, restored, enlarged and decorated during its colourful history of over 1,500 years. At certain points in Egyptian history, this temple was the most important in all of Egypt. When we arrive at the temple you will be awed by the grandeur of the tremendous pylon gateway and the Avenue of 1,000 Sphinxes that originally ran all the way to the Nile and Luxor Temple! We will have a guided tour of the complex, massive by any standard.

After our visit, we enjoy a break before our evening visit to Luxor Temple. The temple was dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut, and Chons and was built during the New Kingdom, the focus of the annual Opet Festival, in which a cult statue of Amun was paraded down the Nile from nearby Karnak Temple to stay there for a while, with his consort Mut, in a celebration of fertility. Luxor temple is considered one of the largest ancient Egyptian temple complexes situated on the eastern bank of the river Nile. At the entrance is a huge tower built by King Ramses II.

Overnight in Luxor.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 9 Luxor: Valley of the Kings
Early this morning we cross the River Nile by boat to the West Bank where the wealth of antiquities is outstanding. On the other side we will meet our donkey-cart transport for our excursion into the Valley of the Kings through the New Gourna Village and into the countryside. Avoiding the busier road, we will witness quiet village life along the way for about 40-45 minutes before re-uniting with our road transport for the final leg into the Valley of the Kings.

Once in the isolated valley, dominated by large pyramid-shaped mountains, we will have a guided tour of three of the many tombs that are here.* The valley was the burial ground for kings throughout the New Kingdom. Note that some of the tombs have steep stairways and all are quite dark inside (you might find a pocket flashlight useful).

We then proceed to the funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut -- the first woman to rule as pharaoh! We have a tour of this impressive complex, discovered in the mid-19th century and still under restoration.

After our tour we return by bus through the countryside back to the river and the East Bank. During free time this afternoon, we suggest a visit to the excellent Luxor Museum or Mumification Museum.

Tonight you may choose to visit the Sound and Light show at Karnak Temple (optional).

* We do not include the tomb of King Tut, as it is very small and not very interesting, relatively speaking, but we allow time for you to see it if you wish (separate ticket).

Overnight in Luxor.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 10 Luxor: Valley of the Queens
This morning we make an excursion the Valley of the Queens.* After crossing the Nile we will board our bus for the short journey to visit this wonderful necropolis on the western shore of the Nile.

The Valley of the Queens was used as a burial site for the royal women of the 18th, 19th and 20th Dynasties. Ancient Egyptians called this place "Set Neferu" meaning Seat Of Beauty, and today only a few of the eighty tombs are open to the public (we will visit three). The Valley of the Queens holds far more than graves of queens. Please note that an OPTIONAL visit of the tomb of Queen Nefertari is available for an extra charge (your Tour Leader will advise of the current fee).

As well as our visit to the Valley of the Queens we will also have a guided tour of the workers' village and the Madinat Habu temple. Madinat Habu, also known as the temple of Rameses III was known in ancient times as Djanet, and according to ancient belief, was the place were Amon first appeared. Both Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III built a temple dedicated to Amon here, and later Rameses III constructed his larger memorial temple on the site.

* Due to periodic and unannounced closures of the tombs at the Valley of the Queens, your Tour Leader may substitute the Tombs of the Nobles, which are equally interesting.

Overnight in Luxor.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 11 Luxor: Dendera Temple & Time at Leisure
This morning we enjoy an excursion to the fascinating temple of Dendera located north of Luxor on the banks of the Nile.

Dendera Temple is one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt. Located in the city of Qena (60 km north of Luxor) Dendera was constructed for the worship of Goddess Hathor, goddess of love, beauty, and motherhood in the ancient Egyptian religion. The temple was founded by pharaoh Pepi I (2250 BC) and continued during the New kingdom (1550-1080 BC). What was left dates back to the Greco-Roman time in Egypt. The recent cleaning of the ceiling of the Dendera Temple has revealed has exposed some of the most vibrant and colourful paintings dating from antiquity. The temple has two decorated crypts, two halls with ceilings supported by columns and two funeral chapels, from where the famous "zodiac" from the Louvre comes.

We return to Luxor for some well-deserved free time for independent exploration, shopping, napping etc after some full days of touring. The Luxor Museum is also worthwhile, as it displays a very good contextual story of Luxor and the nearby valley of the Kings and Queens. The wooden sarcophaguses are the highlight -- so vivid that it's hard to believe they are thousands of years old.

Overnight in Luxor.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 12 Luxor - Cairo: Museum of Egyptian Antiquities
Today we fly back to Cairo.

On arrival we proceed to the famous Museum of Egyptian Antiquities,* where enjoy a guided tour of some of Egypt's most beloved treasures. Among the 100,000 pieces housed on the museum's two floors is the famous exhibit of Tutankhamun whose tomb was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. The tomb and treasures of this young Pharaoh, modest by Pharaonic Egyptian standards, is perhaps the best-preserved of the discovered tombs. We also see archaeological relics from the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom and Greco-Roman periods. There is also a separated area devoted to the best-known of the Tut antiquities (the Mummies Room), which you can enter for an optional extra fee (ask your Tour Leader for the current rate).

* Please note that the above description is likely to be accurate for our tours scheduled for early 2024, when it is expected that the King Tut exhibition will still be housed at this site (rather than at the GEM). It remains unclear as to exactly what exhibits will be moved to GEM and when, but we expect that this museum will continue to function even after GEM is fully opened. Once this situation becomes clearer we will update this day's description.

Overnight in Cairo (central).

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 13 Cairo: Coptic & Islamic Cairo - Khan el Khalili
Today visit the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), a nice addition to the Cairo museum landscape and an excellent way to recap all that we have done and seen during our tour.

We then drive through the neat, tree-lined streets of the Garden City area to Coptic Cairo, the centre of Christianity in Cairo.* We will walk the cobblestone streets and stop at a few of the churches, including that of Saint Sergius, presumed to be the spot where the Holy Family lived during their flight into Egypt. The present building dates from the 11th century. As we stroll along we will come to the recently restored Synagogue of Ben Ezra, the oldest Jewish synagogue in Egypt. Despite the 45 Jewish families that remain in Cairo, the synagogue is no longer operational.

We then proceed to Islamic Cairo, where we will tour the Citadel, begun by Saladin in the 12th century. Today the Citadel's buildings are mainly from the Ottoman period, and are truly grand. From the Citadel, actually a complex of three mosques and four museums, we enjoy an amazing view of Cairo spread beneath the hilltop. Here we will see the fabulous Mosque of Mohammed Ali, also known as the "Alabaster Mosque."

Finally we make a stop at Khan el Khalili, one of the most interesting bazaars, not only in Egypt, but also in all the Middle East. The atmosphere of this traditional market, together with the labyrinthine layout of the streets, gives visitors a glimpse into what medieval markets were once like.

* The Coptic Cairo section of our program exists here in a tentative basis given ever-changing security considerations in this district. Your Tour Leader will advise of the current status once you have arrived on tour and a substitution may be put into place.

Overnight in Cairo (central).

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 14 Departure
Departure from Cairo.

RHLAH S'IDAH!

Included Meal(s): Breakfast

 


 

Trip Info
Trip Info

Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner are included daily.

All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.

Gratuities for drivers, restaurant staff, porters, local guides.

Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving/departing on tour dates and for any early arriving/late departing travellers who book both their air and extra nights through us.

Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour.

Tour Leader gratuities, most lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international (if applicable) and domestic air taxes, visa fees, and any excursions referenced as 'optional'.

Airport transfers for Land Only customers.

Optional trip cancellation insurance.

Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on shopping, not included meals, and visas.

Seasonality and Weather
This tour is offered for most of the year, except the hotter summer months, May-September. Outside of this time frame, we are able to achieve our busy program, which involves a lot of time outdoors, with greater comfort and safety. That said, once can still expect heat in some locales, especially in Upper Egypt, and especially during "shoulder" times, ie March/April & early October. At these times, your Tour Leader will do his/her best to structure our activities to take advantage of the more comfortable times of day to head out, which could mean some early starts and possibly a block of leisure time midday.

The coolest and most comfortable window is November-February, when Upper Egypt is comfortable and Cairo is cool-chilly.

Transport and Travel Conditions
Over two weeks we travel by bus, felucca sailboat, plane, donkey cart, and camel. Distances covered are not great and roads are generally good, despite the traffic.

Our rating "Level 2" on this tour refers to its ambitious nature, full days, and plenty of time spent on your feet. Some days involve some early starts as dictated by internal flights as well as some excursions, ie Alexandria & Abu Simbel, for which early departures are necessitated by distance and traffic. We also like to get to Abu Simbel in time for sunrise and before large crowds arrive. Many sites visited are LARGE; surfaces are uneven and sloped, and stairs will factor into our visits. Heat can also be a factor in some locations which can, over time, cause fatigue. This is not an 'easy' tour; if you are unsteady or slow on your feet, rely heavily on a cane or any other mobility aid, or tire easily, we regret that this tour would not be suitable.

Though baggage handling is available throughout, you must still be able to fully manage yourself and your things, especially at airports.

IF YOU'RE WONDERING why we don't offer a Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, we find that by travelling between these two points overland we are able to include more sites in addition to Kom Ombo and Edfu, where we enjoy private sightseeing instead of having our group combined with other groups on the cruise program. Our independence also allows us to avoid peak periods and crowds at the times that cruise ships generally dock. We know that the notion of a Nile cruise has a special romantic appeal, but we (including our Tour Leaders) have always preferred this alternative. The ships spend most of their time tied up at the docks in Luxor and Aswan and the time actually sailing is rather limited and may occur at night due to the limitations of the transit lock system, which often gets backed up. As cruise programs tend to feature quite a lot of "down time," this option was rarely well-received by past travellers back in the day when we included it. We hope this clarifies!

Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.

Accommodation
Hotel accommodation used on tour is on average, 4-star (some 5-star). Most properties have outdoor swimming pools. Single rooms are limited in number and possibly smaller than twins.

Please click on the "Map & Hotels" tab for more information.

Staff and Support
Tour Leader throughout, local drivers, local guides at various locations.

Group Size
Maximum 18 (plus Tour Leader)

Tour Extensions
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:

21 Day Egypt Tour & Kenya
JAN OCT
TOUR CODE: EG6
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21 Day Egypt And Jordan Tour
JAN OCT
TOUR CODE: EG5
Tour Overview
23 Day Egypt And Israel Tour
FEB OCT
TOUR CODE: IS2
Tour Overview
27 Day Egypt Tour, Kenya & Tanzania
JAN OCT
TOUR CODE: E15
Tour Overview
30 Day Egypt, Jordan & Israel
JAN OCT
TOUR CODE: EG11
Tour Overview
32 Day Egypt Tour, Kenya & Tanzania
JAN OCT
TOUR CODE: E19
Tour Overview

 


 

Map & Hotels
Map & Hotels

Regions visited: Middle East
Countries visited: Egypt


*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.


The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.


Cairo Pyramids Hotel
5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation
Location: Cairo
Country: Egypt
Indulge in an experience that brings together both authenticity and modernity at Cairo Pyramids Hotel. Our 172 rooms have their own private terraces with modern facilities and services, offering you a range ... outstanding views over the city, pool, Great Pyramids of Giza or the Egyptian Grand Museum.

Our spacious and comfortably furnished hotel rooms offer comfort at a high level. Indulge in culinary delights in our restaurants & bars.
Read More
Movenpick Aswan
5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation
Location: Aswan
Country: Egypt
We believe in indulgence done right. At Mövenpick Resort Aswan we, treat our guests to deliciously fresh cuisine, abundant treats and flavours. All dishes are served with a generous portion of ... care at our 5 star hotel in Aswan.

Help yourself to the good life at Mövenpick Resort Aswan. From sunny pool days with the family to indulgent spa time, energizing workouts to immersive cultural experiences, we invite you to enjoy it during your stay in Aswan.
Read More
Sonesta St. George Hotel - Luxor
5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation
Location: Luxor
Country: Egypt
Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor redefines magnificent contemporary style. Come and enjoy a sweeping terrace with majestic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with ... detail, a sumptuous health spa, an array of fine dining choices, and every amenity to please the most discerning traveler. With the mystical Nile just a whisper away and the temples of Luxor and Karnak preserved in time, you can easily experience a city of fascinating antiquity.

Our luxurious 5-star hotel specializes in organizing outstanding business events in the city of history and ancient Egyptian temples. We feature one-of-a-kind Royal Rooms with breathtaking views of the Nile, spacious suites, versatile meeting spaces, and state-of-the-art technology.
Read More

 


 

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Frequently Asked Questions
ASK A QUESTION
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
ASK A QUESTION
01. What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?
Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 60-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
02. Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?
Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
03. How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?
The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone. A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 60 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s). Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time. Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
04. What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?
Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
05. I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?
All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location. This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement. The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible. On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available. Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed.
06. Do you have a shared accommodation program?
Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. On most of our tours, if we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge. At some destinations, however, where single rooms are not significantly discounted, or not at all, we may apply a "mandatory" single in the event that we cannot find you a share partner. This is usually 50% of the usual supplement, but can be as much as 100%. If applicable, this proviso will be noted on each tour page on this website, on your invoice, and in our tour date/price book (available for download under "Resources").

 

What People are Saying
Maria C.
Seattle, WA - US
I most enjoyed the pyramids/sphinx; all the temples and tombs; Nile cruise; Cairo museum, camel ride, donkey ride, felucca ride, horse and carriage ride. All were fun. All the food was excellent. Ahmed [tour leader] was excellent--intelligent and open. He was self-confident and inspired confidence in others. The Egypt tour was excellent. I loved all the special rides (camel and donkey) and the itinerary in general.
Michel B.
Sechelt, BC - CA
All sightseeing elements were very well planned and executed. Our local guide was remarkable. Very knowledgeable of the sites, sharing the local culture with us, his own experiences, always available, answering all our questions intelligently, attentive to each of us needs and sensitivities, in additional to being friendly and even tempered, and always smiling. His high-energy level never faultered once. What a great guy! The transportation was excellent. Good variety of restaurants and food. Experiencing the local food traditions was great. Very good selection of hotels, very pleased. Exceeded our expectations, whether in terms of service, hotels, trip planning, and specifically the tireless efforts and professionalism of our great tour leader. He certainly made it happen for the whole group.
James O.
Williamsburg, VA - US
Loved camel ride to St Simeon monastery. Our tour leader and the hotels were excellent. Excellent tour with many outstanding sites.
Robert G.
Hampton Cove, AL - US
I really enjoyed the Aswan area and all of the wonderful and varied things to see. Camels, boat trips, gardens made for a nice mix. Our tour leader was excellent, he was very hospitable and helpful at all times. Answered all questions and was happy to do it. One of the best tour guides I have had on numerous trips. Great attitude and always upbeat. Very experienced and knowledgeable at all times. Hotels on this tour were excellent. Very nice tour, small groups and nice variety of things to see and do. Camels, donkeys, horses, boats all added to the experience. Good value and experience.
John H.
Boonton, NJ - US
All sites selected were done superbly by our tour leader and the Egyptian guide. The local guide was superb. He was highly knowledgeable in Egyptian history and archeology. He also knew all the good local eateries. The meals on this tour were superb. All I can say about our tour leader is that he was superb. Hope to travel with him again in the future. Hotels on this tour were excellent.
Andrew C.
Windsor, NS - CA
We enjoyed the "monuments". We got to see all of the most famous and important ones. We also enjoyed the day to day life of Egypt that we experienced in the markets, cafes and camel and donkey rides. It was a perfect mix. Everything was just great-keep up the good work. Our local guide was amazing. He was knowledgable,patient with our questions and funny. He offered his personal life experiences so we felt connected to the people of Egypt. Planes, buses ,boats, camels and donkeys. The variety of transportation was exciting and all went as smooth as silk. Our tour leader was excellent. He was gracious and patient. He gave us great advice and took great care of our needs. The hotel locations, services and staff were very very good. In reading my survey results you can see that we were extremely happy with the products and services of AA. We don't know how anyone could have done a better job. We'll highly recommend you to anyone who is interested and contact you as soon as we are ready to travel again. Thank you a thousand times for your commitment to a superlative travel experience.
John S.
Waterdown, ON - CA
I cannot say enough about the exemplary quality of our guide, who made all the experiences one to remember. He was outstanding! Extremely knowledgeable, patient and innovative. Personally, he made my trip far more memorable than if I had undertaken it by myself. Extremely pleased with the transportation! Our drivers were excellent. I had a great time. I wished to visit Egypt since a boy and I was not disappointed.
Cathy O.
Calgary, AB - CA
I really enjoyed the temples and tombs in particular Abul Simbel, Carnak and Valley of the Kings. It was a very good experience. The pyramids were a highlight of course. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and he did an excellent job. This was a good trip.
Joel S.
West Hollywood, CA - US
Particularly enjoyed the major monuments and the care in combining them with local experiences. Our tour leader was terrific. Knowledgeable resourceful and unfailingly kind and patient.
Peggy S.
Bisbee, AZ - 1
Well, I loved the great pyramids as well as all of the temples and tombs. The great bazaar in Cairo was quite wonderful--much better than I'd expected. The desert is really beautiful and the cruise was pleasant! I think I liked most everything about this trip. The evening meals were very good. I feel very good about the trip to Egypt--I feel a pleasant glow, that's for sure~Good country, good guide, pleasant companions, and great sites.
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Countries Visited: 1

Egypt.
Activity Level: 2

These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
Tour Style: Cultural

These three- and four-star hotel-based, "soft adventure" trips concentrate on the culture, history, and natural attributes of our destination. Though there are no strenuous activities built into these tours, you need to be prepared for some full days with some early starts, plenty of walking on uneven surfaces through villages, cities and archaeological sites, and not a lot of "down time." Independence, reasonable fitness, and an ability to be steady on one's feet are critical in order for you to get the most out of these programs.
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