Pharaohs, Nile & the Solar Eclipse

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 luxury 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.

A day to remember! Meet your private Egyptologist who will unlock the secrets of the ancient capital on this full day tour. 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 today is 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 you will depart with your private Egyptologist and drive to the ancient capital of Memphis, then continue to visit the original pyramids at Sakkara – the oldest surviving Egyptian pyramid. This most ancient of pyramids was the first to be built in ancient Egypt, preceding those at Giza by many centuries. Essentially a sequence of decreasingly sized mastaba placed atop each other, this architectural advance of raising tombs closer to the heavens ultimately led to the creation of the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Optional (supplement applies): Top off an unforgettable day with an incredible evening attending the Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids

Early this morning transfer by private vehicle to Cairo Airport for your flight to Abu Simbel via Aswan. Upon arrival, discover one of Egypt’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures. Carved directly into the sandstone cliffs overlooking Lake Nasser, the colossal temples of Abu Simbel were commissioned by Ramses II as a lasting testament to his power and legacy.

The Great Temple, guarded by four monumental, seated statues of the pharaoh, is dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty and Ptah, while the neighbouring temple honours his beloved Queen Nefertari, one of the few royal consorts in ancient Egypt to be commemorated on such a grand scale. Equally remarkable is the story of their rescue during the 1960s, when the temples were painstakingly dismantled and relocated stone by stone to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

Following your visit, continue to Aswan and embark your Nile cruise vessel. Settle into your cabin before lunch is served on board. Spend the afternoon relaxing as the ship prepares for its Nile voyage. This evening join the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail before dinner on board. Later, experience the vibrant rhythms and colourful costumes of a traditional Nubian folkloric performance, offering an insight into the rich cultural heritage of southern Egypt.

In the early hours of the morning your vessel begins its journey north along the Nile, passing granite outcrops, palm-fringed islands and riverside villages little changed for centuries. After breakfast, arrive at Kom Ombo and visit one of Egypt’s most unusual temples. Perfectly positioned on a bend in the Nile, the Temple of Kom Ombo is unique in being dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile deity associated with fertility and the river, and Horus the Elder, protector of kingship. Explore the temple’s symmetrical design, detailed reliefs and fascinating depictions of ancient surgical instruments, calendars and religious rituals.

Return to the ship and continue sailing towards Esna. The remainder of the afternoon is spent watching life unfold along the riverbanks from the comfort of the sun deck. As evening falls, gather for dinner before participating in the lively Galabeya Party, where guests are invited to dress in traditional Egyptian attire and celebrate with music, dancing and local entertainment.

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.

Arrive in Luxor during the early hours of the morning. After breakfast, set out on a fascinating full-day private excursion to two of Egypt’s most remarkable and lesser-visited temple complexes. Travel first to Denderah, home to the exceptionally preserved Temple of Hathor, goddess of love, music and joy. 
     
Admire its towering columns, intricate reliefs and the famous astronomical ceiling depicting ancient interpretations of the heavens. Many of the temple’s original colours remain visible, providing a vivid glimpse into the splendour of ancient Egyptian artistry.

Continue north to Abydos, one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations of ancient Egypt. The magnificent Temple of Seti I is celebrated for its beautifully carved reliefs and the renowned Abydos King List, an important record of Egypt’s pharaohs. Nearby lies the mysterious Osireion, a unique subterranean structure associated with the cult of Osiris and ancient beliefs surrounding death and rebirth. Return to Luxor later this afternoon. Dinner is served on board followed by a captivating performance featuring whirling dervishes and traditional belly dancing.

Today brings the defining experience of your journey: the total solar eclipse over Luxor. After breakfast, meet your Egyptologist and begin with an exploration of the East Bank, home to the magnificent temples of Karnak and Luxor. At Karnak, walk among monumental pylons, obelisks and the soaring columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall before continuing to Luxor Temple, linked to Karnak by the ancient Avenue of the Sphinxes. Late morning, transfer to the specially arranged eclipse viewing location in the Luxor area and prepare for this extraordinary celestial event. The partial eclipse begins at approximately 11:40am, building toward maximum eclipse at around 1:05pm. Luxor lies within the path of totality and is expected to experience approximately six minutes and 22 seconds of darkness as the Moon completely obscures the Sun. With the ancient landscape of Thebes as your backdrop, witness one of nature’s rarest spectacles before the eclipse concludes at approximately 2:26pm. Return to your Nile cruise following this remarkable experience.

This morning cross to Luxor’s West Bank, the vast necropolis of ancient Thebes and burial place of Egypt’s New Kingdom rulers. Explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, where generations of pharaohs were laid to rest in richly decorated tombs hidden deep within the desert hills. The vivid colours and intricate scenes that adorn these underground chambers provide an extraordinary insight into ancient beliefs about the afterlife. Continue to the Valley of the Queens and the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most successful female pharaohs. Dramatically set against towering limestone cliffs at Deir el-Bahari, the temple is considered a masterpiece of ancient architecture. Conclude with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon, two giant statues that have stood sentinel over the Theban plain for more than 3,000 years. Return to the ship for lunch before sailing south towards Esna. This evening join the Captain’s Party before dinner on board.
Innovative Travel Bonus: Entry into the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI.  

In the early morning your cruise continues south along the Nile to Edfu. Following breakfast, visit the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and a masterpiece of the Ptolemaic period. Dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god of kingship and protection, the temple impresses with its monumental pylons, grand courtyards and remarkably preserved inscriptions that reveal details of ancient religious ceremonies. Return to the ship and continue sailing towards Kom Ombo. Relax on deck as the landscapes of Upper Egypt drift past—lush agricultural fields, grazing water buffalo and traditional villages lining the riverbanks. Lunch and afternoon tea are served on board as the vessel continues south. Dinner is served this evening while sailing towards Aswan.

After breakfast, discover some of Aswan’s most important landmarks. Visit the impressive High Dam, one of the greatest engineering achievements of modern Egypt, before continuing to the beautiful Temple of Philae. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this elegant sanctuary was carefully relocated to Agilkia Island during the UNESCO-led rescue campaign that saved many Nubian monuments from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Return to the ship for lunch before embarking on a scenic motorboat excursion through the tranquil waters surrounding Aswan’s islands. Glide past granite boulders, palm-fringed shores and traditional Nubian villages, experiencing the timeless beauty that has inspired travellers for centuries. This evening celebrate your final night on the Nile with a colourful Nubian cultural performance followed by farewell dinner on board.

As your Nile journey comes to an end, take with you memories of extraordinary temples, ancient royal tombs, timeless river landscapes and the enduring wonders of one of the world’s greatest civilisations. After breakfast, disembark your cruise vessel and transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo. You will be met and transferred by private vehicle to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo, a modern cosmopolitan capital with a rich heritage of cultural influences and echoes of ancient civilisations. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your city hotel.

This afternoon meet with your private Egyptologist and embark on a captivating visit to 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 the National Museum of Ancient Civilisations this can be visited in place of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

Meet your private Egyptologist and embark on an enriching journey through Egypt's rich history. Discover Coptic Cairo, where you will visit the famous Coptic Museum, built on the site of the ancient Roman fortress of Babylon, constructed about 30BC. Inside the fortress are several Coptic churches and the richest collection of Coptic art in the world. Additionally, visit Ben Ezra Synagogue, nestled within a pleasant, shady garden in the centre of Cairo, housing several artefacts including the manuscript known as the ‘Atlas of Moses’.

After a break for lunch walk through Old Cairo with your Egyptologist. 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.

This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Cairo Airport for your onward 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
• 4 nights’ hotel accommodation
• 7-night Nile Cruise
• Daily breakfasts at hotels
• All meals on Nile Cruise
• Private transfers in air-conditioned transportation with licensed tourism driver
• Business class domestic flights Cairo/Aswan and Aswan/Cairo
• Private sightseeing a luxury Mercedes in Cairo with English speaking Egyptologist and licensed tourism driver
• Access to VIP lounge and private golf cart at the Pyramids complex
• 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

• 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