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 to the most iconic of Egypt’s monuments at the impressive site of Giza. Construction began in 2690 BC, 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.

From the oldest buildings in Egypt to one of the newest. Today’s trip with your Egyptologist-guide takes you to the massive and inspirational GEM Museum, the largest archaeological museum in the world. This stunning new museum, dedicated to the boy king Tutankhamun, showcases the ancient discoveries of Pharaonic Egypt. Using the latest architecture and technology the museum brings to life and displays the pharaonic civilisation like it has never been seen before. The GEM is currently in a “soft opening” phase, and you will have an opportunity to see the grand statue of Ramses II, relocated from Tahrir Square dominating the foyer, plus many other ancient Egyptian wonders.

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 vehicle to your hotel where accommodation has been reserved for two nights.

This morning you will be met by your private Egyptologist-guide then head out to discover 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 and 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 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. After lunch on board your cruise ship you will head out to 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. Dinner on board. Overnight Luxor.

In the early hours of the morning your cruise ship will cross the Esna locks and sail for Edfu. Following breakfast on board you will set out to 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. Return to the ship mid-morning and continue sailing to Kom Ombo. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the ship prior to a late afternoon visit to 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. There will be a Galabeya party on board this evening.

Early this morning your ship will set sail for Aswan. After breakfast visit the High Dam, the Granite Quarries and the beautifully restored Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis (the mother of Horus). This remarkable temple was rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam’s construction. Return for a leisurely lunch on board your cruise ship before setting off mid-afternoon to sail by traditional felucca around Kitchener’s Island with a view of the Agha Khan Mausoleum. This evening attend dinner and a Nubian folkloric show on board.

Optional (surcharge applies): Half day or overnight visit to Abu Simbel

Disembark from your cruise this morning after breakfast. You will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your Aswan hotel where accommodation is reserved for one night. Remainder of the day at leisure. Let the natural beauty of Aswan capture your imagination, explore the markets and/or sip a drink on the banks of the Nile. Overnight Aswan.

This morning you will be 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.

Meet your private Egyptologist-guide and embark on a journey through Egypt's rich history. Your first stop is the magnificently curated National Museum of Ancient Civilizations. The Museum’s vision is to bring the rich tapestry of tangible and intangible Egyptian heritage to life within a vibrant cultural, artistic and scientific context.  

After a break for lunch (own arrangements) walk through Old Cairo with your guide. 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.

OPTION: You have the option to replace the visit to the Ancient Civilisation Museum with a visit of Coptic Cairo where you will explore iconic Coptic churches, including the renowned Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, mosque of Amr ibn al-As and the Coptic Museum.  

This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle 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
• 24/7 service and full local backup from our seven regional offices throughout Egypt
• 6 nights’ accommodation in hotels specified with private facilities
• Daily breakfasts at hotels
• 4-night Nile Cruise on full board basis
• Private transfers in air-conditioned transportation
• Economy Class domestic flights Cairo/Luxor and Aswan/Cairo
• Private sightseeing in Cairo and Luxor with English-speaking Egyptologist-guide
• Group sightseeing on Nile Cruise with English-speaking Egyptologist-guide
• Bonus entry into the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI included
• 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
• 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 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.