Your Itinerary
Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Egypt. On arrival at Cairo International Airport, we will be met by our representative and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax after the flight and settle in.
A buzzing metropolis, home to at least 19 million people, Cairo gives you a great feel for Egyptian streetlife. It's busy – almost frantic – and among the hustle and bustle, it's an exciting blend of old world and new. Arabs call this city Umm al-Dunya (the mother of the world). There are many beautiful mosques to visit, like the Mohammed Ali Mosque in the Citadel. Or head to the oldest part of Cairo, the Babylon Fortress, to see ancient ruins. For stunning panoramic views of the capital, go up the 187-metre-high Cairo Tower.
Special Information
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
After breakfast, meet your guide for a welcome briefing before heading out to see some of the world's most iconic sights – the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Explore these structures that have stood tall for some 4,500 years and learn about the ancient history of the monuments. The oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact, the pyramids are a sight to behold.
We return to the hotel around midday, with the afternoon at leisure to rest or explore the area at our own pace.
Inspiring Highlights
Pyramids of Giza
Great Sphinx
After breakfast we visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to one of the largest collections of Egyptian antiquities in the world.
Families can take part in the interactive GEM Discovery Challenge, a guided treasure hunt through the museum, and the Children's Museum, where younger travellers learn about ancient Egypt through hands-on exhibits.
The afternoon is at leisure to relax or continue exploring at our own pace.
Inspiring Highlights
Grand Egyptian Museum
GEM Discovery Challenge
Children's Museum
Day 4 - Cairo [Plane] Aswan [Ship]
This morning we fly from Cairo to Aswan. On arrival in Aswan, you will be transferred to the port where you will board a boat to take you to the Philae Temple complex, home to the Temple of Isis which was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated on Philae Island in the 1960s. It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings – definitely one of the real gems of Upper Egypt.
Philae Temple is situated on an island just south of Aswan. It was built by the last dynasty of ancient Egypt, the Ptolemaic. The temple is dedicated to Isis - the goddess of healing, magic and birth, her husband Osiris and their son Horus.
Later we board our Nile cruise, then enjoy a felucca sailing trip around the islands of Aswan before settling in on board for the night.
Inspiring Highlights
Philae Temple
Felucca sailing on the Nile
Special Information
Your flying time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 23kg (51lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on.
Your internal flight for this day is arranged by our local partner. Specific flight details will be provided by your Tour Leader upon arrival and cannot be provided in advance. Please note that these group flights cannot be upgraded, amended, or checked in online. Your Tour Leader will manage the check-in process for the group.
Please note that as the sailing distance between Aswan and Luxor is approximately 200km, that it is typical for all cruises operated along the Nile to be docked for majority of the time to conduct sightseeing, with the sailing to occur in the evening. The vessel will be docked either in Aswan or Luxor. Depending on the time of year and number of vessels operating at the same time, you will also find that all vessels are docked beside one another, which is beyond our control.
To ensure that our customers have appropriate expectations prior to their journey, it is important not to compare this experience to that of a European River Cruise, which tends to cover a greater distance and on larger vessels. Instead, you will experience a deluxe stay onboard your vessel, offering a great chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the banks of the Nile while you sit back and relax. Your exact cruise schedule will be provided once onboard.
Day 5 - Aswan [Ship] Edfu
This morning we visit a traditional Nubian village on the banks of the Nile, where the painted houses and local crafts give an insight into daily life along the river.
We return to the cruise and sail towards Kom Ombo to visit the twin temple dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus, before continuing on to Edfu where we spend the night on board.
Inspiring Highlights
Nubian village visit
Kom Ombo Temple
Day 6 - Edfu [Ship] Luxor
After breakfast we continue sailing from Edfu towards Luxor, taking in the scenery along the Nile.
This evening we visit Luxor Temple, built by Amenhotep III and later expanded by Ramses II. Lit up after dark, it is one of Egypt's best known ancient sites.
Inspiring Highlights
Luxor Temple
We disembark after breakfast and cross to Luxor's West Bank.
We visit the Valley of the Kings, the burial place of Egypt's pharaohs, then stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two large stone statues that have stood for more than 3,000 years.
After the tour we transfer to our hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Valley of the Kings
Colossi of Memnon
Day 8 - Luxor [Bus] Hurghada
This morning we visit Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex built in ancient Egypt, known for its columns, obelisks and sacred lake.
Afterwards we'll bid farewell to the Nile and drive east to the beachside town of Hurghada. The Nile valley's verdant landscape is soon replaced with the barren Eastern Desert. Passing through rocky hills, we'll begin to catch glimpses of the glittering waters of the Red Sea and the rugged bulk of the Sinai Peninsula looms through the haze on the opposite shore.
A vibrant beach resort, Hurghada is by no means a typical adventure destination. Known for its underwater reefs and marine life, it's a popular diving destination.
Inspiring Highlights
Karnak Temple
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Today is free to enjoy Hurghada at our own pace. We can relax by the beach, unwind at the pool or make the most of the resort's facilities.
Those who prefer a gentle day might take a stroll along the waterfront or simply enjoy the sea air.
Unfortunately, today marks the end of your incredible tour through Egypt. At the appropriate time make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable time.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.