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ancient egypt tour; great pyramids and temple carvings

Bas-relief carvings adorn Egypt's temples

Temple carvings depicting religious and mythological symbols of Pharaonic Egypt are still well preserved after 5,000 years. Our Egypt Private Journey includes a luxurious 4-day Nile cruise for exploring epic Nile-side temples.

Photo by Catherine Karnow

Egypt Private Journey

Secrets of the Pharaohs

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Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From:	$3195 see pricing
Length:	7 days
Arrive:	Cairo, Egypt
Depart:	Cairo, Egypt
Lodging:	3 nights in 5-star hotels, 3 nights luxury vessel describe
Meals:	All meals included except 1 lunch and 2 dinners
Activity:	Small Boat & Yacht Cruising, Archaeology, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level:	Nile River cruise, overland touring, and city exploration with easy walking explain

Highlights

Luxurious Nile cruise boat (Nile Adventurer or Sun Boat IV), with Nile-view cabins
Great Pyramids at Giza, Treasures of King Tut
Temples of Karnak and Luxor, Valley of the Kings, optional visit to Abu Simbel

We would never have been able to do all the things we did without such a well planned trip.M. J. Kuhar—Bend OR

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

Reading List

Explore the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, view the glorious artifacts from King Tutankhamen’s tomb, then set off on a deluxe Nile cruise, gliding in the wake of the Pharaohs as you discover a mysterious world of soaring temples in a timeless desert landscape.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Please note: Because of the boat schedule, Day 1 of this itinerary must be a Wednesday.

Days 1-2
Cairo and The Great Pyramids

Experience the wonder of the monumental pyramids of the great pharaohs, a colossal testament to mankind’s quest for immortality. Nothing quite prepares one for the first sight of the three pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus, and the enigmatic Sphinx. Explore the treasures of the renowned Egyptian Museum, including the stunning golden artifacts unearthed from the tomb of young King Tut, all in the company of your own Egyptologist guide.

Days 3-5
Ancient Monuments and Luxurious Nile Cruise

A cruise on the storied Nile is the ultimate experience of this epic land of history. After visiting the Aswan High Dam, board a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise boat and discover the temples, tombs, and hieroglyphs that have entranced travelers for thousands of years. Explore the romantic and majestic temple complex of Isis at Philae, an exquisite blend of Egyptian and Greco-Roman architecture, and the striking Temple of Kom Ombo, standing on a promontory at a bend in the Nile where in ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank. Among the many sites you visit is the extraordinary Temple of Horus, the most completely preserved Pharaonic temple in Egypt. On arrival in Luxor, discover the Valley of the Kings and Queens, home to magnificent tombs including that of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s only female pharaoh, the monumental temple of Karnak, and Luxor, a strikingly graceful piece of temple architecture on the banks of the Nile.

Days 6-7
Eternal Cairo

Enjoy free time to roam the twisting passageways of the ancient Khan El Khalili bazaar, little changed since the 14th century, or explore Coptic Cairo, with its ancient Christian churches. Depart on Day 7.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

Alexandria Extension (3 days)
Jordan: Petra and The Dead Sea Extension (7 days)

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. It is an overland touring trip with day walks to explore the fascinating temples and wonderful towns of this ancient and modern civilization. It can be enjoyed by anyone in good health who has no mobility restrictions.

Explanation of Trip Levels

When to go

October to April

For our Private Journey trips, you choose your own group and your preferred dates—there are no set departure dates. Private Journeys are available to groups as few as two people or as large as you like. Contact us for availability, questions, or to book your adventure!

Tour Costs

Prices valid through September 30, 2010
$3195 (2-9 members)
Single supplement: $1190
Internal airfare: $365—Cairo/Aswan, Luxor/Cairo (subject to change)
High Season Surcharge (Jan-Apr): $350-600 per person

Optional Abu Simbel Visit: $300 per person
Optional private guide on cruise: $600 per group

Extension Costs
Alexandria Extension
from: $790
Jordan: Petra and The Dead Sea Extension
from: $2695

Includes all land transportation and private guides in Cairo, shared guide on cruise

Tour Cost Includes:

Two nights at the Mena House Hotel (garden section with pyramid view), one night at the Four Seasons (standard room)
Three nights aboard 5-star Nile cruise ship with full-board beginning with lunch on Day 3 and ending with breakfast on Day 6
Mineral water, tea and coffee with every meal aboard the ship
Afternoon tea, coffee and finger foods served each day aboard the ship
Meals as noted in the Full Trip Brochure
Tours and sightseeing as described, private English-speaking Egyptologist in Cairo, resident shared boat guide during cruise
Airport transfers and ground transportation as noted in the Full Trip Brochure

Tour Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, internal flights, meals not specified in the itinerary in the Full Trip Brochure, beverages at restaurants and hotels (excluding those mentioned above during cruise), any activities described as optional, porterage at airports and hotels, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to Egyptologist, representatives (in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan), drivers, cruise staff, entry fee for the Mummies Room at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (approx. $17), entry fee for the solar boat museum (approx. $10), and entry fee for the Great Pyramids (approx. $20, subject to availability); additional hotel nights made necessary by airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses such as medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas; and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20% of tour cost
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation Fee Schedule*

Minimum fee: $250
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of tour cost
45 days or less: 100% of tour cost

*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.

Extension Accommodations

If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:

Alexandria Extension (3 days)
Jordan: Petra and The Dead Sea Extension (7 days)

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Bas-relief carvings adorn Egypt's temples