Best of Egypt & Nile Cruise
- 2020
- 2019
Timeless Cairo & the Pyramids, plus a Nile cruise through the temples & history of Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo & Aswan; optional extension to Petra
Overview
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| Style | Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 24 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 |
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| Departures | January – September 2020 | Group Size | 24 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. | ||
Package Includes
- Flights
- Cruise
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round trip flights from New York (JFK) via EgyptAir, including fuel surcharges and taxes and 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 buffet 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 the facilities of the cruise ship and indulge in the luxury of a free upgrade to a Deluxe room with an incredible view of the Nile as well as a free upgrade to a middle deck cabin.
- While in Cairo, marvel at the extensive collection of ancient Egyptian treasures at the Egyptian Museum, from papyrus and coins to mummies of kings and priceless antiquities of Tutankhamun's tomb.
- Are you ready to cross off a must-see item on your bucket list? Witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World in person: the Sphinx and the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren.
- Hop on your cruise ship to tour the East Bank of the Nile and visit one of the most significant monuments of the Pharaonic legacy: the Temple of Karnak.
- Trade the cruise ship for a motorcoach and explore the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings, once a royal burial ground for pharaohs.
- Built beneath the cliffs at Deir El Bahari, witness the impressive architectural wonder of the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
- Be amazed at the towering sandstone walls of the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt's best-preserved temples at Edfu.
- Set sail on a felucca to The Terrace in the Historic Old Cataract and end your trip marveling at the sunset while enjoying 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.
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.
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Dates & Prices
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
Accommodations: 3 nights Sheraton Cairo, or similar. Included meals: Dinner.
- 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
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
Included meals: Breakfast.
- 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
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, $15 per person (purchased locally). 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 per person. 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
Included meals: Breakfast & lunch.
- Tour the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren
- Remainder of the day at leisure or join an optional excursion
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, $25 per person (purchased locally). 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 per person. This afternoon, continue discovering Cairo's history during an optional excursion of its Old City. See The Hanging Church, named for it's 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
Accommodations: 4 nights onboard MS Tulip or similar. Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- 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
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
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- 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
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, $120 (purchased locally). 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
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- Tour of Edfu including the Temple of Horus
- Sail to Kom Ombo
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
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- 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
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
Accommodations: 2 nights Sheraton Cairo, or similar. Included meals: Breakfast & lunch.
- Morning at leisure
- Visit Aswan's High Dam and the granite quarries
- Later today, fly to Cairo
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, $313 per person (paid locally, or $250 per person if pre-booked). 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.
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
Included meals: Breakfast & dinner.
- Spend your day at leisure, or enjoy an optional excursion
- Meet with fellow travelers for a farewell dinner on your last evening in Egypt
Optional Excursion: Memphis & Sakkara, $50 per person. 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
Included meals: Breakfast.
- Bid farewell to Egypt as you're escorted to the airport for your return flight
- Arrive in the USA later today
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.
Day 11: Cairo, Egypt/Amman & Petra, Jordan
Accommodations: 2 nights Hyatt Zaman or similar. Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- 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
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
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- Half day guided tour of Petra
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
Accommodations: 2 nights Grand Millenium Amman or similar. Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- Relax at the Dead Sea
- Enjoy an Amman City tour
- Visit the Iraq Al-Amir Women's Cooperative
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.
Day 14: Amman
Included meals: Breakfast.
- Enjoy the day at leisure in Amman
Optional Excursion: The Ancient City of Jerash, $115 per person. 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
Included meals: Breakfast.
- 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.
Hotels
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.
Hyatt Zaman Hotel & Resort
Deluxe
Hyatt Zaman Hotel & Resort is located 12 km from the rose-red city of Petra and offers a culturally rich experience for visitors.
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.
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
Reviews
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.
- I'm traveling solo. Can you help me find a roommate? Yes, you can connect with other travelers to share a room and avoid single occupancy rates.
- 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 21 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
- Do I need a visa or any other documents? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the requirements.
- Should I purchase travel protection? Yes! Protect your travel investment with our travel protection plan, available to U.S. and Canadian 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 travel tips, the best time to go, blog posts, videos, and more.
- What should I know about Jordan? Check out our guide for travel tips, the best time to go, blog posts, videos, and more.
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