Print this page

The Nile & Red Sea Explorer

Trip Length

Trip Code
12 days PGNR

Activities
Culture (Easy)

Minimum Passengers
6 people

Maximum Passengers
15 people

Countries Visited
Egypt

Start City

End City
Cairo Cairo
The Nile & Red Sea Explorer

In Cairo, discover the ancient wonders of the pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian Museum, and explore the atmospheric backstreets of this richly layered capital. In beautiful Aswan, visit the Temple of Isis on Philae Island, hunt for bargains in the bubbling souk and soak up the grand monuments of Abu Simbel on an optional side trip. Then board a comfortable Nile cruise boat and sail north, taking in the temples of Komombo and Edfu, and from the box seat take in the renowned waterway’s thriving, beguiling life. The grand treasure trove of Luxor awaits; marvel at the Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Finally, kick back in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada, an ideal chance to bask beachside, enjoy a breezy coastal atmosphere and experience some of the world’s best snorkelling.
The Nile & Red Sea Explorer

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cairo

On arrival at Cairo Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. This is simply an arrival day so you may arrive in Cairo at any time. Note that hotel rooms are generally only available after midday. The balance of the day is free to explore your surroundings and our tour leader may make contact in the evening.

Day 2: Cairo

Meals included: 1 breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel we head to the Egyptian Museum for a tour of the various key exhibits. Your guide explains the complexity of Egypt's many dynastic periods, starting with the Old Kingdom and ending with the Greco-Roman occupation. This provides us with an excellent background for our visit to Upper Egypt. Later we drive out to Giza, where we visit the pyramids and the nearby Sphinx. For an additional charge you may be able to go inside one of the pyramids (although occasionally they are closed).

Day 3: Cairo

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

Having experienced the highlights of Pharonic Egypt, today is our opportunity to experience another period of Egypt's history. Islamic (medieval) Cairo is a fascinating part of the metropolis, and we see its best highlights. We immerse ourselves in the colour and chaos of the Khan el Khalili bazaar, which sprawls around an old area of Cairo known as Al Azhar. The tortuous streets and alleyways - and attendant hawkers - look like a scene from 1001 Nights as our tour leader takes us into the heart of the bazaar. We explore the gold market, 'perfume street' and the spice market – where the scent of cumin, coriander and cardamom hangs in the air like a thick blanket of Damascene cloth (which can be purchased next door in the cloth market!). We continue to explore the atmospheric, narrow streets of Islamic Cairo before we visit Al Azhar Mosque, one of Egypt's best. It claims to be the oldest educational institution on earth and has a harmonious and aesthetic blend of architectural styles, as it has been modified over the centuries. In the evening, we are transferred to the station where we board the overnight sleeper train to Aswan. Sleeping berths (with beds and linen) are provided in private, two-person cabins and a reasonable 'airline-style' dinner is served on board. A toilet is located at the end of each carriage.

Day 4: Aswan

Meals included: 1 breakfast

We arrive in Aswan, Egypt's southernmost city, and are transferred from the station to our hotel. This friendly place has an easygoing charm that is due in no small part to its large Nubian population. We take a tour by boat to the beautiful Temple of Isis, rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated on Philae Island. It is fantastic temple, and one of the highlights of Upper Egypt. The balance of the day is at leisure and we have time for a variety of optional activities including a visit to the Nubian bazaar, or to the excellent Nubian Museum. A popular option is a relaxing sailboat ride around the islands, in a traditional 'felucca'. You can stop off at the botanical gardens on Lord Kitchener's Island, and also take a fun camel ride to the Monastery of St. Simeon, located on the west bank of the river. Alternatively you may prefer to relax by the hotel pool.

Day 5: Aswan-Cruise Boat

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Those who booked the optional excursion to Abu Simbel will rise early and visit this awesome edifice. The early start is rewarded by few crowds and fantastic light for photographers. Others can sleep in and enjoy a last amble around Aswan. In the afternoon, we board our Nile Cruise boat after which there is free-time for some of your own discoveries.

Day 6-7: Nile Cruise

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Our boat sets sail today. Cruising along the Nile is an experience people have enjoyed for the last few millennia. We do it in comfort. Sitting high on the on the sundeck, watching felucca sailboats drift along, backdropped by timeless rural scenes, is a great way to relax. We stop at Komombo to visit the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed God), a Greco-Roman temple that overlooks the river. At Edfu we explore the impressive Temple of Horus (the falcon-headed god). There is lots of time to catch up on reading, or just watch the scenery. Passing through the Esna loch we continue to Luxor where we take horse-drawn carriages to the massive complex at Karnak, built over a period of some 2000 years, and one of the greatest temples ever constructed.

Day 8: Luxor

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Rising early, we cross the Nile and explore the famous 'west bank' of the Nile. The first stop is the Valley of the Kings, where a specialist local guide explains the funerary rites of the Ancient Egyptians. We visit three of the best Royal tombs (depending on which ones are open) and your guide will explain the significance of the hieroglyphics and tomb paintings. The experience is simply awe-inspiring. The famous temple of Queen Hatshepsut, carved into a natural amphitheatre, is the next stop, followed by the impressive Colossi of Memnon. We then head back to the east bank of Luxor, and afternoon is free. There is plenty to keep you occupied…or you can simply relax by the pool.

Day 9-10: Luxor-Hurghada

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

We spend the morning driving to Hurghada from Luxor, arriving around lunch time. Hurghada is Egypt's most popular Red Sea resort town and a great place to relax for a few days. It's far less 'glitzy' than Sharm el Sheikh, and there's plenty to keep you entertained here. We base ourselves in a nice resort, with a pool, and enjoy a full day boat trip, swimming in the warm waters above coral reefs.

Day 11: Hurghada-Cairo

Meals included: 1 breakfast

We drive north to Cairo. The drive is a fairly long one (5-6 hours, depending on traffic) and you should arrive in Cairo early-mid afternoon. Many travellers like to visit the Khan el Khalili bazaar for a last shopping spree.

Day 12: Cairo

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. If you have arranged a private airport transfer you will be advised of the pick-up time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.

Your Trip

What's Included

• The services of Peregrine’s expert English-speaking local leader throughout the tour, and professional local guides at some sites.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Cairo - Egyptian Museum, pyramids, Sphinx, Khan al-Khalili bazaar and Al Azhar Mosque; Valley of the Kings; Temple of Hatshepsut; Colossi of Memnon; Edfu; and Komombo.

• 3 nights on Peregrine's comfortable Nile riverboat, cruising from Aswan to Luxor, with sightseeing stops along the way.

• Boat excursion to the Temple of Isis on Philae Island.

• Horse-drawn carriage ride to the complex at Karnak.

• Full-day boat trip on the Red Sea.

• Air-conditioned sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan. Accommodation in a private, two-person sleeping berth with beds and linen, and an ‘airline-style’ dinner included.

• Free time to explore Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and the resort town of Hurghada.

• Arrival transfer.

Summary of accommodation, transport & meals

Transport

Accommodation

Meals

Highlight of Highlights

On the Red Sea

Our resort in Hurghada is handily placed for relaxing on the beach. We also include a full-day boat trip on the Red Sea. Swim in the warm waters above colourful hard and soft coral reefs and among some 1,000 species of fish!

Not Included

Flights, meals unless specified, drinks, departure taxes, visas, travel insurance, tips (see below), spending of a personal nature, optional sightseeing, departure transfer.

Optional Extras

We have chosen some great optional activities to enhance your travel experience. You will need to cover any additional costs yourself. Speak to your leader if you are interested in any of the following:

What to know

Vaccinations

Vaccinations may be required for this trip. Talk to your doctor about the up-to-date information for this region.

Visas and Permits

It is your responsibility to ensure you have all required visas for your trip. Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing, and vary for different nationalities and you should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travel.

Egypt
Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, British and Canadians require a visa for Egypt. All other nationalities should check with the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in their country for up-to-date visa information. If you require a double entry visa for Egypt you will need to obtain this from an overseas embassy prior to arrival. Single entry visas for most nationalities can be obtained on arrival at Cairo Airport. The current cost for most nationalities is US$15. You must pay in cash in US dollars, UK pounds, euros, Japanese yen or any other convertible currency to a bank located next to immigration. If you are arriving in Egypt by land from Israel you must obtain your visa beforehand.

If you are arriving in Egypt by ferry from Aqaba, Jordan, a single entry visa can be obtained upon arrival and costs approximately US$15.

All travellers departing Egypt at the Port of Nuweiba must pay a 50 Egyptian pound departure tax (subject to change). Your tour leader will collect this amount from you to pay at immigration control.

Insurance

You are required to have travel insurance before heading off on a Peregrine trip. Insurance can be organised by your Peregrine representative or your travel agent.

Responsible Travel

Our Responsible Travel ethos is at the heart of everything we do, from getting the basics right like respecting local cultures and the environment, to initiating projects that make positive contributions to communities, to our staff’s fundraising efforts and offsetting our carbon emissions.
Please visit our Responsible Travel (http://www.peregrineadventures.com/rt) page for more information.

Customs and Culture

Our Pre Departure Information packs (provided upon booking a trip) provide tips on how you can show respect for the local customs and culture in the country you are travelling in.

The information listed above is a brief description of some things you may need to consider when booking a trip. Once a tour is booked you will be provided with a Pre Departure Information pack which will contain detailed information.

Further Reading

Egypt

In an Antique Land-Amitav Ghosh
Islands of the Blest-Cassandra Vivian
Death on the Nile-Agatha Christie
The English Patient-Michael Ondaatje

About this Information

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version.  If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!

Last Updated

3 November 2011