Wonders of Egypt

Cairo city pic

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

walking tour pic

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.

MEALS: D

HOTEL: Steigenberger El Tahrir or similar (5 star)

Pyramids of Giza

pyramids pic

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

sphinx pic

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

step pic

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

djoser pic

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

Coptic Cairo

Hanging church pic

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

Citadel pic

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

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. It has been built into the base of a cliff and is a sight to behold. The 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

Alexandria

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 Greek and Romans, the city has many incredible sights.

Catacombs

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

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 pic

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

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.

Note: If the museum is not open we will proceed to the Egyptian Museum

Khan El Khalili Market

Khan El Khalili

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

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

Aswan

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

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

Nubian village

Discover the fascinating Nubian Villages situated at the bottom of Elephantine Island. Stroll through alleyways and 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

Abu Simbel

It’s an early start today before sunrise, 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

high dam pic

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.

HOTEL: Movenpick Resort or similar (5 star)

Meals: Breakfast

Philae Temple

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.

Nile Cruise

From here, we make our way to our cruise ship around midday for the next three nights. It’s a new adventure, cruising toward the iconic city of Luxor.

CRUISE SHIP: MS Nile Premium or similar (5 star)

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

cruise boat

Enjoy a sleep in this morning. You’ll have free time to explore the ships amenities, relax by a picture window or sit up on the sun deck around the pool.

Kom Ombo Temple

Kom Ombo

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 SHIP: MS Nile Premium or similar (5 star)

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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.

Karnak Temple

karnak temple

Built over more than a thousand years by generations of Pharaohs. the great “Hypostyle Hall” is an incredible forest of giant pillars, covering an area larger than the whole of Notre Dame Cathedral. One of Egypt’s more prized attractions, Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons and obelisks. Simply put, everything here is on a gigantic scale.

Luxor Temple by night

luxor temple

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.

CRUISE SHIP: MS Nile Premium or similar (5 star)

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Hatshepsut

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

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.

Red Sea Stay

Red sea pic

Around midday we will head by coach toward the coastline of the Red Sea near Hurghada. The trip will take around four hours with rest stops along the way. Check into your hotel resort for the next four nights.

HOTEL: Solymar Soma Bay, Hurghada, or similar

Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Red Sea Solymar pic

Enjoy the next few days in a paradise for sun lovers and underwater enthusiasts. This Egyptian beach resort captivates visitors with its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an array of water sports activities, making it a haven for relaxation and adventure.

Guest will have the option to do as much or as little as they please.

Resort activities

pool solymar red sea

Our resort is located right on the Red Sea, with private beach and endless sunlounges. We’ll help you book tours through the resorts tour desk including snorkel tours, ATV or anything else you might like. If you prefer to just laze around the pool or book yourself in at the day spa, the choice is yours.

The resorts animation team is high energy, keeping guests entertained with free activities throughout the day.

During the evening, sit in the outside lounge area while listening to live entertainment.

Finish the night with amazing performers in the outdoor amphitheatre.

HOTEL: Solymar Soma Bay Hurghada, or similar

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

This morning we depart Hurghada for Cairo, well rested and fully rejuvenated. The trip is estimated to take five to six hours. Enjoy your last real desert adventure along wide open highways. We will make stops along the way to break the trip up before making our way to Cairo International airport.

Additional nights on request.