Egypt: Jewels of the Nile

Our Tour Package includes:

• 9 Night Package including 4-star and 5-star Hotels and Deluxe 4-Night Nile River Cruise
• 22 Meals – 9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
• Transportation and Sightseeing as Outlined in the Itinerary
• Domestic Flights within Egypt
• English Speaking Tour Managers and Local Tour Guides
• Amazing Journeys Onsite Travel Coordinator
• All Taxes and Service Charges
• Gratuities for Tour Manager, Local Guides, Nile Cruise Staff, Drivers, Porters, Servers at Included Meals
• Arrival and Departure Transfers between Airport and Hotel
• Exclusive Group Events and Amazing Journeys Cocktail Party
• Afternoon Tea Onboard Ship
• Shabbat Services
• Baggage Handling Throughout (one bag per person)
• Amazing Journeys Gift for each Participant
• Amazing Service Throughout

Experiential Highlights include:

• Explore the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza
• Enjoy a street food adventure through Cairo
• Sail down the Nile from Luxor to make stops at countless temples and tombs on a 4-night river cruise
• Visit the Valley of the Kings and Queens and go inside tombs not often visited, including the unbelievably intricate tombs of Ramesses V and VI and Queen Nefertari plus King Tut and Pharaoh Seti I
• Climb aboard feluccas to sail on the Nile, around Kitchener’s Island, the Botanical Gardens of Aswan and the Mausoleum of the Agha Khan
• Visit the Jewish community of Cairo
• Optional visit to Abu Simbel, home to massive rock-cut twin temples with four statues guarding the doorway (additional fee)
• Explore colorful Nubian villages and learn about their communities.
• Visit the limestone medieval Citadel fortification, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Cairo
• Spend time in one of the most famous bazaars in the world where you can pop into a shop or relax with a tea and take in the hustle and bustle

Friday, November 10 – Arrive Cairo, Egypt

Prepare for the journey of a lifetime as you arrive in Cairo for the beginning of your amazing journey through Egypt.  This evening, join your fellow travelers for an Amazing Journeys Welcome & Orientation and Shabbat, followed by a Welcome Dinner featuring authentic Egyptian cuisine. (D)

Saturday, November 11 – Ancient Cairo

You won’t have to wait long before checking off your first of many Egyptian highlights – the Great Pyramids of Giza.  One of the Seven Wonders of the World – and the only wonder of the ancient world that has survived to the present day – the site will leave you in awe and wonder.  The largest of the pyramids is made of 2.3 million stones, each weighing 2.5 tons, all built without modern machinery.  We will visit the interior burial chambers of the Cheops Pyramid, the largest and oldest of the three.  Next, visit the Great Sphinx of Giza which dates back to 2620 BC.  Standing 65 feet-high, this unforgettable statue combines the head of a Pharoah with the body of a lion.  Visit the Egyptian Museum which houses the mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamen (aka King Tut) and his golden throne, Mummy Rooms, an incredible display of ancient jewelry and countless other treasures.  Get acquainted with Cairo as you enjoy a street food adventure through downtown.  This food tour allows you to learn about Egyptian cuisine, its history and cultural significance while taking in the street scenes of Cairo.  (B, L)

Sunday, November 12 – Jewish Egypt and Cairo

This morning, learn about Egyptian civilization and heritage as we visit a museum to explore artifacts of ancient Egypt.  Meet with the head of the Jewish community to learn about the community’s history and present-day life, with an insider’s view of the largest synagogue in Egypt, Sha’ar Hashamayim Synagogue.  Visit the Citadel, a limestone fortification from the medieval Islamic-era which was the seat of government in Egypt and the residence of its rulers for nearly 700 years.  It is also one of the world’s greatest monuments to medieval warfare.  Next, visit the Alabaster Mosque, a tomb to Mohamed Ali, with its unique, slender minarets and vast prayer hall with a170-foot high Ottoman-style dome.  Then, visit Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of the most famous bazaars in the world.  Enjoy some free time to meander around its amazing narrow alleyways, visit the shops with their animated vendors, pop into a café for some tea or a water pipe, or visit one of the mosques, Al Azhar and El Hussein.  (B, L)

Monday, November 13 – Cairo – Luxor – Nile River Cruise

Early this morning, we will fly to Luxor where we will board our luxury ship, our home for the next four nights as we cruise down the Nile River in style.  Visit Karnak Temple, the largest and most important religious complex in ancient Egypt, with its mix of temples, pylons, and chapels.  Continue on to the Luxor Temple, “the southern sanctuary”, which looms large as a reminder that Ancient Egypt is ever-present.  Experience the temple lit up at night, an impressive site to behold. Onboard the ship, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea while settling in and enjoying our ship.  This evening, join together for an Amazing Journeys cocktail party and our first dinner onboard while cruising the Nile. (B, L, D)

Tuesday, November 14 – Nile Cruise – Valley of the Kings – Esna

Today is a day you will not soon forget.  Venture to the Valley of Kings & Queens, magnificently-painted tombs that have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The royal tombs have served as a burial ground for kings, queens and nobles from the 16^th century BC.  We will venture inside some of these tombs to marvel at the intricate details along the pillars, walls and even ceilings of these tombs.  We will also have the unique opportunity to venture inside the tomb of Queen Nefertari, the favorite queen of Rameses II, whose exquisitely decorated tomb is considered one of the most striking tombs in all of Egypt.  Continue on to Hatshepsut Temple, one of the most impressive architectural achievements in the ancient world.  We will cruise to the modern town of Esna where you will find the ancient site of Temple of Khnum.  Marvel at the massive columns with their floral capitals, some of which still retain some of their original painted color.  This evening, we will enjoy the Captain’s Cocktail Party and a delicious dinner together onboard our beautiful ship.  (B, L, D)

Wednesday, November 15 – Nile Cruise – Edfu & Kom Ombo

Sail to Edfu, a town known for its Ptolemaic temple, built during the reign of Cleopatra VII.  The Temple of Edfu is one of the best preserved shrines in Egypt.  The inscriptions on its walls teach us important information from the Hellenistic period, ranging from language to religion to myths.  We continue down the Nile to Kom Ombo where we visit the unique temple there.  This “double temple” is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god and Horus, the falcon-headed god. The layout combines two temples in one with each having its own gateways and chapels. This evening, join together for a Galabeya (local dress) Party onboard our floating hotel. (B, L, D)

Thursday, November 16 – Nile Cruise – Aswan

Early this morning, we sail to Aswan. Our day begins with visits to the High Dam, one of the world’s largest embankment dams and built across the Nile River.  Next, we visit the Granite Quarries, said to be the quarries used for building ancient Egyptian monuments, temples and tombs. Known as the “Pearl of Egypt” and found on the Island of Philae, the Temple of Philae, beloved by both the Nubians and ancient Egyptians, was a mysterious complex and was at the center of many myths, rituals, and hieroglyphic inscriptions. Later, we’ll climb aboard our feluccas (traditional Egyptian sailing boats) to sail on the Nile, around Kitchener’s Island, the Botanical Gardens of Aswan and the Mausoleum of the Agha Khan. This afternoon onboard the ship you will be treated to a Nubian Folkloric Show. (B, L, D)

Friday, November 17  – Disembark Nile Cruise in Aswan – Optional Abu Simbel

This morning we say good-bye to our beautiful river boat where you will have the option to fly to Abu Simbel, an ancient temple cut into the side of a cliff, or spend the day at our resort hotel with its beautiful pool and spa.  For those going on the optional tour to the site of the Abu Simbel Temples (additional cost of $459, reserved at time of registration), you will be exploring one of the most famous temples in all of Egypt after the Giza Pyramids. Built by the greatest of the pharaohs, Ramesses II, which made it also known as the Temple of Ramesses II, these huge rock-cut temples marked the southern boundary of the Egyptian Empire with Nubia at the peak of its power during the New Kingdom.  We’ll arrive back in Aswan in the mid-afternoon, where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy time at leisure. Tonight, enjoy Shabbat as a group with a service followed by Shabbat Dinner, Egyptian style! (B, D)

Saturday, November 18 – Aswan – Nubian Village – Cairo

After breakfast at the hotel we’ll check out and enjoy an exciting tour from Aswan to discover fascinating Nubian Villages situated at the bottom of Elephantine Island. Sandwiched in the heart of the river Nile are two colorful Nubian Villages, Siou and Koti.  Stroll through the shady alleys and gardens of the villages and discover the simple and natural life of the people that populate them. Enjoy a trip down the river aboard a felucca, a traditional wooden sailing boat, and listen to stories relating to where Elephantine Island might have gotten its name. While some believe it was due to its role as an ivory trading place, others believe it is due to the island’s unusual shape, similar to that of an elephant’s tusk. This afternoon, we’ll fly from Aswan to Cairo.  Tonight, we’ll gather together one last time for our Amazing Journeys Farewell Event and Dinner.  (B, D)

Sunday, November 19 – Cairo – Tour Ends

This morning we head back home with memories of our Egyptian Amazing Journey. (B)

Our Hotels:

Night 1-3         Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir, Cairo
Night 4-7         MS Nile Style River Cruise
Night 8             Movenpick, Aswan
Night 9             Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir, Cairo

Please note:
 – Alternate hotels may be used.
 – The order of the tour may be changed.
 – Some activities are weather dependent.

A deposit of $750 is due with your reservation of the land and river cruise. A deposit of $150 is due with your reservation of the Abu Simbel optional tour. A second deposit of 50% is due on June 7, 2023. Final payment is due on September 7, 2023.

*Save $150 if your second deposit and final payment are paid by check in USD.

Roommate matching is available.

Prices are subject to change based on availability. Single occupancy rates shown are limited.

Abu Simbel Optional Tour: $459
On November 17 there is an optional tour to Abu Simbel. Those who register for this tour will depart the river cruise in the morning, fly to Abu Simbel and take a guided tour of the Temple of Ramesses II.  After the tour, the group will fly back to Aswan in the afternoon, where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy time at leisure. Space is limited and flights are booked upon time of reservation.

Pre-Nights: We have a limited number of rooms for pre-tour overnights in Cairo. Rates are listed per night and include breakfast and taxes. We are unable to provide roommate matching for pre-night stays. Please note – there will be no Amazing Journeys staff present nor will there be programming on these days.

Cairo (November 9)
Twin – $125 per person
Single – $225

Please note – This is a group exclusive vacation package. We are unable to make any of our package components available to anyone who is not part of our Amazing Journeys group.

Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website. All rooms are non-smoking.

Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit through May 1, 2023, there is a $250 penalty for cancellation.  From May 2 – June 6, 2023, the cancellation penalty is $750.  From June 7 – July 25, 2023, the cancellation penalty is 25% of the tour cost (including any cancelled portions such as Abu Simbel or pre-night hotel reservations).  From July 26 – September 6, 2023, the cancellation penalty is 50% of tour cost (including any cancelled portions such as Abu Simbel or pre-night hotel reservations).  From September 7, 2023 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the tour cost (including any cancelled portions such as Abu Simbel or pre-night hotel reservations).  Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund.  There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey.

Travel Protection: A travel protection plan is recommended for participation in this program.  Information will be sent with tour confirmation.

Abu Simbel Optional Tour: On November 17 there is an optional tour to Abu Simbel. The price of this tour is $459.  Those who register for this tour will depart the river cruise in the morning, fly to Abu Simbel and take a guided tour of the Temple of Ramesses II.  After the tour, the group will fly back to Aswan in the afternoon, where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy time at leisure. Space is limited and flights are booked upon time of reservation.

Flights and Transfers: We will have a suggested flight for those who are interested in flying with other travelers from our group. For international flights, it is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys which will contain specific flight parameters.  This tour begins and ends in Cairo, Egypt (CAI). Flights within the itinerary are included. Transfers between the airports and hotels are included.

Covid-19 Precautions: Until further notice, we require you to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 at least two weeks before departure, and a booster is recommended to keep you healthy and safe while traveling but at this time, not required. Requirements may change as mandated by local governments.

Passports & Visas: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary.  It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. If you are arriving from the US, a visa is necessary and available at the airport upon arrival. The current cost is $25 USD.  If you are from any other country, please check with the Egyptian Embassy. Please note that visa requirements can change at any time and it is up to the traveler to be aware of visa requirements.

Fuel Surcharges: Should oil costs go above $65 a barrel and our tour operators adjust the rate of the cruise or tour cost accordingly, we reserve the right to adjust the cost of the cruise/tour.

Exchange Rate: In the case of currency fluctuations of great than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing according in order that we may be able to operate the cruise and tours effectively.

Taxes & Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges, and government fees are subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this tour and include tips for the tour manager, local guides, Nile Cruise staff, drivers, luggage porters and included meals. Gratuities are not included for housekeeping staff in the hotels and tipping is at your discretion.

Activity Level- 3 out of 5: This means you’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for 1-2 hours isn’t a big deal.  You can navigate hills and uneven ground, climb into various modes of transportation and could possibly anticipate changes in elevation. You can expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own. There will be some early mornings on this itinerary.