CAIRO, THE PYRAMIDS, NILE CRUISE, KARNAK AND LUXOR
Are you intrigued by the mystery of mummies? Have you imagined yourself in a scene from an Indiana Jones film? Here’s your chance to be an amateur Egyptologist, digging into this country’s enigmatic architecture and antiquities. The highlight of our escorted Egypt tour package is the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the seven wonders of the world. You’ll also cruise along the legendary Nile in a level of comfort even Cleopatra would approve of. Along with captivating commentary, your smarTours guide will offer tips, tailored to your interests and activity level, on how to make the very most of your free time in the land of the pharaohs.
New in 2020: We’re adding an additional day in Aswan so you can enjoy this fascinating area at a more leisurely pace. We’ll also be offering an exciting Alexandria extension option! Plus, for international flights, you’ll travel more comfortably on a Dreamliner airplane (Dreamliner used October 27, 2019 onward).
Itinerary at
a Glance
2019 Departures:
- International Flight
- 2 nights in Cairo
- 3-night Nile Cruise
- 2 nights in Luxor
- 1 night in Cairo
2020 Departures:
- International Flight
- 2 nights in Cairo
- 1 night in Aswan
- 3-night Nile Cruise
- 2 nights in Luxor
- 1 night in Cairo
- Optional 3-night extension to Alexandria (2 nights in Alexandria, 1 night in Cairo)
Tour
Highlights
- Great Pyramids of Giza
- Sphinx of Giza
- Philae’s Temple of Isis
- Ptolemaic Temple for Horus and Sobek
- Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
- Temples of Karnak & Luxor
- Egyptian Museum of Antiquities
- Khan El Khalili Bazaar District
Your extension includes:
- Alexandria Library
- National Museum
- Montazah Gardens
- Catacombs
- Jewelry Museum
Your Tour
Includes
- Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK)
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Accommodations at deluxe hotels and on cruise ship
- 2019 Departures – 17 meals: 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
2020 Departures – 18 meals: 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners - Comprehensive sightseeing tours and entry fees
- Experienced English-speaking Tour Director throughout
- Transportation in an air-conditioned bus
2019 Egypt Itinerary - 10 Days
Pyramids of Giza
Our destination today: the wondrous Pyramids of Giza. Built during the Third and Fourth Dynasties, these monuments stand as testimony to the skill and strength of their builders. We’ll get up close to study the Great Pyramid, as well see as the Pyramids of Khefren and Mycerinus in the distance. Nearby, we’ll gaze at the mythical Sphinx of Giza, which famously combines a reclining lion with the head of an Egyptian king. After these amazing sights, we’ll lunch like the Egyptians do at a local Cairo restaurant. Breakfast | Lunch – Cairo Marriott Hotel (or…
Cairo/Aswan/Nile Cruise
Today, we’ll fly from Cairo to Aswan, where you’ll have the option to take a Abu Simbel morning tour. In the afternoon, visit a modern-day architectural wonder, the Aswan High Dam, as well as Philae’s Temple of Isis, which was nearly lost to rising water in the 1960s until the dam was built. Aswan is also where we’ll transfer to our Nile cruise ship for a three-night journey from Upper to Lower Egypt. There more about the Nile River here.
Breakfast|Lunch|Dinner…
Nile Cruise/Edfu/Luxor
Our day starts with a tour of the immense, well preserved Temple of Edfu, built between 237 and 57 B.C. and also dedicated to Horus. Legend says that this was the site where Horus avenged his father’s murder by his uncle, the god Seth. Back on board the Royal Lily, we’ll sail past Esna to Luxor. Often considered the most extraordinary open-air museum in the world, Luxor boasts an imposing array of ruins and monuments. During your afternoon free time, continue sightseeing via one of Luxor’s traditional caleches, aka horse carriages. And for your evening’s entertainment, take in a…
Luxor
The modern name for Thebes (the “city of palaces”), Luxor is also the inspiration for the word luxury, and we’ll see quite a bit of architectural extravagance today. The graceful Temple of Luxor was built over several centuries by Amenhopis III, Tutankhamun, Ramses II and Alexander the Great and features an avenue of sphinxes. We’ll also tour the ancient temple complex of Karnak. The immense wealth of Thebes was spent embellishing and building temples in honor of Amun-Ra, the most important and powerful of ancient Egyptian gods. The balance of the day is at your leisure.
2020 Egypt Itinerary - 11 Days
Pyramids of Giza
Our destination today: the wondrous Pyramids of Giza. Built during the Third and Fourth Dynasties, these monuments stand as testimony to the skill and strength of their builders. We’ll get up close to study the Great Pyramid, as well see as the Pyramids of Khefren and Mycerinus in the distance. Nearby, we’ll gaze at the mythical Sphinx of Giza, which famously combines a reclining lion with the head of an Egyptian king. After these amazing sights, we’ll lunch like the Egyptians do at a local Cairo restaurant.
Cairo Marriott Hotel or similar | Breakfast,…
Nile Cruise/Kom Ombo/Edfu/Luxor
We’ll cruise to Kom Ombo to visit an unusual double temple, built in the Ptolemaic period and dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-head god Horus. After exploring Kom Ombo, we’ll sail on to Edfu, an Egyptian city on the west bank of the Nile River. Our day continues with a tour of the immense, well preserved Temple of Edfu, built between 237 and 57 B.C. and also dedicated to Horus. Legend says that this was the site where Horus avenged his father’s murder by his uncle, the god Seth. Back on board the Royal Lily, we’ll sail past Esna to Luxor….
Nile Cruise/Luxor
Often considered the most extraordinary open-air museum in the world, Luxor boasts an imposing array of ruins and monuments. The modern name for Thebes (the “city of palaces”), Luxor is also the inspiration for the word luxury, and we’ll see quite a bit of architectural extravagance today. The graceful Temple of Luxor was built over several centuries by Amenhopis III, Tutankhamun, Ramses II and Alexander the Great and features an avenue of sphinxes. We’ll also tour the ancient temple complex of Karnak. The immense wealth of Thebes was spent embellishing and building temples in honor…
Guided Tour Pricing
Price includes round-trip airfare from the U.S. (Land-only pricing available on request.)
| Depart | Return | Depart - Return | Best Value Pricing - Reserve by Dec 31, 2019 | Reserve after Dec 31, 2019 | Select Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| February 10 | February 20 | Feb 10 - Feb 20 | $2,899 | $2,999 | $3,399 | Sold Out |
| February 17 | February 27 | Feb 17 - Feb 27 | $2,999 | $3,099 | $3,499 | Sold Out |
| February 27 | March 8 | Feb 27 - Mar 8 | $2,999 | $3,099 | $3,499 | Book Now:  Selling Fast! |
| March 9 | March 19 | Mar 9 - Mar 19 | $2,999 | $3,099 | $3,499 | Book Now: Selling Fast! |
| March 19 | March 29 | Mar 19 - Mar 29 | $2,999 | $3,099 | $3,499 | Sold Out |
| March 30 | April 9 | Mar 30 - Apr 9 | $2,799 | $2,899 | $3,299 | Book Now: |
| April 6 | April 16 | Apr 6 - Apr 16 | $2,899 | $2,999 | $3,399 | Book Now: |
| April 9 | April 19 | Apr 9 - Apr 19 | $2,499 | $2,599 | $2,999 | Book Now: |
| June 11 | June 21 | Jun 11 - Jun 21 | $2,799 | $2,899 | $3,299 | Book Now: |
| August 20 | August 30 | Aug 20 - Aug 30 | $2,699 | $2,799 | $3,199 | Book Now: Selling Fast! |
| September 7 | September 17 | Sep 7 - Sep 17 | $2,799 | $2,899 | $3,299 | Book Now: |
| September 14 | September 24 | Sep 14 - Sep 24 | $2,899 | $2,999 | $3,399 | Book Now: |
| September 21 | October 1 | Sep 21 - Oct 1 | $2,799 | $2,899 | $3,299 | Book Now: |
| October 8 | October 18 | Oct 8 - Oct 18 | $2,899 | $2,999 | $3,399 | Book Now: |
| October 15 | October 25 | Oct 15 - Oct 25 | $2,799 | $2,899 | $3,299 | Book Now: |
| November 2 | November 12 | Nov 2 - Nov 12 | $2,799 | $2,899 | $3,299 | Book Now: |
| November 12 | November 22 | Nov 12 - Nov 22 | $2,999 | $3,099 | $3,499 | Book Now: Selling Fast! |
| November 19 | November 29 | Nov 19 - Nov 29 | $2,799 | $2,899 | $3,299 | Book Now: |
| December 7 | December 17 | Dec 7 - Dec 17 | $2,799 | $2,899 | $3,299 | Book Now: |
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
2019 Departures: Single room supplement is $429
2020 Departures: Single room supplement is $549
Alexandria Extension: Add $549 per person double occupancy / $798 single occupancy
Business Class Upgrade:
JFK-CAI-JFK add $3300 (on request)
Oct. 11 Departure: On these departures, travelers will fly to Aswan after their sightseeing on Day 3 and overnight at a hotel in Aswan. Travelers will embark on their 3-night Nile cruise on Day 4, and the optional Abu Simbel excursion will take place in the morning on Day 4. Included sightseeing visits are not affected by this change.
Mar 2 Departure: This is a women-only departure. To learn more about the added experiences, please click here.
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00-9:00 EST and Sat-Sun, 10:00-6:30 EST) at 800-337-7773.
Please note that the Abu Simbel excursion needs to be prepaid to smarTours in advance of departure.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1-800-337-7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of $300 per person non-refundable, non-transferable deposit which must be received within 48 hours of reservation. Full payment is due 75 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. For complete booking information and terms & conditions click here.
Extended Tours
Discover Alexandria on our new 3-night extension available in 2020!
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
Pricing is subject to change. Payment (non-refundable) should be made by cash or credit card (VISA, MasterCard or AmEx, subject to service charge).
Featured Accommodations
Egypt Room Upgrades
- From $379 per person
Call 1-800-337-7773 to add to your existing reservation, or add your upgrade at the time of booking!
Main Tour Upgrades (+$379 per person)
Cairo Marriott | Upgrade to a Nile View Room Includes two double beds, is located away from the elevator and has a balcony with Nile River views!
Movenpick Aswan | Upgrade to a Superior Nile Room Includes twin beds and a balcony with Nile River views!
Movenpick Lily or Steigenberger Nile Cruise Ship | Upgrade to an Upper Deck Cabin Located on a higher…
Before You Depart
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing customs and immigration if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least three-and-a-half hours. Please note that flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
| Departure Date | Airline | Depart JFK | Return JFK |
2019: Sep. 10, Sep. 20, Sep. 24, Oct. 4, Oct. 15, Oct. 22, Oct. 29, Sep. 17, Oct. 18, Oct. 11, Nov. 5, Nov. 8, Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Dec. 10, Dec. 17, Dec. 24, Dec. 27 | EgyptAir | 6:30PM | 3:30PM |
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
EgyptAir does not assign seats in advance. Seat assignments can only be arranged at the airport upon check-in. If you have a preferred seating choice, please make sure you check-in for your flight as early as possible. EgyptAir does not offer frequent flyer miles.
LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.
Main Tour: Land-only services start upon independent check-in at your Cairo hotel on Day 2 of the itinerary and end after breakfast at your Cairo hotel on Day 10.
Main Tour + Extension: Land-only services start upon independent check-in at your Cairo hotel on Day 2 of the itinerary and end after breakfast at your Cairo hotel on Day 14.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. Your passport must contain at least one blank page. For U.S. passport holders, a tourist visa is required and may be obtained upon arrival in Cairo for $25 USD. Clients who book air with smarTours will be charged $28, which includes the visa and facilitation service upon arrival. The visa facilitation service is not available for land-only clients and forfeited. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates as to the most current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets, along with final instructions and additional travel tips, will be sent to you 7–10 days before the scheduled departure of your tour. Please make sure to advise us in case your address changes.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are not currently required; however, you should consult your personal physician, local public health authorities or the Center of Disease Control (CDC) as to their suggestions.
CLIMATE
Night and day temperatures can vary greatly. Here’s what you can expect:
- December–February: Highs in the mid to low 60s with nighttime as low as 48˚F.
- March & November: Highs in the upper 60s to low 70s with nighttime lows in the mid-50s.
- April & October: High 70s and low 80s with nighttime lows in the mid-50s to mid-60s.
- May–September: Average highs in the low 90s with nighttime lows in the high 50s to high 60s.
CULTURE AND DRESS
Given Egypt’s wide range of temperatures, we recommend you bring a sweater and/or layer to accommodate cooler morning/evening temperatures. Egyptians typically dress more conservatively. If you are exploring independently, please note that religious centers such as mosques will often require ankle-length pants, skirts or dresses, and, for women, a scarf to cover their hair.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
U.S. dollars, Euros and Canadian Dollars are accepted at Egyptian banks and money-changers, which can be found at most of the places that you’ll visit throughout the country. It is typically recommended that you ask for small bills when exchanging money. The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound.
NON-INCLUDED MEALS
You may dine at the hotels or restaurants recommended by your Tour Director. The average cost for a hotel dinner (excluding drinks) in a casual restaurant is about $20-25 per person. Restaurants outside the hotel may be less expensive.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (suitcase) max. 44 pounds, and one carry-on not exceeding 18”x10”x8”. We recommend that you do not overpack and that you take a variety of casual separates with climate and comfort in mind.