Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
18 peopleMaximum group size
8 - 95 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Relaxed
Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.
Starts
Cairo, Egypt
Ends
Cairo, Egypt
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Pharaonic Encounters
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Easy to do online - simple and straightforward plus the 1 query I did have was quicckly solved due to customer service being on hand to help
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Highlights
Great Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, Egyptian Koshary Lunch, Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Tombs & Temples in Luxor, Felucca Sailing Experience on the Nile
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Dive into the wonders of ancient Egypt with "Pharaonic Encounters," a 7-day small group tour designed for travelers eager for a rich yet manageable introduction to this legendary land. Guided by a local Egyptologist, you’ll explore Cairo’s essential landmarks—the Egyptian Museum, the Great Pyramid, and the Sphinx—before heading south to Luxor.
In Luxor, experience the awe of the Valley of the Kings and the city’s incredible temples, walking in the footsteps of pharaohs and uncovering stories etched in stone. Your trip wraps up back in Cairo, where you have the flexibility to explore at your own pace or join an optional guided tour. Stroll through the historic backstreets of Islamic Cairo and browse the bustling Khan-el-Khalili bazaar to round out your adventure.
The unique selling point? An expert-led, succinct tour package offering the highlights of ancient Egypt with personal insights and free time for independent discovery—a perfect fit for first-time visitors and history enthusiasts alike.
day 1 - Arrive into Cairo, transfer to hotel
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 close to the Pyramids 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).
Accommodation:Cairo 5-star hotel
Extras:Nile dinner cruise in Cairo, Single room supplement (EGSGPE), Extra day in Cairo (5-star) - pre-tour
day 2 - Explore the Ancient Pyramids and Sphinx in Giza. Enjoy a tasty Koshary Lunch and visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Our Egyptian adventure begins at the Giza Plateau, home to the iconic Great Pyramids – arguably the most recognizable ancient structures in the world. These colossal monuments, built by the Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure around 2500 BC, have captivated travelers and scholars for centuries.Our expert Egyptologist guide will be your key to unlocking the secrets of these ancient wonders. They'll share fascinating insights into the construction techniques, the religious beliefs that inspired their creation, and the stories of the pharaohs who were laid to rest within these monumental tombs. You'll learn how these pyramids fit into the broader narrative of ancient Egyptian history and gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and ambition of this remarkable civilization.For those who are feeling adventurous (and not claustrophobic!), you'll have the opportunity to venture inside one of the pyramids. Descend into the cool, dimly lit passageways and experience the unique atmosphere of these ancient chambers. It's a truly unforgettable experience that brings you face-to-face with the past.Next, we'll encounter the enigmatic Sphinx, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. This majestic guardian, nestled close to the pyramids, was only fully uncovered in the 1920s, adding to its mystique. Stand in awe of its imposing presence and contemplate the mysteries it holds.After our awe-inspiring visit to the Sphinx, we'll take a well-deserved break to refuel with a delicious Koshary lunch. This beloved Egyptian dish is a true culinary adventure, a hearty and flavorful combination of rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, and a tangy tomato sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that perfectly embodies the country's rich culinary heritage and will leave you feeling satisfied and ready for the next adventure!Our exploration continues with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum of Antiquities (GEM), a treasure trove of artifacts that spans millennia. Here, you'll encounter the golden treasures of Tutankhamun, marvel at the intricate sarcophagi of pharaohs, and come face-to-face with the art and artifacts that bring ancient Egypt to life.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.As evening descends, we'll transfer to the train station for a unique experience – an overnight journey to Luxor on a sleeper train. Settle into your private twin-berth compartment and enjoy dinner as the train rolls through the Egyptian countryside. As the landscape slips by, your steward will transform your compartment into a cozy sleeping space, ensuring a comfortable night's rest as you journey towards the ancient city of Luxor.
Accommodation:On board sleeper train
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Extras:Cairo to Luxor flight upgrade
day 3 - Luxor : West Bank tour, free time
We arrive into Luxor early this morning and cross the Nile to begin our tour of Luxor’s West Bank. Home to the Valley of the Kings, the dusty tombs in this ancient burial site are still revealing their secrets today and so it remains one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Our tour includes several of these Pharaonic tombs, as well as the temple of Queen Hatchepsut, Deir el-Medina (the Valley of the Craftsmen), and the huge Colossi of Memnon.Your afternoon is then free to relax and enjoy the facilities of your 5-star hotel on the banks of the Nile. This evening we visit Luxor temple, which is located right in the middle of town and beautifully lit up at night.
Accommodation:Luxor 5-star hotel
Meals:Breakfast
day 4 - Luxor : Karnak temple
Your morning is free today and you can enjoy a welcome lie in after your early start yesterday. After lunch we'll tour the huge temple complex at Karnak , once the religious centre of Thebes and Upper Egypt. It was linked to Luxor by an extensive avenue, lined with sphinxes, and the whole complex was in turn linked to the Nile via a canal through which moved the sacred boats of the god Amun. Entering through a smaller sphinx-lined avenue, built by Ramesses II, you come to the immense pylon entrance. Inside the huge Courtyard are three chapels dedicated to the gods Amun, Khous and Mut. The remarkable Hypostyle Hall has 134 towering columns, each carved with scenes of gods and pharaohs, and hieroglyphic inscriptions adorn the walls.A spectacular hot air balloon flight over the west bank of the Nile is available this morning (expect an early start to catch sunrise as the balloon rises).
Accommodation:Luxor 5-star hotel
Meals:Breakfast
Extras:Hot air balloon in Luxor
day 5 - Luxor : free day and optional tours
Your day is free today to relax in the hotel or take an additional optional tour if you'd like an even more in depth exploration of Egyptian history. For example, the Rammesseum, Medinat Habu and Valley of the Queens on the west bank of the Nile are all worth a visit, as is the Luxor Museum. You can also explore Luxor further, do some shopping or browsing in the market, visit the mummification museum or enjoy a felucca trip to nearby Banana Island. Your tour guide will be happy to arrange any extra visits for you or you can book the sightseeing tours in advance.In the evening we head back to the station to catch the overnight sleeper train back to Cairo. Flight upgrades are available on request.
Accommodation:Luxor 5-star hotel
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Extras:Luxor to Cairo flight upgrade, Extra West Bank tour in Luxor, Luxor Museum tour
day 6 - Cairo optional tours, Old Cairo & Khan-el-Khalili bazzar walk
We arrive back into Cairo this morning and transfer to our hotel. Most of 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. Other full day options further afield include a visit to the colonial city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean, or a trip into the desert outside Cairo to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan (you’ll miss the bazaar walk if you take these full day options).In the late afternoon we take a guided walk through the back streets and bazaars in Old 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 mint tea and a shisha pipe and this is a great final opportunity to pick up some souvenirs of your time in Egypt.
Accommodation:Cairo 5-star hotel
Meals:Breakfast
Extras:Cairo city tour, Nile dinner cruise in Cairo Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis
day 7 - Cairo : Free time, departure airport transfer
Your time is free today for some last minute sightseeing or shopping until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. If you have an evening flight departure, then the Cairo City Tour and Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis tours are also available today. Alternatively you can add extra nights to your time in Cairo which would allow you to take a day trip to the colonial city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast, or a trip into the desert outside Cairo to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan.
Meals:Breakfast
Extras:Alexandria day trip, Cairo city tour, Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis, Extra day in Cairo (5-star) - post-tour
