Nubian Adventure

Embark on a captivating 9-day journey unraveling the mysteries of Egypt, as this tour guides you along the entire length of the Nile into Upper Egypt. Commencing in Cairo, you’ll explore the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx before venturing to Aswan, where the enchanting island temple of Philae awaits. Optional excursions to the awe-inspiring temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel add an extra layer of wonder.

The adventure continues with a leisurely Nile felucca cruise, providing a traditional and scenic route to Luxor in the Nile Valley. Our facilities boat, equipped with amenities like on-board toilets, showers, and a massage deck, ensures a comfortable journey. Luxor invites you to explore remarkable temples and the tombs of the Valley of the Kings before returning to Cairo. Renowned as one of our most sought-after Egypt tours, it encompasses the quintessential Egyptian experience.

For those seeking a more personalized experience, we offer a private tour option. If the scheduled departure dates are inconvenient or if you prefer independent travel, contact us for details and pricing. Additionally, consider extending your adventure with our Discover Egypt and Nubians and Beaches tours for an unforgettable Red Sea experience.
 

CHILDREN POLICY:

0 - 01.99 Free
2 - 05.99 pay 25% of the tour price
6 - 11.99 pay 50% of the tour price
12 years and over pay the full price of the trip per adult person

Route

A CairoB LuxorC AswanD Aswan 1E LuxorF Via Accademia delle Scienze, 6, TorinoG جزيرة أسوان, النجع البحريH Egypt

Day 1: Arrival Cairo

Today, you take your first steps towards a new adventure… Board your flight to Cairo International Airport where we will be waiting for you just before customs for any assistance needed before we transfer you to your chosen hotel to settle in and relax.

Overnight : Cairo Hotel

No Meals

Day 2: Cairo, Pyramids, Sphinx & Museum tour with a sleeper train

Our journey in Egypt begins with a visit to Giza, where you’ll explore the Sphinx and the iconic pyramids. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local Egyptologist guide, you’ll learn about Egyptian history and culture. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, standing at 500 feet tall and 750 feet wide at its base, is a remarkable man-made structure constructed from massive stone blocks. You’ll also have the chance to enter the pyramids if you wish, though your guide can’t join you due to limited tickets. Afterward, we’ll visit the Egyptian Museum, home to the famous Tutankhamun exhibit and a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. In the evening, we’ll transfer to the station for an overnight sleeper train journey to Aswan, where you’ll enjoy dinner in your private twin-berth compartments before a restful night’s sleep.

OVERNIGHT: Sleeper train

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS: Cairo to Aswan flight upgrade

Day 3: Aswan, Nubian Village and Philae Temple
 

In the morning, we arrive in Aswan and check into our hotel overlooking the picturesque Nile River, adorned with lush green islands and bustling feluccas. Aswan, a vibrant blend of African and Middle Eastern cultures, invites exploration through its lively markets. This region is also part of the ancient Nubian territory, spanning southern Egypt and northern Sudan along the Nile. Today, many Nubian descendants reside here, and we’ll have the chance to visit a local Nubian village to witness their vibrant homes, modest lifestyle, and savor a traditional lunch.

In the afternoon, our journey continues with a visit to the enchanting Temple of Philae, an island sanctuary dedicated to Isis, gracefully rescued from the waters of Lake Nasser. We access it via a delightful boat ride. As evening falls, you’re free to explore Aswan’s spice and general markets, or stroll along the popular Nile Corniche. An optional camel ride across the sands on the opposite bank of the Nile to St. Simeon’s Monastery is also available. For those who have chosen the Abu Simbel option, an early bedtime is recommended tonight in preparation for an early start tomorrow morning.

OVERNIGHT: Aswan 5 star hotel

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

EXTRAS: None


Day 4: Abu Simbel option. Nile Felucca Cruise

This morning, you have the option to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Abu Simbel, home to the temples built by Ramses II. We depart early to witness the sunrise over these remarkable temples. If you choose not to visit Abu Simbel, your morning is free.

At lunchtime, we embark on our traditional Nile felucca for an afternoon sail down the Nile. Sailing on a felucca is a delightful way to experience Egypt, offering a glimpse of local rural life along the riverbanks. Our skilled Nubian crew will handle the boat, provide entertainment, and prepare meals for you. Throughout the day, our separate facilities boat will join us, equipped with clean toilets, showers, and a hygienic kitchen. Tonight, you’ll sleep on the deck of the felucca, with mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets provided. While this is a fun and basic experience, we offer an optional upgrade for those seeking more comfort to spend the night back at the Aswan hotel, rejoining the group the following morning.

OVERNIGHT: On board felucca

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

EXTRAS: Abu Simbel overland / Upgrade from felucca to hotel in Aswan

Day 5: Felucca, Edfu, Luxor temple

Following breakfast on the ship, we say our goodbyes to the felucca crew. We then embark on a journey north from Aswan to Edfu, where we will explore the impressive Temple of Horus. Our journey continues further north to Luxor, a town that encompasses the ancient site of Thebes and showcases the largest concentration of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, if not the entire world. On the western bank of the Nile, you’ll find the City of the Dead with its mortuary temples and rock-hewn tombs. On the eastern bank lie the Temples of Luxor and Karnak. In the evening, there is an optional walking tour available for those interested in exploring the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple located in the heart of the town.

Overnight: Luxor hotel

Meals: Breakfast


Day 6: Luxor, West Bank tour. Free time

We cross the Nile early this morning to begin our tour of Luxor’s West Bank. Home to the Valley of the Kings, the dusty tombs in this ancient burial site are still revealing their secrets today and so it remains one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Our tour includes several of these Pharaonic tombs, as well as the temples of Queen Hatchepsut and Medinat Habu, and the huge Colossi of Memnon.

A spectacular hot air balloon flight over the west bank of the Nile is available this morning (expect an early start to catch sunrise as the balloon rises).

Your afternoon is then free to relax and enjoy the facilities of your 5-star hotel on the banks of the Nile. You can also explore Luxor further, do some shopping or browsing in the market, visit the mummification museum or enjoy a felucca trip to nearby Banana Island. Additional sightseeing is also available if you’d like an even more in depth exploration of Egyptian history. For example, the Rammesseum, Workers Village and Valley of the Queens on the west bank of the Nile are all worth a visit. Your tour guide will be happy to arrange any extra visits for you (an extra cost will apply to cover transport, entrances and the guide’s services).

OVERNIGHT: Luxor hotel

MEALS: Breakfast

EXTRAS: Hot air balloon in Luxor

Day 7: Luxor, Karnak temple

Your morning is leisurely, allowing you to savor a well-deserved rest and a welcome lie-in after yesterday’s early start.

Following lunch, our journey continues with a visit to the colossal temple complex of Karnak, which once served as the religious epicenter of Thebes and Upper Egypt. An extensive avenue, flanked by sphinxes, connected it to Luxor, while a canal provided a link to the Nile, facilitating the movement of the sacred boats of the god Amun.

Upon entering through a smaller sphinx-lined avenue, constructed by Ramesses II, you’ll encounter the monumental pylon entrance. Inside the expansive Courtyard, three chapels stand dedicated to the deities Amun, Khous, and Mut. The awe-inspiring Hypostyle Hall boasts 134 towering columns, each intricately adorned with depictions of gods, pharaohs, and hieroglyphic inscriptions embellishing the walls.

As a highlight of this Egypt guided tour, there’s an extraordinary opportunity for a hot air balloon flight over the west bank of the Nile available this morning. This adventure offers a chance to witness the sunrise as the balloon ascends, promising a truly remarkable experience.

OVERNIGHT: Luxor 5-star hotel

MEALS: Breakfast

EXTRAS: Hot air balloon in Luxor

Day 8: Back streets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar with optional tours in Cairo

We arrive back into Cairo this morning and transfer to our hotel. Most of the day is then free to explore Cairo as you choose or you may take an optional tour. These include a city tour in Cairo which visits Coptic Cairo, the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, or a half day tour to Saqqara, Dashour and Memphis to learn more about the history and evolution of pyramid building. Another full day option further afield includes a trip into the desert outside Cairo to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan.

In the late afternoon we take a guided walk through the back streets and bazaars in central Cairo. We’ll walk through the huge Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore streets dedicated to metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewelery and anything else you can imagine as we gradually enter the more touristy Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We’ll have time for a break to try some tea and a shisha pipe and perhaps enjoy an early dinner of Egypt’s unofficial national dish, Kushari before returning to our hotel.

OVERNIGHT: Cairo hotel

MEALS: Breakfast

EXTRAS:

Cairo city tour
Wadi Rayan day tour (Valley of the Whales)
Saqqara, Dashour and  Memphis

 


Day 9: Cairo, Transfer to the airport

Today, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace until it’s time for your departure transfer to the airport. If you wish to extend your tour, options include enjoying additional time at the Red Sea, embarking on day trips to Alexandria, or visiting the esteemed World Heritage Site of Wadi Rayan and the Valley of the Whales.

Price Includes

  • All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
  • All transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
  • A 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service
  • 1 night overnight sleeper train in private twin-berth cabins (flight/hotel upgrade available)
  • Sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary
  • The expertise of local Egyptologist guides for all sightseeing excursions
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
 

Price Excludes

  • International flights (available upon inquiry)
  • Egypt visa fees (available upon arrival for most nationalities, US$25)
  • Travel insurance.
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions.
  • Personal expenses such as telephone calls, laundry, drinks, extra meals, etc
  • Entrance fees to sites visited (allow approx. US$85)
  • Tipping/Gratuity
  • Hotel gala dinners on 24 and/or 31 Dec (budget up to $180 p/p)
  • Additional activities or unmentioned items.