Days
14
Price from
Discover the history and mythology of Egypt as you explore Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and the Nile
If you've ever had a fascination in the ancient gods, goddesses and tombs of Egypt, this in-depth, off-the-beaten-track trip is for you. Beginning and ending in energetic Cairo, stop by the tombs of nobles in Aswan and Luxor, mingle with friendly Nubian locals, visit the rock temples of Abu Simbel and see the final resting place of Osiris – God of the Underworld – at the Abydos Temple. From the famous pyramids of Giza to the lesser-known Red and Bent Pyramids in Dashur, through the Old Kingdom capital of Memphis and along the winding Nile, your local guide (a knowledgable Egyptologist and history buff), will take you on a journey through Egypt's incredible past, landscapes and mythology.
- Start
- Cairo, Egypt
- Finish
- Cairo, Egypt
- Destination
- Egypt
- Style
- Peregrine
- Code
- PGMP
- Physical rating
- Trip rating
- 23 reviews
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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Explore Ancient Egypt sites with a local who has qualifications in Egyptology and archaeology, the perfect person to illuminate the mysteries and marvels of places like Luxor and Aswan.
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A four-night river cruise is the ideal way to experience the Nile. Alight at temples, cool off in the onboard pool and relax on the sun deck while local life goes by.
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Don't miss the chance to drink Arabic coffee or mint tea from Cairo's oldest cafe, it has a long history and fantastic atmosphere.
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Enjoy a traditional dinner with a local family, a unique way to learn about life in Egypt while feasting on a home-cooked meal.
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This trip packs an impressive number of highlights in without compromising on comfort and relaxation.
Is this trip right for you?
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Egypt can get hot in the summer months of July and August. Where possible, you will visit sites in the early morning before it gets too hot.
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Some of the sites you will visit involve walking on rocky and/or steep hillsides, and there is often little or no shade. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and a hat are essential.
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Accommodation aboard the Nile riverboat includes full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner); drinks are offered in the bar area for an additional cost. An evening program is also available.
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Accommodation on the overnight train is in two-berth cabins which are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided onboard by the porter, and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. Keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included dinner and breakfast are served on board. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you're vegetarian.
Gallery
Itinerary
Welcome to Egypt! When you arrive at Cairo International Airport, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. As this is simply an arrival day, you may arrive at any time (although please note that hotel rooms are generally only available after midday). While the day is free to explore the city, you'll need to be at the hotel for an important welcome meeting at 6 pm with your leader and group. Check at hotel reception for details.
Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can perhaps be symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza and the Mosque of Mohammed Ali. In your free time, get out and explore the busy streets of this city of contrasts.
Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can perhaps be symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza and the Mosque of Mohammed Ali. In your free time, get out and explore the busy streets of this city of contrasts.
Accommodation
- Novotel El Borg or Similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Cairo - Coptic Museum -Entry Fee - EGP100
- Cairo - Sufi Dance Khan al-Khalili -Entry Fee - EGP85
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Peregrine. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking or at a minimum of 15 days prior to travel (note – we may not be able confirm requests made within 15 days of travel). Once you have provided your details a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
After breakfast start your tour of the Pyramids. The Saqqara complex is located 30 kilometres south of Cairo city. The ancient burial ground is home to the world's oldest step-shaped pyramid. Imhotep constructed the Pyramids for his king Djoser (c.2667–2648 BC) to help his soul ascend to the northern stars.
Drive to Dahshur across the agricultural plains next to the Western Desert. The area features the famous Bent and Red Pyramids; with its smooth sides, the Red Pyramid marked an important departure from the step-shaped pyramids before it. You'll visit both today.
Continue on to Memphis, which functioned as the ancient capital of Lower Egypt and of the Old Kingdom of Egypt. The modern towns of Dahshur and Saqqara lie within its administrative borders.
Drive to Dahshur across the agricultural plains next to the Western Desert. The area features the famous Bent and Red Pyramids; with its smooth sides, the Red Pyramid marked an important departure from the step-shaped pyramids before it. You'll visit both today.
Continue on to Memphis, which functioned as the ancient capital of Lower Egypt and of the Old Kingdom of Egypt. The modern towns of Dahshur and Saqqara lie within its administrative borders.
Accommodation
- Novotel El Borg or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cairo - Pyramid of Saqqara
- Cairo - Dahshur - Red & Bent Pyramids
- Cairo - Memphis visit
Optional Activities
- Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids Tour (Min 2 customers)-Transfers/Entry-p/p - EGP700
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Today will be another full day of sightseeing. Our first stop is Giza, home to perhaps the greatest iconic structures ever created by man – the pyramids and the Sphinx. Instantly familiar yet retaining a mystique and power, these pharaonic tombs are incredible to see up close. There's the option of going inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops), although occasionally it may be closed to visitors.
Next visit the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's great collections of ancient treasures. Your expert guide will take you through Egypt's fascinating dynastic history. Afterwards you'll have some free time to explore on your own. You may wish to visit the Royal Mummy Room (this is optional and at extra cost).
Return to your hotel, freshen up, pack your things and transfer to the station for your overnight train to Aswan (approximately 10 hours).
Notes: Sleeping berths (beds and linen) are provided in private cabins and an airline-style dinner will be served. It is worth bringing additional snacks – your tour leader can help you arrange these. Toilet facilities are located at the end of each carriage.
Next visit the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's great collections of ancient treasures. Your expert guide will take you through Egypt's fascinating dynastic history. Afterwards you'll have some free time to explore on your own. You may wish to visit the Royal Mummy Room (this is optional and at extra cost).
Return to your hotel, freshen up, pack your things and transfer to the station for your overnight train to Aswan (approximately 10 hours).
Notes: Sleeping berths (beds and linen) are provided in private cabins and an airline-style dinner will be served. It is worth bringing additional snacks – your tour leader can help you arrange these. Toilet facilities are located at the end of each carriage.
Accommodation
- Sleeper Train (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx
- Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset
- Cairo - Egyptian Museum
Optional Activities
- Cairo -The Royal Mummy Room- Entry Fee - EGP180
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Today you will discover Elephantine Island, situated in the Nile River near Aswan. See the ancient Nilometre, once used to measure the water level of the river, and examine the Egyptian names inscribed into the granite rocks. The best part of visiting the island is walking through Nubian villages, admiring the colourful blue houses.
On the high cliffs opposite Aswan visit the Tombs of the Nobles, a cluster of graves cut into the western bank of the Nile and dating from the Old Kingdom onward.
In the evening you will be invited to visit a Nubian village and enjoy the warm hospitality (and cuisine) of these locals. It's a unique experience to gain some insight into the daily life of the local people and the chance to become immersed in the local culture.
On the high cliffs opposite Aswan visit the Tombs of the Nobles, a cluster of graves cut into the western bank of the Nile and dating from the Old Kingdom onward.
In the evening you will be invited to visit a Nubian village and enjoy the warm hospitality (and cuisine) of these locals. It's a unique experience to gain some insight into the daily life of the local people and the chance to become immersed in the local culture.
Accommodation
- Hotel Basma or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Aswan - Elephantine Island
- Aswan - Tombs of the Nobles
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Explore Aswan today, Egypt's southernmost city. Its easygoing charm is due in no small part to its large Nubian population. You might like to visit the beautiful Temple of Isis that was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated on Philae Island. It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings – definitely one of the real gems of Upper Egypt.
The rest of your day will be free to wander. The Nubian Bazaar is a must, while the excellent Nubian Museum is recommended by many. The waterfront promenade, or Aswan's 'corniche', runs alongside one of Nile's most appealing stretches and is the perfect place to stop for a mint tea. Watch the waterfront come alive at dusk, as families are out strolling, socialising and relaxing along the corniche.
The rest of your day will be free to wander. The Nubian Bazaar is a must, while the excellent Nubian Museum is recommended by many. The waterfront promenade, or Aswan's 'corniche', runs alongside one of Nile's most appealing stretches and is the perfect place to stop for a mint tea. Watch the waterfront come alive at dusk, as families are out strolling, socialising and relaxing along the corniche.
Accommodation
- Hotel Basma or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Aswan - Felucca Ride
- Aswan - Philae Temple
Optional Activities
- Aswan - Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple -Entry Fee - EGP300
- Aswan -Sound & Light Show Philae Temple Tour (Min 2 customers) -Transfers/Entry/Guiding-p/p - EGP800
Meals Included
- Breakfast
This morning take a short flight (approximately 45 minutes) from Aswan to Abu Simbel, where you’ll explore the magnificent twin temples, commissioned by Ramses II. The Great Temple is guarded by four gargantuan statues of Ramses, and is definitely one of Egypt's most memorable sights.
Return from Abu Simbel and transfer to meet your Nile cruise boat. Enjoy a fantastic mix of relaxation and organised sightseeing on an iconic Nile River cruise to Luxor.
Return from Abu Simbel and transfer to meet your Nile cruise boat. Enjoy a fantastic mix of relaxation and organised sightseeing on an iconic Nile River cruise to Luxor.
Accommodation
- Riverboat (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
- Abu Simbel - Flights to and from Abu Simbel
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Abu Simbel FlightsYour flight departure will be confirmed by your Leader. You will have two hours on site which includes transport to and from the temple. Due to flight scheduling and availability time may change, if you would like to plan additional afternoon activities please check with your Leader for accurate timings.
On rare occasions the group may be split over several flights, or this included activity may move to Day 5. If this occurs an additional local guide is contracted to ensure that full guiding services are included at the temple for the entire group.
Morning finds you moored near Komombo. Take a short walk around the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed god). Sitting picturesquely on the river's edge, the temple provides an interesting insight into the Greco-Roman period.
Later, continue travelling upriver, relaxing on the sun deck and taking in the surrounding sights – desert hills forming a backdrop to lush riverbanks, fishermen casting their nets and farmers working the land.
Later, continue travelling upriver, relaxing on the sun deck and taking in the surrounding sights – desert hills forming a backdrop to lush riverbanks, fishermen casting their nets and farmers working the land.
Accommodation
- Riverboat (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Aswan - Kom Ombo Temple
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
While a visit to the Edfu Temple is included in your Nile Cruise, the only mode of transport available to visit the temple is by horse and carriage. As a responsible travel focused business, animal welfare is extremely important to us and we want to ensure that we are not promoting any activities where the working animals are not properly cared for. Unfortunately, some operators of the horse and carriages have been found to be in breach of our animal welfare guidelines and as a result we will no longer include a visit to the Edfu Temple.
Today there is plenty of time to relax and take in the sights along the Nile. You will arrive in Luxor late this afternoon.
Accommodation
- Riverboat (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
This morning, disembark the cruise boat and check in to your hotel. Later in the day, transfer to Karnak, one of the world's most celebrated temple complexes which was built over a period of some 200 years. A guided tour of the temple will reveal its finest sections.
Continue to Luxor temple, dedicated to the gods Amun, Mut and Khonsu. Luxor Temple was the focus of one of the most important religious festivals in ancient Egypt – the annual Opet festival.
Although the mudbrick houses and palaces of ancient Thebes have long since vanished, the stone temples are a poignant reminder of what life would have been like in Pharaonic Egypt and are very much a part of the skyline of Luxor. Stay for sunset and enjoy the changing colours of the temple and ambiance of the modern-day Nile cornice.
For the rest of the evening you are free to relax, shop in the bazaar (open until quite late) or perhaps experience the atmosphere of a local tea house.
Continue to Luxor temple, dedicated to the gods Amun, Mut and Khonsu. Luxor Temple was the focus of one of the most important religious festivals in ancient Egypt – the annual Opet festival.
Although the mudbrick houses and palaces of ancient Thebes have long since vanished, the stone temples are a poignant reminder of what life would have been like in Pharaonic Egypt and are very much a part of the skyline of Luxor. Stay for sunset and enjoy the changing colours of the temple and ambiance of the modern-day Nile cornice.
For the rest of the evening you are free to relax, shop in the bazaar (open until quite late) or perhaps experience the atmosphere of a local tea house.
Accommodation
- Iberotel Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Luxor - Luxor Temple
- Luxor - Karnak Temple
Optional Activities
- Luxor - Valley of the Queens -Entry Fee - EGP100
- Luxor - Valley of the Queens -Tomb of Queen Nefertari -Entry Fee - EGP1200
- Luxor - Sound and Light Show Karnak Tour (Min 2 customers)-Transfers/Entry/Guiding-p/p - EGP800
- Luxor - Sound and Light Show at Karnak -Entry Fee - EGP300
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Rise early this morning and head into the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills here are over 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. Tutankhamun's final resting place is also located here, and you'll have free time to visit it. Your guide will explain the funerary rites of the ancient Egyptians and significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics. You'll visit three royal tombs and then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set in a spectacular natural amphitheatre. Your final stop is at the Colossi of Memnon – giant statues that were once part of an impressive colonnade.
Later in the day, visit the West Bank of Luxor, home to the Medinet Habu Temple. Dating back to the New Kingdom, it was one of the earliest temples where the ancient Egyptian god Amun was worshipped.
Later in the day, visit the West Bank of Luxor, home to the Medinet Habu Temple. Dating back to the New Kingdom, it was one of the earliest temples where the ancient Egyptian god Amun was worshipped.
Accommodation
- Iberotel Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Luxor - Valley of the Kings (3 tombs)
- Luxor - Tut Ank Amon Tomb
- Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
- Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple
Optional Activities
- Hot Air Balloon - Valley of the Kings - USD120
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
You are able to purchase a photo ticket that will entitle you to take photos in any of the three tombs that you visit as part of your tour. The cost of the camera ticket is around EGP 300.Optional Activities mentioned today are for entry only OR for organised tour programmes facilitated by your group leader. In the past we have found that this suits most of our travellers. If you prefer to do your own thing, transport to sites is available and your leader can assist with organising this.
It is possible to do a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings and the temples on the West Bank. Your Leader can reserve this service for you. We use Dream Balloons in Luxor. Pick up will be from your hotel between 4.30 am and 5 am; balloon capacity is 16–25; cameras are prohibited in the basket but cellphones are allowed. The activity is subject to weather conditions. Payment by card is possible and will attract a 3% bank service fee.
Today, drive north of Luxor (approximately 3 hours) to the Abydos Temple, the place where Osiris – god of the nderworld – is believed to be buried. The temple was built by King Seti I, probably one of the least known pharaohs of the New Kingdom period. Despite this fact, Abydos is among the best preserved and most impressive religious structures in all of Egypt.
Later we also visit Dendera and the Temple of Hathor, located approximately 60 km north of Luxor. Dendera was an ancient healing centre, similar to a Greek Asklepion or the Catholic Lourdes.
The temple has retained much of its colour and also contains one of the most fascinatiing ceiling paintings dedicated to Osiris.
Later we also visit Dendera and the Temple of Hathor, located approximately 60 km north of Luxor. Dendera was an ancient healing centre, similar to a Greek Asklepion or the Catholic Lourdes.
The temple has retained much of its colour and also contains one of the most fascinatiing ceiling paintings dedicated to Osiris.
Accommodation
- Iberotel Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Luxor - Dendera Temple
- Luxor - Abydos temple
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Visit Deir al-Medina, an ancient village located on the West Bank of Luxor. During the 18th to 20th dynasties of the New Kingdom period, it housed the artisans and workmen who built and decorated the royal tombs of the nearby Valley of the Kings. The workers also built their own – much smaller – tombs in the area.
Visit another remarkable site along the West Bank: Luxor's own 400 Tombs of the Nobles. The inscriptions inside the tombs are taken from the Book of the Dead and were to guide the nobles through to the afterlife. Later in the day, transfer to the airport and take a short flight back to Cairo with your group.
Visit another remarkable site along the West Bank: Luxor's own 400 Tombs of the Nobles. The inscriptions inside the tombs are taken from the Book of the Dead and were to guide the nobles through to the afterlife. Later in the day, transfer to the airport and take a short flight back to Cairo with your group.
Accommodation
- Novotel El Borg or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Luxor - Tombs of Nobles
- Luxor - Deir el Madina
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Today visit the the Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, considered to be Cairo's finest examples of early Mamluk architecture and among the most iconic monuments in the Islamic world. We will also visit the Citadel and Mohammed Ali Mosque.
In the afternoon we have a chance for some last minute shopping. Also don't miss the chance to drink arabic coffee or mint tea from Cairo's oldest cafe, which has a long history and fantastic atmosphere.
This evening, share an authentic Egyptian meal with a local family. You'll be invited into their home to talk, eat and learn how to make traditional Egyptian dishes. This is a truly special experience and is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip.
In the afternoon we have a chance for some last minute shopping. Also don't miss the chance to drink arabic coffee or mint tea from Cairo's oldest cafe, which has a long history and fantastic atmosphere.
This evening, share an authentic Egyptian meal with a local family. You'll be invited into their home to talk, eat and learn how to make traditional Egyptian dishes. This is a truly special experience and is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip.
Accommodation
- Novotel El Borg or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cairo - Home Cooked Meal
- Cairo - Sultan Hassan Mosque
- Cairo - Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar
- Cairo - Citadel Old Cairo
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12 pm, but 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.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinnersTransport
Plane, Private aircon bus, Riverboat, Sleeper trainAccommodation
Cruise ship (3 nights - Feature Stay), Hotel (9 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)Included Activities
- Cairo - Pyramid of Saqqara
- Cairo - Dahshur - Red & Bent Pyramids
- Cairo - Memphis visit
- Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx
- Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset
- Cairo - Egyptian Museum
- Aswan - Elephantine Island
- Aswan - Tombs of the Nobles
- Aswan - Felucca Ride
- Aswan - Philae Temple
- Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
- Abu Simbel - Flights to and from Abu Simbel
- Aswan - Kom Ombo Temple
- Luxor - Luxor Temple
- Luxor - Karnak Temple
- Luxor - Valley of the Kings (3 tombs)
- Luxor - Tut Ank Amon Tomb
- Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
- Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple
- Luxor - Dendera Temple
- Luxor - Abydos temple
- Luxor - Tombs of Nobles
- Luxor - Deir el Madina
- Cairo - Home Cooked Meal
- Cairo - Sultan Hassan Mosque
- Cairo - Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar
- Cairo - Citadel Old Cairo
Dates & availability
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Important notes
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
An optional single supplement is available on this trip. Please refer to your booking agent for further information.
INTERNAL FLIGHT:
As there are internal flights included in this tour, please check that the passenger names are as per passport. The maximum check-in baggage allowance for the flight from Luxor to Cairo on day 12 is 23kgs per person plus 7kgs hand luggage.
Essential trip information
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