Egypt

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

Trip code: W08NC

Guided group walking

8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1
Leisurely

Flights
available

Operated by
Exodus Travels

Printed route
directions

SUMMARY

  • Operated by our sister company, Exodus
  • Join an expert Egyptologist to discover ancient wonders and cruise the Nile Marvel at the magnificent Giza pyramids and mysterious Sphinx Uncover thousands of years of history, visiting crumbling temples and pharaoh tombs Journey down the Nile on a stylish boat with a pool and a felucca Discover Nubian culture in the laid-back town of Aswan

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners All accommodation (see accommodation section) All transport and listed activities

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Unlock the wonders of Ancient Egypt and cruise down the Nile on this adventure led by an expert Egyptologist. Starting in Cairo, we marvel at the Giza Pyramids and Great Sphinx, while also taking time to discover the modern side of the capital. Then cruise from Luxor to Aswan along the Nile, watching local life pass, while also visiting the spectacular Edfu and Kom Ombo temples. The lush banks and beautiful sunsets, together with the excellent on-board facilities, make this an unforgettable way to travel.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Start Cairo

Welcome to Cairo, the capital of Egypt, where the ancient and modern worlds connect seamlessly. Cairo flights can arrive late, and the visa process can take some time. Therefore, we recommend flying into Cairo a day earlier and adding an extra night at your start hotel. There are some excellent sightseeing options available in Cairo if you wish to see more. Speak to your sales representative to book. Accommodation: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)

Day 2: Visit the Pyramids at Giza, the Egyptian Museum, El Azhar Mosque and Cairo's lively bazaar

We begin our day with a welcome briefing with your leader (usually at 7am or 7.30 am) and a chance to meet the other members of your group. Please have your breakfast before the briefing and be sure that you bring your insurance details as the leader needs to gather this information. First on our sightseeing is a visit to Giza, home to the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus and the mysterious Great Sphinx. Only the throng of sightseers milling around their huge foundations keep you in the 21st century. We next pay a visit to the incredible Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which contains relics dating back to 4,000 BCE, including the fantastic riches of Tutankhamun's tomb. Here is a unique opportunity to survey the many fabulous treasures of Egypt in one place and to set the scene for the rest of the adventure. For the remainder of our tour we experience modern Cairo with visits to Al Azhar mosque (the oldest mosque and university in Cairo and still very much in use) (could be closed without prior notice according to authorities) and the small alleyways and streets that make up the bazaar. Please note that we will need to cover up at the mosque (long sleeves and trousers, long skirt for women) and women will also need to cover their hair with a scarf. Please note: When the Grand Egyptian Museum is fully open, we will go there instead of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities.  Accommodation: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)

Day 3: Fly to Luxor; visit Karnak and Luxor temples. Board cruise boat; free afternoon to explore

We typically transfer to Cairo airport before sunrise for our flight to Luxor (flight times can vary but we need to be at the airport three hours before the flight so expect a wake up around 2am). A breakfast box will be provided. On arrival, we visit Luxor Temple and the huge Karnak Temple complex on the east bank of the Nile. Built more than 1,500 years, Karnak is a mixture of pylons, courtyards, halls and sanctuaries. The Hypostyle Hall has 134 columns, some of which are more than 75ft (23m) high. We arrive at our cruise boat in time for lunch on board before free time in the afternoon to relax or explore Luxor. Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)

Day 4: Valley of the Kings; two days on the Nile with visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo en route

This morning, we leave our boat very early morning (this timing is to ensure we are back at the boat for the commencement of the cruise time) for  a bus ride to the the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile. The valley contains the once-hidden tombs of more than 62 pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses III and IV. A discreet entrance in the hillside takes visitors underground; a series of corridors and antechambers leads us down to the burial chamber and sarcophagus. The walls are covered in brightly painted images and hieroglyphs – a map of the afterlife to ensure the king’s safe passage. One ticket allows us to see three tombs. The ticket usually allows entry into what are regarded as the most impressive tombs, but, if you have time, a visit to the tomb of Ramses VI (extra ticket), entry to Tutankhamun’s tomb (extra ticket), payable locally are recommended. Visits to tombs are now strictly controlled to halt further deterioration of wall paintings – each tomb is periodically closed for a number of weeks. On crowded days, make sure to have a quick visit to each of the included tombs if you want to add extra tombs as your leader will give a fixed meeting time in order to return to the cruise boat before it sails. On return to our cruise boat we begin our voyage along the Nile, travelling upstream from Luxor to Aswan. Exact sailing and excursion times cannot be guaranteed for each individual trip but we will visit the temples of Edfu, famed for its roofed inner temples and huge Pylon, in the morning of Day 5. In the late afternoon on Day 5, we visit Kom Ombo temple, before setting sail for Aswan where we will overnight. The sunsets over the Nile are truly stunning and travelling from Luxor to Aswan, enjoying the beauty of the verdant landscape, makes this journey special. Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)

Day 5: Continue Nile cruise; optional visit to Abu Simbel

Today there's the option of a visit to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel 186mi (300km) to the south through the Nubian Desert. Built by Ramses II, the two temples are certainly some of the most spectacular in Egypt. Originally on the banks of the Nile, the temples were raised to a new site above the lake in the late 1960s, as the waters from the new Lake Nasser rose behind the Aswan High Dam. The four great seated statues of Ramses II stare east towards the rising sun. You have the option to add this excursion by bus or plane, in both instances you are picked up from the boat early in the morning with a breakfast box, and arrive back to Aswan in the afternoon. We arrive at the destination around 8am, where we are given approximately two hours in the area to visit the temples. For those flying to Abu Simbel, please note that timing will be different.     Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)

Day 6: Disembark cruise; tour of bazaar or optional excursion to Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam and Cleopatra's Unfinished Obelisk

After breakfast on board, we disembark and have a full day in Aswan. This is a laid-back town that reflects the character of its largely Nubian inhabitants, known for being friendly and hospitable. By virtue of its position on the old caravan route, it has always been a trading centre and we thoroughly recommend visiting the packed bazaar today, where merchants display spices, carpets, leather goods and countless other wares. There is also the option to visit the Nubian Museum, situated opposite our usual hotel in Aswan (please ask your tour director if you are interested and when it can be arranged). Opened in April 1998, the museum chronologically charts the history and culture of the Nubian people. Alternatively, we can arrange an optional visit to Philae Temple. In the 1970s it was relocated by Unesco to Aglika Island after it became evident that the original site of Philae would submerge on completion of the Aswan High Dam. It represents a magnificent and enduring testament to both ancient and modern engineering. During this excursion we will also visit Aswan High Dam and Cleopatra's Unfinished Obelisk. Accommodation: Basma Hotel (or similar)

Day 7: Optional visit to Nubian museum; afternoon felucca ride

Today is our last in Aswan. Our morning is free to relax or book an optional excursion to St Simone Monastery or a nearby Nubian museum. In the afternoon, we explore the Nile by felucca, the traditional Egyptian sailing boat. Using the felucca, we can truly savour the tranquillity of the Nile and the beauty of the surrounding landscape, where the vast desert almost reaches the water's edge. (The timings of the felucca sailing might be changed according to weather conditions). Accommodation: Basma Hotel (or similar)

Day 8: End Aswan

You’ve marvelled at the Great Pyramids, gazed at King Tut’s treasures and journeyed down the Nile. Now, however, it’s time to start your return journey home. Of course, if you’re not quite ready for the adventure to end, talk to your sales representative about extending your stay – Egypt has a lifetime of wonders to discover.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £475.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into your destination with onward rail and road transfers as appropriate. To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

Transportation

Road transport is by private air-conditioned mini/midi-bus and Egypt's roads are generally good. Travelling is generally restricted to a few hours a day and the mode of transport is varied. As detailed above, during our trip we use a cruise ship and felucca.

Joining Instructions

nKey information Start hotel: Cairo Pyramids Steigenberger Hotel, Cairo - Alexandria Desert Rd, Kafr Nassar, Pyramids, Giza Governorate 3515011 Phone: +20 2 33772555 Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm Airport: Cairo (CAI) Getting to the start hotel The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times. Catching your return flight There’s a group departure transfer to Aswan International Airport (ASW) that is scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer. n
OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares
  • Transfer upgrade

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

Great trip. Thank you. Rania was excellent. Would have loved wifi in the rooms on the boat rather than having to sit in the reception area to work/send messages. Overall a great experience.

I highly recommend booking this trip if you want a fascinating exploration through ancient and modern Egypt. We got to see so many places that felt straight out of a National Geographic documentary! We had a small group of seven plus our exceptional tour guide named Rania who helped make this truly the trip of a lifetime. I have been a lot of cool places in the world but I believe this may be this coolest thing I have ever done. 10/10

This is my 8th booking with Headwater as they are very professional, answer emails promptly and have a great product. The Walks are all well researched and in the best locations. It’s a pleasure doing business with them.

10 Oct 2024

Megan dealt with my requests efficiently and promptly, making the changes required.

14 Feb 2024

Excellent. I liked the call back service. It saved time hanging on the phone

Catherine Mcgowan, 5 Jan 2024


Guided group walking

8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1
Leisurely

Flights
available

Operated by
Exodus Travels

Printed route
directions

8 nights from £1649

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199