Footsteps of the Pharaohs

Day 1

Arrive Cairo (2 Nights)

Hold on to your hats as you embark on a whirlwind journey into antiquity, beginning in colourful Cairo. You'll want to keep your camera handy when you become more than a curious bystander exploring the largest metropolis on the African continent. Maybe, spend your first day delving into the remnants of ancient history your way. Visit the Alabaster mosque, modelled on Istanbul's Hagia Sofia, enjoy a G&T colonial-style in Windsor's Bar or savour an apple shisha rubbing shoulders with the locals as you watch the sun set over Cairo.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Steigenberger Pyramids

Day 2

Cairo Sightseeing

See the treasures of Tutankhamun this morning during a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum, home of the world's greatest collection of ancient Egyptian art spanning over 4,500 years. Admire the beautiful objects that were left behind to accompany Egypt's beloved pharaohs to their next life, then proceed to the Pyramids of Giza, where you'll stand in awe amidst the remnants of incredible man-made feats that have to be seen to be believed. See the Pyramid of Cheops, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the proudly posing Sphinx, before returning to Cairo this evening for some time on your own or an Optional Experience sound and light show against the backdrop of the pyramids.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 3

Cairo – Aswan – Nile Cruise (3 Nights)

Let the dust settle in Cairo as you board your morning flight to Aswan, You'll arrive just in time for a visit to the High Dam, built to stave the rising waters of the Nile during flooding. Admire the beautiful Egyptian architecture at the Temple of Isis in Philae before boarding your cruise before lunch. This afternoon, take to the Nile on a traditional felucca, watching as the wind whips up its elegant white cotton sails. You'll see pops of cerise bougainvillea and towering Royal Palms as you sail around the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener's Island before returning to your boat for your first night on Africa's mightiest river. You could choose to join a mesmerising sound and light show in the midst of the Nile River as an Optional Experience later.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Nile Cruise: MS Traviata, MS Miriam, MS Sapphire or similar

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Nile Cruise: Aswan – Kom-Ombo – Edfu

Catch the gaze of Ramses II as you join an optional excursion to the imposing temples of Abu Simbel, his ancient southern seat of power. See his imposing seated form hewn out of solid rock not once, but four times, as he 'receives' you before you're permitted to wander through the long and dark passage that leads to the depths of his temple. Set sail for Kom-Ombo, arriving this afternoon to visit Kom-Ombo Temple where two gods of Horus the Elder and Sobek are worshipped in tandem. Your cruise continues overnight to Edfu, once home to the falcon god of Horus.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Nile Cruise: Edfu – Luxor

Ancient Thebes beckons and you'll continue your Nile cruise to Luxor where this afternoon we visit the Luxor Museum, one of the best displays of antiquities in Egypt. Go back in time and see an astounding collection of archaeological treasures, including items from Tutankhamun's tomb and remnants from the New Kingdom. You'll feel like Indiana Jones as you walk through its dimly lit halls, admiring the unearthed treasures from nearby tombs.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Disembark – Luxor – Valley of the Kings – Hurghada (2 Nights)

Your Nile cruise has come to an end, but there's still plenty more to see and you'll journey to the Valley of the Kings for your next bout of memorable sightseeing. Visit the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, known in Egypt as the Holy of Holies and considered one of the incomparable monuments of ancient Egypt. Then stand small against the backdrop of the seated Memnon Colossi, following his gaze east as the Ruler of the West surveys his lands. Your next stop is Karnak, an impressive place of pilgrimage dedicated to the gods of Amun, Mut and Khonsu. Later, you'll head to the Red Sea coastline and stop at Hurghada where tonight you'll enjoy dinner with your travel companions at your hotel.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Pharaoh Azur Resort

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7

Hurghada Free Day

What a treat! A full free day to soak up the sun-kissed splendour of Hurghada on your own. You could choose to shelve the sightseeing and relax at your resort guilt-free or embark on a snorkelling tour getting up close and personal to the resident dolphins. However you decide to spend your day, start and end it slowly - isn't that what beach holidays are for? Tonight dinner is served at your hotel.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8

Hurghada – Cairo (1 Night)

Wake up to the sounds of the seaside. There's no need to hurry and you'll have some time this morning for a leisurely breakfast before taking your transfer to Cairo. The evening is yours to do as you please but we know you'll want to spend it with new friends after an incredible journey through ancient Egypt. Ask your Travel Director for options.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Radisson Blu Heliopolis

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 9

Depart Cairo

Your journey back to a time of powerful pharaohs has come to an end. It's been a walk down ancient paths that have fascinated explorers for centuries. For now, all that remains is to say farewell to your travel companions before transferring to Cairo airport for your return flight home, filled with fond memories of the treasures you've encountered.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast