Grand Egyptian Adventure

Throughout history Egypt's vast array of breathtaking monuments has proved an irresistible draw to travellers from all over the world. Combined with stunning beaches and a warm and friendly people, Egypt is a country you cannot afford to miss. Therefore, let us take you on a journey back in time to some of the most amazing sites of the ancient world, and leave you with memories you will treasure for a lifetime.

Note - From July 09 the accommodation on this tour has been upgraded to include 4 and 5-star hotels in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor. A 3-star hotel is still used for the second & third stays in Cairo and your time in Dahab.

We begin in Cairo where we take time to visit possibly the most famous of ancient monuments, the Pyramids and Sphinx at Gisa. We also allow time to explore the city and its many interesting sites like the Citadel of Saladin, the mazy alleyways of the Khan al Khalili bazaar, and the extensive Cairo Museum.

Next we head for Aswan and the peaceful beauty of the Nile. Here you will find lush green islands and traditional felucca sailboats set amid cascading rapids. We visit the tranquil island Temple of Philae and the immense High Dam, before boarding feluccas to drift lazily down the Nile. We stop at the Temples of Komombo and Edfu en-route to Luxor where we have plenty of time to investigate the wealth of monumental architecture on offer.

On the east bank we take time to see the remarkable Temples of Karnak and Luxor, a tribute to the greatness of King Ramses II. On the west bank, we visit the Valley of the Kings, where the ancient Pharaoh's built elaborate burial complexes and temples to aid them on their journey to the afterlife. Other stops include the colourful Medinat Habu temple, Queen Hatchepsut's temple, and the Colossi of Memnon.

From here we head back to Cairo before saying farewell to the Nile Valley and heading for the coast and the wonderfully laidback beach resort of Dahab. With golden sandy beaches, stunning coral reefs and crystal blue waters, this small Bedouin village makes an ideal base for the next few days. Between sunbathing and eating at Dahab's many excellent restaurants we take time to snorkel the Blue Hole, and do a camel ride. You also have the chance to visit Mt. Sinai & St. Catherine's monastery, cross into Jordan to Petra, or do a jeep safari or quad bike trip into the desert.

Finally we return to Cairo to finish the tour and fly home.

Note - our Grand Egypt & Jordan Adventure tour shortens the time in Dahab on this tour and extends it into Jordan giving a full tour through the country before finishing in Amman.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1
Upon arrival in Cairo you are met by our rep and transferred from the airport to our chosen hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to recover from your flight and explore the local area.

Day 2
After a morning pre tour meeting by your group guide we take you on a full day tour to the famous Pyramids & Sphinx at Gisa and to Zoser's stepped pyramid at Saqqara. Your guide will be a fully trained local Egyptologist.

Day 3
Today is a free day in Cairo and can be used to relax or do some shopping in the local shops and markets. Alternatively we offer the option of a full day Egyptian Museum & Cairo City Tour, which takes visits the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel, the Khan al Kalili bazaar and Choptic Cario. In the evening we board the overnight train to Aswan.

Day 4
We arrive in Aswan in the morning and transfer to our chosen hotel. In the afternoon we take a tour to Philae temple & High Dam. The Philae temple - dedicated to Isis - is situated on an island in Lake Nasser and was reclaimed from it's rising waters.

Day 5
Early this morning there is an option to drive out into the desert early in the morning to tour the spectacular temples at Abu Simbel, which were also reclaimed from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Later we enjoy an island boat trip to some of the many islands that dot the Nile around Aswan. Finally we board our traditional felucca sailboat (luxury cruise option available) and start our cruise down the Nile.

Day 6
Today is spent relaxing as you float down the Nile on board our traditional Felucca sailboat. This sailed vessel is the perfect way to travel and enjoy the peaceful surrounding of the mighty Nile. In the evening we enjoy traditional Nubian musical entertainment performed by our boat crew.

Day 7
Finishing on the felucca we next take a tour of the riverside temples at Komombo & Edfu before continuing onto Luxor by road. Once in Luxor we spend the rest of the day exploring the temples of Karnak and Luxor. Karnak Temple is an awesome sight with towering columns and colourful hieroglyphs, and its size is truly immense.

Day 8
We cross the Nile today to visit the sites on the west bank. These include the Valleys of the Kings & Queens, with their many pharaonic tombs; Hatchepsut temple, a testament to Egypt only female Pharaoh; and the imposing Colossi of Memnon. Late in the evening we board the overnight train back to Cairo.

Day 9
Arriving back in Cairo the rest of your day is free to enjoy as you wish. There are plenty of things to do and see in Cairo or you may wish to take an optional day trip to the nearby city of Alexandria, which is know for its many Roman remains and the site of the Pharos (lighthouse), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Day 10-13
Early this morning we take the coach to Dahab and the next few days are free for you to enjoy the laid back atmosphere of this unique beach resort. Activities included are snorkelling at the Blue Hole and a sunset camel ride, but there are plenty of other things to do and see in Dahab. Climb nearby Mount Sinai, quad bike into the desert, try some scuba diving or an excursion to the coloured canyon are just a few.

Day 14
After a free morning in Dahab we take the midday coach back to Cairo, where the rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy your last night in Cairo.

Day 15
Your last day is free for you to catch up on some last minute shopping before we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Our Standard tours use good quality hotels (approx. 3-star) in which all rooms have air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. In Cairo, subject to availability, we like to use a pyramids area hotel with a pool in the summer months, and a city centre hotel when it is cooler in the winter months. The felucca is covered and mattresses are provided. Please note that for the felucca trip you will need to bring a light sleeping bag or blanket with you.

Hotels used on this tour (subject to availability):

Cairo (3-star):
• Zayed Hotel, Oasis Hotel.

Aswan (3-4-star):
• Basma Hotel, Isis Corniche Hotel.

Luxor (3-4-star):
• Philippe Hotel, Morris Hotel.