Splendours of Egypt
Holiday Highlights
- Cruising: Join the fun at an Egyptian dinner and galabeya party, dressed in traditional Egyptian attire.
- Aswan: Follow the footsteps of Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie as you enjoy high tea in true colonial English-style at Aswan's famous Old Cataract Hotel, as the sun begins to set.
- Luxor: Visit a working bakery and witness local artisans making authentic Egyptian bread.
- Dining Summary: 11 Breakfasts (BB), 7 Lunches (L), 1 Afternoon Tea (AT) and 7 Dinners (D), all with bottled water plus tea or coffee. Festive Highlight Dinner: 24 Dec New Year's Eve dinner in Cairo which will replace an included meal.
- Cairo: With your Egyptologist, gaze upon Tutankhamun's treasures at the Egyptian Musuem, gaze upon the most recognisable symbols of ancient Egypt: the full-faced funeral mask, gold coffin, gilded throne and precious jewellery – all treasures of Tutankhamun.
- Cruising: Cruise the Nile in style, on-board your traditional Nile cruiser with its spacious cabins, bars, shops, lounge, restaurant and swimming pool.
- Cairo: The luxurious Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar El Khayyam Casino is conveniently located on Gezira Island in downtown Cairo. The central section was once the Gezirah Palace, built for the Khedive Isma'il Pasha in 1869.
- Cairo: Enjoy sightseeing including sweeping views over the city from the Citadel and a visit to the Great Alabaster Mosque.
- Giza: Be mesmerised by the Sound & Light Show at the Great Pyramids.
- Cairo: Take a short scenic flight to Luxor where you will begin your Nile Cruise.
- Karnak: Stand amid a vast forest of columns in the largest temple complex known to man, as your Egyptologist explains the significance behind it. Walk the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, see the of Rameses II and the Hypostyle Hall.
- Luxor: Visit Luxor Temple.
- Dendera: At the Temple of Hathor, see a rare depiction of Cleopatra and Caesarian.
- Edfu: Visit the only temple in Egypt that is dedicated to two gods.
- Aswan: See Aswan's High Dam and ponder why the Unfinished Obelisk has been left in mid-creation for thousands of years.
- Philae Island: As you journey by motorboat to Philae Island, witness the majestic Temple of Isis rising from the waters.
- Aswan: On-board a traditional Nile felucca, meet a sailor and learn the art of sailing this ancient Nile craft.
- Kom Ombo: Visit the unique temple as it is the only double temple in Egypt.
- West Bank: See the massive stone statues of the Colossi of Memnon.
- West Bank: Embark on an experience with an Egyptologist to visit the mortuary Temple Hatshepsut.
- West Bank: Explore with an Egyptologist the Valley of the Kings which is home to the magnificent tombs of Egypt's Pharaohs.
- Luxor: Enjoy your short flight returning to Cairo.
- Memphis: Visit this famous capital of the ancient world to see the statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx.
- Sakkara: See the oldest pyramid in the world, the Step Pyramid of King Zoser.
- Giza: With your Egyptologist, meet the enigmatic Sphinx and venture deep inside one of the pyramids, to the chambers where the Pharaohs went to meet their Gods in the afterlife.
What's Included
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director and certified Egyptologist will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned coach with onboard washroom. Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom may be used on occasion.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- 7 night Nile cruise aboard your mid-size cruise ship featuring air-conditioned cabins with private facilities, on either MS Medea, MS Miriam, MS Giselle, MS La Boheme or similar. Please note that gratuities are not included for the Travel Director, Nile Cruise staff, Drivers and Airport Escorts.
- Included economy class flights between Cairo/Luxor and Luxor/Cairo with transfers between airports and hotels.
- Complimentary transfers from/to Cairo Airport are available on arrival and departure days, or with additional accommodation booked through Insight Vacations.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Cairo. - Accommodation: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
Your complimentary, private transfer takes you to your local departure airport. Welcome to the timeless land of the Pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 - Cairo Sightseeing. - Accommodation: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
Meet your Tour Director at 08:00 for a detailed briefing. Then ascend to the Citadel, for breathtaking views over the city and a visit to the Alabaster Mosque. Continue to Tahrir Square, the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, and the Egyptian Museum. Among the many exhibits are the fabulous artefacts recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamun. In the evening, get to know your Travel Director, a professionally trained Egyptologist, and fellow guests over a Welcome Drink at the hotel. Later, drive to the pyramids to witness the magical Sound & Light Show - an unforgettable introduction to the world of Ancient Egypt.(Breakfast)
General Note
Notes: Twin prices are per person and include all internal economy airfares. (09 Jun and 09 Jun) Solo Traveller Savings: There is a 100% reduction to the Single Supplement on these departures, subject to availability. Gratuities for Nile Cruise are not included. Visas: Some passports may require Visas, please speak to your Travel Agent at time of booking to assess your requirements. Alternate Vehicles: Coaches in Egypt do not have double the standard legroom and may not have onboard washroom or 40 seats on occasion. (09 Jun) Festive Highlight Dinners: This departure will spend New Year's Eve onboard the Nile cruise. (09 Jun) Festive Highlight Dinners: This departure will spend New Year's Eve in Cairo.