Awesome ancient wonders, endless golden sands and atmospheric local souqs make Egypt the ultimate travel destination.

Cairo/Aswan/Nile River/Luxor/Cairo

Your Guides

Tammie Day  is an Australian social worker, yoga and nia teacher, world traveller and founder of Vibrant Women. Tammie is constantly sourcing the most enchanting places to run her Inspirational Journeys, places that truly capture your heart and imagination, Egypt is a definite must for anyone who loves exploring spectacular places, with like-minded people.  

Sam – our wonderful Egyptologist will be our guide throughout this journey, Sam, has over 15 years industry experience in guiding groups through his beloved Egypt. He will personally step us through a living history lesson from the pyramids to the ornately decorated temples and tombs and to the famous Tomb of King Tut in the Valley of the Kings. Egyptology covers a very wide and diverse range of studies. Egyptology investigates the range of ancient Egyptian culture, including the people, language, literature, history, religion, art, economics and architecture.

The 10 Ancient Wonders of Egypt 

1. Grand Designs

The original grand design – monumental and magnificent – the Pyramids of Giza are an impressive achievement in ancient engineering. Towering above the desert sands and standing proudly for centuries, the first glimpse of these stunning structures will render visitors breathless.

2. Stony Enigma

Be captivated by the mysterious aura of the Great Sphinx of Giza. This monolithic mythical beast possesses a lion’s body and a human head – and has sat quietly in the desert sands for eons. Gaze at the Sphinx and try to work out the riddle of its existence.

3. Mighty Nile River

No trip to Egypt is complete without visiting the Nile River – the life force of Egypt that has flowed for centuries. A provider of irrigation, an essential travel route, home crocodiles, and now a source of leisure for locals and travellers alike, the Nile is an aquatic link to Egypt’s ancient heritage.

4. Terrific Temples

Discover an enormous open-air museum like no other. The awe-inspiring Temples of Karnak are filled with stately statues, immense columns and gigantic gateways. Explore this intriguing site and be left in no doubt about the brilliance of the ancient Egyptian civilisation.

5. Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel in Upper Egypt was saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, growing behind the Aswan Dam, in a massive archaeological rescue plan sponsored by UNESCO in the 1960s. The complex of temples dedicated to the Pharaoh Ramsis II “the Great” remain an evocative and unforgettable destination.

6. Double Happiness

Located in the Nile Valley, the unique Temple of Kom Ombo is a ‘double temple’ and a rare archaeological find. Dedicated to two gods, a visit here is a true highlight of an Egyptian escapade. Marvel at the well-preserved wall reliefs, try to decipher the hieroglyphics and honour the craftsmen who created this wonder.

7. Museum Magic

Step into a dazzling world of antiquity at the Egyptian Museum. Be amazed by the glittering treasures recovered from King Tutankhamun’s tomb – with jewellery, furniture, chariots and that famous gold funerary mask, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife.

8. Spectacular Souqs

Aswan Souk is a colorful bazaar that offers Egyptian and African goods. Locally known as Sharia as-Souq, it is the cheapest place to buy souvenirs in Aswan. Located about four blocks from the Nile and running about 7 blocks in parallel to the river, the bazaar has plenty of Egyptian and African goods. Traders sell a wide variety of goods such as perfumes, peanuts, henna powder, dried hibiscus flowers, spices, T-shirts and custom made Ancient Egyptian styled souvenirs.

9. Colossal Characters

Near the modern city of Luxor stand the imposing Colossi of Memnon. These massive stone statues of Amenhotep III, while badly damaged, still maintain an unmistakable air of authority. Stand below them and be dwarfed by the scale of these tremendous figures.

10. The Ancient Heart of Cairo

Wander the cobbled streets of Islamic Cairo and uncover the ancient heart of this chaotic city. Admire mosques, palaces and houses, and peruse the goods on offer at one of the world’s oldest bazaars. Dating back to medieval times, the Khan al-Khalili bazaar is where people have traded goods for centuries.

Program Itinerary  

Pre-Arrivals – **Please arrive 1 day before the start of our tour so you can settle in and be ready to commence at 10am on the first day.

*Please note Early birds can stay the night before for approx $200AUD per room at Le Meridian Giza. Airport transfers will be included up to one day before and one day after the end of the trip. If you arrive early you can take the opportunity to relax and recover from the flight, book a massage in the day spa or lounge by the pool. If you choose to stay at another hotel the night before the start of the trip please arrange arrival by 9am to Le Meridien so we can store your bags for the day and be ready to depart for our first tour of the Pyramids by 10am!

If staying at Le Meridien our representative will meet and assist you upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, then he will escort you to your hotel in Cairo by an air-conditioned deluxe vehicle. Check in time is from 2pm. Introductions are at 3pm in the bar. If arriving before this you may still use the hotel facilities until your room is ready to check in.

Day (1) Welcome to Egypt –  Pyramids of Giza Sphinx and Khan El Khalini Markets

Have a leisurely breakfast overlooking the pyramids before heading to the Giza Plateau to visit the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren and Mykerinus – Famous Sphinx and Valley Temple facing the great statue, Prepare to be amazed. We will have lunch overlooking the Sphynx and then head back the hotel to freshen up before the initiation of fire that is the Khan el-Khalini markets! We will have dinner in a traditional Egyptian restaurant *Self-pay

Overnight – Cairo

Day (2) Sakkara & Cairo Museum

10am today we proceed to Sakkara area to visit Sakkara Complex and first pyramid ever built (Djoser Pyramid). I had never heard of this complex before but found it totally fascinating. We will lunch at a lovely outdoor restaurant under the date palms before visiting the Cairo Museum. This evening we catch the overnight train to Aswan. The train takes approximately 12 hours and you will be served dinner and breakfast to your cabin. Each person will have their own cabin with skinny single bed and wash basin. There are shared toilets but no showers. The beds are narrow. But it is only for one night and gets us in nice and early for Aswan and our Nile cruise.

Overnight train from Cairo to Aswan

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day (3) Aswan – Nile Cruise Tours

At 9am we arrive to Aswan and start the day with a visit to Philae Temple (The Temple of Isis). Afterwards we head to our Nile River Cruise and a nice hot shower! Spend the afternoon relaxing on deck and then in the evening we sharpen our bargaining skills at Aswan Markets. 

Overnight – Nile Floating Hotel (This boat is docked overnight with other boats in Aswan on The Nile River)

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight – Aswan

 Day (4) Aswan – Nile River

At 4.00am we depart for Abu Simbel, the famous the rock-cut temple of King Ramses II, the Great Builder. You will be given a breakfast box and can nap in the bus on the way. It is a 6 hour return trip. Keep in mind though that if you look out the window to the desert you may see a mirage.

Return to our Nile Cruise for dinner and relax in the bar with a cool drink. 

*Warning there could be Cleopatra like dress ups tonight and dancing, be prepared!

Overnight – Nile Floating Hotel 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day (5) Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples

Settle in for a day of cruising interspersed with interesting stops. Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking to visit the Temple shared by two gods Sobek & Haeroris in Kom Ombo, this temple has a fascinating story and wonderful hieroglyphics. Mid morning we can try for a gentle yoga/stretch class in the lounge area if there are not too many people around.

This morning we sail on to Edfu. After lunch we visit the well preserved Horus Temple in Edfu. This Ptolemaic temple, built between 237 and 57 BC, is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Egypt. Preserved by desert sand, which filled the place after the pagan cult was banned, the temple is dedicated to Horus, the avenging son of Isis and Osiris. With its roof intact, it is also one of the most atmospheric of ancient buildings.

Spend the afternoon on the top deck or in your room watching the mighty Nile River float by and being mesmerised by her calm beauty.       

Overnight – Nile Floating Hotel 

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

 

Day (6) Valley of the Kings

Have your breakfast on board before disembarkation, then visit the West Bank and the Valley of the Kings, The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at El-Deir El-Bahari & the Colossi of Memnon. After this we transfer to our hotel overlooking the River and the City. 

A late afternoon optional Tai Chi class will be offered, and you will also have time for a swim and drink by the pool to watch the sunset over the valley of the kings. 

Overnight Luxor

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day (7) Temple of Karnak (optional Hot Air Balloon)

Early morning, an optional tour to the West Bank to enjoy air balloon riding. From our hotel take the motor boat to the west bank, then you will be transferred to the take off area where you are going to start your balloon ride in the sky of the biggest open-air museum(Luxor). The balloon ride takes 45 minutes, before your land again, to catch your pick-up and return to your hotel to relax. 

Today you have the option for some shopping in Luxor and tonight we visit Luxor Temple beautiful by day but spectacular by night. It was built by Amunhotep III in 18th Dynasty in the New Kingdom and it was completed by Ramesses II during the 19th Dynasty. Enjoy visiting Obelisk of Ramses II in front of the 1st Pylon.

Overnight Luxor

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day (8) Luxor to Cairo

This morning after a leisurely breakfast we visit the colossal Temple of Karnak, with its stone-columned Hypostyle Hall. The huge Temple of Karnak complex in Luxor was one of ancient Egypt’s grandest and most ambitious building projects. Its multiple temple buildings are monuments to a history-book roll call of pharaohs who all wanted to stamp their seal on their kingdom’s most revered religious sanctuary. This was the house of the gods, and its glories were to be feted by all; its sanctity remembered every year in the ancient Egyptian’s Festival of Opet when the statues of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu were paraded out of Karnak to Luxor Temple. Today, the awesome wonder that the ancients must have felt when first entering this complex of colossal statues and staggering columns still remains for the travelers who flock here. The Pharaonic kingdoms may be long gone, but their power lives on in this triumphant testament of stone.

Head to Luxor airport and head back to Cairo. We are staying at a hotel in the airport so can spend the afternoon relaxing and repacking before our farewell dinner.

Overnight – Cairo    

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day (9) Departure Cairo

Check out after breakfast at your hotel in Cairo and transfer to Cairo Airport for final departure or be taken to your next destination. Please note airport transfers are included up to one day before and one day after the completion of the trip. Outside of these time you will need to arrange airport transfers with your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Are you swooning with anticipation?

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*There are also some special birthday girls attending the 2020 trip so if you are a friend of one of the birthday girls please mention this at the time of booking on the registration form so we can group you together. 

If you want to make the most of your adventure and are joining our 2019 or 2020 trips you can join us before this trip for our Magic in Morocco Tour !

If you choose to add on this trip you will require an extra two nights accommodation in between the two trips, which we can arrange for you and flights from Marrakech to Cairo (which usually includes a stop in Casablanca and is around $300AUD).