Kick off in Cairo and visit the phenomenal Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum, then head south to Aswan and the temple of Philae before cruising the Nile to Kom Ombo and Luxor. Discover Karnak and the Valley of the Kings before heading back to the capital on this 10 day tour which takes in the very best of ancient Egypt.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Cairo
Friday. Welcome to Egypt. Upon arrival at Cairo airport you'll be met and transferred to our start hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or those arriving early can opt to join a Backstreets Tour of Cairo or our Alexandria Day Trip. At 7pm this evening meet your guide and the rest of the group at the Welcome Meeting.
Overnight: Cairo
Pyramids of Giza
Today we visit to the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Sphinx at the Giza Plateau. Sole survivors from the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders of the World, the pyramids are the planet’s oldest tourist attraction! Gaze in awe at Cheops (Khufu) - the largest of the three great pyramids. Constructed from over 2.5 million limestone blocks it is thought to have taken more than 20 years to construct. A stop will be made at a government supervised papyrus emporium, then we will continue to the necropolis of Saqqara, where we can explore the myriad tombs and temples at this site and see Zhoser’s step pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh’s chief architect in 2700 BC!
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
The Grand Egyptian Museum
Cairo - Aswan. Today we visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum, which houses a giant exhibition containing the treasures of King Tutankhamun. In this incredible 490,000 sq.m complex many of the exhibits are being displayed for the first time and artefacts have been brought together from across Egypt and the world. The museum also makes use of new technology including virtual reality.
After our guided tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum we head over to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to visit the fascinating Royal Mummies' Hall where the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens are on display. Then there's time to relax back at the hotel before we board the night train to Aswan this evening.
Please Note: the Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in late 2024, though an official opening date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.
Overnight: Sleeper Train | Breakfast
Aswan & the Philae Temple
This morning we arrive into Aswan and enjoy a short boat trip to Agilika Island for Philae Temple - dedicated to the goddess Isis. Our final stop today is a perfume oil emporium before check-in on board your Nile Cruiser which will be home for the next three nights. As the sun sets, free time to shop in the colourful souqs and markets or simply relax and watch an amazing sunset in Egypt's southern most town straddling the River Nile.
Overnight: Aswan - Nile Cruiser | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nile Cruise & optional excursion to Abu Simbel
Aswan - Nile cruise. Optional early morning drive to Abu Simbel, the famous the rock-cut temple of King Ramses II, the Great Builder. Our Nile Cruiser departs Aswan this afternoon and we cruise the River Nile to Kom Ombo where we disembark to visit the temple which is dedicated to the crocodile headed god - Sobek before returning to the cruiser.
Overnight: Nile Cruiser | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nile Cruise to Luxor
Nile Cruise - Luxor. Relax, enjoy a swim in the pool and chill out in the sun on deck this morning. Let your troubles melt away as we cruise the River Nile to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its best. Arriving into Luxor this afternoon the rest of the day is free to explore the city before we spend our final night aboard the cruiser.
Overnight: Luxor - Nile Cruiser | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Luxor
This morning we disembark and check into our 5 star Luxor hotel. The day is free to enjoy the hotel facilities, relax and explore. Tonight, we have the opportunity to visit Luxor Temple with dinner afterwards. Built by Amenophis III, Luxor Temple looks stunning at night when it's illuminated by hundreds of lights. Book/pay locally at approx USD$25 including entrance fees and buffet dinner. Remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Luxor | Breakfast
Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Cairo. This morning we will be touring the West Bank of the Nile, an early start allows us to avoid some of the fierce midday heat as we venture to the tomb strewn Valley of the Kings. Highlights of the visit include the Colossi of Memnon, a massive pair of statues that stand silent against a historic backdrop, the Valleys of the Kings and the awesome colonnaded Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
The Valley of the Kings is studded with often highly decorated tombs, constructed to once house the regal sarcophagi enclosed mummies of the mighty pharaohs awaiting passage into the after-life. This afternoon after lunch and time to relax we visit the colossal Temple of Karnak, with its stone-columned Hypostle Hall. Tonight, we return by overnight sleeper train to Cairo.
Overnight: Sleeper Train | Breakfast
Free day in Cairo
We arrive into Cairo this morning and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to simply relax, independently explore or opt to visit the famous Khan el Khalili bazaar to buy some souvenirs.
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
Cairo
Sunday. Hotel check out and included onward departure transfer to airport.
Breakfast
GO BEYOND THE PYRAMIDS!
Consider extending your holiday to discover Alexandria and the Commonwealth War Graves of El Alamein on our 13 day El Alamein & Ancient Egypt tour. Explore grounds of El Alamein where two extended battles were fought during World War II and visit the military museum that acts as a memorial for the battle and houses original war vehicles, weapons, uniforms and more. Alexandria was named after its founder, Alexander the Great! See all the key highlights with free time to meander the impressive seafront corniche, dotted with cafes and restaurants.
Prices & Dates
The Nile Cruise Upgrade version of this tour includes 3 nights on board a 5 star Nile Cruiser (en suite cabin) in place of the felucca. For full details, please refer to the 'Nile Cruise Upgrade Trip Notes', in the right hand column for details.
Read MoreExtra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Holiday Inn Cairo Maadi, Cairo
Overlooking the Nile and offering distant views of the Great Pyramids of Giza, this Holiday Inn provides the perfect location for your stay in Cairo. Each guestroom features a balcony (not Nile View as standard) and is well-equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi. Evenings can be spent enjoying international or Egyptian cuisine and unwinding with a cocktail at one of the hotel’s bars. Thanks to the friendly hotel staff, you’ll soon feel at home. And with panoramic views of the city from the rooftop lounge and pool, there’s no better place to base yourself for exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo
Radisson Blu is in the Heliopolis area of Cairo, just 3 kms from Cairo International Airport. Providing spacious, well appointed guest rooms with amenities such as a daily newspaper and turndown service, the hotel is the perfect oasis for guests visiting the city. Its two restaurants, lobby lounge, and gourmet bakery offer a range of culinary choices. To top it all off, the hotel boasts a rooftop spa and pool with panoramic Cairo views.
Sleeper Train, Cairo
When travelling on an overnight train in Egypt, sleeper carriages offer the highest level of comfort. Cabins are equipped with two beds (one above the other), a basin, electric points and air conditioning. Freshly laundered bedding is provided and in the early evening an attendant will come round and make up your bed for you. The carriages have toilets at each end and there is a club car which serves snacks and beverages. In the morning a very basic breakfast is provided.
Steigenberger Hotel el Tahrir, Cairo
Ideally located in the heart of downtown Cairo, the Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir is right by the lively Tahrir Square. Guestrooms offer peace and quiet away from the high-energy of the city, with contemporary decor and sound-proofed windows overlooking views of Cairo. The wellness facilities are state-of-the-art, including a fitness centre, outdoor pool and sauna and massage rooms. Be sure to take advantage of the poolside bar and delicious hotel restaurant, or enjoy the option of 24-hour in-room dining.
Holiday Inn City Stars, Cairo
The Holiday Inn Cairo City Stars Hotel is an ideal base for exploring the modern and historic attractions of Egypt's capital. Rooms are spacious, offering a flatscreen TV and private bathroom. There are restaurants on site, including the rooftop garden that offers panoramic views of the city.
Sonesta Hotel Cairo, Cairo
The Sonesta Hotel & Casino is a sophisticated and luxurious hotel offering spacious, en-suit rooms with opulent furnishings. Enjoy a cocktail at the poolside bar or indulge in a relaxing massage or Turkish steam bath at the full-service spa. With 5 restaurants located within the hotel you'll be spoilt for choice over dining options.
M/S Medea, Nile Cruising
The M/S Medea is elegantly furnished with rich fabrics, wood panelling and classic style furniture, offering a refined setting for your Nile cruise. The restaurant offers 120 covers with a combination of waiter service and buffet meals which allows to sample both Egyptian and international cuisine. The spacious lounge bar is tastefully furnished with Chesterfield sofas and offers panoramic views of the Nile River.
M/S La Traviata, Nile Cruising
M/S La Traviata has proved be a long term favourite with many regular Nile cruise guests. The cosy restaurant on the lower deck serves 88 guests and serves both - international and Egyptian cuisine. Lounge bar with dance floor and music system for evening entertainment. The sundeck offers a pool as well as sun loungers and a shaded area. The reception offers full services including an international phone. The gift shop on board has a wide range of gifts and souvenirs from Egypt.
Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor
An elegant and luxurious classical hotel, the Sonesta's sophistication will ensure you a comfortable stay. The hotel has a sweeping terrace with fantastic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail and a beautiful health spa. All its rooms offer views of the city or the river, complemented by a wide range of restaurants and cafes. Just minutes away you will find the temples at Luxor and Karnak, home to two of ancient Egypt's most famed sanctuaries.
Steigenberger Nile Palace, Luxor
The Steigenburger Nile Palace is a grand hotel and stylishly furnished, with many rooms overlooking the Nile River. The hotel has a health club with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and fitness room, and a tennis court on the roof, not to mention a riverside pool. Its four restaurants offer a choice between Nubian, Lebanese, Italian, and Thai cuisine.
Reviews
Travellers have rated this tour as 4.6 out of 5 based on 5 recent reviews
Right from the beginning to the end the tour was executed wonderfully!!! The OTG team was well organized and made our arrival and departure at the airport very easy. The actual tour was an absolute blast. Medo our tour guide went above and beyond his call of duty to see to all our needs. Medo ensured that we got to tick all our bucket list items. He does his job with so much passion and loves sharing his love of country with all his guests.”
A truly wonderful, well managed and constructed tour that encompasses all aspects of Egypt. From being picked up at the airport and driven to your hotel in Cairo you are given the sense of security, peace of mind and that you are their priority.
Sherif Fawzy our guide showed remarkable knowledge on virtually all areas of the tour. He has a calm and reassuring manner which sets you at ease and allows you to relax and enjoy the tour at your leisure. His nature allows you to bond with him easily and so by the end of the tour he is almost like family, a brother.
Sherif took time to find the best places for the tour party to get the best shot of attractions whilst explaining the history of each spot we stopped at. It was like reliving history. His knowledge was fantastic and added to the mystery of ancient Egypt. Sherif ensured our safety at all times but did not stop us from experiencing a little of everyday Egyptian life whilst we walked the streets or navigated vendor stalls. A highly skilled and educated guide that helped bring Egypt alive for me. ”
Thank you "On The Go"
Fantastic service from arrival to the departure!
As soon as you arrive in Cairo Airport, you will be greeted by their representatives to assist your immigration process, luggage collection including the security process and the transport to your hotel – Very impressive.
I was greeted by professional tour guides, drivers and ground operators who were able to help give directions and take us smoothly throughout our Egypt experience. From my personal experience, you will be treated like family during your tour.
It was fantastic, one of the most amazing trips I have ever experienced. All I can say – “Everyone should visit and experience what the 'real' Egypt has to offer”.
This tour offers all you need to see 'real' Egypt. It includes all transportation through Egypt - from camel rides, bus rides, the night train from Cairo to Aswan, Felucca, sailing on the Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor and water boat rides on the Nile river or a flight from Luxor to Cairo.
Also, I loved the optional tours to the Philae temple and Abu Simbal temple. I am so glad that I did not miss these. It was just fascinating! I am so fortunate to have experienced such an amazing place!
Favourite bits: The felucca sailing experience on the Nile - watching the sunrise & sunset and sleeping under the stars just like the ancient Nubian sailed on the Nile river thousands of years before me.
Sleeping on the Night Train was comfy and waking up to see the rising sun was awesome even though I was super tired. Experiencing my first real mirage was cool too.
Momo was such a good tour guide and a professional archaeologist which meant we were able to lap up all the information he gave us. He was a very caring and patient person – So privileged to be part of Momo’s family.
Many thanks On The Go for this amazing experience!! ”
I had the most amazing time in Egypt! Our tour guide Ahmed really worked above and beyond any requirement!! On the return-trip to the boat, he could have just sat down and rested but instead he took pictures with us and participated with the festivities the cruise provided, he occupied the entire return trip with an interesting information and in some instances information that was new to me and others. Also, he will provided detail information about Egypt's history while standing in the heat that even reached over 100 degrees, now that is hard work! Aside from his excellent and informative guiding, my friends and I so enjoyed his company, how he made us feel at home and learning new words in Arabic. Not only did we experience something amazing but the best part of the trip is that we gained a new friend. I HIGHLY recommend him for everyone. So when you book a tour for Egypt....ask for Ahmed Ezz!”
The tour was very enjoyable. I was agreeably surprised by the hotel accommodation which was universally excellent. The airport transfers were amazing, the best I have experienced.
The food on the Nile cruise could be improved.
All the On the Go staff were excellent -always pleasant and courteous and making sure they did a good job. Our tour guide Momo was brilliant. His passion for his country and for the treasures of Egypt was always present, he was funny but immensely knowledgeable and always energetic. I enjoyed the craft centres that we visited. I am not a "tour person" but the group and the On the Go staff made it work and gave me a positive experience.”
At a Glance
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Right from the beginning to the end the tour was executed wonderfully!!! The OTG team was well organized and made our arrival and departure at the airport very easy. The actual tour was an absolute blast. Medo our tour guide went above and beyond his call of duty to see to all our needs. Medo ensured that we got to tick all our bucket list items. He does his job with so much passion and loves sharing his love of country with all his guests.”
