Showcasing Ancient Egypt
Showcasing Ancient Egypt
Showcasing Ancient Egypt
Showcasing Ancient Egypt
Showcasing Ancient Egypt

Showcasing Ancient Egypt

From: 
Regular price
$7,989.00
Sale price
$7,989.00

Please note: The Single Room price displayed above is for a single room in conjunction with other travellers. A solo traveller price is available on request.

16 Days ex Cairo
Private Holiday - Select and Mix with 3-Night Nile Cruise
 
Preferred departure days:
First Class: Thursday
Superior First Class: Saturday
Note:
Supplement may apply for tours commencing on other days
Cruises may operate in reverse
 

The ultimate in Egyptian private travel, this itinerary allows you to customise your explorations of ancient Egypt by choosing three Select & Mix Experiences. Beginning in Cairo before exploring Alexandria (with an option to experience New Zealand’s special connection with these lands at El Alamein), this itinerary also includes a Nile cruise and time at a resort on the Red Sea. And all the while your Egyptologist will be on hand to answer any questions you have about the many wonders you will see and experience.

Highlights:

  • A showcase of ancient wonders and monuments from the pages of history
  • A combination of the Cairo Luxor Aswan Nile Mediterranean and Red Sea locations
  • Customise your Egyptian journey by choosing 3 Select & Mix Experiences included in the price

Day 1: Cairo

Your customised Egyptian journey begins in the best possible way as our local operator will meet you inside immigration and assist you with Visa formalities before escorting you to your private driver and vehicle. Drive through the excitement of Cairo on your way straight to your pyramids area hotel. Once checked in, the rest of the day is at leisure to unwind from your travels and take in the view of the pyramids from your hotel.

Select & Mix Optional Experience:
* Sound and light show at the pyramids

Day 2: Cairo (B)

Today embark on your introduction to ancient Egypt as you step into antiquity with a private tour of the Pyramids of Giza, the only surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the enigmatic Sphinx. Later dive even deeper into the stories of these ancient lands as you visit discover either the newly inaugurated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), offering a glimpse into the glittering treasures of ancient Egypt during its soft opening phase; or the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) which displays around 50,000 artifacts showcasing Egyptian Civilization from prehistoric times to the present days.

Select & Mix Optional Experience:
* Solar Barge and walk inside a pyramid

Day 3: Alexandria (B)

This morning take the train to the Mediterranean coast and Alexandria, a city founded with a unique blend of Egyptian and Greek cultures. Take an orientation tour including Pompeii’s Pillar, the catacombs, and National Museum.

Day 4: Alexandria (B)

Day at leisure or choice of Select & Mix Experiences:

Select & Mix Optional Experiences:
* Tour of El Alamein Battlefield
* Seafood Fish Dinner on the Med
* Scuba Dive on Cleopatra’s Palace (additional supplement applies)

Day 5: Alexandria - Aswan (B)

Transfer to Cairo and take a flight to Aswan. Your guide will meet you upon arrival and travel with you in a private vehicle to your hotel for check in. Once refreshed, your guide will escort you through Aswan’s fascinating markets, where the aromas and crafts will help you to gain a sense of Nubia. For those who want a personalised experience with some locals, join a table at a café to try a game of Tawlah - an ancient form of backgammon.

Day 6: Aswan (B)

Day at leisure or your choice of one Select & Mix Experience:

Select & Mix Optional Experiences:
* Visit Nubian Village and Soheil Island
* Afternoon Tea at the Old Cataract Hotel
* Explore the Tomb of the Nobles
* Trip to San Simeon Monastery and camel ride
* Abu Simbel (additional supplement applies)

Day 7: Aswan Cruise (BLD)

Following checkout from your hotel your guide and private driver will take you to board your Nile cruise boat. After lunch depart with your small guided group for a tour the restored Philae Temple, dismantled and reassembled block by block to rescue it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Next, visit the lake itself and the Aswan Dams before returning to your cruise ship for the evening.

Day 8: Aswan – Edfu Cruise (BLD)

A day to remember today as you cruise down the life-giving Nile, watching as children swim and wave to you and farmers work the fertile land alongside the river. This ribbon of life is the reason that civilisation has flourished here for millennia and this is clear to see as you watch locals going about their everyday activities with the harsh desert just beyond the fringes. Later in the day, stop for a visit at the fascinating Kom Ombo Temple replete with bas reliefs depicting both the day-to-day and the more fantastical aspects of ancient Egyptian life. Continue your cruise stopping at Edfu for the night.

Day 9: Edfu – Luxor Cruise (BLD)

This morning explore Edfu Temple, one of the most complete Temples in Egypt, before continuing your cruise to Luxor, home of one of the ancient world’s largest open air museums. Marvel at the Temple complex of Luxor then walk the Avenue of Sphinxes to the incredible Karnak Temple Complex, a huge series of temples, chapels, and other buildings which was added to by approximately 30 pharaohs over many centuries. Return to your cruise ship for dinner and a Galabia party in the evening.

Day 10: Luxor (B)

Disembark your cruise and travel to the fascinating Valley of the Kings, where Howard Carter discovered the tomb of the boy-king Tutankhamun after years of digging in the desert. Visit a selection of the tombs of the pharaohs and the sites of the West Bank before returning to your cruise ship for an afternoon at leisure.

Day 11: Luxor (B)

Day at leisure or a Select and Mix Experience:

Select & Mix Optional Experiences:
* Howard Carters House and Madinat Habu
* Half day tour to Dendara
* Felucca lunch cruise
* Special Entry to Seti I or Nefretari Tombs

Day 12: Luxor – Hurghada (B)

Depart Ancient Egypt and drive through the mountains to for some time to relax and unwind at your resort, resting on the edge of the sparkling Red Sea.

Day 13: Hurghada (B)

Day at leisure or your choice of Select and Mix Experience:

Select & Mix Optional Experiences:
* Mahmya Island Snorkelling
* Bedouin Experience

Day 14: Hurghada - Cairo (B)

Morning spent relaxing at your Red Sea resort before flying to Cairo (Option to extend for those interested in more diving or time relaxing on the Red Sea). Upon arrival into Cairo, your guide will meet you and, along with your private driver, take you to your hotel for check in. There will be time in the afternoon for a Select & Mix Experience should you choose.

Select & Mix Optional Experiences:
* Walk eat and Chat – Foodies tour of Cairo
* Cooking Class

Day 15: Cairo (B)

A guided morning exploring Cairo’s skyline from the Citadel, built by the famous Saladin, and then wander through bustling Khan el Khali markets. Afternoon at leisure or choose to explore more of Cairo with another Select & Mix Experience:

Select & Mix Optional Experiences:
* Medieval Cairo walking tour and tea
* Dinner Cruise on the Nile in Cairo

Day 16: Cairo (B)

One last Egyptian memory to be made as you are transferred by private vehicle through Cairo to the airport for your onward flight.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • VIP Meet and assistance including Egyptian Visa at Cairo Airport
  • Airport departure assistance
  • Private Airport Transfers
  • Accommodation in chosen class with private facilities:

    2N Cairo Pyramids area; 2N Alexandria; 2N Aswan; 3N Nile Cruise; 2N Luxor; 2N Hurghada; 2N Cairo downtown area

  • Daily Breakfast
  • All meals included on cruise
  • Personal driver in private A/C vehicle in Cairo; A/C transportation on Nile Cruise Sightseeing
  • Private sightseeing with Egyptologist Guide in Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan and Luxor;

    Group sightseeing with English speaking Egyptologist Guide on Nile Cruise

  • Domestic Flights; Cairo/Aswan and Hurghada/Cairo
  • Your choice of 3 Select & Mix Experiences
  • Upgraded entry to the Valley of the Kings including entrance to Tutunkhamun's and Ramses VI Tombs
  • Entrance Fees
  • Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

  • 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
  • Visas (unless specified)
  • Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

NOTES:

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.

Accommodation based on the below or similar

Cairo

First Class: Steigenberger Pyramids (Garden View Room)

Superior First Class: Hyatt Regency Cairo West (Pyramids View Room)

Alexandria:

First Class: Cecil (City View Room)

Superior First Class: Cecil Hotel (Sea View Room)

Nile Cruise:

First Class: Blue Shadow 1

Superior First Class: Sonesta Moon Goddess

Aswan:

First Class: Movenpick Aswan (Side Nile View Room)

Superior First Class: Movenpick Aswan (Nile View Room)

Luxor:

First Class: Sonesta St George Luxor (Nile View Room)

Superior First Class: Hilton Luxor Hotel (Garden View Room)

Hurghada

First Class: Marriott Hurghada Hotel (Standard Seaview Room)

Superior First Class: Marriott Hurghada Hotel (Standard Seaview Room)

Cairo City

First Class: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo (Standard City View Room)

Superior First Class: Cairo Marriott Hotel (Standard Room)

Cruising the Nile
Please use cruise itineraries as a guideline only. The order of sightseeing and overnight destinations may vary and are subject to change due to the operation of Esna Lock, or at the discretion of the of the cruise company. Should a change of boat be required due to any unforeseen circumstances prior to departure, an alternative of the same standard or better will be offered if available

There are many river boats that cruise between Luxor and Aswan. They provide accommodation and transportation for the majority of tourists travelling to Egypt. Each night and whilst moored for sightseeing, it is common for 4-5 cruise boats to be parked abreast of each other. The location of your boat will vary from port to port however in many cases your view from your cabin will be restricted to cruising periods only.

Sightseeing on Nile Cruise boats is operated by the cruise company. You will be allocated an English speaking guide and small group of other English speaking tourists for sightseeing upon embarkation. The order of sightseeing may vary depending on the local port authorities. If a tomb or temple is unable to be visited an alternative will be provided where possible.

Sightseeing (non cruise)
All sightseeing unless specified is on a private basis with a driver and guide. Sightseeing generally takes place in the cooler periods of the day ie early morning or late afternoon therefore on occasion some early starts may be necessary to avoid the heat

Valley of the Kings: Not all the tombs within the Valley are currently open to the public. Many are closed periodically for resting and renovation (Entrance fees to three tombs is included in tour packages. Entrance fees to Tutankhamen’s Tomb is not included. Currently EGP100pp - subject to change).

Ramadan
During the Holy Month of Ramadan Muslims fast, abstaining from eating, drinking & smoking during daylight hours (approx. 7am-6.30pm). As a sign of respect, tourists should also try to refrain eating in public during the fasting hours. Restaurants and Cafes in Hotels and Cruise boats will be open, however limited alcohol may be available over this time. In 2024, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Sunday 10th March. After 30 days, or on sighting the full moon, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated & most public and private institutions close for at least three days.

Domestic Flights in Egypt
Flight times will reconfirmed by the local operator upon arrival in Egypt.
Note, Flights from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor generally involve early morning starts due to flight schedules in the summer season. For flights to Abu Simbel certain flights are allocated to clients travelling for day trips from Cairo and overnight programmes. These flights are set by Egypt air and are outside of the operators control

Dress Codes
Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites – Men: Long pants, Women – skirt or long pants and shoulders covered.

Hotels
Hotels in regional areas (i.e Abu Simbel/ Siwa/ St Catherine ) can be of a lower standard than the properties in the main tourist centres., with more basic/ less developed infrastructure due to location and surrounding conditions. The options chosen are the best available.

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.

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