Cairo, Nile Cruise & Nubian Culture

Unravel the tapestry of millennia on a journey that whispers tales of pharaohs, gods, and timeless wonders. From the shadow of colossal pyramids to the sun-drenched shores, this expedition through Egypt traces the lifeblood of an ancient civilization along the legendary Nile, culminating in a modern coastal paradise.

Day 1: Cairo Arrival

• Arrival: Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, a representative from “Valley of Kings Travel” will greet you.
• Transfer: Enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned transfer to your hotel.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 2: Cairo's Ancient Wonders & Royal Mummies

• Historical Immersion: Begin your day with a visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, home to over 50,000 artifacts spanning all periods of Egyptian history.
• Royal Mummies Hall: Explore the dedicated, climate-controlled hall showcasing the mummified remains of legendary pharaohs and queens, including Hatshepsut, Tuthmosis, and Ramses.
• Pyramid Panorama: Journey to the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, for a panoramic view of the Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus.
• Sphinx & Valley Temple: Stand in awe of the enigmatic Great Sphinx and explore the nearby Valley Temple.
• Camel Ride Adventure: Experience a memorable camel ride with special panoramic views of the Sphinx and Pyramids, while your guide shares fascinating, little-known stories of pharaonic life.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 3: Sakkara & Memphis

• Step Pyramid of Djoser: Discover the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Sakkara, the world's oldest major stone structure, built around 2630 BC.
• Memphis, The First Capital: Travel to Memphis, the ancient capital of Old Egypt, to see the colossal Statue of Ramses II and explore a center of culture that thrived for over 3,000 years.
• Optional Nile Cruise: In the evening, you have the option to enjoy a dinner cruise on the Nile, complete with traditional Egyptian folk shows.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 4: Cairo to Luxor

• Domestic Transfer: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cairo domestic airport for a flight to Luxor.
• Luxor Arrival: Upon arrival in Luxor, a representative will transfer you to your hotel.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Luxor.

Day 5: Dendera & Abydos Temples

• Abydos Temple: Journey to Abydos to visit the Temple of Seti I, believed by ancient Egyptians to be the burial site of Osiris, god of the underworld. Marvel at the beautifully preserved paintings of gods and pharaohs.
• Dendera Temple: Continue to Dendera to explore the Temple of Hathor, the goddess of love and joy, a masterpiece of Ptolemaic architecture.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Luxor.

Day 6: Nile Cruise & Luxor's Grand Temples

• Luxor Museum: Visit the Luxor Museum, featuring a well-curated collection of antiquities from the Theban temples and necropolis.
• Karnak & Luxor Temples: Explore the magnificent Karnak Temple complex and the Luxor Temple, marveling at its grand courtyards and statues of Ramses the Great.
• Nile Cruise Boarding: Transfer to your Nile cruise ship, board before lunch, and enjoy an afternoon of relaxation.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay on the cruise in Luxor.

Day 7: The West Bank & Royal Tombs

• Valley of the Kings: Explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, the burial site for pharaohs of the New Kingdom.
• King Tutankhamun's Tomb: Step inside the famous tomb of Tutankhamun, discovered by Howard Carter, and hear fascinating, lesser-known facts about the boy king.
• Valley of the Queens: Visit the "Place of Beauty," a necropolis for royal family members, and see the magnificent, colorful tombs. (Optional visit to Queen Nefertari's tomb with an extra ticket.)
• Hatshepsut's Temple: Discover the Temple of Deir El Bahari, dedicated to the powerful Queen Hatshepsut.
• Colossi of Memnon: Stop to admire the gigantic statues of Amenophis III, the Colossi of Memnon.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay on the cruise in Luxor.

Day 8: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples

• Edfu Temple: Sail to Edfu and visit the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus, a grand example of Ptolemaic architecture.
• Kom Ombo Temple: Continue sailing to Kom Ombo to explore the unique double temple dedicated to two gods, Sobek (crocodile god) and Haroeris (falcon-headed god).
• Accommodation: Overnight stay on the cruise in Kom Ombo.

Day 9: Aswan's Nubian Culture

• Philae Temple: Sail to Aswan and visit the stunning Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis.
• Nubian Village Immersion: Take a motorboat to a traditional Nubian village on the west bank of the Nile. Gain insight into local customs and culture, and meet a Nubian family to learn about their ancient traditions.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay on the cruise in Aswan.

Day 10: Aswan to Cairo & Optional Abu Simbel

• Disembarkation: After breakfast, disembark from the cruise ship.
• Optional Abu Simbel Trip: Choose an optional excursion to the colossal Temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II and saved from the rising waters of the Nile.
• Aswan to Cairo: Transfer to Aswan airport for your flight back to Cairo.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 11: Alexandria's Coastal Charms

• Library of Alexandria: Travel to Alexandria to see the modern Library of Alexandria, a magnificent structure with 8 million books.
• Roman Amphitheater: Explore the Roman Amphitheater, featuring a display of sunken monuments discovered under the harbor.
• Historic City Center: Wander through the old downtown, with its traditional markets and unique blend of Baroque, Italian, and French architecture.
• Mosques & Churches: Visit the oldest church in Africa, St. Mark's, and the grand Abbo Elabbas Mosque.
• Qaitbay Citadel & Montaza Gardens: See the exterior of the Qaitbay Citadel, built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, and explore the beautiful Montaza Palace and Gardens, known as the "Love Garden."
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Alexandria.

Day 12: Rosetta Tour & Return to Cairo

• Rosetta Exploration: Drive to Rosetta to explore this historic city.
• Nile & Mediterranean Confluence: Take a motorboat on the Nile to witness where it meets the Mediterranean Sea.
• Rosetta Stone Castle: See the castle where the famous Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1799.
• Return to Cairo: Travel back to Cairo in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 13: Cairo's Hidden Gems & Culinary Delights

• Authentic Egyptian Food Tour: Indulge in an exclusive culinary experience, sampling the best foods of Egypt at off-the-beaten-path spots favored by locals.
• Islamic Cairo Walking Tour: Plunge into the beauty and history of Islamic Cairo with a walking tour of Al Moez Street, discovering hidden galleries, tavernas, and ancient stories.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 14: Cairo Free Day

• Leisure & Exploration: Enjoy a full day at your leisure to relax or explore Cairo independently.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 15: Departure

• Final Transfer: After breakfast, a representative will transfer you to the airport for your final departure, assisting you with all formalities.

Package Inclusions

• 7 nights of accommodation in a Cairo hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
• 1 night of accommodation in an Alexandria hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
• 2 nights of accommodation in a Luxor hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
• 4 nights on a Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan on a full board basis (all sightseeing included).
• All airport and city transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
• Domestic flights: Cairo/Luxor and Aswan/Cairo.
• All tours and excursions in air-conditioned vehicles.
• Services of an expert tour guide.
• All entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary.
• All taxes and service charges.

Package Exclusions

• Entry visa for Egypt (can be provided upon arrival).
• International flights.
• Personal expenses.
• Tipping.
• Optional tours and activities.
• Beverages during meals.

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.