Compare Egypt in 8 days - Great Pyramids & Full-Board Nile Cruise - Luxury 3N Cruise by Exoticca vs 13 Day Egyptian Treasures by Gate 1 Travel

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Trip	Egypt in 8 days - Great Pyramids & Full-Board Nile Cruise - Luxury 3N Cruise by Exoticca 4.5 \| Great 24693 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip See Offer	13 Day Egyptian Treasures by Gate 1 Travel 3.5 \| Average 773 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip See Offer

Duration	8 days	13 days
Price From	$ 2,099	$ 5,549
Price Per Day	$ 262	$ 427
Highlights	Aswan Cairo Giza Luxor Nile River	Marvel at the oldest structure of the "seven wonders of the ancient world", the Great Pyramid of Giza View the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, built by architect Imhotep Tour the spectacular Aswan High Dam, a colossal engineering project Discover the Temple of Philae dedicated to the goddess Isis with its beautiful island location Enjoy a 5 day cruise on the Nile and savor the spectacular scenery of the Nile Valley Visit the mighty Temple of Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Explore the imposing Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo Tour the stunning Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, built in the Ptolemaic period Discover the necropolis of El Kab, a series of rock-cut tombs from the early Eighteenth Dynasty Interact with local farmers during a tour of a farm and learn about farming practices while on the Dahabya sailing Visit the magnificent Temples of Karnak, dating back over 3,000 years Admire the two colossal statues of Ramses at the entrance to the ancient Luxor Temple Explore the Valley of the Kings, the necropolis of Thebes, containing the royal tombs Tour the mountainside Temple of Hatshepsut, a striking architectural masterpiece Visit the splendid Egyptian Museum, housing the world's most extensive collection of Pharaonic antiquities
Trip Style	Small group tour	Small group tour
Lodging Level	Standard	Standard
Physical Level	1- Very easy	3- Moderate
Travel Themes	Cultural Nature & Wildlife 50 plus Local Immersion & Homestays National Parks	Nature & Wildlife 50 plus
Countries Visited	Egypt	Egypt
Cities and Attractions	Abu Simbel Aswan Cairo Luxor Valley of the Kings	Abu Simbel Aswan Cairo Luxor Sphinx
Flights & Transport	Airfare included	Ground transport included
Activities	Culture Historic sightseeing History Homestays & Cultural Immersion Nature Ruins & Archaeology	Wildlife viewing
Meals Included	4 breakfasts and Full-Board on Nile Cruise.	N/A
Description	Walk in the footsteps of the Pharaohs on a fascinating city and cruise experience in Egypt. Discover the secrets of the Great Pyramids in Cairo and unearth the history behind the iconic Valley of the Kings. Spend 3 or 4 nights under the stars on a Full-Board Nile River Cruise and delight in the sights of Aswan, atmospheric Kom Ombo, eternal Edfu and the magical Temples of Luxor.	4 Cairo, 5 Nile Cruise, 2 Luxor

Itinerary: Egypt in 8 days - Great Pyramids & Full-Board Nile Cruise - Luxury 3N Cruise

Day 1: US - Night on board

It's time to unearth the secrets of Ancient Egypt and get to know the vibrant culture of Egypt's most emblematic cities. Arrive at your departure airport ready to check-in for a flight to Cairo. Night on board. Important: If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Cairo

Touch down in Cairo and transfer to the hotel. Once you've settled in, the remainder of the day is free at your leisure to get to know the sights and sounds of Cairo, in the shadow of the Great Pyramids! Go shopping at the local souk or sample the national cuisine. Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 3: Cairo

Breakfast at the hotel. Get to know the Egyptian capital today with a tour of Cairo's most emblematic sights. Begin at the Giza plateau, home of the three Great Pyramids, built over 4,500 years ago and one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Explore the pyramids and learn about their fascinating history as you walk in the footsteps of the pharaohs. Continue to the Great Sphinx and the Temple of the Valley to unearth more secrets of Ancient Egypt before visiting the Egyptian Museum. This world-renowned museum is home to the largest collection of jewels, relics and statues from the golden age of the pharaohs. End the day with a walk through the lively Khan el Khalili neighbourhood, home to the largest bazaar in the city. We recommend an optional Pyramids Sound and Light Show.* Overnight stay in Cairo. * Optional Pyramids Sound and Light Show: Experience the iconic Great Pyramids at night, as they are lit with dancing lasers and visuals, accompanied by atmospheric music. The perfect way to kick-start your Egyptian adventure! Important: The order of the optional excursions may vary depending on your departure day. Alternatively, for a full experience of Egypt, you can choose one of our optional excursion packages to add 3/4 optional excursions to your trip!

Day 4: Cairo - Aswan

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Aswan, situated on the Nile River and known for its great importance to the Ancient Egyptian civilization. Upon arrival, head to the river to enjoy a cruise on a traditional felucca boat to see the Nile Falls. Watch life along the Nile as you travel along the river. Afterwards, continue to the Granite Quarry, home to an unfinished ancient obelisk and the High Dam of Aswan. Transfer to the port to board your Nile Cruise Boat, your home for the next three nights. Get settled in your cabin and enjoy the views of the river. Dinner and overnight on board. Alternatively, for a full experience of Egypt, you can choose one of our optional excursion packages to add 3/4 optional excursions to your trip! Important: The order of the optional excursions may vary depending on your departure day. Optional excursions can only be reserved at the time of booking or up to four days after booking.

Day 5: Aswan - Kom Ombo

Full-board on board. If you're an early riser, you have the chance to enjoy an optional excursion to Abu Simbel, home to many rock-carved temples.* Today, navigate northwards towards Kom Ombo. Upon arrival explore the twin Temples of Haroeris and Sobek and see the amazing Nilometer, used to measure the rising and falling levels of the Nile, an important life source in Egypt. Afterwards, visit a unique Crocodile Mummy museum, home to a number of mummified crocodiles. Return to the ship and enjoy relaxing on board. Overnight on board. * Optional Excursion to Abu Simbel: Visit these amazing temples, carved on the western cliff of the desert by Ramses II in the Xl century BC. See the iconic 20-metre high statues, dedicated to the god Amon Ra, and the Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor. * Optional Island of Philae Excursion: Discover the historic island of Philae, in the reservoir of the Old Aswan Dam. It is home to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Isis and offers a fascinating insight into life and beliefs in Ancient Egypt. Please note: If you take the optional excursion to Abu Simbel, you will depart from the ship at approximately 3 a.m. to make the most of the coolest and quietest part of the day. This way, you can fully experience Abu Simbel without the crowds and avoid sightseeing in high temperatures. Alternatively, for a full experience of Egypt, you can choose one of our optional excursion packages to add 3/4 optional excursions to your trip! Important: The order of the optional excursions may vary depending on your departure day. Optional excursions can only be reserved at the time of booking or up to four days after booking.

Day 6: Edfu - Luxor

Full-board on board. Dock in Edfu today to enjoy a ride in a traditional Egyptian carriage to arrive at the Temple of Edfu in style! Spend some time exploring the temple, dedicated to the Egyptian god of Horus. It's one of the best-preserved monuments in the country as its imposing structure has been protected by the desert sands. Back on the ship, continue to Luxor where the ancient heart of Thebes awaits you. Here, discover the Temple of Luxor, constructed by the two great pharaohs, Amenhotep II and Ramses II. Return to the ship. Overnight on board.

Day 7: Luxor

Breakfast on board. Continue your discovery of the ancient city of Thebes today as you head to the world-famous Valley of the Kings, where the tomb of Tutankhamon was discovered, revealing the riches of the ancient pharaohs. It is here that the most powerful and influential kings of Ancient Egypt were buried. After exploring the site, continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, an imposing terraced structure, located below towering cliffs. Bid farewell to this world of ancient kings and queens as you cross the river into modern-day Luxor. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight stay in Luxor. Please note: The excursion to the Valley of the Kings includes visits to three tombs. Entrance to the tomb of Tutankhamun is not included but, if you are interested in visiting, you can buy a ticket to see this tomb at the site during your visit.

Day 8: Luxor - Cairo

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early in the morning to visit the Karnak Temple Complex, home to a vast array of decayed temples, chapels, pylons, and other ancient buildings. Explore the ruins as you soak up the unique atmosphere and let your imagination run wild as you learn about life in Ancient Egypt. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Cairo. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional excursion to the Saladin Citadel.* Overnight stay in Cairo. * Optional Excursion to Saladin Citadel: Visit the Alabaster Mosque and medieval fortification of Saladin Citadel, perched atop a hill in central Cairo and dating back to the 12th-century. Learn about the importance of the site to Egypt's Islamic heritage before walking through the Coptic Neighborhood, home to various churches. Alternatively, for a full experience of Egypt, you can choose one of our optional excursion packages to add 3/4 optional excursions to your trip! Important: The order of the optional excursions may vary depending on your departure day. Optional excursions can only be reserved at the time of booking or up to four days after booking.

Day 9: Cairo - US

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in the US the following day. Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Itinerary: 13 Day Egyptian Treasures

Many domestic flights within Egypt depart in the early morning, requiring waking up before dawn. Please see the "Is This Trip Right for You?" section for more information.

DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Egypt
Depart for Cairo, Egypt

DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in Cairo
Welcome to Egypt, one of the world's greatest ancient civilizations. Arrive in the lively capital Cairo, the largest metropolis in Africa and transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure to rest, relax and adjust to the exotic surroundings. This evening, join your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, for an orientation meeting, followed by a light dinner
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Sunday - The Pyramids & Sphinx of Giza, Sakkara, Carpet School
The day begins with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza, built during the 3rd and 4th dynasties of the Old Kingdom. These monumental undertakings stand as a marvelous testimony to the almost unbelievable skill and determination of their builders. Get a close-up view of the Great Pyramid, built for the Pharaoh Khufu, as well as the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Not too far from the Pyramids, see the great Sphinx of Giza, the legendary statue with the head of a human and the body of a lion, amazingly carved out of one massive piece of limestone. After lunch at a local restaurant explore Sakkara, the necropolis of the ancient city of Memphis. View the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, built by architect Imhotep. Next, visit a carpet school and learn about the ancient art of carpet weaving before returning to your hotel
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4, Monday - Flight to Aswan, Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, Nile Cruise Embarkation
Today, fly to Aswan, an ancient frontier town. Upon arrival, take a tour to the spectacular Aswan High Dam, an engineering miracle when originally constructed in the 1960s. The dam brought an end to the Nile's devastating floods. Continue to majestic Philae Temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis. Arrive by motorboat and marvel at the Temple's beautiful island location. Learn about the temple's history and admire the engravings depicting beautiful scenes of mythological times. Next visit a local perfume shop, where you can observe the creation of perfumes. Select a fragrance and choose from a wide selection of glass bottle containers. Afterward, embark on your ship for an unforgettable cruise on the legendary Nile River. After Lunch, visit a Nubian Village, traditional Egyptian village in Aswan. Get an insight into the culture, history, and lifestyle of one of Africa's oldest civilizations
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Tuesday - Abu Simbel Temple
Today's excursion transports you back in time to the mighty Temples of Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reclaimed from the floodwaters of the Aswan High Dam and totally reconstructed in the present location. The site is dominated by the looming twin temples of Ramses II and his wife Queen Nefertari. The Abu Simbel Temple Complex is one of the most recognizable ancient sites of Egypt and reflects the grander and glory of the New Kingdom. Later, attend an insightful lecture on Egyptian life
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Wednesday - Temple of Kom Ombo
Discover the imposing Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo, constructed during the Ptolemaic period between 108 to 47 BC. There were some additions to the temple that were made later, during the Roman period. The unique temple is dedicated to two gods; Horus, the sky god and Sobek, the crocodile god. Admire the fascinating detailed reliefs on the walls and intricately carved columns. Get back onboard and continue sailing. Take in the beautiful sights and senses of the Nile before landing at a quite island for overnight
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Thursday - Explore Gebel El Silsila
Enjoy the breakfast and the views as you sail towards Gebel El Silsila, a rocky gorge where the Nile River narrows with steep sandstone cliffs on either side. Visit the temples carved into the cliff face along with many shrines, tombs and stelae. Lunch on board while resuming the navigation on the Nile
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Friday - Discover Edfu Temple & the Necropolis of El Kab
Begin a delightful exploration of the stunning Temple of Horus in Edfu. It is considered one of the best preserved of all the Egyptian temples, having escaped destruction from floods. The temple is dedicated to the falcon god Horus, the son of Isis and Osiris. Gaze at the imposing sandstone walls, covered in brilliant friezes and massive hieroglyphs. Its extravagant design and sheer size are an indication of the country's prosperity at the time. Following the visit, return back to the ship & head to El Kab, originally known as Nekheb. The city dedicated to the vulture goddess of Upper Egypt Nekhbet, was one of the oldest and most important cities of ancient Egypt. Discover the necropolis of El Kab, a series of rock-cut tombs from the early Eighteenth Dynasty. Admire the well-preserved wall paintings depicting scenes from daily life, religious ceremonies, agricultural practices and battles against the Hyksos
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Saturday - Disembarkation, Karnak & Luxor Temples
This morning, after disembarking your ship, drive to the East Bank of Luxor. Visit the magnificent Temple of Karnak, the largest in Egypt, dating back more than 3,000 years. Walk along the avenue of the Sphinxes and marvel at the Hypostyle Hall with its 134 massive sandstone columns. Following your visit to a gold shop, showcasing vast quantities of gold pieces and jewelry, check into the hotel. In the afternoon, head to the impressive Luxor Temple, dating from the 14th century BC. Admire the relief carvings beautifully preserved and the colossal statues of the great pharaoh Ramses II. Afterward, visit a Papyrus factory. Learn about the history of this ancient craft and how Egyptians used papyrus plant, found in damp regions of the Nile Delta, to create paper. Watch a demonstration of how the ancient paper is made and then browse through an extensive collection of hand-painted works. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Luxor
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Sunday - West Bank, Valley of Kings, Alabaster Factory, Local Market
View the magnificence of the Luxor West Bank on today's exploration. Begin with a visit to the UNESCO listed Valley of the Kings, the necropolis of Thebes and admire the tombs of ancient Egypt's rulers. Next, head to the mountainside Temple of Hatshepsut, a colonnaded structure surrounded by cliffs and learn about the life of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's longest-reigning female ruler. Later, visit an alabaster factory and observe how this soft mineral is processed. Browse the extensive collection of alabaster pieces. Savor a delectable lunch of traditional Egyptian favorites before retuning back to your hotel. In the afternoon you will enjoy the visit of the Luxor local market. Wander through the bustling and colorful bazaar for hidden treasures and join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Luxor
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Monday - Flight to Cairo, Coptic Cairo
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, head to Coptic Cairo and visit the famed Hanging Church, a place of Orthodox worship constructed in the 3rd century. Next, pause at Abu Serga, known formally as Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church. This place has great significance as it is believed to be the spot where the Holy Family took refuge during their journey in Egypt. Continue towards The Church of St. George, a Greek Orthodox church built atop the north tower of the old Roman fortress of Babylon. Afterward, have lunch at a local restaurant and sample traditional cuisine. Spend the balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12, Tuesday - Egyptian Museum & Citadel
Begin the day with a visit to the splendid Egyptian Museum, housing the world's most extensive collection of Pharaonic antiquities. No visit to Egypt is complete without a trip through its galleries. Marvel at the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Next, visit the impressive Citadel, strategically located on the Mokattam Hills, known for its sweeping views of Cairo. It was constructed by Saladin in 1183 AD as a defense against Crusader invasions. Marvel at the stunning alabaster-tiled Mohammed Ali Pasha Mosque, situated at the summit of the Citadel. Afterward, proceed to a local restaurant for lunch to sample traditional cuisine. Tonight, at dinner, share memories of your journey through Egypt and bid goodbye to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13, Wednesday - Depart Egypt
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast