Ancient Enchanting EgyptTammie2019-05-18T11:31:15+00:00
30 September – 8 October 2019
26 October – 3 November 2020
(8 Nights/9 Days) Tours starts and finishes in Cairo
Awesome ancient wonders, endless golden sands and atmospheric local souqs make Egypt the ultimate travel destination.
Cairo/Aswan/Nile River/Luxor/Cairo
From the enigmatic aura of the Sphinx to the imposing glory of the Pyramids, imagine stepping into the Land of the Pharaohs and discovering the exotic charms of evocative Egypt with our wonderful Egyptologist.
Can you see yourself relaxing on the deck of our river boat cruising the Nile, sipping mint tea after just having had a blissful massage, wondering if this is what Cleopatra felt like!
Picture yourself in the souks with the colours and smells of an ancient world shopping for cotton, alabaster and jewellery. Or visiting one of the local perfumeries and learning about the healing wonders of different herbs and flowers, whilst stocking up on beautiful oils.
Walk with us through the ancient wonders – Valley of the Kings, King Tut’s Tomb, and the Temple of Karnak. This is a world only imagined in your wildest dreams and we have created the ultimate package to Egypt that will enchant and capture your heart during your trip but also for many years to come.
Trip Highlights
Cairo – Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau, Necropolis of Saqqara, Egyptian Museum
Nile cruising
Edfu – Temple of Horus
Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Aswan – Philae Temple and River Nile
Kom Ombo – Temple of Kom Ombo
Luxor – Temple of Karnak
Abu Simbel Temple
Luxor Temple
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.
Haytham (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.
Investment
30 September – 8 October 2019
Twinshare – $2850AUD
Single – $3450AUD
26 October – 3 November 2020
Twinshare – $2950AUD
Single – $3550AUD
Inclusions:
Meet and greet service by our representatives at airport
All transfers to/from airport & hotel by a private air-conditioned vehicle (up to 1 day before and or after the trip).
Accommodation for 2 night in Cairo including breakfast.
Accommodation for 3 nights on Nile cruise on full board.
Accommodation for 2 nights in Luxor including breakfast.
All sightseeing tours in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan as mentioned in the itinerary
All sightseeing tours on the cruise are private guided tours.
Train from Cairo to Aswan
Entrance fees to all sites as indicated on the itinerary, including Abu Simbel
English-speaking tour guide during your tours.
Breakfast at hotel, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner on Nile Cruise
Tips for all services as per the itinerary except the tour guide.
Exclusions:
International Airfare.
Entry visa to Egypt obtained for most countries on arrival. For Australia it is approx $25USD. Check this link for more details.
Personal spending.
Air Balloon riding Approx. $150USD
Drinks through the tour. Please note that only in hotels and on our cruise will alcohol be available. Beer and wine is the most affordable option.
Tip for our tour guide. We suggest $15AUD per day per person, however I have always felt it is based on ‘reward for service’ and relative to how much you enjoyed the tour.
Requirements:
This tour has a lot of walking and requires a moderate level of fitness. There are steep stairs, uneven roads and getting on and off boats. Sites are large and sometimes hot, you may need to walk several kilometers around a single site and do two in a day. You need to be fairly fit to attend this tour.
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 $200AUD per room single and $280 twinshare 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?
Then hit the button below to make this once in a lifetime trip yours!!
*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 $400AUD). We will shout you one nights accommodation in Cairo 🙂
You can add the Morocco tour on the Egypt reservation form.
A $500AUD non refundable deposit will secure your place on this retreat. This deposit of $500AUD is non refundable which is why travel insurance is compulsory. The remainder is to be paid two months prior to the start of the retreat. Alternatively you can arrange a payment plan. Please see your options below.
Up until 60 days before the start of the tour A $500 non refundable deposit will be retrained for between 60 and 30 days $1000 will will be forfeited, for less than 30 days $1500 of the payment will be retained as we would have already had to pay for internal flights and to secure accommodation etc, this money will not be returned to us, this is why travel insurance is compulsory.
October it is autumn in Egypt, it is generally comfortable, a little warm by day up to 30°C with an average night time temperature of 18°C. Temperatures rarely fluctuate by more than a few degrees either side of the long-term average, and the daily weather is reliably dry and sunny.
There are no direct long-distance flights to Cairo from Australia or the USA, you will have to stop on the way. Egypt is easy to access from the UK and Europe. Check www.skyscanner.com for your options.
Q. What dates and times should I fly in/out of Cairo?
A.
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. You need to arrive on the 29th of September 2019.
*Please note Early birds can stay the night before for $200AUD per room single and $280 twinshare 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.
Please arrange your departure for the 8th of October for anytime. Please note check out is 12pm.
Q. What sort of rooms are available?
A. We have both single and twinshare rooms available. The single room has the supplement included. If you choose twinshare and are not travelling with a friend we will do our best to find you a roommate however in the event noone else is seeking a twinshare roommate then the single room rate will apply. We hope you understand. *Please note that snorers, smokers or people who wear CPAP machines when sleeping must disclose this when booking as this could impact other peoples sleep and they need to be aware of this. **Also please note we cannot guarantee compatibility of roommates, for example you may be of different ages or nationalities, however mostly when we do match people up they get on well and its only for a short period of time. Some people have even made lifelong friendships.
Q. What is the maximum group size?
A. Our groups are usually between 12 and 18 participants. These are ideal numbers as they are small enough to be manageable and intimate but large enough for diversity and fun!
Q. What will the food be like?
A. All Egyptian meals start with “salads” which might call dips, baba ganoush, hummus, tahini with pita bread and olives, yum! Then its pretty mush a meat, chicken and fish fest, flame grilled kebabs or you can have a tagine. Some of the yummy local food include koshari made with rice and legumes and kebabs, no need to wait until 3am in the morning these are a delicious snack for all hours. Sweets are very sweet and often fragrant. During the Nile Cruise all meals are included and are buffet style so plenty of selection.
*Please note on these tours we are unable to accommodate complex dietary requirements or allergies. We have tried to in the past however local people do not understand the requirements and we don’t want to be responsible for people being unwell and we just can’t guarantee that the kitchens will get it right. I have to say meat eaters find it easier and have more variety than vegetarians in Egypt as they are predominantly a meat eating country. On most menus you can also find pasta and soups, unfortunately fresh salads are rare as these vegetables cannot be grown locally. *Only drink bottled water
Q. Do I require a visa to enter Egypt?
A. Yes you do require a visa which at the moment is $25USD (please bring this in cash with you in $USD currency) and we purchase it at the airport on arrival, it is super easy. You do also require a passport valid for more than 6 months and a return or exiting plane ticket.
Q. I have never travelled to a an exotic country like Egypt before, will I experience culture shock?
A. Yes but in the very best way. Egypt is extremely old, beautiful and full of history. The people are predominately Arabs and very friendly. There are however lots of hawkers or touts which can become tiresome. Always remain polite and respectful and your trip should be a pleasant one. Like most Muslim countries you will see a lot more men than women, as women are predominantly at home. Egypt is a modern, cosmopolitan country in many ways and people really want to encourage tourists and do their best to accommodate us. *Please wear appropriate clothing for a Muslim country ie cover shoulders and knees.
Q. How much money will I need?
A. Well, that depends on your shopping habits! You will need to allocate around $15 per meal lunches and dinners and then add on extra for personal spending. Alcohol is always more expensive in countries where people don’t drink and is taxed highly. I tell people to bring around $500AUD to change on arrival to Cairo, you can do this at the airport or our hotel. Then bring a credit card for the other larger spending.
Q. Can I add extra days or extra tours to this trip?
A. Yep, you sure can. We can arrange extra nights and airport transfers for $200AUD per night. If you wish to stay longer to see more sights please send us your desired itinerary and we can get our ground staff to price it for you with a guide. Please note this will be independent travel, ie a Vibrant Women representative will not be with you.
Q. Ithink I wanna come….but it is a big decision and I am not 100% sure, can I talk it over with you and see if it is right for me?
A. Yes, I think that is a great idea.
You don’t know me and I want you to! Please view previous testimonial here to get an idea of what our past guest have to say about us and also if you just flick me an email to tammie@vibrantwomen.com.au I will arrange a time to call you or just give me a call – (+61) 0459247122 this works for Whatsapp too.
Q. Ok, I SO wanna come, how do I book?! How much is the deposit?? What’s the process please???
A. Great! You can just complete the registration form here from there we will send you a confirmation email outlining what is covered in the trip, answering any questions and provide you with payment options. Once you have paid the depsoit or commenced a payment plan then we will send you the trip notes and any other documentation you need to prepare for your journey. We are available to help you every step of the way.
Q. I’m nervous about arranging my flights, can you help me?
A. We use Donna McHugh from Wauchope Travel to arrange all of our flights please contact her on (+61) 02 65852288 or email info@wauchopetravel.com.au Donna can arrange flights to and from anywhere in the world and she knows our itineraries.
