Glories of Ancient Egypt

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

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 by private vehicle to your Dahabeya.

Optional (supplement applies): 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.  
The half day 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.

Board the elegant Sonesta Amirat II and settle into your cabin before lunch is served on board. This afternoon, visit the beautiful Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and dramatically situated on an island in the Nile. Reached by motorboat, the temple is one of Egypt’s most enchanting ancient sites, renowned for its graceful architecture and remarkable history. Return to your vessel for afternoon tea and time to relax as the sun sets over the Nile. This evening, dinner is followed by a colourful Nubian cultural performance celebrating the traditions of southern Egypt.

Awake to the gentle rhythm of life on the Nile as your vessel sails north towards Kom Ombo. Following breakfast, explore the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, beautifully positioned on the riverbank and dedicated to both Horus the Elder and Sobek, the crocodile god. Continue sailing through timeless Nile scenery where farmers still cultivate the fertile riverbanks much as they have for millennia. After lunch on board, arrive at tranquil Ramadi Island. The afternoon is at leisure before a memorable dinner in this peaceful riverside setting, surrounded by the sights and sounds of rural Egypt.

This morning sail to Edfu, home to one of the finest preserved temples in Egypt. After breakfast, visit the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of the most important religious centres of the ancient Egyptian world. Constructed during the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BC, the temple is renowned for its remarkably preserved architecture, detailed inscriptions and intricate reliefs depicting religious rituals, mythology and daily life during the Greco-Roman era. Dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god, it provides a fascinating insight into the beliefs and traditions of ancient Egypt.
Return to the dahabeya and continue your voyage north, passing through the Esna Lock before sailing onwards to Luxor. Lunch is served on board, while the afternoon offers an opportunity to watch the ever-changing Nile landscapes unfold from the comfort of the vessel. Dinner is served on board as you continue your journey through the heart of Upper Egypt.

Today is devoted to exploring the extraordinary treasures of ancient Thebes, once the capital of the New Kingdom and one of the most magnificent cities of the ancient world. Cross the Nile to Luxor’s West Bank and visit the legendary Valley of the Kings, burial place of Egypt’s pharaohs for nearly 500 years. Your visit includes entry to the remarkable tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI, together with exclusive access to the magnificent Tomb of Seti I, widely regarded as one of the finest and most beautifully decorated royal tombs in Egypt. Continue to the striking Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural masterpiece set beneath towering limestone cliffs, before pausing at the Colossi of Memnon, the imposing statues that have guarded the Theban Necropolis for more than 3,000 years. Return to the Sonesta Amirat II for lunch. This afternoon, explore the vast Temple Complex of Karnak, one of the largest religious sites ever constructed. Expanded by more than 30 pharaohs over nearly two millennia, its colossal columns, sacred lakes and monumental gateways provide a fascinating insight into the power and ambition of ancient Egypt. Continue to the majestic Luxor Temple before following the historic Avenue of the Sphinxes, which once linked these two great sanctuaries. Dinner is served on board this evening, followed by traditional entertainment featuring a Whirling Dervish and belly dance performance.

Breakfast is served on board before disembarkation in Luxor. Upon arrival, meet your private Egyptologist guide and continue your exploration of ancient Egypt with a visit to some of Luxor’s lesser-known yet highly rewarding sites. Travel to the magnificent Temple of Medinat Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramses III and one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt. Far less visited than many of Luxor’s major monuments, its richly decorated walls, towering gateways and remarkably preserved reliefs provide a fascinating insight into the final great era of pharaonic Egypt.
Continue to the restored home of famed archaeologist Howard Carter. Here, gain an insight into the life and work of the man whose perseverance led to the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun, one of the most significant archaeological finds of the modern era. The carefully preserved residence evokes the atmosphere of the early twentieth-century age of exploration, when Egypt captivated the imagination of the world. Following your touring, transfer to your hotel on the banks of the Nile. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and absorb the timeless atmosphere of Luxor, where ancient monuments and everyday life continue to unfold beside the world's most famous river.

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.

Meet your private Egyptologist 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 the 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.

Reflect on your amazing journey through the centuries as you are driven by private vehicle to Cairo Airport for your departure flight.

• 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
• 5 nights’ hotel accommodation
• 4-night Dahabeya Nile Cruise
• Daily breakfasts at hotels; lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge, lunch on felucca Aswan, lunch at Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant Cairo
• All meals on Nile Cruise
• Private transfers in air-conditioned vehicle with licensed tourism driver
• Business Class domestic flights Cairo/Aswan and Luxor/Cairo
• Private sightseeing in Cairo, Aswan, Luxor (excluding on Nile cruise) with English speaking Egyptologist and licensed tourism driver
• Group sightseeing on Nile Cruise with English-speaking Egyptologist
• 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
• 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