Classic Egypt
12 Days Starting and ending in Cairo, Egypt
Visiting: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel
Tour operator:
Tour code:
424
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-85
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Classic Egypt" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of ancient Egypt. This tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Egypt's most iconic landmarks, including the majestic Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, and the world-renowned Egyptian Museum. Experience the luxury of a 5-star Nile cruise, visiting the awe-inspiring Karnak and Luxor temples, the Valley of the Kings, and the stunning Philae Temples. With the guidance of a local Egyptologist, delve into the rich history and culture of this ancient civilization. Enjoy the comfort of 5-star accommodations and seamless travel with domestic flights and transfers. This tour is perfect for singles seeking an enriching adventure, offering a blend of guided tours and free time to explore at your own pace. Discover the wonders of Egypt with the "Classic Egypt" tour, where history comes alive.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Into Cairo. Transfer To Hotel
Location: Cairo
Accommodation Name: Cairo – 5 star hotel
Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel close to the Pyramids for the start of your trip. They will help you settle in, introduce you to the local area, and explain tomorrow’s arrangements.
Day 2 : Cairo. Pyramids & Saqqara Tour
Location: Cairo
Accommodation Name: Cairo hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour of Egypt starts with a visit to the Giza Plateau, home of Egypt's world famous Great Pyramids, proclaimed by the Greeks to be among the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. We visit the great Pyramids of Giza and their guardian Sphinx, Memphis-first capital of the ancient kingdom to see the statue of Ramses II, then to Sakkara to see the Step pyramid.
Day 3 : Luxor. West Bank Tour. Luxor Temple
Location: Luxor
Accommodation Name: On board - 5 star cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This moring we transfer to Cairo airport of an early flight to Luxor. We begin our tour of the West bank of the Nile starting at the Colossi of Memnon we then get to explore the dusty Pharaonic tombs located at the world famous Valley of the Kings. We also visit the Temple of Queen Hatchepsut and see the colourful hieroglyphics at Medinat Habu temple before crossing back into Luxor. Your afternoon is free to relax on board your 5-star Nile cruise boat or to explore Luxor's markets. In the evening we take a walking tour of the beautiful Luxor Temple which is spectacularly lit up at night.
Day 4 : Luxor. Karnak Temple. Sail To Edfu
Location: Luxor
Accommodation Name: On board - 5 star cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you have the chance to take a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon flight over the West bank of the Nile. After breakfast, our tour of Luxor today is to the huge temple complex of Karnak which features towering columns and numerous temples and structures - rightly justifying Luxor's reputation as the largest open air museum in the world! In the afternoon the boat starts sailing up the Nile, through the lock at Esna and on to Edfu where we OVERNIGHT: (Note - Nile cruise boat itineraries are subject to slight alterations en-route).
Day 5 : Edfu. Cruise To Kom Ombo & Aswan
Location: Aswan
Accommodation Name: On board - 5 star cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we visit the nearby Edfu Temple which is dedicated to the god Horus. We then continue upriver towards Kom Ombo, watching traditional rural Egyptian life pass us by on the banks of the Nile. You may want to enjoy a relaxing soak in the plunge pool on the boat's sun deck. At Kom Omombo we tour the temple which sits scenicly by the banks of the Nile and is home to mummified crocodiles amongst other things! The cruise then continues onwards to Aswan.
Day 6 : Aswan. Philae Temple, Aswan Dam
Location: Aswan
Accommodation Name: Aswan - 5-star cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start our tour of Aswan with a trip to the island temple complex of Philae visiting the impressive Aswan High Dam en-route. The Philae temple remains one of Egypt’s most romantic and picturesque sites having been completely relocated following work on the Dam. The rest of the day is free to explore the colourful souks and markets found in the town or watch the sunset over the River Nile.
Day 7 : Abu Simbel Option. Cruise To Edfu
Location: Abu Simbel
Accommodation Name: Edfu- 5-star cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we have the option of taking an early start for the drive to the UNESCO world heritage site at Abu Simbel. These amazing temples built by Ramses II are one of Egypt's main highlights and attractions. Those not visiting Abu Simbel can explore Aswan's markets this morning, walk up and down the Corniche on the banks of the river or visit the Nubian Museum which has a fascinating collection covering the development of the Nubian people in the region. Later the cruise begin sailing back towards Luxor and the night will be spent onboard close to Edfu.
Day 8 : Cruise To Esna. Khnum Temple. Cruise To Luxor.
Location: Luxor
Accommodation Name: Luxor- 5-star cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After leaving Edfu this morning, we'll continue our journey back to Luxor, making a stop on the way to visit the lesser known Esna Temple, dedicated to the God Khnum. In Ancient Egypt, Khnum was known as the ram-headed god of creation. The temple was first founded during the reign of Tuthmosis the 3rd, in the 18th Dynasty, however throughout history, additions were made by the Ptolomies and Romans, who recorded their names on the temple walls. After breaking the journey in Esna, the cruise boat will continue to Luxor where you'll spend the night onboard.
Day 9 : Free Day In Luxor (Optional Tours Available)
Location: Luxor
Accommodation Name: Luxor- 5-star cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After leaving Edfu this morning, we'll continue our journey back to Luxor, making a stop on the way to visit the lesser known Esna Temple, dedicated to the God Khnum. In Ancient Egypt, Khnum was known as the ram-headed god of creation. The temple was first founded during the reign of Tuthmosis the 3rd, in the 18th Dynasty, however throughout history, additions were made by the Ptolomies and Romans, who recorded their names on the temple walls. After breaking the journey in Esna, the cruise boat will continue to Luxor where you'll spend the night onboard.
Day 10 : Fly To Cairo, Free Afternoon
Location: Cairo
Accommodation Name: Cairo hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we transfer to Luxor airport for a flight back to Cairo. This afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure, or to take an optional half day tour to discover Cairo's old churches and synagogues in Coptic Cairo, visit the Citadel overlooking the city, and explore the narrow streets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. Finally, an optional dinner cruise on the Nile is available this evening.
Day 11 : Egyptian Museum And Backstreets Of Old Cairo
Location: Cairo
Accommodation Name: Cairo hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We start our tour of Cairo with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, the world-renowned Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. Accompanied by your certified Egyptologist, you'll stroll through the halls highlighting each historical period of this ancient land. In the late afternoon we take a guided walk through the back streets and bazaars in central Cairo. We'll walk through the huge Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore streets dedicated to metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewelery and anything else you can imagine as we gradually enter the more touristy Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We'll have time for a break to try some tea and a shisha pipe and perhaps enjoy an early dinner of Egypt's unofficial national dish, Kushari before returning to our hotel.
Day 12 : Cairo. Departure Transfer To The Airport
Location: Cairo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your time is free today until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
What's Included
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Domestic Flights
Domestic flights are included in the tour package.
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Hotel Accommodation
All hotel accommodation in 5-star hotels is included.
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Nile Cruise
A 7-night 5-star Nile cruise from Luxor-Aswan-Luxor is included.
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Transport and Transfers
All transport and transfers are included in the tour.
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Airport Transfer Service
24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service is included.
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Tour Guide Services
Services of a local Egyptologist tour guide for all sightseeing tours are included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights are not included in the tour package.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included and must be arranged separately.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory but not included in the tour package.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees are not included, with an approximate cost of US$102.
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Tipping Kitty
A tipping kitty is not included, with an allowance of US$70.
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Personal Expenses
Drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses such as laundry are not included.
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Tour Guide Tips
Tips for the tour guide are not included in the package.
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Hotel Gala Dinners
Hotel gala dinners on 24 and/or 31 Dec are not included, with a budget of up to $180 per person.
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Other Items
Any other items not mentioned in the inclusions are excluded.
More Info
A luxury Classic Egyptian tour, offering a higher standard of accommodation and transport to ensure your comfort at all times. We start in Cairo where you can explore the Great Pyramids of Giza including the Step Pyramid and the iconic Sphinx. A short flight takes you to Luxor the next morning where you will experience the incredible temples and world famous tombs of the Valley of the Kings as well as visiting Karnak, Medinat Habu, Queen Hatchepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Your luxury river boat cruise takes you all the way to Aswan, via the temples of Edfu and Komomo, where we will explore the romantic temples of Philae and the impressive Aswan High Dam, you'll then sail back to Luxor, making a stop along the way to visit Esna Temple. Flying back to Cairo, we then tour the world famous Egyptian Museum, accompanied by a certified Egyptologist, before you are free to explore the bustling markets and souks of this incredible city.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with air-conditioned minibuses, internal flights, and a luxurious Nile cruiseboat, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey.
Accommodation
Experience luxury with 5-star hotels and a 5-star Nile cruiseboat, offering comfort and elegance throughout your journey in Egypt.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in 5-star hotels and a 5-star Nile cruise boat.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses air-conditioned minibuses, internal flights, and a Nile cruise boat for transportation.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, optional activities include a hot air balloon flight in Luxor, a visit to Abu Simbel, and a dinner cruise on the Nile in Cairo.
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Is there a tour guide provided during the sightseeing tours?
Yes, the services of a local Egyptologist tour guide are provided for all sightseeing tours.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
Meals are provided as indicated in the itinerary, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on certain days.
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What is the policy on airport transfers?
The tour includes a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees are not included and you should allow approximately US$102 for these.
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What is the tipping policy for the tour?
Tipping is not included in the tour price. You should allow US$70 for a tipping kitty, and additional tips for the tour guide are also not included.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.