Day 1| Departure from Canada
International flight

Day 2| Arrival in Cairo
Arrival at Cairo international airport. Meet our representative, pick up your luggage and then hop on a private transfer to your hotel. Dinner at own expense and overnight in hotel.

Day 3| Cairo - The Pyramids, Memphis and Saqqara
First breakfast, and then you are off for a full day of discovery, accompanied by your private driver and guide. You start the day with the famed pyramids of the Giza plateau. Watched over by the famous solitary sphinx with a lion's body, the three great pyramids of Giza stand tall: Cheops, Khafre, and Menkaure. Entrance to one of the pyramids is included as well as lunch at a local restaurant, and there's an optional camelback ride on the plateau. In the afternoon you visit Memphis and Sakkara, just outside Cairo. Memphis is a well-known ancient funeral site and was excavated and exhumed by the desert sands, which gradually revealed Sakkara and its necropolis. The eleven pyramids, countless mastabas and isolated Coptic monastery cover an area stretching over more than 7 km from north to south, representing more than 3500 years of Egyptian civilization. In the center of the site sits the pyramid of Djoser, the first ever built and also the first great stone monument ever erected by man. Return to hotel and dinner of your choice. Overnight at hotel. (B, L)

Day 4| Cairo - The great metropolis
Enjoy your breakfast and then it's another full day of discovery in Cairo. At the Museum of Egyptian antiquities, the works on display on the first floor will take you back in time, each room showcasing the beauty of a different epoch. The Tutankhamun exhibit houses over 1700 objects taken from his famous tomb, discovered west of Thebes in King's Valley, across from the city now known as Luxor. Lunch in a local restaurant is included, after which the tour continues with a visit to the Citadel. Both a palace and an impenetrable fortress, the space inside the Citadel's immense walls is divided into three sections. Entirely Muslim, it includes many mosques and palaces built by succeeding dynasties. The visit continues at Cairo's most famous bazaar: Khan el-Khalili. This place was meant for traders and tourists. In its narrow alleys you can find jewels, copper artifacts, marquetry, pharaoh imitations, semi-precious stones, carpets, blown glass ornaments, and many other souvenirs. The boutiques are still organized by corporation. Go there just to stroll around, bargain, or lose yourself in this exotic market. You can follow this with a stop at the bazaar's famous coffee shop, the al-Fichawi, to sample a tea or a coffee-flavored karkade-truly not to be missed. In the evening, you can opt for a sound and light show at the pyramids of Gaza. (B, L)

Day 5| Cairo - Abu Simbel
Breakfast is followed by a transfer to Cairo airport and your flight to Abu Simbel via Aswan. Once on site, you will be welcomed by your private driver and taken for a visit of the temples of Abu Simbel (as part of a group), complete with an English-speaking guide. The pharaoh Ramesses II built the two temples of Abu Simbel. It is dedicated to himself, to the three great Egyptian gods (Amun, Ra, and Ptah), and to his wife Nefertari. Of all the monuments built by Ramesses II, the great temple is considered the most beautiful and the most imposing. When discovered in 1817 by the Italian archeologist Giovanni Battista Belzoni, the site was almost completely buried in sand. After this visit, settle into your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a sound and light show at the temple of Abu Simbel. Lunch and dinner at your own expense. Overnight in Abu Simbel. (B)

Day 6| Abu Simbel - start of Nasser Lake cruise - Amada
Breakfast at your hotel. Then, transfer to lake Nasser for the start of your cruise. Still today, it remains the world's largest artificial lake. Lunch on board. Stopover in Qasr Ibrim, the only Nubian sanctuary still standing in its original location. Navigate towards Amada. Dinner and overnight on board. (B, L, D)

Day 7| Nasser Lake cruise - Amada, Wadi al-Sebua
Breakfast on board. Visit the oasis of Amada and its temple: its reliefs are considered the finest among all of Nubia's monuments. Close by, the temple of Derr awaits you. This temple was originally dedicated to the rising sun and to Ramesses II and later used as a church during the Coptic era. Lunch on board. The cruise continues with a visit to the tomb of Pennut, which was moved to Aniba. Sail towards Wadi al-Sebua. Dinner and overnight on board. (B, L, D)

Day 8| Nasser Lake cruise - Wadi al-Sebua, Aswan
Breakfast on board. Visit the oasis of Wadi al-Sebua (the Valley of the Lions) and its large Ramesses II temple, followed by the temple of Dakka, dedicated to Thoth, master of time and of the exact sciences, lord of the letters, and to the goddess Tefnut, symbol of divine intelligence. Lunch on the Qsar Ibrim. The ship will then take you in front of a small roman building known as Maharraka temple. Navigate towards Aswan and the High Dam. Dinner and overnight on board. (B, L, D)

Day 9 | Aswan - End of Lake Nasser cruise, start of Nile cruise
Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking from your Nasser Lake cruise. Your private transfer will take you from one cruise ship to the other, so that you can board the second ship right before lunch. Now begins your discovery of the treasures of the Nile, the longest river in Africa. Settle into your quarters and enjoy lunch on the ship.
In the afternoon, join a tour group and visit the High Dam and the temple of Philae, the "Pearl of Egypt", dedicated to the Nubian goddess Isis for over 24 centuries. This temple was built towards the end of ancient Egyptian civilization in the fourth century BC, as were all other buildings on the island: Trajan's kiosk, Hadrian's gate, the temple of Maat-Hathor, and the mammisi. An optional tour aboard a felucca will take you around Elephantine island, from where you can admire Agha Khan Mausoleum. Late afternoon, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception to the sound of traditional Egyptian music. Free time in Aswan, whose touristy yet colorful souk remains very popular. Dinner on the ship. Overnight in Aswan. (B, L, D)

Day 10| Nile cruise - Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna
Breakfast on board. In the morning you head towards Kom Ombo, north of Aswan. Visit the temple of Kom Ombo in the company of your English-speaking guide (as part of a group). Erected right on the shores of the Nile, this unusual temple was dedicated to two divinities: Horus and Sobek. While the southern part of the temple is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, god of fertility and creator of the world, the other part is dedicated to the falcon god Haroeris, also known as Horus the Elder or Horus the Great. The temple's walls and corridors are covered with reliefs, many of which still show traces of color. Lunch on board while the ship takes you to Edfu. Later in the morning, discover the temple of Edfu (as part of a tour group), the Ptolemaic era's best-preserved temple. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, god of the city of Edfu, its buildings are perfect examples of ancient Egyptian religious architecture. At 137 meters long and columns rising to 36m, it is the largest of its kind after Karnak. Built from sandstone, its perfect dimensions bring the harmonious layout to life. Located about 180 km north of Aswan and 105 km south of Luxor on the left bank of the Nile, the site was of great importance in antiquity, as indicated by the archaic necropolis that was found here. Once you are back on board, you have some free time to enjoy the relaxed pace of the cruise while your ship slowly takes you to Esna. Dinner and entertainment. Arrival in Edna, where the boat will spend the night. (B, L, D)

Day 11| Nile cruise - Esna, Luxor; Eastern shore
Breakfast on board followed by a little leisure time. Once you are past the Esna locks, the journey continues north towards Luxor (former Thebes). After lunch, afternoon visit to the majestic Karnak temple complex (as part of a tour group). Dedicated to the god Amun, protector of the pharaohs of the New Empire, the temple of Karnak was the most important place of worship in all Egypt during Thebes'rule. The buildings of this temple complex were built, destroyed, restored, expanded, and decorated by myriad Pharaohs. The site includes a complex of sanctuaries, obelisks, and pylons dedicated to the glory of Egypt's pharaohs. The area covered is gigantic: 1.5 km by 800 m. Impossible to describe, this immense monument must be visited in person in order for its magnitude to truly be felt. From the entrance to the walls of the temple of Amun, you will cross the processional avenue and its ram-headed sphinx, which originally lined a canal linking the temple with the Nile. At the end of the day, discover the temple of Luxor. This is the time of day when the perfection of the columns of Amenhotep III is particularly highlighted. The fertility of the Nile was celebrated on a yearly basis here during the Optet festival.
The temple of Luxor: even though its entrance is proudly guarded by triumphant statues of Ramesses II, this majestic temple was actually built by Amenhotep III. Over the years, many of Egypt's legendary rulers, from Tutankhamun to Alexander the Great, endeavored to improve and heighten this grandiose monument's splendor. Dinner, traditional show and overnight in Luxor. (B, L, D)

Day 12| Nile cruise - Luxor (end of cruise); West bank
After breakfast, you say goodbye to the cruise ship. Then begins a busy day of discovery of the Theban necropolis on the west bank of the Nile. This land of mystery was the domain of the god Osiris during the New Empire. Next, you visit the valley of the pharaoh Kings, whose magnificently decorated tombs tell the story of the voyage of the defunct in the hereafter. This Valley of Kings scrupulously hides its secrets... because the great pyramids built by the pharaohs during previous dynasties were too tempting for thieves. As a result, 26 sovereigns from the XVIIIth to the XXth dynasties decided to have their tombs built in this isolated valley (tombs open to the public may vary). You will also visit Queen Hatshepsut's surprising terraced temple, nestled at the foot of a high limestone cliff. Hatshepsut was Egypt's greatest sovereign. Throughout her 20-year rule, marked by peace and prosperity, she succeeded in fighting off the male heirs to her throne. Partially set in the mountain, her temple is almost 40 m wide. Its rows of colonnades shaped like beehives blend in perfectly with the natural lines and bends of the mountainous backdrop. The temple of Hatshepsut represents an extension of the temple of Mentuhotep II, even though it is considerably larger. Seen from far away, the two temples come together in such a homogenous way that it is impossible to distinguish one from the other. On the way, stop to admire the Colossi of Memnon, two monumental stone statues on the road to the Theban necropolis. They are the last remains of Amenhotep III's gigantic palace of a million years, built during the XVIIIth dynasty. Return to Luxor for lunch and transfer to your hotel. Leisure time for the rest of the day, during which you can explore the bazaars or discover the Luxor Museum. (B)

Day 13| Luxor - Dendera - Abydos
After breakfast, you and your English-speaking guide and driver head north to Dendera, once the main site dedicated to the cult of Hathor in the predynastic period. Hathor was a goddess associated with love, joy, music, protection of the dead, and maternity. The temple of Hathor was the last temple built in the Dendera temple complex, which also contains numerous other smaller buildings, including the temple of Isis, a Coptic basilica, etc. For lunch, a Picnic will be prepared on the way there. You then continue on towards Abydos, one of the most ancient cities in Upper Egypt (in the south), about a dozen kilometers west of the Nile. It is known for its archeological riches, which are among the most important in Egypt. The sacred city of Abydos was once the site of many ancient temples, including a royal necropolis where early pharaohs were laid to rest. Return to Luxor and overnight in your hotel. (B, L)

Day 14| Luxor - Sharm El Sheikh
After breakfast you will be taken to Luxor airport for a flight to Sharm El-Sheikh, via Cairo. Staff welcome at Sharm El-Sheikh airport followed by transfer to your hotel on the shores of the Red Sea. Now begins your downtime and free time in Sharm El-Sheikh, the Sinai's finest resort town. Many visitors from foreign lands come here every year to spend their vacations. Sharm El-Sheikh has two main bays: Naama Bay and Shark Bay. Even though they are 6 km apart, the area and other bays like Tiger Bay and Gardens Bay are developing so fast that they will soon all feel very close to one another. The long, fine sandy beaches once attracted the Israelis living in the peninsula before the Egyptians recovered this part of the Sinai. Since then, the small town developed very fast, so that tourists now come here in droves to enjoy the area’s unmistakable charm. Lunch and dinner at own expense. Overnight in hotel. (B)

Days 15 and 16| Sharm El Sheikh
Free time to enjoy the jewels of the Red Sea and the Sinai Peninsula: snorkeling, scuba diving, excursions to the Sinai desert, R&R on the beach, etc. Meals at your own expense, overnights in hotel.

Day 17| Sharm El Sheikh - Cairo - Alexandria
Breakfast at hotel followed by transfer to Sharm El-Sheikh airport for return flight to Cairo. Your English-speaking guide will greet you there, and then you are off to the Nile delta and the city of Alexandria. On your way there, stop by Wadi Natrum to visit the Coptic monasteries. Dinner at own expense on route. Afternoon arrival in Alexandria. Depending on your arrival time in Alexandria, the visits proposed on day 17 could also be covered in two days (16 and 17). Settle into your hotel and enjoy a dinner of your choice. Overnight in Alexandria (B)

Day 18| Alexandria - Cairo
Breakfast will be followed by a program of visits in the company of your private English-speaking guide. Start with Pompey's majestic and solitary Pillar, made from a single piece of red Aswan granite, which rises to almost 30 m. You will then visit the fascinating catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, tunneled in the bedrock in the 2nd century AD. This is the largest funeral site in all of Egypt, with enough room to house some 300 mortal remains on three underground levels. Next, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inaugurated in October 2002. Inside, the 70 000 m2 reading hall is surrounded by one hundred papyrus-shaped columns made from oxidized copper, on which the ceiling rests. The building also houses a geode containing a conference room, a planetarium equipped with an Imax dome, as well as an archeological museum. At the very end stand the walls of the Qaitbay Citadel. This Mameluke fortress was built in 1480 to replace the famed Lighthouse of Alexandria, which was destroyed by successive earthquakes in the 11th and 14th centuries (exterior visit only). Dinner at own expense during visits. Late afternoon return to Cairo. Settle into your room for your last night in Cairo. (B)

Day 15| Departure from Cairo and return flight back to Canada
Breakfast and, depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Cairo airport and for your return flight back to Montreal. (B)

Symbols: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

** Budgets displayed on this website are provided for information purpose only and do not have any contractual value, Uniktour cannot be held responsible for any consequences related to this information (departure dates are not indicated). Fares are led to change on a regular basis, depending on exchange rates and the fluctuation in the hospitality industry. For a precise quotation, you may click here.

** Fares applying to the on-site itinerary are not subject to applicable GST (TPS) & QST (TVQ). The displayed budget does not include 0.1% FICAV contribution (The Compensation fund for customers of travel agents)

The land portion of the trip includes:
- All private transfers mentioned in the program, with English-speaking accompaniment;
- All visits mentioned in the Cairo program with private English-speaking Egyptologist-guide;
- Abu Simbel temple visit with local English-speaking guide (as part of a tour group);
- All visits mentioned in the Luxor program, with English-speaking Egyptologist guide;
- All visits mentioned in the Alexandria program, with English-speaking Egyptologist guide;
- Entrance for all visits mentioned in the program (including light and sound show in Abu Simbel);
- Road transfer from Abu Simbel to Aswan (internal flight supplement: approx. 125$/person);
- All visits during both cruises, with English-speaking guide (as part of a tour group);
- 3 nights in a 5-star hotel in Cairo, breakfasts included;
- 1 night in a 4-star hotel in Abu Simbel, breakfast included;
- 3 nights in a 5-star cruise on Lake Nasser, from Abu Simbel to Aswan, full board;
- 3 nights in a 5-star cruise on the Nile, from Aswan to Luxor, full board;
- 2 nights in a 5-star hotel in Luxor with view on the Nile, breakfasts included;
- 3 nights in a deluxe 5-star hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh, breakfasts included;
- 1 night in a 5-star hotel in Alexandria, breakfast included;
- 1 night in a 5-star hotel in Cairo, breakfast included, (we suggest a hotel close to the airport);
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B, L, D)

The land portion of the trip does not include:
- International flights;
- All internal flights: Cairo - Aswan + Aswan - Abu Simbel + Luxor – Cairo + Cairo – Sharm El-Sheikh + Sharm El-Sheikh – Cairo;
- Visa fees (25 USD, payable at Cairo airport);
- Tips;
- Travel insurance (medical - cancellation - interruption).
- Anything not mentioned in the "The land portion includes" section above

Next departure dates for this travel