Meet Our Travel Directors
Our Travel Directors know your destination, its culture and history inside out.
1 888 680 1241
Greece & Eastern Mediterranean
Regional JourneyDuration: 13 days Visiting: Egypt
Egypt’s vast wealth of antiquities take centre stage here. Marvel at Karnak, the Pyramids and Sphinx, Tutankhamun’s treasure, and the ubiquitous hieroglyphics.
Take a look at your day-by-day itinerary to find out more.
Your Journey Begins
Board your overnight flight to Europe (please ask about our great deals).
Arrive in Cairo.
Welcome to the timeless land of the Pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Cairo Sightseeing.
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.
Fly to Luxor, Cruise the Nile.
Fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall before transferring to your cruise ship. After lunch on-board, visit Luxor Temple, which was unearthed by Mariette in the 1860s.
Exploring Dendera and Edfu.
Visit the Temple of Hathor in Dendera, one of the best preserved temples in Egypt. It contains a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarian, whose father was Julius Caesar. Return to your cruise boat and sail via the Esna Lock to Edfu.
Temple of Horus to Aswan.
Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, dedicated to the Falcon God. After exploring this magnificent site, your cruise continues to Aswan. In the evening, don your galabeyas (traditional Egyptian attire), for a fun-filled Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.
Aswan’s High Dam & Temple of Isis.
Sightseeing includes a visit to Aswan's High Dam and Granite Quarries to see the enormous Unfinished Obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, rising from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities on your cruise boat.
Feluccas and High Tea.
On a traditional Nile Felucca, meet a sailor and learn the art of sailing this ancient craft. As the sun starts to fade, enjoy colonial-style high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, just like Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie once did before you.
Free time and on to Kom Ombo.
With the morning free, perhaps join the optional experience of travelling to the temples of Abu Simbel, by air? Later, sail to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple of Egypt, dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed Sobek and falcon-headed Horus the Elder.
Cruising the Nile to Luxor.
Your cruise continues along the life-giving waters of the Nile. In the evening, arrive back in Luxor where there is time for shopping and sightseeing.
Explore Luxor and fly to Cairo.
Disembark from your cruise and travel by air-conditioned coach to the west bank of the Nile. See the Colossi of Memnon and visit both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs were buried. Visit a working bakery and witness the local artisans making authentic Egyptian bread. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.
Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza.
After breakfast, drive to Memphis, the famous capital of the ancient world. See the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Sakkara, to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid in the world, dating back to 2,700 BC. In the afternoon, it's on to Giza with your Egyptologist to explore the magnificent pyramids and come face-to-face with the enigmatic Sphinx. During your visit, venture inside one of these ancient wonders to see the chambers where the pharaohs were sent to meet their Gods in the afterlife.
Depart Cairo.
Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo Airport.
Most Insight trips already include a host of bonus highlights and comprehensive sightseeing. There may also be an exciting array of Optional Experiences which will turn an already amazing experience into the trip of a lifetime! These are entirely optional and can be booked through your Travel Director/Local Representative at the commencement of your trip. Please note, many Optional Experiences are operated by independent third party suppliers, not Insight Vacations.
Prices and availability of Optional Experiences are subject to change.
A scenic boat ride along the Nile brings you to a typical Nubian Village. Among the colourfully painted houses, meet the friendly locals, (quite possibly their animals too,) and experience their culture and way of life.
Adult Price: USD 27.00
Code: ASW0002
The powerful tale of Isis and Osiris is one of Ancient Egypt's most momentous legends. Fanciful Egyptian gods and goddesses, as well as the fascinating history of Philae Temple is brought to life before your eyes through the magic of sound and light. The atmospheric temple setting, engaging narration by world-famous celebrities and moonlit boat ride across the lake make it an unforgettable experience.
Adult Price: USD 42.00
Code: ASW0003
Excursion to Abu Simbel from Aswan to visit the fabulous reconstructed temples of Ramses II and Nefertari. The journey by air takes approximately forty minutes in each direction and allows approximately seventy-five minutes at Abu Simbel to visit the temples and the impressive concrete dome. Price is subject to Airline increases
Adult Price: USD 324.00
Code: ASW0001
Enjoy the fabulous Sound and Light Show arranged in Luxor at Karnak Temple: While strolling along the ancient avenues of Sphinxes & halls of colossal columns, you will be hearing the tales of these ancient places.
Adult Price: USD 42.00
Code: LUX0001
Experience Cairo from a completely different perspective during a delightful evening dinner cruise on River Nile. Once on board enjoy a delicious buffet dinner with Cairo's illuminated skyline as a backdrop. Entertainment is provided in the form of a spectacular belly-dancing and folklore show. Not to be missed!
Adult Price: USD 73.00
Code: CAI0001
Embark on a full day exploration of historic Alexandria. Your sightseeing tour shows you the National Museum, the well preserved Roman Amphitheatre, Roman Catacombs, Quayet-Bey Fortress and Pombey’s Pillar. Later, visit the Mosque of Abdul Abass and the gardens at Montaza surrounding a former palace of the Royal family. (Please note - This excursion is only available to guests who have purchased extra nights in Cairo before or after their tour). This Optional experience is priced at $115 per person when there are two or more participants. If there is only one participant the cost is $230 per person.
Adult Price: USD 115.00
Code: CAI0003
Cairo (Traditional) - Egypt
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.
LUXOR - CRUISE (Cruise) - Egypt
The MS Medea is one of the most luxurious vessels to cruise the Nile. Watch the ever-changing scenery from the comfort of your external-facing cabin or perhaps lounge on the top floor sundeck, complete with bar and swimming pool.
Our Travel Directors know your destination, its culture and history inside out.
Learn more about each of the destinations we visit.
Need more inspiration? Search through hundreds of more dream vacations.