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Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Pharaohs with an exploration of Egypt and thousands of years of history. Visit the site of Saqqara and the first ever pyramids built in Egypt. Get a sense of the massive scale of the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx on the Giza Plateau. Enjoy a tour of the new Grand Egyptian Museum, which covers more than 5,000 years of history and houses the famous relics buried with child pharaoh Tutankhamun. Embark on a relaxing cruise along the Nile River, visiting temples and the Valley of the Kings along the way, followed by a journey to Abu Simbel to see the iconic rock relief carvings of Ramesses II.
Inclusions
Return economy international flights from Adelaide with Qatar Airways
Domestic economy flights within Egypt, from Cairo to Luxor and from Aswan to Cairo
8 nights superior accommodation in Cairo and Aswan
4 night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan
Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
Sightseeing as per itinerary with applicable entry fees
Complimentary water during tours
27 meals
Escorted from Adelaide by a Phil Hoffmann Travel representative
Services of local professional English-speaking driver and guides
Pre-departure function and tour documentation
Bonus $50 pp discount or wheel-aboard suitcase (1 per booking)
Welcome to Cairo! After landing in Egypt’s capital, transfer to the hotel, ideally located close to the Pyramids of Giza, and settle in. This evening, enjoy dinner aboard a floating restaurant with live local entertainment. (D)
Day 3: Friday 18 September
Giza Plateau
This morning visit the Giza Plateau to view the Pyramids, built around 2600 BC. Begin with the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the oldest of the Ancient Wonders of the World, that stood as the tallest human-made structure for over 3800 years. Move on to the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, before visiting the Valley Temple of Khafre and the enigmatic Great Sphinx. There will be an opportunity to enter one of the pyramids (at your own expense), depending which is open on the day. (B, L)
Day 4: Saturday 19 September
Memphis and Saqqara
After breakfast head out to the sites of Memphis and Saqqara. Memphis was once the capital of Upper Egypt, and now exists as an open-air museum. View the 10-metre-long statue of Ramesses II (its twin now stands at the entrance of the Grand Egyptian Museum), and other temple relics of this bygone era. For generations Saqqara served as the necropolis for the rulers of Memphis. See an Old Kingdom Mastaba Tomb, and the Step Pyramid of Djoser, precursors of the more modern Pyramids at Giza. After lunch nearby, visit the Red Pyramid of Dahshur. This is the third largest pyramid in Egypt and believed to be the first completed smooth sided pyramid. Over the years, the smooth limestone covering has been repurposed for other structures and the red coloured limestone blocks left exposed. (B, L)
Day 5: Sunday 20 September
Grand Egyptian Museum
Today spend some time visiting the recently completed Grand Egyptian Museum. After taking more than a decade to complete construction, it is the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilisation over a 5,000 year period. More than 100,000 artifacts will be displayed, including the complete King Tutankhamun collection of over 5,000 pieces. (B)
Day 6: Monday 21 September
Cairo to Luxor
This morning fly from Cairo to Luxor and transfer to the Sonesta Moon Goddess cruise ship for a 4 night stay. Later visit Karnak and Luxor Temples. The Karnak Temple complex is one of the most significant and largest religious structures ever built in Egypt. Construction initially began around 1970 BC and continued until around 300 BC. Continue to Luxor Temple, constructed in around 1400 BC, which differs from most as it is not dedicated to a god or pharaoh. (B, L, D)
Stay: Sonesta Moon Goddess – 4 nights*
Day 7: Tuesday 22 September
Nile Cruise
After breakfast head out to the Valley of the Kings where rock-cut tombs for pharaohs were excavated over a 500 year period. Here you have the opportunity to enter some of the temples, many of which still have coloured paint adorning the walls and ceilings. Later continue to the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, a masterpiece of ancient architecture set into the surrounding cliff face. Pause for a photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon on the way back to the ship before sailing for Edfu. Disembark in Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best preserved shrines in Egypt. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Wednesday 23 September
Nile Cruise
Sail today to Kom Ombo. The Temple of Kom Ombo is unique in being dedicated to two different gods. The south half of the temple is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, and the north half dedicated to the falcon god Haroeris. Continue cruising south to Aswan. During the cruise there is likely to be a gallabiyah party where guests are invited to dress Egyptian-style. Clothes can be bought inexpensively in local markets, and sometimes onboard the ship. (B, L, D)
Day 9: Thursday 24 September
Nile Cruise
After breakfast visit the Aswan High Dam, built to better control flooding of the Nile River, provide increased water storage for irrigation and generating hydroelectric power. Later visit the Temple of Philae, relocated from further down the river to preserve it from flooding caused by construction of Aswan Dam. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Friday 25 September
Aswan
Disembark the cruise ship this morning and travel by road to Abu Simbel on the shore of Lake Nasser. Visit the Sun Temple of Ramesses II with the 4 giant seated figures of the pharaoh at the entrance. Next door is the Hathor temple of Nefertari, the chief wife of Ramesses. Later travel back to Aswan for lunch in a local Nubian restaurant and enjoy a free afternoon. (B, L)
Stay: Isis Hotel Aswan – 2 nights*
Day 11: Saturday 26 September
Aswan
Enjoy relaxing at the hotel this morning, or take an optional tour to visit a local Nubian Village with an included lunch. This afternoon sail on a traditional felucca on the Nile, viewing Elephantine and Kitchener’s Islands and the Aga Khan Mausoleum from the river. (B, D)
Day 12: Sunday 27 September
Aswan to Cairo
This morning fly from Aswan to Cairo. Visit Old Cairo to see the Coptic Hanging Church and the nearby St Sergius Church. After lunch, transfer to the hotel. (B, L)
Stay: Concorde Swiss Hotel – 2 nights*
Day 13: Monday 28 September
Cairo
Enjoy some free time today. Visit the Khan el Khalili Bazaar for some retail therapy. The Bazaar is home to many artisans and workshops, produces traditional crafts and souvenirs, and frequented by locals and tourists alike. (B, D)
Day 14: Tuesday 29 September
Depart Cairo
After breakfast transfer to Cairo Airport to begin the journey home via Doha.
Day 15: Wednesday 30 September
Arrive Adelaide
Arrive in Adelaide late this afternoon.
*or similar
Dates/Pricing
Depart
Twin Share
Solo Traveller
16 September 2026
From $13,199 pp
From $16,099 pp
Advertised price is based on per person twin share. Departures from other capital cities available. Only One Exclusive Groups Booking Bonus is offered per booking. Subject to minimum numbers.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
