A day to remember! The ancient capital of Memphis and the enduring monuments of Sakkara will have their secrets revealed by your private Egyptologist guide. Continue to the awesome Pyramids of Giza and the mysterious Sphinx. The Great Pyramid of Giza is a defining symbol of Egypt and the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids this evening is a perfect way to end an unforgettable day.

Early this morning transfer to the airport and fly to Abu Simbel. On arrival transfer to the entrance, from here walk into this amazing complex to view the magnificent Temples of Ramses II. These celebrate this mighty Pharaoh, often regarded as the greatest of all the pharaohs (also known as Ozymandias by the ancient Greeks), and Queen Nefertari, a famed Queen and diplomat in her own right. Marvel at the amazing engineering that saved the temples from a watery grave below Lake Nasser.

Optional Excursion: See the incredible Abu Simbel complex brought to life with a sound and light show (supplement applies).

This morning fly to Aswan and transfer to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for one night. In the afternoon sail to Soheil Island and immerse yourself in the Nubian culture with a visit to a Nubian Village. Overnight in Aswan.

Morning at leisure in Aswan to soak up the feeling of the city that in antiquity was the frontier town for the south of the Egyptian empire. Later this morning transfer to your cruise boat. Take a relaxing felucca sail around the islands of Aswan, including Elephantine where some claim the Ark of the Covenant was hidden for a time.

See the huge Aswan High Dam and the Temple of Philae which was almost submerged during the construction of the High Dams, but for an international effort to move the entire temple complex. Later, cruise to the Temple of Kom Ombo, a favourite of our team due to the amazing displays of ancient wisdom. From the heliocentric solar system and surgical instruments to the incredible crocodile mummies, this temple is majestic. Return to the ship and sail to Edfu.

Head our early this morning to explore Edfu’s mysterious temple built upon the site of the final battle between the good and just god Horus and his strong uncle Seth who was trying to steal his crown. The battle culminated when Seth turned himself into a hippopotamus, only to have Horus finally defeat him. Return to the ship and sail on to Luxor.

Disembark your cruise ship and spend an unforgettable day exploring the West Bank including the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon. This giant statue at the entrance, is named after the Ethiopian King who brought his army to Troy’s defence during the Trojan War. The Valley of the Kings contains many ancient Pharaonic tombs. Visit the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, carefully constructed for this famous female ruler of the 18th Dynasty. Later cross to the East Bank to explore the awesome grandeur of the Luxor and Karnak Temples.  

Innovative Bonus: Entry into the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI included

Todya your private Egyptologist guide will help you discover more of Luxor. Your first visit of the day will be to the Temple of Medinat Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramses III, following his assassination in a plot led by one of his wives. Later, step back into more recent history with a visit to Howard Carter’s house. Neglected for a long time, the house has now been restored to its former state by the famous Egyptologist and Archaeologist Dr Zahi Hawass. This afternoon, learn the ancient Egyptian rites of immortality with a visit to the Mummification Museum before returning to your hotel for some time at leisure.

After breakfast depart Luxor and fly to Cairo, then board the first class train to Alexandria, where Cleopatra rolled herself into a rug to be smuggled into Julius Caesar’s Palace. The city is also famed for its lighthouse from antiquity, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the historic Library which was destroyed by fire, but in more modern times reconstructed.

Explore El Alamein, site of one of the most decisive battles of World War II. It was here that 200,000 Allied soldiers under the command of Bernard Montgomery finally defeated Erwin Rommel – known as the Desert Fox. This battle, which cost many lives on both sides, is credited with leading to the surrender of the Axis forces in North Africa. The Allied Cemetery and museum are sober places to reflect on this significant WW II campaign.

See the amazing newly restored Alexandria library, the design of which was the winner amongst 1,400 architecture firms around the world who were briefed by UNESCO to create a design worthy of the site and heritage. Then it is time to depart this historic city on the Mediterranean and return by private tansfer to Cairo.

Embark on a morning exploration of either the newly inaugurated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), offering a glimpse into the glittering treasures of ancient Egypt during its soft opening phase, or vist the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC).

In the afternoon delve into the rich Christian heritage of Old Cairo. Explore iconic Coptic churches, including the renowned Hanging Church, as well as the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue and Amr Ibn El Ass Mosque. Immerse yourself in the treasures housed at the Coptic Museum.

Note: Option available to replace the afternoon Old Cairo sightseeing with an excursion to El Moez Le Din Allah Street, one of the oldest streets in Egypt adorned with various monuments, followed by a visit to the historic Khan El Khalili bazaar.

Departure transfer to the airport.

• VIP Meet and assistance prior to immigration at Cairo Airport
• Egyptian Visa for US, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and UK Passport holders
• Airport departure assistance
• Private transfers in A/C transportation
• Accommodation: 2 nights Cairo Pyramids area, 1 night Abu Simbel (best available accommodation), 1 night Aswan, 3 nights Nile Cruise, 2 nights Luxor, 2 nights Alexandria, 2 nights Cairo city location
• Daily buffet breakfasts
• Transfer by First Class Train Cairo/Alexandria; return journey Alexandria/Cairo by road (private transfer)
• Daily breakfasts
• All meals on Nile Cruise
• Flights Cairo/Abu Simbel/Aswan and Luxor/Cairo
• Private sightseeing with Egyptologist guide (excluding on the Nile cruise)
• Group guided sightseeing with English speaking guide on the Nile Cruise
• Entrance fees
• Upgraded entry to Valley of the Kings including entrance to the tombs of Tutunkhamun and Ramses VI
• Egypt Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Departure taxes
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Egyptian Visa for non US, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and UK Passport holders
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above