Day 1: Depart Australia [FRIDAY]
Today you will depart Australia for your flight to Egypt.
IMPORTANT FLIGHT NOTE:
Depending on airline schedules, you may be required to depart on Day 0.
Flights may transit through the Middle East. Airlines may include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways or similar.
If you do not wish to travel with a specific airline or via a specific region, please advise MyHoliday2 in your booking notes.
Alternative flights are subject to availability and may incur surcharges, longer travel times or less direct routing.
MEALS: In-flight
OVERNIGHT: In-flight
Day 2: Arrive Cairo, Egypt
Welcome to Egypt. On arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met by a representative who will assist you through airport formalities.
You will then be transferred by air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Cairo. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax and settle in before your Egyptian adventure begins.
NOTE: The included transfer is a group transfer and will be scheduled according to the arrival times of the majority of guests. If you arrive earlier and prefer not to wait, or if your flight arrives after the scheduled group transfer, you may arrange a private transfer (additional charges apply) or make your own way to the hotel.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 10km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 20 minutes. In particularly heavy Cairo traffic, total driving time may reach approximately 45 minutes.
MEALS: Nil
OVERNIGHT: Baron Heliopolis Hotel, Cairo
Day 3: Cairo Tour ~ Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx
After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and travel across Cairo to the famous Giza Plateau.
Visit the legendary Pyramids of Giza, the last surviving wonder of the ancient world. Take time to admire these extraordinary monuments and learn about their fascinating history.
You will also visit the iconic Great Sphinx, one of Egypt’s most recognisable ancient landmarks. Afterwards, return to your hotel in Cairo, with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 56km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 2 hours. In particularly heavy Cairo traffic, total driving time may reach approximately 4 hours.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Baron Heliopolis Hotel, Cairo
Day 4: Cairo Tour ~ Grand Egyptian Museum
After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and travel to the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum.
Explore the world’s largest archaeological museum, home to more than 100,000 artefacts spanning thousands of years of Egyptian history. Highlights include the magnificent Grand Staircase, royal collections and treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Take time to admire the museum’s impressive modern architecture and panoramic views towards the nearby Pyramids of Giza. Afterwards, return to your hotel in Cairo for the evening.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 57km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 1.5 hours. In particularly heavy Cairo traffic, total driving time may reach approximately 3 hours.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Baron Heliopolis Hotel, Cairo
Day 5: Cairo ~ Free Day
After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Cairo to relax or explore at your own pace. You may choose to unwind at the hotel, revisit a favourite part of the city, or speak with your guide about local suggestions.
This is a good opportunity to slow the pace before continuing your Egypt Tour. You may also choose to discover more of Cairo independently, enjoy the hotel facilities, or simply take time to rest.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Baron Heliopolis Hotel, Cairo
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Full Day Alexandria Tour
Travel from Cairo to Alexandria by road, with the journey taking approximately two and a half hours. On arrival, explore Egypt’s famous Mediterranean city, known for its coastal setting, Greco-Roman history and links to the ancient Library of Alexandria.
Visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, one of Alexandria’s most fascinating ancient sites. Then continue to Pompey’s Pillar, an impressive red Aswan granite column built in honour of Emperor Diocletian.
Later, enjoy a photo stop from outside Qaitbay Fort. This 15th century fortress sits near the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
You will also enjoy a panoramic visit from outside the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. This striking modern library was created to recapture the spirit of learning and scholarship of the ancient library.
After sightseeing, return by road to Cairo for the evening.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 5 Hours return
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 450 km return
Important Information:
- This is an optional activity at an additional cost
- Pre booking is recommended
- Tour operates subject to minimum numbers and availability
- Lunch may be included depending on the final package arrangements
- Order of sightseeing may change due to local conditions
Day 6: Cairo ~ Wadi El Rayan ~ Fayoum
After breakfast, check out of your Cairo hotel and travel south towards the beautiful Fayoum region.
Visit Mudawara Mountain, a striking desert formation overlooking the surrounding lakes and landscapes. Continue to Wadi El Rayan, a protected natural area famous for its lakes and Egypt’s only waterfalls.
After exploring the area, continue to your hotel in Fayoum. Check in and enjoy dinner before settling in for the evening.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 200km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 4 hours. In particularly heavy Cairo traffic, total driving time may reach approximately 5.5 hours.
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Auberge El Fayoum Hotel, Fayoum
Day 7: Fayoum ~ Tuna El Gebel ~ Minya
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and travel south from Fayoum towards Minya in Middle Egypt.
On arrival, discover the historic Minya region before continuing to Tuna El Gebel, an important ancient necropolis associated with nearby Hermopolis Magna.
Explore Tuna El Gebel, including the famous Tomb of Petosiris, the romantic Tomb of Isadora and fascinating underground animal catacombs.
After your sightseeing, transfer to your hotel in Minya. Check in and enjoy dinner before settling in for the evening.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 290km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 4.5 hours. Depending on traffic and road conditions, total driving time may reach approximately 6 hours.
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Horus El Minya Hotel, Minya
Day 8: Minya ~ Beni Hassan ~ Tel El Amarna ~ Minya
After breakfast, set out to explore some of Middle Egypt’s most fascinating archaeological sites.
Begin at Beni Hassan, home to impressive rock-cut tombs dating from the Middle Kingdom. Explore the decorated tombs of regional governors, including Bakhet III, Khnumhotep and Khety.
Continue to Tel El Amarna, the ancient city established by Pharaoh Akhenaten. Visit the northern tombs, including the Tomb of Ahmose and the Tomb of Huya, while discovering this remarkable chapter of Egyptian history.
After sightseeing, return to your hotel in Minya for dinner and the evening at leisure.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 160km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 3.5 hours. Depending on traffic and road conditions, total driving time may reach approximately 5 hours.
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Horus El Minya Hotel, Minya
Day 9: Minya ~ Abydos ~ Sohag
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and continue south through Upper Egypt towards the ancient city of Abydos.
Visit the magnificent Temple of Seti I, one of Egypt’s most impressive and beautifully decorated temples. Discover its detailed reliefs and learn about its connection to Osiris, the ancient Egyptian god of the underworld.
After exploring Abydos, continue to Sohag. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner before settling in for the evening.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 320km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 5.5 hours. Depending on traffic and road conditions, total driving time may reach approximately 7 hours.
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Azur Sohag Hotel, Sohag
Day 10: Sohag ~ Dendarah Temple ~ Luxor
After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Sohag and continue south towards Dendarah.
Visit the impressive Dendarah Temple, dedicated to Hathor, the ancient Egyptian goddess of love. Admire its beautifully preserved roof, detailed astronomical ceilings and remarkable relief depicting Queen Cleopatra and her son Caesarion.
After exploring the temple, continue to Luxor. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 200km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 3.5 hours. Depending on traffic and road conditions, total driving time may reach approximately 5 hours.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: The Temple Hotel, Luxor
Day 11: Luxor ~ Karnak Temple ~ Luxor Temple ~ Embark Nile River Cruise
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin exploring the magnificent East Bank of Luxor.
Visit the enormous Karnak Temple Complex, one of Egypt’s most impressive ancient sites. Discover towering columns, monumental gateways and temples dedicated to the powerful god Amun-Ra.
Continue to Luxor Temple, an extraordinary ancient complex once connected to Karnak by the ceremonial Avenue of Sphinxes.
After sightseeing, transfer to your Nile cruise and check in. Enjoy lunch on board, followed by time to relax before dinner and your first night on the Nile.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 20km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 1 hour. Depending on traffic and the cruise docking location, total driving time may reach approximately 1.5 hours.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Luna Nile Cruise
Day 12: Nile River Cruise ~ Valley of the Kings ~ Hatshepsut Temple ~ Edfu
After breakfast on board, meet your guide and travel to Luxor’s famous West Bank for a morning of ancient Egyptian discovery.
Explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were laid to rest in elaborate tombs carved into the desert mountains. Your guide will introduce you to the fascinating history of the tombs visited today.
Continue to the spectacular Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. Afterwards, stop to admire the towering Colossi of Memnon before returning to your Nile cruise.
Enjoy lunch on board as your cruise begins sailing south towards Edfu, passing through the Esna Lock along the way.
NOTE: Entrance to the Tomb of Tutankhamun is not included and may be purchased separately, subject to availability.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 40km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 1.5 hours. Depending on traffic and the cruise docking location, total driving time may reach approximately 2.5 hours.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Luna Nile Cruise
Day 13: Nile River Cruise ~ Edfu Temple ~ Kom Ombo ~ Aswan
After breakfast on board, visit the impressive Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of Egypt’s largest and best-preserved ancient temples.
Return to your cruise and continue sailing along the Nile towards Kom Ombo. Enjoy lunch on board before arriving at this fascinating riverside temple.
Explore Kom Ombo Temple, uniquely dedicated to two gods, including Sobek, the ancient crocodile god. Afterwards, return to the ship and continue sailing towards Aswan.
Enjoy dinner on board and relax as your Nile journey continues south.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: Less than 10km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: Approximately 30 minutes. Times may vary depending on the cruise docking locations.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Luna Nile Cruise
Day 14: Nile River Cruise ~ Aswan ~ Philae Temple ~ Felucca Ride
After breakfast on board, set out to explore the highlights of Aswan with your guide.
Visit the impressive Aswan High Dam before continuing to the Unfinished Obelisk. Here, discover how ancient Egyptians carved enormous monuments directly from the surrounding granite.
Continue to beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Travel by boat to the island and explore this remarkable temple complex surrounded by the waters of the Nile.
After sightseeing, return to your Nile cruise for lunch. Later, enjoy a relaxing traditional felucca ride and experience Aswan from the water.
Return to your cruise for dinner and your final evening on board.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 50km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 2 hours. Depending on traffic, road conditions and docking locations, total driving time may reach approximately 3.5 hours.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Luna Nile Cruise
Day 15: Disembark Nile River Cruise ~ Aswan ~ Abu Simbel ~ Aswan ~ Cairo
Early this morning, collect your breakfast box and check out before departing Aswan for the spectacular Abu Simbel Temples.
Journey south through the desert to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most extraordinary ancient sites. Explore the colossal temples built by Ramesses II, including the Great Temple and the smaller temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari.
After your visit, return to Aswan and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. On arrival in Cairo, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for your final night in Egypt.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 570km
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 7 hours. Depending on traffic, road conditions and rest stops, total driving time may reach approximately 8.5 hours.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Baron Heliopolis Hotel, Cairo
Day 16: Depart Cairo
After breakfast and check out from your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight back to Australia. Please note: if your flight departs early, breakfast will be arranged for collection from the hotel reception the night before.
NOTE: The included transfer is a group transfer and will be scheduled according to the departure times of the majority of guests. If your flight departs earlier than the scheduled group transfer, or if you prefer to leave at a different time, you may arrange a private transfer (additional charges apply) or make your own way to the airport.
MEALS: Breakfast, In flight
OVERNIGHT: In flight
Day 17: Arrive Australia
Today you arrive home, marking the end of your incredible journey.
NOTE: Depending on airline schedules and availability, you may arrive on Day 18.
MEALS: In Flight