Best of Egypt & Nile Cruise

Timeless Cairo & the Pyramids, plus a Nile cruise through the temples & history of Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo & Aswan; optional extension to Petra

Overview

from$2999Tour + Flights 11days

price per person, double occupancy,* based on Jan 7, 2021 departure from JFK

$300 Instant Savings. Expires Oct 8, 2020.* All prices reflect savings.

$99 deposit. Lock in your spot for less through Dec 31.^††

This trip is running! We're ready to get back out in the world, and we hope you are too. Learn about our new health & safety protocols and what we mean by Flexible, Safe, Confident Travel.

Carefree Booking. Change your travel plans with no penalties. See details & restrictions.^†

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Style	Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. More of these packages Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures	January 2021 – January 2022	Group Size	16 travelers max
Themes	History & Culture, Grand Tours, River Cruises
Activity Level	Moderate
What to Expect	This fast-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Expect early wake up times and very long days in order to fit in all included visits. The Nile cruise portion of this tour can total up to 100 passengers.
Already booked?	Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.

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Dates

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Join us to celebrate the land of ancient wonders and modern miracles on our Best of Egypt & Nile Cruise tour. You'll enjoy 11 wonderful days, including airfare from JFK, 5-nights in high-quality Cairo hotels, 4-nights aboard a deluxe Nile cruise, many meals, transfers, and plenty of included touring.

Once again, Friendly Planet is defying skyrocketing travel prices to bring you a fantastic, truly first class Egypt vacation deal fit for a pharaoh. You'll see the famous Sphinx & pyramids at Giza, the temples at Luxor & Edfu, King Tut's tomb, old Cairo & much more.

Extend your stay with a post-tour to Jordan, including the spectacular lost city of Petra and Amman.

Package includes

Flights
Cruise
Coach
Transfers
Hotel
Meals
Guides

Round trip flights from New York (JFK) via EgyptAir, including taxes & fees
Arrival & departure transfers with meeting, assistance and porterage
All intra-Egypt flights and ground transportation
5 nights Deluxe hotel accommodations in Cairo
4 nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship in an outside, middle deck, cabin
21 meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 6 dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners
All shore excursions on Nile Cruise
Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
Professional English-speaking Egyptologist tour director and local guides

Optional add-ons

Exciting optional excursions in Cairo and to Abu Simbel
Post-tour extension to Jordan and the lost city of Petra

Why you'll love it

Enjoy a free upgrade to a middle deck cabin aboard the 5-star MS Tulip.
Browse the Egyptian Museum's extensive collection of ancient treasures.
See the Sphinx and the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Visit the Temple of Karnak, one of the most significant monuments of the Pharaonic legacy.
Explore the Valley of the Kings, once a royal burial ground for pharaohs.
Tour the Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural wonder built beneath a looming cliff face.
Marvel at the towering sandstone walls of the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt's best-preserved temples.
Sail aboard a felucca to The Terrace in the Old Cataract Hotel for a traditional High Tea experience.
Visit Aswan's High Dam and learn about the dam's many purposes, such as controlling flooding and generating power.

Itinerary at a Glance

1 Depart USA
2 Cairo
3 Cairo
Optional Excursion: Mummies room inside the Egyptian Museum (purchased locally), $15
Optional Excursion: Walking Tour along El Moez and Dinner, $50
4 Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx
Optional Excursion: Inner Chamber of the Great Pyramid at Giza (purchased locally), $25
Optional Excursion: Cairo's Old City, $40
5 Cairo & Luxor
6 Luxor, Esna & Edfu
Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon (purchased locally), $128
7 Esna, Edfu & Kom Ombo
8 Aswan
9 Aswan & Cairo
Optional Excursion: Abu Simbel, $285
10 Cairo
Optional Excursion: Memphis & Sakkara, $50
11 Cairo/USA

Jordan & Petra Post-Tour Optional Extension

11 Cairo, Egypt/Amman & Petra, Jordan
12 Petra
13 Petra, The Dead Sea & Amman
14 Amman
Optional Excursion: The Ancient City of Jerash, $115
15 Amman/USA

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Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $300 off if you book by Oct. 8, 2020!

Dates & Prices, with flights per person, double occupancy*"Your Price" column already reflects discounts & Instant Savings
2020 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 10, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Sep 20, 2020 Sep 10 – Sep 20	$3049	–	–	Departed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 17, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Sep 27, 2020 Sep 17 – Sep 27	$3099	–	–	Departed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 24, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Oct 4, 2020 Sep 24 – Oct 4	$3099	–	–	Departed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 8, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Oct 18, 2020 Oct 8 – Oct 18	$3199	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 15, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Oct 25, 2020 Oct 15 – Oct 25	$3199	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 22, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Nov 1, 2020 Oct 22 – Nov 1	$3199	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 29, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Nov 8, 2020 Oct 29 – Nov 8	$3199	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 5, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Nov 15, 2020 Nov 5 – Nov 15	$3199	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 12, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Nov 22, 2020 Nov 12 – Nov 22	$3199	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 19, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Nov 29, 2020 Nov 19 – Nov 29	$3199	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 3, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Dec 13, 2020 Dec 3 – Dec 13	$3499	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 10, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Dec 20, 2020 Dec 10 – Dec 20	$3499	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 17, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Dec 27, 2020 Dec 17 – Dec 27	$3899	–	–	Closed
2021 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jan 7, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Jan 17, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jan 7 – Jan 17	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jan 14, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Jan 24, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jan 14 – Jan 24	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jan 21, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Jan 31, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jan 21 – Jan 31	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jan 28, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Feb 7, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jan 28 – Feb 7	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Feb 4, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Feb 14, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Feb 4 – Feb 14	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Feb 11, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Feb 21, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Feb 11 – Feb 21	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Feb 18, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Feb 28, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Feb 18 – Feb 28	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Feb 25, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Mar 7, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Feb 25 – Mar 7	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Mar 4, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Mar 14, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Mar 4 – Mar 14	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Mar 18, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Mar 28, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Mar 18 – Mar 28	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Mar 25, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Apr 4, 2021 Mar 25 – Apr 4	$3299	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, May 13, 2021 Finishes: Sun, May 23, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 13 – May 23	$3399	–$300	$3099	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, May 20, 2021 Finishes: Sun, May 30, 2021 May 20 – May 30	$3399	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, May 27, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Jun 6, 2021 May 27 – Jun 6	$3599	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jun 10, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Jun 20, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jun 10 – Jun 20	$3599	–$300	$3299	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Jul 1, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Jul 11, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 1 – Jul 11	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Aug 12, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Aug 22, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 12 – Aug 22	$3399	–$300	$3099	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 2, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Sep 12, 2021 Sep 2 – Sep 12	$3499	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 9, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Sep 19, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 9 – Sep 19	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 16, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Sep 26, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 16 – Sep 26	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 23, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Oct 3, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 23 – Oct 3	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Sep 30, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Oct 10, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 30 – Oct 10	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 7, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Oct 17, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 7 – Oct 17	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 14, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Oct 24, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 14 – Oct 24	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 21, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Oct 31, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 21 – Oct 31	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Oct 28, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Nov 7, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 28 – Nov 7	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 4, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Nov 14, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 4 – Nov 14	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 11, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Nov 21, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 11 – Nov 21	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 18, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Nov 28, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 18 – Nov 28	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 25, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Dec 5, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 25 – Dec 5	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 2, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Dec 12, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Dec 2 – Dec 12	$3299	–$300	$2999	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 9, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Dec 19, 2021 Dec 9 – Dec 19	$3699	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 16, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Dec 26, 2021 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Dec 16 – Dec 26	$3899	–$300	$3599	Select
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 23, 2021 Finishes: Sun, Jan 2, 2022 Book by Thu, Oct 8, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Dec 23 – Jan 2	$3899	–$300	$3599	Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when (or after) you reserve. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Best of Egypt & Nile Cruise
Rooming selection
Double Occupancy	included
Single Occupancy
Sep 17, 2020; Sep 24, 2020	$649
Sep 10, 2020; May 20, 2021; May 27, 2021; Jun 10, 2021; Jul 1, 2021; Aug 12, 2021	$699
Jan 7, 2021; Jan 14, 2021; Jan 21, 2021; Jan 28, 2021; Feb 4, 2021; Feb 11, 2021; Feb 18, 2021; Feb 25, 2021; Mar 4, 2021; Mar 18, 2021; Mar 25, 2021	$849
Dec 17, 2020	$899
All other dates	$799
Optional Excursions
Discounted Optional Excursions Package	$75
Abu Simbel Optional Tour	$285
Memphis & Sakkara
Sep 10, 2020; Sep 24, 2020; Oct 8, 2020; Oct 15, 2020; Oct 29, 2020; Nov 5, 2020; Nov 12, 2020; Nov 19, 2020; Dec 3, 2020; Dec 10, 2020; Dec 17, 2020	$50
All other dates	$60

Egyptian Visa Fee¹
Pre-paid Egyptian Visa Fee	$35

1. Pre-approved and stamped on arrival in Egypt.

Jordan Extension¹
Jordan Extension
Jan 7, 2021; Jan 14, 2021; Jan 21, 2021; Jan 28, 2021; Feb 4, 2021; Jul 1, 2021; Aug 12, 2021; Nov 25, 2021	$1399
May 27, 2021; Jun 10, 2021; Dec 16, 2021; Dec 23, 2021	$1449
Feb 11, 2021; Feb 18, 2021	$1499
Dec 3, 2020; Dec 10, 2020; Feb 25, 2021; Mar 4, 2021; Mar 18, 2021; Mar 25, 2021; Sep 2, 2021; Sep 16, 2021; Sep 23, 2021; Sep 30, 2021; Oct 7, 2021; Oct 14, 2021; Oct 21, 2021; Oct 28, 2021; Nov 4, 2021; Nov 11, 2021; Nov 18, 2021	$1599
Dec 2, 2021	$1649
Sep 17, 2020; Sep 24, 2020; Oct 8, 2020; Oct 15, 2020; Oct 22, 2020; Oct 29, 2020; Nov 5, 2020; Nov 12, 2020; Nov 19, 2020; Dec 17, 2020; May 13, 2021	$1699
May 20, 2021; Sep 9, 2021	$1799
All other dates	$1299
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy	included
Single Occupancy
Dec 3, 2020; Dec 10, 2020; Jan 7, 2021; Jan 14, 2021; Jan 21, 2021; Jan 28, 2021; Feb 4, 2021; May 27, 2021; Jun 10, 2021; Jul 1, 2021; Aug 12, 2021; Nov 25, 2021; Dec 2, 2021; Dec 9, 2021	$299
Feb 25, 2021; Mar 4, 2021; Mar 18, 2021; Mar 25, 2021; May 13, 2021; May 20, 2021; Sep 2, 2021; Sep 9, 2021; Sep 16, 2021; Sep 23, 2021; Sep 30, 2021; Oct 7, 2021; Oct 14, 2021; Oct 21, 2021; Oct 28, 2021; Nov 4, 2021; Nov 11, 2021; Nov 18, 2021; Dec 16, 2021; Dec 23, 2021	$449
All other dates	$399
Optional Excursions
The Ancient City of Jerash	$115

1. Prices based on a minimum of four passengers.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
New York Kennedy (JFK)	included

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above. Please review the flight schedule, especially if you're booking connecting flights.

Want to fly from another city? Unfortunately, we don't offer flights from other cities, but you can book your own connecting flights.

Detailed Itinerary

Note: Itinerary touring sequence is subject to change. However, please be assured that all included features will be provided.

Day 1 Depart USA

Check in for your overnight flight for Cairo

Day 2 Cairo

Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your hotel
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure
Evening panoramic tour of the city
Get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner at a local restaurant

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive in Cairo, where East and West come together in a wonderful mix of old and new. After customs formalities, you'll be met by our representatives in Cairo then escorted to your centrally located 5-star hotel overlooking the Nile River. You'll have the rest of the afternoon to explore independently.

This evening, take a panoramic tour by bus to Downtown Cairo including the culturally rich Zamalek Island, Cairo Opera House, Maspero television building, Cairo Marriott Hotel, and the historic Qasr El Nil Bridge. Get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the Nile River.

Day 3 Cairo

Full day of sightseeing in Cairo
Discover the treasures of the Egyptian Museum
See the Citadel of Saladin and the Alabaster Mosque
Experience the sights and sounds of the Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning enjoy a full day tour of Cairo, starting with the Egyptian Museum, where you'll see, among other treasures, the priceless antiquities of Tutankhamun's tomb. After free time for lunch, your day of sightseeing continues with including the Citadel of Saladin, built on the remains of a Crusader-style fortress and the Alabaster Mosque. Continue to the famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where the sights, sounds, spices and exotic clothing and jewelry, hand-hammered copper, ceramic ware and other treasures await your deft bargaining to win them at astounding prices.

Optional Excursion: Mummies room inside the Egyptian Museum (purchased locally), $15

Have an in depth view of the well-preserved Royal mummies at the Egyptian Museum.

Optional Excursion: Walking Tour along El Moez and Dinner, $50

This evening, enjoy a guided walk along El Moez Street, one of the oldest and most amazing streets in Cairo, dating back to the Fatimid period. Begin at Azhar mosque, one of the best medieval architectural treasures in the Islamic world. Continue to Bab Zuweila, a medieval gate in Cairo considered one of the major landmarks of the city, and Al Hussein Mosque, named for the grandson of the Prophet Muhammed, it is one of the holiest Islamic sites in Cairo.

Walk by Al Hakim Mosque, Bab al-Fetouh, and Bab al-Nasr, a massive fortified gate with rectangular stone towers flanking the semicircular arch of the eastern Portal. Proceed to Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, remarkable for its size and innovative architectural components, Al-Rifa'I Mosque, then to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, the oldest mosque in the city surviving in its original form.

Afterwards, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4 Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx

Tour the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren
Remainder of the day at leisure or join an optional excursion

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, after breakfast, your guide will escort you on a fascinating tour of the most famous of all sites in Egypt—the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren. These monuments have stood for 46 centuries and are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, possibly the most visited monuments of Egypt. The Sphinx, a feline character with the body of a lion and the face of Khufu (Cheops in Greek) is 50 meters long and 22 meters high. Carved from a single stone, it lies just before the Pyramids, and even today its meaning and origin remain shrouded in mystery.

Optional Excursion: Inner Chamber of the Great Pyramid at Giza (purchased locally), $25

Take advantage of a unique opportunity to explore the interior of the pyramids . This 30-minute visit of the interior is unguided and will take place during free time.

You must be in good physical condition to fully enjoy this tour, which involves traversing narrow passages and steep stairways. Some areas have very low ceilings preventing visitors from standing upright. This excursion is not recommended to anyone suffering from heart conditions, back problems, asthma, or claustrophobia.

Optional Excursion: Cairo's Old City, $40

This afternoon, continue discovering Cairo's history during an optional excursion of its Old City. See The Hanging Church, named for its location atop the southern gate of the Roman Fortress. Continue to Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope. Visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, believed to be Cairo's oldest synagogue.

Day 5 Cairo & Luxor

Morning flight from Cairo to Luxor
Embark on your Nile cruise and enjoy lunch aboard
Tour the East Bank of the Nile and the Temple of Karnak

MS Tulip or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Transfer to the airport early this morning for the flight to Luxor, capital of the New Kingdom when Pharoah Ahmos, in 1580 BC, drove foreign invaders (the Hyksos) from Lower Egypt. It was then that Luxor became a grand city of luxurious palaces, huge temples, large gardens, as well as an important diplomatic and trade center of the ancient world. Transfer from the airport to the pier for embarkation aboard your deluxe Nile cruise ship. Settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch aboard.

This afternoon, visit the East Bank of the Nile. Highlights of today's tour include visits to the Temple of Karnak, one of the most significant monuments of the Pharaonic legacy, with work carried out on the temples over a period of 1500 years, and Luxor Temple, strikingly graceful and added to over the centuries by Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Alexander the Great, and others.

Day 6 Luxor, Esna & Edfu

Tour the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings via motor coach
Visit the mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Discover the ancient tomb of King Tutankhamun

MS Tulip or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, disembark and board your touring coach to visit the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings, where 64 of Egypt's Pharaohs have their royal tombs hewn into the sheer rock. Continue to the impressive Deir El Bahari mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural wonder built against the backdrop of a looming cliff face and the Colossi of Memnon, two huge seated statues of Amenhotep III. Afterwards, discover the ancient tomb of King Tutankhamun. Explore the rooms covered in mural paintings, and to the burial chamber, which still contains the pharaoh's mummy in its original sarcophagus.

Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon (purchased locally), $128

Wake up early to embark on a Hot Air Balloon ride for an incredible bird's eye view over the Nile. (Subject to weather conditions.)

Day 7 Esna, Edfu & Kom Ombo

Tour of Edfu including the Temple of Horus
Sail to Kom Ombo

MS Tulip or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Your cruise ship sails from Esna to Edfu. As you go south, you will have an opportunity to view rural life in Egypt. The crops, methods of farming, animals and irrigation systems have changed little from 4,000 years ago. Here you best appreciate the fascinating contrast of ancient and modern ways of life, which coexist in Egypt and make it one of the world's most interesting of travel destinations.

At Edfu, you'll see the Temple of Horus, Egypt's best preserved temple. Afterward, board your ship and sail to Kom Ombo, where, in ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the river bank. The Temple of Kom Ombo is unique in all of Egypt and is shared by the two gods Sobek and Haroeris. These Ptolemaic temples overlook the Nile and feature fascinating drawings on the walls, including detailed drawings of surgical instruments.

Day 8 Aswan

Sail to Aswan and explore this ancient trading hub
Visit Philae Temple
Take a tour by felucca ending with High Tea
Enjoy a festive dinner on board

MS Tulip Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Sail to Aswan, the gateway to Africa for the ancient Egyptians. Originally called "Sain" from "sanite", the name of the red granite extracted from its quarries, Aswan became a hub of trade in spices, leather, ivory, fruit, grains, baskets and mummified and living crocodiles.

After lunch aboard your cruise ship, visit Philae Temple which for centuries was the holiest site for Isis worshipers. The temple was officially closed down in the 6th century A.D. by the Byzantine emperor Justinian and was the last pagan temple to exist in the Mediterranean world. After the construction of the Aswan Dam, the half-submerged temple complex was completely dismantled and rebuilt to the original specifications on the nearby island of Agilika, which was reshaped and landscaped to resemble the original Philae. Metal pylons on the old island of Philae can still be seen rising from the water to the south of Agilika.

Before returning to your cruise ship, enjoy a tour by felucca (a small, swift Egyptian sailboat) ending at The Terrace in the Historic Old Cataract to enjoy High Tea and sunset from this magnificent spot. The Terrace is a legendary venue, where Dame Agatha Christie once settled for hours, intently penning chapters of her celebrated Death on the Nile. Look out over the Nile, Khnum Temple, and Elephantine Island while savoring an authentic High Tea experience enriched with mouthwatering international pastries.

Later this evening, enjoy a festive dinner with the group.

Day 9 Aswan & Cairo

Morning at leisure
Visit Aswan's High Dam and the granite quarries
Later today, fly to Cairo

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

Early this morning take advantage of an optional excursion to the temple complex of Abu Simbel.

Otherwise, remain on board and enjoy the facilities of the ship. This afternoon, disembark and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Visit Aswan's High Dam, which controls the Nile and is a major source of hydroelectric power in Egypt. Also visit the granite quarries where a partially carved and cracked obelisk will clearly demonstrate how the giant forms were hewn from the solid rock.

Later today, transfer to the airport to board your short flight back to Cairo.

Optional Excursion: Abu Simbel, $285

Early this morning, fly from Aswan to nearby Abu Simbel, the site of the Great Temple of Ramses II, one of the most magnificent of all temples in Egypt and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Part of the Nubian Monuments, the twin temples of Abu Simbel were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Ramses II in the 13th century B.C. as a lasting tribute to himself and his queen, Nefertiti. After the creation of Lake Nasser, formed by the building of Aswan High Dam in 1968, the Abu Simbel complex was relocated in its entirety high above the reservoir. After exploring the temple complex, return to Aswan.

$313 if purchased locally. On occasion, Egypt Air cannot provide a flight on the scheduled day of the excursion. In this case, you may instead visit Abu Simbel by land in a private air-conditioned vehicle, a journey of approximately 4 hours each way, with a box lunch provided. The land version is $199 if paid locally and requires a minimum of 2 passengers. If you pre-booked the excursion for $298, you will receive a refund of $100 if you choose the land version, or a full refund if you decline.

Day 10 Cairo

Spend your day at leisure, or enjoy an optional excursion
Meet with fellow travelers for a farewell dinner on your last evening in Egypt

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar Breakfast & dinner

Optional Excursion: Memphis & Sakkara, $50

Today, visit the royal burial ground of Sakkara, located in the ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis. Discover the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest known complete stone building from the Third Dynasty.

Day 11 Cairo/USA

Bid farewell to Egypt as you're escorted to the airport for your return flight
Arrive in the USA later today

Breakfast

Discounted Optional Excursions Package: $75

Save by pre-booking a discounted package of our most popular optional excursions:

Walking Tour of El Moez and Dinner ($50)
Cairo's Old City ($40)

You can book these excursions individually in Egypt. But you can save if you purchase this special package ahead of time—with or before your final payment. These are not "seat in coach" excursions that pick up passengers at various hotels; all are operated for Friendly Planet groups only.

Abu Simbel Excursion: $285

Pre-book this excursion to save money and ensure your spot. This excursion is sold locally for $313 and space is limited. See details above.

Jordan & Petra Post-Tour Optional Extension

Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare to visit Jordan and the lost city of Petra. You'll return to the U.S. 4 days after the return dates listed. This extension requires a minimum of 4 passengers to operate at the listed price.

Day 11 Cairo, Egypt/Amman & Petra, Jordan

Morning flight to Amman, the capital of Jordan
Drive to the lost city of Petra
En route visit Saint George Church and Mount Nebo
Remainder of the day at leisure

Old Village Resort or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning transfer to the airport for your short flight to Amman, Jordan. After completing immigration and customs formalities, you will be met by our representatives. Drive south to the lost city of Petra. En route to Petra, visit Mount Nebo to see a panoramic view of the Holy Land. Afterwards, explore the early Byzantine church of Saint George to see the 6th century Madaba Map, a floor mosaic depiction of the Holy Land.

Check into your hotel, and some time to relax and enjoy the facilities.

Day 12 Petra

Half day guided tour of Petra

Old Village Resort or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Your guided tour of Petra begins with a ride on horseback, followed by a walk through the Siq, a narrow gorge flanked by cliffs. At the end of the Siq, the breathtaking sight of the Treasury, with its elaborately carved façade, comes into view. Explore the various tombs and structures at this site and marvel at the artistry and creativity that must have inspired the Nabateans to construct so impressive and dramatic a city. After lunch, return to your hotel.

Day 13 Petra, The Dead Sea & Amman

Relax at the Dead Sea
Enjoy an Amman City tour
Visit the Iraq Al-Amir Women's Cooperative

W Amman, Grand Millennium Amman or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After an early breakfast, depart Petra for the Dead Sea. Relax along the soothing, buoyant and mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, thought to restore visitors with its healing properties.

After lunch, continue to Amman, where you'll visit the major historical sites including the Citadel and the Roman Theater. Next, visit Irag Al-Amir Women's Cooperative for a paper-making demonstration. Later, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow travelers.

March 19, 2020 departure will stay at the Grand Millennium Amman

Day 14 Amman

Enjoy the day at leisure in Amman

W Amman, Grand Millennium Amman or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: The Ancient City of Jerash, $115

Located 30 miles north of Amman, Jerash is considered one of the largest and most well-preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world outside Italy. To this day, its colonnaded streets, baths, theaters, plazas and arches remain in exceptional condition. Within the remaining city walls, archaeologists have found the ruins of settlements dating back to the Neolithic Age, indicating human occupation at this location for more than 6500 years.

Day 15 Amman/USA

Early this morning, transfer to the airport as you bid farewell to Amman and board your return flight to the USA via Cairo.
Your fascinating journey comes to an end as you arrive in the USA later today.

Breakfast

Hotels & Ship

Hotels

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino

Deluxe

See Egypt in a new way at the Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino. Sitting on the west bank of the Nile River, the hotel proudly stands as one of Cairo's most recognizeable landmarks. Try your luck at Blackjack or the slots in our dazzling casino or take a short walk to the Cairo Opera House, Egyptian Museum or Cairo shopping centers. The Pyramids of Giza are just 20 minutes away.

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Old Village Resort

First Class

The Old Village Resort is located on the outskirts of Wadi Musa, overlooking the Shahara Mountains, home to the fabled UNESCO world heritage site of Petra. There are many areas throughout the resort where guests can relax and sip a refreshing cup of mint tea or Arabic coffee whilst enjoying spectacular views of the mountains.

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W Amman

Deluxe

Located in the heart of modern Amman, past meets future and local tradition and history are instilled into the bold design of the W Amman. Standing tall above the city, this contemporary architectural statement offers stunning views of the city's seven hills running across the Jordanian capital.

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Grand Millennium Amman

Deluxe

The 5 star Grand Millennium Amman is located in the heart of Amman’s commercial center, within close walking distance of art galleries, shopping, and entertainment.

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In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Cruise Ship

MS Tulip

Wings Group welcomes you aboard their newly renovated five-star M/S Tulip cruise ship. Your deluxe cruise along the Nile will take you back thousands of years to places where history unfolded and unearthed the romances of Cleopatra, some of the wonders of the ancient world, and impressive structures mysteriously built without modern technology.

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Reviews & Photos

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Trip Details

What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
Should I purchase travel protection? Yes! Protect your travel investment with our travel protection plan, available to U.S. residents (excluding overseas territories).
What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Egypt? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Jordan? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.