This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 1 out of 5
Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. Options include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day trips for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
River cruises are a relaxed, informal way to travel - there are fewer passengers on board compared to an ocean cruise, which means ample opportunity to make lifelong friends. You will pass through the world's most loved cities and towns; disembark and enjoy a shore excursion or two, or simply wander around and explore on your own.
✓ Small, intimate group experience – no more than 7 people
✓ Incredible sightseeing including guided tours of The Pyramids, Sphinx, Sakkara & Memphis, Salah El Deen Citadel, Mohamed Ali Mosque, Old Cairo, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Memnon, Karnak & Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Temple of Philae & Abu Simbel
✓ 8 nights accommodation in selected 5 star hotels
✓ 4 nights Dahabiya Nile Cruise
✓ Breakfast daily, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
✓ Included internal flights in economy class from Cairo to Luxor & Aswan to Cairo
✓ Expert Egyptologist guided tours
✓ Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Egypt. On arrival at Cairo airport you will be warmly welcomed by your guide who will transfer you by air-conditioned car to your hotel & assist with your hotel check in. Following a briefing about tomorrow's activities the remainder of the day is free.
A buzzing metropolis, home to at least 19 million people, Cairo gives you a great feel for Egyptian streetlife. It’s busy – almost frantic – and among the hustle and bustle, it’s an exciting blend of old world and new. Arabs call this city Umm al-Dunya (the mother of the world).
Please note that standard check in is 3pm. Should you be arriving earlier in the day, the hotel can hold your luggage until your room is ready.
After breakfast meet your guide for an exciting day of sightseeing. First, we head to Saqqara, the necropolis of Memphis, where you'll find the iconic step pyramid, the first limestone structure ever built. Explore the fascinating 4350-year-old coloured tombs in the area. You'll even get the chance to venture inside a pyramid and witness the ancient Hieroglyphics engraved on its walls, preserving history for thousands of years.
Afterward, proceed to the awe-inspiring Giza Pyramids. These monumental structures are the only surviving wonders of the ancient world and continue to captivate visitors from all corners of the globe. Prepare to be inspired and overwhelmed by their grandeur.
As the day comes to a close, you'll be transferred back to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
Today is free to further explore the bustling city of Cairo. Why not venture to the fascinating laneways of Khan el-Khalili souq, or take a stroll along the Nile. Alternatively you may choose an optional day tour to the seaside city of Alexandria.
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Alexandria. Travel in comfort, traversing the desert road for approximately 2.5 hours until you reach the captivating city of Alexandria.
The first stop on your adventure will be the remarkable Catacombs of Kom el Shoukafa, an underground wonder adorned with ornate carvings and paintings. This unique site showcases a captivating blend of Roman and Egyptian designs and stands as Egypt's largest Roman Funerary complex, dating back to the second century A.D.
Continuing your journey, you will visit the impressive Citadel of the fort Qaitbey. Positioned at the farthest point of the harbour, this citadel stands on the site once occupied by the legendary Pharos, Alexandria's ancient lighthouse.
Next, pay a visit to the revered Morsi Abu Alabas Mosque, and afterward, explore the world-renowned Alexandria Library, a symbol of knowledge and learning. Immerse yourself in the cultural richness and literary heritage housed within its walls.
As the day concludes, bid farewell to Alexandria and embark on your return journey to Cairo via the desert road.
Today, embark on a tour of Islamic Cairo, where you will visit the Citadel, a breathtaking medieval fortress dating back to the 12th century, majestically perched on a hill above the city. Within the Citadel lies the Mosque and Tomb of the esteemed Ottoman ruler, Mohamed Ali. Continue your journey to the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, renowned for housing religious schools representing the four main Sunni Muslim sects.
Next, explore the Egyptian Museum with a two hour guided tour. The museum is home to one of the world's great collections of antiquities. Wander the treasure-filled halls of the museum, a highlight of which is the masses of gleaming artefacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Discover the Copts, who constitute the majority of Egyptian Christians and are considered descendants of the Ancient Egyptians. They were among the first peoples to embrace Christianity.
Conclude your enriching tour and transfer to Cairo airport for a domestic flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in and a comfortable overnight stay.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting your guide for an exciting excursion to the West Bank of Luxor. Explore the renowned Valley of the Kings, where you'll receive explanations about the tombs to be visited. While the tomb of Tut-Ankh-Amun is not included in the visit, your guide will provide insights into other accessible tombs.
Next, marvel at the breathtaking Temple of Der el Bahari, dedicated to the funerary cult of Queen Hatshepsut. Behold the grandeur of the Statues of Memnon before concluding the tour and returning to the hotel.
Today explore the incredible Abuelhagag Mosque, the historic Luxor Temple, and the grand Karnak Temple, the largest temple in the world, dedicated to the worship of the Almighty God of the New Empire, "god Amun."
Afterwards, embark on a scenic 45-minute drive to Esna, where you'll check in at the Dahabiya Sail Boat. Get ready for a delightful and relaxing stay on the Dahabiya.
Awake this morning to your first full day on the River Nile, where you will explore more remarkable places.
El Kab, situated on the East bank of the Nile, holds a rich history as the former capital of Upper Egypt. It remains home to the revered temple of Nekhbet and a captivating row of decorated tombs carved into the mountainside. Upon docking, you'll take a delightful walk through a charming fishermen village to explore the intriguing necropolis.
In the afternoon, the boat will reach Edfu, where you'll find the magnificent temple dedicated to the god Horus, one of the best-preserved Egyptian temples.
As the day winds down, the boat will set sail for a serene and picturesque island, offering a peaceful and enchanting setting.
Today offers plenty of time to relax as we sail this narrow stretch of the Nile, flanked by two mountain ranges, it offers a unique and exclusive experience. At this captivating site, you'll often find yourself as the sole visitors, as large Nile cruisers are prohibited from stopping here. Explore the intriguing small temple of Horemheb and wander through the ancient sandstone quarries, once used to cut stones for many renowned temples.
Continuing your journey, you'll sail to a picturesque riverbank, a perfect spot to pause for a delightful lunch and a refreshing swim.
After a night on the water, the morning trip will take you to the town and temple of Kom Ombo. The temple was built during the Ptolemaic period on the site of an older temple and at one of the most beautiful locations, on a bend on the river. The temple was dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god. After enjoying the temple, you will visit the new Crocodile Museum, which contains many mummified crocodiles, attesting to the importance the creature played in this region in ancient times.
Awake to the beautiful sight of the desert closing in on the river at Aswan Bridge. Here your cruise comes to an end but your adventure continues with a visit to the beautiful Temple of Philae, dedicated to the worship of the Goddess of Love, the Goddess Isis.
This afternoon explore the cataracts of a traditional Felucca sailing boat.
An early start today as we drive in air conditioned comfort to Abu Simbel. A tasty breakfast box will be provided by your hotel.
This ancient site, known as Meha in ancient times, has a rich history dating back to the 18th Dynasty, with rock-cut chapels hewn in the hills by Ay and Horemheb to the south.
Upon arrival, prepare to be amazed as you explore the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples, built by the great king Ramses II. The first and largest temple is dedicated to the famous god Rahorakhty, while the second, smaller temple honours Ramses II and his beloved wife, queen Nefertari.
After an enriching tour, it's time to head back to Aswan. Enjoy the scenic journey, which takes approximately 3 hours by road.
The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore the local markets.
Today we'll leave Aswan and take the short flight back to Cairo. After checking into your hotel the remainder of the day is free for any last minute sightseeing or shopping for souvenirs.
Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of ancient Egypt with a visit to the Egyptian Civilization Museum. Prepare to be amazed by the museum's extraordinary collection, which includes the famed royal mummies displayed in an all-new interactive exhibit. This cutting-edge technology from the 21st century allows you to peer beneath the ancient wrappings and unravel their long-held secrets.
Following the museum, get ready to treat your taste buds to the very best local delights. Prepare for a gastronomic adventure as you indulge in the authentic flavours of Cairo's traditional food and beverages. Over the course of three delightful hours, explore an array of delicious dishes, all while learning about their recipes and the unique ingredients that make them so special.
As you stroll through the bustling streets, your journey will reveal the essence of daily life, customs, and traditions that have shaped the city's rich heritage.
Unfortunately, today marks the end of your incredible tour through Egypt. At the appropriate time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
We hope you've been inspired.
Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”1”
Leisurely Paced Tour: A general level of fitness and mobility is required for this tour. The itinerary includes ample free time and you will not be impacted by stairs and uneven terrain. Where coach transportation is included, you will be required to get on and off the coach with ease.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. At the commencement of your tour you will be asked to provide tipping to your guide towards a ‘kitty’, which is then used towards the guide tipping for the services of helpers, hotel staff, restaurants and airport porterage. We suggest USD$5 (AUD$7 approx) per person towards the kitty. Please note that this tipping is not for the guide, merely for the guide to tip the services of the driver and local workers during your tour. While not made compulsory, if you choose not to contribute to the kitty it means that the guide is tipping for these services out of their own pocket. Your cooperation in this instance is most appreciated.
Tipping for your guide will be collected at the conclusion of their services. To remove the uncertainty and stress of not knowing how much is appropriate to tip we recommend USD$6-8 (AUD$8-12 approx) per person per day. The amount you wish to contribute is dependent on the services received and at the complete discretion of the guest. Thank you for your understanding.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,577.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visas may be required.
Group Size
Minimum: 2
Maximum: 7
Note the Dahabiya cruise may be shared with other guests
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
This package is sold as land only, however you do have the option of adding international airfares to your booking. Simply click on’ book now’, and under upgrades , you will be asked “Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?”
By selecting this option Inspiring Vacations will contact you to discuss adding flights to your chosen destination. We can assist with flying the airline of your choice to turn your booking into a flight inclusive package.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Click HERE for more information on weather in Egypt.
28 Feb 2023
Egypt, a land of ancient wonders and rich culture, is a traveller's dream. But, when is the best time to go? A trip to Egypt is like a voyage back in time. With ancient monuments, temples and landscapes that will simply blow your mind, Egypt is timeless, completely unique and absolutely unforgettable. There are tw...
28 Feb 2023
Deserts are home to some breathtaking scenery, but their harsh climates require preparation From the rolling dunes of the Egyptian Sahara to the rugged Sinai Peninsula, Egypt is a haven for those seeking desert experiences. But the climate isn’t to be taken lightly. For the most enjoyable experience, assess your clos...
28 Feb 2023
Get acquainted with local customs to fully enjoy your stay 1. Apply for an e-visa, or organise visa upon arrival For many citizens, it costs the same amount to organise an e-visa, as it does to purchase a visa upon arrival. Australian visitors are eligible for a single entry visa, which is valid for 30 days and costs...
23 Feb 2023
This pharaonic holiday is one of Egypt’s oldest celebrations Every year on Orthodox Easter Monday, Egyptians across the country unite to celebrate Sham El-Nassim—one of the country’s oldest and most sacred occasions. In 2024, the event falls on May 6. Sham El-Nassim translates to ‘smelling the breeze’ in Arabic and c...
18 Aug 2021
From exploration to excitation: these are the pastimes for travellers who enjoy a change of pace 1. Snorkelling Whether you’re an experienced diver or someone who wants to learn in shallow waters, the coral reefs of the Red Sea are bustling with life and ready to be explored. In total, Egypt has 1,400 km of coastline...
18 Aug 2021
Egypt isn’t known for its cuisine – but it should be Food is a gateway into a country’s culture and history; it’s a way for travellers to get to know a place beyond the touristic facade and connect with local people. So for a country as old and storied as Egypt, it should come as no surprise that its cuisine is cheri...
18 Aug 2021
The appeal of these stunning sites is far from ancient history 1. The Pyramids of Giza Part of the Giza Necropolis – Egypt’s most-visited tourist attraction – are the three large Pyramids of Giza. The largest is the Great Pyramid of Giza – also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops. A royal tomb stan...
