Background of Egypt tours

Pharaohs, Oases, and the River of Time

Pharaohs, Oases, and the River of Time

Echoes of antiquity and whispers on desert winds invite you on an unparalleled odyssey through Egypt's contrasting realms. This journey traverses from the monumental heart of pharaonic power in Cairo and along the Nile to the vast, silent beauty of the Western Desert. You will uncover remote oases, sleep under a canopy of stars, and trace the footsteps of armies, artists, and kings on a quest through the very soul of this timeless land.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

  • Welcome to Egypt: Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, a dedicated tour manager will greet you and provide a seamless transfer to your deluxe hotel via an air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Hotel Check-in & Itinerary Review: Settle in with the assistance of your tour manager, who will confirm your schedule and pick-up times for the exciting days ahead.
  • Evening: Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink and spend the night in Cairo.

Day 2: Cairo's Ancient and Historic Treasures

  • After breakfast, meet your private guide for a journey to the Giza Plateau. Marvel at the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren, and Mykerinus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and stand in awe of the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple.
  • Afternoon:
    • Enjoy a quality lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to the renowned Egyptian Museum to explore its vast collection, including the priceless treasures of King Tutankhamen.
  • Cultural Exploration:
    • Delve into the rich history of Coptic Cairo by visiting the Hanging Church and the Ben Ezra Synagogue. Conclude the day's tours at the vibrant Khan El Khalili bazaar in Islamic Cairo, a perfect place for exploration and souvenir hunting.
  • Evening: Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cairo.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: The Western Desert Odyssey Begins

  • Morning: Depart from Cairo with a “Valley of Kings Travel” representative and drive to El Alamein (approximately 3 hours).
  • El Alamein: Explore the historic site of a major World War II battle, visiting the WW II Museum and the war cemetery.
  • Journey to Siwa: Continue the scenic drive along the Mediterranean coast to Marsa Matrouh before heading into the Western Desert for the 6-hour journey to Siwa Oasis.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner and spend the night in Siwa.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Exploring the Wonders of Siwa Oasis

  • Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the Old City of Siwa, known as Shali.
  • Historical Sites: Discover the Temple of Alexander at Aghurmi Village, dedicated to the God Amon, and the Temple of Amun Ra at Um Ubeyda. Cool off at the famous Cleopatra Spring (Ein Guba).
  • Afternoon: Gain insight into local life at the Siwa House Museum. Explore the fascinating Tombs of Si Amon, MSW Isis, and the Crocodile Tomb within the Mountain of the Dead (Gabal El Maouta), and admire the Dakrour Mountains.
  • Sunset: Experience a breathtaking sunset from Fitnas Island, a favorite spot for photographers.
  • Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Siwa.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Siwa to Bahariya Oasis

  • Transfer: Enjoy a scenic 6-hour journey in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle to Bahariya Oasis.
  • Lunch: A delicious lunch will be served during the trip.
  • Evening: Arrive in Bahariya, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: From Bahariya to the White Desert

  • Morning: Explore Bahariya's local attractions, including the hilltop ruin of the ‘English House.’ Visit the Museum of Golden Mummies, the Tombs of the Nobles, the Alexander Temple, and the Temple of Ain Meffetla.
  • Lunch: Savor a delightful lunch in Bahariya.
  • Desert Adventure: Journey into the stunning White Desert, passing through the contrasting landscapes of the Black Desert and the Valley of El Haize. Stop at Crystal Mountain and the rock formations of the Valley of Agabat.
  • Evening: Enjoy a unique camping experience under the stars with dinner in the White Desert.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Farafra and Dakhla Oasis

  • Morning: Travel to Farafra Oasis to relax at Bir Setah hot spring and visit the unique mud-brick museum of local artist Badr.
  • Dakhla Arrival: Drive approximately 3 hours to Dakhla Oasis.
  • Historical Sites: Upon arrival, explore the Roman temple of Deir El Hagar and the Roman burial ground of Mezzawaqqa. Visit the ruins of an Ayubid mosque in the Islamic Village of Al Qasr.
  • Evening: Dinner and overnight in a traditional Oasis Style Hut in Dakhla.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Exploring Kharga Oasis

  • Morning: Journey to Kharga Oasis. Visit Qasr El Labkha, a Roman fortress on an ancient caravan route, and the oasis's ethnic museum.
  • Afternoon: See the Roman Temple of Hibis and Nadura (from the outside) and the Christian cemetery of Bagawat with its painted chapels. Conclude the day with a visit to the Temple of Dush, dedicated to Isis and Serapis.
  • Evening: Enjoy a night of camping under the stars in Kharga.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Kharga to Luxor

  • Travel to Luxor: After breakfast, take a scenic 6-hour drive from Kharga to Luxor.
  • Arrival & Relaxation: Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
  • Evening: Overnight stay in Luxor.
  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Nile Cruise & Luxor's East Bank

  • Embarkation: Transfer from your hotel to board your luxurious 5-star Nile cruise ship.
  • Afternoon: After a delicious lunch on board, visit the awe-inspiring Karnak and Luxor Temples on the East Bank of the Nile.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner and spend the night on board the Nile cruise.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Luxor's West Bank & Sailing to Edfu

  • Morning: After breakfast, embark on a tour of the West Bank. Explore the royal cemetery at the Valley of the Kings, the mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the colossal statues of the Colossi of Memnon.
  • Afternoon: Return to the ship for lunch as you begin your sail towards Edfu.
  • Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner on board. Overnight on the Nile cruise.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples

  • Morning: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu.
  • Afternoon: Sail to Kom Ombo and explore the unique Temple of Sobek, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed god Horus.
  • Evening: Continue sailing to Aswan, with dinner and an overnight stay on board your cruise ship.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Aswan's Iconic Sights

  • Morning: Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Aswan, visiting the monumental High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient quarries, and the stunning Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddesses Isis and Hathor.
  • Evening: Dinner and overnight on board your deluxe Nile cruise.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Return to Cairo

  • Disembarkation & Flight: Disembark from your Nile cruise after breakfast and transfer to Aswan Airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo.
  • Arrival & Transfer: Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
  • Evening: Spend the night in Cairo.
  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Final Departure

  • Farewell: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your final departure.
  • Meals: Breakfast

Tour Package Inclusions

  • Accommodation:
    • 3 nights in a Cairo hotel (including breakfast).
    • 2 nights in Siwa Oasis (full board).
    • 1 night in Bahariya Oasis (full board).
    • 1 night camping in the White Desert (full board).
    • 1 night in a Dakhla Oasis Hut (full board).
    • 1 night in a Luxor hotel (including breakfast).
    • 1 night camping in Kharga Oasis (full board).
    • 4 nights on a 5-star Nile Cruise (full board).
  • Meet & Greet: Airport assistance by our representatives.
  • Transfers: All transfers via private, air-conditioned vehicles.
  • Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary.
  • Transportation:
    • Private A/C vehicle transfers between Cairo, Siwa, and Kharga.
    • 4x4 jeep transfers for all tours within the oases.
    • Domestic flight from Aswan to Cairo.
  • Guided Tours:
    • Private English-speaking guide in Cairo and the Oases.
    • Shared group tours on the Nile Cruise.
  • All entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Camping Gear: Sleeping bags, camel blankets, and tents for desert camping.
  • Amenities: Daily bottled water and soft drinks during desert camping. An Egyptian SIM card with 30 minutes of local calling.
  • Services: All service charges and taxes included.

Tour Package Exclusions

  • International airfare.
  • Entry visa to Egypt.
  • Optional tours.
  • Personal spending.
  • Tipping.

Accommodation Options:

Option (A)

  • 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.
Accommodation May - Sept. Oct. - April
Price per person in DBL Room $3440 $3900
Solo traveler $6480 $7110

Option (B)

  • 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.
Accommodation May - Sept. Oct. - April
Price per person in DBL Room $4310 $4800
Solo traveler $7425 $7565

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