Best of Egypt

Best of Egypt

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11 Days From

$2834

Best of Egypt

11 Days Starting and ending in Cairo, Egypt

Visiting: Cairo, Luxor, Edfu, Aswan, Sharm El Sheikh

Tour operator:

Indus Travels

Tour code:

IndTur27

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 6

Physical rating:

Easy

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2834

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Best of Egypt" tour and immerse yourself in the wonders of ancient and modern Egypt. Begin your journey in Cairo, exploring the iconic Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and the historic sites of Memphis and Sakkara. Fly to Luxor to board a luxurious Nile cruise, visiting the majestic Karnak and Luxor Temples, the Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Sail to Edfu and Kom Ombo, marveling at the well-preserved temples dedicated to Horus and Sobek. In Aswan, discover the impressive High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the enchanting Philae Temple. Conclude your adventure in the serene coastal paradise of Sharm El Sheikh, enjoying water sports, desert safaris, and vibrant marine life. Return to Cairo for a final exploration of the Egyptian Museum and the bustling Khan El Khalili bazaar. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation.

Highlights

  • Full day tour of Pyramids, Memphis & Sakkara

  • The Karnak Temple and Luxor Temples

  • The Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut Temple

  • The Edfu Temple & Kom Ombo temple

  • The Temple of Philae & Aswan's High Dam

  • Deep-sea diving, snorkeling, and desert safari in Sharm El Sheikh

  • Exploring the Egyptian Museum and Khan El Khalili bazaar in Cairo

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Cairo (Arrival)

Location: Cairo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Welcome to Cairo! Upon arrival at Cairo international airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Cairo, called Al-Qahirah in Arabic, with a population of 17 million, is not only one of Africas largest cities but the political and cultural center of the Arab World. Cairos old quarters retain their ancient charm with many streets still known by descriptions given to them by medieval chroniclers. Modern Cairos architecture is distinguished with Ottoman and later European influences, particularly in commercial architecture as the citys population boomed during the 19th century.




Overnight in Cairo

Day 2: Cairo (B/-/-)

Location: Cairo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend your day on the Giza Plateau home to Egypts signature attractions: The Great Pyramids, proclaimed by the Greeks to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. A single pyramid is built with 2,300,000 blocks, each weighing an average of two and one–half tons. In the face of such immensity, one cannot help but feel the wonder and awe that so many writers and artists have sought to convey over the centuries. This morning, visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the timeless Great Sphinx of Giza, dating from the time of Chephren (2620BC). Hewn from natural yellowish limestone, standing 65 feet high & 187 feet long, this unforgettable statue combines the head of a Pharaoh with a lions body. From there, pay a visit to Memphis which served as the capital of Upper and Lower Egypt roughly 5,000 years ago during the 1st Dynasty. Menes, the first pharaoh of this dynasty, built a great, white-walled palace and the Temple of Ptah. Sakkara is one of the most exciting historical and archaeological areas in all of Egypt, situated roughly 12 miles southwest of Cairo. This site is dominated by the famous step pyramid of King Zoser. It was the first pyramid that was built in Egypt, preceding those at Giza by many centuries. It is also the work of Imhotep, the famous pharaonic architect.




Overnight in Cairo

Day 3: Cairo (By Flight) – Luxor (Embarkation) (B/L/D)

Location: Luxor

Accommodation Name: cruise ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will be transferred back to Cairo Airport for a flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship on the Nile, your floating hotel for the next five days. Enjoy lunch on board before visiting Karnak Temple erected in 1928 BC as a small shrine dedicated to Amun, the god of Thebes. The complex consists of three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples — all constructed over 1300 years. The three main temples of Mut, Monthu, and Amun are enclosed by enormous brick walls, with the temple of Amun at the center. Karnak is now one of the largest and oldest temple compounds on Earth. Many festivals were celebrated in Thebes. The Temple of Luxor was the center of the most important one, the Festival of Opet. Built largely by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, it served as a setting for the rituals of the festival, which was held to reconcile the human aspect of the ruler with his divine office. The procession of images of the current royal family began at Karnak and ended at the Temple of Luxor.




Overnight Onboard Cruise

Day 4: Luxor – Esna (B/L/D)

Location: Luxor

Accommodation Name: cruise ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will cross the newly constructed Luxor Bridge to visit the Valley of the Kings, with a visit to the three-royal tomb based on the availability of the day. The Valley of the Kings in Upper Egypt is home to many pharaonic tombs of the New Kingdom. Each king's formal name and title are inscribed on his tomb, which is also adorned with images and statues. Most of the tombs were cut into the limestone following a similar pattern: three corridors, an antechamber, and a sunken sarcophagus chamber. From there, tour the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the only woman Pharaoh to rule ancient Egypt. The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th dynasty was built just north of the Middle Kingdom temple of Mentuhotep Nebhepetre, amid the bay of cliffs known as Deir El-Bahri. In ancient times the temple was called Djeser-djeseru, meaning the sacred of sacreds. The female pharaoh chose to build her temple in a valley sacred to the Theban Goddess of the west, on a direct axis with the Karnak Temple of Amun on the East Bank. After the visit, you will return to your cruise for dinner.




Overnight Onboard Cruise

Day 5: Edfu – Kom Ombo (B/L/D)

Location: Edfu

Accommodation Name: cruise ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, you will disembark the ship at Edfu. A \"caleche\" ride will take you through the town to the Temple of Horus, the Falcon God. The Temple of Horus is the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt and the second largest after Karnak. Built from sandstone blocks, the huge Ptolemaic temple boasts a massive entrance pylon covered with traditional scenes of the king smiting his enemies before Horus. Continue sailing for most of the day before you arrive at Kom Ombo, where you may enjoy a short walk to the twin Temples of Sobek and Horus. One is dedicated to the crocodile-God, Sobek, and the other to the falcon-God, Horus the Elder. There are clear depictions of ancient medical instruments on one wall. Kom Ombo's Greco-Roman-style Temple of Sobek built for the Crocodile God stands serenely on a hilltop. The site offers magnificent views of the Nile. In ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank near here, and hundreds of mummified crocodiles were found within the vicinity.




Overnight Onboard Cruise

Day 6: Kom Ombo – Aswan (B/L/D)

Location: Aswan

Accommodation Name: cruise ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast on board the cruise in Aswan, the southernmost city in Egypt. South of here lies the flooded lands of Nubia, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Just north of the border between Egypt and Sudan, you will find the Aswan High Dam, a huge rock-filled dam that captures the world's longest river, the Nile, in the world's largest artificial reservoir, Lake Nasser. The dam, known as “Sadd El-Aali” in Arabic, was completed in 1970 after 10 years of work. From there, continue to the granite quarries, which supplied the ancient Egyptians with most of the hard stone used in their pyramids and temples. See the famed Unfinished Obelisk, located in the Northern Quarry, where a crack was discovered as it was hewn from the rock. This obelisk would have been the largest ever built if it had not cracked before it was fully quarried. Tools left by builders have given archaeologists insight into how the work was performed. Invoke the healing powers of the goddess Isis with a visit to the Temple of Philae and the Temple of Isis. Enjoy a short trip on a motorboat to the Philae Temple, which will bring you to a magnificent vista of the island of Agilika before landing at what would have been the ancient quay on the southern side. The temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis and boasts many legends connected to it. The best-known legend tells the story of how Isis found the heart of Osiris here after he was murdered by his brother Seth. Ancient Nubia was known as the “Land of Gold” to the pharaohs, and its wealth and lands were eventually incorporated into Egypt around 1500 BC.




Overnight Onboard Cruise

Day 7: Aswan (Disembarkation) – (By Flight) Sharm El Sheikh (B/-/-)

Location: Sharm El Sheikh

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast onboard the cruise before disembarkation. From there, transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Sharm El Sheikh. Upon arrival in Sharm, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.




Overnight in Sharm El Sheikh

Day 8: Sharm El Sheikh (Sinai-Red Sea) (B/-/-)

Location: Sharm El Sheikh

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Admire the crystal-clear waters of Sharm El Sheikh, a breathtaking destination in Egypt. Enjoy deep-sea diving, snorkeling, fishing, golfing, and search for colored fish along the sandy beaches in the area. Partake in water sports, book a camel ride, explore the desert safari, or relax in a Bedouin tent.


Overnight in Sharm El Sheikh

Day 9: Sharm El Sheikh (Sinai-Red Sea) (B/-/-)

Location: Sharm El Sheikh

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy deep-sea diving, snorkeling, fishing, golfing, and search for colored fish along the sandy beaches of Sharm El Sheikh. Partake in water sports, book a camel ride, explore the desert safari, or relax in a Bedouin tent.




Overnight in Sharm El Sheikh

Day 10: Sharm El Sheikh - Cairo (By Flight) (B/-/-)

Location: Cairo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll be driven to Sharm El Sheikh airport for a flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, explore the Egyptian Museum with 107 halls housing 160,000 artifacts spanning 5,000 years. Highlights include Pharaonic and Graeco-Roman pieces, including King Tutankhamun's treasures and ancient mummies. Visit the Citadel, a historical nerve center on Mokattam Hills, and Khan El Khalili, a vibrant bazaar built in 1382 featuring antiquities, handcrafted items, and local eateries—a hub for both tourists and Egyptians.




Overnight in Cairo

Day 11: Cairo (B/-/-)

Location: Cairo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you will be transferred back to Cairo International Airport for your onward flight.

What's Included

  • 06 nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed hotels or similar

    Enjoy 6 nights of accommodation on a twin sharing basis at the listed hotels or similar.

  • 04 nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at the listed cruise ship or similar

    Stay for 4 nights on a twin sharing basis at the listed cruise ship or similar.

  • Daily breakfast

    Daily breakfast is included throughout the tour.

  • Full board meal plan onboard cruise

    Enjoy a full board meal plan while onboard the cruise.

  • Arrival & departure airport transfers

    Airport transfers for arrival and departure are included.

  • Service of English-speaking guide

    An English-speaking guide will be available throughout the tour.

  • Sightseeing as per the itinerary

    Sightseeing activities as per the itinerary are included.

  • Entrances fees as per the itinerary

    Entrance fees for all sites mentioned in the itinerary are included.

  • Full day tour of Pyramids, Memphis & Sakkara

    A full day tour of the Pyramids, Memphis, and Sakkara is included.

  • The Karnak Temple and Luxor Temples

    Visits to the Karnak Temple and Luxor Temples are included.

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What's Not Included

  • Items of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities

    Personal items, tips, and gratuities are not included.

  • Optional tours

    Optional tours are not included in the package.

  • Visa fees if applicable

    Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • International airfare for land only passengers

    International airfare for land-only passengers is not included.

  • Arrival and departure airport transfers for land-only option

    Airport transfers for arrival and departure are not included for land-only passengers.

  • Items not mentioned as being included

    Any items not specifically mentioned as included are excluded.

Mode of Transport

Includes domestic flights from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Sharm El-Sheikh, along with arrival and departure airport transfers.

Accommodation

Enjoy 6 nights in twin-sharing rooms at listed hotels or similar, and 4 nights aboard a cruise ship with full board meal plan.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 6 nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar, and 4 nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis on a listed cruise ship or similar.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, daily breakfast is included, and a full board meal plan is provided onboard the cruise.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, the service of an English-speaking guide is included in the tour.

  • What are some of the key historical sites visited during the tour?

    The tour includes visits to the Great Pyramids, the Great Sphinx of Giza, Memphis, Sakkara, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and the Temple of Philae.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

    Yes, arrival and departure airport transfers are included.

  • What kind of activities can I expect in Sharm El Sheikh?

    In Sharm El Sheikh, you can enjoy deep-sea diving, snorkeling, fishing, golfing, water sports, camel rides, desert safaris, and relaxing in a Bedouin tent.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour package?

    Yes, entrance fees as per the itinerary are included.

  • Is domestic airfare included in the tour package?

    Yes, domestic airfare for flights from Cairo to Luxor and from Aswan to Sharm El Sheikh is included.

  • What is not included in the tour package?

    Items of a personal nature, tips, gratuities, optional tours, visa fees if applicable, travel insurance, international airfare for land-only passengers, and arrival and departure airport transfers for the land-only option are not included.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.

  • If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?

    You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.

  • Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?

    In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.

Reviews of this operator

Terry Kratz (Google Reviewer)  

Thanks to Indus and Nicko...

13-Sep-2024

Thanks to Indus and Nicko Cruise for a great trip down the Danube. I had not been on a river cruise prior to this and found it a very relaxing way to travel and see some European highlights. The ship was superb. The staff served great meals, were friendly and accommodating. As far as the tours and city visits, they all gave us a reasonable amount of time and insight into the location we were visiting to come away with a sense that we had a good glimpse of the city and were able to spend some free time in the city as well. A special thanks to Dhruv our fearless leader from Indus who was a great organizer. Lastly - nice to meet all of you in our group. terry

Joyce Elyse Baumbach  

The tour organized by Indus Travels ...

16-Dec-2022

The tour organized by Indus Travels was flawless. Hotels, tours, and transportation all impressed me. We had a very relaxing time knowing what was happening at each stage. The scenery and activities were fantastic and did not disappoint. The highlight of the trip was definitely Galapagos Islands.

Indus Travel Reviews
Sirjirick Gibson (Google Reviewer)  

This is my fourth Indus...

20-Aug-2024

This is my fourth Indus trip coming up. I love the way the app works. I love the way the trips are organized and small groupings. I love the accommodations. I love the transportation it’s just top-notch service for individual traveler. I just completed my fourth trip with This and I have already signed up for my up-and-coming fifth trip with Indus travel. Once again, I have to say the service of this is absolutely top-notch service. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to travel and style and comfort. The organization of this is top-notch service from start to finish.. I have to say this sales management and associate team is absolutely amazing which basically allows me to continuously book my trips through end this. My travel life is to travel to as many countries as possible, and it will all be done through excellent job. I would like to give a special thanks to Rachel P. And Ravi., I have been involved with Rachel for the past five years and I will continue to travel within due to the fact that she makes this such a pleasant experience. Great job to her..

Neeraj Nauhwaar (Google Reviewer)  

Booked Mystical Egypt tour with...

07-Dec-2023

Booked Mystical Egypt tour with them visiting Cairo and a 03 Nights Cruise from Luxor to Aswan in May. All services were perfect since the time we arrived at the airport, we were met by a hospitable Indus Representative who helped us with the purchase of local SIM and currency exchange. He was always there in time to assist for transfers. The Amwaj Cruise which we took from Luxor to Aswan was a Gem. We had great guides and all sightseeing worked like a clockwork. We enjoyed visiting Karnak Temples, Temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo and the boat ride to see Phillae Temple. Evening entertainment on cruise were great and engaging. In Cairo and Aswan, we had ample leisure time to explore on own, the Pyramids were impressive and visiting Khan e Khalili was fun. Overall and impressive and enjoyable tour, Thanks to Indus Travels!

Dhruv R (Google Reviewer)  

Recently went on a Rhine...

09-Jun-2023

Recently went on a Rhine River Cruise, a first for me. I must say the experience was exceptional, their tagline says. The group I was with were some of the most fun and interesting set of people I've ever traveled with. The ground transportation arrangements were top notch and comfortable. Variety in menu that we were provided with in the cruise was astounding. I was a bit worried if they'd have much options for me as I'm a vegetarian. But they not only had options, the taste was something I'd savor for foreseeable future. There's a reason Rhine cruises are popular owing to it's serene and picturesque route. Guided tours were very informative and gave us a bit of an insight of German culture. We had good amount of time to explore the towns on our own too. Strasbourg and Cochem were my favorite stops. Luckily the weather worked in our favour and it didn't rain the way it was predicted originally. No one from our group wanted the tour to end. If this trip was any indication, I can't wait to book my next trip with Indus Travels.

Dennis V (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I travelled...

02-Jul-2024

My wife and I travelled with Indus on the essentials Portugal Spain Switzerland and Italy tour last October and had the time of our lives. The tour was very well planned we visited a lot of the highlights the countries had to offer. The tour went very smoothly with knowledgeable guides and courteous drivers. We would highly recommend travelling with Indus.

Gloria Parra (Google Reviewer)  

Indus Travel runs a highly...

04-Mar-2024

Indus Travel runs a highly professional organization. From customer service to brochures, bookings, tour guides, etc. and the consideration for their customers is superb. This was the first time I had travelled with Indus Travels. We took the Taste of Portugal Tour. Group numbers are small, accommodation comfortable and food excellent. The expert guide who accompanied us was outstanding - passionate, informative, engaging, and entertaining. This company is obviously at the heart of the itinerary planning, and attention to detail is second to none. I would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting a fun, relaxed, educational vacation with fine food - they will deliver! We will never forget this trip and we are already planning for another one to Wonders of Italy, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.

Olivia  

Best of Italy

16-Nov-2022

Indus Travels did an excellent job planning the trip to Italy. We were on Best of Italy in Oct 2022. The tour was 5 stars all the way. The hotel accommodations were comfortable and clean & guides were top-notch.

Indus Travel Reviews
Kim Eisnor (Google Reviewer)  

We had an absolutely amazing...

12-Sep-2024

We had an absolutely amazing experience on our first ever river boat cruise. The itinerary and ports were incredible, the ship was beautiful, the food was great (especially Mario’s Grill), the excursions were excellent and the staff was lovely. We had such a memorable trip with our group and made lots of memories that will last a lifetime.

DJWalter Capote (Google Reviewer)  

We were looking for a...

07-Oct-2023

We were looking for a customized, small group tour. We took a chance on Indus without knowing much about the company. We just returned from our trip to Greece and are more than highly please and satisfied with our experience. They planned an amazing itinerary, booked amazing hotels, hired knowledgeable tour guides and arranged high quality transportation services. Everyone went above and beyond to please us. We are already planning a trip for next year (2024) and will definitely use Indus to do so.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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