18 DAY
Egypt Highlights
with Red Sea & Sinai Peninsula
Departure date
Aug 30th - Sep 16th 2024
18 days
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Immerse yourself in everything Egyptian, then finish in paradise.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey and indulge in the grandeur of ancient Egypt with our exclusive 18 day Premium Tour. Immerse yourself in the timeless wonders of this remarkable land while enjoying top-notch accommodations, personalized service, and unparalleled access to Egypt's most iconic sites.
Some of our highlights include:
Ancient Wonders & beachside vibes on the Red Sea.
Journey through time as we take you to Egypt's most captivating attractions. The Pyramids of Giza, Great Sphinx, Karnak Temple and Abu Simbel are all included.
You’ll cruise along the mighty Nile River for three glorious nights, taking in the serene beauty while stopping to witness the rich historic landmarks such as Valley of the Kings.
Finish with a stay in Sharm El Sheikh right on the Red Sea. Known for its world class diving and snorkeling, luxury resorts, crystal clear blue water, and golden sandy beaches. Spend your days relaxing on the beach, or maybe get adventurous on a desert ATV tour or snorkel adventure to Ras Mohammed Marine Park. Then when the sun goes down head out to the many bazaars, out door restaurants or lively night spots. Whatever you decide, it’s sure to be heavenly bliss.
“ the many sides of ancient Egypt will captivate your spirit.”
Famous Attractions
Nile Cruise - 3 nights
Red Sea (Sharm El Sheikh) - 7 nights
Itinerary details
Use the drop down arrows to show the itinerary for each day.
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Welcome to the land of pharoahs & the world’s most historic destination, Egypt.
You’ll be met by our airport representative who will help you through airport procedures. Mel or Mina, your Australian tour leader will be waiting outside the terminal to escort you to your hotel for the evening. Free time for the remainder of the day.
ABSOLUTE BONUS: Free walking tour
Join us in getting orientated with the surrounding streets from our hotel. We’ll take a short tour around the neighbourhood exploring street life in Cairo.
HOTEL: Steigenberger El Tahrir or similar (5 star)
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Pyramids of Giza
Built for some of the mightiest Pharoahs, the Great Pyramids of Giza are undoubtedly the most famous ancient wonder in the world. These colossal structures continue to captivate visitors with their grandeur and ongoing mystery. We’ll spend enough time here to fulfill your bucketlist dreams and finish with a short camel ride in order to grab some incredible shots as a memento of your time here.
Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx stands tall, guarding the Giza Plateau in Egypt. Carved over 4,500 years ago, this mythical creature has the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh.
Sakkara Step Pyramid
Located 27 km on the outskirts of Cairo, is Sakkara. This remarkable complex includes the Step Pyramid of Djoser and the undergrounds tombs which we will visit. You’ll also see plenty of hieroglyphics that adorn the walls of the complex throughout.
ABSOLUTE BONUS: Step inside Djoser Pyramid
Step inside the corridors of the Djoser Pyramid. Recently reopened after extensive works, go where very few have been.
HOTEL: Steigenberger El Tahrir or similar (5 star)
Meals: Breakfast
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Coptic Cairo
Coptic Cairo is a neighborhood brimming with rich history and remarkable heritage. This iconic district is home to the renowned Hanging Church, or Saint Virgin Mary's Church with its unique suspended position and intricate Coptic artwork.
Citadel of Saladin
Constructed by Salah al-Din on the Moqattam Hills in 1183 AD as a defense against Crusader armies, the Citadel is now a preserved historic site of mosques and museums, including the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha. Its commanding position high above greater Cairo, offers impressive sweeping views of the city and beyond.
ABSOLUTE BONUS - Cave Church
Our final visit of the day is a special one, not visited by many tour companies. The Cave Church is one of the largest churches not only in Egypt but also in the Middle East. The Cave Church is located in an area known as the Zabbaleen city, meaning literally ‘garbage city’. This city has the largest population of garbage collectors and recyclers in Cairo.
HOTEL: Steigenberger El Tahrir or similar (5 star)
Meals: Breakfast
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Today we make our way north to the city of Alexandria, on the Mediterranean Sea. Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest city and boasts a thriving port along its 32 kilometres of coastline. Founded by Alexandria the Great, and once ruled by the Greeks and Romans, the city has many incredible sights.
Catacombs
The catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa is a historical archaeological site and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. Known as the hill of treasure, it is regarded as a huge necropolis and royal cemetery that dates back to the second century AD.
Pompeys Pillar
Pompey's Pillar is the name given to a Roman triumphal column that was set up in honour of the Roman emperor Diocletian between 298–302 AD. The giant Corinthian column originally supported a colossal porphyry statue of the emperor in armour.
Qaitbay Fort
Qaitbay Fort in is a historic fortress situated on the Mediterranean coast. Built in the 15th century, it offers panoramic views of the city and houses a naval museum inside. A testament to Egypt's rich history, it is a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts.
HOTEL: Steigenberger El Tahrir or similar (5 star)
Meals: Breakfast
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Grand Egyptian Museum
Estimated to open mid 2024, the Grand Egyptian Museum promises to take visitors on an awe-inspiring journey through the ancient civilization that has long captivated the world. Enter the Grand Hall where you will be met by a statue of Ramses II – a 36-foot-tall colossus weighing 80 tons. Boosting over 100,000 artifacts, including the most comprehensive display of King Tutankhamun's treasures ever exhibited, the Grand Egyptian Museum is sure to be a highlight of your trip.
Optional Tour cost USD $70 pp
Please note, if the museum is not open we will include a revised itinerary to the the National Museum of Civilization.
National Museum of Civilization
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization showcases Egypt's rich heritage, covering prehistoric to present-day periods. Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by an array of artifacts dating back thousands of years. From monumental statues of pharaohs to intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions, each display tells a captivating story of Egypt's past. The museum also boasts a remarkable collection of mummies and burial objects, shedding light on the ancient Egyptian beliefs surrounding the afterlife
Khan El Khalili Market
Nestled within the vibrant streets of the historic Islamic Cairo district lies an enchanting world of colors, scents, and cultural treasures. The Khan el-Khalili Bazaar is a bustling, vibrant market that has been around for centuries. Famous for its gold souks, visitors can shop for unique pieces and souvenirs through its whimsical laneways. Bartering is expected here, but we’ll happily help you negotiate a fair price if you prefer.
Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
HOTEL: Steigenberger El Tahrir or similar (5 star)
Meals: Breakfast
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Located along the banks of the Nile River, and home to many archaeological sites, Aswan is a place of incredible beauty. This captivating jewel is an oasis of rich red sunsets and golden sands encompassing the lush farmland along the rivers edge. We’ll be here for the next two nights enjoying every drop of resplendent charm.
Felucca Sailing
There is no better way to embrace the beauty of the Nile River than on a traditional wooden sailing boat known as a felucca. Sit back and take the tranquil surroundings as you gentle glide through the water. We’ll include stops to Kitchener Island and a Nubian village.
Kitchener Island
This botanical paradise is known for its stunning collection of exotic plants, offering a serene escape. We will take a walk around the gardens enjoying the well shaded location.
Nubian Village
Discover the fascinating Nubian Villages situated at the bottom of Elephantine Island. Stroll through alleyways and discover the simple and natural life of the people that populate them. You will get to visit a Nubian family home and try some local delicacies before setting sail to our hotel, and home for the night.
HOTEL: Movenpick Resort or similar (5 star)
Meals: Breakfast
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Abu Simbel
It’s an early start today as we make our way by coach to one of Egypt’s most sought out attractions. Abu Simbel is a famous UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its colossal rock-cut temples. Built by Ramses II, these iconic structures stand as a testament to ancient Egyptian civilization, attracting visitors worldwide with their impressive architecture and rich historical significance. The two colossal temples greeting visitors are dedicated to Pharaoh himself and his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari.
Aswan High Dam
On our way back to Aswan city, we’ll make a stop to the impressive Aswan High Dam. This remarkable engineering feat was built to control the Nile River's flow, provide electricity, and increase agricultural productivity in the region, contributing to Egypt's economic development.
The rest of the afternoon is free time.
Optional Tour Cost USD $150 pp
HOTEL: Movenpick Resort or similar (5 star)
Meals: Breakfast
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Philae Temple
Jump aboard a motor boat for the short journey to Philae Temple on the island of Agilkia. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple is a testament to Egypt's rich cultural heritage. You’ll hear stories from your Egyptologist guide amidst stunning columns and intricate hieroglyphics that adorn the walls throughout. Rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, the temple was moved to its present location, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Cruising
From here, we make our way to our River Boat around midday for the next three nights. It’s a new adventure, cruising toward the iconic city of Luxor.
CRUISE MS Radamis II or similar (5 star)
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Enjoy a sleep in this morning. You’ll have free time to explore the boats amenities, relax by a picture window or sit up on the sun deck around the pool.
Kom Ombo Temple
Visit the Temple dedicated to both Sobek the crocodile god and Haroeris the hawk. Kom Ombo temple stands on a promontory at a bend in the Nile, where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the river bank.
CRUISE MS Radamis IIor similar (5 star)
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Esna Lock
We continue north towards Luxor, passing through the engineering marvel of Esna Lock. As our boat enters the lock, the gates will be closed behind us, allowing the water level in the lock to adjust to match the level of the river downstream. Once the water level is equalized, the boat can pass through and continue its journey down the river. Be sure to make your way up on the roof deck to capture the moment.
Luxor Temple by dusk
Enjoy a walk around Luxor Temple as the sun goes down and the walls of the temple are lit up. Located on the east bank of the Nile River, Luxor Temple reigns supreme as one of Egypt's most extraordinary archaeological gems built over 3,000 years ago. Marvel at the soaring columns and colossal statues, adorned with intricate hieroglyphics and reliefs depicting scenes from ancient Egyptian mythology and history. The Avenue of Sphinxes, stretching over a mile in length, connects Luxor Temple to its sister temple, Karnak.
Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show
This evening you will visit the worlds largest open air museum. Built over more than a thousand years by generations of Pharaohs, the great “Hypostyle Hall” is an incredible forest of giant pillars and one of Egypt’s more prized attractions. This spectacular complex comprises of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons and obelisks. Simply put, everything here is on a gigantic scale.
Show time is approx 75 minutes.
CRUISE: MS Radamis Ii or similar (5 star)
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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This morning we disembark our cruise in Luxor. We are heading for the azure waters of the Red Sea, but not before we visit one of Egypt’s most famous sites.
Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings, located on the west bank of the Nile River in Egypt, is an ancient burial ground that served as the final resting place for pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom era. Spanning over 500 years, from the 16th to the 11th century BCE, it contains around 63 tombs, including Tutankhamun's famous tomb. These tombs were carved into the rock and adorned with intricate paintings and hieroglyphics. Discovered in the 18th century, the Valley of the Kings remains a significant archaeological site, giving us valuable insights into the ancient Egyptian burial customs and beliefs.
Hatshepsut Temple
Next, it’s on to Hatshepsut Temple. This magnificent ancient structure is in honour of the powerful female pharaoh, Queen Hatshepsut.
Tonight we transfer to the airport for our short flight to the popular seaside resort area of Sharm El Sheikh. We’ll be here for the next 7 nights for sun, fun, relaxation and more adventure.
IMPORTANT NOTE: How you choose to spend your days is up to you, but we have devised a full week of adventurous activities, relaxing beaches and nightly places to visit, completely optional. We hope you’ll join us in getting the most out of this world class destination.
HOTEL: Sharm Inn, Sharm El Sheikh, or similar
Meals: Breakfast
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Enjoy the next week in a paradise for sun lovers and underwater enthusiasts. Sharm El Sheikh is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, outdoor restaurants, shopping bazaars and night life, making it a premier spot to visit day and night.
El Fanar Beach
Today we spend a relaxing day at El Fanar Beach, which is our hotels “free beach access” for the entire week. This beautiful location is perfect for swimming and snorkeling . Pull up a sunlounge and take in the beauty of the Red Sea.
The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.
HOTEL: Sharm Inn Amarein or similar
Meals: Breakfast
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Today if you choose to join us, we will make our way to Dahab, around 1 hour transfer from Sharm El Sheikh.
Blue Hole & Dahab Lagoona
Nestled between the Sinai Mountains and the Red Sea, Dahab enjoys a laid back feel for beach lovers. Swim the tranquil waters of the Dahab Lagoona, then hang out in the many world famous overwater cafes. Next, venture to the famous Blue Hole, a mesmerizing diving and snorkel spot renowned for its deep sapphire hue. Surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and marine life, this natural wonder attracts thrill-seeking divers from across the globe, eager to explore its mysterious depths and breathtaking underwater scenery.
Naama Bay
Tonight we visit Naama Bay. This lively location is a tourist hot spot. With plenty of outdoor restaurants and shopping, it is sure to be a great place to explore.
HOTEL: Sharm Inn Amarein or similar
Meals: Breakfast
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Ras Mohammed Marine Park
Swim and snorkel the Ras Mohammed Marine Park at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula. This vibrant aquatic sanctuary is teeming with biodiversity. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and awe-inspiring marine life, it offers visitors a truly unforgettable experience in one of Egypt’s most breathtaking natural wonderlands.
Mount Sinai
Take on the mountain, and walk in the footsteps of Moses.This biblical location is known to be the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Departing early evening, this tour will provide transfers to the base on Mount Sinai. The 3 to 4 hour climb (approx 8 km) winds its way up steadily through the night along with your Bedouin Guide. Upon reaching the summit, you will pay witness to one of the most surreal sunrises on earth, before making your way back down the mountain.
Saint Catherine Monastary
Located at the base of Mount Sinai is the oldest working Christian monastery in the world. Established in the 6th century, it is named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The monastery houses a vast collection of religious manuscripts, including the famous Codex Sinaiticus, one of the oldest surviving complete manuscripts of the Bible.
The tour takes approx 15 hours and returns to your accommodation around midday the following day.
Important note: this tour is deemed physically demanding. Participants will need a moderate degree of fitness. You will have the option to summit via a camel ride (additional cost) to a point of climbing the remainder 750 + steps to the top.
HOTEL: Sharm Inn Amarein or similar
Meals: Breakfast
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(For those on the Mount Sinai tour - you will arrive back early afternoon)
Today is yours to enjoy. Spend time around the pool, hit the beach or sit back and read a book before we head out for the evening.
Old Market
The Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh is a vibrant hub of traditional Egyptian culture and shopping. With its bustling bazaars, authentic handicrafts, and aromatic spices, it offers visitors a unique and immersive experience.
You’ll also get a chance to see the impressive Sahaba Mosque, a standout piece of architecture in the centre of town.
HOTEL: Sharm Inn Amarein or similar
Meals: Breakfast
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Day Tour to Tiran Island
Embark on an unforgettable Tiran Island day tour from Sharm El Sheikh. Sailing across the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, this excursion will take you to a pristine paradise. Explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with exotic marine life as you snorkel in the warm waters. Dive into a world of colorful fish, majestic turtles and graceful rays. Enjoy lunch on board as part of your tour.
Farsha Cafe -evening visit
Located on the side of a cliff overlooking the Red Sea, Farsha is a colourful wonderland, and exudes all things Arabian. Sit back at the multi level Bedouin style lounge cafe, adorned with rugs, cushions and lanterns.
HOTEL: Sharm Inn Amarein or similar
Meals: Breakfast
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Sharks Bay
Sharks Bay is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters.
While known as a diver's paradise, it also offers a pristine sandy beach, inviting visitors to unwind and bask in the glorious Egyptian sunshine. Sun loungers dot the shoreline, providing the perfect spot to sip refreshing cocktails and soak in the tranquility of the surroundings. Venture into the azure waters for a refreshing swim or partake in thrill-inducing water sports that range from windsurfing to jet skiing.
You will also have the chance to partake in an intro dive today here in the bay.
Soho Square
Finish the night at the vibrant location of Soho Square. You’ll find outdoor restaurants, fountains, live entertainment, shopping, and much more here.
HOTEL: Sharm Inn Amarein or similar
Meals: Breakfast
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This morning after breakfast we say a final farewell, having made incredible memories and fond friends. You will be transferred to the Sharm El Sheikh International airport for your flight out.
Inclusions
Egyptologist guide + Australian Tour Leader
all sightseeing listed in itinerary
4 to 5 star hotels
17 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 3 dinners
internal flight / coach touring / cruise / felucca ride
Exclusions
tipping fees USD $250 collected on arrival
Abu Simbel Tour
International flights
visa
any meals not listed in itinerary
anything else not exclusively listed
Pyramids of Giza
Hatshepsut Temple
Nile River at Sunset
Mount Sinai at Sunrise
Qaitbay Fortress, Alexandria
Sharm El Sheikh, Red Sea
Mel: Australian Escorted Tour Leader
Mina: Australian Based Egyptian Tour Leader
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Important Information
Minimum Age - 12 years
This tour is suitable for ages 12 +
Deposit amount & final payment
A non refundable deposit of $250 AUD is required at time of booking. Guests will be given a payment schedule dependent on tour departure date. You can read the full payment schedule on our Terms and Conditions page.
Fitness level
This tour is considered moderate. Guests should be able to walk at least 2 to 3 km in one session, and be able to navigate stairs and uneven surfaces. Hot weather and prolonged standing may impact these requirements.
No guest matching
Unfortunately, we do not offer a hotel pairing for single travellers. We do however, offer a competitive single supplement rate.
Baggage allowance
For group tours - Baggage allowance on all our domestic flights is 23 kg. Your carry on allowance is 7 kg.
Tour minimum numbers
In order to guarantee our tours, we require a minimum of 10 passengers. If by chance we do not meet this minimum, any deposits or payments submitted will be fully refunded.
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory on all our tours. This should cover cancellation, medical expenses, repatriations and additional expenses. We strongly suggest you purchase insurance as soon as you start making payments toward your tour. We will ask you to provide insurance details prior tour departure.
Medical Requirements
It is important to let us know in your booking form, your medical requirements and needs. All guests must be able to manage their own medical requirements. Please note we cannot act as an aide to your medical requirements.
Dietary Requirements
You can submit your dietary requirements in your booking form. We will pass these requirements on to hotel staff and help you find suitable options on the go.
Being part of a team
It is important that all our guests understand that this a “group” tour and be willing to act as ‘team players’ so not to disrupt the dynamics of the entire group. If at any stage a guest is acting highly inappropriate, speaking in inappropriate or derogative language, or highly disrupting the group, we reserve the right to ask the guest/s to leave without any compensation toward onward travel or change of travel plans.
Click the link for our full T’s & C’s
Cancellations and refund Policy