Jewels of the Nile

A day to remember! Meet your private Egyptologist guide and embark on a fascinating tour. Discover the renowned Pyramids of Giza and the mystifying figure of the nearby Sphinx. Of particular fascination is the Cheops Pyramid, regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by the Greeks, with its interior burial chambers open for inspection by the public. In close proximity to the Pyramids, you will encounter the majestic Great Sphinx of Giza, hewn from natural yellowish limestone and towering at a height of 65 feet.

This afternoon there is the option to visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), where you can view the glittering treasures of ancient Egypt (please note the Museum is currently in a soft opening phase), or visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC).

This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. On arrival in Luxor embark on your cruise along the life-giving Nile. After lunch 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.

Embark on a journey across the Nile to the West Bank, where a morning filled with remarkable sights awaits. Explore the Necropolis of Thebes and the Valley of the Kings, which houses the tombs of Theban Ruler’s, including the illustrious Tutankhamun. An upgraded ticket to the Valley of the Kings includes entrance to boy king Tutankhamun’s Tomb and the Ramses VI Tomb, which has less visitors and allows for easier access. Next pay a visit to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and see the famed Colossi of Memnon facing the Nile. This afternoon sail to Esna and cross the lock.

Innovative Bonus: Entry into Tutankhamun and Ramses VI included

Today your journey takes you to Edfu, where you can view remains dating back to the Old Kingdom, as well as the revered Temple of Horus – one of the holiest of the Egyptian pantheon of gods. Sail onward to Kom Ombo and visit 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. Later continue to Aswan.

Visit the Aswan Dams at the end of Lake Nasser and the beautifully restored Temple of Philae. This temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis (the mother of Horus), underwent a remarkable international endeavour to relocate the entire temple complex, safeguarding it from being submerged by the creation of Lake Nasser. Later, take a leisurely sail by felucca, meandering around the lush islands of Aswan.

Disembark from your cruise and transfer by private vehicle to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo. On arrival transfer 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.

Optional: half day or overnight visit to Abu Simbel (supplement applies)

Meet your private Egyptologist guide and embark on an journey through Egypt's rich history. Your first stop is 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 a number of artefacts including the manuscript known as the ‘Atlas of Moses’.

After a break for lunch, take a walk through Old Cairo with your guide. Start at Bab El Futouh 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 Mamluke 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. Resume the trek through Al Moez Street, ending by Bab Zweilla and tent makers before returning to your hotel.

This morning you will be transferred to Cairo Airport for your onward flight..

• VIP Meet and assistance including Egyptian Visa at Cairo Airport
• Egyptian Visa for US, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and UK Passport holders
• Airport departure assistance
• Private airport transfers
• 2 nights Cairo Pyramids area
• 4 nights Nile Cruise
• 2 nights in Cairo downtown area
• Private transfers in A/C transportation
• Daily breakfasts
• All meals included on cruise
• Flights Cairo/Aswan and Luxor/Cairo
• Private Egyptologist guide and sightseeing in Cairo
• Small group sightseeing on the Nile Cruise
• Upgraded entry to the Valley of the Kings including entrance to Tutunkhamun's and Ramses VI Tombs
• Entrance fees
• Egypt Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Departure taxes
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Egyptian Visa for non US, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and UK Passport holders
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

Cruise schedules may operate in reverse.

The day-by-day Nile Cruise itinerary may vary according to the cruise boat confirmed.

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.