Pharaohs, Mummies and The Nile In Style

Embark on a morning visit to the impressive site of the Pyramids. Construction began in 2690 BC, the Pyramids of Mycerinus, Chefren and the Great Pyramid of Cheops are the only survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Face the mystical Sphinx, reputedly used as target practice by Napoleon’s troops. Lunch is in your own time. Continue to the ancient capital of Memphis and visit the Step Pyramids of Sakkara – the oldest surviving Egyptian pyramid.   Dinner this evening, is in a special restaurant, on the roof top bar, overlooking the pyramids.

This morning embark on a captivating visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the largest and most comprehensive archaeological museums in the world located near the Pyramids. Spanning over 5,000 years of history, this museum boasts an extraordinary collection of artifacts that trace the rich cultural heritage of Egypt inspired by the boy King Tutankhamun. Currently in its "second soft-opening phase," the GEM has unveiled 12 of its main galleries, offering a glimpse into its vast treasures. As you step inside, you’ll be welcomed by the imposing figure of Ramses II, a colossal statue that has been relocated from Tahrir Square and now stands proudly in the museum’s grand foyer. From here, you'll journey through the newly opened galleries, where over 15,000 meticulously curated artifacts are displayed. These exhibits span millennia, showcasing the incredible achievements of ancient Egyptian civilization, from its earliest dynasties to the grandeur of its later empires. With each step, you'll delve deeper into the stories of pharaohs, gods, and everyday life, uncovering the mysteries and marvels of one of the world's oldest and most influential cultures. The GEM has an excellent choice of cafes and gift shops, so perhaps take a coffee break during your exploration..
Note: Access to the Tutankhamun galleries is restricted until the official opening

Transfer to Cairo Airport and fly to Luxor. On arrival you will be assisted by our local Luxor Airport team and transferred to the Sofitel 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. Dinner this evening is your choice at a range of restaurants in the hotel, or perhaps dine locally.  

Optional visit (surcharge applies): This morning visit the Mummification Museum, dedicated to this ancient art of embalming applied to humans and for animals. The process is believed to have taken 70 days and involved a careful process. Here view ancient mummies, including that of General Amun el Thebes.

Later this morning transfer to embark via the centrally located, private dock for the Sonesta St George Nile cruise ship. This deluxe five-star ship offers the ultimate in comfort, elegance, and design. Featuring 47 deluxe cabins, each 22 sq. metres, with full French balcony sliding doors and Presidential Suites. As you embark, a welcome drink is included.
Facilities include: BBQ area on the top deck, outdoor pool with Sundeck bar, restaurant, bar, gym, spa, sauna and jacuzzi, (optional Spa treatments by appointment-surcharge applies), Wi-Fi.  
Cabin amenities feature: L’Occitane toiletries, welcome bottle of wine, tea & coffee tray refilled daily, a bottle of mineral water delivered daily.  
Tea, coffee, and mineral water included daily with all meals.
Option available to upgrade to a Presidential suite with full balcony.

This afternoon, visit the magnificent Luxor Temple, built in the 14th century BC by two kings – Amenophis III and Ramses II. Follow the Avenue of the Sphinx to the Karnak Temple complex and gaze in awe at this imposing monument housing precious relics of Ancient Egyptian dynasties.  

Optional Hot Air Balloon Trip (surcharge applies)

Early morning departure to Edfu, with a delicious breakfast aboard. Here visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples of the Greco-Roman era. Continue cruising to Kom Ombo and visit this Temple shared by two Gods – Sobek & Horus. The temple is perfectly symmetrical, ensuring neither God was offended. The collection of crocodile mummies held here is fascinating. Overnight in Kom Ombo, with the opportunity to view the sun setting over this spectacular temple.

Early morning sailing to Aswan. This morning take your local boat across to the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam’s construction. Later visit the High Dam. Return for lunch on board and time to relax.   Mid-afternoon transfer to the Sofitel Old Cataract, base for Dame Agatha Christie as she penned “Death on the Nile”. Savour a High Tea whilst sitting on this famous terrace overlooking the Nile. Later return to the ship for dinner this evening, followed by a colourful Nubian Show.

Disembark this morning, with time to explore Aswan.

Optional Tours (surcharge applies):
Option 1: Nubian Museum (Minimum of 2 required)
After disembarkation meet your guide and transfer to the International Nubian Museum. The kings of Nubia ultimately conquered and ruled Egypt for a century. Known for its rich deposits of gold, Nubia was also the gateway for the incense trade, their rulers building cities, temples and their own royal pyramids. After your tour, time free to explore Aswan in your own time, before departing to the airport for your flight to Cairo. (Minimum of 2 required)

Option 2: Abu Simbel Tour
An early morning transfer from the cruise boat to Abu Simbel Airport. Depart on EgyptAir to Abu Simbel. On arrival be met by a local Egyptologist and join a small group tour to one of the most impressive archaeological sites in all of Egypt, not only for its historical significance, but for the great engineering success in moving these temples to their present location.  
Of all the temples of Egyptian antiquity, amongst the most spectacular and best preserved are the Temples of Abu Simbel. 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.  
Please wear sturdy footwear today, pack some snacks and water bottle. At the conclusion of your tour, transfer to Abu Simbel Airport, for your flight to Aswan, connecting to Cairo.

Disembark this morning, with time to explore Aswan. This afternoon transfer to Aswan Airport and fly to Cairo. On arrival our Cairo Airport team will meet and assist. Transfer to the Cairo Marriott Hotel where you are reserved for three nights. Dinner is included at your hotel this evening.

Today you will explore this modern cosmopolitan capital with a rich heritage of cultural influences and echoes of ancient civilisations. This morning visit the magnificently curated National Museum of Ancient Civilizations. The Museum’s vision is to bring the rich tapestry of tangible and intangible Egyptian heritage to life within a vibrant cultural, artistic and scientific context. After your visit which spans many millennia, move downstairs to the Mummy Room, to view their spectacular Mummy exhibits, in your own time. Time for a coffee break before departing to Mohammed Ali Mosque, and the Citadel which dominates Cairo’s skyline. Continue to the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, open since the 1382, with time for shopping. Conclude your day on a rooftop bar, watching the sun set over Cairo’s skyline, with a local drink of wine, beer or juice included. Return to the Cairo Marriott Hotel. Dinner this evening own arrangements.

Optional Activities (surcharges apply):

A farewell dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant.

Two departure transfers are available to the airport, including one early morning and one mid-morning.  

• Fast Track meet and assistance prior to immigration at Cairo Airport
• Egyptian visa on arrival (offer valid for NZ, Australian, UK, USA & Canadian passport holders). Other nationalities on application
• Return Airport to hotel transfers
• Check in assistance on Day 1 into Cairo hotel
• Local representative airport assistance in Cairo, Luxor & Aswan
• 6-nights accommodation in Deluxe class hotels, Cairo and Luxor
• 4-night Nile cruise on a Deluxe ship
• Daily breakfasts
• Welcome dinner on Day 1
• Dinner on Day 2 at a local restaurant overlooking the pyramids
• All meals on the cruise (4 lunches & 4 dinners)
• Welcome bottle of wine on cruise
• High Tea at the Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel
• Dinner at the Cairo Marriott Hotel on Day 8
• Farewell dinner in Cairo on Day 10
• All touring and transfers in air-conditioned transportation
• Private English-speaking Egyptologist in Cairo and Luxor
• Sightseeing on the Cruise in small groups with English speaking guide
• Activities and entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Visit the Pyramids & Sphinx, Memphis & Sakkara
• Upgraded VIP Valley of the Kings ticket to include the tombs of Tutankhamun and Seti I
• Economy Class domestic flights Cairo/Luxor and Aswan/Cairo
• Porterage
• Tipping and gratuities for guides, drivers and transfers
• Egypt Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Tipping/Gratuities (for non-included optional activities)
• Personal expenses
• Meals not specified or hotel / cruise minibar
• Optional sightseeing or activities
• Optional guided visit to the Mummification Museum
• Optional small group Abu Simbel tour
• Optional tour to the Valley of the Whales
• Afternoon transfer on Day 11 to Cairo Airport

• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

• Mummification Museum in Luxor: NZD 120 / AUD 114
• Hot Air Balloon over the West Bank ex Luxor: NZD 275 / AUD 260
• Nubian Museum in Aswan: NZD 120 / AUD 114
• Abu Simbel excursion ex Aswan including Return flights, transfers, and small group tour     with a local Egyptologist guide: NZD 895 per person / AUD 850 per person
• Half day Coptic Cairo: NZD 170 / AUD 160
• Valley of the Whales Tour: NZD 335 / AUD 320
• Half Day Golf in Cairo: NZD 340 / AUD 325