Cultural Egypt
Day 1: Arrival into Cairo
Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival in Cairo you will be transferred to your hotel. The day is at lesiure until the group meeting around 530 PM. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 2: Pyramids of Giza & Saqqara
Start the day with a visit to Al Jizah, the famous Giza Plateau to see the iconic pyramids and Sphinx. Next we explore the sand-strewn tombs and temples of the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, home to the Zhoser’s step pyramid. We will return back to hotel early evening, overnight in Cairo.
Day 3: Explore Cairo
After breakfast our city tour of Cairo begins with a visit to the incredible Egyptian Museum - home to countless ancient artifacts including the Tutankhamun exhibition. We then continue our tour of Cairo with a trip to the Citadel and the Mohamed Ali mosque which overlook the city. The maze like streets and the bustling bazaars of Khan-el-Khalili market are next before we end the day exploring the fascinating churches of Coptic Cairo – both the hanging church of St. Mary’s (one of Egypt’s oldest churches) and St. Sergio which is believed to have been visited by the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 4: Fly to Aswan, Philae Temple and High Dam Tour
This morning starts with a leisurely breakfast before we transfer you to the airport for the short flight south to Aswan, arrive and begin our tour of the Nubian region by visiting the impressive Aswan High Dam on the way to the stunningly beautiful Philae Temple. Surrounded by water many believe this to be the most picturesque temple in the whole of Egypt. We also visit the unfinished Obelisk before transferring you to your hotel for overnight. The rest of the day is free to explore the colorful souks of Aswan. (Breakfast at Hotel & Lunch at local restaurant) Day 5: Aswan / St. Simone / Nubian Village Today we start our day with a visit to St. Simone monastery (Prepare yourself for a wonderful camel or horse riding during this short tour) today we will explore the whole Nubian cultural as we cross over the Nile to the Nubian village to see the Nubian houses and Life, we will enjoy our lunch at a local Nubian house. Returning to Cario for a free afternoon. Overnight in Cario.
Day 6: Aswan, Abu Simbel, Aswan / Felucca Boat
Early morning drive to Abu Simbel to explore this amazing site. Upon arrival at the famous Sun Temples of Ramses II, we enjoy a fully guided tour of the site and find out exactly how these beautiful temples were reclaimed from the Nile when the Dam was built. After lunch return back to Aswan to embark on a Felucca boat for a 2-night journey downstream on the River Nile, stopping at villages and islands along the way. Overnight on a Felucca. Basic sleeping arrangments with support boat for meals and washrooms.
Day 7: Felucca Boat, Kom Ombo
Admire the views, go for a swim and chill out in the sun on deck. Let your troubles melt away, as the felucca plies its route. In the afternoon we dock near Kom Ombo and take a motorboat to visit the temple, the temple at Kom Ombo is dedicated to two gods – Harveris the Sun God and Sobek the Crocodile God, don’t miss the mummified crocodiles!! Then return to the felucca for the night. Overnight on a Felucca. Basic sleeping arrangments with support boat for meals and washrooms.
Day 8: Disembarking Felucca, Edfu Temple & Drive to Luxor
This morning we disembark and continue to Luxor. En route we stop to visit Edfu Temple with a horse and carriage ride, it is widely regarded as one of the best preserved in the whole of Egypt. Continue driving to Luxor, Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000-year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its best. Enjoy some rest and relaxation, later this evening we will visit Luxor temple at night. Overnight in Luxor.
Day 9: Luxor, West Bank Tour
Have an early start this morning to avoid the crowds and make the most of cooler temperatures for our tour of the West Bank sites.. Beginning at the Colossi of Memnon we then visit the fabled Valley of the Kings burial site and the mortuary temple of Ramses III (Medinet Habu). End our morning at the excursion at the historic temple of Queen Hatshepsut. In the afternoon we return back to Luxor and visit the Karnak Temple. Overnight in Luxor.
Day 10: Fly to Sharm El Sheikh
After breakfast transfer to the Luxor airport to board our flight to Sharm El Sheikh via Cairo. Upon arrival in Sharm el Sheikh we will check in the hotel for a free afternoon. For those who want to we will have a walking in the evening around the colourful bazaars and try some local treats.
Overnight in Sharm El Sheikh.
Day 11: Explore Sharm El Sheikh
Today enjoy a city tour to visit both of Old & New Sharm El Sheikh including a walking area and the biggest mosque in Sharm el Sheikh. There will be some free time to walk the bazaars as well. Overnight in Sharm El Sheikh.
Day 12: Sharm el Sheikh, St. Catherine, Sharm El Sheikh.
Travel to Saint Catherine which is a city in the South Sinai Governorate. It is located at the outskirts of the El Tur Mountains at an elevation of 1,586 m, 120 km away from Nuweiba, at the foot of Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine's Monastery. We will visit the monastery and take in the breath taking views around it. Journey back to Sharm el Sheikh for our last night by the beach. Overnight in Sharm El Sheikh.
Day 13: Fly to Cairo, Alexandria
Today we fly from Sharm El Sheikh to Cairo where we will have lunch and drive to Alexandria which is 180 km to the northwest of Cairo.
Overnight in Alexandria.
Day 14: Cairo, Alexandria, Cairo
Today we will explore the city which has a cool and pleasant Mediterranean temper. Visit the Pompey's Pillar and the Roman era catacombs of Kom el-Shukafa. Later this afternoon visit both of old & New Alexandria including the library of Alexandria, national museum and see and the roman amphitheatre. In the late afternoon we will return to Cairo for our farwell dinner. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 15: Depart Cairo
After breakfast you will be transfered to the airport for your final departure.
Inclusions
12 Nights Accommodation in 3/4 star hotels based on twin share
2 Nights Basic sleeping on Felucca Boat communal top of the deck sleeping area
3 Domestic airfare - Cairo/Aswan, Luxor/Sharm El Sheikh, Sharm El Sheikh/Cairo
Felucca from Aswan to Luxor
Breakfast from Day 2 to 15 / Lunch from Day 2 to 14 / Dinner Day 1, 6/7, 10 to 14
Private air-conditioned vehicle as per itinerary
Arrival and departure airport transfers in Cairo
English speaking National guide
English speaking Walkabout Journeys leader
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Sightseeing as per itinerary
Water while sightseeing
Excluded
nternational flights & Domestic not included
Drinks of all kinds (Except water while sightseeing
Optional activities not listed as included
Medical/evacuation/cancellation insurance strongly suggested
Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, room service, etc
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Gratuities to tour leader (approximately $14 per passenger per day)
Gratuities of any kind (Porterage/hotel and restaurant staff/drivers/etc