Tour Name: Pharon AllStars
Locations: Pyramids, Cairo, Nile Cruise
Duration: 11 days, including 1 week on a Nile cruise and 3 nights in Cairo.
Overview
Pharon AllStars (11 Days)
The Pharon AllStars tour is an 11-day adventure that combines three nights in Cairo with a seven-night Nile cruise. You’ll visit the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and the bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar in Cairo before flying to Luxor. From there, cruise down the Nile, visiting famous landmarks such as the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Temple of Philae in Aswan. Enjoy optional excursions to Abu Simbel and other historical sites before flying back to Cairo for your final day.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Cairo, one of the world’s largest cities, you will be welcomed and assisted through the entry formalities. Cairo is a vast metropolis that spreads along both sides of the Nile River, blending the ancient with the modern. After completing the formalities, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax at the hotel and prepare for the journey ahead.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for the Giza Plateau, where you will visit the legendary Pyramids of Cheops, Khafre, and Menkaure, as well as the Great Sphinx. The Great Pyramid of Cheops, built around 2650 BC, is the largest of the three pyramids and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Standing at 146 meters high, it remained the tallest man-made structure on Earth for over 4,000 years. Next, you will visit Khafre’s Pyramid, which appears taller due to its elevated base and steeper angle, though it is slightly smaller than Cheops. Finally, you will visit Menkaure’s Pyramid, which is the smallest of the three at 66 meters. At the foot of the pyramids lies the Great Sphinx, a colossal statue with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, believed to represent Khafre. It stands as a symbol of ancient Egypt, guarding the pyramids for eternity.
In the afternoon, you will have the option to visit Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest pyramid in Egypt, built by the famous architect Imhotep. You can also visit Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, where you’ll see the alabaster Sphinx of Memphis and other historical artifacts.
In the evening, you will return to your hotel in Cairo for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Luxor, one of Egypt’s most ancient and storied cities. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to the port and board your cruise ship, where you’ll settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch onboard. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore Luxor at your leisure or relax on the ship.
Dinner and overnight will be onboard the cruise as it remains docked in Luxor.
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a full-day exploration of Luxor’s West Bank, starting with the awe-inspiring Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. This unique temple, partly carved into the cliffs of the mountain, rises in terraces connected by central ramps. It is dedicated to Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's few female pharaohs, and is a masterpiece of ancient architecture.
You will then visit the Valley of the Kings, where you’ll explore the royal tombs hidden within the cliffs. This vast necropolis served as the burial site for New Kingdom pharaohs, including Tutankhamun and Ramses II. Here, you will visit two tombs of kings and the tomb of a queen, each adorned with intricate wall paintings and hieroglyphs depicting scenes of the afterlife.In the afternoon, you’ll sail towards Esna, passing through the Esna Lock along the way. Dinner and overnight will be onboard the cruise as it makes its way to Esna.
After breakfast, you will sail to Edfu, where you’ll visit the Temple of Horus, one of the most complete and best-preserved temples in Egypt. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, the temple was constructed over 180 years, beginning in 237 BC during the Ptolemaic period. You’ll enter through the grand pylons decorated with immense reliefs of Horus and the pharaoh, and continue into the vast courtyard where the walls depict various rituals and scenes from Egyptian mythology.
After the visit, you’ll return to the ship for lunch as you sail toward Kom Ombo. Upon arrival, you will visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique double temple dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. This temple is distinguished by its dual design, with two entrances, two sanctuaries, and symmetrically aligned rooms, reflecting the worship of two deities. On the temple grounds, you can also visit the small museum housing mummified crocodiles that were once sacred to Sobek.
Dinner and overnight will be onboard as you continue sailing towards Aswan.
In the morning, after breakfast, you will sail to Aswan, a city known for its tranquil beauty and as the gateway to Nubia. Upon arrival, you will visit the Temple of Philae, a temple complex that was relocated to Agilkia Island after the construction of the Aswan High Dam to save it from flooding. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, Philae is known for its exquisite carvings and majestic columns.
Later, you will return to the ship for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore Aswan or relax. You may choose to take a traditional felucca ride along the Nile, visiting Kitchener Island, a lush botanical garden, or sail to Elephantine Island.
Dinner and overnight will be onboard the cruise in Aswan.
After breakfast onboard, you will have a free day in Aswan to explore at your own pace or participate in optional excursions. One highly recommended option is a visit to Abu Simbel, located 260 kilometers south of Aswan. This UNESCO World Heritage site consists of two colossal rock temples built by Ramses II to honor himself and his queen, Nefertari. The larger temple is dedicated to Amun-Re, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, while the smaller one is dedicated to Hathor. The statues and reliefs at Abu Simbel are breathtaking in both their size and detail.
In the evening, you will return to the ship for dinner and overnight in Aswan.
After breakfast, you will spend a relaxing day sailing from Aswan back to Esna. Enjoy the peaceful views of the Nile and the surrounding scenery as the ship makes its way down the river. All meals will be served onboard, and entertainment will be provided in the evening.
Dinner and overnight will be onboard the cruise as it sails towards Esna.
In the morning, after breakfast, you will arrive back in Luxor. Today, you will visit the Temple of Luxor, a grand structure built by Amenhotep III and expanded by Ramses II. The temple was designed to celebrate the annual Opet Festival, during which the statues of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu were transported from Karnak to Luxor. The grand entrance was once flanked by two massive obelisks, one of which now stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris.
After visiting Luxor Temple, you’ll return to the ship for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city or relax on the ship. Dinner and overnight will be onboard.
After breakfast onboard, you will disembark from the cruise and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day free to relax or explore the city.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your departure. Assistance with check-in and security formalities will be provided to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey home.
Inclusions
- Domestic flights between Cairo and Luxor (round-trip) and all associated taxes.
- Transfers in a private minibus.
- 7 nights aboard a Nile cruise (full board).
- 3 nights in a 5-star hotel in Cairo with breakfast.
- Guided tours and excursions as mentioned in the program.
- Land transportation by air-conditioned vehicle or bus.
- A local French-speaking Egyptologist guide for the duration of the tour.
- All hotel taxes and service charges.
- Airport assistance.
Exclusions
- International flights.
- Insurance (cancellation, assistance, multi-risk).
- Personal expenses, beverages, and extras.
- Mandatory gratuities for guides and drivers.
- Optional excursions (such as Abu Simbel by plane or bus).
- Visa and service fees (€105 per person).
FAQs
The tours include all domestic flights, accommodations (cruise and hotels), full board meals during the Nile cruise, guided tours and excursions as mentioned in the program, transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, local Egyptologist guides, and airport assistance. Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations are included on the cruises.
Exclusions typically cover international flights, visa fees, personal expenses, optional excursions (like the visit to Abu Simbel), insurance, and tips for guides and drivers. Specific fees, such as visa service fees (between €70-€105), will need to be paid upon arrival in Egypt.
Yes, the itineraries can often be adjusted or extended to meet your preferences. You can opt to add more days in Cairo, Luxor, or extend your stay in Hurghada for more beach time.
Yes, these tours are family-friendly and offer a mix of educational and relaxing activities. Children can enjoy the historical sites as well as the beach time in Hurghada. However, some excursions, like Abu Simbel, may involve long travel times.
Visas can be obtained upon arrival in Egypt. The visa fee ranges between €70-€105 per person, depending on the tour, and can be paid in cash at the airport.
Optional excursions include visits to Abu Simbel, mini Nile cruises in Aswan, camel rides, snorkeling, and desert safaris in Hurghada. These can be arranged at an additional cost.
Transportation between cities is primarily by domestic flights (Cairo to Luxor/Aswan). Within each destination, air-conditioned vehicles or buses suited to the group size will be provided for transfers and excursions.
All meals are included during the Nile cruise, and breakfast is typically included with hotel stays in Cairo and Hurghada. Some packages also include lunch during excursions or free days.
The local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP), but euros and US dollars are widely accepted. It’s a good idea to have local currency for smaller purchases, tips, and personal expenses. ATMs are also available in major cities.
Most hotels in Cairo and Hurghada offer free Wi-Fi, but coverage may be limited or slower on the Nile cruise. It’s recommended to purchase a local SIM card for better connectivity if needed.