Egypt Encompassed
DURATION: 13 Days
START/END: Cairo
START DATE: 4 Nov 2024
TOUR COST (Twin Share): USD 4995
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: USD 1500
MAX GROUP SIZE: 14
PHYSICAL LEVEL: Moderate
Experience the real Egypt
Egypt holds a special place in the world’s imagination. In a country steeped in history (and a dash of mystery), this immersive Byroads trip takes you into the heart of the ancient world – and will leave you in awe and wonder.
We visit all the unmissable highlights – think the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Valley of the Kings. And delve into this remarkable country’s modern history with visits to the Aswan High Dam, Suez Canal and El Alamein War Cemetery.
You’ll be in good company the entire trip. Local guides with a wealth of knowledge will deepen your adventure. Your Byroads host will support you throughout the trip. And a small bunch of fellow wanderers will create meaningful memories alongside you.
Moments you’ll love
- Cruising along the world’s most famous river over four starry nights
- Discovering a plethora of ancient temples
- Experiencing local hospitality in Aswan
- Getting lost inside the colourful Khan el Khalili Bazar
- Deciphering the hieroglyphics in King Tutankhamun’s tomb
- Learning some traditional Nubian dance moves
Lodgings you’ll adore
- 4-star hotel, right near the Pyramids
- Colourful Nubian villas on the banks of the Nile
- 5-star luxury onboard your Nile cruise ship
DAY 1: CAIRO
Arrive at Cairo Airport and transfer to your hotel | Settle in and meet up with your group in the evening.
Cairo Pyramids Hotel (or similar) – This 4-star hotel, just a stone’s throw from the Pyramids of Giza, features modern rooms with a private terrace and unparalleled views.
DAY 2: CAIRO AND GIZA
Take a guided tour of the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx. Later, travel to Saqqara to see the famous Stepped Pyramid. (B)
Cairo Pyramids Hotel (or similar)
DAY 3: CAIRO
Explore Egypt’s history at the world-famous Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo | Visit the Khan El Khalil Bazaar – where everything is for sale at a haggler’s price | Stop by Ibn Toulon Mosque and the Gayer Anderson Art Museum | Catch the overnight sleeper train to Luxor. (BD)
Overnight sleeper train: – This adventurous, 9-hour ride is the best way to travel from Cairo to Luxor. Two sleep comfortably inside a compartment, with dinner and breakfast served onboard.
DAY 4: LUXOR AND KARNAK
After an early breakfast on board, the train rolls into the Nile port city of Luxor| Be guided through the Karnak and Luxor Temples, two of the world’s most celebrated temple complexes | Board the Nile cruise boat – your home for the next four nights. (BD)
M.S. Le Fayan cruise ship (or similar) – Experience top-line luxury on the world’s most famous river. Every cabin is tastefully appointed, and the common areas feature a full bar, lounge and restaurant serving Egyptian and international cuisine. An outdoor pool completes the experience.
DAY 5: LUXOR AND THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS
Rise early and head into the Valley of the Kings | Wander through Tutankhamun’s tomb and three other royal tombs | Be guided through the ancient Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon | Begin your passage along the Nile and take in the desert landscape as you dine onboard. (BLD)
M.S. Le Fayan cruise ship (or similar)
DAY 6: NILE RIVER, EDFU AND KOMOMBO TEMPLES
Continue your southward cruise along the Nile – with stops at the great temple complexes Edfu and Komombo | Enjoy a drink on board and take a dip in the swimming pool. (BLD)
M.S. Le Fayan cruise ship (or similar)
DAY 7: ASWAN
Arrive in Aswan and take a boat to Philae Temple, a marvel dedicated to the goddess Isis | Wonder at the engineering feat of the Aswan High Dam and enjoy a relaxing sail on a felucca – the traditional way to travel along the Nile River. (BLD)
M.S. Le Fayan cruise ship (or similar)
DAY 8: ABU SIMBEL & ASWAN
Take a short flight to reach the iconic Abu Simbel | Soak up one of Egypt’s most memorable sights: the four colossal statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple | Check in to a boutique hotel in a nearby Nubian village | Enjoy the local’s warm hospitality, traditional cuisine, and dancing! (BD)
Anakato Nubian Houses (or similar) – Overlooking the Nile, Anakato Nubian Houses retain all their traditional style while seamlessly incorporating modern comforts. Generous hospitality, heritage furniture and local art make for an unforgettable stay.
DAY 9: CAIRO, ISMAILIA AND SUEZ CANAL
Take a morning flight to Cairo and travel to nearby Ismailia | View another engineering masterpiece, the Suez Canal. An economic lifeline for Egypt, it’s one of the most important waterways in the world – allowing cargo ships to pass from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea | Return to Cairo and your downtown hotel for the night. (B)
Cosmopolitan Plaza Inn Hotel (or similar) – Designed by a famous Italian architect, this 4-star ‘Downtown’ hotel combines European opulence with Middle Eastern sensibilities. Enjoy all the amenities you need.
DAY 10: EL ALAMEIN AND ALEXANDRIA
Take the desert road to Alexandria and stop at the Commonwealth War Graves at El Alamein. Pay your respect to the thousands of lives lost in the Western Desert campaigns of World War II. (B)
La Metropole Hotel (or similar) – Travel back to the early 1900s in this beautifully restored boutique hotel. A minute’s walk from the hustle and bustle of Alexandria, it boasts a gym, pool, sea views and a rooftop restaurant.
DAY 11: ALEXANDRIA
Visit the remarkable Bibliotheca Alexandria – the modern rendition of the famed Alexandrina Library | Wander slowly through the Catacomb of Kom El Shuqqafa and the Al Montazah Palace and Gardens | Enjoy the panoramic view from the Quit Bay Fortress. (B)
La Metropole Hotel (or similar)
DAY 12: NILE DELTA AND CAIRO
Journey back to Cairo through the Nile Delta farming communities | Discover first-hand how the thin artery of life, the Nile, explodes into fertile plains | Spend your final night in Cairo. (B)
Cosmopolitan Plaza Inn Hotel (or similar)
DAY 13: CAIRO
Breakfast concludes your tour | Taxis to the airport are available, or Byroads can organise a transfer on request. (B)
What’s Included
GUIDES
Byroads tour host, national and local guides
TRANSPORT
Arrival transfer, Nile Cruise, domestic flights, private vehicle, overnight sleeper train
ACCOMMODATION
11 nights’ accommodation (4-star hotel average, luxury cruise boat) 1 night sleeper train
MEALS
13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
TICKETS
Entrance fees to indicated sites
Due to currency volatility, trip fees are calculated in USD. However, you will be charged in Australian dollars. Currency conversion is based on the Westpac Bank buying rate on your balance due date.
Meet your trip host
Ready for travel without logistical nightmares? Your trip host has got you covered.
Every Byroads tour is supported by Steve or Bronny – two experienced travellers with a genuine passion for people. They take care of all the nitty-gritty details to ensure your trip runs smoothly – and you can focus on enjoying the moment.
Steve heads up Byroads and has over 35 years of experience in the travel industry. He’s designed and operated holidays to some of the world’s most fascinating destinations.
Like her brother, Bronny shares a keen curiosity about the world. Independently, she has journeyed far and wide – and has worked as a tour leader throughout Europe, Asia and Australia.
