Echoes of the Nile

Embark on an enchanted fourteen-day odyssey where the Nile's sacred current unveils Cairo's monumental secrets and awakens temples where hieroglyphs breathe in the sun. This magical voyage charts a course through millennia, from the whispers of ancient pharaohs to the vibrant shores of Alexandria, revealing a land where myth and modernity are eternally woven. Experience a realm where the magic of the past is etched into the very soul of the present.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

• Arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI).
• Meet and greet by a “Valley of Kings Travel” representative.
• Transfer to your hotel for overnight accommodation.

Day 2: Cairo - Grand Egyptian Museum & Giza Pyramids

• Enjoy a full day exploring Cairo's most iconic sites.
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM):
  • Explore the exterior gardens and Grand Hall.
  • Marvel at the Hanging Obelisk and the colossal statue of Ramses II.
  • Ascend the Grand Staircase, a journey through Egypt's dynastic history.
  • Visit a selection of the museum's exhibition halls, covering eras from prehistoric to Roman.
• Giza Plateau:
  • Visit the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinos.
  • Get up close to the Great Sphinx, the legendary guardian of the funerary complex.
• Camel Ride:
  • Take a special camel ride to enjoy unique panoramic views of the Sphinx and pyramids.
  • Listen to fascinating, little-known stories about the pharaohs from your expert guide.
• Optional: Attend the captivating Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids.
• Accommodation: Overnight in Cairo.

Day 3: Sakkara & Memphis Tour

• Journey to the ancient capital and its surrounding necropolis.
• Sakkara: Visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's oldest major stone structure, dating back to the 3rd Dynasty.
• Memphis: Explore the ruins of the first capital of ancient Egypt, founded by King Menes, and see the impressive statue of Ramses II.
• Optional: Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Nile, featuring Egyptian folk shows.
• Accommodation: Overnight in Cairo.

Day 4: Luxor - Abydos & Dendera Temples

• Fly to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes.
• Abydos: Journey to the Temple of Seti I, a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian art, and see beautifully preserved paintings of gods and pharaohs.
• Dendera: Visit the Temple of Hathor, the goddess of love and joy, known for its intricate carvings and astronomical roof.
• Transfer to your hotel for overnight accommodation in Luxor.

Day 5: Nile Cruise - Luxor Museum & Temples

• Explore Luxor's East Bank before boarding your Nile cruise ship.
• Luxor Museum: Discover a well-curated collection of antiquities from the Theban region.
• Karnak & Luxor Temples:
  • Visit the magnificent Karnak Temple complex, a sprawling sanctuary built over centuries.
  • Explore Luxor Temple, home to granite statues of Ramses the Great and grand courtyards.
• Board the Nile cruise ship before lunch.
• Accommodation: Overnight on board in Luxor.

Day 6: Nile Cruise - West Bank Exploration

• Uncover the mysteries of the Theban Necropolis on the West Bank.
• Valley of the Kings:
  • Explore the tombs of various pharaohs.
  • Visit the famous tomb of King Tutankhamun, and hear lesser-known facts about the boy king.
• Valley of the Queens: Visit "The Place of Beauty," a necropolis for queens and princes.
• Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: Admire the unique architecture of this temple built into the cliffside.
• Colossi of Memnon: Stop to see the two colossal statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
• Optional: Visit the magnificent and colorful tomb of Queen Nefertari (extra ticket required).
• Lunch on board. Afternoon at leisure.
• Accommodation: Overnight on board in Luxor.

Day 7: Nile Cruise - Edfu & Kom Ombo

• Enjoy a day of sailing and temple visits.
• Edfu: Visit the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus, the falcon god.
• Sail to Kom Ombo.
• Kom Ombo: Explore the unique double temple dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon god.
• Accommodation: Overnight on board in Kom Ombo.

Day 8: Nile Cruise - Aswan & Nubian Village

• Arrive in Aswan, the gateway to Nubia.
• Philae Temple: Visit this stunning temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, relocated to Agilkia Island to save it from the rising Nile waters.
• Nubian Village Tour:
  • Take a motorboat trip to a traditional Nubian village.
  • Enjoy scenic views of Soheil Island and the Aswan Dam.
  • Meet a local Nubian family, learn about their unique customs, and experience their rich culture firsthand.
• Accommodation: Overnight on board in Aswan.

Day 9: Aswan & Abu Simbel (Optional) - Return to Cairo

• Disembark from the cruise ship.
• Optional: Take a morning trip to the colossal Temples of Abu Simbel, an architectural marvel built by Ramses II and saved from flooding.
• Transfer to Aswan airport for your flight back to Cairo.
• Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
• Accommodation: Overnight in Cairo.

Day 10: Alexandria Tour

• Travel to Alexandria for a full day of exploration.
• Library of Alexandria: See the magnificent exterior of the world's largest library, with a chance for a photo stop.
• Roman Amphitheater: View the amphitheater and the fascinating sunken monuments discovered nearby.
• Historic Downtown:
  • Walk through the old city center, seeing the Church of St. Mark and the El Nabi Daniel Mosque.
  • Explore traditional markets and see the unique Italian and French baroque architecture.
• Abbo Elabbas Mosque & Qaitbay Citadel:
  • Visit the city's largest and most beautiful mosque.
  • See the old harbor and enjoy a photo stop at the Qaitbay Citadel, built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.
• Montaza Gardens:
  • Drive along the beautiful coastline, passing the memorial to the Unknown Soldier.
  • Explore the royal gardens of King Farouk, see the Haramlek and Salamlek palaces, and walk the Montaza bridge to the Tea Palace island.
• Accommodation: Overnight in Alexandria.

Day 11: Rosetta Tour - Return to Cairo

• Travel to Rosetta for a unique historical excursion.
• Rosetta Exploration:
  • Take a motorboat ride on the Nile to see where the river meets the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Visit the castle where the famous Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1799.
  • See Islamic monuments and experience the simple life of the city.
• Transfer back to your hotel in Cairo for overnight accommodation.

Day 12: Cairo's Hidden Gems & Culinary Delights

• Discover the "real Egypt" on a guided tour of Cairo's less-traveled paths.
• Culinary Experience: Sample the best Egyptian street food at hidden, local-favorite spots not found in guidebooks.
• Islamic Cairo: Take a walking tour through the beautiful, historic streets and alleys of Old Cairo, including the famous Al Moez Street.
• Old Town Secrets: Explore secret doors, hidden galleries, and local tavernas, while your guide shares intriguing anecdotes and legends.
• Accommodation: Overnight in Cairo.

Day 13: Free Day in Cairo

• Enjoy a day at your leisure to relax, shop for souvenirs, or explore any of Cairo's many other attractions independently.
• Accommodation: Overnight in Cairo.

Day 14: Departure

• After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your final departure.

Package Inclusions

• Accommodation:
  • 7 nights in Cairo hotels (bed & breakfast).
  • 1 night in an Alexandria hotel (bed & breakfast).
  • 1 night in a Luxor hotel (bed & breakfast).
  • 4 nights on a Nile Cruise (full board with included sightseeing).
• Tours & Transport:
  • All transfers in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan via air-conditioned vehicles.
  • Domestic airfare: Cairo/Luxor & Aswan/Cairo.
  • All guided tours and excursions as per the itinerary.
  • Expert, licensed English-speaking tour guide.
  • All entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary.
• Other:
  • All local taxes and services.
  • Assistance with airport transfers.

Package Exclusions

• Egypt entry visa (can be arranged upon arrival).
• International flights.
• Tipping (recommended).
• Personal expenses.
• Optional tours (e.g., Sound & Light Show, Abu Simbel, Nefertari's tomb).
• Drinks with meals on the cruise.

Accommodation Options:

Option (A)

• Cairo: Le Méridien - Steigenberger Pyramids- Ramses Hilton- Helnan - Barcelo Pyramids- Pyramisa.
• Luxor: Steigenberger Nile.
• Nile cruises: MS Emilio, MS Radamis, MS Princess, MS Sara.

Option (B)

• Cairo: Kempinski - Fairmont Cairo - Hilton Curnrad -Marriott Sheraton- Hilton Golf pyramids
• Luxor: Hilton - Sonesta St. George.
• Nile Cruises: MS Amwaj Nile Cruise, MS Nile Premium, MS Bule shadow, MS Jaz Jubilee, Crown Emperor, Steigenberger.

Option (C)

• Cairo: Four Seasons -Marriott Mena House - Kempinski Nile Deluxe - Fairmont Nile Premium - Hyatt Regency
• Luxor: Sofitel Winter Palace.
• Nile cruises: Sanctuary Sun Boat – Oberoi Cruises – Movenpick Royal Cruises - Sonesta Cruises - Le Fayan - Ms Farah -MS Acamar.