Egypt: A Grand Journey

Answer the call of an 18-day odyssey through a land sculpted by magic, where the Nile flows like liquid history past colossal pyramids that challenge the stars and sacred temples that hum with ancient power. This grand expedition is a continuous thread of discovery, leading you from the vibrant, timeless heart of Cairo to the sapphire embrace of the Mediterranean Sea. Here, you will not merely witness history, but breathe the very air of a civilization that has enchanted the world for millennia.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

• Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, a representative from “Valley of Kings Travel” will greet you and provide a private, air-conditioned transfer to your hotel for check-in.
• The rest of the day is at your leisure.
• Overnight: Cairo

Day 2: The Great Pyramids & Egyptian Museum

• After breakfast, your guide will take you on a full-day tour of Cairo's most iconic sights.
• Marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza, including the Pyramid of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinos, and stand in awe of the legendary Sphinx.
• Afterwards, visit the world-renowned Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to an unparalleled collection of artifacts spanning 5,000 years of history, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Cairo

Day 3: Flight to Luxor & Nile Cruise Embarkation

• Enjoy breakfast before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Luxor.
• Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your Nile cruise ship. After check-in and a delicious lunch on board, the remainder of the day is for you to relax.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Overnight: Luxor

Day 4: Luxor's East Bank - Karnak & Luxor Temples

• Begin your day with breakfast on board. Your guide will lead an excursion to the East Bank of Luxor, where you will explore the magnificent Temple of Karnak, a vast complex of temples and chapels built over centuries.
• Next, visit the beautifully preserved Luxor Temple, admiring its courtyards, statues, and obelisks.
• In the afternoon, the cruise will sail towards Esna.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Overnight: Esna

Day 5: Esna & Edfu Temples

• After breakfast, disembark to visit the Temple of Esna, a well-preserved temple dedicated to the god Khnum.
• You will then return to the ship and sail to Edfu, where you will visit the spectacular Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved ancient sanctuaries in Egypt.
• In the evening, the cruise continues to Kom Ombo.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Overnight: Kom Ombo

Day 6: Aswan - The High Dam & Philae Temple

• Enjoy breakfast as the cruise sails to Aswan. Upon arrival, your tour will include the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel completed in 1964.
• Afterwards, you will take a felucca (a traditional Egyptian sailboat) to the island of Agilkia to visit the breathtaking Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and relocated to its current location to save it from flooding.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Overnight: Aswan

Day 7: Aswan - Optional Abu Simbel & Felucca Ride

• Start your day with breakfast on board. You have the option to join an optional tour to the colossal temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II and saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
• In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful felucca ride around Kitchener's Island and the Agha Khan Mausoleum.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Overnight: Aswan

Day 8: Temple of Kom Ombo

• After breakfast, sail back to Kom Ombo and visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, a twin temple dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus.
• The ship will then sail towards Edfu before continuing to Luxor.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Overnight: Luxor

Day 9: Luxor's West Bank

• Following breakfast, your final cruise excursion takes you to the West Bank of Luxor.
• Explore the Valley of the Kings, the ancient burial ground of pharaohs, and marvel at the magnificent mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
• On your return journey, stop to see the Colossi of Memnon.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Overnight: Luxor

Day 10: Disembarkation & Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride

• After breakfast, you will disembark from the cruise ship.
• An optional hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, and the Nobles' Mountain is available for a breathtaking perspective of the ancient sites.
• You will then be transferred to your hotel in Luxor.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Luxor

Day 11: Free Day in Luxor

• Today is a free day for you to relax and explore Luxor at your own pace.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Luxor

Day 12: Return to Cairo

• Enjoy breakfast before being transferred to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Cairo

Day 13: Alexandria's Historical Sights

• Your guide will pick you up for a full-day tour of Alexandria.
• Begin at the Library of Alexandria, followed by the Site of the Lighthouse, where the Citadel of Qaitbay now stands.
• Explore the royal gardens of King Farouk, the Abbo Elabbas Mosque, and the Church of St. Mark.
• Drive along the corniche to see the old harbor and the modern landmark, Stanley Bridge.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Alexandria

Day 14: El Alamein War Museum

• After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to El Alamein.
• Visit the War Museum, which chronicles the history of the famous WWII battle, and pay your respects at the Commonwealth and German cemeteries.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Alexandria

Day 15: Return to Cairo

• Enjoy breakfast before a comfortable, air-conditioned transfer back to your hotel in Cairo.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Cairo

Day 16: Memphis, Saqqara & Dahshur

• Begin your day with a tour of ancient Egypt's first capital, Memphis, and see the colossal statue of Ramses II.
• Continue to Saqqara to visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's oldest major stone structure.
• Your journey concludes in Dahshur, where you will see the unique Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Cairo

Day 17: Free Day in Cairo & Optional Sound & Light Show

• Today is a free day to relax or explore Cairo.
• In the evening, you have the option to attend the captivating Sound & Light show at the Pyramids.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Cairo

Day 18: Departure

• After breakfast, a representative will provide a private transfer to Cairo International Airport, assisting you with all final departure formalities.
• Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

• Accommodation:
  • 6 nights in a Cairo hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
  • 2 nights in an Alexandria hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
  • 2 nights in a Luxor hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
  • 7 nights on a Nile cruise on a full-board basis (including sightseeing).
• Transfers:
  • All transfers in Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan by private, air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Domestic flights: Cairo / Luxor / Cairo.
• Tours & Sightseeing:
  • Full-day tour in Cairo: Pyramids, Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum.
  • Full-day tour in Cairo: Memphis & Saqqara.
  • Full-day tour of Alexandria's key attractions.
  • Full-day tour to El Alamein.
  • All cruise sightseeing as per the itinerary.
  • Entrance fees to all included sites.
• Services:
  • Expert, licensed tour guide for all excursions.
  • Meet and assist services at all destinations.
  • All taxes and service charges.

Exclusions

• International flights.
• Egyptian visa entry (can be arranged upon arrival for an additional fee).
• Personal expenses and items.
• Tips for guides, drivers, and cruise staff.
• Optional tours and activities (e.g., Abu Simbel, Hot Air Balloon, Sound & Light Show).
• Drinks during meals on the cruise (unless specified).

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.