Experience Overview
Capture the very best of Egypt on this eight-day adventure through the fascinating cities of Cairo, Aswan and Luxor. Get up close to the mighty pyramids of Giza, share a homecooked meal in Cairo, discover the fascinating tombs of ancient pharaohs and watch daily life flow by as you cruise in style along the River Nile. Let an experienced guide bring the captivating stories of this time gone by to life, as you immerse yourself in the history, grandeur and culture of ancient Egypt, without forgoing modern comforts.
Highlights
- Explore an ancient wonder of the world – the Pyramids of Giza, along with the famed Sphinx, Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings, as you learn mythological history from an expert guide.
- Brush shoulders with the locals and shop owners as you stroll through the colourful bazaars of Aswan, Luxor and Khan al ’Khalili in capital city Cairo.
- Set sail down the Nile on a four-night river boat cruise and watch day turn to dusk from the sundeck. Then, experience the world’s most iconic river from a traditional felucca boat.
- Be welcomed into the home of a family in Cairo for a delicious array of traditional dishes, accompanied by lively conversation about modern Egyptian life.
- If you choose, opt to explore the magnificent temples at Abu Simbel and see the four gargantuan statues of Ramses, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2989
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Private vehicle,Plane,Felucca,Overnight sleeper train
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: XEKE
Starts: Cairo, Egypt
Finishes: Cairo, Egypt
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (4), Dinner (6)Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights),Felucca (4 nights),Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3085 (CAD 386 /day)
Itinerary
Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. You'll be met on arrival at Cairo International Airport and transferred to your hotel, before your Egyptian adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6pm this evening. Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can be symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. If you have some time spare, perhaps get out and explore the busy city streets or visit the Cairo Citadel which dates back to 1176 and is home to multiple museums and mosques.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities:
- Cairo - The Citadel (entrance fee) (550 EGP)
- Cairo - Coptic Museum (entrance fee) (280 EGP)
- Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) (340 EGP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning after breakfast you’ll see two of the world’s most iconic sights – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Explore structures that have stood for over 4500 years and learn the history from a true local. For an additional charge, you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (although occasionally it’s closed to visitors). The Pyramids complex can be very hot in the summer months and has little shade to protect you from the sun so prepare accordingly. Your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's greatest collections of ancient artefacts. Recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun, the gleaming jewellery, golden death mask and gilded sarcophagi are an impressive site to say the least. It’s clear this pharaoh was prepared for a lavish afterlife! Take some time to freshen up back at the hotel before you board an overnight sleeper train to Luxor.
Included Activities:
- Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- Cairo - Egyptian Museum
Optional Activities:
- Cairo - The 3rd Pyramid of Menkawre (entrance fee) (280 EGP)
- Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) (1000 EGP)
Accommodation:
- Overnight Train (Number of Nights: 1)
It's an early start this morning as you'll pull into Luxor around 6am. Take advantage of the early morning peace by visiting Karnak Temple – a spectacular collection of temples, chapels and pylons that are perhaps the most impressive of all the Pharaoh’s monumental works. Learn the secrets of an ancient Egyptian sanctuary, which developed over 1000 years and was, at its peak, the most important religious complex in Egypt. Your leader will take you through some of the most incredible highlights, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun. After exploring Karnak, board your Nile Felucca and settle into your cabin. This afternoon you'll have the option of heading off on a walking tour of Luxor and its bazaar with your leader.
Included Activities:
- Luxor - Karnak Temple
Optional Activities:
- Luxor - Mummification Museum (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
- Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) (45 USD)
- Luxor - Luxor Museum (entrance fee) (400 EGP)
Accommodation:
- Nile River Cruise (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll hop in a private minivan and discover ancient Thebes. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon – two 17-metre-high statues on Luxor's west bank. Continue on to the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills are over 60 pharaoh tombs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. With your leader, explore the place where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where discoveries are still being made. Your group leader will explain the history and legends of these remarkable people, and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics, still well preserved in the deepest tombs. Visit three of the royal tombs, including Tutankhamun’s tomb where he is buried, then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – a columned building set against high cliffs that create a spectacular natural amphitheatre. The afternoon is yours to explore. Maybe you'd like to shop in the market or visit the world's first Mummification Museum, where you can discover the secrets of pharaonic preservation. This evening, set sail to Edfu.
Included Activities:
- Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
- Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
- Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
- Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
Optional Activities:
- Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) (2500 EGP)
- Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings (120 USD)
- Luxor - Deir el Madina -Entry Fee (220 EGP)
- Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
- Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
Accommodation:
- Felucca (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, enjoy breakfast before setting off towards Kom Ombo. The temple of Kom Ombo, in the town of the same name, is an unusual double temple right on the bank of the Nile. This second century BC complex is unique because it has a mirror-image design, with either side dedicated to a different set of gods. One half is known as the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed god of fertility), and the other half is dedicated to Haroeris (also known as Horus the falcon god). The whole temple is full of fascinating reliefs. You’ll explore Kom Ombo with your leader and absorb the history of the place, before having lunch aboard the ship. Sail onwards to Aswan, the home of beautiful Nile Valley scenery and significant archaeological sites.
Included Activities:
- Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
Accommodation:
- Felucca (Number of Nights: 1)
You have time this morning to explore or relax as you choose. Your leader can recommend one of the many optional activities that are available to you in this incredible location. Explore the picturesque city centre and its bazaar, opt to visit the High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk or feed your history needs with the Nubian Museum. Maybe you’d like to visit the breathtaking Abu Simbel – built by Ramses II, it was the gateway to Egypt for Southern Africans and its imposing facade clearly delineated the line between what was the Pharaoh's land and what was not. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. Late in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely sailing trip on a traditional felucca before dinner on the ship.
Included Activities:
- Aswan - Felucca Sail
Optional Activities:
- Aswan – Abu Simbel excursion by car (includes transfer, guide and entry) (110 USD)
- Aswan - Abu Simbel excursion by flight (includes flights, transfers, guide and entry) from price (450 USD)
Accommodation:
- Nile River Cruise (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast today, say goodbye to your nights spent on the Nile. Visit Philae Temple this morning, an island-based temple complex built during the reign of Ptolemy II (around 280 BC). These picturesque walls show hieroglyphic scenes from Egyptian mythology – when Isis brought Osiris back to life, gave birth to Horus and was mummified after death. Catch a short flight back to Cairo. On your return to the capital, visit the Islamic parts of the city and the frenetic backstreets of the bazaar with your leader. A labyrinth of narrow streets and passageways, Khan is one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world. The 'Khan', sprawling around an old area known as Al-Azhar, is a quintessentially Cairo experience – a warren of alleys with stalls serving up a succession of intoxicating scenes. To celebrate your time in Egypt, join a local Cairo family for a delicious home-cooked dinner. The food and conversation will surely make for an evening to remember!
Included Activities:
- Aswan - Philae Temple
- Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit
- Cairo - Home-Cooked Dinner
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are free to depart at any time. If you would like to extend your stay in Cairo, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Catherine - Traveled, April 2024
I had a fantastic experience in Egypt, discovering the ancient history and learning about modern day life. Our guide was brilliant and the group dynamic could not have been better. This was an excellent first group trip for me as a solo traveller and I will definitely be booking more!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Katherine - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was a great mix of intensive sight seeing and relaxation, depending of course on how many add-ons you want to pack in! Great tour guide and everything was so smoothly organised.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
Amy - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was a wonderful opportunity to see the most iconic sights of ancient Egypt. Every day had a WOW moment and I learned so much from our helpful tour leader. We were busy each and every day and I came home feeling enriched by the experience. It's not a holiday - it's an adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
Aimee - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was amazing! Hit it out of the park every day. Mudi, our leader and guide, had so much experience with the sites that we felt like we had VIP access to the best viewing locations, seats, etc.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Laura - Traveled, March 2024
This trip gives you the essence of Egyptian history and culture in a very short time. We felt well looked after and had an excellent guide in Mariam. We certainly got our fill of what we came for. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/13/2024
Michael - Traveled, February 2024
The beautiful chaos and energy of Egypt revealed itself to me in this short, but rich, visit. Mohamed, our guide, professionally choreographed everything, making it such a wonderful and memorable experience. As they say, be kind to Egypt and she will be kind to you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/07/2024
Angela - Traveled, February 2024
A fascinating week of exploring the principle landmarks of Egypt - the pyramids at Giza, the Egyptian Museum, the Nile, Karnak, Luxor and Aswan. You also experience modern Egypt - the traffic especially in Cairo, the markets and travelling by overnight train.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/09/2024
Joanna - Traveled, February 2024
This trip gave us a great insight to Egypt’s culture and history. It was well paced and our guide Adel looked after us very well, The train ride was an experience and we really enjoyed our four nights in the Nile, we saw a lot but it was also relaxing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/06/2024
Linda - Traveled, February 2024
This is an awesome tour; the sites are as amazing as anticipated. I also loved cruising slowly down the Nile between sights. It was well worth the optional long trek to see Abu Simbel and view more of the Egyptian landscape. We had a great guide and group, which added to the pleasure of our trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/13/2024
Matthew - Traveled, February 2024
A truly great trip with an exellent guide and a great group of travelling companions.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2024
Linda - Traveled, February 2024
This is an awesome tour; the sites are as amazing as anticipated. I also loved cruising slowly down the Nile between sights. It was well worth the optional long trek to see Abu Simbel and view more of the Egyptian landscape. We had a great guide and group, which added to the pleasure of our trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/13/2024
Brendan - Traveled, February 2024
The trip was fantastic and on our bucket list for a long time. We were truly amazed with the sights in Egypt. The only gripe we have was the overnight train was poor, it was dirty and we didn't sleep.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2024
Courtney - Traveled, January 2024
Thank you to Intrepid for having an amazing itinerary for Egypt for such a short time + a guide fitted perfectly for it! Also to Cairo office for going above and beyond for last minute travel wishes. Thank you
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/25/2024
Tony - Traveled, December 2023
Amazing tour of historical sites, complete with knowledgeable guide. Easy; no prior knowledge or physical fitness required
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/13/2023
Jane - Traveled, November 2023
My Classic Egypt tour was most enjoyable partly because seeing Pyramids up close is astounding having heard of them all my life; and partly because of our incredible guide Hend Maydy who smooth the way and gave us the best experience possible. I could not do this trip without her.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/08/2023
Jeerawan - Traveled, November 2023
We are happy for Classic Egypt experience and would to recommend to anyone planning to travel to Egypt with Intrepid then you will enjoy your trip and nice memories with your self .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/07/2023
Francoise - Traveled, November 2023
I have had a wonderful experience with Intrepid Tours Classic Egypt.If you want to decipher hieroglyphics, play Lara Croft and 'raid' Tutenkhamun's tomb, or chill out on a traditional felucca, this is the trip for you! Your highly knowledgeable and caring guide will make sure you savour every experience in this vibrant land, pulsating with history. I felt so welcome in Egypt so why not try it for yourself! Yalla Yalla.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Christopher - Traveled, November 2023
Fantastic trip and so well organised making it stress free. We had Ahmed as our guide whose knowledge was unbelievable. We really had an unforgettable experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Sarah - Traveled, November 2023
This was a beyond amazing trip, better than anything I could have hoped for. Our tour leader, Ahmed Fawzy, was exceptional and made the trip what it was, amazing all around! I highly recommend this trip to anyone and everyone!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Dulakshi - Traveled, November 2023
Excellent itinerary with good add-on activities. Our guide Ahmed Fawzy was very knowledgeable and took exceptional care of every detail. As a first time solo traveller this trip was a wonderful experience and I would recommend it to anyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/28/2023
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