Others

The Pyramids & Sphinx Antiquities of the Egyptian museum Romantic Philae Temple Abu Simbel option traditional felucca sailing Ancient Valley of the Kings Sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary.

Hygieneprotocol

This tour will be operated in line with our ’Safer Encounters’ scheme which covers a wide range of additional hygiene precautions as well as social distancing rules and other measures to help prevent the transmission of Covid-19.

Guide

Sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary Services of a local Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing tours In Egypt we provide fully trained, local English-speaking graduate Egyptologist guides to run your tour and escort you during all of the sightseeing in Cairo and the Nile Valley. We also have permanent local reps in all the main towns/cities and Red Sea resorts who are also at your service, and will be handling all the practical arrangements for the tour. We use local Bedouin guides for tours through the desert. On some departures we may use one guide in Cairo, and a second guide if you are travelling between Aswan and Luxor. At Encounters Travel we only use local Egyptian guides and reps. We feel this gives you the best experience of the country and the sites you are seeing. Please check our website for more details and profiles of some of our most famous Egyptian guides.

Accommodation

6 nights in hand-picked hotels. 1 night on a Felucca Boat. 1 night on an Overnight Sleeper Train.

Meals

8 Breakfasts. 1 Lunch. 4 Dinners.

Transport

All transport and transfers in private AC vehicles. 24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service. Overnight sleeper train in private twin-berth cabins (flight upgrades available). Traditional Felucca Sailboat

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included but may be available on request

Others

Visa fees (available on arrival for most nationalities) Meals not indicated in the itinerary Entrance fees (allow approx. US$122) Tipping kitty (allow US$70) Drinks, snacks, guide tips and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry) Single Room Supplement (applicable when a same sex room share cannot be arranged - contact us for details) Hotel gala dinners (see Tour notes) Any other items not mentioned above

Optional

Optional experiences are available on this tour for an additional cost. Hot air balloon in Luxor - This popular optional tour starts early in the morning so that you experience the sunrise over the Valleys of the Kings & Queens, temples and desert. We endeavour to use the earliest flights of the day as they are timed to fit with the rising sun, this means that times may vary. You get around 1 hour in the air. Alexandria day trip - Alexandria is about 2.5 hours north of Cairo on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. This city is the second largest in Egypt and this full day tour will include the Roman amphitheatre with its twelve semi-circular marble tiers, the Catacombs of Kom al-Shoqafa which is the largest Roman cemetery in Alexandria, Pompey’s Pillar, Fort Qaitbey (from outside), the famous modern library before returning to Cairo. If time allows you can tour inside Fort Qaitbey (entrance fee extra) and we may also visit the Montazah Palace gardens. Lunch at a seafood restaurant is included. Abu Simbel overland - The temples built by Ramses II at Abu Simbel are one of Egypt’s highlights, and have a fascinating story behind them to go with their impressive size. When Lake Nasser was flooded, the final water level was going to submerge several temples, the most important of which being Abu Simbel. The temple was therefore dismantled completely and rebuilt further up the hillside where it sits today. The temple stands today as a testament to Ramses II and the great building prowess of the ancient Egyptians, as well as to modern engineering. We depart Aswan early in the morning to join an escorted convoy which departs Aswan at around 04.30. This gets us to Abu Simbel to see the temples in the light of the rising sun, and we then have a guided tour with one of our Egyptologists and some free time before we drive back to Aswan (approx. 3 hours drive each way, with around 2 hours at the temples). All transfers, guide, and entrance fees are included. The tour itinerary is designed so you will not miss any other activities if you choose this option. Note - we choose the overland route to get to Abu Simbel as the flight times there are unreliable and the journey using the flight is much more segmented (you get more rest on the coach), not to mention it is much more expensive to fly. Cairo city tour - This half day guided tour of Cairo tour begins with Islamic areas including the Citadel of Saladdin, boasting the famous Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali. Then we head onto the Coptic area of Cairo where the Romans constructed the fortress of Babylon. The church of St. Mary was built over the ruins of two towers of the fortress whilst it is more commonly known as the Hanging Church next stop is St. Sergius which is said to be the resting place of the Holy Family. The tour finishes at the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. Internal flights upgrade - This option provides an upgrade from the overnight sleeper train to an internal flight with Egypt Air for the journeys from Cairo/Aswan and Luxor/Cairo. Two extra nights in the hotel are included in place of the overnight train. Breakfasts are included in the hotel but you will miss the on board dinner included on the sleeper train. Flight times vary and are subject to availability. Single room supplements apply. Single room supplement - This tour is based on twin-share accommodation, with single bookers paired up with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If the final group make-up means that no room share is available, you will need to pay this supplement. However, if you would like to guarantee yourself a single room throughout the tour, then please add this option to your booking. Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis - This half day guided tour on the outskirts of Cairo tour provides more insight into the history and evolution of pyramid building, and of the Egyptian civilisation. Our tours are based in the area of ancient Memphis, a former capital of Egypt. First we’ll visit Saqqara, a huge desert necropolis which was built for the kings and nobles of the Old Kingdom. Here we see Zoser’s ’step’ pyramid and the adjacent Imhotep museum where we learn more about Memphis and the history of the region. Next we head to Dashour to see one of the next attempts at pyramid building. Dashour’s moniker of the ’bent pyramid’ shows they still had a bit to learn, but this is a fascinating site and the pyramid still has much of its original limestone cladding. We’ll then return you to your hotel. Upgrade from felucca to hotel in Aswan - Although our overnight felucca journey is an amazing experience and often a highlight of the tour, the basic overnight accommodation is not for everyone. This upgrade is designed for those who would like a little more comfort in place of the overnight felucca sailboat trip, where you sleep on the deck of the boat. You may choose to sail on the felucca for a couple of hours with the main group, and have lunch and dinner on the boat and then get transferred back to your hotel in Aswan in the evening. Or you can remain in Aswan for the whole afternoon to look around the markets and Corniche independently, and not do any sailing at all, as you prefer (no meals are included if you remain in Aswan). Your night in Aswan will be spent in a 5-star hotel. The next morning we will transfer you to rejoin the group after they leave the felucca, and the rest of your tour will continue as normal from there on. Prices shown are based on travelling in low season (April to September) and staying in a shared twin/double room.

Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Into Cairo. Transfer To Your Hotel
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Into Cairo. Transfer To Your Hotel

Upon arrival at Cairo airport, we will meet you and assist you with visa formalities and luggage collection, then transfer you to your hotel near the pyramids. Our rep will help you settle in, then the rest of the day is free at your leisure. If your flight lands early, then you could take a first look at the pyramids with an amazing sound and light show, or perhaps head into downtown Cairo for a Nile dinner cruise and show. | OVERNIGHT: Cairo - 5 star hotel. | EXTRAS: Extra night - pre-tour, Single Room Supplement
Day 2 Day 2: Cairo, Pyramids, Sphinx & Museum Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Cairo, Pyramids, Sphinx & Museum Tour

Our Nubian Adventure tour begins with a drive to Giza on the outskirts of Cairo to visit the Sphinx and the three great pyramids of Egypt. One of our local Egyptologist guides will be accompanying you on this and all of your other sightseeing tours, and you’ll find them a wealth of knowledge and full of enthusiasm about Egyptian history, and their country in general. At 500 feet high and 750 feet wide at its base the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is an awesome man-made structure constructed of giant stone blocks with a hard limestone casing. The casing has, over the years, been stripped away to leave exposed the inner block structure. Together with the smaller pyramids of Khafre (Chephern) and Menkaure (Mycerinus), the majestic sight of these enormous structures rising out of the desert is a breathtaking spectacle. You will have the opportunity to climb down right inside the pyramids if you wish, though your guide cannot accompany you (a limited number of tickets are available for the Great Pyramid). Following on from the Pyramids we then head to the Egyptian Museum in central Cairo. Home to the fantastic Tutankhamun exhibit the museum hosts a huge number of other ancient Egyptian artefacts. This evening we transfer to the station for the overnight sleeper train to Aswan (approx. 12 hours). | OVERNIGHT: Sleeper train. | MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner. | EXTRAS: Cairo/Aswan flight upgrade
Day 3 Day 3: Aswan, Nubian Village, Philae Temple
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Aswan, Nubian Village, Philae Temple

Upon arrival in Aswan we take a short transfer to our hotel overlooking the Nile. The river here is at its most scenic in Egypt, and is dotted with islands and felucca sailing boats. Aswan itself is an intriguing mixture of African and Middle Eastern cultures, and lies in part of the ancient region of Nubia. Many Nubian people still live here and work on the river, and we’ll visit a Nubian village away from the main town where we’ll walk through narrow alleyways seeing colourfully painted houses, friendly people, wandering animals and enjoy a traditional local lunch. We continue our day with an afternoon tour to the Temple of Philae. This beautiful island temple is dedicated to Isis and was saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. It can only be reached by a scenic boat ride. The evening is free at leisure to explore Aswan’s various markets and to walk up and down the Corniche on the banks of the Nile. There’s also an option to ride a camel across the sands on the far banks of the Nile to St. Simeon’s monastery. Those who have chosen to visit Abu Simbel tomorrow should aim for an early night tonight ready for a very early start in the morning. | OVERNIGHT: Aswan - 5 star hotel. | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch. | EXTRAS: Camel ride to St. Simeon’s Monastery
Day 4 Day 4: Abu Simbel Option, Nile Felucca Cruise
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Abu Simbel Option, Nile Felucca Cruise

After a free morning, we board a traditional felucca sailboat this afternoon for a great day sailing down the Nile. Drifting down the Nile on a felucca is one of Egypt’s most enjoyable experiences, and you’ll see local rural Egyptian life pass you by. Our Nubian crew will handle the boat and provide entertainment to you on the way, as well as preparing all your meals. Our fully equipped facilities boat will drop by from time to time during the day and moor up with us at night. Our boat has a western toilet and showers on board as well as a modern, hygienic kitchen where the crew will prepare and cook a tasty evening meal. You sleep on the deck of the boat tonight and we provide mattresses, blankets and mosquito nets as required. You can also choose to upgrade your Nile felucca cruise to stay in the hotel in Aswan instead of on board the boat. All other touring remains the same. For those not averse to a very early morning start, there is a very special option morning visit to the UNESCO world heritage site of Abu Simbel available. This amazing site was completely dismantled and rebuilt when Lake Nasser was built, and is one of Egypt’s biggest highlights. | OVERNIGHT: On board felucca. | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. | EXTRAS: Abu Simbel tour, Felucca to hotel upgrade
Day 5 Day 5: Edfu Temple & Karnak Temple In Luxor
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Edfu Temple & Karnak Temple In Luxor

After breakfast on-board we leave behind our felucca crew and take a tour of nearby temple Edfu before driving north to Luxor. Luxor is built on and around the ancient site of Thebes, and has the greatest concentration of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, if not the world. To the west, across the Nile, lies the City of the Dead, with its mortuary temples and rock carved tombs, and to the east stand the Temples of Luxor and Karnak. After lunch we’ll visit the massive temple complex of Karnak , once the religious heart of Thebes and Upper Egypt. It was linked to the town of Luxor by a long sphinx lined avenue, and the temple itself was linked to the Nile via a canal along which sailed the sacred boats of the god Amun. The entrance is via a smaller sphinx-lined avenue, built by Ramesses II, after which you enter the temple proper through the enormous pylon entrance. Inside the large Courtyard are three temples dedicated to the gods Amun, Khous and Mut. The much photographed Hypostyle Hall has an impressive 134 towering columns, each is carved with scenes of gods and pharaohs, and hieroglyphic inscriptions cover the walls. In the evening we’ll take a walking tour of the smaller Luxor Temple, which is in the centre of town and is colourfully lit up by night. | OVERNIGHT: Luxor - 5 star hotel. | MEALS: Breakfast
Day 6 Day 6: Luxor, West Bank Tour, Free Time
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Luxor, West Bank Tour, Free Time

We have an early start today as we cross the Nile for a tour of Luxor’s West Bank. The dusty tombs in the ancient burial site of the Valley of the Kings are still revealing their secrets today and the valley remains one of the world’s most important archaeological sites. We will descend into several of these Pharaonic tombs before also visiting Queen Hatchepsut and Medinat Habu temples, and the huge Colossi of Memnon. The rest of the day is then free to relax in your 5-star hotel by the Nile, or head out into Luxor to explore independently. You could do some shopping or browsing in the market, take a felucca trip to nearby Banana island or visit the mummification museum. Additional ancient Egyptian sightseeing is also available if you’d like to learn more about Egyptian history. The Workers Village, Valley of the Queens and Rammesseum on the west bank of the Nile are all worth a visit. Your Egyptologist guide will be happy to arrange any extra visits you may like to do (payable locally). | OVERNIGHT: Luxor - 5 star hotel. | MEALS: Breakfast. | EXTRAS: Hot air balloon in Luxor
Day 7 Day 7: Luxor, Karnak Temple
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Luxor, Karnak Temple

You can enjoy a welcome lie in today after several early starts. Our afternoon tour then explores the huge temple complex at Karnak. This was once the religious centre of Thebes and Upper Egypt and was linked to Luxor by a long sphinx-lined avenue. The whole complex was in turn linked by a canal to the Nile which the sacred boats of the god Amun moved through. We enter the temple through a smaller sphinx-lined avenue built by Ramesses II, before entering the immense pylon entrance. The huge Courtyard that follows contains are three chapels dedicated to the gods Amun, Khous and Mut while the remarkable Hypostyle Hall has 134 towering columns, each carved with scenes of gods and pharaohs. Hieroglyphic inscriptions adorn the walls. There is a huge amount to see here and our Egyptologist guide will give a tour of several hours followed by some free time for you to look around further. In the evening we transfer to the station to catch the overnight sleeper train back to Cairo (approx. 9 hours). | OVERNIGHT: Sleeper train. | MEALS: Breakfast, dinner. | EXTRAS: Luxor to Cairo flight upgrade
Day 8 Day 8: Cairo, Optional Tours. Back Streets Of The Khan-El-Khalili Bazaar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Cairo, Optional Tours. Back Streets Of The Khan-El-Khalili Bazaar

We arrive back into Cairo this morning and then you have time to explore Cairo as you choose or you may take an optional tour. These include a city tour visiting Coptic Cairo, the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, or a half day tour to Saqqara, Dashour and Memphis to learn more about the history and evolution of pyramid building. Other full day options further afield include a visit to the colonial city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean, or a trip into the desert outside Cairo to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan. In the late afternoon we take a guided walk through the back streets and bazaars in central Cairo. We’ll walk through the huge Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore streets dedicated to metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewellery and anything else you can imagine as we gradually enter the more touristy Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We’ll have time for a break to try some tea and a shisha pipe and perhaps enjoy an early dinner of Egypt’s unofficial national dish, Kushari. Finally we transfer you back to your hotel. | OVERNIGHT: Cairo - 5 star hotel. | MEALS: Breakfast. | EXTRAS: Cairo city tour, Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis
Day 9 Day 9: Cairo. Departure Transfer To The Airport
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Cairo. Departure Transfer To The Airport

Free day. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. | OVERNIGHT: N/A. | MEALS: Breakfast. | EXTRAS: Extra night - post-tour

9 days tour

Nubian Adventure

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Nubian Adventure

Day 1: Arrive Into Cairo. Transfer To Your Hotel

Day 2: Cairo, Pyramids, Sphinx & Museum Tour

Day 3: Aswan, Nubian Village, Philae Temple

Day 4: Abu Simbel Option, Nile Felucca Cruise

Day 5: Edfu Temple & Karnak Temple In Luxor

Day 6: Luxor, West Bank Tour, Free Time

Day 7: Luxor, Karnak Temple

Day 8: Cairo, Optional Tours. Back Streets Of The Khan-El-Khalili Bazaar

Day 9: Cairo. Departure Transfer To The Airport

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