Day 1: Arrive in Cairo Welcome to Egypt and the start of this Nile Adventure tour! Arrive at Cairo Airport and meet with our local tour representative who will assist you through immigration and passport control. Collect your baggage before being transferred to the hotel in Cairo. Arrive at the hotel and meet with the local Egyptologist tour guide who will accompany the group for the duration of the tour. The guide will provide a brief overview of all of the incredible upcoming experiences to look forward to! If your flight arrives early enough, enjoy some free time to explore the Egyptian capital or relax by the hotel swimming pool. Day 2: Giza Pyramids - Sphinx - Sakkara This morning, get ready to experience the icons of ancient Egypt with a visit to the pyramids! Join the Egyptologist guide on an excursion to the Giza Pyramid Complex, where you can see the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Great Sphinx. The pyramids are the only remaining wonders of the ancient world! Next, it’s time to visit Sakkara to see the unique step pyramid of Zoser (also known as Djoser). This fascinating landmark was the first-ever pyramid and is constructed of six tombs built on top of each other. Please note: The flight to Aswan is either on Sunday evening or Monday morning depending on availability. Day 3: Cairo - Philae Temple - Aswan Catch a flight to Aswan early this morning. Arrive with time to freshen up at the hotel before the Nile adventure begins. Take a short boat trip to Agilkia Island to explore the Philae Temple which is dedicated to the goddess Isis. This beautiful structure is widely considered one of Egypt’s most beautiful temples! This evening, why not choose to join the optional excursion and enjoy a traditional dinner in a Nubian house? Day 4: Nile felucca cruise It’s time to explore the famous Nile River! After breakfast, hop aboard the felucca (a traditional wooden sailing boat). Sit back, relax and enjoy the amazing views as the boat navigates the River Nile. The covered deck provides shade and also has comfortable mattresses, making it the perfect place to relax while drifting along one of the world's oldest waterways. Today, choose to join the optional excursion to Abu Simbel. These two massive temples were built into the rock on the western bank of Lake Nasser. The temple complex is part of the Nubian Monuments UNESCO World Heritage Site and the iconic relief figures were carved during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC. Enjoy an overnight stay aboard the felucca. Day 5: Kom-Ombo - Karnak - Luxor Enjoy breakfast on board before travelling to the city of Luxor for more exploration of the grand monuments of ancient Thebes! First, discover the symmetrical entrances and beautiful riverside scenery of the Kom Ombo Temple, a unique “double” temple. Then, it’s time to explore the East Bank of the Nile. Start at the immense Karnak Temple Complex which is dedicated to the Egyptian gods Amun, Mut and Montu, before visiting the Temple of Luxor and wandering down the famous Avenue of Sphinxes! After a day of activity, relax at the hotel in Luxor tonight. Day 6: Valley of the Kings - Hatshepsut - Hurghada Today, the West Bank of the Nile is calling! Start today’s adventure with a visit to the world-famous Valley of the Kings. While here, explore some of the incredible tombs of the New Kingdom Pharaohs including Tutankhamun. Next, enjoy a visit to the Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir El Bahary), the mortuary temple of the only Pharaoh Queen that ruled Egypt. Complete the day by marvelling at the great Colossi of Memnon; the last remains of Amenophis III’s temple. Finally, board an air-conditioned private coach and travel to Hurghada on the Red Sea coast for a two-night stay at an all-inclusive resort! Day 7: Hurghada: Free Day Make the most of a free day at this beautiful Egyptian resort on the coast! The resort in Hurghada offers a large swimming pool complex, long sandy beaches and all-inclusive food and drink; total relaxation awaits! Alternatively, choose to take part in any number of water sports activities, including full-day snorkelling and scuba diving excursions. The seas around Hurghada offer some of the best coral reef dive spots in the world, offering the opportunity to see many colourful fish species, including the Red Sea Clownfish, Emperor Angelfish, Picasso Trigger Fish and Moray Eels. Day 8: Hurghada - Cairo After some rest and relaxation, hop aboard the private coach and travel back to Cairo. Arrive at the hotel, check-in and freshen up before heading out to explore Egypt’s bustling capital. Enjoy a visit to the Egyptian Museum to learn more about the country's incredible ancient history. Then, experience Khan El Khalili, a buzzing bazaar crammed full of souvenir shops, cafés and shisha bars. This is the perfect spot to grab some great coffee and souvenirs! Day 9: End of tour in Cairo By now you will have enjoyed 9-days exploring the ancient history and culture of Egypt! The tour ends after breakfast at the hotel in Cairo. Expat Explore hopes to welcome you on tour again soon and wishes you a safe trip home!