Egypt Express

Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport, assist you with obtaining your visa and luggage, and then transfer you to your hotel in central Cairo for the start of your trip. They will help you settle in, introduce you to the local area, and explain tomorrow's arrangements. The rest of the day is free. If you arrive early you may like to take an evening dinner cruise on the Nile, or enjoy a spectacular sound and light show at the pyramids (both available to book locally on arrival).Extra day in Cairo pre-tour (3-star)

We start our exploration of Egypt with the iconic three great pyramids at Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo. Probably the most recognizable ancient buildings in the world, these three pyramids were built pyramids were built by the Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure around 2500 years BC. Our Egyptologist guide will start your introduction into Egyptian history here with information on how and why pyramids were built and how they fit into the whole ancient Pharaonic story. You’ll have the chance to climb down inside one of these pyramids if you wish (and if you’re not claustrophobic!).Our next visit is the majestic Sphinx, which nestles nearby, and was uncovered completely only in the 1920s. After your awe-inspiring visit to the Sphinx, we'll take a well-deserved break to refuel with an included Koshary lunch. Koshary is a beloved Egyptian staple, a hearty and flavorful dish that perfectly embodies the country's culinary heritage. Koshary consists of a bed of fluffy rice and lentils, topped with perfectly cooked macaroni and chickpeas, all brought together with a tangy tomato sauce and a sprinkle of crispy fried onions. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you feeling satisfied and ready for the next adventure!After lunch you'll have some free time to visit the Egyptian Museum of antiquities, home to the treasures of ancient Egypt. This evening we will board the overnight VIP seater train from Cairo to Aswan. For those preferring more comfort, there is the option of upgrading to the sleeper train where you will have a private cabin onboard with airline style meals included.

After our night onboard the overnight train, we arrive in Aswan where we spend the night in a Nubian village staying in a Nubian style hotel. The ancient region of Nubia comprised an area around the Nile in parts of present day southern Egypt and northern Sudan. Many descendants of the Nubian people still live around Aswan and during our stay we’ll see their colourful houses.This morning we’ll take a boat trip to visit one of Egypt’s most beautifully situated temples which was also reclaimed from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. This is the Temple of Philae, which was dedicated to Isis.After visiting Philae Temple, we'll head south of Aswan to visit one of the Nubian Villages where we'll have the opportunity to experience the local way of life and visit the local homes of the Nubian people and even spend the night in a Nubian style hotel.

Those seeking an awe-inspiring adventure can rise early for an optional excursion to Abu Simbel. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts two magnificent temples carved into the mountainside by Ramses II. These monumental structures, adorned with colossal statues and intricate reliefs, are a testament to the grandeur of ancient Egypt and a definite highlight of any trip.At lunchtime, we embark on a quintessential Egyptian adventure: a felucca sailing trip on the Nile. These traditional wooden sailboats offer a unique perspective of the river, allowing you to witness the beauty of the Nile and observe rural Egyptian life unfold along its banks. Our Nubian crew will expertly navigate the felucca, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable journey. They'll also entertain you with their local knowledge and prepare meals onboard.For your comfort and convenience, a separate facilities boat will accompany us, providing essential amenities such as toilets, showers, and a hygienic kitchen. In the evening, we'll moor along the riverbank and enjoy a dinner prepared by our crew. As the stars twinkle overhead, we'll settle down for a magical night's sleep on deck, under the vast expanse of the Egyptian sky (mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets are provided).Should you prefer a more conventional overnight stay, you have the option to upgrade your felucca experience and spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Aswan. You'll then rejoin the group the following morning when disembark the Felucca in Aswan. This upgrade won't affect the rest of your itinerary.Felucca to Hotel upgrade

We spend some time onboard the Felucca this morning whilst enjoying breakfast with the crew, before we bid them a reluctant goodbye in Aswan and drive north to Luxor, making a stop along the way to visit Edfu Temple. Luxor is the jewel in Egypt’s crown with the largest concentrations of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, if not the world. These are split across both banks of the Nile, with the City of the Dead on the West Bank with many mortuary temples and tombs cut into the rocky mountains, and with the Temples of Luxor and Karnak and their connecting Avenue of Sphinxes the highlights on the East Bank. Later this evening there is an optional tour available to Luxor Temple which is right in the middle of town and beautifully lit up at night. You'll can also head into town to explore some of Luxor's popular outdoor cafes, perhaps enjoying a few games of backgammon and trying a shisha pipe with the locals. We spend the night at a comfortable 4-star hotel with a pool on the banks of the Nile.

This morning we take a tour to the West Bank of the Nile, where we’ll visit the Temple of Queen Hatchepsut, explore several tombs in the Valley of the Kings, learn about the workers who made all this happen in Deir El-Medina (the Valley of the Artisans) and stop to see the huge Colossi of Memnon. Your afternoon is then free to relax in the hotel, or take an optional tour to explore the huge temple complex at Karnak. A spectacular hot air balloon flight over the west bank of the Nile is also available today (expect another early start to catch sunrise as the balloon rises).This evening we re-join the overnight VIP seater train back to Cairo (there is another opportunity to upgrade to the sleeper train for those looking for more comfort). Two way sleeper train upgradeKarnak Temple tour

We arrive back into Cairo this morning and transfer to our hotel. 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.If you haven't chosen to join one of our full day optional tours, in the afternoon there is the option to 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.Cairo city tourWadi Rayan day trip (Valley of the Whales)Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis

Your time is free today for some last minute sightseeing or shopping until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. We recommend an afternoon or evening flight so that you can take a tour to visit the incredible Egyptian Museum and more of the city this morning. Extra nights in Cairo are also available if you would like to extend your stay.Extra day in Cairo post-tour (3-star)