We couldn’t get you a time machine. But this? This is the next best thing. Over 10 days, you’ll uncover three of our planet’s most renowned ancient civilisations with your 35-45s crew. Zipping through the skies from one historical spot to another - you’ll see the ruins of the Roman empire. The mighty buildings of the Greek world. And of course, the magnificent Pyramids of Giza (all with local guides!). Trust us, your bucket list is gonna love this one.
Explore Botswana and Namibia, two of the top wildlife destinations in Africa. Our journey takes us into the wilderness: voyage by dugout canoe on the hippo-populated waters of the Okavango Delta, search for lions, elephants and giraffes in Etosha National Park, and spend nights by waterholes where animals congregate. The adventure continues beyond the fauna: we also climb the highest dunes in the world at Sossusvlei and stargaze at our remote camp in Damaraland. This is Africa at its most wild. This itinerary is valid for departures from 7 Feb, 2025 to 31 Dec, 2025. For other departure dates, please contact us.
Contiki is an amazing company and despite the fog at the top of table mountain it was great to connect with everyone on this tour and a wonderful way to enter Africa. did a great job. Thank you guys.
Soaking in history (and sunshine) in Porto & Sintra. Ticking off GoT filming locations in Seville. Feasting on traditional Iberian dishes. Before flying down south and trekking through the desert on a camel. You’ll do it all (and SO much more) on this 19-day ride of some of the most iconic destinations across Iberia & Morocco. To call it unforgettable will be an understatement.
Ready for a month-long adventure of culture, food & colourful experiences? Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites in Porto. And check out the magical markets of Marrakesh. This is your chance to explore the ins and outs of ALL of Iberia and Morocco’s iconic hotspots – with local guides to give you the inside scoop.
The only thing I would change is that the first day - coming right after most people had taken trans-oceanic flights and still had jet lag - was too demanding (flying to Luxor, touring Karnak before checking into ship). It would have been better to have a lighter Day One to allow for rest and time zone adjustment, and do Karnak on the way back.
The all-women's tour group and the Tour Director were outstanding and hugely enhanced the experience.
Tipping became a constant irritant and would be better if Tour Director handled tips and Insight appropriately raised the package cost, to alleviate that daily chore (ensuring correct currency & denominations, ATM visits, etc.). PS - bring American dollars in small bills.
Overall, a fascinating country, knowledgeable and constantly helpful Tour Director, and a good balance of historic and current experiences. Aswan (and the Cataract Hotel) was a definite highlight, and don't pass on Abu Simbel. It is worth the cost; as is the Aswan boat tour of the Nile (two options worth doing).
This solo tour will guide you through the ancient temples and World Wonders of Egypt. Begin your adventure in Cairo, the Arab World's cultural centre. Fly to Luxor and embark on a four-night Nile River cruise. You will see the ancient temples of Luxor and Karnak, the world's oldest temple complex. Explore Kom Ombo's intriguing historical sites, including the graves of Theban monarchs, ancient kings, and queens from several dynasties. Continue your journey to the Temple of Edfu, Egypt's best-preserved and second-largest ancient temple. Visit Aswan and marvel at the Phile Temple, which was erected to honour the Goddess Isis. Your journey ends in Cairo, where you can marvel at the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the Sphinx.
This tour will guide you through the ancient temples, archaeological sites, breathtaking beaches of Egypt & Greece. Begin your journey in Cairo, the cultural hub of the Arab World. Take a flight to Luxor and embark on a relaxing four-night cruise up the Nile River. You will discover the ancient temples of Luxor and Karnak. Uncover the fascinating historical sights of Kom Ombo, including the tombs of Theban rulers, ancient kings, and queens of several dynasties. Continue your journey to The Temple of Edfu — the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt and the second largest after Karnak. Travel to Aswan and admire the Phile Temple, built to worship the Goddess Isis. Your last stop is Cairo, where you will admire the magnificence of Great Pyramids of Egypt and Sphinx before you fly down to Greece. Your journey will begin in Athens, the famous capital of Greece known as the birthplace of democracy. Visit the Acropolis and see the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, two of the city’s most famous landmarks, before you board your ferry to Mykonos, a breathtaking island known for its exhilarating nightlife scene. Later, visit Santorini, where you will see the most beautiful sunsets in Greece. Lay back under the sun on the beautiful local beaches, set out to explore the traditional Greek villages, and lose yourself in the vast and varied landscapes of his romantic island. Finally, make your way back to Athens, where your island-hopping tour of Greece will come to an end!
This Egypt vacation is a unique and unforgettable way to explore the ancient wonders, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultures. Begin your journey in Cairo, one of North Africa's largest cities and a cultural and political crossroads. Before taking a flight to Luxor, visit the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza. Prepare for a breathtaking cruise down the Nile River in your floating hotel, discovering ancient Egyptian cities. Cross the Luxor Bridge to Esna and see the Temple of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. Disembark the ship in Edfu and visit the Temple of Sobek and Horus, the best-preserved ancient temple. Continue your journey to Aswan, where you will see the High Dam and the Philae Temple, a beautifully preserved ancient temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis. Sail to Edfu and then enjoy the onboard Egyptian Gallabiyah Celebration. As the cruise ship docks in Luxor, you can unwind in your spacious cabins overnight. Continue your journey to Luxor's East Bank, where you will see the Karnak and Luxor Temples. Enjoy the Belly Dance show in the evening. After breakfast, disembark from the cruise in Luxor and proceed to the airport to catch your flight back to Cairo. Visit the Egyptian Museum, Citadel, Mosque, and Bazaar to finish off your exceptional trip in Cairo.
Designed for independent travelers who want to experience culture, history and adventure. Your Solo Moroccan journey commences in the captivating city of Casablanca, famous for its stunning Moresque architecture that beautifully combines Moorish and European styles. Explore the vibrant Habous District, the bustling central market, and the magnificent Royal Palace. Journey through Meknes, the historic Ismailia capital, before immersing yourself in the spiritual heart of Fes. Discover medieval Medina, filled with enchanting mosques, mausoleums, and madrasas. Continue to Rabat, the nation's capital, nestled along the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the Royal Palace, Oudayas Garden, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Marrakech, the historic southern gem awaits with its breathtaking attractions such as the Menara Garden, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and the iconic Koutoubia Mosque. Conclude this delightful solo adventure in Casablanca.
This is a Solo Tour
You don't pay single supplement and get a room for yourself!
This comprehensive 14-day journey commences in Jordan's bustling capital, Amman. Your exploration delves into the country's rich history and culture, starting with visits to the unique hilltop town of As-Salt, a UNESCO site celebrated for its Ottoman architecture and interfaith harmony, and the magnificent Roman ruins of Jerash. Cultural immersion continues with an authentic 'Daily Life Trail' experience and lunch with a local family in As-Salt, plus a street food tasting in Amman. The itinerary then follows the historic King's Highway south, taking in the biblical sites of Madaba and Mount Nebo, and the Crusader-era Shobak Castle, before arriving at the phenomenal Nabataean city of Petra for a full day's exploration of its rock-carved wonders, including the iconic Treasury reached via the narrow Siq canyon.
Following the awe-inspiring Petra, the adventure leads into the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Here, you'll enjoy a thrilling jeep safari through the iconic scenery made famous by T.E. Lawrence and spend a night under the stars at a traditional Bedouin camp, experiencing renowned local hospitality and cuisine. The Jordanian leg concludes with a visit to the remarkable Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, offering a unique opportunity to float effortlessly in its mineral-rich waters. Throughout Jordan, optional activities enhance the experience, ranging from Petra by Night and cookery classes to various desert excursions in Wadi Rum and potential canyoning in Wadi Mujib (seasonal).
Transitioning to Egypt, you will travel from Amman to Cairo by air. It's worth noting that this flight is not included in the tour price, offering flexibility in booking, while the necessary airport transfers in both cities remain part of the service. The Egyptian adventure immediately immerses you in ancient history with a visit to the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx, complemented by a taste of local life with an included Koshary lunch. Travelling south via overnight train, you'll explore Aswan, visit the beautifully relocated Philae Temple on its island setting, and experience Nubian culture firsthand with a stay in a local village. A major highlight is sailing the Nile aboard a traditional felucca, offering a peaceful perspective on riverside life and including an overnight stay onboard (with hotel upgrade options available). An optional early morning trip to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel is also offered.
Continuing north, the tour reaches Luxor, often described as the world's greatest open-air museum. Included tours cover the West Bank's Valley of the Kings, the impressive Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the village of the tomb builders at Deir El-Medina, and the towering Colossi of Memnon. Optional excursions allow for exploration of the vast Karnak Temple complex and the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple at night, along with potential hot air balloon rides over the ancient sites at sunrise. The trip utilises overnight trains for travel between Cairo and Upper Egypt (with sleeper upgrades available) before concluding back in Cairo, offering free time or optional final explorations, such as the Egyptian Museum or vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar, before your departure transfer.
Accommodation is in comfortable mid-range hotels, Bedouin tents with proper beds in Wadi Rum, a friendly local Nubian guesthouse in Aswan, plus one night on board the felucca sailboat on the Nile.
There is no city in the world like Cairo. It has been the largest city in Africa and the Middle East for 750 years and has been attractive to tourists throughout the ages. This short tour gives you a taste of Egypt's bustling capital city and home to the Pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian Museum, and is ideal for those short of time or who may have visited other parts of Egypt already.
The tour begins with a guided sightseeing tour to Egypt's most well-known landmark - the Great Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx and learn about the history and evolution of pyramid building. Next we explore the sprawling Egyptian Museum of antiquities with it's famous Tutunkhamun display.
Your next day is then free to explore independently, relax in your hotel or take an additional tour. These include a city tour to the Citadel, Coptic Cairo and the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar, a day trip to the colonial Mediterranean city of Alexandria, or a tour to see more pyramids at Dashour, Saqqara and Memphis. Dinner cruise and felucca trips on the Nile are also available.
We had a fantastic trip to Egypt. I am a single mum with a 10 and 12 year old. We were in a very small group with just one other family and we had a brilliant time. Mohammed, the group leader was amazing. He was so knowledgeable and fun and made everything run smoothly, even the bits that didn’t (don’t expect the train to be on time, however flashy the new station). He was fantastic with the kids and generous with his experience of all aspects of Egyptian life.
The trip is pretty full on but there is downtime built in. We love Egypt and will definitely go back. We’ll also definitely do another holiday with explore. For me, being on my own with the kids, the group meant I got some downtime and everything being so well organised meant I felt like I got a holiday as well! As an added bonus it was no more expensive to have two rooms at the hotels!
Would totally recommend.
Embark on an extraordinary 8-day journey through the heart of Ancient Egypt. Begin in Cairo, exploring the iconic Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Memphis, and Saqqara, then delve into the vast Egyptian Museum with its Tutankhamun treasures. Fly to Luxor to cruise the majestic Nile, visiting the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and the temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Witness the grandeur of the Aswan High Dam, with an optional Abu Simbel visit or hot air balloon ride. Conclude your adventure back in Cairo, with free time for final exploration or an optional Khan-el-Khalili bazaar visit, offering an unparalleled immersion into Egypt's timeless wonders.
