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Splendors of Egypt
Small Group
Tour Description:
Explore the splendors of Egypt on this 12-day tour. Cruise down the Nile and follow in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie for high tea at the Old Cataract Hotel. Continue down the Nile to Luxor, where you will see the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs — including the famous Tutankhamun — are buried. Later, break bread with a family in Geziret Bahirat, who will welcome you with stories of local life. In Cairo, marvel at the oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, before traveling to see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Pyramids of Giza. Stand face-to-face with the towering Sphinx and as night falls, watch a spectacular sound and light show dance across the ancient stones.
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Dates & Pricing
| Wednesday 26 Nov 25 — Sunday 07 Dec 25 | Starting at $5,150 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 21 Jan 26 — Sunday 01 Feb 26 | Starting at $5,150 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 18 Mar 26 — Sunday 29 Mar 26 | Starting at $5,150 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 13 May 26 — Sunday 24 May 26 | Starting at $4,925 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 24 Jun 26 — Sunday 05 Jul 26 | Starting at $5,050 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 05 Aug 26 — Sunday 16 Aug 26 | Starting at $5,050 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 30 Sep 26 — Sunday 11 Oct 26 | Starting at $5,350 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 25 Nov 26 — Sunday 06 Dec 26 | Starting at $5,550 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 20 Jan 27 — Sunday 31 Jan 27 | Starting at $5,550 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 17 Mar 27 — Sunday 28 Mar 27 | Starting at $5,550 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingDestination Highlights:
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYArrive in Cairo
Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you’ll have time to unwind and explore its elegant amenities. Later, get acquainted with your Travel Director and fellow travelers over a drink, toasting the start of your Egyptian adventure.
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 seven nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor Museum to admire its impressive collection of ancient artifacts. In the evening, enjoy dinner on the ship and unwind at your leisure.
Exploring Dendera and on to Edfu
A day of legend and history awaits you as you begin with a morning visit to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera. One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, it features a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarion, whose father was Julius Caesar. At lunchtime, return to your ship and enjoy a scenic journey through the Esna Lock to Edfu.
Edfu to Aswan
Start the day with breakfast as you cruise along the Nile to Kom Ombo, before continuing on to the city of Aswan. Renowned for its archaeological sites, including the Philae Temple Complex and the Temple of Isis, Aswan is a vibrant destination that portrays an appealing blend of ancient and contemporary Egypt. Indulge your culinary side during an Egyptian cooking demonstration or tea with the Captain for your Insight Choice experience. In the evening, enjoy a fun-filled Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.
Aswan’s High Dam and Temple of Isis
Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to Aswan's High Dam and granite quarries, where you'll see the enormous unfinished obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, which rises from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae. Enjoy a retelling of the Nile flood and the stories of the goddesses Isis and Hathor in a Roman-style theater. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities on your cruise ship.
Feluccas and High Tea Relaxed Start
Throughout your journey, you’ll have seen many feluccas sailing along the Nile. Now it’s your turn to explore one for yourself. On board this traditional vessel, meet a local sailor who shares the history and techniques behind navigating this culturally significant boat. Visit the local women’s co-op on your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and discover how scrap materials are transformed into fine handicrafts, supporting vulnerable women in the community. As the sun starts to set, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, just like Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie once did. Round off the day with an atmospheric Sound and Light Show at Philae Island, where the temple’s illuminated facade becomes the stage for tales of Isis, Hathor and the sacred Nile.
Free Time and on to Kom Ombo Relaxed Start
With the morning free, perhaps join an Optional Experience to Abu Simbel. These temples overlook Lake Nasser and consist of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor. Later, sail to Kom Ombo to visit Egypt's only double temple, dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus the Elder.
Cruising the Nile to Luxor Relaxed Start
Your cruise continues along the bustling waters of the Nile. Enjoy the facilities on board and keep your cameras ready for the sights as you leisurely make your way to Luxor. In the evening, visit Luxor Temple, where your ship will dock for the night.
Explore Luxor and fly to Cairo
This morning, disembark from your cruise and travel by coach to the west bank of the Nile. Delve into history seeing 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, as they regale you with fascinating stories of daily life. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.
Cairo Sightseeing
This morning, ascend to the Citadel for sweeping views over the city. While here, visit the Alabaster Mosque, otherwise known as the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, regarded as the founder of modern Egypt. Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.
Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza
Today, you’ll head to Memphis, the legendary capital of the ancient world. Once the heart of Egypt’s Old Kingdom, it was a flourishing center of politics, religion and art. Marvel at the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx, believed to represent Queen Hatshepsut. Continue to Sakkara to view the extraordinary Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest in Egypt, designed by the architect Imhotep around 2700 B.C. This afternoon, journey to Giza to come face-to-face with the enigmatic Sphinx. Gather at your hotel with your Travel Director and fellow travelers to share canapes and a drink, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.
Depart Cairo
Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
