Map courtesy of Insight Vacations

Travel Specialty: LUXURY TRAVEL

Egypt Tour Itinerary

Splendours of Egypt – 12 days

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN CAIRO

Welcome to Cairo, a timeless land of the Pharaohs and Pyramids. On arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest up before your journey begins tomorrow.
Hotel: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.

DAY 2: FLY TO LUXOR, CRUISE THE NILE

This morning, fly to Luxor. And, visit the huge temple complexes of Luxor and Karnak. Located on the east bank of the Nile, Luxor Temple was built by the New Kingdom Pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramesses II. In short, it is known as ipet resyt “the southern sanctuary. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall. Then, transfer to your cruise ship. Certainly, one of the most luxurious vessels on the Nile, it will be your home for the next six nights. After lunch on board, visit the Luxor Museum to see many ancient artefacts from Luxor Temple and two royal mummies. In the evening, get to know your Travel Director, a professionally trained Egyptologist, as well as fellow guests over a Welcome Drink at the hotel.
Hotel: MS Medea (or similar). Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: EXPLORING DENDERA AND EDFU.

Later, visit Luxor Temple. Located on the east bank of the Nile, it was built by the New Kingdom Pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramesses II. It is known as ipet resyt “the southern sanctuary.
Hotel: MS Medea (or similar). Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: RELAXED START – EDFU TO ASWAN.

You will start the day with breakfast as you cruise along the Nile to Kom Ombo. And continue on to the city of Aswan. Famous for its archaeological sites such as the Philae Temple Complex and the Temple of Isis. Aswan is a vibrant destination that portrays an agreeable mix of ancient and contemporary Egypt. In the evening, enjoy a fun-filled Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.
Hotel: MS Medea (or similar). Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: ASWAN’S HIGH DAM & TEMPLE OF ISIS.

Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to Aswan’s High Dam and Granite Quarries to see the enormous Unfinished Obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, rising from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities on your cruise ship. Ask your Travel Director for recommendations on things to do onboard or perhaps ask for more insights into Egypt’s fascinating history.
Hotel: MS Medea (or similar). Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: RELAXED START – FELUCCAS AND HIGH TEA.

Throughout your journey you’ll have seen many feluccas sailing along the Nile. Now it’s your time to explore one for yourself. On this traditional vessel, you’ll meet a local sailor who will teach you about the art of sailing this ancient craft. As the sun starts to fade, enjoy colonial- style high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel. Just like Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie once did before you. The hotel is rumoured to be where Christie wrote her bestselling novel, “Death on the Nile.”
Hotel: MS Medea (or similar). Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

DAY 7: RELAXED START – FREE TIME AND ON TO KOM OMBO.

With the morning free, perhaps join the optional experience of travelling to the temples of Abu Simbel by air? These temples overlook Lake Nasser. They are made up of the Great Temple of Ramsses II and the Temple of Hathor. Located in a village in Nubia, they are found in Upper Egypt. Later, sail to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple of Egypt, It’s dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus the Elder.
Hotel: MS Medea (or similar). Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: RELAXED START – CRUISING THE NILE TO LUXOR.

Your Egypt tour cruise continues along the bustling waters of the Nile. Enjoy your facilities on board, and have your cameras ready for the sites as you leisurely make your way to Luxor. In the evening, on arrival in Luxor there will be free time. Ask your Travel Director for tips on where to explore.
Hotel: MS Medea (or similar). Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9: EXPLORE LUXOR AND FLY TO CAIRO.

This morning, disembark from your cruise and travel by coach to the west bank of the Nile. See the Colossi of Memnon and visit both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings. Many Pharaohs, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun were buried here. Experience the renowned local hospitality of Egyptians during a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat. And, connect with the community and share bread with the Bahirat family whilst they regale guests with their fascinating stories of daily life. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.
Hotel: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino. Meal(s): Breakfast

DAY 10: CAIRO AND THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA.

Today you’ll head to Memphis. The famous capital of the ancient world. See the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Sakkara, to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser. It’s the oldest pyramid in the world, dating back to 2,700 BC. In the afternoon, it’s on to Giza with your Egyptologist to explore the magnificent pyramids. Here you’ll come face-to-face with the enigmatic Sphinx. During your visit, venture inside one of these ancient wonders to see the chambers where the pharaohs were sent to meet their Gods in the afterlife. Later, drive to the pyramids to witness the magical Sound & Light Show – an unforgettable introduction to the world of Ancient Egypt.
Hotel: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino. Meal(s): Breakfast

DAY 11: CAIRO SIGHTSEEING.

This morning, ascend to the Citadel, for breathtaking views over the city. While here visit the Alabaster Mosque, otherwise known as the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, regarded as the founder of modern Egypt. Continue to Tahrir Square, the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, and the Egyptian Museum. Among the many exhibits found here, are the fabulous artefacts recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamun.
Hotel: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino. Meal(s): Breakfast

DAY 12: RELAXED START – DEPART CAIRO.

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your journey comes to an end. A transfer will take you to Cairo International airport for your onward flights.
Meal(s): Breakfast – Splendours of Egypt tour