Wonders of Egypt - Small Group, Winter
Wonders of Egypt - Small Group, Winter
$4195
Wonders of Egypt - Small Group, Winter
9 Days Starting and ending in Cairo, Egypt
Visiting: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Giza
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SWA945N20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the "Wonders of Egypt - Small Group, Winter" tour, where ancient history and vibrant culture come alive. Begin your adventure in Cairo, exploring the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza and the treasures of the Egyptian Museum. Fly to Luxor to start a luxurious Nile cruise, visiting the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Experience the unique double temple at Kom Ombo and the majestic Temple of Isis on Philae Island. In Aswan, enjoy a traditional felucca ride and high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel. This immersive tour offers authentic dining experiences, cultural insights, and the chance to connect with local communities, all guided by a professional Egyptologist. Discover the timeless allure of Egypt with this expertly curated itinerary.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Cairo
Location: Cairo
Accommodation: Hotel, Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino.
Accommodation Name: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and have time to relax and sample the hotels amenities after your journey. Refreshed and ready to embrace the intoxicating energy of this ancient and modern city
Day 2: Fly To Luxor, Cruise The Nile
Location: Luxor
Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall. Later, transfer to your cruise ship, your home for the next four nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor Museum, witness ancient artefacts and see two royal mummies. This evening, get to know your Travel Director, a professionally trained Egyptologist, as well as fellow guests over a welcome drink followed by dinner. The rest of the evening is yours at leisure, enjoy dinner on the ship before relaxing in its lounge or in the comfort of your room.
Day 3: Valley Of The Kings To Edfu
Location: Luxor
Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning travel by coach to the west bank of the Nile. See the Colossi of Memnon and visit both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs were buried, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun. Experience the renowned local hospitality of Egyptians during a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat. Connect with the community and share bread with the Bahirat family, whilst they regale guests with their fascinating stories of daily life. Visit Luxor Temple which was unearthed by Mariette in the 1860s, before returning to your cruise ship and sail via the Esna Lock to Edfu, for your overnight stay.
Day 4: Kom Ombo To Aswan Relaxed Start
Location: Aswan
Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the early morning sail to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple of Egypt dedicated to two gods. Discover the Temple, learning all about its ‘double’ and perfectly symmetrical design for the duo of gods – one side dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, the other to Horus the Elder the falcon god. Indulge your culinary side during an Egyptian cooking demonstration or tea with the Captain for your Insight Choice experience. This evening, enjoy a fun-filled traditional Egyptian themed dinner and galabeya party on board your ship.
Day 5: Aswan’S High Dam And Nile Felucca
Location: Aswan
Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).
Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, visit the Aswan High Dam and granite quarries, to see the enormous unfinished obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis. Rising from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae, it was the last temple built in the classical Egyptian style. Later, on a traditional Nile Felucca, meet a sailor and learn about traditional sailing practices. As the sun starts to fade, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel. The likes of Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie stayed at this pretty venue, and Christie supposedly wrote “Death on the Nile” from the hotel itself.
Day 6: Aswan And Back To Cairo Relaxed Start
Location: Aswan
Accommodation: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
Accommodation Name: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, disembark your cruise ship and enjoy time at leisure in Aswan. Why not join an optional experience and travel by air to the magnificent Temples of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel? These temples overlook Lake Nasser and are made up of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor. Otherwise, spend the morning as you wish. Perhaps soak up the African atmosphere in the Nubian bazaar or visit one of the many points of interest nearby, such as the Botanical Gardens, Elephantine Island and the Aga Khan Mausoleum. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo for the night.
Day 7: The Egyptian Museum And Citadel
Location: Cairo
Accommodation: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
Accommodation Name: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your city sightseeing with your Egyptologist by exploring the Cairo Citadel, a medieval Islamic-era fortification that served as the seat of the Egyptian government for almost seven centuries, and see the Great Alabaster Mosque. Later, visit the world-famous Egyptian Museum. Starring among its attractions is the amazing treasure recovered from Tutankhamun's tomb.
Day 8: The Great Pyramids Of Giza
Location: Giza
Accommodation: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
Accommodation Name: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino
Meals Included: Breakfast
Gain a deeper understanding of the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World during a visit to Giza with your Egyptologist. Meet the enigmatic Sphinx, crouching at the foot of the Chephrenís Causeway and venture inside one of the magnificent Pyramids. Nearby lies Memphis, capital of the Old Kingdom, where you can see the colossal statue of Ramesses II and the great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Sakkara to view the Step Pyramid of Zoser, which dates back to 2686 B.C., making it the oldest pyramid in the world. Meet the skilled artisans at a local weaving school for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Day 9: Depart Cairo
Location: Cairo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Aswan, including an Egyptian cooking demonstration and a tour of the Captain's quarters.
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Top Rated Highlights
Experience a scenic flight to Luxor, visit the Karnak temple complex, explore the Valley of the Kings, and enjoy a traditional Nile felucca ride.
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Make Travel Matter
Visit a local weaving school in Cairo to learn about traditional Egyptian carpet weaving.
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Authentic Dining
Enjoy a delightful drink and dinner in Luxor, an Egyptian dinner and galabeya party in Kom Ombo, and high tea at Aswan's Old Cataract Hotel.
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Dining Summary
Includes 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners with wine, 2 dinners, and 1 afternoon tea.
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Additional Included Highlights
Baggage handling, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage charges, and economy class flights between Cairo/Luxor and Aswan/Cairo are included.
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Insight Experiences
Visit a family home in Luxor for a tasting of authentic Egyptian sun bread.
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Well-being
Travel with a highly-skilled Travel Director and certified Egyptologist, enjoy luxury air-conditioned coach travel, and benefit from enhanced hygiene protocols.
What's Not Included
GratuitiesGratuities are not included for the Travel Director, Nile Cruise staff, Drivers, and Airport Escorts.
Dining Summary
8 Breakfast (B)4 Lunch (L)2 Dinner with Wine (DW)2 Dinner (D)1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
Additional Included Highlights
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.4 night Nile cruise aboard your mid-size cruise ship featuring air-conditioned cabins with private facilities, on either MS Medea, MS Miriam, MS Giselle, MS La Boheme or similar. Please note that gratuities are not included for the Travel Director, Nile Cruise staff, Drivers and Airport Escorts.Included economy class flights between Cairo/Luxor and Aswan/Cairo with transfers between airports and hotels.Complimentary transfers from/to Cairo Airport are available on arrival and departure days, or with additional accommodation booked through Insight Vacations.
Insight Experiences
Luxor: Enjoy listening to stories of village life from local residents, when you visit a family home for a tasting of authentic Egyptian sun bread.
Well-being
Our highly-skilled Travel Director and certified Egyptologist will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned coach with onboard washroom. Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom may be used on occasion. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with included economy class flights between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, and enjoy a four-night Nile cruise aboard a mid-size ship. Complimentary transfers from/to Cairo Airport are available on arrival and departure days.
Accommodation
Experience luxury at the Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino, and enjoy a four-night stay aboard the MS Medea or MS Miriam cruise ship, offering air-conditioned cabins with private facilities.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are offered in Aswan during the tour?
In Aswan, you can choose between an Egyptian cooking demonstration with a talented onboard chef or a tour of the Captain's quarters to learn about sailing the Nile. Additionally, you can enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, a venue frequented by Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie.
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What can I expect to see at the Valley of the Kings?
At the Valley of the Kings, you will visit the mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and explore the magnificent tombs of Egypt's Pharaohs with an Egyptologist. This includes the tombs of notable figures such as Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I, and Tutankhamun.
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What is special about the Kom Ombo temple visit?
The Kom Ombo temple is unique because it is the only double temple in Egypt, dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder, the falcon god. The temple's design is perfectly symmetrical to honor both deities.
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What activities are included in the tour of Cairo?
In Cairo, you will explore the Cairo Citadel and the Great Alabaster Mosque, visit the Egyptian Museum to see treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb, and experience the Sound & Light Show at the Great Pyramids. You will also visit the ancient capital of Memphis and the Saqqara Necropolis to view the Step Pyramid of Zoser.
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How does the tour incorporate local culture and community interaction?
The tour includes a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat, where you will connect with the local community and share bread with the Bahirat family. Additionally, in Luxor, you will visit a family home for a tasting of authentic Egyptian sun bread and meet skilled artisans at a local weaving school in Cairo.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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