Cairo, Egypt
1 night
Egypt and the Nile - Classic
8 daysEgypt
Step into the ancient world of Egypt and discover the Great Pyramids. Experience the captivating chaos of Cairo, spend 3 nights gently floating down the river Nile in a traditional river cruise boat and have the chance to embark on a Red Sea cruise. A trip to Egypt with Contiki will ensure you have a trip to remember.
- Length
- 8 days
- Starts and ends
- Cairo
- Meals
- 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
- Style
- Highlights
- Group size
- 40
Watch this price
Highlights
- What's tipping culture like in Egypt?Tipping’s a big deal in Egypt - it's part of the culture and helps support locals (especially those working in tourism). During your trip, you’ll be expected to tip people like hotel staff, local guides, porters, and restaurant crews. To keep it simple (and avoid the awkward maths), your Trip Manager will organise a tipping kitty. They'll let you know the suggested amount on Day 1, and collect it in USD or Egyptian Pounds to cover group service tips along the way. Heads-up: this doesn’t include a tip for your Trip Manager.
- Is there an airport transfer on this trip?Complimentary transfers from Cairo International Airport (CAI) are available on arrival and departure days of the itinerary or in conjunction with a pre-trip or post-trip accommodation booked through Contiki.
- What's the accommodation like on the overnight train?Accommodation aboard the overnight train is two-berth cabins, which are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided on board by the porter and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. Keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included set dinner and breakfast are served inside your cabin. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you're a vegetarian. It is recommended to bring a jumper/sweatshirt as the train is always cold due to the AC. Heads up - if you've chosen a single supplement for this trip, you'll be assigned a two-berth cabin for this overnight train journey.
- What is the Nile Cruise like?Our Nile cruise boat is modern with many of the amenities of our comfortable hotels. Cabins are twin/double with central air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and large windows offering great views of the Nile. Facilities on board include a large restaurant, lounge with bar, sun deck with small pool, a billiards table, and WIFI (not available at all times due to poor reception at times). Often our cruise boats are referred to as "floating hotels" as the actual sailing distance covered is not great and Egyptian law requires that all boats dock overnight.
- What is the weather like?Please note that as a desert region, the Middle East can have extreme weather. Temperatures are generally hot with little rain. This can become extreme during the summer months of June to August. In the months of December to March it can be very cold, particularly next to the river or the ocean and out in the desert where night temperatures can drop dramatically.
- What clothing should I pack for Egypt?While visiting mosques and other religious monuments you should dress modestly, cover your shoulders and you shouldn't wear short shorts or skirts. Outside of capital cities and the more touristic centres, local dress is often more conservative and as a matter of respect we ask that both men and women are aware of this and recommend loose-fitting clothes with your shoulders covered. Ask your Trip Manager for more specific advice.
- Can I drink the tap water in Egypt?We recommend you don't drink the tap water, even in hotels, as it contains much higher levels of different minerals than the water you may have at home.
Itinerary
- CairoDay 1
- Overnight Train to AswanDay 2
- AswanDay 3
- EdfuDay 4
- LuxorDay 5
- HurghadaDay 6
- CairoDays 7–8
Day 1Arrive CairoCairo
Welcome to Cairo! This city's bold, busy and brimming with history. And it's also the spot where you'll join forces with your group tonight. So, get to know your crew, and head out into the streets for a quick explore and a bite if you’re keen. Tomorrow’s a full day of discovery, so a good hotel sleep tonight will hit perfectly.
Day 2Cairo to Overnight TrainCairo · Giza · Overnight Train to Aswan
Get ready for a sensory overload of the best possible variety. Markets & mayhem are on every corner, with stops for hummus and tea proving very essential. Of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World only one remains, and today you will be seeing it up close and personal. Get the tissues ready, seeing the iconic Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza in all their 4,600 year old glory will make for a day that stirs you to the very core. Tonight it's an overnight train to Aswan - nothing gives you a more up-close look at a place than riding local!
- See the Pyramids and Sphinx
- Be Amazed by The Grand Egyptian Museum
Day 3Nile Cruise (Aswan)Overnight Train to Aswan · Aswan
This morning we'll wake up in Aswan, today is all about jaw drops from start to end. Take a stroll along the Nile before grabbing that camera, as we hop aboard a wooden felucca sailboat, the first of our two boating experiences for the day, and watch the local life as you float on by. Tonight is a taste of the high life with a luxury cruise on the River Nile, no less. This is the first of 3 nights we'll spend on the water, soaking up Egypt from its iconic waterway.
- Stay on a Nile Cruise
- Cruise along the Nile
Day 4Nile Cruise (Aswan to Edfu)Aswan · Edfu
Today you’ll wake on the River Nile… and with plenty of choices too. Opt for an optional visit to the legendary Abu Simbel Temple, explore Aswan at your leisure, or simply chill on the boat and bask in the scenery. We’ll make our way to Edfu in the afternoon. Here in Edfu, you’ll have the chance to visit another temple - this time an evening tour of the Kom Ombo. Or if you’d prefer to stay on the boat (which has a pool btw), that’s cool too.
Day 5Nile Cruise (Edfu to Luxor)Edfu · Luxor
This morning we'll cast off in the direction of Luxor. As soon as we step foot on Luxor terrain, we’ll start spinning our way into the historical mysteries of this magnificent town. Keen to dive straight into local life? Then choose to join us on a boat ride across to the West Bank for a glimpse into everyday rural Egypt.
Day 6Luxor to HurghadaLuxor · Hurghada
Only on a trip to Egypt would ancient royal tombs make a casual appearance on our daily agenda. Venturing into the Valley of the Kings, known as the 'City of the Dead' our Local Guide will take us to some of the 63 royal tombs found here. We’ll also walk through the perfectly symmetrical Temple of Hatshepsut. Later, you can choose to join the guided tour of the Temples of Karnak and Luxor, exploring one of the most impressive open-air museum complexes in the world. Hurghada is all about beachside summer holiday vibes to rival the Mediterranean. With crystal clear waters as far as the eye can see, umbrella-lined beaches, and golden sunsets, this town will be sure to seal the deal on your love for Egypt.
- Visit Valley of the Kings
- See the Colossi of Memnon
- Admire the scenic symmetry of Hatshepsut
Day 7Hurghada to CairoHurghada · Cairo
Lovers of exploring by sea could take a cruise of the Red Sea for all new views, or those who prefer life a little more on land could snorkel, sun bake or just relax in paradise this morning. Later, we'll attempt an Arabic goodbye to the beautiful beaches of Hurghada as we make our way back to where our Egyptian escapade kicked off just a week ago. It's our last complete day together on tour, which means we need to make the most of every second and avoid winding down at all costs. It's our last complete day on trip, we'll enjoy some time together as we make our way back to Cairo.
Day 8Depart CairoCairo
Down your last breakfast on us before collapsing into a mess of farewells. Stay strong, there are plenty more exotic lands with Contiki trips written all over them.
Hotels
Cairo, Egypt
1 night
Overnight Train
Aswan, Egypt
3 nights
Nile Cruise
Spend a few nights aboard a luxurious river cruise – with views out over the Nile and a sun deck on board.
Hurghada, Egypt
1 night
Bel Air Azur Resort (or similar)
Cairo, Egypt
1 night
Novotel Cairo Airport (or similar)
What’s included
Optional experiences
Kom Ombo - Temple of Two Gods
$27
Abu Simbel Temple (Flight)
$395
Abu Simbel Temple (Bus)
$180
Real Life on the Nile
$27
Guided Tour of the Temples of Karnak and Luxor
$73
Red Sea Cruise
$138
Dates and prices
Per person, twin share