Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise – Premium Adventure
Experience Overview
Unearth a wealth of ancient monuments and treasures in Egypt with the added insight of an expert Egyptologist and the comfort of five-star accommodation throughout. Stand at the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and marvel at the colossal columns of the Temple of Karnak before boarding the MS Movenpick Royal Lily or Royal Lotus for a four-night premium cruise along the Nile. Visit the Valley of the Kings where some 62 pharaohs including Tutankhamun are entombed, before setting sail upstream to Aswan, also visiting the spectacular Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples en route. Sip sundowners from the pool bar or relax on the sun deck as you watch local life pass. In Aswan, the centre of Nubian culture, we stay on Elephantine Island with panoramic views of the Nile.
Profile
— Premium accommodation throughout: Four nights five-star Nile cruise boat and four nights in five-star hotels — Travel by minibus, premium cruise boat and one internal flight — Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
At a Glance
— Premium accommodation throughout: Four nights five-star Nile cruise boat and four nights in five-star hotels — Travel by minibus, premium cruise boat and one internal flight — Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
Trip For You
This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Easy). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Suitability: This trip is suitable for everyone with average health and fitness. No experience of any activity involved is necessary. Most days involve early starts (especially Day 4 when we catch an early flight to Luxor) but this allows us to get the most from our time in Egypt and avoid the worst of the heat.
Climate: Egypt can get hot, especially from June to September when temperatures can reach as high as 38C-40C (100F-104F) in the south of the country.
Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.
Group Description
There will be an expert local tour leader (an Egyptologist) and drivers and local guides where needed.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners included.
In the itinerary, we state which meals are included on which day. We suggest you allow 2,460-3,445 Egyptian dollars (approximately US$100-US$140) for meals not included. Food in Egypt involves such things as kebabs, chicken, stews, pitta bread, falafel, beans, aubergine (eggplant) and other vegetables, pickles and salads. Dishes tend to be simple and wholesome and vegetarians can be catered for if they accept the options may be somewhat limited. On board the cruise ship there is one complimentary bottle of water in your cabin and after this drinks are not included.
Transportation
Road transport is by private air-conditioned mini/midi-bus and the roads are generally good. Travelling is typically restricted to a few hours a day and the mode of transport is varied. As detailed above, during our trip we use cruise ship and felucca.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Cairo Marriott Zamalek, Saray El, Gezira St, Omar Al Khayam, Zamalek, Cairo Governorate 11211
Phone: +20 2 27283000
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing on the morning of Day 2.
Airport: Cairo Airport (CAI)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 50 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel for any flight landing on arrival day. Speak to your sales representative before departure to book. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Aswan Airport (ASW) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
Rain is very rare in all parts of Egypt and most days are sunny and clear. Summer temperatures often reach the upper 30s (around 100F) but this is particularly true for the period between June and September. Winter can be surprisingly cold, especially on the Nile or at night. The average daytime maximum in Cairo in January is 20C (68F), nights are minimum 8C (46F). In summer, these temperatures are 35C (95F) and 22C (72F) respectively. Daytime temperatures are a little higher on average in Aswan.
Spending Money
Optional excursions
Prices are per person and in US dollars as this is the most stable currency used in Egypt, but excursions can be paid in any hard currency (including British pounds and euros). Payment cannot be made in Egyptian pounds. When booking and paying for these tours locally a three percent charge will be added for all card payments. The flight to Abu Simbel is to be requested with us at the time of booking your tour. We will then check availability. Unless indicated otherwise, the below prices are based on a minimum of six people taking part and are subject to change. Please note that prices include entrance fees, guide, private transport and police permissions.
Cairo (only possible pre-tour or if arriving early on Day 1):
— Sound and light show, Giza: US$48 (minimum six travellers) Does not run every day. — Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque: US$40 — Coptic Cairo including Coptic Museum: US$42 — Tour of Sakkara and Memphis: US$66 — Entrance fee to go inside Great Pyramids: US$30 — Grand Egyptian Museum: US$65
Aswan:
— Abu Simbel flight excursion: From US$435. The flight must be requested with us at the time of booking your tour. If you do not request the flight at this time, we cannot guarantee seats will be available if trying to book locally. Flight timings vary but the flight duration is approximately 45 minutes. The length of time in the temples depends on the Egyptair flight schedule. It should, however, be longer than an hour.
Due to local regulations, guides are not permitted to enter Abu Simbel temple with you but will provide information outside, allow you free time to explore, and arrange a meeting place for afterwards.
— St Simone Monastery (accessible by foot or on a camel): US$36 — Animalia Nubian Village: US$25 – please see Responsible Travel section — Sound and light show at Philae: $52 (minimum six travellers)
Luxor:
— A.C.E Luxor Animal Hospital (time permitting): Free — Sound and light show, Karnak Temple: US$52 — Entrance for additional tombs on the West Bank, Valley of the Kings: Approximately US$18 — Dendarah and Abydos: US$70-US$90
Tipping
On this Premium Adventure, tipping for any local support staff is included, and will normally be taken care of via your tour leader (or in some cases through our local agent). So no need for any tipping kitty contributions, or to make your own tips during the trip.
Our ‘included tips’ will normally cover drivers, local specialist guides, certain hotel staff, and serving staff for included meals. Amounts will be in line with the local standard. Of course, if you wish to make a further tip for some extra special service you may do so.
Tips for the Tour Leader are not included. Whether to tip at all and the amount is entirely at your own discretion, but as a starting point, we suggest around $40 per person for the duration of the trip.
Highlights
— Join an Egyptologist to discover the ancient land’s highlights, while staying in premium accommodation — Delve into lively Cairo, where the ancient and modern worlds unite — Tour the legendary Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx — Cruise the Nile on a five-star vessel, enjoying daily sunsets and service fit for a pharaoh — Explore the Valley of the Kings, home to tombs of more than 60 ancient rulers — End the adventure on Elephantine Island with 360-degree views of the Nile
Trip Details
Product Code: 4139
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: felucca.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: AEP
Starts: Cairo, Egypt
Finishes: Cairo, Egypt
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts, four lunches, four dinners — All accommodation — Tips for local staff — Named tour leader, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback — All transport and listed activities — Free group arrival and departure transfers availableAccommodation
Premium five-star hotels and Nile cruiseEnjoy the best of Egyptian hospitality and relax in a handpicked trio of five-star accommodations. The properties for this Premium trip were chosen for their excellent location, comfort, style and unique characteristics. Cairo: Cairo Marriott Zamalek (nights 1-3) Start the adventure in style with a stay at this five-star royal retreat, a converted palace in downtown Cairo with views of the Nile. There’s opulence all around, no more so than in the feast of dining options available, many of which are set in the fine gardens. Elsewhere, there’s a spa, outdoor lap pool, 24-hour gym and a casino. Nile cruise: Movenpick MS Royal Lily or MS Royal Lotus (nights 4-7) A highlight of the trip for many, our Nile cruise is taken on one of two Movenpick motor ships. Both the Royal Lily(above) and Royal Lotus have a sundeck with a swimming or plunge pool, heated hot tub or jacuzzi, plus a pool bar and canopied space. Find further relaxation on the salon deck, which has a lounge and bar with panoramic windows Aswan: Movenpick Aswan (night 8) Enjoy a privileged spot on the Nile with a stay at the Movenpick Aswan on Elephantine Island. This five-star resort has two swimming pools, a fitness centre and an organic farm. But the highlight may be the Panorama Restaurant, the highest point in Aswan, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the longest river in the world accompanied by a fine selection of international dishes. Worth knowing The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes, which could (in rare circumstances) be at late notice.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,130 ($570 /day)
Itinerary
This premium adventure begins in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, where the modern world meets the old. There’s plenty packed into this holiday, but today is all about settling in. We’ll gather at the hotel for our welcome briefing this evening if flights arrive early enough. If not then your leader will brief you on day 2. Premium accommodation: Cairo Marriott Zamalek (five-star)
Today, on our second day in Cairo, we pay a visit to the incredible Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which contains relics dating to 4000 BCE, including the fantastic riches of Tutankhamun's tomb. Here is a unique opportunity to survey the many fabulous treasures of Egypt in one place and to set the scene for the rest of the tour. For the remainder of the day, we experience modern Cairo with visits to Al Azhar Mosque (the oldest mosque and university in Cairo but still very much in use) and the small alleyways and streets that make up Cairo bazaar. Please note, we will need to cover up at the mosque (long sleeves and trousers) and women will also need to cover their hair with a scarf. Please note: When the Grand Egyptian Museum is fully open, we will go there instead of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Premium accommodation: Cairo Marriott Zamalek (five-star)
After breakfast, we depart our hotel for a half-day tour of the Pyramids at Giza. Home to the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus and the timeless and enigmatic Sphinx; these great monuments to the afterlife defy the imagination. Only the throng of sightseers, Egyptian and foreign, milling around their huge foundations, keep the viewer in the 21st century. In the afternoon, there will be free time if you wish to relax by the hotel pool or take an optional excursion to Sakkara. Premium accommodation: Cairo Marriott Zamalek (five-star)
We typically transfer to Cairo airport before sunrise for our flight to Luxor (flight times can vary). On arrival in Luxor, we visit Luxor Temple and the huge Karnak Temple complex on the east bank of the Nile. Built over 1,500 years, Karnak is a confusion of pylons, courtyards, halls and sanctuaries. The Hypostyle Hall here has 134 columns, some of which are more than 75ft (23m) high. Both temples are incredibly impressive. We arrive at our cruise boat in time for lunch on board before having free time in the afternoon to relax or explore Luxor. Premium accommodation: MS Movenpick Royal Lily or Royal Lotus (five-star)
Today, there is the choice to have a full day in Aswan or an optional visit to Abu Simbel. Aswan is a laid-back town that reflects the character of its largely Nubian inhabitants, known for being friendly and hospitable. By virtue of its position on the old caravan route, it has always been a trading centre and we thoroughly recommend a visit to the packed bazaar today where merchants display a wealth of exotic spices, carpets, leather goods and countless other wares. Today there’s also the option of flying to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, 186mi (300km) to the south through the Nubian Desert. Built by Ramses II, the two temples are certainly some of the most spectacular in Egypt. Originally on the banks of the Nile, the temples were raised to a new site above the lake in the late 1960s, as the waters from the new Lake Nasser rose behind the Aswan High Dam. The four great seated statues of Ramses II stare east towards the rising sun. You are picked up from the boat early in the morning with a breakfast box and arrive back to Aswan in the afternoon. Later in the day, we enjoy a sunset sail on a felucca, a traditional wooden sailing boat. Feluccas have been a fixture on the Nile for centuries and are used in the protected waters of the Red Sea and eastern Mediterranean. The deck is strewn with soft, colourful cushions and rugs and equipped with a canopy offering shade. We spend our last evening on board the MS Movenpick Royal Lily or Royal Lotus. Premium accommodation: MS Movenpick Royal Lily or Royal Lotus (five-star)
After breakfast on board, we disembark our boat and visit Philae Temple. In the 1970s, it was relocated by UNESCO to Aglika Island after it became evident the original Philae site would submerge on completion of the Aswan High Dam. It represents a magnificent and enduring testament to both ancient and modern engineering. During this excursion, we also visit Aswan High Dam. You can also add an optional excursion to Animalia Nubian Village and enjoy a farewell dinner before returning to the hotel. The Aswan hotel has a perfect location. Enjoy views of the Nile from your room or head to the Panorama Restaurant & Bar, the highest point in Aswan, for 360-degree views of the river. Premium accommodation: Movenpick Resort, Aswan (five-star)
This unforgettable trip through Egypt ends after breakfast. Either make your way home or, if you’d like a post-adventure relax, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay at the marvellous Movenpick Resort.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Claire Sheriff - Traveled, February 2024
Brilliant Trip - So much history! This trip was truly amazing. We saw so much, and the tour leader who was an Egyptologist was just brilliant. All the accommodations were top-notch, the cruise was out of this world. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing Tutankhamun tomb Thoughts on Group Leader Brilliant - SO much knowledge
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2024
Freya B - Traveled, December 2023
Nile Cruise & Aswan - Premium Adventure What a fabulous trip – Ahmed Gad is an amazing guide and teacher, and the trip was well planned and executed. I couldn’t speak highly enough about it. Most Inspirational Moment Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Philae, Egyptian Museum of Archaeology Thoughts on Group Leader FABULOUS - can't say enough about what a great guide and teacher Ahmed is
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/26/2023
Miriam M - Traveled, December 2023
Nile Cruise & Aswan - Premium Adventure We had a wonderful guide, Ahmed, who was knowledgeable, interesting and very attentive to every need of the group. Most Inspirational Moment Outings to the pyramids, temples and burial chambers with the wonderful narratives provided by Ahmed. Thoughts on Group Leader Ahmed was terrific and his input was, in every respect, a huge asset. His attention to detail and his ability to meet each individuals needs was truly impressive
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Keith S - Traveled, September 2023
Nile Cruise & Aswan - Premium Adventure The holiday was well managed before and during, the group leaders skills in taking us around all the sites that we visited were very good. Most Inspirational Moment Everything on the trip was equally good, the time spent on the Royal Lotus was very enjoyable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
Robert S - Traveled, September 2023
Nile Cruise & Aswan - Premium Adventure Top class attention, guide knowledge excellent, admin top standard. Most Inspirational Moment Pretty much everything! Thoughts on Group Leader Top class and a warm individual. He took care of a number in the party who fell.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023
Corina N - Traveled, September 2023
Nile Cruise & Aswan - Premium Adventure Very well organised holiday, beautifully appointed accommodation, knowledgeable and personable guide. Most Inspirational Moment Everything! Thoughts on Group Leader Very knowledge and personable leader, immediately integrated in the group, very responsive to any questions, extremely caring when a member of the group felt unwell. He definitely made an already memorable trip even better!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2023
Vlad S - Traveled, September 2023
Nile Cruise & Aswan - Premium Adventure Great experience, plenty of Egypt’s landmarks are explored in an organised way, and the Nile cruise and hotel experiences add to the highlights. Most Inspirational Moment The pyramids, Valley of the Kings, sunsets on the Nile, Marriott and Movenpick hotels. Thoughts on Group Leader Very good guide, knowledgeable and sociable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2023
Emily P - Traveled, September 2023
Nile Cruise & Aswan - Premium Adventure The ease of travel and tour guide was amazing and very knowledgeable. Most Inspirational Moment Pyramids, 5* Hotels, Travel Guide Knowledge & Friendliness & Temples. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent tour guide, very knowledgeable, friendly and great sense of humour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2023
Dana T - Traveled, November 2023
Nile Cruise & Aswan - Premium Adventure This is my 3rd trip with Exodus and will continue to travel with you as I find the value for the price is very good and I believe that most needs are anticipated and planned for and things seem to flow very smoothly. Most Inspirational Moment Visiting all the archaeological sites was amazing. I had no idea how well preserved the temples and tombs were Thoughts on Group Leader Ahmed was an amazing guide! He was so kind and patient and knowledgeable in his explanations of the history of the lineage of the ancient rulers and meaning of the hieroglyphics. He has a wonderful sense of humor and felt more like a good friend welcoming us to his country rather than a hired tour guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2023
Maureen A - Traveled, November 2023
Nile Cruise & Aswan - Premium Adventure Great service whilst booking, small group on trip, great service from guides during trip. Accommodated individuals needs. Most Inspirational Moment Boat trip. Thoughts on Group Leader Ahmed made this trip. He gelled well with the group and accommodated all our needs.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023
James [ - Traveled, October 2023
Nile Cruise & Aswan - Premium Adventure Over the years you have provided an excellent schedule of holiday & really good guides. Most Inspirational Moment Pyramids, Cairo museum, valley of the Kings , Abu Simbel and drive through the desert to A S. Thoughts on Group Leader Our guide, SAEED, was superb with first class knowledge, excellent communication of that plus thoughtfulness of the group members. He made changes to the itinerary that proved to be ideal.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
Dain P - Traveled, October 2023
Nile Cruise & Aswan - Premium Adventure Efficient booking, queries answered, small group and excellent guide. Most Inspirational Moment Cairo museum, pyramids, alley of the kings and Abu Simbel. Travelling by bus through the dessert was also very interesting. Thoughts on Group Leader He was very good at judging the amount of information given with free time at the venue. Good recommendation about changing itinerary swapping Abu Simbel with the dam visit day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Sharon R - Traveled, October 2023
Nile Cruise & Aswan - Premium Adventure The guides are excellent. The quality of hotels and transportation are exceptional. Most Inspirational Moment The Valley of the Tombs. Thoughts on Group Leader He was a very good leader with exceptional social skills,
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2023
Eric M - Traveled, October 2023
Nile Cruise & Aswan - Premium Adventure The trip was excellent, the accommodation was up to expectations and our guide, Sayed, was superb. Most Inspirational Moment The great pyramid, the museum in Cairo and the tombs of the kings.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Chris H - Traveled, October 2023
Nile Cruise & Aswan - Premium Adventure We had a fabulous holiday with a great informative guide who organised everything very efficiently and the group all gelled together. Most Inspirational Moment The AbelSimbel trip plus fallucca sail. Thoughts on Group Leader The trip was excellent. Our guide Sayeed changed the day of the Abel Simbel trip which worked much better. He was just excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Sue B - Traveled, October 2023
Nile Cruise & Aswan - Premium Adventure Very well organised, the description of the trip beforehand was very good, the guide was excellent, and support from ground agents was really good. Most Inspirational Moment The Nile cruise, valley of the kings and Abu Simbel. To be fair the all the sites were marvellous and we enjoyed most days. Thoughts on Group Leader Probably the best guide we have had on any holiday! Friendly, helpful, caring, do I need to go on.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2023
Andrea Franzel - Traveled, June 2023
Overall great experience but I struggled to see the value of the Premium We covered all the highlights but the planning wasn’t great. Everything was rushed with many early starts (like 4am in the morning!). This is probably a 10 nights trip instead of 8. The highlight was certainly Valley of the Kings but we left the site at 9am after only a bit more than an hour. The two hotels were an excellent pick. The cruise was not, although the personnel provided excellent services and the rooms were good. Some of us struggled to see the benefit of having booked the Premium trip with an overcharge of £138 per night on top of the non-premium. The Marriott was amazing but they reserved possibly the noisiest room in the hotel (next to 3 lift shafts and on a third floor on a busy road) and they didn’t get me another room despite asking four times (they have 440 rooms!). I was expecting Exodus to support me on that. The cruise facilities were basic. The pool was small compared to the other cruises that we have seen. The food was decent at days and not so great on other days and they only served buffet. Unclear why we had to spend an extra night docked next to the Movenpick Resort Aswan on which we moved for the last day and where we only spent less than 12h (including sleep). Most Inspirational Moment Valley of the Kings but as said we should have definitely spent more time there. I appreciate we can only spend 15 minutes in each tomb but we could easily have spent another hour to visit other tombs included or just to relax and have a coffee in such an iconic place. The cruise on the Nile was probably the only real moment of relaxation. Great experience. Movenpick Resort Aswan was great but we only spent one night there. We should have moved there the night before. Thoughts on Group Leader The tour was very well executed by Andrew. He is very articulated and with an excellent English. His knowledge and ability to explain was excellent. His timing was perfect and helped creating a picture of Ancient Egyptian culture. Advice for Potential Travellers Things you need to bring: 1) cash. Any currency GBP, USD, EUR. It's the same. They accept any currency at any shop and they will provide the change in local currency. You can show them the exchange on XE.com app and they will trust you. This is because from local ITMs or banks you can only withdraw in EGP. But this way you don't need to withdraw at all. Bring your currency and once you start buying and receiving change in local currency you'll have EGP that may be needed in some occasions. They also accept credit cards (for instance at the Valley of the Kings) but the tour operator charges 3% commissions for the optional tours. So my advice is bring at least £250 in cash. 2) a good selfie stick if you are travelling alone; 3) ear plugs and eye cover; 4) water bottle; 5) proteins bars (food is not always great; it's not exactly Lebanon or Morocco unfortunately). Things you don't need: 1) a torch (there's enough light in all sites); 2) mosquito repellent (it was needed only in one occasion but could do without it); 3) Snorkel Mask (Red sea is not included in the tour). Suggestions A bit too many optional tours with no other alternative included actives for the day. At least tour of Philae should have been included. If you are into souvenirs the best place is probably the bazaar in Cairo. But check the side streets for artisans shops. Overall Egypt is much safer than what I was expecting based on the stories you hear. I felt safe at all time. I even walked alone at late night in the streets of Cairo. Definitely safer than London... Street vendor are not more annoying than in any other touristic places. But with a firm NO they'll leave you alone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/29/2023
Paul Court - Traveled, February 2023
Remarkable Trip, But Crowded Venues The temples and tombs of Egypt are really unique. It is amazing to visit ancient sites that cover a span of over 2,600 years, yet are linked by a consistent aesthetic and belief system. The carvings and paintings in each temple and tomb different from the others. The amount of artwork in each one is quite extraordinary. The dry climate has preserved much of the colour in some of the decorations. Being in the presence of the Pyramids gives a whole new meaning to the term “monumental”. Both hotels were exceptionally good. The Cairo Zamalek has lots of good restaurants, and the largest and most complete gym that we have ever encountered in any hotel. The Movenpick on Elephantine Island was also superb, and their emphasis on recycling and the use of compost (they have an extensive kitchen garden) was impressive. The staff at both hotels and on the boat were all very helpful. Most Inspirational Moment The engravings in the tombs of the Valley of the Kings made us think of the hundreds of artisans who worked in each of them, of how the work has endured, and how their descendants are the Egyptians of today. The paintings of everyday life in the tombs in Saqqara, which are almost five thousand years old, were quite moving. Thoughts on Group Leader Ahmed was very helpful and knowledgeable. I pestered him with questions constantly, and he was always eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm. He was also very helpful in dealing with our transfers, which were not with the rest of the group. Akmar was also very helpful in getting us through Cairo Airport and into the hotel when we arrived after midnight. He had lots of good advice on dealing with the many hawkers and vendors that one encounters. Advice for Potential Travellers February is in the high season, and the tour boat was part of a flotilla of fifteen to twenty identical vessels travelling to the same docks at the same time. The temples and tombs (with the exception of Memphis and Saqqara) were very crowded. Experienced guides suggested that late September is an ideal time to visit when the heat is not too oppressive (although warmer than February) and the crowds are much smaller. Be prepared for lots of early mornings. Don't miss the trip to Saqqara. Abu Simbel was fascinating, but be prepared for eight hours on a bus. Take some small denominations in Egyption currency for baksheesh in various locations. Toilet attendants expect 5 EG - less than 20 Euro or USD cents. Suggestions For the cost of this trip, too many of the venues are expensive add-ons. We understand that marine safety standards in Egypt are not the same as those in western countries. The cruise boats had no safety drills, and no life jackets. Likewise the small ferry boats at Philae and the felucca at Aswan (which was a really delightful part of the trip) had no life jackets. At both places, we did see at least one other group wearing lifejackets in these vessels. Given the demographic and probable range of fitness and swimming skills in our group, this should be addressed. We have been on much more basic vessels in non-Western locations - including a trip on the Amazon over a decade ago - and lifejackets were provided.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/19/2023
Brendan O'Hare - Traveled, February 2023
You must do this once in your lifetime Just returned from our Egyptian trip. It was truly amazing. Our guide Ahmed was outstanding – he looked after everyone so well and kept us right with everything from dealing with occasional aggressive hawkers at the temples to protocols around mosque visits. He has a masters in Egyptology and brought all the sites to life for us. The trouble with the antiquities in Egypt is that they are so stunning that everywhere else you visit will pale into insignificance. Someone made Tutenkamun’s mask and built pyramids 3000-4500 years ago when our ancestors were scraping a living in caves and mud huts. The trip takes in all the must see treasures – Cairo, the pyramids & sphinx, Valley of the Kings, the temples & Nile. The accommodation and food was of a really high standard. Egypt actually has a very low crime rate against tourists and we found the Egyptian people to be so warm, welcoming, helpful & friendly. None of the 10 females in our group of 16 had any problems at all. Everyone felt safe & secure at all times. In terms of fitness, my wife had an acute knee problem but still managed all activities without difficulty- it is level1. Most people will only ever do Egypt once. This trip ticked all our boxes and gave us memories for a lifetime. Most Inspirational Moment Tutenkamun’s mask, the Sphinx,the Valley of the Kings & Karnak. I am a sailor & also really enjoyed the felucca sailing. Thoughts on Group Leader Ahmed was so inspirational and outstanding. He devoted himself to ensuring everyone had a really positive experience of Egypt and really went the extra mile for us. Advice for Potential Travellers Be aware that the trip involves a lot of early starts to visit sites before they get crowded. Bedtimes were therefore early. Suggestions If you enjoy travelling, you really must visit Egypt at least once in your life. This trip easily exceeded our expectations and I can recommend it without reservation as a great way to see the best of the country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/19/2023
MARY Gottwald - Traveled, September 2022
Exploring The Nile Overall an excellent trip. However, it would have been better to have an extra night in Cairo. The schedule was too busy for the one day we had in Cairo and we did not get to see the mosque or markets and yet were out for 11 hours. We saw The Pyramids, The Sphinx, and Cairo museum. The long day meant we did not get to experience the hotel in Cairo. The ship and hotel in Aswan were very good. Food in Cairo and on the ship was excellent. Most Inspirational Moment The Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel were amazing and riding a camel which I had not planned on doing! Thoughts on Group Leader Very good. Rania looked after everyone and gave us lots of information and made all the arrangements very smooth. Occasionally things were not clear but this was not a problem. Suggestions I feel that the optional trips were very over priced and the mark up on the entrance tickets unacceptable. For example the light show at Karnak Temple was $15 but we were charged $45. The transport could not have accounted for the difference as we were no more than 10 minutes from the ship and we went to the light show without the guide. So this makes me feel that Exodus are making a big profit on all of the optional trips. This will make me consider future trips where there are optional excursions that are extra.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2022
Suzanne Heath - Traveled, April 2022
Nile Cruise + Aswan This was an excellent trip in April 2022 – great itinerary, so much culture, fantastic guide (Tarek) and such delicious food on the Nile boat. I loved every minute of it, and so glad I went. Particular highlights for me were the temples at Karnack, Valley of the Kings, the food on the Nile boat and the yellowness of the sandstorm that engulfed us on our way back from Abu Simbel! It is however, not a trip for the faint-hearted. There are LOTS of early starts. Almost every day was a start before 7am and on a couple of days, it was up at 3am. There is LOTS of walking, I think I did about 27 miles in the 9 days – to/from temples, round museums, in/out of airports, to/from local markets etc. Personally, I am not sure I would label this as ‘leisurely’ – yes, there were no hills to climb, but it was often uneven, sandy ground we walking on and when I went, Egypt was also going through a heatwave, so it was 43 or 44 degrees every day. I ignored some of the optional extras so I could have some down time on the boat. I would also add that in additional to the ‘essentials’ listed on the what to take, you also need: sunhat, scarf to cover your shoulders and women need to wear a long skirt for the day they are going into the mosque in Cairo. Refillable water bottle and light/comfortable walking shoes – very essential! Also, take US dollars as your main currency (small denominations and not ripped notes). You will need some Egyptian pounds for some of the attractions, but everywhere they just want hard currency – even at the local markets. Final word of advice – don’t bother with the extra walk INSIDE the pyramid in Cairo. It is near vertical, baking hot and nothing to see at the end of it. My legs were wobbly for hours afterwards. Overall, this was a totally amazing trip though and hope you enjoy it. Most Inspirational Moment I loved the temples at Karnack for their sheer scale and the Valley of the Kings for the colours and preservation. Thoughts on Group Leader Tarek was our tour leader and he was amazing. So knowledgeable and such a nice man. Advice for Potential Travellers Yes - see my earlier notes. Be prepared for lots of early mornings, lots of walking and a feast of amazing sights for your eyes to take in. Refillable water bottle and comfy walking shoes an absolute must! Remember to dress respectfully for the country. Light /cotton scarves to cover your shoulders from the heat (women need to wear these to go into some of the attractions too). Women need to wear a long skirt on the day when you go to the mosque in Cairo. Take US dollars.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/02/2022
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