Investment
- Twinshare – $4285 AUD
- Single Room – $4825 AUD
- 9 - 17 October 2023
- 8 Nights / 9 Days
- Weather 18 - 35 C
- Fitness - Medium
- Price Range - $$$
Cairo/Aswan/Nile River/Luxor/Cairo
From the enigmatic aura of the Sphinx to the imposing glory of the Pyramids, imagine stepping into the Land of the Pharaohs and discovering the exotic charms of evocative Egypt with our wonderful Egyptologist.
Can you see yourself relaxing on the deck of our river boat cruising the Nile, sipping mint tea after just having had a blissful massage, wondering if this is what Cleopatra felt like!
Picture yourself in the souks with the colours and smells of an ancient world shopping for cotton, alabaster and jewellery. Or visiting one of the local perfumeries and learning about the healing wonders of different herbs and flowers, whilst stocking up on beautiful oils.
Walk with us through the ancient wonders – Valley of the Kings, King Tut’s Tomb, and the Temple of Karnak. This is a world only imagined in your wildest dreams and we have created the ultimate package to Egypt that will enchant and capture your heart during your trip but also for many years to come.
Trip Highlights
- Cairo – Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau, Necropolis of Saqqara, Egyptian Museum
- Nile cruising
- Edfu – Temple of Horus
- Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
- Aswan – Philae Temple and River Nile
- Kom Ombo – Temple of Kom Ombo
- Luxor – Temple of Karnak
- Abu Simbel Temple
- Luxor Temple
Your Host - Suzanne Weller
Hi ..I’m Suzanne,
I first went to Egypt with my mum in 1991 & I’ve been many, many times since. I actually lived in Luxor for a period of my life, which was astounding!!
I love history in all forms; ancient, family & local. So travelling to the Middle East & Egypt in particular is my happy place. I also love slow travel & sitting in a coffee shop, reading & people watching is my kind of relaxation. I enjoy an early morning walk, a good stretch & have massages everywhere I travel. I’m also a lover of cats, cows & food… I believe we are all works in progress.
I believe people the world over want peace, safety & love. I believe the Universe will work its magic so best to embrace it. I am committed to encouraging women to travel, be brave & feel safe.
The 10 Ancient Wonders of Egypt
1. Grand Designs
The original grand design – monumental and magnificent – the Pyramids of Giza are an impressive achievement in ancient engineering. Towering above the desert sands and standing proudly for centuries, the first glimpse of these stunning structures will render visitors breathless.
2. Stony Enigma
Be captivated by the mysterious aura of the Great Sphinx of Giza. This monolithic mythical beast possesses a lion’s body and a human head – and has sat quietly in the desert sands for eons. Gaze at the Sphinx and try to work out the riddle of its existence.
3. Mighty Nile River
No trip to Egypt is complete without visiting the Nile River – the life force of Egypt that has flowed for centuries. A provider of irrigation, an essential travel route, home crocodiles, and now a source of leisure for locals and travellers alike, the Nile is an aquatic link to Egypt’s ancient heritage.
4. Terrific Temples
Discover an enormous open-air museum like no other. The awe-inspiring Temples of Karnak are filled with stately statues, immense columns and gigantic gateways. Explore this intriguing site and be left in no doubt about the brilliance of the ancient Egyptian civilisation.
5. Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel in Upper Egypt was saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, growing behind the Aswan Dam, in a massive archaeological rescue plan sponsored by UNESCO in the 1960s. The complex of temples dedicated to the Pharaoh Ramsis II “the Great” remain an evocative and unforgettable destination.
6. Double Happiness
Located in the Nile Valley, the unique Temple of Kom Ombo is a ‘double temple’ and a rare archaeological find. Dedicated to two gods, a visit here is a true highlight of an Egyptian escapade. Marvel at the well-preserved wall reliefs, try to decipher the hieroglyphics and honour the craftsmen who created this wonder.
7. Museum Magic
Step into a dazzling world of antiquity at the Egyptian Museum. Be amazed by the glittering treasures recovered from King Tutankhamun’s tomb – with jewellery, furniture, chariots and that famous gold funerary mask, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife.
8. Spectacular Souqs
Aswan Souk is a colorful bazaar that offers Egyptian and African goods. Locally known as Sharia as-Souq, it is the cheapest place to buy souvenirs in Aswan. Located about four blocks from the Nile and running about 7 blocks in parallel to the river, the bazaar has plenty of Egyptian and African goods. Traders sell a wide variety of goods such as perfumes, peanuts, henna powder, dried hibiscus flowers, spices, T-shirts and custom made Ancient Egyptian styled souvenirs.
9. Colossal Characters
Near the modern city of Luxor stand the imposing Colossi of Memnon. These massive stone statues of Amenhotep III, while badly damaged, still maintain an unmistakable air of authority. Stand below them and be dwarfed by the scale of these tremendous figures.
10. The Ancient Heart of Cairo
Wander the cobbled streets of Islamic Cairo and uncover the ancient heart of this chaotic city. Admire mosques, palaces and houses, and peruse the goods on offer at one of the world’s oldest bazaars. Dating back to medieval times, the Khan al-Khalili bazaar is where people have traded goods for centuries.
A $500 Deposit is required to secure your spot on this tour. The remainder is due 75 days prior to departure.
*If you combine Egypt and Jordan tours you receive a $200 discount. The discount is already applied on the booking form.
Inclusions
- Meet and greet service by our representatives at airport
- All transfers to/from airport & hotel by a private air-conditioned vehicle (up to 1 day before and or after the trip).
- Accommodation for 2 night in Cairo including breakfast.
- Accommodation for 3 nights on Nile cruise on full board.
- Accommodation for 2 nights in Luxor including breakfast.
- All sightseeing tours in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan as mentioned in the itinerary
- All sightseeing tours on the cruise are private guided tours.
- Flight
- Entrance fees to all sites as indicated on the itinerary, including Abu Simbel
- English-speaking tour guide during your tours.
- Breakfast at hotel, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner on Nile Cruise
- Tips for all services as per the itinerary except the tour guide.
What is not included
- International Airfare.
- Entry visa to Egypt obtained for most countries on arrival. For Australia it is approx $25USD. Check this link for more details.
- Personal spending, including lunches and dinners not on the boat or train.
- The train is overnight and takes 12 hours and is bumpy and included, also includes dinner and breakfast. Flying costs $200AUD for a twinshare room per person and $300 for a single room. This includes flight and extra nights accommodation and breakfast.
- Air Balloon riding Approx. $150USD
- Entry to the new Grand Cairo and Luxor Museums if they are open and time allows
- Drinks throughout the tour. Please note that only in hotels and on our cruise will alcohol be available. Beer and wine is the most affordable option. Bring some duty free and purchase mixers to save money.
- Tip for our tour guide. We suggest $15AUD per day per person, however I have always felt it is based on ‘reward for service’ and relative to how much you enjoyed the tour.
- Travel Insurance (which is compulsory) is not included
Requirements:
This tour has a lot of walking and requires a moderate level of fitness. There are steep stairs, uneven roads and getting on and off boats. Sites are large and sometimes hot, you may need to walk several kilometers around a single site and do two in a day. You need to be fairly fit to attend this tour.
Itinerary
Pre-Arrivals 8 Oct
Day 1 - 9 Oct
Day 2 - 10 Oct
Day 3 - 11 Oct
Day 4 - 12 Oct
Day 5 - 13 Oct
Day 6 - 14 Oct
Day 7 - 15 Oct
Day 8 - 16 Oct
Day 9 - 17 Oct
Pre-Arrivals 8 Oct
**Please arrive 1 day before the start of our tour so you can settle in and be ready to commence at 10am on the first day.
*Please note Early birds can stay the night before for $350AUD per room single and $200 twinshare per person. Airport transfers will be included up to one day before and one day after the end of the trip. If you arrive early you can take the opportunity to relax and recover from the flight. If you choose to stay at another hotel the night before the start of the trip please arrange arrival with us by 9am so we can store your bags for the day and be ready to depart for our first tour by 10am! We will collect you from your hotel.
If staying at the hotel of our choice our representative will meet and assist you upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, then he will escort you to your hotel in Cairo by an air-conditioned deluxe vehicle. Check in time is from 2pm. Introductions are at 6pm in the bar. If arriving before this you may still use the hotel facilities until your room is ready to check in.
Hotel: Steigenberger Pyramids
Address: Cairo – Alexandria Desert Rd, Kafr Nassar, Pyramids, Giza Governorate 3515011, Egypt
Phone: +20 2 33772555
Day 1 - 9 Oct
Welcome to Egypt – Cairo Museum and Khan El Khalili Markets
Day 1 is dedicated to orienting ourselves to Egypt and the best way to do this is through visiting the Museum. At the time of writing this we are planning to visit the “Cairo Museum”, however if the new “Grand Egyptian Museum” we will visit that instead. Either way it is totally awesome!
In the afternoon we visit the famous and full on Khan El Khalili Markets. This is a shopping initiation of fire, jewellery, T-Shirts, gallabiyahs and lots of trinkets.
Dinner at a local Egyptian Restaurant. *Self-pay
Overnight – Cairo – Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel Giza
Day 2 - 10 Oct
Pyramids of Giza Sphinx & Saqqara
10am today we proceed to the spectacular Giza Plateau to visit the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren and Mykerinus – the famous Sphinx and Valley Temple facing the great statue, prepare to be amazed. This is what you have waited your whole life for!
Then we move to the visit Sakkara Complex and first pyramid ever built (Djoser Pyramid). I had never heard of this complex before but found it totally fascinating. We will lunch at a lovely outdoor restaurant under the date palms.
This evening you will either catch the overnight train or *fly to Aswan. The train takes approximately 12 hours and you will be served dinner and breakfast to your cabin. Each person will have their own cabin with skinny single bed and wash basin (even the twinshare people). There are shared toilets but no showers. The beds are narrow. But it is only for one night and gets us in nice and early for Aswan and our Nile cruise. *Please note this train is a real rattler due to the tracks and age of the train if you don’t mind be jolted around all night go for it, just put in your earplugs and buckle yourself in, otherwise please choose the fly and hotel stay options at an extra cost.
Overnight train or fly from Cairo to Aswan
Meals: Breakfast (and Dinner if on train)
Day 3 - 11 Oct
Aswan – Nile Cruise Tours
Those who caught the train will arrive to Aswan at 9am and start the day with a visit to Philae Temple (The Temple of Isis). Afterwards we head to our Nile River Cruise and a nice hot shower! Spend the afternoon relaxing on deck and then in the evening we sharpen our bargaining skills at Aswan Markets. Have you always wanted to try a shisha? Tonight’s the night!
Overnight – Nile Floating Hotel – Concerto or similar (This boat is docked overnight with other boats in Aswan on The Nile River)
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight – Aswan
Day 4 - 12 Oct
Aswan – Nile River – Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo
At 4.00am we depart for Abu Simbel, the famous the rock-cut temple of King Ramses II, the Great Builder. You will be given a breakfast box and can nap in the bus on the way. It is a 6-hour return trip. Keep in mind though that if you look out the window to the desert you may see a mirage. Return to our Nile Cruise for dinner and relax in the bar with a cool drink. At sunset we visit the Temple shared by two gods Sobek & Haeroris in Kom Ombo, this temple has a fascinating story and wonderful hieroglyphics
*Warning there could be Cleopatra like dress ups tonight and dancing, be prepared!
Overnight – Nile Floating Hotel – Concerto or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - 13 Oct
Cruising and Edfu Temple
This morning we sail on to Edfu and after an early start we visit the well preserved Horus Temple in Edfu. This Ptolemaic temple, built between 237 and 57 BC, is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Egypt. Preserved by desert sand, which filled the place after the pagan cult was banned, the temple is dedicated to Horus, the avenging son of Isis and Osiris. With its roof intact, it is also one of the most atmospheric of ancient buildings. This temple can only be accessed by horse and carriage, if this is not your thing, we suggest you enjoy a sleep in.
Spend the afternoon on the top deck or in your room watching the mighty Nile River float by and being mesmerised by her calm beauty. Around 2 hours after departing from Edfu we will go through the Nile Lock, this is a great feat of engineering and you can watch from the top deck as the we get “Locked In” and the water drains so we can meet the water level on the other side, great fun.
Overnight – Nile Floating Hotel – Concerto or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 - 14 Oct
Valley of the Kings
Have your breakfast on board before disembarkation, then visit the West Bank and the Valley of the Kings, The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at El-Deir El-Bahari & the Colossi of Memnon. After this we transfer to our hotel overlooking the River and the City.
This afternoon we have time for a swim and drink by the pool to watch the sunset over the valley of the kings.
Overnight Luxor – Sonesta St George – Nile side view room
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - 15 Oct
Temple of Karnak (optional Hot Air Balloon)
Early morning, an optional tour to the West Bank to enjoy air balloon riding. From our hotel take the motor boat to the west bank, then you will be transferred to the take off area where you are going to start your balloon ride in the sky of the biggest open-air museum (Luxor). Everyone who has done this activity has descirbed it as one of the best things they have ever done in their lives. Luxor from the sky is truly spectacular. The balloon ride takes 45 minutes, before you land again, to catch your pick-up and return to your hotel for breakfast.
Today you have the option for some shopping in Luxor at the market and tonight we visit Luxor Temple beautiful by day but spectacular by night. It was built by Amunhotep III in 18th Dynasty in the New Kingdom and it was completed by Ramesses II during the 19th Dynasty. Enjoy visiting Obelisk of Ramses II in front of the 1st Pylon.
Overnight Luxor – Sonesta St George – Nile side view room
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - 16 Oct
Luxor to Cairo
This morning after a leisurely breakfast we visit the colossal Temple of Karnak, with its stone-columned Hypostyle Hall. The huge Temple of Karnak complex in Luxor was one of ancient Egypt’s grandest and most ambitious building projects. Its multiple temple buildings are monuments to a history-book roll call of pharaohs who all wanted to stamp their seal on their kingdom’s most revered religious sanctuary. This was the house of the gods, and its glories were to be feted by all; its sanctity remembered every year in the ancient Egyptian’s Festival of Opet when the statues of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu were paraded out of Karnak to Luxor Temple. Today, the awesome wonder that the ancients must have felt when first entering this complex of colossal statues and staggering columns still remains for the travelers who flock here. The Pharaonic kingdoms may be long gone, but their power lives on in this triumphant testament of stone.
Head to Luxor airport and head back to Cairo. We are staying at a hotel in the airport so can spend the afternoon relaxing and repacking before our farewell dinner.
Overnight – Cairo – Le Meridien Airport Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - 17 Oct
Departure Cairo
Check out after breakfast at your hotel in Cairo and transfer to Cairo Airport for final departure or be taken to your next destination. Please note airport transfers are included up to one day before and one day after the completion of the trip. Outside of these time you will need to arrange airport transfers with your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
You can add the Jordan tour to the Egypt Tour on the reservation form
If you want to make the most of your adventure you can join us after this trip for our Jordan Adventure. This will offer you the opportunity to extend your stay in the Middle East , with a small group, we provide safe, tailormade women’s only tours. Visit Amman, Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi rum and Aqaba. The highlights of Jordan and #1 on Lonely Planets must visit list for 2023. These are truly once in a lifetime adventures.
5/5
"Enchanting it was thanks to Tammie and Vibrant Women!. From the wonderful and diverse accommodation. The guides that kept us so much entertained and enlightened by so much history.
I loved every minute, vitising the temples and tombs, museums and even the rattly train, to then board our beautiful riverboat on the Nile. So well organised and even thought the days were full, Tammie arranges necessary time for all to relax. Without hesitation I would recommend Vibrant Women Travel to anyone wanting an adventure without the stress. Thank you Tammie once again.
I loved every minute, vitising the temples and tombs, museums and even the rattly train, to then board our beautiful riverboat on the Nile. So well organised and even thought the days were full, Tammie arranges necessary time for all to relax. Without hesitation I would recommend Vibrant Women Travel to anyone wanting an adventure without the stress. Thank you Tammie once again.
Cathy
5/5
"What I experienced on my holiday with "Vibrant Women"was beyond my expectations.
Tammie was kind, generous, calm, organised, knowledgeable, with a great sense of humour, (had us in tears laughing).
We had comfortable accommodation and a delicious choise of restaurants every day.
It was the most amazing trip and I highly recommend.
I had the best time ever and am planning on joining Tammie on another adventure soon! "
Tammie was kind, generous, calm, organised, knowledgeable, with a great sense of humour, (had us in tears laughing).
We had comfortable accommodation and a delicious choise of restaurants every day.
It was the most amazing trip and I highly recommend.
I had the best time ever and am planning on joining Tammie on another adventure soon! "
Sharna
Trip Notes
Cancellation Policy
Fly or train from Cairo to Aswan?
Add Jordan to your Egypt Tour
Weather
Important Guest Information Form
Trip Notes
The Trip Notes on this link are always the most up to date version. When booking a tour in advance things can change, please always refer to these notes on the website as the most recent version of trip notes for your tour.
Cancellation Policy
Up until 75 days before the start of the tour a $500 non-refundable deposit will be retained. For between 75 days and 45 days, 50% of the final payment, this is in addition to the non refundable deposit will be forfeited. For less than 45 days or for no shows the entire amount will be retained as we would have already had to pay for accommodation, transport, flights and activities, and this money will not be returned to us. Once the tour has commenced no monies will be returned to you. This is why travel insurance is compulsory.
Fly or train from Cairo to Aswan?
The train is overnight and takes 12 hours and is bumpy and included, also includes dinner and breakfast. Flying costs $200AUD for a twinshare room per person and $300 for a single room. This includes flight and extra nights accommodation and breakfast. *If we do not have a twinshare person for you to share with the single room rate will apply, we hope you understand.
Add Jordan to your Egypt Tour
JORDAN Tour 17 – 24 October 2023
You can add the Jordan tour on the booking page. If you combine both tours you receive a $200 discount. This has been applied already in the booking price.
You can view the webpage HERE
Weather
October/November it is autumn in Egypt, it is generally comfortable, a little warm by day up to 35°C with an average night time temperature of 18°C. Temperatures rarely fluctuate by more than a few degrees either side of the long-term average, and the daily weather is reliably dry and sunny.
Important Guest Information Form
Please complete and return your important guest information form to us 60 days before departure. Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions
Cairo International Airport.
There are no direct long-distance flights to Cairo from Australia or the USA, you will have to stop on the way. Egypt is easy to access from the UK and Europe. Check www.skyscanner.com for your options.
We use Kerstin Rheinlander for our flights. Contact details : Mobile: 0448 958 366 Phone: 1-300-024-856 Email: kerstin.rheinlander@travelmanagers.com.au
Website: https://www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/KerstinRheinlander
Facebook: @TravelManagersKerstinRheinlander Instagram: @travelmanagers_kerstinr
Kerstin charges a small fee for booking your flights. You need to fill in a form to let her know your details. You can contact Kerstin on the above details or view more information on her page on our website HERE
Flights usually around $2000AUD return approx.
ARRVIAL – Please arrive 1 day before the start of our tour so you can settle in and be ready to commence at 10am on the first day. This is the 8th of October 2023.
*Please note Early birds can stay the night before for $350AUD per room single and $200 twinshare per person. Airport transfers will be included up to one day before and one day after the end of the trip. If you arrive early you can take the opportunity to relax and recover from the flight. If you choose to stay at another hotel the night before the start of the trip please arrange arrival with us by 9am so we can store your bags for the day and be ready to depart for our first tour by 10am! We will collect you from your hotel.
If staying at the hotel of our choice our representative will meet and assist you upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, then he will escort you to your hotel in Cairo by an air-conditioned deluxe vehicle. Check in time is from 2pm. Introductions are at 6pm in the bar. If arriving before this you may still use the hotel facilities until your room is ready to check in.
Hotel: Steigenberger Pyramids
Address: Cairo – Alexandria Desert Rd, Kafr Nassar, Pyramids, Giza Governorate 3515011, Egypt
Phone: +20 2 33772555
DEPARTURE – Please arrange your departure for the last day for anytime. This is the 17 of October. Please note check out is 12pm.
Hotel: Le Meridien Cairo Airport
Located in: Cairo International Airport
Address: Sheraton Al Matar, El Nozha, Cairo Governorate 4475001, Egypt
Phone: +20 2 22659600
We have both single and twinshare rooms available. The single room has the supplement included. If you choose twinshare and are not travelling with a friend we will do our best to find you a roommate however in the event noone else is seeking a twinshare roommate then the single room rate will apply. We hope you understand. *Please note that snorers, smokers or people who wear CPAP machines when sleeping must disclose this when booking as this could impact other peoples sleep and they need to be aware of this. **Also please note we cannot guarantee compatibility of roommates, for example you may be of different ages or nationalities, however mostly when we do match people up they get on well and its only for a short period of time. Some people have even made lifelong friendships.
Our groups are usually between 12 and 18 participants. These are ideal numbers as they are small enough to be manageable and intimate but large enough for diversity and fun!
All Egyptian meals start with “salads” which we might call dips – baba ganoush, hummus, tahini with pita bread and olives, yum! Then its pretty mush a meat, chicken and fish fest, flame grilled kebabs or you can have a tagine. Some of the yummy local food include koshari made with rice and legumes and kebabs, no need to wait until 3am in the morning these are a delicious snack for all hours. Sweets are very sweet and often fragrant. During the Nile Cruise all meals are included and are buffet style so plenty of selection.
*Please note on these tours we are unable to accommodate complex dietary requirements or allergies. We have tried to in the past however local people do not understand the requirements and we don’t want to be responsible for people being unwell and we just can’t guarantee that the kitchens will get it right. I have to say meat eaters find it easier and have more variety than vegetarians in Egypt as they are predominantly a meat eating country. On most menus you can also find pasta and soups, unfortunately fresh salads are rare as these vegetables cannot be grown locally. *Only drink bottled water
Yes you do require a visa which at the moment is $25USD (please bring this in cash with you in $USD currency) and we purchase it at the airport on arrival, it is super easy. You do also require a passport valid for more than 6 months and a return or exiting plane ticket.
Q. I have never travelled to a an exotic country like Egypt before, will I experience culture shock?
Yes but in the very best way. Egypt is extremely old, beautiful and full of history. The people are predominately Arabs and very friendly. There are however lots of hawkers or touts which can become tiresome. Always remain polite and respectful and your trip should be a pleasant one. Like most Muslim countries you will see a lot more men than women, as women are predominantly at home. Egypt is a modern, cosmopolitan country in many ways and people really want to encourage tourists and do their best to accommodate us. *Please wear appropriate clothing for a Muslim country ie cover shoulders and knees.
Well, that depends on your shopping habits! You will need to allocate around $20 per meal lunches and dinners and then add on extra for personal spending. Alcohol is always more expensive in countries where people don’t drink and is taxed highly. I tell people to bring around $500USD to change on arrival to Cairo, you can do this at the airport or our hotel. Then bring a credit card for the other larger spending and you can also use ATM’s.
Yep, you sure can. We can arrange extra nights and airport transfers for you just discuss with us. If you wish to stay longer to see more sights please send us your desired itinerary and we can get our ground staff to price it for you with a guide. Please note this will be independent travel, ie a Vibrant Women representative will not be with you.
Our dedicated Travel Manager Kerstin can also help you, please see above “Arranging Flights”.
Yes, I think that is a great idea.
You don’t know me and I want you to! Please view previous testimonial here to get an idea of what our past guest have to say about us and also if you just flick me an email to tammie@vibrantwomen.com.au I will arrange a time to call you or just give me a call – (+61) 0459247122 this works for Whatsapp too.
Great! You can just complete the registration form on the link above. The deposit is $500AUD, this is because we need to book flights, accommodation and pay deposits for transport, guides etc., well in advance. The remainder is to be paid 75 days prior to the start of the tour. Our payment system is automated and once you book you will have a manage booking log in where you can make additional payments at any time.
