Glories of Ancient Egypt

A day to remember! Meet your private Egyptologist guide and embark on a full day sightseeing tour of the Pyramids, Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).
Begin your day with a visit to the impressive site of the Pyramids whose construction began in 2690 BC. The Pyramids of Mycerinus, Chefren and the Great Pyramid of Cheops are the only survivors from the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Face the mystical Sphinx, reputedly used as target practice by Napoleon’s troops.
Optional (supplement applies): Take a Camel Ride across the sands of the desert with the Pyramids in the background

Lunch is included today at the 9 Pyramids Lounge. Take in a spectacular panoramic view of the Pyramids as you savour the flavours of an Egyptian BBQ and Mezze.

This morning you will be met at your hotel and transferred by private vehicle to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan. On arrival at Aswan Airport, you will be met and transferred to the legendary Old Cataract Hotel where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile.

After settling into your hotel embark on a motorboat ride along the Nile to a Nubian Village on Soheil Island, located on the West Bank of the river in Aswan, near the Aswan Dam and the First Cataract. This tour offers a unique opportunity to meet a Nubian family and immerse yourself in their simple lifestyle, culture, and traditions.

As the boat glides through the crystal-clear waters of the Nile, you'll experience stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including a natural reserve area with small islands. Along the way, you’ll also pass by notable landmarks such as the Agha Khan Mausoleum and the ancient ruins of Elephantine Island.

Once in the village, take a stroll through its colourful, mud-brick houses before visiting a local family. You’ll have the chance to enjoy a traditional Nubian drink—either mint or hibiscus tea—and gain insights into Nubian history, culture, and way of life. A traditional Nubian lunch is included today at a local restaurant.

Conclude the tour taking in the sights of other charming villages as you return to your hotel by motorboat. This evening dine in refined elegance at Restaurant 1902 as the smells and tastes of history surround you. Overnight Aswan.

Optional (supplement applies): Abu Simbel excursion
The two temples of Abu Simbel are amongst the most magnificent monuments in the world. Considered one of the most impressive archaeological sites in all of Egypt, not only for its historical significance, but also for the great engineering success in moving these temples to their present location. The master builder was Ramses II, one of Egypt’s greatest Pharaohs. The larger temple celebrates the Pharaoh himself while the smaller one honours his wife, Queen Nefertari. When the new Lake Nasser Dam was built in the 1960s, the temples were moved to save them from a watery grave. In an amazing feat of engineering, the temples were hewn into huge blocks of thirty tonnes each and relocated 180m further inland.  
The optional tour includes flights Aswan/Abu Simbel/Aswan, meet and assist in Aswan and Abu Simbel, small group or private transfer to the temples, and priority entrance and guides.

Ater a leisurely breakfast, you will be met at your hotel and taken to the riverbank to board your luxury Nile cruise ship. After lunch on board set out to visit the Nubian Museum where you will discover ancient Nubian artefacts plus the art and lifestyle which had so much influence on the southern reaches of Egypt. Situated amidst a scenic hillside, it spans 50,000 square meters of meticulously landscaped gardens and distinctively designed structures. The museum features diverse sections, including an open-air area where visitors can stroll along paths, discovering treasures such as prehistoric cave paintings, ancient Egyptian statues, obelisks, columns, Roman frescoes, and an authentic Nubian house. Return to your cruise boat with time to freshen up before attending this evening’s cocktail reception followed by dinner on board. Overnight Aswan.

After an early breakfast visit the High Dam and the beautifully restored Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis (the mother of Horus). This remarkable temple was rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam’s construction. Return to your cruise ship with lunch on board as you set sail for Kom Ombo where you will visit the Kom Ombo Temple. This remarkable temple was jointly shared by the two Gods: Sobek, depicted with the head of a crocodile, and Horus, represented with the head of a falcon. It was constructed during the Ptolemaic period, spanning from 237 to 57 BCE. Admire the beautifully preserved murals and intricate bas-relief, adorned with inscriptions that offer valuable insights into language, mythology, and religion during the Egypt's Greco-Roman era. Sail on this afternoon to Edfu. Dinner and overnight onboard your cruise ship in Edfu.

After breakfast, head out to explore the revered Temple of Horus in Edfu—one of the most sacred sites in the Egyptian pantheon. Discover the remains of the Old Kingdom and the temple dedicated to Horus, the falcon god, built during the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BC. The temple's walls feature detailed inscriptions and significant drawings that capture the essence of the Greco-Roman era in ancient Egypt. Return to your cruise ship and sail to Esna, where you'll cross the Esna Lock. Spend a relaxing afternoon onboard as you continue sailing to Luxor. Dinner and overnight stay on your cruise ship in Luxor.

Early this morning you will embark on a journey across the Nile to the West Bank, where a morning filled with remarkable sights awaits. Visit Thebes Necropolis and the burial ground of the Pharaohs – the Valley of the Kings, which houses the tombs of Theban Ruler’s, including the illustrious tomb of Tutankhamun. Next pay a visit to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and see the famed Colossi of Memnon facing the Nile. Return to your cruise ship for lunch.  

This afternoon you will set out to explore one of the world’s most remarkable open-air museums - Thebes. Visit the magnificent Luxor Temple then follow the Avenue of the Sphinx to the Temple complex of Karnak. This gigantic site was added to by approximately 30 different Pharaohs over time, which goes some way to explaining its immense size and majestic grandeur. Dinner on board.

Disembark this morning after breakfast and transfer to the Sofitel Old Winter Palace Hotel for an overnight stay. It was here that Howard Carter announced from the grand staircase, that he had discovered the tomb of boy king Tutankhamun.

This afternoon you will be met at the hotel by your private Egyptologist guide then set out to visit the Temple of Medinat Habu which is the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III. Continue to experience a bygone era of Egyptian exploration at the faithfully restored house of famed archaeologist Howard Carter. Gain a fascinating insight into the life and mind of the man who spent years convinced that the Valley of the Kings had not relinquished all its secrets, to be rewarded with the discovery of Tutankhamen’s Tomb and the greatest Egyptian find of modern times. Later this afternoon there will be a special opportunity to visit the magnificent tomb of Tutankhamun and the exquisite tomb of Seti I - one of the longest, deepest, and most beautifully decorated tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Overnight Luxor.
Note: In the event that the tomb of Nefertari has re-opened (currently closed for restoration), this may be substituted for the visit of the tomb of Seti I.

This morning after breakfast, you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to Luxor Airport for your flight to Cairo. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your city hotel. Conveniently located in the centre of Cairo, you can spend the remainder of the day at leisure while you soak up the local culture and atmosphere. Overnight Cairo.

Meet your private Egyptologist guide and embark on an enriching journey through Egypt's rich history. Start your journey at the Baron Empain's Palace, a unique landmark in Heliopolis with its distinct Indian style and towering structure. Built between 1907 and 1911 by Belgian businessman Baron Edward Louis Joseph Empain, the palace symbolizes his high status and contribution to the development of Heliopolis and Cairo Tramway. Designed by French architect Alexander Marcel, it stands as a masterpiece of historical architecture. Recently restored to its original glory, the palace showcases the history of Heliopolis, taking visitors on a journey to the past. The garden features an original Heliopolis tram and vintage cars from Cairo's 1920s and 1930s.

Stop for lunch and sample Egyptian delights at tyhe Naguib Mahfouz Cafe, named after the Egyptian writer, Naguib Mahfouz who won a Nobel prize for literature in 1988.

The afternoon is all about Cairo’s opulence, famous mosques and cultural heart. Walk through the streets of Medieval Fatimid Cairo, down al-Moez Street visiting and viewing the magnificent Islamic architectural heritage including mausoleums, mosques, Sabils (fountains), and medieval houses dating back to the Fatimid and Mamluk periods. Overnight Cairo.

Reflect on your amazing journey through the centuries as you are driven through Cairo to the airport for your departure and your next experiences.

• Fast Track meet and assistance prior to immigration at Cairo Airport
• Egyptian visa for US, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and UK passport holders
  Airport departure assistance
• 24/7 service and full local backup from our seven regional offices throughout Egypt
• 6 nights’ accommodation in hotels specified with private facilities
• Daily breakfasts at hotels; lunch at 9 Pyramids lounge on Day 2, lunch on felucca on Day 3, dinner at 1902 Kitchener on Day 3, lunch at Naguid Mafouz Restaurant on Day 10
• 4-night Nile Cruise on full board basis
• Private transfers in air-conditioned transportation
• Business Class domestic flights Cairo/Aswan and Luxor/Cairo
• Private sightseeing in Cairo, Aswan, Luxor (excluding on Nile cruise) with English-speaking Egyptologist guide
• Group sightseeing on Nile Cruise with English-speaking Egyptologist guide
• Entrance fees
• Egypt Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Departure taxes
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Egyptian Visa for non-US, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and UK Passport holders
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

• Order of sightseeing may vary, and cruise schedules may operate in reverse
• Cruise itinerary is subject to modification according to navigational and security restrictions without prior notice