Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Insight Vacations through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Accommodation

Cruising: Cruise the Nile in style, on-board your traditional Nile cruiser with its spacious cabins, bars, shops, lounge, restaurant and swimming pool. Cairo: 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.

Others

1 Afternoon Tea (AT) 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. Luxor: Enjoy listening to stories of village life from local residents, when you visit a family home for a tasting of authentic Egyptian sun bread. Cairo: Be mesmerized by the intricate art of Egyptian carpet weaving as you meet the skilled artisans of a local weaving school. This ancient and traditional Egypt art is one of the oldest in the country, and only few schools have been safeguarding the traditional weaving methods on wooden looms, using silk and cotton, and natural dyes. More than carpets, they come to life as unique works of art. This experience advances UN Global Goal 11: Resilient Cities and Communities. Cairo: Take a short scenic flight to Luxor where you will begin your Nile Cruise. Karnak: Stand amid a vast forest of columns in the largest temple complex known to man, as your Egyptologist explains the significance behind it. Walk the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, see the of Rameses II and the Hypostyle Hall. Luxor: Visit the Luxor Museum and discover ancient artefacts. Colossi of Memnon: See the massive stone statues of the Colossi of Memnon. Valley of the Kings: Embark on an experience with an Egyptologist to visit the mortuary Temple Hatshepsut. Valley of the Kings: Explore the Valley of the Kings, home to the magnificent tombs of Egypt’s Pharaohs, with an Egyptologist. Luxor: Visit Luxor Temple, constructed approximately 1400 BC. Look to the top of the remaining Pylon of Ramses II and step into the ancient monument. Kom Ombo: Visit the unique temple as it is the only double temple in Egypt. Aswan: Visit Aswan’s High Dam and Granite Quarries to ponder why the Unfinished Obelisk has been left in mid-creation for thousands of years. Philae Island: Travel by motorboat to Philae Island and witness the majestic Temple of Isis rising from the waters. Aswan: On a traditional Nile felucca, meet a sailor and learn the art of sailing this ancient Nile craft. Visit the High Dam and Granite Quarries. Aswan: Enjoy your short flight back to Cairo for your final night. 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. Memphis: Visit this famous capital of the ancient world to see the statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx. Saqqara Necropolis: View the oldest pyramid in the world, the Step Pyramid of Zoser I, existing for over 4,500 years. Cairo: With your Egyptologist, gaze upon Tutankhamun’s treasures at the Egyptian Museum, 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. Giza: Be mesmerised by the Sound & Light Show at the Great Pyramids. We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues. Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Transport

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. Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxury, air-conditioned coach with onboard washroom. Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom may be used on occasion. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

Meals

8 Breakfast (B) 4 Lunch (L) 4 Dinner (D) Luxor: Get to know your fellow travellers over a delightful drink followed by dinner. Kom Ombo: Learn about traditional Egyptian attire and immerse yourself in local culture at an Egyptian dinner and galabeya party. Aswan: Follow in the footsteps of Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie as you enjoy high tea at Aswan’s famous Old Cataract Hotel, as the sun begins to set.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance not included.

Guide

From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination. 4 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. Our highly-skilled Travel Director and certified Egyptologist will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas. Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.

Optional

Optional experiences are available on this tour for an additional cost.

Flights

International flights not included.

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Day 1 Day 1: Arrive In Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive In Cairo

Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and have time to relax and sample the hotels amenities after your journey. Refreshed and ready to embrace the intoxicating energy of this ancient and modern city
Day 2 Day 2: Fly To Luxor, Cruise The Nile
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Fly To Luxor, Cruise The Nile

In the morning, 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. Later, transfer to your cruise ship, your home for the next four nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor Museum, witness ancient artefacts and see two royal mummies. This evening, get to know your Travel Director, a professionally trained Egyptologist, as well as fellow guests over a welcome drink followed by dinner. The rest of the evening is yours at leisure, enjoy dinner on the ship before relaxing in its lounge or in the comfort of your room.
Day 3 Day 3: Valley Of The Kings To Edfu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Valley Of The Kings To Edfu

This morning travel by 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, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun. Experience the renowned local hospitality of Egyptians during a visit to the village of Geziret Bahirat. Connect with the community and share bread with the Bahirat family, whilst they regale guests with their fascinating stories of daily life. Visit Luxor Temple which was unearthed by Mariette in the 1860s, before returning to your cruise ship and sail via the Esna Lock to Edfu, for your overnight stay.
Day 4 Day 4: Kom Ombo To Aswan Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Kom Ombo To Aswan Relaxed Start

In the early morning sail to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple of Egypt dedicated to two gods. Discover the Temple, learning all about its ‘double’ and perfectly symmetrical design for the duo of gods – one side dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, the other to Horus the Elder the falcon god. This evening, enjoy a fun-filled traditional Egyptian themed dinner and galabeya party on board your ship.
Day 5 Day 5: Aswan’S High Dam And Nile Felucca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Aswan’S High Dam And Nile Felucca

In the morning, visit the Aswan 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, it was the last temple built in the classical Egyptian style. Later, on a traditional Nile Felucca, meet a sailor and learn about traditional sailing practices. As the sun starts to fade, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel. The likes of Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie stayed at this pretty venue, and Christie supposedly wrote “Death on the Nile” from the hotel itself.
Day 6 Day 6: Aswan And Back To Cairo Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Aswan And Back To Cairo Relaxed Start

In the morning, disembark your cruise ship and enjoy time at leisure in Aswan. Why not join an Optional Experience and travel by air to the magnificent Temples of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel? These temples overlook Lake Nasser and are made up of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor. Otherwise, spend the morning as you wish. Perhaps soak up the African atmosphere in the Nubian bazaar or visit one of the many points of interest nearby, such as the Botanical Gardens, Elephantine Island and the Aga Khan Mausoleum. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo for the night.
Day 7 Day 7: The Egyptian Museum And Citadel
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: The Egyptian Museum And Citadel

Begin your city sightseeing with your Egyptologist at the world-famous Egyptian Museum. Starring among its attractions is the amazing treasure recovered from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Explore Cairo Citadel and see the Great Alabaster Mosque. Later, you will have free time to enjoy as you wish.
Day 8 Day 8: The Great Pyramids Of Giza
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: The Great Pyramids Of Giza

Gain a deeper understanding of the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World during a visit to Giza with your Egyptologist. Meet the enigmatic Sphinx, crouching at the foot of the Chephrenís Causeway and venture inside one of the magnificent Pyramids. Nearby lies Memphis, capital of the Old Kingdom, where you can see the colossal statue of Ramesses II and the great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Sakkara to view the Step Pyramid of Zoser, which dates back to 2686 B.C., making it the oldest pyramid in the world. Meet the skilled artisans at a local weaving school for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Day 9 Day 9: Depart Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Depart Cairo

Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport.

9 days tour

Wonders Of Egypt (Classic, Summer, 9 Days)

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Wonders Of Egypt (Classic, Summer, 9 Days)

Day 1: Arrive In Cairo

Day 2: Fly To Luxor, Cruise The Nile

Day 3: Valley Of The Kings To Edfu

Day 4: Kom Ombo To Aswan Relaxed Start

Day 5: Aswan’S High Dam And Nile Felucca

Day 6: Aswan And Back To Cairo Relaxed Start

Day 7: The Egyptian Museum And Citadel

Day 8: The Great Pyramids Of Giza

Day 9: Depart Cairo

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