Essence of Egypt

Welcome to Egypt. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you will be welcomed by our local Airport representative PRIOR to immigration who will assist you with your included Egyptian Visa. Your special fast track immigration service ensures priority access. After immigration clearance, you will be assisted with your luggage collection and customs control by our local team, then transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the Pyramids area. You will be assisted with your hotel check-in then have the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight Cairo.

Optional Excursion (surcharge applies): Enhance your first day in Egypt with the optional Sound and Light Show at the pyramids.

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

A reservation is included for lunch (own expense) at the 9 Pyramids Lounge with stunning views overlooking the ancient Pyramids of Giza. This is a unique dining experience, unlike anything else in the world (payment for lunch to be made locally at the restaurant). View the 9 Pyramids Lounge Facebook Page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/9PyramidsLounge

This afternoon, 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 also has a shopping complex and cafes).
Note: Access to the Tutankhamun galleries is restricted until the official opening

Option: For those interested in visiting Memphis and Sakkara, this option can be included in place of the visit to the GEM. Alternatively, you may like to extend your stay in Cairo to allow time to include visits to both of these incredible sites.

This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. On arrival at Luxor Airport you will be transferred by private vehicle to your Luxor hotel where accommodation has been reserved for two nights.

This afternoon visit the Mummification Museum in Luxor where you will learn the ancient rites and rituals of eternal life. Having begun by burying dead in shallow sand graves which naturally mummified remains, the process of preserving bodies for use in the afterlife grew in complexity as Egypt grew in importance and wealth. It was not only the use of their bodies that ancient Egyptians required in the afterlife, however. Mummies’ sarcophagi were sometimes also surrounded by hundreds of tiny dolls called ushabti. These dolls, representatives of officials’ or pharaoh’s servants, were made to answer for the dead and serve them in the afterlife.

Embark on a journey across the Nile to the illustrious Valley of the Kings, where numerous magnificent tombs lie waiting to be explored, among them the resting places of Ramses II and Tutankhamun. Continue to visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, named after the Ethiopian king slain by Achilles during the battle of Troy.
Innovative Bonus: Entry into tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI

Afterwards, head 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.

This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Luxor Airport for your flight to Cairo. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the downtown Cairo area.

This afternoon meet your private Egyptologist-guide and walk through Old Cairo with your guide. Start at Bab al-Futuh and stroll through 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. If you wish, take a moment to reenergize with a refreshing beverage at Fishawy Café, an optional stop amidst the bustling Khan El Khalili bazaars.

• 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
• 5 nights’ accommodation in hotels specified with private facilities
• Daily breakfasts at hotels
• Private transfers in air-conditioned transportation
• Economy Class domestic flights Cairo/Luxor/Cairo
• Private sightseeing in Cairo and Luxor with English speaking Egyptologist-Guide (Note: no guide for visit to Mummification Museum in Luxor – entrance only)
• Bonus entry into the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI
• 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
• Visas (unless specified)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above