Description
Youll be stunned by the majesty and sheer longevity of the Pyramids, get swept up in the bustle of Cairo and feel urban living drop away as you sail down the Nile. There are no half measures here: trinkets sit proudly next to ancient tombs and youll travel from dusty deserts to rich coastal resorts. Take in the history of Egypt with our expert Egyptologist guides but dont miss out on the contemporary scene with great bars, diving and quad biking all available.
The mighty Nile River is the longest in the world and you will discover it by luxury cruise boat. The Sinai desert is 96% uninhabited and is bordered to the east by the Red Sea: a diver’s paradise. In your free days in Dahab you can discover both.
See the Giza Pyramids, a wonder of the ancient world
> Sail up the Nile on a traditional Felucca
> Unearth the wonders of the Luxor and Karnak Temples & Aswan High Dam
> Be a beach bum in Dahab or try your hand at diving and water sports
> Explore Sinai Desert by camel
> Whats included: 10 nights accommodation (4 nights 3* hotel, 1 night 1st class overnight train (very limited exceptions when we use 2nd class), 2 nights on a Felucca, 3 nights beachside resort). All rooms are twin/triple share ensuite. All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 local dinners. Entrance fees to the Egyptian Museum, the Valley of the Kings, Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, Luxor & Karnak Temples, Kom Ombo and Aswan High Dam. All worth $125 plus a certified Egyptologist Guide, inbound airport transfer* and all your on-tour transport. *Free airport transfer to The Victoria Hotel only. Check your booking confirmation for details.
> Local payment of $45 USD for tipping fund
FREE TIME
> Nubian Village
> Giza and Luxor light and sound show
> Bedouin camel rides and tea
> 4x4 quad safari in Dahab
Day 1: Cairo - Pre Departure Meeting
Upon arrival at Cairo International airport you will be met by a Busabout representative (once you clear customs) who will arrange your airport shuttle. Soon enough youll be in the middle of cars, trucks, buses, mopeds, donkeys and pedestrians as they fight for space on the overcrowded roads. Once youre checked in to the hotel join up with the group for an evening orientation walk and the option of having dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants.
Overnight: Cairo (Hotel) Info on free airport transfer click here
Day 2: Cairo - Aswan
Today is all about exploring Cairo, the capital city of Egypt and known as the ‘The City of a Thousand Minarets’ for its stunning array of Islamic architecture. Our day starts with a visit to the Great Pyramids at Giza where you can view the Pyramid of Cheops, the only remaining wonder of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. After marveling at the Pyramids, we head off to the world-famous Egyptian Museum where you’ll be guided through thousands of artifacts, including the funerary treasures of King Tutankhamen. The Pyramids and the Museum will take up most of the day, but you’ll have the early evening at leisure before boarding the overnight train to Aswan. Make sure you check out the markets of the local bazaar before we make our way to Aswan, haggling for a better price is customary in Egypt!
Overnight: Aswan (Train). The train offers comfortable reclining seats with plenty of legroom. The journey takes approximately 12 hours and if you want to sleep we recommend you upgrade to a single or twin sleeper cabin through your MyTrip account.
Day 3: Aswan
This morning the train pulls into Aswan mid morning and well waste no time in getting from the station to the Aswan High Dam. The High Dam was finished in 1970 and has had a huge impact on the Egyptian economy and culture. Youll get all the info from your guide before its time to visit the Unfinished Obelisk and the Philae temple, both sure to be highlights of your time in Egypt. The afternoon is yours to explore the Souk of Aswan and take in its distinctively African charm.
If youre sailing on the felucca on Tuesday and Wednesday, tonight youll be staying in a hotel in Aswan. If you fancy a bit more luxury you can upgrade to a 5* Nile cruise boat today and spend your first night on the Nile. If you choose to upgrade youll board the boat in time for a buffet lunch and in the afternoon you can jump on a felucca so you can still float down the Nile as the locals do.
Overnight: Hotel (Aswan) or Nile cruise boat.
Day 4: Abu Simbel - Nile Sailing
Whether you wake up on the Nile or in Aswan, you have the option to jump on a plane and make the trip to Abu Simbel. This side trip is about 5hrs, and includes a visit to the Behemothic Temple of Ramses II – the most awe-inspiring temple in ancient Egypt. If you’re into seeing some of the local sights in Aswan, you can check out our optional side-trip to a traditional Nubian Village instead, before meeting up with the rest of the group to board your felucca/cruise boat as we set sail up the Nile towards Kom Ombo.
Overnight: Felucca or Nile cruise boat.
Day 5: Kom Ombo
Enjoy the calm and serenity of sailing along the Nile in your felucca or cruise ship, generally regarded as the longest river in the world and steeped in history. This evening you’ll arrive in Kom Ombo to visit its unusual double temple dedicated to Sobek – the crocodile God and the falcon God Horus the Elder. This is not only the best preserved ancient temple in Egypt, but also the second biggest after Karnak. It was uncovered from a huge mound of sand in 1860 and dates back to 237bc.
Overnight: Felucca or Nile cruise boat
Day 6: Kom Ombo - Luxor
Today we continue on to the river city of Luxor by bus. After breakfast we head to the temple of Edfu which was built by Amenhotep III around 1370bc and dedicated to Amon-Re, king of the Gods and his consort, Mut. This fascinating temple has been used almost continuously for worship ever since. This evening you have a chance (time permitting) to enjoy a sound and light show at Karnak temple where amongst the avenues of Sphinxes and halls of colossal columns you’ll hear tales of ancient Thebes.
Overnight: Luxor (Hotel)
Day 7: Luxor - Hurghada
To avoid the blistering midday heat we’re up early and head off into the Theban Mountains to visit the astonishing pharonic tombs of the Valley of the Kings. These exquisitely decorated tombs housed the sarcophagi encased mummies of over 60 pharaohs, most famously that of the child king Tutankhamen. You’ll then head to the temple of Hatshepsut, the extolled female pharaoh, and the Colossi of Memnon. These massive quartzite statues that once guarded the entrance to the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III now make an awe-inspiring sight as they stand virtually alone in a field on the road to the valley of the kings. You’ll then visit upper Egypt with a visit to the temple of Karnak, the largest ancient religious site in the world. This afternoon you will travel through the desert for your first glimpse of the red sea at Hurghada, arriving in the evening at approx 10pm.
Overnight: Hurghada (Hotel)
Day 8: Hurghada - Dahab
We have an early start today to take the ferry from Hurghada to Sharm-el-Sheikh, continuing our journey through the Sinai desert to Dahab. Dahab is Arabic for “Gold” and almost certainly is derived from the golden sandy beaches that surround the town. We drive 1 1/2hrs from the ferry port in Sharm-el-Sheikh to your hotel resort in Dahab through the Sinai desert. In Dahab youre sure to have an unforgettable stay with time to relax, enjoy the colourful waters of the Red Sea, dive, snorkel, and explore. You will arrive at the Sea Sun early afternoon. Spend the afternoon at the beach, relax by the pool, and head into downtown Dahab in the evening to have a look around. Perhaps you’ll end up at the infamous Shipwreck bar for happy hour!
Overnight: Dahab (Beach Resort)
Please note: Occasionally the ferry between Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh can be cancelled due to weather conditions. If this should happen the connection will be made by bus.
Day 9: Dahab
Today your tour comes to an end so its time to bid a teary-eyed farewell to Egypt. If you need a transfer to Sharm-el -Sheik airport, or to Cairo speak with your Busabout Representative. If you want to stay longer in the Sea Sun resort, you can book additional nights through your MyTrip log-in.
Suitable For
Everyone welcome
Pickup Option:
Cairo
given on booking
Return Option:
Cairo
given on booking
Travel Information
All information given on booking
