Treasures of Egypt with Collette Tours

Treasures of Egypt with Collette Tours

Thursday, March 14 - Monday, March 25

 

Follow the allure of the River Nile on a 4-day River Cruise, explore the complete collection of the tomb of King Tutankhamun, and marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza on this unforgettable 12-day adventure to Egypt! Step back in time and explore thousands of years of history, legend, and lore as you walk amongst Egypt’s timeless wonders.

DAY 1 – Take an overnight flight to Cairo. Airfare will be arranged by Collette Tours.

DAY 2 - Begin your journey today in Cairo, a modern megalopolis with an intriguing past.

DAY 3 - Get a glimpse into ancient Egypt’s Pharaohs, power struggles, and dynasties during an introductory talk before navigating Cairo’s famous traffic on your way to the remarkable collections of the long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum. See the complete collection of statues, reliefs, sarcophagi, and treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner overlooking the banks of the Nile. (B, D)

DAY 4 - The day is yours to experience the energy of Cairo’s buzzing streets. Wander a maze of stalls at the market, relax at a local café, or maybe even spend time in one of the city’s many museums. Perhaps you will join a full-day exploration of Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city; you’ll discover the city’s Hellenic roots and Greco-Roman architecture, set in unique harmony with ultramodern facades like the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Or you may choose to join a local guide for a tour of Sakkara and Djoser’s Step Pyramid. (B)

DAY 5 - Early this morning, fly to Luxor, site of Ancient Thebes (UNESCO) and home to the expansive Karnak Temple. Wander through this 4,000-year-old complex of pylons and obelisks, often of near-mythic proportions. This afternoon, board your cruise ship, the Royal Lily, for a 4-day voyage on the Nile River. Relax aboard, taking in the views from the sundeck or participate in an informative talk covering Egypt from past to present. Tonight you might opt to join an evening visit to Luxor temple, all lit up and boasting fascinating plays of light and shadow, ending your evening at a local café for a taste of mint tea. (B, L, D)

DAY 6 - Start the morning by venturing thousands of years into the past. Cross over to the West Bank of the Nile for a day in ancient Thebes. Explore the Valley of the Kings, including the world-renowned tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut as well as the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the ship for lunch. Relax as you continue down the Nile towards Esna on your way to Edfu. Join a culinary demonstration and learn about the staples of Egyptian cuisine from your chef. This evening, dress up and join the fun during a traditional galabeya party. (B, L, D)

DAY 7 - Step into another world at the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. Peruse the endless carvings of scenes depicting the power and grandeur of the pharaohs. After lunch, set sail for Kom Ombo and continue to Aswan, the Nubian City. Following dinner, enjoy a folklore show featuring a belly dancing performance. (B, L, D)

DAY 8 - Board a motorboat towards the sanctuary island dedicated to the goddess Isis. Philae Temple (UNESCO) is among the architectural wonders rescued from the rising waters of the Nile during the construction of the High Dam. Then, learn about Aswan’s ancient trade of granite extraction and carving techniques during a visit to an ancient quarry and its unfinished obelisk. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Aswan. Perhaps you’ll visit the fascinating artifacts at the Nubian Archeological Museum. (B, L, D)

DAY 9 - Disembark the ship this morning and sail to the lush oasis of Kitchener Island where you embark on a stroll through the botanical gardens. Aboard a felucca (wooden sailboat), take in the views of the tall sand dunes on the western shore of the Nile before arriving at your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps you’ll stroll along the Corniche, Aswan’s waterfront promenade before regrouping for dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

DAY 10 - Pre sunrise, consider an optional tour to Abu Simbel to visit the extraordinary temples of Ramses II relocated here during the construction of the High Dam. Early this morning, return to Cairo. Walk along el-Moez Street, admiring the elegant Islamic architecture of Historic Cairo (UNESCO) and enjoy some free time to shop in the world-famous souk of Khan el Khalili. Peruse colorful trinkets, hand-painted crafts, polished pendants, and more. (B)

DAY 11 - Fulfill a lifelong dream and head to nearby Giza (UNESCO). Embark on an in-depth visit to the Pyramids of Giza, one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world. Marvel at the iconic Great Sphinx, one of the world’s oldest and largest monuments. Then, it’s your choice! Meet with a local archeologist to learn about the most recent findings in Egyptology and how they influence the active digs on the Giza plateau -OR- channel your inner explorer and venture inside the largest Pyramid of Giza via the Robber’s Tunnel, winding through the inner chamber. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 12 - Your epic adventure comes to a close today. Return home with a new understanding of this mystical land. (B)

 

 

A Valid Passport is required for this tour. Egyptian Visa must be obtained upon arrival for $25 at the airport.

Please note this trip features walking on uneven terrain, sand, and climbing with limited handrails.

 

To Sign Up - Call or Email our office to get a sign up form or visit HERE to sign up and get additional information

 

A Valid Passport and Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination are required to travel

 

RESERVATION CUT OFF IS SEPTEMBER 18

 

$ 4,799 per person, double occupancy - air inclusive, $ 5,599 single occupancy - air inclusive

 

 

upgrade to a partial Ocean view room for our first three nights in Cairo for an additional $60 double occupancy, $120 single occupancy.

 

 

 

Package Includes:

5 nights in Cairo

4 night Nile River Cruise aboard the Royal Lily

1 night in Aswan

Roundtrip Airfare and airport transfers

Intra-Tour Airfare

10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners

Cairo

Grand Egyptian Museum

Luxor

Temple of Karnak

Valley of the Kings

Queen Hatshepsut Temple

Kom Ombo

Aswan

Philae Temple

Historic Cairo

Khan elKhalili Bazaar

Giza Pyramids & Sphinx.

baggage handling

Deluxe motorcoach transportation

 

Payment & Cancellation Policies:

A deposit of $898 per person is due upon reservation

Reservations made after September 18, 2023 are based upon availability

 

Final payment due by November 5, 2023

 

Cancellation Schedule:               Cancellation Fee:

Through September 18               No Penalty

September 19 - December 16     $ 898

December 15 - January 13         50% of total price

January 14 - February 12           85% of total price

February 13 and beyond            100% of total price

 

Airfare is 100% non-refundable once paid in full

 

Optional Excursions:

 

Abu Simbel Day $375 USD - Visit the great sun temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II at the height of his New Kingdom reign. In one of the world's greatest cooperative preservation efforts, these temples were dismantled and moved in 1968 to save them from the flooding of the Aswan Dam. The Temple of Ramses II was constructed so that the sun's rays would illuminate four statues of Egyptian deities within the sanctuary on his birthday and on the anniversary of his coronation, October 20 and February 20. The temple is fronted by four colossal figures of Ramses II seated with the gods and attended by his Queen and daughters. The smaller temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari, who appears as Hathor, the goddess of love, joy and fertility. This option must be booked at least 65 days prior to departure and passport number is required at time of booking. This option is non-refundable within 45 days of departure. Duration: Approximately 6 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

 

 

An Evening in Luxor $65 USD - Begin your evening with a nighttime visit to Luxor Temple. After dusk, the temple is lit up, boasting fascinating plays of light and shadow off the reliefs and colonnades. Explore the inner chambers of the temple, including Amenhotep III’s “birth room” – which depicts scenes of the Pharaoh’s symbolic divine birth. Walk along the Avenue of Sphinxes, a 1 and half mile stretch once connecting Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple and lined with mysterious human-headed sphinxes. Then, delve deeper into the local culture with a visit to the historic Abu al-Haggag Mosque, perched atop the ruins of Luxor Temple. Cap your evening off with a visit to a local café for a taste of mint tea. Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

 

Sakkara and Coptic Cairo with Lunch $140 USD - Tour Sakkara, the sweeping necropolis and pyramid field of Memphis, Egypt’s first Capital. This is where pyramid building first began, 47 centuries ago when chief architect Imhotep built the grand step pyramid in honor of King Djoser. In company of an expert Egyptologist, visit this expansive burial complex counting 11 pyramids and the impressive Serapeum, the burial site of the sacred Apis bulls. After lunch in a local restaurant, explore Cairo’s Coptic and Jewish heritage with visits to the Hanging Church and the Ben Ezra synagogue. A maze of ancient and modern churches and monasteries, set within the walls of a Babylonian fortress, Coptic Cairo is a fascinating corner of Egypt’s capital. This option operates at same time of "Alexandria & its Library Full Day with Lunch." Please select only one of these options. Duration: Approximately 7 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

 

 

Alexandria & its Library Full Day with Lunch $165 USD - Join a full day excursion to Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city. A 3-hour journey takes you to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, where Alexander the Great founded the city during the Hellenistic period. Alexandria was home to a lighthouse ranking among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World as well as a storied library. Today the library is reincarnated in the disc-shaped, ultramodern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which you visit during your tour. The city also has Greco-Roman landmarks, old-world cafes and sandy beaches that you explore on a panoramic tour before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Cairo in the evening. This option operates at same time of "Sakkara and Coptic Cairo with Lunch." Please select only one of these options. Duration: Approximately 12 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included

 

 

Insurance:

Cancel For Any Reason Insurance is available through Collette Tours for $599 per person and must be purchased up front with your deposit.

Sign Up & Additional Information