Discover the timeless wonders of Egypt on a journey that blends ancient history with modern luxury. Begin in Cairo, exploring the iconic Pyramids, the enigmatic Sphinx, and the treasures of Memphis and Sakkara. Then, embark on a serene Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, where you'll sail past the remnants of a once-great civilization, visiting majestic temples and the Valley of the Kings. Experience the grandeur of Abu Simbel, marvel at the engineering feat of the Aswan High Dam. Back in Cairo, immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel, and the bustling bazaars. This tour is a captivating blend of cultural discovery and serene river cruising, offering a window into the heart of ancient Egypt.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights:
- Explore the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx, marveling at the engineering and mystery of these ancient wonders.
- Sail along the legendary Nile River, visiting the magnificent temples of Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae, while experiencing the timeless beauty of Egypt's landscapes.
- Walk in the footsteps of pharaohs as you explore the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, where Egypt’s ancient rulers were laid to rest.
- Witness the awe-inspiring rock temples of Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its colossal statues and remarkable relocation history.
- Discover the rich heritage of Cairo with visits to the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel, the Hanging Church, and the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive to Cairo
- Day 2: Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis & Sakkara Tour
- Day 3: 5 Day Nile Cruise: Luxor to Aswan: Embarkation & Temples Visit -
- Day 4: West Bank & Sail to Essna
- Day 5: Edfu & Kom Ombu
- Day 6: Aswan, High Dam and Philae Temple & Botanical Garden
- Day 7: Disembarkation & Abu Simbel Tour / Fly to Cairo
- Day 8: Egyptian Museum, Citadel, Hanging Church & Bazaar Tour
- Day 9: Depart Cairo
Tailor-made suggestions
- Add a few extra days to explore more of Luxor
- Extend your stay and visit Alexandria and the Red Sea
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1 - Cairo: Arrive in Cairo
Arrive in Cairo
Upon arrival at Cairo airport you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel.
Day 2 - Cairo: Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis & Sakkara Tour
Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis & Sakkara Tour
Embark on a journey through the wonders of Cairo with our full day private tour, curated to provide you with the ultimate experience. Your English-speaking Egyptologist guide will greet you at your hotel, ready to lead you on an adventure you'll never forget.
Sakkara Necropolis: Your first stop is the legendary necropolis of Sakkara, where you'll encounter the famous Step Pyramid, the oldest stone pyramid in the world. Delve into the mysteries of this ancient site with your guide.
Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: Next, you will be exploring the iconic Giza Plateau, home to the ancient Pyramids and Sphinx. Marvel at these magnificent structures as your guide provides insightful commentary on their history and significance. Free Time at Giza: After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to capture some memorable photos. Optional additions: For those interested, optional additions such as entry to the Pyramids and King's Chamber are available at an additional cost.
Lunch overlooking the Pyramids
After a day filled with exploration and discovery, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel, leaving you with memories to cherish forever.
Please note:
- Includes lunch, no beverages.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 3 - 7 - Cairo: Depart Cairo / Arrive in Luxor / 5 Day Nile Cruise: Luxor to Aswan
Depart Cairo
At the scheduled time you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport.
Arrive in Luxor
On arrival in Luxor you will be met and transferred to the port.
5 Day Nile Cruise: Luxor to Aswan
Day 1: Embarkation & Temples Visit
12:00 p.m. Embarkation
12:30 p.m. Lunch
3:00 p.m. Visit the Luxor and Karnak Temples
5:30 p.m. Tea at the Club Lounge
7:00 p.m. Cocktails with Entertainment at the Club Lounge/Sun Deck with a sail in Luxor
8:00 p.m. Dinner
Overnight at Luxor
Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 2: West Bank & Sail to Essna
6:00 a.m. Breakfast
7:00 a.m. Visit the West Bank - Valley of Kings, Deir el-Madina, Temple of Hatshepsut
and Colossus of Memnon
12:00 p.m. Sail to Essna
12:30 p.m. Lunch
5:00 p.m. Tea at the Club Lounge
7:00 p.m. Dinner
Overnight at Essna
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 3: Edfu & Kom Ombu
5:00 a.m. Sail to Edfu
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Visit the Temple of Edfu
11:00 p.m. Sail to Kom Ombu
12:30 p.m. Lunch
5:00 p.m. Tea at the Club Lounge
6:15 p.m. Visit the Temple of Kom Ombu
7:00 p.m. Dinner
Overnight in Kom Ombu
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 4: Aswan, High Dam and Philae Temple & Botanical Garden
5:00 a.m. Sail to Aswan
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Visit the High Dam and Philae Temple
12:30 p.m. Lunch
3:00 p.m. Visit to Botanical Garden
5:00 p.m. Tea at the Club Lounge
7:00 p.m. Dinner
Overnight at Aswan
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 5: Disembarkation
7:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Disembarkation
Breakfast included.
Day 7 - Aswan: Port to Airport / Abu Simbel Tour / Arrive in Cairo
Port to Airport
Upon disembarkation at Aswan Port, you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to Aswan airport.
Abu Simbel Tour
After your flight to Abu Simbel, your expert local guide will meet you at Abu Simbel airport and you will be accompanied to a private transfer from Abu Simbel airport to Abu Simbel temple where your local guide will take you on a journey of discovery to view the astonishing Abu Simbel rock temples.
Built as royal tombs, the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor are two of Egypt's most revered archaeological sites. Marvel at the enormous sandstone statues carved into the temple facades and explore the fascinating interiors that are decorated with art and intricate hieroglyphics at your own pace. The Abu Simbel Temples were originally carved into solid rock cliffs. During the 1960's, an extraordinary feat of engineering took place to move the temples to protect them from the rising waters of the Nile and Lake Nasser.
After your tour you will have some free time and the opportunity to take memorable photos.
Afterwards, you will return to Abu Simbel airport with your private transfer for your onwards flight.
Arrive in Cairo
Upon arrival at Cairo airport you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel.
Breakfast included.
Day 8 - Cairo: Egyptian Museum, Citadel, Hanging Church & Bazaar Tour
Egyptian Museum, Citadel, Hanging Church & Bazaar Tour
Your memorable full-day tour of Cairo begins when your expert guide meets you at your hotel to escort you to the city's famous Egyptian Museum. This in-depth tour with commentary is followed by 30 minutes of free time for guests to further explore the museum. The must-see collection of antiquities on display represents close to 6,000 years of ancient Egyptian civilization and includes Tutankhamun's magnificent golden face mask and sarcophagus.
In the afternoon, your guide will take you to the Citadel of Salah El Din, a medieval Islamic-era fortification preserved as a World Heritage Site and one of Cairo's main attractions. Inside the citadel, you will visit the impressive Mohamed Ali Mosque, named after Mohamed Ali Pasha, the 19th-century Ottoman ruler of Egypt. Then, journey through centuries of religious history as you visit the Hanging Church, a symbol of Coptic
Christianity.
Lastly, your guide will take you to absorb the colors and aromas of the famous bazaar of Khan El Khalili in the heart of Cairo. Here you will have an opportunity to barter for souvenirs and enjoy the local custom of mint tea while you shop. An experience not to be missed. The bazaar is mainly a photo and shopping opportunity.
Please note:
- Includes lunch, no beverages.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 9 - Cairo: Depart Cairo
Depart Cairo
At the scheduled time you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport.
Breakfast included.
Please contact us for dates
Comfort
Cairo, Egypt - Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo
Luxor, Egypt - Iberotel Crown Emperor
Luxor, Egypt - Iberotel Crown Emperor
Superior
Cairo, Egypt - Kempinski Nile Hotel
Luxor, Egypt - Mövenpick MS Hamees
Deluxe
Cairo, Egypt - Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence
Luxor, Egypt - Oberoi Zahra
Whats included?
- Accommodation in hotels in Cairo & cruise boat as specified in itinerary
- 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 4 Dinners
- Private Air-conditioned Vehicle & Driver
- Domestic flights: Cairo – Luxor & Aswan – Cairo
- Guided Abu Simbel excursion by air from Aswan
- Services of a professional English-speaking guide
- Sightseeing & excursions as specified
- Entrance fees
What’s not included?
- Meals not indicated
- Travel insurance
- International flights
- Any item not mentioned as included
Notes
- The prices on our website will give you a very good estimate of the cost of this itinerary, however there might be a small variation in price due to the fluctuating costs of the internal flights and potential overlap between the rate seasons. To get an exact quote, please speak to one of our consultants who will provide you with a detailed itinerary and quote based on your specific travel dates.
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
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Downloadable travel guide
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