At a Glance
Discover the fascinating wonders of Egypt that have featured only in your dreams. Unearth the wealth of ancient monuments and treasures in Egypt with the added insight of an expert Egyptologist including the Pyramids of Giza, Temple of Karnak, Valley of The Kings, Karnak and Luxor Temples and more. Savour a 4-night cruise along the Nile River, enjoying a leisurely pace of sightseeing and cruise life. Delve into the wonders of ancient Egypt on this 9-day discovery across Luxor to Aswan.
Your adventure begins in Cairo where you’ll step back in time and uncover its rich history at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, containing relics dating to 4000 BCE including the fantastic riches of Tutankhamun’s tomb. A change of scene, see’s you experiencing modern Cairo by exploring the Al Azhar Mosque ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals as specified
- All transport by private air-conditioned minibus and listed activities
- 8 nights in 5-star accommodations on a twin share basis
- Tips for local staff
- Expert tour leader, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback
Itinerary
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Make your own way from the airport to your luxury hotel, 50 minutes drive, in the bustling capital of Cairo where there is a fascinating blend of old and modern. The holiday has many activities, but today is for settling in. Your home for the next three days is the 5-star Cairo Marriott Zamalek. This hotel, one of the largest in the Middle East, is a former royal palace and staying true to that, you’ll be treated like royalty. Unwind with a relaxing swim in the outdoor pool, a session in the spa (at own cost) or with a dip in the hot tub. With over 14 dining locations, tantalise your tastebuds with every spectrum of flavour from around the globe. Later, convene at the hotel for a welcome briefing to mingle with your fellow travelers and meet your tour leader. |
Cairo Marriott Zamalek (5*)
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Savour a delicious breakfast before delving into the wonders of Cairo. Visit the spectacular Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, holding relics dating to 4000 BCE, including the fantastic riches of Tutankhamun’s tomb. This offers a unique chance to survey several fabulous treasures of Egypt in one place and go set the scene for the rest of your adventure. Spend the rest of the day experiencing modern Cairo by exploring the Al Azhar Mosque (the oldest mosque and university in Cairo but still very much in use) and the small alleyways and streets that make up the Cairo bazaar. Please note you will need to cover up at the mosque (long sleeves and trousers), and women will also need to cover their hair with a scarf. |
Cairo Marriott Zamalek (5*)Breakfast |
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast before an exciting half-day adventure to the spectacular Pyramids at Giza. Beholding the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus and the timeless and paradoxical Sphinx will leave you astonished and speechless as these great monuments to the afterlife defy the imagination. Only the crowd of sightseers, Egyptian and foreign, milling around their massive foundations, keep the views in the 21st century. You’ll have free time in the afternoon, to unwind by the hotel pool or take an optional excursion to the Sakkara, the necropolis for the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis. Marvel at some of its famous landmarks including the six-terraced layered Step Pyramid of Djoser, the Imhotep Museum and the Pyramid of Unas. |
Cairo Marriott Zamalek (5*)Breakfast |
An early start this morning, see’s you transferring to Cairo airport before sunrise for your flight to Luxor (flight times may vary). On arriving at Luxor, explore Luxor Temple and the massive Karnak Temple complex on the east bank of the Nile. Built over 1,500 years ago, Karnak is a quandary of towers, courtyards, halls and sanctuaries. The Hypostyle Hall has 134 columns, some more than 75 ft (23 m) high. Both temples are awe-inspiring. Arrive at your cruise boat, the MS Movenpick Royal Lily, in time for lunch on board before indulging on free time in the afternoon to relax or explore Luxor. Your 5-star cruiser features 56 cabins and 4 luxurious Royal suites which is fully equipped with a jacuzzi and other fantastic facilities to make your stay exceptional. Later tonight, gather together and enjoy a delectable dinner featuring a mix of authentic Egyptian cuisine and a selection of international dishes accompanied with wines and beverages of all kinds. |
MS Movenpick Royal Lily or Royal Lotus (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 5 begins with a visit to the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile, which houses the once-hidden tombs of more than 60 pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses III and IV. Following a discreet hillside entrance, arrive underground, encountering a series of corridors and ante-chambers leading to the burial chamber and sarcophagus. Brightly painted images and hieroglyphs, representing a map of the afterlife to ensure the king’s safe passage, decorate the walls. One ticket allows you to see three tombs where it grants entry into the most impressive tombs. If you have time, a visit to the tomb of Ramses VI is also highly recommended. Tomb visits are now strictly regulated to prevent further deterioration of wall paintings - each tomb is periodically closed for several weeks. Entry to Tutankhamun’s tomb costs approximately US$12, payable locally. Its size and location are not as impressive as many other tombs, but it is historically captivating. |
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Retreat back onboard, where your voyage along the Nile begins, travelling upstream from Luxor to Aswan. We cannot guarantee the exact sailing and excursion times, but we will visit the Edfu temples, famed for their roofed inner temples and massive Pylon, and Kom Ombo. In between offboard excursions, relax onboard basking in the sunshine on the sundeck with sun loungers, enjoy refreshing drinks at the bar, refresh at the pool or whisk away into the library. The sunsets over the Nile are gorgeous, and travelling from Luxor to Aswan, soaking in the allure of the verdant terrain, makes this journey special. |
MS Movenpick Royal Lily or Royal Lotus (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today, there may be an optional visit to Philae Temple. The submersion of the temple on the completion of the Aswan High Dam was inevitable, so UNESCO relocated it to Aglika Island in the 1970s. It represents a stunning and enduring testament to both ancient and modern engineering. Journey to Aswan High Dam and Cleopatra’s Unfinished Obelisk during this adventure. |
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Later, relish a sunset sail on a traditional wooden sailing boat, a felucca. Feluccas have been a Nile staple for centuries and are used in the protected waters of the Red Sea and the eastern Mediterranean. The deck is covered with soft, colourful cushions and rugs equipped with a canopy for shade. Spend your last evening on board the MS Movenpick Royal Lily or Royal Lotus. |
MS Movenpick Royal Lily or Royal Lotus (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Savour one last breakfast on board before disembarking. Today, you choose a full day in Aswan or optional exploration to Abu Simbel. Aswan is an easy-going town that mirrors the character of its mainly Nubian inhabitants, known for being friendly and hospitable. Due to its position on the old caravan route, it has always been a trading centre. We recommend visiting the crammed bazaar, where merchants display a wealth of exotic spices, carpets, leather goods and countless other wares. There is the optional visit to Abu Simbel, 300 km (185 mi) to the south through the Nubian Desert. This optional bus tour begins at 3.30 am/4 am where you’ll be picked up from the ship. Provision will be made for a breakfast box. Around 8 am, arrive at the destination, where you can enjoy about 3 hours delving into the fascination of the temples. Built by Ramses II, the two temples are among the most incredible in Egypt. Initially on the banks of the Nile, the temples were raised to a new site above the lake in the late 1960s, as the waters from the new Lake Nasser rose behind the Aswan High Dam. The four great seated statues of Ramses II face east towards the rising sun. You will arrive at the hotel in Aswan around 3 pm. |
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You’ll stay at the exquisite Movenpick Resort Aswan seated majestically on the gardens of Elephantine Island. Enjoy vistas of the Nile from your room or relax at the Panorama Restaurant & Bar, the highest point in Aswan, for 360-degree views of the river. For those in pursue of more adventure can explore the historic village which is a short walk away. |
Movenpick Resort Aswan (5*)Breakfast |
Savour a relaxing breakfast overlooking Aswan, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey before you bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Cairo
- The finish point is Aswan
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Cairo.
- Airport tansfers are not included. Joining location starts in your accommodation in Cairo making your own arrangements there. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
Rain is very rare in all parts of Egypt and most days are sunny and clear. Summer temperatures often reach the upper 30s (around 100F) but this is particularly true for the period between June and September. Winter can be surprisingly cold, especially on the Nile or at night. The average daytime maximum in Cairo in January is 20C (68F), nights are minimum 8C (46F). In summer, these temperatures are 35C (95F) and 22C (72F) respectively. Daytime temperatures are a little higher on average in Aswan.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 1 Leisurely.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
