Upper Egypt and the Eternal Nile

Awake in the shadows of the Pyramids. Today’s exploration begins at the ancient capital of Memphis where you will visit the Step Pyramids of Sakkara – the oldest surviving Egyptian pyramid. Continue on to the most iconic of Egypt’s monuments at the impressive site of Giza. Constructed approximately 4500 years ago the Pyramids of Mycerinus, Chefren and the Great Pyramid of Cheops are the only survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Face the mystical Sphinx reputedly used as target practice by Napoleon’s troops. This evening attend the inspiring Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids.

From the oldest buildings in Egypt to one of the newest. Today’s trip with your Egyptologist takes you to the massive and inspirational GEM Museum the largest archaeological museum in the world. This stunning new museum showcases the ancient discoveries of Pharaonic Egypt. Using the latest architecture and technology this museum brings to life and display the pharaonic civilisation like it has never been seen before. (The GEM currently has a soft opening with some exhibits available). Upon completion of the tour you will be transferred to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor.

On arrival in Luxor you will be transferred by private veihcle to your hotel where accommodation has been reserved for two nights. This afternoon continue to retrace history and uncover a world of ancient gods and legends in Luxor.

This morning visit the Temple of Medinat Habu which is the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III. Continue to the house of famed archaeologist Howard Carter. Neglected for a long time, the house has been restored to its former state under the guidance of the famous Egyptologist & Archaeologist Dr Zahi Hawass. It is a fascinating insight into the life of the man who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun after years of searching the Valley of the Kings.

In the afternoon, return to the East Bank and visit the Mummification Museum. The ancient Egyptians believed that in order for a person to reach the afterlife, it was essential that both their body and their name remained, so their Soul would be transported from one life to the next. To achieve this the mummification rituals were developed to preserve the body. The museum contains several human and animal mummies as well as the tools and the canopic jars needed for the ritual. Evening at leisure or to explore the markets of Luxor. Overnight Luxor.

Leisurely morning before embarking on your Nile cruise. This afternoon visit the magnificent Luxor Temple built in the 14th century BC by two kings – Amenophis III and Ramses II. Follow the Avenue of the Sphinx to the Karnak Temple complex and gaze in awe at this imposing monument housing precious relics of Ancient Egyptian dynasties.

Today cross to the West Bank and visit Thebes Necropolis and the burial ground of the Pharaohs – the Valley of the Kings – where Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. An upgraded ticket to the Valley of the Kings including entrance to boy king Tutankhamun’s Tomb and to Ramses VI Tomb, which has less visitors and allows for easier access. Proceed to the nearby Valley of the Queens the mortuary temple of Hatchepsut and the Colossi of Memnon facing the Nile. Explore the myriad of tombs and temples before cruising via Esna lock to Edfu.

Innovative Bonus: Entry into Tutankhamun and Ramses VI included

Savour breakfast aboard your vessel as you cruise on to the Temple of Horus one of the best preserved temples of the Greco- Roman era. Continue cruising to Kom Ombo and visit the Temple shared by two Gods – Sobek & Horus. The temple is perfectly symmetrical ensuring neither god was offended. The collection of crocodile mummies held here is fascinating, as are the frescoes which depict such scientific knowledge as surgical equipment and a pre-Georgian calendar. Later sail to Aswan and dine aboard your vessel.

Take a local boat across to the Philae Temple dedicated to the goddess Isis and rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam’s construction. This temple is said to be where Isis buried the body of her beloved husband Osiris. Later visit the High Dam the Old Dam and the ‘unfinished Obelisk’ lying in the ancient granite quarries of Aswan.

Disembark this morning and let the natural beauty of Aswan capture your imagination. Sail in a felucca around the lush islands of Aswan and view the Agha Khan Mausoleum. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Aswan’s markets and sip a drink on the banks of the Nile. Overnight Aswan.

Optional morning tour to Abu Simbel. (Supplement applies)

This morning you will be tranferred by private vehicle to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo, a modern cosmopolitan capital with a rich heritage of cultural influences & echoes of ancient civilisations. Depart on your private sightseeing tour with the choice of visiting either Old Cairo’s Coptic Churches, including the Hanging Church, the Roman Fortress and the unique Ben Ezra Synagogue; Or a visit to Mohammed Ali Mosque, wander through the hustle and bustle of Khan El Khalili Bazaar and drive to view the Citadel dominating Cairo’s skyline. Later, explore the famous Egyptian Museum and marvel at the millennia-old treasures it contains.

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

• VIP Meet and assistance prior to immigration at Cairo Airport
• Egyptian Visa for US, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and UK Passport holders
• Airport departure assistance
• Air-conditioned transfers and transportation
• Accommodation in chosen hotel category with private facilities
• 4 night Nile cruise
• Domestic flights (Cairo/Luxor and Aswan/Cairo)
• Daily breakfasts
• All meals on the cruise (4 lunches & 4 dinners)
• Professional local English-speaking guides
• Activities & entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Entrance fees
• Upgraded entry to the Valley of the Kings including entrance to Tutunkhamun's and Ramses VI Tombs
• 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
• 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.