Day 1: Depart Australia [SUNDAY]
Today you will depart Australia for your flight to Egypt.
IMPORTANT FLIGHT NOTE:
Depending on airline schedules, you may be required to depart on Day 0.
Flights may transit through the Middle East. Airlines may include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways or similar.
As required by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), a signed waiver is required for flights travelling via or transiting through the Middle East.
If you do not wish to travel with a specific airline or via a specific region, please advise MyHoliday2 in your booking notes.
Alternative flights are subject to availability and may incur surcharges, longer travel times or less direct routing.
MEALS: In-flight
OVERNIGHT: In-flight
Day 2: Arrive Cairo, Egypt
On arrival in Cairo, you will be welcomed at the airport by a local representative. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be transferred to your hotel. Once checked in, you can take some time to relax and recover from your journey, or enjoy your first glimpse of the vibrant city of Cairo.
NOTE: The included transfer is a group transfer and will be scheduled according to the arrival times of the majority of guests. If you arrive earlier and prefer not to wait, or if your flight arrives after the scheduled group transfer, you may arrange a private transfer (additional charges apply) or make your own way to the hotel.
MEALS: In flight
OVERNIGHT: Pyramid Front Hotel, Cairo
Day 3: Cairo ~ Pyramids, Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum Tour
After breakfast, meet your Egyptologist guide and begin exploring ancient Egypt with a visit to the legendary Pyramids of Giza. See the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the three main pyramids and the only surviving wonder of the ancient world. You will also see the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure, each offering a powerful glimpse into Egypt’s extraordinary past.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Entrance inside the pyramid tombs is not included and is payable locally. This includes entry to the tombs inside the Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure.
Nearby, stand before the Great Sphinx, one of Egypt’s most recognisable monuments. Carved from natural rock, this impressive figure has the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh. It remains one of the most iconic sights in Cairo and a true highlight of your journey.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum for a guided visit. Here you will see remarkable displays, including the Hanging Obelisk, the Statue of King Ramesses II, the ten statues of Senusret, the Victory Column of Merenptah, Ptolemaic royal statues and the Grand Staircase Gallery. There will also be time to browse the GEM Gift Shop before returning to your hotel.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Pyramid Front Hotel, Cairo
Day 4: Cairo ~ Free Day
After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Cairo to relax or explore at your own pace. You may choose to unwind at the hotel, revisit a favourite part of the city, or speak with your guide about local suggestions.
This is a good opportunity to slow the pace before continuing your Egypt Tour. You may also choose to discover more of Cairo independently, enjoy the hotel facilities, or simply take time to rest.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Pyramid Front Hotel, Cairo
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Full Day Alexandria Tour
Travel from Cairo to Alexandria by road, with the journey taking approximately two and a half hours. On arrival, explore Egypt’s famous Mediterranean city, known for its coastal setting, Greco-Roman history and links to the ancient Library of Alexandria.
Visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, one of Alexandria’s most fascinating ancient sites. Then continue to Pompey’s Pillar, an impressive red Aswan granite column built in honour of Emperor Diocletian.
Later, enjoy a photo stop from outside Qaitbay Fort. This 15th century fortress sits near the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
You will also enjoy a panoramic visit from outside the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. This striking modern library was created to recapture the spirit of learning and scholarship of the ancient library.
After sightseeing, return by road to Cairo for the evening.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 5 Hours return
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 450 km return
Important Information:
- This is an optional activity at an additional cost
- Pre booking is recommended
- Tour operates subject to minimum numbers and availability
- Lunch may be included depending on the final package arrangements
- Order of sightseeing may change due to local conditions
Day 5: Cairo ~ Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour
After breakfast, meet your private Egyptologist guide and begin exploring Islamic and Coptic Cairo. Today offers a different side of the city, moving beyond the ancient pyramids and into Cairo’s rich religious and cultural history.
Visit the Citadel of Salah El Din, one of Cairo’s most important medieval landmarks. Set high above the city, this impressive fortress is known for its large gateways, defensive walls and sweeping views over Cairo.
Within the Citadel area, see the famous Mosque of Mohamed Ali. With its grand domes, tall minarets and Ottoman style architecture, it remains one of the most recognisable sights in the Egyptian capital.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Coptic Cairo and visit St George Church. Dating back to around the 7th or 8th century, this unique round church was built over the foundations of an ancient Roman tower.
After sightseeing, return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Pyramid Front Hotel, Cairo
Day 6: Cairo ~ Aswan ~ Embark Nile River Cruise [FRIDAY]
After breakfast, check out of your Cairo hotel and transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight to Aswan. On arrival, you will be met and assisted before continuing your sightseeing in southern Egypt.
IMPORTANT FLIGHT NOTE: The domestic flight from Cairo to Aswan is booked by our local supplier. Flight details may not be provided in advance and are usually confirmed once you are on tour.
Begin with a visit to the Aswan High Dam, one of Egypt’s major modern engineering achievements. This important landmark helped control Nile flooding and supports irrigation and power generation across the region.
Continue to Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Set on an island, this beautiful temple complex is one of Aswan’s most scenic ancient sites and offers a memorable introduction to Upper Egypt.
After sightseeing, transfer to your Nile cruise and check in. Enjoy lunch on board and take time to settle into your cabin as your journey along the Nile begins.
Later, enjoy a traditional felucca sailing experience around Aswan. Watch the sunset from the water and take in views across the Nile, including the area around Elephantine Island.
Return to your cruise for dinner and overnight on board.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Hapi 5 Nile Cruise
Day 7: Nile River Cruise: Abu Simbel & Kom Ombo
After breakfast, depart by air-conditioned vehicle for Abu Simbel. The drive takes approximately three hours each way, travelling through the desert landscapes of southern Egypt.
On arrival, visit the incredible Abu Simbel Temples, built by King Ramesses II. The larger temple is dedicated to Ra-Horakhty, while the smaller temple honours Queen Nefertari. With their massive rock-cut statues and dramatic setting, these temples are among Egypt’s most impressive ancient sites.
After your visit, return towards Aswan and rejoin your Nile cruise. Then, sail along the Nile towards Kom Ombo, enjoying time on board as the river scenery unfolds.
Later, visit Kom Ombo Temple, beautifully positioned on a bend of the Nile. This unusual double temple was dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god, and Horus the Elder.
Afterwards, visit the Crocodile Museum, home to ancient mummified crocodiles. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the importance of Sobek worship in this region.
Return to your cruise for dinner and overnight on board.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 6 Hours return
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 560 km return
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Hapi 5 Nile Cruise
Day 8: Nile River Cruise Edfu, Karnak & Luxor Temple
After breakfast on board, meet your guide and visit Edfu Temple. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this impressive temple is one of the best preserved ancient shrines in Egypt.
The temple was built during the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BC. Its detailed wall carvings and inscriptions offer a fascinating insight into ancient Egyptian religion, mythology and temple life.
After your visit, return to the cruise and continue sailing towards Luxor. Enjoy lunch on board as you take in the changing Nile scenery and relax between sightseeing stops.
On arrival in Luxor, visit Luxor Temple, one of the city’s most atmospheric ancient sites. This striking temple complex was closely linked to kingship and may have been used during coronation ceremonies.
Continue to Karnak Temple, one of the most important temple complexes in ancient Thebes. Dedicated mainly to the god Amun, Karnak was a major religious centre and remains one of Egypt’s most remarkable archaeological sites.
Return to your cruise for dinner and overnight on board in Luxor.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Hapi 5 Nile Cruise
Day 9: Disembark Nile River Cruise: Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut Temple ~ Cairo
After breakfast on board, check out of your Nile cruise and meet your guide for a visit to Luxor’s West Bank. This remarkable area is home to some of Egypt’s most important royal tombs and ancient monuments.
Visit the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs were laid to rest in richly decorated tombs. Your guide will explain the history of the valley and the selected tombs included in your visit. Entry to special tombs, including Tutankhamun’s Tomb, is not included and is payable locally.
Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. Built into the cliffs, this striking temple honours one of Egypt’s most successful female pharaohs and remains one of Luxor’s most impressive sites.
Afterwards, stop to see the Colossi of Memnon. These two massive stone statues once guarded a grand mortuary temple and are now one of the West Bank’s most iconic photo stops.
After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in and overnight.
IMPORTANT FLIGHT NOTE: The domestic flight from Luxor to Cairo is booked by our local supplier. Flight details may not be provided in advance and are usually confirmed once you are on tour.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Baron Heliopolis, Cairo
Day 10: Depart Cairo
After breakfast and check out from your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight back to Australia. Please note: if your flight departs early, breakfast will be arranged for collection from the hotel reception the night before.
NOTE: The included transfer is a group transfer and will be scheduled according to the departure times of the majority of guests. If your flight departs earlier than the scheduled group transfer, or if you prefer to leave at a different time, you may arrange a private transfer (additional charges apply) or make your own way to the airport.
MEALS: Breakfast, In flight
OVERNIGHT: In flight
Day 11: Arrive Australia
Today you arrive home, marking the end of your incredible journey.
NOTE: Depending on airline schedules and availability, you may arrive on Day 12.
MEALS: In Flight
