Splendours of Egypt (Winter 2018-19)

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.

1. Day 1

   Your Journey Begins

   Board your overnight flight to Europe (please ask about our great deals).

2. Day 2

   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.

   Hotel: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.

3. Day 3

   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.

   Hotel: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.

   Meals: Buffet Breakfast

4. Day 4

   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.

   Hotel: MS Medea (or similar).

   Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5. Day 5

   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.

   Hotel: MS Medea (or similar).

   Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6. Day 6

   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.

   Hotel: MS Medea (or similar).

   Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch

7. Day 7 - Relaxed Start

   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.

   Hotel: MS Medea (or similar).

   Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8. Day 8 - Relaxed Start

   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.

   Hotel: MS Medea (or similar).

   Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

9. Day 9 - Relaxed Start

   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.

   Hotel: MS Medea (or similar).

   Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

10. Day 10 - Relaxed Start

    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.

    Hotel: MS Medea (or similar).

    Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

11. Day 11

    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.

    Hotel: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.

    Meals: Buffet Breakfast

12. Day 12

    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.

    Hotel: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.

    Meals: Buffet Breakfast

13. Day 13 - Relaxed Start

    Depart Cairo.

    Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo Airport.

    Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Highlights

INSIGHT EXPERIENCES

• 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.
• Karnak: With your Egyptologist, stand amid a vast forest of columns in the largest temple complex known to man.
• West Bank: With an Egyptologist, visit the Temple Hatshepsut and royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
• 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.

TOP RATED HIGHLIGHTS

• Giza: Be mesmerised by the Sound & Light Show at the Great Pyramids.
• Aswan: On-board a traditional Nile felucca, meet a sailor and learn the art of sailing this ancient Nile craft.
• Philae Island: As you journey by motorboat to Philae Island, witness the majestic Temple of Isis rising from the waters.

AUTHENTIC DINING

• 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.

INCLUDED INSIGHT SERVICES

• 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 Aswan/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.

Optional experiences

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.

Accommodation

Cairo Marriott Hotel and Omar Khayyam Casino

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.

MS Medea (or similar)

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.