This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
✓ Small group tour, up to 16 guests only
✓ Incredible sightseeing, visit the Great Pyramids, Abu Simbel, Alexandria, El Alamein, the Valley of the Kings, the Red Sea and more
✓ 10 nights’ accommodation in premium hotels including spending 2 nights at the five-star Le Meridien Pyramids in a room that overlooks the Great Pyramids of Giza.
✓ Cruise the Nile for 3 nights from Aswan to Luxor
✓ Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 7 dinners
✓ Fully escorted tour with an English-speaking guide throughout
✓ Dedicated, comfortable air-conditioned coach transportation
✓ 2 for 1 travel promotion on now for a limited time. Receive a FREE domestic holiday when booking select package. See below 'Fine Print' for further information.
✓ Book with confidence. Optional flexible date change, 7 day cooling off period.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to the trip of a lifetime? Prepare to be spellbound by the ancient wonders of the Pharaohs.
Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. Make your way to the hotel, your incredible Inspiring Stay overlooking the Great Pyramids of Giza – what a way to start your adventure. Your guide will welcome you to Egypt as you arrive at your hotel.
Check in: Check-in time is at 3pm. If arriving prior to this, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion
This morning, join your guide for an introductory briefing.
Later, head 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 4500 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.
Afterwards, make your way to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's great collections of antiquities. Wander the treasure-filled halls of the museum, and make sure to check out the Royal Mummies Hall for a close encounter with some of the country’s most important queens and pharaohs. The masses of gleaming artefacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun are quite something.
Today we'll drive to the port city of Alexandria, along what is known as the ‘desert road’.
Enroute, we'll visit the Commonwealth War Graves of El Alamein. It is here that two extended battles were fought during World War II. The first began on July 1, 1942, and lasted for 27 days, ending as a stalemate. After three months of holding back the enemy, the allies launched a second attack which lasted for 13 days. The importance of El Alamein was highlighted by Winston Churchill, who said: “Before Alamein we never had a victory.”
Afterwards, we'll continue on to Alexandria to check-in to our hotel and enjoy some free time in this seaside city
Today your guide will take you on a tour of the city, known for its broad beaches and corniche (seafront promenade) dotted with sun loungers and cafes.
Afterwards, prepare to delve into the catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. Heading underground, you’ll get to view the largest known Roman burial site in Egypt, complete with burial chambers, labyrinth alleyways and entertaining rooms for families coming to visit the dead.
The crypts are 20 metres below street level and date back to the Greco Roman period. What likely started as a small family tomb grew into a large number of graves that could accommodate more than 300 bodies. The tombs are organised around a central spiral staircase that leads down through several levels.
We then drive back to Cairo. On arrival, take some time to relax or purchase some supplies before boarding your overnight sleeper train to Aswan.
Please note: Accommodation onboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins, which convert into bunk beds. All bedding is provided onboard and Western-style toilets are in each carriage. Your bags will be stored in your cabin, where an airline-style dinner and breakfast will be served, however, it may be worth bringing additional snacks, especially if you are vegetarian or have any dietary requirements; your tour leader can help you to arrange this. Despite being a 'tourist class' train the facilities onboard are basic but comfortable.
Welcome to Aswan! Egypt's sunniest southern city and ancient frontier town, Aswan is Egypt's gateway to Africa.
Visit the beautiful Temple of Isis (the goddess of health, marriage and wisdom), 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.
This evening, enjoy your Inspiring Taste as we experience modern Nubian culture first-hand with a visit to Elephantine Island. On your visit you’ll join a Nubian family for dinner and experience true traditional Nubian hospitality. Here, you will encounter Nubian homes, traditional food and an unforgettable insight into the daily life of a Nubian. This is a rare and memorable experience, giving you the chance to become fully immersed in the local culture.
Today we set out to explore some of Aswan’s other landmarks. We begin with the unfinished obelisk, the largest known ancient obelisk – more than 3,500 years old – located in an ancient quarry in Aswan.
It was left incomplete and now provides a fascinating look at how these great monuments were constructed.
We'll then continue to the Nubian Museum, which showcases the history, art and culture of the Nubians. This museum enables visitors to understand the complex history of the local area and its people.
Afterwards, we'll visit the Aswan High Dam, which sits behind the mighty Lake Nasser. At the time it was made (the 1960s), it was the largest dam project in the world. The creation of the reservoir necessitated the costly relocation of the ancient Egyptian temple complex of Abu Simbel, which would otherwise have been submerged.
Sunsets in Aswan are truly magical and there is no better way to experience them than on a traditional felucca.
Meeting at the reception, make the short walk to the dock where you will embark the felucca and cruise for approximately 2 hours on the Nile River. Sail around the enchanting islands of Aswan. As the sun begins its descent, the sky will transform into a canvas of mesmerising hues, painting the Nile River in shades of gold, orange and crimson. Reax and sock in the breathtaking scenery while enjoying refreshing drinks on board.
Start: 4:00pm
End: 6:30pm
Inclusions: drinks onboard the felucca
Today you will awake before sunrise for an early morning start.
Sit back and relax as you drive to the ancient Abu Simbel temples, near the southern Egyptian border. You will have an early arrival into Abu Simbel to view this incredible sight. The complex is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Nubian Monuments.
The two enormous sandstone structures were built in the 1200s BCE by Ramses II to commemorate himself and his favourite wife Nefertari. The larger temple, dedicated to three major Egyptian deities, features four large statues of Ramses II on its façade, while the smaller temple is dedicated to the goddess of love, Hathor, with statues designed to embody Nefertari.
Set on the banks of the artificial Lake Nasser, the structures were once in danger of being flooded with the construction of the Aswan High Dam but were saved via an extensive project to cut the temples into pieces and move them to higher ground, where they are seen today.
On our return to Aswan the rest of the day is free for you to make your own discoveries.
Later we'll check in to our Nile cruise – our floating home for the next three nights.
Driving Duration: Approximately 8 hour round trip ( with stops along the way)
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 the 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.
Please note: All Nile cruises are operated as 3 night sailings from Aswan to Luxor. Tonight your ship will remain in Aswan port and you will set sail tomorrow.
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 comfortable 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 cruise schedule will be provided once onboard.
Visit the remains of the 7th century monastery, rebuilt in the 10th century, situated atop the hills overlooking Aswan and the Nile River.
Meeting at the reception, make the short walk to the dock where you will embark on the 30-minute boat ride to the West Bank of Aswan. Upon arrival, mount a camel for a 30-minute ride to the monastery where you will self-guide your visit around the historical site.
Start: 2:30pm
End: 5:30pm
Inclusions: return boat ride to West Bank, 30-minute camel ride
Today we’ll journey ashore to visit Kom Ombo Temple. Dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris, this unusual double temple was constructed during the Ptolemaic period, which lasted from 108 to 47 BC.
Set dramatically on the banks of the Nile, 47km north of Aswan and 168km south of Luxor, the soaring, chunky columns of the Great Temple of Kom Ombo are a magnificent sight as you arrive from the river.
The temple is well preserved, especially detail on the murals and columns. One unique engraving is thought to be among the first representations of medical and surgical instruments.
Today, Kom Ombo may be a sleepy agricultural backwater surrounded by sugar cane fields, but its prime position along the Nile once made it one of Upper Egypt’s most important centres. Wander through the temple’s colonnades, gazing up at scenes of kingly propaganda, and you’ll catch a feel of this glorious history for yourself.
Returning to the cruise boat, we’ll continue travelling upriver, with free time relaxing on the sundeck and taking in the surrounding sights – from fishermen casting nets and farmers working their land to the desert hills that frame the lush riverbanks.
Today we will moor near Edfu – home to ancient settlements and temples, as well as a bustling town centre and a bazaar.
Return to the boat for your final evening on one of the world’s greatest rivers. Tonight we overnight in Luxor port.
Edfu Temple
Please note: The only mode of transport available to visit the Temple of Edfu is by locally managed horse and carriages. As a responsible travel-focused business, animal welfare is extremely important to us and we want to ensure that we are not promoting any activities where the working animals are not properly cared for. Unfortunately, some operators of the Horse and Carriages have been found to be in breach of our animal welfare guidelines and it is, for this reason, we will no longer include the visit to the Temple of Edfu.
In addition to the animal welfare concerns, we have had a substantial amount of feedback suggesting that the experience itself is quite uncomfortable due to the pushy nature of the vendors and local suppliers outside the site. While we recommend that you do not use the horse and carriage to visit the Temple, the decision is ultimately up to you. Edfu is an included port stop on the Nile River cruise schedule.
Your Nile cruise comes to an end in the open-air museum of Luxor – from the spectacular temple complex of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of wonderfully-preserved reminders of the pharaohs.
Today we'll explore the magnificent Karnak Temple, which is perhaps the most impressive of all the ancient pharaohs' monumental works. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak was built over some 200 years and was once known as the 'Chosen of Places'. Your guided tour of this vast temple of impressive pylons, obelisks and chapels will reveal its finest sections, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun.
The rest of the day is yours: relax, shop in the excellent bazaar, or perhaps experience the atmosphere of a local teahouse.
Situated on the East Bank of the Nile River, in the city of Luxor, Luxor Temple was built approximately 1400 BC. The site is over 73 sq km and exhibits obelisks, giant statues, an Avenue of Sphinx statues, the Grand colonnade and the Barque Shrine of Theban Triad. Viewing is as majestic at night as it is during the day.
Please note: the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
Start: 4:00pm
End: 6:00pm
Inclusions: return transfers to temple, entrance into Luxor Temple
Today we'll discover some of the many wonders of ancient Thebes. Our first stop is the Colossi of Memnon, two 17-metre-high statues on Luxor's west bank. Carved from granite blocks, they represent the Pharaoh Amenhotep III and were once part of an impressive colonnade.
We'll continue onto the spectacular royal burial site of the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills here are the tombs of more than 60 pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. Explore this sprawling and spectacular place with your guide, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BCE) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where archaeological discoveries are still being made. Your guide will explain the history of and legends surrounding these remarkable people, their funerary rites, and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics, still well-preserved in the deepest tombs.
You will visit three of the most interesting royal tombs and then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning colonnaded building set against high cliffs that create a spectacular natural amphitheatre. One of Egypt’s greatest queens, she built this temple to prove her importance – the scale and elegance of her temple certainly proves a point!
The afternoon is yours to explore – perhaps you'd like to shop in the market or visit the world's first Mummification Museum to discover the secrets of pharaonic preservation.
Today 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. After checking into your hotel, take a walking tour with your guide to get your bearings, and check out some of the local restaurants and eateries.
You will have the remainder of the evening at leisure, plus enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner tonight in your 5-star hotel.
Experience Egypt’s underwater splendours on this full-day Red Sea snorkelling trip by boat from Hurghada. Cruise out onto the sparkling Red Sea and drop anchor at three prime snorkelling locations. Don your own snorkelling gear or the provided equipment and enjoy ample time to float through the crystal waters past dazzling corals, exotic fish and perhaps even turtles and rays.
Start: 9:00am
End: 3:30pm
Inclusions: return transportation to the embarkation point, snorkelling gear (mask & flippers), visit to 3 different snorkelling spots, lunch onboard
Today is yours to relax in this Red Sea beachside town.
Today we'll leave Hurghada and take the short flight back to Cairo.
Upon our return to the capital we'll enjoy an essential Egyptian experience – a visit to Khan El-Khalili bazaar, a memorable shopping experience in the historic centre of Islamic Cairo. Even if you are not looking to buy, take a walk through the colourful winding alleys of this labyrinth district – you’ll feel like you stepped back in time to an old Arab souk. Selling handicrafts, delicious spices, fabrics and clothes, it’s been a shopping district for thousands of years.
We'll then continue to our hotel for free time.
Sit down for a home-cooked meal with a local family. During this experience, you'll get to visit a local family and learn about Egyptian culture and traditions but most importantly, enjoy a delicious and authentic home-cooked meal.
Starts: approx: To be confirmed on tour by your Tour Guide.
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
Unfortunately, today marks the end of your incredible tour through Egypt. Make your own way to the airport if departing today.
We hope you've been inspired.
Check out: Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your Tour Leader will be able to assist you arrange an airport transfer. Alternatively, we can assist you make this arrangement at the time of booking.
Inspiring Stays
Inspiring Sights
Inspiring Tastes
For further information on your Nile cruise, click HERE.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Flexible Date Change Option
Book now, change later with our Flexible Date Change option. You may select this $99pp option at time of purchase, giving travellers the flexibility to change your date without penalty (subject to availability, less third party costs incurred, plus any applicable surcharges for the new date selected).
Date change must be requested prior to 90 days before your original selected departure date*. Once inside 90 days of departure, date changes are not permitted. *some packages may have a varied period in which you can request a date change due to limitations with the third-party provider.
Please refer to our 'Book with Confidence' section for terms and conditions.
The Flexible Date Change option does not cover cost incurred for components not fulfilled by Inspiring Vacations or in the event extra services have been booked with Inspiring Vacations outside of the standard package, including but not limited to airfares, pre/post accommodation or insurance.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to support@inspiringvacations.com, including the reason for cancellation.
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In order to book your free domestic holiday, please follow the ‘book now’ prompts. Prior to checkout please make your selection. You will then be contacted to confirm preferred dates of travel.
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Deposit & Payment
Booking Process
You have the choice of 2 of 4 Inspiring Experiences to enhance your journey. If you wish to purchase the remaining 2 you may purchase the additional optional tours as follows:
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be required to pay in USD. We appreciate your understanding.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. At the commencement of your tour you will be asked to provide tipping to your guide towards a ‘kitty’, which is then used towards the guide tipping for the services of helpers, hotel staff, restaurants and airport porterage. We suggest USD$5 (AUD$7 approx) per person per day towards the kitty. Please note that this tipping is not for the guide, merely for the guide to tip the services of the driver and local workers during your tour. While not made compulsory, if you choose not to contribute to the kitty it means that the guide is tipping for these services out of their own pocket. Your cooperation in this instance is most appreciated.
Tipping for your guide will be collected at the conclusion of their services. To remove the uncertainty and stress of not knowing how much is appropriate to tip we recommend USD$6-8 (AUD$8-12 approx) per person per day. The amount you wish to contribute is dependent on the services received and at the complete discretion of the guest. Thank you for your understanding.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1799 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Visa & Passport information
It is the travellers responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from your intended date of return to Australia.
Australian passport holders will require a visa to enter Egypt.
You will be able to obtain your E-visa when you have all of your travel documents approximately 30-40 days prior to departure.
Visit https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/ and create an account for yourself to then start the application process.
Information required:
Pay USD $25pp by credit card
Wait for it to be approved and you will be notified via email within approximately 48 hours.
Once approved, please ensure that you travel with the following documentation as they are required to present to customs upon arrival into the country:
Please note that the information provided is subject to change at any time.
Please speak to your Dedicated Support Agent for more information.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16
Children
Children must be 2 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.