Ancient Egypt and The Nile In Style - Women's Only Small Group Tour

This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for your tour of the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the world’s largest and most comprehensive archaeological museum dedicated to one civilization, located near the Great Pyramids of Giza. Spanning over seven millennia of Egyptian history, the GEM houses over 100,000 exhibits illuminating the legacy of Egypt’s ancient civilization. Upon entering, see the colossal statue of Ramses II, a commanding presence that once stood in Cairo’s Tahrir Square and now presides proudly over the museum’s grand atrium. From here, ascend the Grand Staircase, an architectural masterpiece that rises through time itself—each level thoughtfully curated to reflect a distinct era of Egypt’s rich past. At the top view, the Pyramids through a sweeping panoramic window. To the right lies the Tutankhamun Gallery, home to the legendary treasures of the Boy King. This remarkable exhibit, a recreation of his tomb, displays over 5,000 artifacts—many unveiled for the first time. Continue through the galleries showcasing artifacts, from prehistoric times and early dynasties to stories of pharaohs, gods, and everyday life, uncovering the mysteries and marvels of one of the world's oldest cultures, along with the rhythm, of daily life along the Nile. Finish your visit with time to browse the museum’s elegant shopping arcade or relax in one of its cafes (choose a café for lunch at own cost). Dinner this evening is at local restaurant.

Breakfast in your hotel and check out. Today you will be transferred to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. On arrival, you will be met by a local airport representative and transferred to the West Bank of Luxor to visit Howard Carter House. Once the home of the British archaeologist, the house served as his base during the excavation that led to the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Now restored as a museum, it offers a fascinating insight into Carter's life and work, with period furnishings, photographs and memorabilia that tell the story behind one of archaeology's greatest discoveries. Continue to the Habibi Cotton Factory, a local enterprise that provides valuable employment opportunities for women in the community. Here, skilled artisans produce high-quality Egyptian cotton garments, scarves, handcrafted artwork and a range of other locally made products. There will be time to browse the collection, and purchase items should you wish. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to the Hilton Luxor to check-in. Dinner tonight is at your hotel.

Optional (supplement 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.

Early morning to Edfu Temple. 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. This evening join a festive Galabia Party onboard.

Breakfast is served on board as your cruise sails towards Aswan. On arrival, board a local boat for a visit to the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Originally located on Philae Island, the temple was carefully relocated to nearby Agilkia Island to protect it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser following the construction of the High Dam.

Continue to visit the High Dam, a remarkable feat of modern engineering. Return to your cruise ship this evening for dinner, followed by a vibrant Nubian cultural performance showcasing traditional music, dance and colourful costumes.

Disembark your cruise ship this morning. This morning visit a traditional Nubian village and the vibrant local market. Begin with a boat journey along the Nile to a nearby Nubian village, where brightly painted homes, warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions offer a unique glimpse into one of Egypt’s most distinctive communities. Learn about Nubian customs, history and daily life as you explore the village and interact with locals. Continue to Aswan’s local market, a colourful maze of stalls filled with spices, textiles, handicrafts and local produce. At the end of your visit, you will be transferred to the Zen Wellness hotel to check-in. Dinner is at your hotel this evening.

Zen Wellness Hotel Aswan offers a tranquil retreat overlooking the Nile, combining modern comfort with a focus on relaxation and wellbeing. You have access to wellness facilities and communal spaces that encourage rest and rejuvenation. Please note the hotel is alcohol-free; however, you are welcome to bring your own. Massage and other wellbeing treatments are available at an extra cost and should be pre-booked.

This morning, visit the Tawasol Charity, where compassion is turned into meaningful action. Learn how their initiatives in education, healthcare, and community development are making a real difference in underserved communities. You’ll also meet the dedicated team providing free education and three daily meals to children from slum areas, helping create brighter opportunities for their future.

This afternoon 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 the spectacular Mummy exhibits, in your own time. 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 (drinks own cost). Return to the Sofitel Gezirah. Dinner this evening own arrangements, perhaps dine at one of the many hotel restaurants, or dine locally. Your guide will provide recommendations.

Breakfast in your hotel. This morning explore Coptic Cairo on this half-day tour through its rich religious history. Visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, home to ancient Jewish texts and the famous Geniza manuscripts. See the Hanging Church, built atop a Roman fortress, with its striking architecture and symbolic pillars. Discover the Coptic Museum’s blend of Egyptian, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage, then end at the Mosque of Amr Ibn El Aas, Egypt’s oldest mosque, known for its serene atmosphere and historic columns. This afternoon at leisure. Farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

Today you will be transferred to Cairo Airport for your onwards flight.

• Meet and assistance on arrival, PRIOR to immigration
• Egyptian visa on arrival (offer valid for NZ, Australian, UK, USA & Canadian passport holders). Other nationalities on application
• Personally hosted by Female Egyptologist in Egypt
• Return Airport to hotel transfers
• Local representative airport assistance in Cairo, Luxor & Aswan
• Check in assistance on Day 1 into the Cairo West Hyatt
• 8-nights’ accommodation in Deluxe class 5-star hotels
• 4-night Nile cruise on a Deluxe ship
• Daily buffet breakfasts
• Welcome dinner on Day 1
• Lunch at 9 Pyramids restaurant
• Dinner at a local restaurant on Day 2
• Dinner in Luxor
• Farewell dinner
• All meals on the cruise
• All touring and transfers in air-conditioned transportation, with licensed tourist driver
• Activities & entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Upgraded Valley of the Kings ticket includes Tutankhamun and Ramses VI Tombs
• Sightseeing on the Cruise with your Egyptologist guide
• Massage treatment at the Zen Wellness Resort for 45 minutes
• Domestic flights (CAI/LXR and ASW/CAI)
• Porterage
• Comprehensive Travel Notes as provided by Innovative Travel
• Optional activities please tip directly

• International flights and departure taxes
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Tipping/Gratuities (USD 200 will be included on the final invoice)
• Personal expenses
• Meals not specified or hotel / cruise minibar
• Beverages with meals
• Optional sightseeing or activities
• Check in prior to 2pm
• Excess luggage over 23 kgs on domestic flights
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above