Dazzling Dubai & Cairo

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA
• 2 Dubai
• 3 Dubai
• Optional Excursion: Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner, $115
• 4 Dubai
• Optional Excursion: Full Day Abu Dhabi, $170
• 5 Dubai
• Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride and Falconry Demonstration (purchased locally), $330
• Optional Excursion: Miracle Gardens (purchased locally), $55
• Optional Excursion: Ski Dubai packages (purchased locally)
• 6 Dubai & Cairo
• 7 Cairo
• Optional Excursion: Walking tour of art galleries in Zamalek and Dinner, $60
• 8 Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx
• Optional Excursion: Inner Chamber of the Great Pyramid at Giza (purchased locally), $25
• Optional Excursion: Cairo's Old City, $50
• 9 Depart Cairo

Optional Nile Cruise Extension

• 8 Cairo, Pyramids, Sphinx & Luxor
• 9 Luxor
• 10 Luxor, Esna & Edfu
• Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon (purchased locally), $130
• 11 Esna, Edfu & Kom Ombo
• 12 Aswan
• 13 Aswan & Cairo
• Optional Excursion: Abu Simbel, $330
• 14 Cairo
• Optional Excursion: Memphis & Sakkara, $70
• 15 Depart Cairo

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

• Check in for your overnight flight to Dubai

Day 2 Dubai

• Arrive in Dubai, meet our representatives, and transfer to your centrally located hotel

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or similar

Day 3 Dubai

• Enjoy a guided panoramic tour of Dubai -- see the highlights of this amazing place
• Visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world
• Learn about Islamic life in the UAE during a lecture at Jumeirah Mosque

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Today's exciting half-day tour will take you to picturesque Dubai Creek, the Ancient Greeks called the River Zara. The first settlements by the Bani Yas tribe were along its banks, and later it served as a port for ships from as far as India and East Africa. Today, this saltwater creek divides the modern city into two parts, Deira on the north and Bur Dubai to the south, and remains a busy waterway both for traditional dhows and sleek luxury yachts. 

The next stop is the Bastakiya district, where traditional courtyard houses, with characteristic wind towers that cleverly catch the breezes to cool the houses, line the narrow alleys. Many of the houses in this picturesque area of Dubai, previously home to the city's merchants, have been lovingly restored by proud locals who wish to preserve the unique ambiance of the district.

Continue to the Dubai Museum, housed in the massive, restored Al Fahidi Fort. Inside, lifelike dioramas offer a fascinating view of life in Dubai before the discovery of oil. You'll learn the importance of the date palm to the desert culture, the maritime traditions of fishing and pearl-diving, boat building, and much more. Walk through the bustling, exotic souks, where you'll find beautiful, bargain-priced textiles, spices, and gold. Another highlight of your city tour is a chance to take one of Dubai's most reliable and inexpensive forms of transportation, the Abra water taxi.

Later, visit the Burj Khalifa (formerly known as Burj Dubai), which officially opened in 2010 as the tallest building in the world. This miracle of international cooperation and coordination houses a luxury Armani hotel, offices of some of the world's most successful companies, and homes that are as high as the clouds for a lucky few. Take in sweeping city views from the breathtakingly high "At the Top" observation deck.

Stop at Jumeirah Mosque to gain insight into Islamic life in the United Arab Emirates during a lecture by one of the Mosque's clerks. Feel free to ask questions!

Return to your hotel and spend the remainder of your day at leisure, or enjoy an optional Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner.

Optional Excursion: Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner, $115

For those in the mood for adventure, in the late afternoon, set out on an optional desert safari tour, where you'll discover the vastness and stark beauty of the desert surrounding Dubai. Experience an exciting jeep ride over the neighboring dunes. You'll also enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner and live belly dancing entertainment on this exciting optional tour. *The dunes jeep ride is not recommended for people with neck, back, or cardiac concerns.

Purchased as a package with Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner (Day 3) and Abu Dhabi (Day 4) (Min of 4 passengers).

Day 4 Dubai

• Relax and explore on your own, or join an optional excursion to Abu Dhabi

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

The day is yours to explore at your pace, or take an optional excursion to Abu Dhabi.

Optional Excursion: Full Day Abu Dhabi, $170

Today, see another sophisticated city in the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. Enjoy a panoramic view of Jebel Ali, the largest man-made port, en route to the iconic symbol of Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Later, drive along the sweeping curve of the Corniche, replete with parks and fountains, from which you'll enjoy a contrast of modern skyscrapers against the sparkling waters of the Persian Gulf. Visit the Heritage Village, and learn about the history of Abu Dhabi in a reconstructed oasis. Walk through the open-air museum and see artisans demonstrate traditional skills. Later, pass by the Sheik Khalifa Palace, home to the president of the UAE. Afterward, take a photo stop at Yas Island, where the Ferrari World theme park and Formula 1 race track are located. Return to Dubai.

Purchased as a package with Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner (Day 3) and Abu Dhabi (Day 4) (Min of 4 passengers).

Day 5 Dubai

• Enjoy another full day at leisure in Dubai, or choose one or two exciting optional excursions

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride and Falconry Demonstration (purchased locally), $330

Early this morning before dawn, get picked up at your hotel for a one-hour hot air balloon ride from a desert conservation area outside the city. See the sunrise as you lift off the ground and ascend approximately 4,000 feet over the stunning surrounding desert landscape. Learn about desert conservation, then have an exciting opportunity to see Peregrine falcons fly alongside the balloon in a trained demonstration. After your balloon ride, enjoy a delicious breakfast. 

Note: This activity is not operational from May through Oct due to weather conditions. Tour duration is from approximately 4-10 am.

Optional Excursion: Miracle Gardens (purchased locally), $55

Discover the wonders of the Dubai Miracle Garden, with its unique display of flowers, floral designs, and sculptures.

Note: This activity is not operational from May through Oct due to weather conditions. This optional tour may overlap with the Ski Dubai visit. Tour duration is from approximately 11 am-2 pm.

Optional Excursion: Ski Dubai packages (purchased locally)

Experience the incredible Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East! Choose from fun snow packages, including the Polar Pass or Polar Express. With the Polar Pass, take a ride on a toboggan, see real-life penguins, practice your snowball throwing skills, and take a chairlift to roll your way down the slopes in a giant snowball globe. In addition to the Polar Pass inclusions, the Polar Express package offers the chance to experience a 150-meter-long zip line and an introduction to skiing for adults.

Note: Does not include ski or snowboard equipment; does include winter clothes. Tour duration is from approximately 11 am-2 pm.

Cost varies from $95 to $120 per person.

Day 6 Dubai & Cairo

• Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo, Egypt
• 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 Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Today, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, you'll be met by our representatives in Cairo and assisted with visa and customs formalities. Proceed to check in at your 5-star hotel overlooking the Nile River.

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

Day 7 Cairo

• Full day 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 Tutankhamen's tomb. After free time for lunch, your day of sightseeing continues with the Citadel of Saladin, built on the remains of a Crusader-style fortress and the Alabaster Mosque. Finally, continue to the famous Khan El Khalili Bazaars. The sights, sounds, spices, exotic clothing and jewelry, hand-hammered copper, ceramic ware, and other treasures await your deft bargaining to win them at excellent prices.

Optional Excursion: Walking tour of art galleries in Zamalek and Dinner, $60

This evening, enjoy a guided visit to the trendy Zamalek suburb, an island in the Nile alongside Cairo.  Zamalek is one of Cairo's most dynamic enclaves and cultural hubs, home to eclectic galleries, fair trade shops, bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Stroll through the neighborhood, and discover wonderful artworks by some of Egypt’s most talented contemporary artists showcased at galleries such as  Safar Khan Art Gallery or Picasso Art Gallery and others. Afterward, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8 Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx

• Tour of the Pyramids of Cheops & 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 to the interior is unguided and will take place during the guided exterior visit.

You must be in good physical condition to fully enjoy this tour, which involves traversing narrow passages and steep stairways. Some areas have very shallow 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, $50

This afternoon, continue discovering Cairo's history during an optional excursion to 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. Finally, visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, believed to be Cairo's oldest synagogue.

Day 9 Depart Cairo

• Enjoy some free time in Cairo for last minute shopping or sightseeing
• This afternoon, bid farewell to Egypt as you're escorted to the airport for your overnight flight home via Dubai, arriving in the USA the following morning.

Breakfast

Optional Nile Cruise Extension

Day 8 Cairo, Pyramids, Sphinx & Luxor

• Tour the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren
• Afternoon at leisure or join an optional excursion
• Evening flight from Cairo to Luxor

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa 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.

Later this evening, transfer to the airport for a flight to Luxor, the capital of the New Kingdom when in 1580 BC, Pharoah Ahmos drove foreign invaders (the Hyksos) from Lower Egypt. Then, Luxor became a grand city of luxurious palaces, massive temples, extensive gardens, and a significant diplomatic and trade center of the ancient world. Transfer from the airport to your hotel.

Day 9 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

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel 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 1,500 years, and Luxor Temple, strikingly graceful and added to over the centuries by Tutankhamen, Ramses II, Alexander the Great, and others.

Day 10 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 a looming cliff face, and the Colossi of Memnon, two giant seated statues of Amenhotep III. Afterward, discover the ancient tomb of King Tutankhamun. Explore the rooms covered in mural paintings and the burial chamber, which still contains the pharaoh's mummy in its original sarcophagus.

Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon (purchased locally), $130

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 11 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

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

At Edfu, 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, 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 12 Aswan

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

MS Tulip or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Sail to Aswan, the gateway to Africa for the ancient Egyptians. Originally called "Sain" from "sanite," 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 was the holiest site for Isis worshipers for centuries. 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).

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

Day 13 Aswan & Cairo

• Morning at leisure
• Visit Aswan's High Dam and the granite quarries
• Enjoy High Tea at the Historic Old Cataract
• Fly to Cairo and spend the evening at leisure

Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino or similar Breakfast

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. After lunch, disembark and visit Aswan's High Dam, which controls the Nile and is a significant source of hydroelectric power in Egypt. Also, visit the granite quarries where a partially carved and cracked obelisk will demonstrate how the giant forms were hewn from the solid rock.

Later visit The Terrace in the Historic Old Cataract to enjoy High Tea. 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.

Transfer to the airport to board your short flight back to Cairo.

Optional Excursion: Abu Simbel, $330

Early this morning, fly from Aswan to nearby Abu Simbel, the site of the Great Temple of Ramses II, one of the most magnificent 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 entirely above the reservoir. After exploring the temple complex, return to Aswan. Space is limited.  This tour must be pre-booked and is not available for purchase locally. 

 

Day 14 Cairo

• Spend your day at leisure, or enjoy take part in 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, $70

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 15 Depart Cairo

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

Breakfast

Hotels & Ship

Hotels

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Deluxe

The 5 star JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is conveniently located in the business district of Dubai. Its location offers guests easy access to notable attractions, such as the world-renowned Dubai Mall and the jaw-dropping Burj Khalifa.

More information

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 recognizable 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.

More information

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa

Deluxe

Enjoy modern luxury on the Nile River at Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa. Located less than 4 miles from the city center and a few miles from both Karnak and Luxor temples, Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa offers stylish decor with breathtaking views of the West Bank.

More information

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.

More information

Reviews & Photos

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? Depart from another city? 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 insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• 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 Dubai? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

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