Highlights of Ancient Egypt (Christmas Departure)
Highlights of Ancient Egypt (Christmas Departure)
9 Days Starting in Cairo, Egypt and ending in Luxor, Egypt
Visiting: Cairo, Aswan, Luxor
Tour operator:
Tour code:
EHA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Ancient Egypt with our "Highlights of Ancient Egypt (Christmas Departure)" tour. Explore the narrow streets and traditional industries of Old Cairo, marvel at the iconic Pyramids of Giza, and delve into the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Sail the serene waters of the Nile on a traditional felucca, and step back in time at the magnificent temples of Philae, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Karnak. Discover the vibrant hieroglyphs in the tombs of ancient Thebes and enjoy a unique cookery class in a local family home. This cultural adventure promises an immersive experience into Egypt's rich history and traditions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Cairo
Location: Cairo
Accommodation Name: Pyramids Resort by Jaz or similar
The tour begins at our Cairo hotel, located in Giza near the pyramids. The suggested group flights arrive in the evening and there are no meals or activities included today.
Day 2: Cairo: Pyramids, Sphinx & Gem
Location: Cairo
Accommodation Name: Pyramids Resort by Jaz or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We wake this morning and enjoy our first Egyptian breakfast before starting our tour of Egypt with the most iconic of all sights. The three Pyramids of Giza, built around 2500BC to an astonishing level of accuracy, dominate the landscape and are instantly recognisable. We learn about the building and purpose of these great structures, built as tombs for the great Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure of the ancient capital of Memphis. As we stroll around the area there may be the opportunity to go inside one of the pyramids (at own expense). We’ll spend the afternoon at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) where we will see many of the incredible artefacts found by archaeologists in Egypt covering thousands of years from Pharaonic times to the Romans and Greeks. The museum will provide a great background for us in the coming days as we visit the various sites. (If the GEM has not yet opened we will instead visit Saqqara. The site at Saqqara is home to around a dozen pyramids and many smaller tombs, the oldest pyramid in Egypt and the Stepped Pyramid can be found here. We will then include the Egyptian Museum in Cairo on Day 3)
Day 3: Cairo: Old City Monuments & Trades
Location: Cairo
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll head into Cairo today to experience this busy city. Our first stop will be the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization which houses the Royal Mummies as well as a large textile exhibition, dating not just from the earliest Egyptians civilisations but through the more recent history, including some Islamic textiles, clothing and jewellery. Next we delve into Old Cairo, visiting the Citadel, built by Saladin in the 12th Century and occupied by Egypt’s rulers for 700 years. A number of additions were made by the Mamluks and we’ll visit the mosques and gaze out on the views across Cairo. Our visit today won’t just take in the historical buildings but will look into some of the traditional medieval industries that grew up in the backstreets of Khan el Khalili, each with their own quarter. We’ll see en-Nahaseen, the brass makers, crafting intricate homewares, el-Khayamya, the tent makers who create bright fabrics for celebrations as well as intricate embroidered cloth and the glass makers. At each we will learn how their craft has played an important role in the city. As we walk the alleyways we will also stop to see the traditional process of baking bread, making sweets and preparing local snacks such as falafel and koshari. We’ll be taking the overnight train to Aswan tonight so we will make our way to the railway station and board the sleeper train, enjoying a simple dinner on board in our cabins.
Day 4: Aswan: Philae Temple & Dam
Location: Aswan
Accommodation Name: Anakato Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We arrive into Aswan this morning, Egypt’s southern city set on the banks of the Nile and the gateway to Nubia. We’ll have breakfast before alighting the train and then see some of Aswan’s highlights, including the 42m-long unfinished obelisk still lying in a quarry, as well as the High Dam. We then board a boat on the Nile to take us to the Temple of Isis, known as Philae Temple, moved from Philae Island when the Aswan Dam was built and the Temple submerged. Philae had long been sacred to the Goddess Isis and the cult continued through Roman and Greco times before some temples were turned into churches and Coptic and Christian inscriptions added to the walls. Our guesthouse is on another of Aswan’s islands and we will arrive by boat to check-in before having an afternoon at leisure to relax and enjoy the views. In the early evening we will venture into Aswan to explore the lively markets and have dinner in the town.
Day 5: Aswan: Desert Walk, Nile Sailing & Culinary Delights
Location: Aswan
Accommodation Name: Anakato Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We’ll head to the west bank of the Nile today where the mighty Sahara Desert starts. We take a walk on a track through the desert visiting one of the villages before returning to the hotel by boat. This afternoon we set sail on a felucca, the traditional Nile sailing boat, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon taking in the vistas of the Nile and watching life on the river, from the ferry boats crossing to Aswan, traders selling their wares and the children who make the river their playground. We’ll be earning our dinner this evening in a family home where we will learn a few Egyptian recipes, as well as helping to make the dinner whilst enjoying chats with the family about life in Aswan.
Day 6: Aswan – Kom Ombo – Edfu – Luxor: Nile Valley Temples
Location: Luxor
Accommodation Name: Steigenberger Resort Achti or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A drive north through the Nile Valley today will take us via two impressive temples - Kom Ombo and Edfu. Standing on the bank of the Nile and dedicated to two gods, Sobek, the crocodile god and Horus, Kom Ombo temple has beautiful symmetry and here we can also visit the crocodile museum. Continuing on, we reach Edfu and the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus. This vast temple lay for centuries buried beneath so much sand that a village was built on top of it, and it is now one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt. Later this afternoon we arrive in to ancient Thebes, or modern day Luxor, and check in to our hotel.
Day 7: Luxor: The Open Air Museum
Location: Luxor
Accommodation Name: Steigenberger Resort Achti or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The West Bank of the Nile in Luxor is home to vast necropolises, ancient temples and colossal statues, all set amongst the fertile fields and rocky hills lying between the Nile and the desert. We will take a boat over the Nile to visit some of the most colourful and best-preserved tombs which once housed the sarcophagi of the ancient Thebans. We’ll take in the famous Valley of the Kings as well as the Valley of the Queens, as well as the beautiful Temple of Hatshepsut, sitting at the base of the 300m high cliffs. This afternoon we will head to the lesser-visited Valley of the Workers, home to the tombs of many of those who worked on the Valleys of the Kings and Queens. We finish the day at the Tombs of the Nobles.
Day 8: Luxor: Epic Temples
Location: Luxor
Accommodation Name: Steigenberger Resort Achti or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
An early start sees us arriving at Karnak Temple around sunrise to take in the large site and wander amongst the immense hypostyle hall while it is quiet and peaceful, bathed in the soft early-morning light. Returning to the hotel for breakfast the rest of the morning and early afternoon are at leisure. We will visit Luxor Temple in the late afternoon when the stones glow in the late sunshine. After the visit we will have some time in the city's markets before a final dinner in the town.
Day 9: Tour Ends In Luxor
Location: Luxor
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning those on the suggested group flight will be transferred to the airport.
What's Included
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MEALS
8 x Breakfasts, 5 x Lunches, 6 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
Minibuses, train, felucca and tuk tuks.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
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Visas & Travel Insurance
Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory -
Tips
Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
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International Flights
Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
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Airport Transfers
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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Beverages & any costs of a personal nature
This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Mode of Transport
Travel by minibuses, train, felucca, and tuk tuks, ensuring a diverse and immersive experience throughout Egypt.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable accommodations including the Pyramids Resort by Jaz in Cairo, Anakato Hotel in Aswan, and Steigenberger Resort Achti in Luxor, with an overnight train journey to Aswan.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however please note it does include an overnight train which requires shared facilities and for some can be a little bumpy at times but quite the adventure!
Please also be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety may be limited.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour apart from the overnight train, when you will need to share a cabin with one other person of the same sex.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
The tour will use minibuses, trains, feluccas, and tuk tuks for transportation.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 12 people.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
All accommodation is outlined in the itinerary, including stays at Pyramids Resort by Jaz, Anakato Hotel, Steigenberger Resort Achti, and an overnight train.
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Are entrance fees to the sights included in the tour price?
Yes, all entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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Is there a fitness requirement for this tour?
The fitness rating for this tour is low to moderate.
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What kind of activities are included in the tour?
Activities include exploring Old Cairo, touring the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum, sailing on a felucca on the Nile, visiting temples such as Philae, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Karnak, discovering hieroglyphs in Thebes, and enjoying a cookery class in a family home.
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What should I consider regarding the overnight train journey?
The overnight train requires shared facilities and can be a little bumpy at times, but it is quite the adventure.
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Can vegetarians be catered for on this tour?
Yes, vegetarians can be catered for, but the selection and variety may be limited.
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Is travel insurance mandatory for this tour?
Yes, insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
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What is not included in the cost of the tour?
The cost of the tour does not include visas, travel insurance, tips, international flights, airport transfers (unless on the suggested group flights), beverages, and any costs of a personal nature such as laundry and souvenirs.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Monday
Dec 20, 2026 - Dec 28, 2026Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 50 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.