The mysteries of the Sphinx await on this off-season vacation in Egypt! Enjoy an escorted vacation in Cairo and Alexandria. Visit the incredible Egyptian Museum and marvel at the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza—the oldest of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Visit Alexandria’s 4th-century Mediterranean harbor city founded by Alexander the Great. Guided sightseeing includes the Catacombs of Kom El Shogafa, Pompey’s Pillar, and the lush Montazah Gardens. Travel through the El Beheira desert en route to Wadi el Natrun to visit the Coptic Monastery. Return to Cairo and fly to Aswan to begin your 3-night cruise on the Nile—considered the longest river in the world. As you sail down the Nile, stop to visit fascinating temples and shrines dating back to the 2nd century. Your Nile River cruise concludes in Luxor with an overnight stay and free time to explore before returning to Cairo. This 11-day guided vacation in Egypt with Nile River cruise is even better with fewer crowds and more savings during off-season travel. A wondrous escape fit for a king!
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi, flights from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo. And that's not all! Your tour includes a 3-night cruise experience aboard the Movenpick MS Royal Lotus - featuring a lounge, bar, sun deck, plunge pool with jacuzzi, restaurant and gift-shop. Stop at some fascinating ports of call as you sail along the River Nile from Aswan to Luxor. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
Notes: Cruise details:Deluxe cabin- featuring twin beds (can convert to double), private en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, and panoramic windows.Globus Host service throughout the cruise.Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the Movenpick MS Royal Lotus.During the cruise, some visits may begin with early morning starts in order to avoid the crowds for optimum enjoyment at the more popular sites.
Welcome to Cairo. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome reception at your hotel
Day 2 CAIRO. EXCURSION TO GIZA
Secrets of the Sphinx CAIRO Guided sightseeing includes the Egyptian Museum.
GIZA Take pictures of the Sphinx and of the Great Pyramids. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & MYSTERY Get up close and personal with The Pyramids of Giza - one of the World’s Seven Wonders. Ponder the enigmatic secrets of the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza. Marvel at the massive monument of Cheops, the most colossal pyramid ever built with an original height of 496 feet Breakfast
Day 3 CAIRO–WADI EL NATRUN–ALEXANDRIA
The Mediterranean Pearl WADI EL NATRUN [LF] Visit a Coptic Monastery.
ALEXANDRIA Free time to explore the city at your own pace. (B) 137 mi / 220 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITIONS In Arabic, Wadi El Natrum means “Valley of Nitrates,” due to the presence of eight different lakes containing nitrates in the surrounding area. In Coptic, the region is also known as Shi-Hyt, which can be translated as “balance of the heart” or “measure of hearts.” The monasteries of Wadi el-Natrun are the source of indispensable data for the study of the Coptic heritage, and especially for Coptic literature, art, and architecture Breakfast
Day 4 ALEXANDRIA
Royal Majesty of the Montazah Gardens ALEXANDRIA Guided sightseeing includes the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, that commemorates the ancient Library of Alexandria, and the 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel. Visit the Montazah Garden. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & CULTURE Originally founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria was once one of the wealthiest cities in the world and the Montazah Palace gardens are a true testimony of this wealth. Designed to be a place of relaxation and recreation for the Khedive and his guests they are filled with flowers, trees, and shrubs Breakfast
Day 5 ALEXANDRIA–CAIRO
A Drive Through the Red Land Drive through the El Beheira desert.
CAIRO Dinner at your hotel. (B,D) 155 mi / 250 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LANDSCAPES In ancient times, the Egyptians called the desert the "red land," distinguishing it from the flood plain around the Nile River, called the "black land". These reflect the fact that the desert sands have a reddish hue and the land around the Nile turned black when the annual flood waters receded. Over thousands of years, the Nile River evolved into its present shape, surrounded by the Eastern and Western deserts BreakfastDinner
Day 6 CAIRO–ASWAN (EMBARKATION)
The Inspiration of Isis CAIRO Fly to Aswan
ASWAN Embarkation and lunch on board. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
THE GIFT OF EGYPT Flowing through 11 countries, the Nile is the longest river in the world. Often called “The Lifeline of Egypt,” the importance of the Nile through history cannot be overestimated. Without the fertile soils carried by this legendary river of life, Egypt would have surely been a desert. Ancient Egyptians worshipped the Nile as the god Hapi, believed to be the source of all life, yet they also believed it would lead to the afterlife. A symbol of fertility, abundance, and the cycle of life, the Nile riverbanks are still home to approximately 95% of Egypt’s population who live close to its banks BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 7 CRUISING: ASWAN–KOM OMBO–EDFU
Egyptian Gods & Gowns Free time this morning
KOM OMBO Guided walking tour includes the Temple dedicated to the crocodile and falcon gods. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE Explore captivating Kom Ombo with a walking tour of its bluff-top twin temples. Gaze at the spellbinding temples dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek-Ra and the falcon god Horus BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 8 CRUISING: EDFU–ESNA–LUXOR
Legendary Luxor EDFU Visit the Temple of Horus
LUXOR Visit the Temple. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
OF GODS AND PILGRIMAGES Step back in time and wander through the magnificent temple dedicated to Horus, one of the most important gods in Ancient Egypt. Learn how this became the setting for many important festivals which resulted in huge pilgrimages. With time the temple suffered the elements and got buried underneath the sand where it remained until 1860! BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 9 LUXOR (DISEMBARKATION)
Palace of Life LUXOR Disembarkation. Visit the Temple of Karnak. Free time this afternoon (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PHARAONIC LIVES Known as Ipet-Isu by the ancient Egyptians which means “The Most Select of Places” and built over 2000 years, for some uneducated ancient Egyptians the temple of Karnak was the place of gods. Dozens of pharaohs added their own constructions to this site making this one of the most impressive open- air museums in the world Breakfast
Day 10 LUXOR–CAIRO
Cairo Bound LUXOR Morning at leisure. Fly to Cairo.
CAIRO Free time this afternoon. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE on an optional excursion to the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens on the West Bank of the Nile where generations of pharaohs and nobles were entombed in cliffside crypts. See where 62 royal tombs have thus far been discovered, of which one was found virtually intact—the splendid tomb of Tutankhamun discovered in 1922 Breakfast
Day 11 CAIRO
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Accommodations
Cairo
Alexandria
Cairo
Luxor
Hyatt Regency Cairo West Deluxe
Hotel as shown or similar
km 22 Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Pyramids Heights Business Park Cairo Egypt
Superbly located in the heart of the exclusive Pyramids Heights Business Park, and close to the Pyramids of Giza, City, and shopping malls. The Contemporary air-conditioned guestrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the Pyramids, pools, or lush gardens. Each room is equipped with the latest technology like smart mirrors and sensor LED lighting, plus a minibar, safe, coffee / tea maker and complimentary toiletries. There are several on-site restaurants, bars and lounges serving beverages throughout the day and cocktails in the evening. Leisure facilities include an outdoor heated swimming pool and a fitness center.
Hilton Alexandria Corniche Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
544 El Geish Road, Sidi Bishr Alexandria Egypt
"Boasting an ideal location in the heart of Alexandria overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and steps away from its own private beach.
Stylish guest rooms have free Wi-Fi, safe, minibar, and electric kettle.
Other amenities include a rooftop infinity pool, spa and fully equipped gym. Savor innovative dishes at one of the on-site restaurants, or simply relax in the hotel lounge with a cup of coffee."
Sonesta Tower & Casino Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
3 El Tayaran str. Cairo Egypt
Located in Nasr City residential area hotel Sonesta Tower & Casino features five restaurants, two bars, a modern fitness centre, an outdoor swimming pool with sun terrace, and a casino. All 409 air-conditioned guest rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated, equipped with flat screen TV with international chains, mini-bar, in-room safe and free wireless high speed internet access. The poolside bar and the spa with steam room, whirlpool and hydrotherapy are perfect for deep relaxation. After the pampering enjoy a varied choice of dining options at the hotel¿s gourmet restaurants. The citadel and the pyramids are a short drive away. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
Sonesta St. George Hotel Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Corniche el Nil St Luxor Egypt
Commanding an excellent position overlooking the Nile and close to the Luxor Temple and Museum. Elegantly decorated rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a TV and mini bar. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.
A variety of local and international dishes are served at the on-site restaurant. There's a 24-hour cafe and a lounge/bar, along with an outdoor pool and a swim-up bar. A health club offers a gym, plus a sauna, a steam room, and a hot tub.