Cross-season pricing on request
Nile Cruise & Private Holiday
7 Days ex Cairo
7 Days ex Cairo
Preferred Departure Days: Wednesday (First Class | Deluxe Class | Super Deluxe Class)
Alternative Departure Days: (*Supplements may apply)
- First Class: Monday - Blue Shadow Nile Cruise
- Deluxe Class: Monday - Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise
Notes:
- Cruise itinerary featured is based on the First Class cruise ship. The day-by-day Nile Cruise itinerary may vary according to the cruise boat confirmed.
- Cruises may operate in reverse
- Supplement may apply for tours commencing on other days
Cairo Giza area (2) | Nile Cruise (3) | Cairo City (1)
Explore the wonders of Egypt in this 7-day adventure! Begin with a private tour in Cairo, marvelling at the Pyramids and exploring the Grand Egyptian Museum. Embark on a 3-night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor, exploring ancient temples and historic landmarks. Visit Aswan's Philae Temple, the dual temples of Kom Ombo, Edfu's Temple of Horus, and the magnificent sites of Luxor's East and West Banks, including Karnak and the Valley of the Kings.
Highlights:
- 24/7 service and full local backup from our seven regional offices throughout Egypt
- A warm welcome with a personal meet and assist inside immigration, together with your Egyptian visa on arrival, followed by express immigration assistance
- Immerse yourself in the mystique of the Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx expertly narrated by your private Egyptologist guide
- Discover abundant treasures in the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
- Embark on a 3-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, exploring grand Pharaonic temples and tombs
- Sail around the enchanting islands of Aswan aboard a traditional felucca boat
- Roam the magnificent temples of Luxor and Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings and Queens, including bonus entry to the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
Day 1: Cairo
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 Giza area. You will be assisted with your hotel check-in then have the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Cairo (B)
A day to remember! Meet your private Egyptologist 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, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to one civilization, near the Great Pyramids of Giza. Spanning seven millennia, the GEM showcases over 100,000 artifacts of Egypt’s rich heritage. Enter to see the colossal statue of Ramses II in the grand atrium, then ascend the Grand Staircase, curated to reflect distinct eras of history. At the top, enjoy panoramic views of the Pyramids and explore the Tutankhamun Gallery, featuring over 5,000 treasures from the Boy King’s tomb. Continue through galleries revealing Egypt’s prehistoric roots, pharaohs, gods, and daily life along the Nile. Conclude with time to browse the museum’s shopping arcade or relax in its cafes.
Optional: 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.
Optional (supplement applies): Top off an unforgettable day with an incredible evening attending the Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids.
Day 3: Cairo – Aswan (BLD)
Optional (supplement applies): Half Day Abu Simbel Excursion
The two temples of Abu Simbel are amongst the most magnificent monuments in the world and 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. Explore the breathtaking temples, built by Pharaoh Ramses II—one honouring his reign, the other his beloved Queen Nefertari.
Half Day 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.
This morning you will be met at your hotel and transferred by private vehicle to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan. On arrival in Aswan, you will be transferred to your Nile Cruise ship for embarkation. After lunch on board set off to sail by traditional felucca around Kitchener’s Island with a view of the Agha Khan Mausoleum. This evening attend dinner and a Nubian folkloric show on board.
Day 4: Aswan - Kom Ombo – Edfu (BLD)
After an early breakfast visit the High Dam, the Granite Quarries 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. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the ship prior to a late afternoon visit to 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 evening to Edfu. Dinner and a Galabeya party on board this evening.
Day 5: Edfu - Esna - Luxor (BLD)
This morning you will set out early to visit Edfu's revered Temple of Horus – one of the holiest of the Egyptian pantheon of gods. Discover the remains of the Old Kingdom and the temple dedicated to the falcon God Horus, constructed during the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BC. The walled descriptions describe its construction and display important drawings, capturing the Greco-Roman era in ancient Egypt. Return to your cruise ship for breakfast and spend the day sailing leisurely to Luxor. Dinner and a Whirling Dervish and Belly Dance Show on board this evening.
Note: Whilst crossing through the Esna Lock, entrepreneurial local families arrive by boat and cheerfully throw various handmade local ware up to the boat for inspection. We encourage our clients to support this local initiative, a key form of income for local families, with some local Egyptian cash on hand.
Day 6: Luxor – Cairo (B)
Disembark your cruise ship this morning and cross the Nile to explore the West Bank. Today is full of highlights including the Necropolis of Thebes and the Valley of the Kings, where you’ll find the tombs of the Theban rulers including Tutankhamun. The grandeur of Queens Hatshepsut’s Temple and the haunting Colossi of Memnon, named for the Ethiopian king who marched to the aid of Troy. Innovative Travel Bonus: Entry into the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI included.
Continue 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.
Late this afternoon you will be transferred by private vehicle to Luxor Airport for your flight to Cairo. On arrival in Cairo, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your city hotel.
Day 7: Cairo (B)
This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Cairo Airport for your onward flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 24/7 service and full local backup from our seven regional offices throughout Egypt
- 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
- 3 nights’ hotel accommodation as specified
- 3-Nght Nile Cruise
- Daily breakfasts at hotels
- All meals on Nile Cruise
- Private transfers in air-conditioned transportation with licensed tourism driver
- Economy class domestic flights Cairo/Aswan and Luxor/Cairo
- Private sightseeing in Cairo with English speaking Egyptologist and licensed tourism driver
- Group sightseeing on Nile Cruise with English speaking Egyptologist
- Bonus entry into the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI
- Entrance fees
- Egypt Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Egyptian Visa for non-US, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and UK Passport holders
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
NOTES:
- Cruise itineraries may be changed without notice due to river flows, local or other conditions and these changes are beyond the responsibility of Innovative Travel or our local operators.
Accommodation based on the following (or similar):
The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only.
Cairo Giza area
First Class: Steigenberger Pyramids - City View Room
Deluxe Class: Hyatt Regency Cairo West - Pyramids View Room
Super Deluxe Class: Marriott Mena House - Pyramids View Room
Nile Cruise
First Class: Sonesta Nile Goddess
Deluxe Class: Movenpick Royal Lily -or- Sonesta Star Goddess * -or- MS DWA
Super Deluxe Class: Sonesta St. George
Cairo City
First Class: Steigenberger Tahrir - City View Room
Deluxe Class: Cairo Sheraton Hotel - City View Room
Super Deluxe Class: Sofitel Gezirah Hotel - Partial Nile View Room
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
