Nile Antiquities

6 days, 5 nights

+- Overview

No other river in the world holds our imagination as much as the majestic Nile that flows from the heart of Africa to empty into the Mediterranean.  As it winds northward through the continent, slipping between the great deserts of Egypt, it becomes the road along which you will travel into the past to discover the glorious dynasty of the Pharoahs.  On this 6-day odyssey you will see the greatest architectural feats created by a nation of people whose legacy stands in triumph more than 5,000 years on.  Your expert guides bring to life the time of the Pharaohs as they explain the complex symbols of their ancient gods and the temples that they built to worship them.

Route Details

Cairo (1) Aswan (1) Edfu (1) Luxor (1) Cairo (1)

From the comfort of your Nile cruise ship watch the small towns and villages slip past your window, seeing life little changed over the millennia.  Life on board is full of delights as you dine on international and local cuisine, relax in the sun on deck, cool off in the ship’s plunge pool and in the evening enjoy many forms of entertainment.

Each day is filled with historic wonders: from the great Dams at Aswan and the granite quarries to the many temples such as Philae, Kom Ombo, and Edfu.  In Luxor and Karnak the sheer scale of the buildings is overwhelming and in the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, the silence of the desert emphasizes the reverence of these burial sites hidden deep within the ground and filled with glorious treasure.  The Nile – it awaits you!

+- Daily Itinerary
+ - Day 1 Cairo
Arrival

Arrive in Cairo where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Cairo.  The balance of the day is at leisure.

Overnight Accommodations

Swiss Inn Nile Hotel – Moderate
Shepheard Hotel – First Class A
Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel – Deluxe
Cairo Sheraton Hotel – Deluxe
Mena House – Premium

+ - Day 2 Cairo Aswan Nile Cruise

This morning fly to Aswan, and start with a tour which includes Aswan’s High Dam, the ancient Granite Quarries, and the wonderful Temple of Philae before boarding the ship that will be your home for the next 3 nights. 

Overnight Accommodations

Presidential Cruise Ship – Moderate
M/S Nephtis Cruise Ship – First Class A
M/S Shahrzad – Deluxe
M/S Ti Yi Cruise Ship – Deluxe
Sonesta St George Cruise Ship – Premium

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 3 Aswan Kom Ombo Edfu Nile Cruise

In Kom Ombo visit the Graeco-Roman styled Temple dedicated to Sobek, the Crocodile God.  Then sail on to Edfu and enjoy a carriage ride through Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus.

Overnight Accommodations

Presidential Cruise Ship – Moderate
M/S Nephtis Cruise Ship – First Class A
M/S Shahrzad – Deluxe
M/S Ti Yi Cruise Ship – Deluxe
Sonesta St George Cruise Ship – Premium

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 4 Edfu Luxor Nile Cruise

Sail to Luxor passing through the locks at Esna.  After disembarking from the ship, cross the Nile for a tour of the city of “Thebes”, visiting the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut in the Valley of the Queens. You’ll also see the two huge seated statues of Amenhotep III, called the Colossi of Memnon.

Overnight Accommodations

Presidential Cruise Ship – Moderate
M/S Nephtis Cruise Ship – First Class A
M/S Shahrzad – Deluxe
M/S Ti Yi Cruise Ship – Deluxe
Sonesta St George Cruise Ship – Premium

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 5 Luxor Cairo

Today visit the East bank and enjoy the magnificent temples of Luxor and Karnak. Transfer to airport and returning to Cairo where you will spend a final night.

Overnight Accommodations

Swiss Inn Nile Hotel – Moderate
Shepheard Hotel – First Class A
Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel – Deluxe
Cairo Sheraton Hotel – Deluxe
Mena House – Premium

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 6 Cairo

After breakfast you will be transferred to Cairo Airport for your final departure flight.

Departure

Included Meals

Breakfast

+- Accommodations

Overnight Accommodations

We offer several packages for this tour. The package price varies by your selected accommodations. The itinerary is the same for each package.

+-Moderate
+ - Swiss Inn Nile Hotel

LOCATION –  This hotel is centrally located,  on the El Bahr El Aazem Street near the Pharaonic Village and ring road to the Pyramids, the Swiss Inn Nile hotel offers easy access to the centre of Cairo with its cultural attractions, business and shopping areas.

There are 81 Standard rooms, most of them with views over the Nile and are elegant and comfortable.  Room facilities include individually controlled air-conditioning, satellite TV, international direct dial telephone, in-room safe, bathtub & shower, mini-bar and wireless Internet access.  The design of the hotel combines contemporary elements with traditional Pharaonic motives.  Restaurants are serving international dishes as well as local delights.  On the Rooftop Terrace you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Nile.

+ - Presidential Cruise Ship

Each cabin on board Presidential Nile Cruise ships is tastefully furnished and features private facilities and air-conditioning. They are equipped with TV (including 2 video channels), mini bar, 2 radio programs and are outside facing with a picture window. They feature a 5 star restaurant serving a buffet breakfast and lunch and a dinner “a-la-carte”. The onboard chef can arrange for any special dietary requirement and always caters for vegetarians. On the upper deck, guests can enjoy a few drinks and cocktails at the bar which also serves at night as a venue for various shows and entertainment. Enjoy the Belly Dancing Show and other typical Egyptian performances or just dance the night away to the latest tracks chosen by our onboard DJ. For the sun-lovers, there is a large sundeck with loungers and a swimming pool to relax after a long day of visits under the scorching Egyptian sun. A massage service is also available on the sundeck, to help our guests unwind with spectacular views of the Nile.

+-First Class A
+ - Shepheard Hotel

Location- The hotel is located 15 km from Cairo International Airport, 22km to the Pyramids & Sphinx and 10km to Khan El Khalili Bazaar. The hotel is located in the Garden City area of downtown Cairo and boasting views of the Nile, this nine storey Helnan Shepheard’s hotel history dates back to the mid-19th century.

The 200 air conditioned, traditionally decorated guestrooms feature richly patterned fabrics and dark wood furniture. Room amenities include some guestrooms with balcony views, satellite television, direct-dial telephones and high-speed Internet access and mini bars. Guests can take advantage of the gym, sauna and steam room at the fitness center. Guests can head for the shopping arcade in the lobby for a spot of retail therapy or go for a re-style in the hair salon. From traditional Middle Eastern to European via Thai and Japanese, the plethora of restaurants will cater to all tastes. Pastries and coffees are on offer in the coffee shop and the wood-paneled bar is open for cocktails and snacks. Guests that do not want to venture out can dine at any hour in the privacy of their rooms thanks to round the clock room service. The front desk is open 24-hours a day and knowledgeable staff are on hand to provide tour advice and local information. Business facilities include fully equipped meeting and conference rooms.

+ - M/S Nephtis Cruise Ship

On board the ship there is a bar, disco, laundry service, library, restaurant, shop and swimming pool. All the rooms feature an en-suite bathroom (with bathtub or shower), TV and mini bar as well as air conditioning and safety deposit boxes.

+-First Class B
+ - Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel

LOCATION – Le Méridien Pyramids resort hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the historic treasures of Egypt, including El Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx and other monumental sights, and is only 15 minutes’ drive from the attractions in the city centre of Cairo.

With the largest number of rooms in the Giza area, Le Méridien Pyramids provides an ideal environment for business and leisure travelers. Le Méridien Pyramids has an exquisitely designed swimming pool, with waterfalls, four hydro-jet units providing underwater massage, a special pool for children and two floodlit tennis courts. Other facilities include 24-hour room service and Concierge Desk, a shopping arcade, beauty salon and 24-hour currency exchange. Each guestroom and suite is furnished with Egyptian ornaments and artwork; many of them enjoy a breathtaking view of the great Pyramids, with central air-conditioning, mini-bar, satellite TV, direct dial telephone, safe boxes, internet access and 24 hour rooms service.

+ - M/S Shahrzad

The cruise boat offers medium size and luxury rooms and suites, with sliding cabin windows and great large panoramic views. First class dining and entertainment are on board, featuring wonderful buffets, international food, and excellent staff. There is also 24 hour room service, and plenty of comfortable sun loungers beside the swimming pool. This is a great floating hotel, expertly managed by a brilliant team of staff who work hard to make sure that you are well looked after.

+-Deluxe
+ - Cairo Sheraton Hotel

LOCATION – See Egypt in a new way at the Sheraton Cairo Hotel, Towers and Casino. Sitting on the west bank of the River Nile in unique adjoining towers, the hotel proudly stands tall as one of Cairo’s greatest landmarks.  Sheraton Cairo places you in the middle of it all; it is a short walk to the Cairo Opera House, Egyptian Museum, or Cairo shopping centers.  The pyramids of Giza are just 20 minutes away.  The Hotel is also very close to transportation, 15 minutes from the railway station and 30 minutes from Cairo International Airport.

The 650 deluxe rooms, including 113 suites and five non-smoking floors, offer magnificent views of the city or the River Nile. Amazingly spacious, the deluxe rooms are as comfortable as they are luxurious. All beds offer 100% Egyptian cotton linen for your added comfort. The rooms all feature high speed internet, air conditioning, in-room safes, satellite TV, mini bar and balconies. The hotel also offers a fitness centre, with whirlpool, spa facilities, outdoor pool & Children’s pool.  Other facilities include Jewelry Shop, Casino, beauty salon and much more….

+ - M/S Ti Yi Cruise Ship

The TiYi Cruiser weighs 1600 tons and measures 72m x 14.5m and 11.5m in height, and cruises at an average speed of 15kmph.  The cruise ship holds a maximum of 140 passengers.  There are 65 luxury rooms including 3 suites, 9 Queen-size cabins, 53 twin- bed cabins and 8 connected cabins.  In addition to standard five-star luxury amenities, suite bathrooms feature Jacuzzi tubs and all rooms feature personal safes, panoramic, sound-proof windows, split A/C’s, satellite TV & sound systems.  The on board facilities include a rooftop swimming pool, gym & massage room, billiard room, reading room, boutique, gift shop, hairdresser, and conference facilities.

+-Premium
+ - Mena House

LOCATION –  This hotel is located just 10 minutes walk from the sphinx and pyramids of Giza.  It is about 1 hour drive from Cairo City and an hour and a half drive from Cairo Airport

All guest accommodations at Mena House Oberoi air-conditioned with private bathroom.  They are lavishly appointed with traditionally inspired furnishings and rich carpets. Located in forty acres of jasmine scented gardens, Mena House Oberoi has played host to kings and emperors, Heads of State and celebrities. Its royal history is reflected in luxurious interiors that are embellished with exquisite antiques, handcrafted furniture and rich textiles. A variety of international as well as Egyptian cuisine is on offer at the excellent restaurants and bars in the hotel.  This hotel features a 9 hole golf course, spa, outdoor pool, many restaurants and spectacular views of the pyramids which are overlooking this beautiful hotel.

+ - Sonesta St George Cruise Ship

The Sonesta St. George Nile Cruise has 47 deluxe cabins and 10 suites. All the suites and cabins include en-suite bathrooms equipped with spa unit, including steam bath, Jacuzzi and water massage, double-glass panoramic French windows, plasma screen TV, equipped with the latest technology and featuring a live sailing channel wireless Internet access, direct-dial telephone, climate control, mini bar and safe. This 5 star cruise ship is noted as one of the most elegant ships on the Nile. The St. George offers a full-service spa & wellness centre with gym, massage services, sauna and steam bath, main dining room, bars (sun deck & Piano bar), lounges, oversize pool with shallow water extension and Jacuzzi, table tennis and nightly entertainment.

Additional Information

*Should local conditions necessitate, we reserve the right to change the sequence of the itinerary, flight schedule and substitute accommodations within the same or higher category.

+- Inclusions

Features & Services

Included

  • Airport Meet & Greet

    We'll meet you at Cairo airport upon your arrival. Driver gratuity is awarded at your discretion.

  • Airport & Hotel Transfers

    We'll provide reliable transportation to and from the airport to your hotel/Nile Cruise in Cairo, Luxor & Aswan. We'll ensure you depart on time, and arrive safely and comfortably from one destination to the next.

  • 5 Nights Accommodations

    We provide you with overnight accommodations for 5 nights with private en-suite facilities, as described in your selected itinerary.

  • Included Meals

    We provide you with the meals as described in the daily itinerary. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions in advance.

  • Driver & Guides

    Our professional guides are at your service. We guarantee our guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help you. All our local guides and drivers speak English fluently.

  • Local Fees & Taxes

    We cover applicable entrance fees for sightseeing and excursions as described in the itinerary. We cover applicable local government taxes and service charges on accommodations and transportation.

  • Air conditioning

    Included in your rooms and transportation. Carrying plenty of drinking water is recommended.

Not Included

  • International & Domestic Airfare, Airport Taxes & Fees

    Our price are inclusive of land arrangements only. See our Air & Land Inclusive collection for packages that include airfare. Airport taxes and security related fees are subject to change with or without notice.

  • Meals not described on the itinerary

    Food and beverages not described in the itinerary may be purchased as needed.

  • Tips & Gratuities

    Tips and gratuities to drivers, guides, hotel/camp and restaurant staff shall be awarded at your discretion.

  • Hotel & Room Services

    We provide overnight accommodations as described in the itinerary. Hotel or room services enjoyed during your stay that are not described in the itinerary are additional.

  • Personal Items & Services

    Items or services of a personal nature, such as telephone/Internet usage, laundry, gifts, or transportation not described in the itinerary are additional.

  • Optional tours or excursions

    Time permitting, any optional tours or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary may be enjoyed at your own expense.

+- Booking

Domestic Flights

Inter-Egypt airfare Cairo - Aswan and Luxor - Cairo is additional.  Rate is CAD$310 per person.

Optional Abu Simbel Tour

A tour of Abu Simbel can be added to this trip, at an additional cost.  Please contact us for details

Dates & Pricing

We offer several packages for this tour. The package price varies by selected accommodations. The itinerary is the same for each package.

Display prices in Hide this box

+-Moderate

For Travel Dates Between:

Price:

Single Room Supplement:

May 1 - September 30, 2011

October 1 - December 22, 2011

December 23, 2011 - January 4, 2012

January 5 - March 31, 2012

 
Per person, based on double twin room occupancy.
For single room occupancy when joining a minimum of 2 passengers.
+-First Class A

For Travel Dates Between:

Price:

Single Room Supplement:

May 1 - September 30, 2011

October 1 - December 22, 2011

December 23, 2011 - January 4, 2012

January 5 - March 31, 2012

 
Per person, based on double twin room occupancy.
For single room occupancy when joining a minimum of 2 passengers.
+-First Class B

For Travel Dates Between:

Price:

Single Room Supplement:

May 1 - September 30, 2011

October 1 - December 22, 2011

December 23, 2011 - January 4, 2012

January 5 - March 31, 2012

 
Per person, based on double twin room occupancy.
For single room occupancy when joining a minimum of 2 passengers.
+-Deluxe

For Travel Dates Between:

Price:

Single Room Supplement:

May 1 - September 30, 2011

October 1 - December 22, 2011

December 23, 2011 - January 4, 2012

January 5 - March 31, 2012

 
Per person, based on double twin room occupancy.
For single room occupancy when joining a minimum of 2 passengers.
+-Premium

For Travel Dates Between:

Price:

Single Room Supplement:

May 1 - September 30, 2011

October 1 - December 22, 2011

December 23, 2011 - January 4, 2012

January 5 - March 31, 2012

 
Per person, based on double twin room occupancy.
For single room occupancy when joining a minimum of 2 passengers.

Booking Details

Departures

Join in Cairo on Thursday’s.(minimum of 2 passengers)