Fascinating Egypt

Tuesday 26 December | Meet our tour leader at Malta International Airport at 4PM for our flight to Cairo, with a layover in Rome.

Wednesday 27 December | After our arrival in Cairo at 2 AM and going through customs and immigration, we will transfer to our hotel in Cairo for check-in and overnight stay. After breakfast, we will embark on a full-day excursion to explore the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx. Our visit will also include a trip to a perfume/papyrus factory. We will have free time for lunch (not incl.) before heading to the Saqqara Pyramids, where we will marvel at the Step Pyramid, a masterpiece built for the 3rd Dynasty Pharaoh Djoser by the renowned architect Imhotep. In the evening, we have the option to enjoy a delightful dinner on a Floating Restaurant with a folklore show (extra), featuring a belly dancer and Tannura (spinner).

Thursday 28 December | After breakfast, we will embark on another full-day excursion, starting with a visit to the Egyptian Antiquities Museum, which houses the treasures discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamen. We will also explore the Churches Complex, including the Hanging Church of Holy Mary, the Ben Ezra Synagogue (the oldest Jewish synagogue in Egypt), an Orthodox church, the chapel dedicated to St. George the Martyr and pass by the ruins of the Roman fort of Babylon. Time for lunch (not included). Our tour will continue with a visit to the Citadel of Salah El-Din, where we will admire the magnificent Mohammed Ali Mosque, situated atop the city and then proceed to the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a bustling open-air market. Here, we can wander through the maze of narrow streets, immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere, and indulge in shopping for exotic perfumes, beautiful jewelry, and traditional crafts made of brass and copper. We can also try a shisha (waterpipe) or savor a typical meal at one of the local restaurants. We will return to the hotel for overnight.

Friday 29 December | After an early breakfast, we will transfer to Cairo airport for our early morning flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by our representative and embark on a tour of Aswan’s High Dam, a remarkable example of modern engineering on a grand scale. We will then take a short motorboat ride to the Temple of Philae on the island of Agilka. This temple is dedicated to Isis, the sister and wife of Osiris, and a significant figure during the Ptolemaic rule. Afterward, we will board our Nile river cruise boat and enjoy lunch on board. The cabins are equipped with modern amenities for our comfort. We will have free time to rest and relax until dinner. Overnight on board.

Saturday 30 December | Today, we have the option to embark on an early morning excursion to the world-famous Abu Simbel Temples (extra). Departing around 4:30 AM with a packed breakfast, we will visit the magnificent temples dedicated to King Ramses II and his Queen wife Nefertari. Upon returning to the cruise boat, we will have lunch and set sail towards Kom Ombo. In Kom Ombo, we will visit the unique temple dedicated to two gods, Sobek the Crocodile God and Haroeris the Falcon God. In the evening, we can join the Galabeya party on board, wearing traditional Egyptian costumes, and enjoy the entertainment provided by the resident band. Overnight on board. During the night, we will continue sailing to Edfu.

Sunday 31 December | We will start the day with an early visit to the Temple of Horus, the son of Isis and Osiris, in Edfu. This remarkably well-preserved temple is considered one of the finest in Egypt. Throughout the day, we will sail towards Luxor, passing through the Esna lock (120 km). Don’t miss the fascinating experience of crossing the lock. In the evening, we will visit Luxor Temple in Luxor and indulge in a Gala Dinner and New Year’s Eve Party on board, celebrating the arrival of the New Year in style!

Monday 1 January | For those interested, there is an optional excursion available to experience a Hot Air Balloon ride over Luxor, providing a unique and unforgettable view of the surroundings at sunrise. After breakfast and disembarkation, we will proceed to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, where we will have entrance to three tombs included. We will also visit the Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. Afterward, we will be transferred to a five-star hotel in Luxor, where we will have free time to relax and enjoy the amenities. Overnight stay in Luxor.

Tuesday 2 January | After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and visit the magnificent Karnak Temple of Amun, famous for its Hypostyle Hall with its impressive 134 columns. We will also see the Statue of Ramses II, the Obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Sacred Lake. Afterwards, we will be transferred by coach to Hurghada, where we will check in to our resort for an enjoyable stay. Overnight stay in Hurghada.

Wednesday 3 January | Today is a free day to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities at your leisure. Alternatively, you can opt for a day trip of diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea (extra). Overnight at our hotel.

Thursday 4 January | After breakfast, we will have a relaxing morning until it is time to check-out and transfer to the airport for our flight to Cairo, departing at 4:40 PM. Upon arrival in Cairo, we will be transferred to our hotel for dinner (not incl.) and some rest.

Friday 5 January | We will have an early morning transfer to the airport in time for our flights back to Malta, with a layover in Rome. Departure is scheduled for 4:35 AM, and we are expected to arrive in Malta at 10:40 AM.

Please note that the itinerary may be subject to change based on navigation requirements, but all scheduled visits will be executed