Nile Family Adventure

Upon your arrival at Cairo airport, we meet & greet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to settle into your hotel and relax after your journey or perhaps head out into the city.Single room supplement (EGFAFA)Child discount - under 12 (EGFANA)

Our adventure begins with a visit to the iconic pyramids of Giza. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), a monumental structure standing tall at 500 feet and spanning 750 feet at its base. Constructed with massive stone blocks and adorned with a hard limestone casing, this architectural masterpiece will leave you speachless. Alongside the Great Pyramid, admire the smaller yet equally impressive pyramids of Khafre (Chephren) and Menkaure (Mycerinus). You'll even have the chance to venture inside the pyramids (limited tickets available for the Great Pyramid) for an unforgettable experience.Next, we'll visit to the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located near the Pyramids of Giza. Immerse yourself in the wonders of ancient Egypt as you explore the Tutankhamun exhibit and countless other fascinating artifacts. Our expert Egyptologist guide will accompany you throughout your visit, sharing their wealth of knowledge and passion for Egyptian history and culture. Please note: While we will have dedicated time to visit the Museum highlights, the GEM holds one of the largest archaeological collections in the world and therefore it won't be possible to explore the museum in its entirety. If you wish to explore further, you have the option to add on our GEM re-visit package, which will allow you to return and explore at your leisure during your scheduled free time.Between these captivating explorations, your family can savour a delicious Koshary lunch. This traditional Egyptian dish, a delightful and satisfying combination of rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, and a flavorful tomato sauce topped with crispy fried onions, offers a wonderful taste of Egypt's culinary heritage that appeals to various palates.As the day concludes, we will transfer to the station for an overnight sleeper train journey to Aswan. The approximately 12-hour trip will be in twin-berth cabins, and interconnecting cabins will be booked for those travelling together. A convenient airline-style dinner and breakfast will be served onboard.Pyramids Camel Ride

After our night onboard the sleeper train, we arrive in Aswan, a city steeped in ancient Nubian history. The Nubian people have inhabited this region for millennia, their culture intertwined with the Nile. We'll be spending the night immersed in this vibrant culture, staying in a Nubian style hotel within a Nubian village. Get ready to be charmed by the brightly painted houses, adorned with symbolic patterns and vibrant colours, and explore the bustling local markets where you can find handcrafted souvenirs and spices.Before heading to the Nubian villages, we'll embark on a boat trip to the breathtaking Philae Temple. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this temple complex was once threatened by the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Thankfully, it was carefully dismantled and relocated to its current island location, preserving its beauty for generations to come.Following our visit to Philae Temple, we delve deeper into Nubian culture. We'll journey south of Aswan to a traditional Nubian village, where we'll have the unique opportunity to experience the local way of life firsthand. We'll wander through the village, visit the homes of Nubian families, and learn about their customs and traditions. During school term time, our itinerary includes a special visit to a local Nubian school within the village. This unique opportunity allows your children to interact directly with Nubian children, fostering cross-cultural understanding and friendship. They may even have the chance to participate in an English or Arabic lesson, offering a fascinating glimpse into a different educational system. This interaction not only provides a memorable and enriching experience for our young travellers, broadening their perspectives and promoting empathy, but also benefits the local children by offering them exposure to different cultures and encouraging language exchange. It can also provide valuable support and encouragement to the school and its students.Outside of term time, we will still explore the Nubian Village, but will be unable to visit the school. In the evening, we'll share a delicious home-cooked dinner with a Nubian family, savouring traditional dishes and enjoying their warm hospitality. We'll then spend the night in a Nubian-style hotel, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the peaceful rhythm of village life.

For an extra dose of wonder, families seeking an unforgettable experience can opt for an early morning excursion to Abu Simbel. This incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases two magnificent temples carved into the mountainside by the great Ramses II. Imagine your children's faces as they gaze upon the colossal statues and intricate carvings – a true testament to the grandeur of ancient Egypt and a highlight that everyone will remember.Around lunchtime, get ready for a classic Egyptian adventure that the whole family will adore: a relaxing felucca sailing trip down the majestic Nile! These traditional wooden sailboats offer a unique and gentle way to see the river, allowing you to witness the beautiful scenery and observe local Egyptian life unfolding along the banks. Our friendly Nubian crew will expertly guide the felucca, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for all ages. They'll also share fascinating insights about the area and prepare meals right on board.For your family's comfort and convenience, a separate support boat will travel alongside us, providing essential amenities like toilets, showers, and a clean kitchen. In the evening, we'll gently moor along the riverbank and enjoy a tasty dinner prepared by our crew. As the stars light up the Egyptian sky, you'll have a magical experience sleeping on deck under the vast expanse of stars (comfortable mattresses, warm blankets, and mosquito nets are provided for a peaceful night's rest).For those who prefer a more traditional overnight stay, there's a family-friendly option to upgrade from the felucca and spend the night back in the Nubian Village hotel. You'll then easily rejoin the group the following morning. This upgrade provides flexibility without changing the rest of your exciting itinerary.Upgrade from felucca to hotel in Aswan

After a delightful breakfast onboard our felucca, we'll say goodbye to our friendly Nubian crew and continue our adventure north by comfortable road transport. Our first exciting stop is Edfu, where we'll explore the impressive Temple of Horus. Dedicated to the powerful falcon-headed god, this temple is incredibly well-preserved, making it a fantastic place for everyone to step back in time. You'll be amazed by its towering entrances, vast halls filled with columns, and detailed carvings that tell fascinating stories of ancient Egyptian mythology.From Edfu, our journey continues north towards the legendary city of Luxor, a place brimming with historical wonders that will captivate the whole family. Built on the site of the ancient city of Thebes, Luxor is often called the world's greatest open-air museum! The River Nile gracefully divides the city into two main areas: the lively East Bank, with its bustling city and magnificent temples, and the West Bank, a fascinating necropolis filled with royal tombs and ancient mortuary temples.This evening, for those interested in an extra touch of magic, there's an optional guided tour of Luxor Temple at night. Situated in the heart of the modern city, this beautifully illuminated temple offers a truly special experience after dark. Our knowledgeable guide will bring the temple's history to life, sharing its secrets and explaining its importance as a centre of worship for centuries. This optional excursion provides a memorable evening activity for families who wish to delve deeper into Luxor's ancient past.

This morning, the whole family will step back in time as we explore the fascinating West Bank of Luxor, a land filled with ancient history and the mysterious final resting places of pharaohs. Our adventure begins in the famous Valley of the Kings, a vast ancient burial ground where pharaohs were entombed in beautifully decorated tombs. We'll have the chance to explore several of these incredible tombs, where everyone can marvel at the colourful hieroglyphs and detailed paintings that cover the walls. These ancient chambers continue to reveal secrets to archaeologists, making it a truly exciting place to discover Egypt's past together.Our West Bank exploration continues with a visit to Deir el-Medina, a captivating ancient village that was once home to the talented craftspeople who built and decorated the royal tombs. Walking through the remains of this community offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives of these ancient workers and their families.Next, prepare to be amazed by the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a truly unique temple built right into the dramatic cliffs. Its elegant rows of columns and terraces offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, providing fantastic photo opportunities for the entire family.For those families seeking an unforgettable experience, an optional hot air balloon flight over the West Bank is available this morning. Imagine floating above the Valley of the Kings, the temples, and the winding Nile River as the sun rises, painting the scenery in beautiful golden colours. It's a truly magical way to see the grandeur of Luxor from a unique perspective that everyone will cherish (please note this optional activity requires an early start to enjoy the sunrise).

This morning, prepare for an adventure the whole family will find awe-inspiring as we explore Karnak Temple, one of Egypt's largest and most impressive ancient sites! With its vast temple complexes, towering obelisks reaching for the sky, impressive statues, and incredible halls filled with massive columns, there's something to fascinate everyone. The afternoon in Luxor is then yours to enjoy at your own pace, perhaps for some relaxed souvenir shopping or a leisurely stroll along the Nile, before we head to the station to board our comfortable sleeper train back to Cairo (approximately 9 hours).Just like on our journey to Aswan, families travelling together on the sleeper train will be accommodated in convenient interconnecting cabins, allowing you to stay close and comfortable throughout the overnight trip. For those families preferring a quicker journey, there's also the option to upgrade one or both of the train journeys to internal flights.

Upon our arrival back in Cairo, we'll embark on a short and engaging tour perfect for the whole family to discover the city's highlights. We'll visit the impressive Citadel, exploring its historic old mosque and museum, while also enjoying the wonderful panoramic views it offers across Cairo – a great way for everyone to get their bearings! Afterwards, we'll wander through the fascinating maze of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. This vibrant marketplace offers a sensory experience for all ages, with opportunities to explore unique stalls, admire colourful goods, and perhaps even try your hand at some friendly haggling for souvenirs – a fun cultural experience for the kids (and adults!).

Today your tour ends and you can enjoy some free time doing a little more shopping or sightseeing before we transfer you to airport for your flight home.