Splendors of Egypt, a Women-Only Tour

Splendors of Egypt, a Women-Only Tour

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12 Days From

$5195

$4711

Splendors of Egypt, a Women-Only Tour

12 Days Starting and ending in Cairo, Egypt

Visiting: Cairo, Luxor, Dendera, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Giza

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

XB945N20

Specialist Group:

Women Only

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Cruise

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $5195 $4711 Operator discount: -$484

NB: Prices correct on 18-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Splendors of Egypt, a Women-Only Tour" and explore the rich tapestry of Egypt's ancient wonders. This exclusive journey takes you from the bustling streets of Cairo to the serene banks of the Nile, offering a luxurious stay at the Cairo Marriott Hotel and a seven-night cruise aboard the elegant MS Medea or MS Miriam. Discover the mysteries of the pyramids in Giza, the grandeur of Luxor's temples, and the unique double temple of Kom Ombo. Engage with local culture through authentic dining experiences and a visit to a women-owned co-operative in Aswan. With the guidance of an expert Egyptologist, delve into the history and mythology of this timeless land, all while enjoying the comfort of Insight's air-conditioned coach and scenic flights. This tour promises an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and relaxation, tailored exclusively for women travelers.

Highlights

  • Dendera: Visit the Temple of Hathor to see a rare depiction of Cleopatra and Caesarian.

  • Aswan: Explore the High Dam and Granite Quarries, and visit the Temple of Isis on Philae Island.

  • Kom Ombo: Discover the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus.

  • Luxor: Walk through the ancient Luxor Temple and the vast Karnak Temple complex.

  • Memphis: See the statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx.

  • Saqqara Necropolis: View the world's oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid of Zoser I.

  • Giza: Explore the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, and experience the Sound & Light Show.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Cairo

Location: Cairo

Accommodation: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.

Accommodation Name: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino

Welcome to the timeless land of the pharaohs. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and have time to relax and sample the hotel’s amenities after your journey.

Day 2: Fly To Luxor, Cruise The Nile

Location: Luxor

Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).

Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, fly to Luxor and visit the huge temple complex of Karnak. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall. Later, transfer to your cruise ship, your home for the next seven nights. After lunch on board, take a walk through the Luxor Museum, witness ancient artefacts. In the evening, get to know your Travel Director, a professionally trained Egyptologist, as well as fellow guests over a drink followed by dinner. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Day 3: Exploring Dendera And On To Edfu

Location: Dendera

Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).

Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A day of legend and history awaits you today as you begin with a morning visit to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera. One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, it contains a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarian, whose father was Julius Caesar. At lunchtime return to your ship and enjoy a scenic journey via the Esna Lock to Edfu.

Day 4: Edfu To Aswan

Location: Aswan

Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).

Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the day with breakfast as you cruise along the Nile to Kom Ombo before continuing to the city of Aswan. Famous for its archaeological sites, such as the Philae Temple Complex and the Temple of Isis, Aswan is a vibrant destination that portray an agreeable mix of ancient and contemporary Egypt. In the evening, enjoy a fun-filled Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.

Day 5: Aswan’S High Dam & Temple Of Isis

Location: Aswan

Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).

Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to Aswan's High Dam and granite quarries, to see the enormous unfinished obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis, rising from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities on your cruise ship. Ask your Travel Director for recommendations on things to do onboard or perhaps ask for more insights into Egypt’s fascinating history?

Day 6: Feluccas And Sundowner

Location: Aswan

Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).

Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Throughout your journey you’ll have seen many feluccas sailing along the Nile. Now it’s your time to explore one for yourself. On this traditional vessel, you’ll meet a local sailor who will teach you about the ancient art of sailing. Meet the ladies behind the local women’s co-op on your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and see scrap materials come to life as they are being turned into fine handicrafts. The organization provides an important source of income for the vulnerable women of the co-op. As the sun starts to fade, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, just like Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie once did before you. The hotel is rumoured to be where Christie wrote her bestselling novel, “Death on the Nile."

Day 7: Free Time And On To Kom Ombo Relaxed Start

Location: Kom Ombo

Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).

Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

With the morning free, perhaps join an Optional Experience to Abu Simbel? These temples overlook Lake Nasser and are made up of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor. Later, sail to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple of Egypt, dedicated to two gods: the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus the Elder.

Day 8: Cruising The Nile To Luxor

Location: Luxor

Accommodation: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar).

Accommodation Name: MS Medea or MS Miriam (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise along the majestic waters of the Nile. Immerse yourself in the premium service on board and have your cameras at-the-ready for the sights as you leisurely make your way to Luxor. Indulge your culinary side during an Egyptian Cooking Class making traditional moussaka. In the evening, Conclude the day visiting Luxor Temple, where you dock for the night.

Day 9: Explore Luxor And Fly To Cairo

Location: Luxor

Accommodation: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.

Accommodation Name: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, disembark from your cruise and travel to the west bank of the Nile. Delve into history seeing both the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings where many pharaohs were buried, including Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I and Tutankhamun. Enhance your discovery visiting the Valley of the Queens. This site houses over 75 tombs belonging to queens of the 19th and 20th dynasties and to other members of the royal families, including the tomb of Nefertari and the Ramesside princes. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.

Day 10: Cairo Sightseeing

Location: Cairo

Accommodation: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.

Accommodation Name: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, ascend to the Citadel for breath-taking views over the city. While here visit the Alabaster Mosque, otherwise known as the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, regarded as the founder of modern Egypt. Continue to Tahrir Square, the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, and the Egyptian Museum. Among the many exhibits found here are the fabulous artefacts recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamun.

Day 11: Cairo And The Pyramids Of Giza

Location: Giza

Accommodation: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.

Accommodation Name: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel to Memphis, the famous capital of the ancient world. See the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Sakkara to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid in the world, dating back to 2700 B.C. In the afternoon, arrive at Giza to explore the magnificent pyramids. Here you’ll come face-to-face with the enigmatic Sphinx. During your visit, venture inside one of these ancient wonders to see the chambers where the pharaohs were sent to meet their gods in the afterlife.

Day 12: Depart Cairo

Location: Cairo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International airport.

What's Included

  • Transport

    Travel in style with a scenic flight to Luxor, a luxurious Nile cruise, and the comfort of Insight's air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

  • Dining

    Enjoy 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners, and 1 afternoon tea during the tour.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided by a professionally trained Egyptologist, explore various historical sites including the Temple of Hathor, Aswan's High Dam, Philae Island, Kom Ombo, Luxor Temple, Memphis, Saqqara Necropolis, and the Pyramids of Giza.

  • Cultural Experiences

    Participate in an Egyptian dinner and galabeya party, and enjoy a Sound & Light Show at the Great Pyramids.

  • Make Travel Matter Experience

    Meet the women of a local women-owned co-operative in Aswan, supporting vulnerable women to learn new skills and become financially independent.

  • Authentic Dining

    Learn about traditional Egyptian attire and immerse yourself in local culture at an Egyptian dinner and galabeya party in Kom Ombo.

  • Additional Included Highlights

    Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes and porterage charges, and complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi are included.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences such as a visit to Abu Simbel are not included in the tour package.

  • Flights

    International flights to and from Cairo are not included in the tour package.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with a scenic flight to Luxor, a luxurious Nile cruise, and the comfort of Insight's air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

Accommodation

Stay in the luxurious Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino, and enjoy a seven-night cruise aboard the elegant MS Medea or MS Miriam, offering premium service and comfort.

Dining Summary

  • 11 Breakfast (B)
  • 7 Lunch (L)
  • 7 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Travel Director

  • "Koshari is our national dish, and it never disappoints. Believed to have originated in the 19th century, this vegetarian street food staple is made of rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas, topped with delicious fried onions and a spicy tomato-based garlic sauce."
  • "I love to share our Ancient Egyptian civilization and history with our guests and to explain all the details and stories related to Egyptian mythology so our guests can enjoy a very special guided vacation."
  • "The Abu Simbel Temples are utterly unique in scale, architecture, art and history. From one of the most prominent eras of Ancient Egyptian history, these magnificent structures emphasise how persistent and clever ancient Egyptian architects were to carve a mountain to make such incredible tributes for Egyptian deities."

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Women-Only

  • Aswan: Delve into the fascinating history of papyrus. Experience a fascinating demonstration on how the ancient Egyptians used papyrus leaves for writing. Learn how paper was made from the papyrus water-plant which grew abundantly in the marshy delta of the Nile. Be amazed at the history of when excavators of a tomb at Saqqara discovered the earliest known roll of papyrus, dating to around 2900 B.C. You’ll also receive a small gift to commemorate your visit.
  • Aswan: Discover the ancient art of belly dancing, reported as far back as the 4th century as an identifying element of Egyptian culture.
  • Aswan: Savor cocktails and canapés at the historic Old Cataract Hotel while watching the sunset over the Nile. Enjoy this blend of natural beauty and timeless elegance for an unforgettable experience.
  • Aswan: On a traditional Nile felucca, meet a sailor and learn the art of sailing this ancient Nile craft. Visit the High Dam and Granite Quarries.
  • Luxor: Satisfy your curiosity and your taste buds over an Egyptian cooking class with your talented onboard chef. Learn the time-honored secrets behind how to make Egyptian vegetable Moussaka, a beloved Egyptian dish made of eggplant, tomatoes and peppers.
  • Luxor: Get up close and personal with ancient history at the Valley of the Queens. Located amid the hills along the western bank of the Nile River in Upper Egypt, this site was a burial ground first for officials and later for royal wives, daughters and sons from 1550 to 1080 BC. You can visit from a selection of tombs open to the public.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experience does the tour offer in Aswan?

    In Aswan, the tour offers a visit to a local women-owned co-operative where you can meet women who have learned new skills to become financially independent. This experience supports gender equality and sustainability by using waste and natural materials to create handicrafts.

  • What can I expect during the Nile cruise?

    During the Nile cruise, you will travel on a luxurious ship, the MS Medea or MS Miriam, and enjoy premium service. The cruise includes visits to significant archaeological sites such as the Temple of Isis on Philae Island, the unique double temple at Kom Ombo, and the Luxor Temple. You will also have the opportunity to participate in an Egyptian cooking class and enjoy an Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.

  • What historical sites will be visited in Cairo?

    In Cairo, the tour includes visits to the Citadel for views over the city, the Alabaster Mosque, Tahrir Square, and the Egyptian Museum where you can see the artefacts from King Tutankhamun's tomb. Additionally, you will explore the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, and visit Memphis to see the statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx.

  • What is the significance of the visit to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera?

    The visit to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera is significant because it is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and contains a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarian, whose father was Julius Caesar.

  • What cultural activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes cultural activities such as learning about traditional Egyptian attire at a galabeya party, participating in an Egyptian cooking class, and experiencing a Sound & Light Show at the Great Pyramids. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the ancient art of sailing on a traditional Nile felucca.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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Wednesday - Sunday

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Operator discount: -$484

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Prices last published on 18-Oct-2024

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  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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