Egypt Experience

Egypt Experience

Cruise the Nile in comfort, Wander the temples of ancient Thebes, Browse the bustling Khan al-Khalili bazaar, Marvel at the monumental temples of Abu Simbel, Delight in the colour and chaos of Cairo, Delve into ancient history at the Egyptian Museum, Wonder at the Pyramids of Giza

Travel to Egypt and experience the 'Land of the Pharaohs' on this exciting trip. Be immersed in the history, grandeur and culture of ancient Egypt on a journey from Cairo, through the fascinating cities of Alexandria and Aswan, to Luxor. For action and adventure that doesn't stray too far out of the comfort zone, this is the perfect introduction to Egypt's famous treasures.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

You'll be met on arrival at Cairo airport and transferred to our hotel. Complimentary transfers are only applicable if you arrive on Day 1 of your trip or you're going to pre-tour accommodation booked through Imaginative Traveller. Please advise flight arrival details (flight number and time) at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided.

Wonderfully chaotic and always colourful, Cairo is a fascinating mixture of modern city and ancient wonders.

There are plenty of things to see and do with free time in Cairo. Travel along the river by felucca, head out to explore the markets or If the crowds and the noise of the city are too much, catch the metro into the oldest part of the city, the Coptic Christian sector - with its narrow cobbled streets and ancient churches, it's a haven of peace and quiet.

Explore the Pyramids up close: the Pyramid of Khufu (The Great Pyramid of Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren) and the Pyramid of Menkaure (Mycerinus). From a distance Khafre's pyramid looks larger than Khufu's, but this illusion is due to the structure being built on higher ground. When they were built they were covered in gleaming white limestone - now most of the casing stones have been removed but you can still see some on the apex of Khafre's pyramid.

There is time for an optional entrance inside a Pyramid, please ask your group leader to assist. The inside thoroughfares of the Pyramids are very small and very warm, so for those suffering from claustrophobia it is not recommended.

Please note that you'll be required to walk around the Pyramids complex. It can be very hot in the summer months so be prepared for some hot and sweaty walking with little relief. Don't forget to take some water with you.

The statue of the Great Sphinx still retains the mysteries that have puzzled scholars, tourists and scientists for thousands of years. Made from an outcrop of stone left behind from the quarrying for the Great Pyramid, it has been buried by desert sands, excavated and repaired many times. The body of the Sphinx is almost 60 m long and 20 m high. It was known as 'Abu Hol' or Father of Terror to the Arabic people. We don't know who first built the statue - this is one of the mysteries of the colossal monument.

Transfer back to central Cairo for a visit to the Egyptian Museum.

With thousands of exhibits, it's easy to lose yourself in the Egyptian Museum's many corridors - but don't miss the Tutankhamun rooms, where the famous golden death mask of King Tut and his gilded sarcophagi are displayed.

Included Activities

Complimentary arrival transfer

Egyptian Museum

Pyramids and Sphinx

Optional Activities

Cairo Tower, Cairo - EGP70.00

Coptic Museum, Cairo - EGP50.00

Islamic Art Museum, Cairo - EGP50.00

Mummies Hall at Egyptian Museum, Cairo - EGP100.00

Pyramid of Saqqara, Cairo - EGP60.00

Solar Boat Museum, Cairo - EGP50.00

Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids, Cairo - EGP75.00

The 2nd Pyramid of Khafre, Cairo - EGP30.00

The Citadel, Cairo - EGP50.00

The Great Pyramid of Cheops, Cairo - EGP100.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

You'll be met on arrival at Cairo airport and transferred to our hotel. Complimentary transfers are only applicable if you arrive on Day 1 of your trip or you're going to pre-tour accommodation booked through Imaginative Traveller. Please advise flight arrival details (flight number and time) at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided.

Wonderfully chaotic and always colourful, Cairo is a fascinating mixture of modern city and ancient wonders.

There are plenty of things to see and do with free time in Cairo. Travel along the river by felucca, head out to explore the markets or If the crowds and the noise of the city are too much, catch the metro into the oldest part of the city, the Coptic Christian sector - with its narrow cobbled streets and ancient churches, it's a haven of peace and quiet.

Explore the Pyramids up close: the Pyramid of Khufu (The Great Pyramid of Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren) and the Pyramid of Menkaure (Mycerinus). From a distance Khafre's pyramid looks larger than Khufu's, but this illusion is due to the structure being built on higher ground. When they were built they were covered in gleaming white limestone - now most of the casing stones have been removed but you can still see some on the apex of Khafre's pyramid.

There is time for an optional entrance inside a Pyramid, please ask your group leader to assist. The inside thoroughfares of the Pyramids are very small and very warm, so for those suffering from claustrophobia it is not recommended.

Please note that you'll be required to walk around the Pyramids complex. It can be very hot in the summer months so be prepared for some hot and sweaty walking with little relief. Don't forget to take some water with you.

The statue of the Great Sphinx still retains the mysteries that have puzzled scholars, tourists and scientists for thousands of years. Made from an outcrop of stone left behind from the quarrying for the Great Pyramid, it has been buried by desert sands, excavated and repaired many times. The body of the Sphinx is almost 60 m long and 20 m high. It was known as 'Abu Hol' or Father of Terror to the Arabic people. We don't know who first built the statue - this is one of the mysteries of the colossal monument.

Transfer back to central Cairo for a visit to the Egyptian Museum.

With thousands of exhibits, it's easy to lose yourself in the Egyptian Museum's many corridors - but don't miss the Tutankhamun rooms, where the famous golden death mask of King Tut and his gilded sarcophagi are displayed.

Included Activities

Complimentary arrival transfer

Egyptian Museum

Pyramids and Sphinx

Optional Activities

Cairo Tower, Cairo - EGP70.00

Coptic Museum, Cairo - EGP50.00

Islamic Art Museum, Cairo - EGP50.00

Mummies Hall at Egyptian Museum, Cairo - EGP100.00

Pyramid of Saqqara, Cairo - EGP60.00

Solar Boat Museum, Cairo - EGP50.00

Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids, Cairo - EGP75.00

The 2nd Pyramid of Khafre, Cairo - EGP30.00

The Citadel, Cairo - EGP50.00

The Great Pyramid of Cheops, Cairo - EGP100.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Following a three hour private van journey you arrive in Egypt's second largest city and main port, Alexandria, built by the Greek architect Dinocrates in 331 BC under the orders of Alexander the Great. The city, immortalising Alexander's name, quickly flourished into a prominent cultural, intellectual, political and economic metropolis.

It was the renowned capital of Ancient Egypt's last royal dynasty, the Ptolemies, and the site of the Pharos. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this lighthouse acted as a beacon, guiding sailors away from this notoriously treacherous stretch of coastline.

Visit the amazing catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa, the largest Roman burial site in Egypt, and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which was inspired by the original great library of Alexandria. There's also time to take a stroll along the Corniche and around Fort Qaitbey to take in some fresh Mediterranean air.

Return to Cairo by private van.

Visit Al Montazah Palace and Gardens. Montaza gardens has royal palaces from different eras of the 19th and 20th centuries and picturesque gardens.

Travel to Aswan aboard a sleeper train with fold-out beds (approx 13 hrs). The two-berth cabins are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided onboard by the porter. Western-style toilets are located in each carriage, but as toilet paper isn't always available it's advised to carry some of your own. Keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included dinner and breakfast are served on board. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you're a vegetarian as only a single type of meal is served for dinner, which always includes meat.

In rare circumstances you may be paired in your cabin with a group member of the opposite sex, depending on the group configuration. On other occasions you might have the opportunity to share with another traveller of the same sex who may not be part of our group, again determined by the group configuration.

Included Activities

Accommodation

Following a three hour private van journey you arrive in Egypt's second largest city and main port, Alexandria, built by the Greek architect Dinocrates in 331 BC under the orders of Alexander the Great. The city, immortalising Alexander's name, quickly flourished into a prominent cultural, intellectual, political and economic metropolis.

It was the renowned capital of Ancient Egypt's last royal dynasty, the Ptolemies, and the site of the Pharos. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this lighthouse acted as a beacon, guiding sailors away from this notoriously treacherous stretch of coastline.

Visit the amazing catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa, the largest Roman burial site in Egypt, and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which was inspired by the original great library of Alexandria. There's also time to take a stroll along the Corniche and around Fort Qaitbey to take in some fresh Mediterranean air.

Return to Cairo by private van.

Visit Al Montazah Palace and Gardens. Montaza gardens has royal palaces from different eras of the 19th and 20th centuries and picturesque gardens.

Travel to Aswan aboard a sleeper train with fold-out beds (approx 13 hrs). The two-berth cabins are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided onboard by the porter. Western-style toilets are located in each carriage, but as toilet paper isn't always available it's advised to carry some of your own. Keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included dinner and breakfast are served on board. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you're a vegetarian as only a single type of meal is served for dinner, which always includes meat.

In rare circumstances you may be paired in your cabin with a group member of the opposite sex, depending on the group configuration. On other occasions you might have the opportunity to share with another traveller of the same sex who may not be part of our group, again determined by the group configuration.

Included Activities

Accommodation

This Nubian city is Egypt's southern gateway to Africa and an important market town - take time here to check out one of the country's best bazaars.

Explore the Temple of Philae. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple was painstakingly moved and reassembled after the construction of Aswan High Dam flooded its original island location.

Visit the excellent Nubia Museum, which showcases the history, art and culture of the Nubians.

Visit a nearby village where we join a local family for dinner and an unforgettable insight into the life and culture of the local people.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Take a flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel (approx 45 mins).

Explore the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel. Built by Ramses II, it was the gateway to Egypt for Southern Africans and its imposing facade clearly delineated the line between what was the Pharaoh's land and what was not.

Return from Abu Simbel and transfer to meet our Nile cruise boat.

Enjoy a fantastic mix of total relaxation and organised sightseeing on a Nile River cruise to Luxor.
Nile cruise boats are typically very large with a passenger capacity of around 150. All cabins have private facilities and the boat is fully air-conditioned. Evenings will be spent on the boat so make full use of the boat's facilities where you can relax on the top deck by the pool and watch stunning Nile scenery pass by. All meals are included on board.
Although we use the best possible five-star rated cruise boats available, please note that the local equivalent of five stars isn't to the same standard that we might expect at home. Nile cruise boats are not out and out luxury, but they are very comfortable and a great way to experience the Nile. Due to varying schedules we aren't able to provide advance notice of which exact boat we'll be sailing on.

At some point today you will have the opportunity to enjoy the river from a felucca - a traditional Nile sailboat.

Visit the Kom Ombo Temple, north of Aswan. Built on a high dune overlooking the Nile, the complex dates back to the early 2nd century BC.

Included Activities

Accommodation

Take a flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel (approx 45 mins).

Explore the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel. Built by Ramses II, it was the gateway to Egypt for Southern Africans and its imposing facade clearly delineated the line between what was the Pharaoh's land and what was not.

Return from Abu Simbel and transfer to meet our Nile cruise boat.

Enjoy a fantastic mix of total relaxation and organised sightseeing on a Nile River cruise to Luxor.
Nile cruise boats are typically very large with a passenger capacity of around 150. All cabins have private facilities and the boat is fully air-conditioned. Evenings will be spent on the boat so make full use of the boat's facilities where you can relax on the top deck by the pool and watch stunning Nile scenery pass by. All meals are included on board.
Although we use the best possible five-star rated cruise boats available, please note that the local equivalent of five stars isn't to the same standard that we might expect at home. Nile cruise boats are not out and out luxury, but they are very comfortable and a great way to experience the Nile. Due to varying schedules we aren't able to provide advance notice of which exact boat we'll be sailing on.

At some point today you will have the opportunity to enjoy the river from a felucca - a traditional Nile sailboat.

Visit the Kom Ombo Temple, north of Aswan. Built on a high dune overlooking the Nile, the complex dates back to the early 2nd century BC.

Included Activities

Accommodation

Take a flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel (approx 45 mins).

Explore the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel. Built by Ramses II, it was the gateway to Egypt for Southern Africans and its imposing facade clearly delineated the line between what was the Pharaoh's land and what was not.

Return from Abu Simbel and transfer to meet our Nile cruise boat.

Enjoy a fantastic mix of total relaxation and organised sightseeing on a Nile River cruise to Luxor.
Nile cruise boats are typically very large with a passenger capacity of around 150. All cabins have private facilities and the boat is fully air-conditioned. Evenings will be spent on the boat so make full use of the boat's facilities where you can relax on the top deck by the pool and watch stunning Nile scenery pass by. All meals are included on board.
Although we use the best possible five-star rated cruise boats available, please note that the local equivalent of five stars isn't to the same standard that we might expect at home. Nile cruise boats are not out and out luxury, but they are very comfortable and a great way to experience the Nile. Due to varying schedules we aren't able to provide advance notice of which exact boat we'll be sailing on.

At some point today you will have the opportunity to enjoy the river from a felucca - a traditional Nile sailboat.

Visit the Kom Ombo Temple, north of Aswan. Built on a high dune overlooking the Nile, the complex dates back to the early 2nd century BC.

Included Activities

Accommodation

From the spectacular temple complex of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of wonderfully preserved reminders of the Pharaohs.

Take a private minivan and discover some the many wonders of ancient Thebes.

Visit the Colossi of Memnon - two 17 metre-high statues on Luxor's west bank. Carved from granite blocks they represent the Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

Continue on to the spectacular royal burial site of the Valley of the Kings to visit three of the most interesting tombs. Here your group leader will explain the history and legends of these remarkable people.

Please note that a visit to King Tutankhamen's tomb is not included in our visit, but can be arranged as an option with advance notice. Ask your leader for details if you're interested.

The afternoon is yours to explore - perhaps you'd like to shop in the market or if time allows, balloon flights are offered from the west bank of the Nile in Luxor. There are many companies who offer these flights. While we can arrange the balloon experience with our preferred operator, who has provided good and safe service in the past, we must advise that you are free to choose your own balloon flight operator if you have specific safety concerns. Please note this is an optional activity so any balloon flight is taken at your own risk.

Generally the activity is advertised as a flight over the Valley of the Kings. No matter what any agent says, this can't be guaranteed as the flight is entirely dependent on the direction of the wind. From our experience, very few flights actually go over the Valley of the Kings and instead fly close to Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. While you may have booked a 'sunrise' balloon flight, please be aware that this doesn't always eventuate in time for the sunrise due to logistical reasons and weather conditions.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

From the spectacular temple complex of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of wonderfully preserved reminders of the Pharaohs.

Take a private minivan and discover some the many wonders of ancient Thebes.

Visit the Colossi of Memnon - two 17 metre-high statues on Luxor's west bank. Carved from granite blocks they represent the Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

Continue on to the spectacular royal burial site of the Valley of the Kings to visit three of the most interesting tombs. Here your group leader will explain the history and legends of these remarkable people.

Please note that a visit to King Tutankhamen's tomb is not included in our visit, but can be arranged as an option with advance notice. Ask your leader for details if you're interested.

The afternoon is yours to explore - perhaps you'd like to shop in the market or if time allows, balloon flights are offered from the west bank of the Nile in Luxor. There are many companies who offer these flights. While we can arrange the balloon experience with our preferred operator, who has provided good and safe service in the past, we must advise that you are free to choose your own balloon flight operator if you have specific safety concerns. Please note this is an optional activity so any balloon flight is taken at your own risk.

Generally the activity is advertised as a flight over the Valley of the Kings. No matter what any agent says, this can't be guaranteed as the flight is entirely dependent on the direction of the wind. From our experience, very few flights actually go over the Valley of the Kings and instead fly close to Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. While you may have booked a 'sunrise' balloon flight, please be aware that this doesn't always eventuate in time for the sunrise due to logistical reasons and weather conditions.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

 

Take a short flight to Cairo (approx 1.5 hrs).

Following a short flight to Cairo (approx 1.5hrs) there are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Included Activities

Accommodation

 

Take a short flight to Cairo (approx 1.5 hrs).

Following a short flight to Cairo (approx 1.5hrs) there are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Included Activities

Accommodation

@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner