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15 Day Oberoi Elite (Cruise & Land)
Highlights: Cairo, Nile, Hurghada
Trip start: Cairo
Trip end: Cairo
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Experience the wonders of Egypt through the comfort and luxury of an Oberoi Palace style Hotel and luxury Cruise. Begin your Journey in Cairo, enjoying spectacular views from the Mena House. Your private guide will unlock the secrets of Egypt while you explore the Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, Memphis and the Great Sphinx. From there it's off to Aswan, to board your Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruiser - your floating luxury hotel for the next 7 nights. From Aswan to Ancient Thebes you will embark on a journey of discovery and splendor that is the Nile River. Tour the temples and monuments along the river's edge including: Kitchener Island and High Dam/Philae in Aswan, Edfu and Kom Obo Temples, to the Valley of the Kings & Queens and Karnak Temple in Luxor, and Dendarah in Quina. Your private guide distinguishes you from the rest of the passengers as you explore these amazing archaeological treasures at your own pace. Before returning to Cairo to explore the Egyptian Museum with its incredible Tutankhamun exhibit and the bustling bazaars, enjoy 3 nights on the Red Sea at the luxurious Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh in Hurghada.

This is a truly personalized experience with your own private driver and vehicle, and a trained Egyptologist guide and is our most complete and exclusive Egypt experience.

Travel in Egypt often involves early-morning starts, designed to avoid crowds and the hottest midday hours. It can be hot, especially in June, July and August, but there is virtually no humidity and evening temperatures cool off dramatically. Egypt is a moderate secular state, well used to hosting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. While you will want to avoid revealing clothing, loose shorts and short-sleeved shirts are fine for both genders on board your Nile cruise and while sightseeing.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Cairo
  • Cairo: Transfer - Airport - VIP Vehicle/Driver
  • Airport Assistance and Visa Service
  • Dinner (not included)
Mena House Oberoi Palace
(Alt: ) (B)
Day 2
Cairo
  • Private - Pyramids, Saqqara, Memphis Tour - VIP Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch Exclusive - Vehicle & Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Mena House Oberoi Palace
(Alt: ) (B)
Day 3
Cairo
  • Private - 1/2 d Egyptian Museum Tour - Vip Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch Exclusive - Vehicle & Driver
  • Private - Tahrir Square (Liberation tour) - Vehicle/Driver
  • Cairo by Night - Vehicle Driver
Mena House Oberoi Palace (B)
Day 4
Nile
  • Transfer - Airport - VIP Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Cairo - Aswan [Direct (1.5 hr)] - Economy
  • Aswan: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Private - 1/2 d High Dam, Philae, Obelisk - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Dinner (included)
Oberoi Zahra
(Alt: ) (B,L,D)
Day 5
Nile
  • Shared - Abu Simbel Tour (Optional)
  • Sound & Light
  • Dinner (included)
Oberoi Zahra
(Alt: ) (B,L,D)
Day 6
Nile
  • Nile: Private - Kom Ombo Temple - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Aswan: Private - Kitchener island, Aga Khan - Sailing
  • Dinner (included)
Oberoi Zahra
(Alt: ) (B,L,D)
Day 7
Nile
  • Nile: Private - Edfu Horus Temple - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Dinner (included)
Oberoi Zahra
(Alt: ) (B,L,D)
Day 8
Nile
  • Luxor: Private - 1/2 d East Bank - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Private - Luxor Museum Tour - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Dinner (included)
Oberoi Zahra (B,L,D)
Day 9
Nile
  • Private - West Bank Tour 1 - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Private - 1/2 d Dendarah Tour - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Dinner (included)
Oberoi Zahra (B,L,D)
Day 10
Nile
  • Private - West Bank Tour 2
  • Dinner (included)
Oberoi Zahra (B,L,D)
Day 11
Hurghada
  • Private - Hurghada convoy (4hr drive) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh (B)
Day 12
Hurghada
  • Hurghada: Optional activities
Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh (B)
Day 13
Hurghada
  • Optional activities
Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh (B)
Day 14
Cairo
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Hurghada - Cairo [Direct (1 hr)] - Economy
  • Cairo: Transfer - Airport - VIP Vehicle/Driver
Mena House Oberoi Palace (B)
Day 15
Cairo
  • Transfer - Airport - VIP Vehicle/Driver
Depart (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the hub of the country. Millennia of history have made it one of the most fascinating places in the world. The Egyptian Museum whose 107 halls feature huge statues on the ground floor, and small statues, jewels, Tutankhamon treasures and the mummies on upper floors. Other downtown sights include the Saladin Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, and Khan Khalili bazaar. Nearby Giza is famous for the Pyramids of Egypt, among the largest constructions ever built.

Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver.

You will be met in the tunnel by an airport representative who will in turn facilitate the visa process ($15 per person - included in tour cost), escort you through customs and immigration, off to baggage claim and finally to passenger pick up. It is here that you will connect with our representative associate who will arrange airport transfer to your hotel.

Mena House Oberoi, in the shadow of the Great Pyramids in Cairo has enchanted guests since 1869. Located in forty acres of jasmine scented gardens, Mena House Oberoi has played host to kings and emperors, Heads of State and celebrities. Its royal history is reflected in luxurious interiors that are embellished with exquisite antiques, handcrafted furniture and rich textiles. A variety of international as well as Egyptian cuisine is on offer at the excellent restaurants and bars in the hotel. This is the perfect place to begin your explorations of Cairo. Located in the Palace, each Standard room offers a choice of either a king-size bed or twin beds and every room has a satellite television, in-room safe and personal bar, and high speed Internet connection.

Overnight at Mena House Oberoi Palace.


The Mighty Sphinx
The Mighty Sphinx
Mena House Oberoi Palace
Mena House Oberoi Palace
Day 2 Cairo

Enjoy this tour which explores the relics of ages past, and includes visits to ancient Memphis, Saqqara and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Already millennia old by the birth of Christ, the elaborate statues and astonishing scale of these sites will amaze all who visit. This tour also features the famous Sphinx, whose constructor's still remains unknown, but its sheer beauty and allure has mystified the likes of Alexander the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte. This tour includes a private vehicle, a driver, and a highly trained Egyptologist, and entry to either Chephren (Khafre) or Menkaure (Mycerinus) pyramids, as well as the Solar boat. Entrance to the Pyramids come with an additional cost, and be aware that a limited number of people are allowed inside daily, so arrive early so you will not be disappointed.

Enjoy the city's finest cuisine with a private table at the very best restaurants.

Overnight at Mena House Oberoi Palace.


Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza
Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza
Day 3 Cairo

Delve into the historical background of Egypt on a half day private tour with a trained Egyptologist guide through the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and its Mummy Room, which houses a priceless treasure of archaeological finds. This location holds the tomb of the King Tut, Egypt's most famous teenage Kings!

Enjoy the city's finest cuisine with a private table at the very best restaurants.

Learn more about Egypt’s modern history today with a private guided tour of Tahrir Square; the largest square in Modern Cairo. Adjacent to some of the major attractions including the Egyptian Museum, as well as other important institutions. The square was originally called Midan Ismailia Square, after the 19th-century ruler Khedive Ismail, who commissioned the new downtown district's 'Paris on the Nile' design. After the Egyptian Revolution of 1919 the square became widely known as Tahrir (Liberation) Square. Traditionally, it is the site for numerous major protests and demonstrations over the years, including the 1977 Egyptian Bread Riots, the March 2003 protest against the War in Iraq and the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution against former president Hosni Mubarak in Cairo. Your expert local guide will share stories with you about the people and what Cairo was like during their recent uprising.

During this evening tour, enjoy a delicious Egyptian dinner at Naguib Mafouz, located in the heart of the Khan Khalili bazaar in Cairo. Stroll down the newly opened Al Moaz Street and view the largest concentration of medieval architectural treasures from the Islamic world. Also included in this tour is entrance to Beit El Seheimy.  Normally, this location would be closed to the public during the evening, but this exclusive tour allows for entrance inside.  This tour includes a private vehicle, driver and english speaking guide.

Overnight at Mena House Oberoi Palace.


Egyptian Museum, home of King Tut
Egyptian Museum, home of King Tut
A peaceful evening turns into days of protests
A peaceful evening turns into days of protests
Khan Khalili Bazaar
Khan Khalili Bazaar
Day 4 Nile

Glide up the Nile at night and explore ancient temples during the day. Edfu (Idfu) is located on the west bank of the River Nile between Esna and Aswan. Of all the temple remains in Egypt, the Temple of Horus at Edfu is the most completely preserved. Kom Ombo was originally an Egyptian city called Nubt, meaning City of Gold. The town's location on the Nile 50 km north of Aswan (Syene) gave it some control over trade routes from Nubia to the Nile Valley, but its main rise to prominence came with the erection of the temple in the 2nd century BC.

Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver.

Take your Egypt Air flight from Cairo to Aswan, flights as requests only and subject to change.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver in Aswan.

This 1/2 day tour begins with a visit to the impressive Aswan High Dam. The water which was collected behind created Lake Nasser, the world's largest artificial lake. View the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the Goddess Iris, on the island of Agilika, stopping at the “unfinished obelisk,” a practical demonstration of the methods used by ancient craftsmen to create impressive monuments.

The Oberoi Zahra, Luxury Nile Cruiser continues the Oberoi Hotels & Resorts’ tradition of offering the highest standards of hospitality and is amongst the most spacious accommodation on the Nile. The subtle and elegant interior of the Luxury Cabins and Luxury Suites is complemented by expansive views of the river framed by large windows within the cabins and the en suite bathrooms. The Oberoi Zahra is the only boat on the Nile with a full-service spa. It sails on a seven-day itinerary from Luxor to Aswan (and vice versa), allowing guests the opportunity to leisurely discover five thousand years of Egyptian culture.

Overnight at Oberoi Zahra.


Nile
Nile
Temple of Philae on the island of Agilika
Temple of Philae on the island of Agilika
The Oberoi Zahra
The Oberoi Zahra
Day 5 Nile

You can enjoy an optional excursion from the Oberoi Zahra Nile cruiser to Abu Simbel for a guided tour of the Temple of Ramesess II and Temple of Hathor. (Not included in tour price).

Enjoy a sound and light show at the Philae Aswan, where the ancient world is brought back to life.

Overnight at Oberoi Zahra.


Temple of Hathor
Temple of Hathor
Sound and Light show at Philae
Sound and Light show at Philae
Day 6 Nile

Visit a unique Greco-Roman temple dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the sun god. The Temple in Kom Ombo (also known simply as Kom Ombo Temple) dates from about 180 BC, during a period known as the Ptolemaic era, and had some additions built on to it during Roman times. It stands right on the bank of the Nile between Edfu and Aswan. The temple is unusual in that it is a double temple, with one side dedicated to the god Haroesis and the other side to Sobek. The design is almost perfectly symmetrical, with two side-by-side sanctuaries and two parallel passageways leading through the outer parts of the temple. The right side is dedicated to Sobek-Re (the crocodile god combined with the sun god Re), along with his wife (a form of Hathor) and their son Khonsu-Hor. Sobek is associated with Seth, the enemy of Horus. In the myth of Horus and Osiris, Seth and his followers changed themselves into crocodiles to escape. The ancient Egyptians believed that by honouring the fearsome crocodile as a god, they would be safe from attacks. The left side is dedicated to Haroeris, the "Good Doctor" (a form of the falcon-headed god Horus the Elder) along with his consort Ta-Sent-Nefer, the "Good Sister" (another form of Hathor).

Enjoy a Nile adventure as you sail aboard a traditional, non-motorized felucca around Kitchener's Island, the Aga Khan Mausoleum and botanical gardens.

Overnight at Oberoi Zahra.


Kom Ombo Temple
Kom Ombo Temple
Feluccas on the Nile
Feluccas on the Nile
Day 7 Nile

Visit the Nile-side Temple of Horus, the falcon god, built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III. The Temple of Horus in Edfu (also known as the Temple of Edfu) is considered the best-preserved cult temple in Egypt. This is partly because it was built later than most: in the Ptolemaic era from 237 to 57 BC. Despite its later date, it reflects traditional pharaonic architecture and so provides an excellent idea of how all the temples once looked. Edfu is also very large: the second largest in Egypt after Karnak Temple.

Overnight at Oberoi Zahra.


Temple of Horus
Temple of Horus
Day 8 Nile

Enjoy a private tour with a qualified Egyptologist guide exploring the East Bank of Luxor. Visit the most impressive temples of Karnak and Luxor, while learning about ancient Egyptian history from your own personal guide. Start your day with a visit to the Temples of Karnak. Walk along the Avenue of Sphinx to enter the complex as your guide explains how the massive facade was constructed. Continue to Luxor Temple which was once joined to the Temples of Karnak by a two-kilometre long Avenue of Sphinx, a portion of which marks the entrance to the temple. Your private guide will offer interpretation and guide you through the most important parts of the temples.

On this private tour, a trained Egyptologist will describe the many sculptures, mosaic's and antiquities on display in the famous Luxor Museum, prepare for truly Egyptian experience. This elegant modern museum boasts a fabulous collection of artifacts from Thebes including pottery, jewelry, furniture and other artifacts from the ancient city. A recent addition to the exhibits is the cache of 22 magnificent New Kingdom statues, found in 1989 buried beneath Luxor Temple.

Overnight at Oberoi Zahra.


Karnak Temple
Karnak Temple
Amenhotep III and Sobek, Luxor Museum
Amenhotep III and Sobek, Luxor Museum
Day 9 Nile

Transfer to the West Bank and explore the West Bank of the ancient Thebes. Visit the Valley of the Kings to see the royal tombs of King Tutankhamun and Ramses, the sixth. This is followed by a visit to the Temple of Madinat Habu and a stop at the Colossus of Memnon.

Today you will venture on a half day tour to the Dendarah Temple with a private vehicle, driver and trained Egyptologist. 169 km north of Luxor is the remains of Egypt's most famous and ancient cities, Dendarah. Here stands the Dendarah Temple dedicated to Hathor, the Goddess of love, fertility, and beauty.

Overnight at Oberoi Zahra.


Colossus of Memnon
Colossus of Memnon
Dendarah Temple
Dendarah Temple
Day 10 Nile

Visit the West Bank. This private tour includes visits to the Tombs of the Nobles, Temple of Hatchepsut and Deir El Madina, the site of a very special workman’s village, whose craftsmen built and decorated the tombs of the Pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings.

Overnight at Oberoi Zahra.


Deir El Madina Craftmens Village
Deir El Madina Craftmens Village
Day 11 Hurghada

The beaches of Hurghada stretch for about 40 km along the seashore. El Gouna is an artificially-created and privately owned luxury hotel town, about 25 km north of Hurghada. Beautifully designed with several islands separated by channels and connected by bridges, the hotels and marinas feature private beaches and an exclusive boutique village. It is an international center for aquatic sports and snorkeling and diving.

Queue up with the morning convoy departing Luxor. This 350 KM drive will cross the desert and rock terrain that is a feature across most of Egypt. Arrive at the sparkling sea mid-morning and transfer to your resort.

A secluded haven on the Red Sea Coast, celebrating rare marine life, nature’s fabulous colours and the timeless beauty of the sea. Nature’s colours come to life at The Oberoi, Sahl Hasheesh, situated on 48 acres with private beach, white sand, aquamarine waters and vibrantly-hued marine life. All 63 Deluxe Suites and 21 Superior Deluxe Suites are spacious and elegantly appointed and have luxurious bathrooms with separate shower stalls. Their sunken marble baths overlook a private open-air walled garden. The 12 larger Grand Suites have their own private swimming pool, heated in the cooler months. Their restaurants and bar are all you would expect from this resort and offers an a la carte menu of Continental and Oriental cuisine. Get pampered at their Oberoi Spa with massages, scrubs and beauty therapies that leave you feeling completely rejuvenated or simply unwind in the private steam room or in the outdoor swimming pool, which overlook over the beach and the Red Sea.

Overnight at Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh.


Hurghada
Hurghada
Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh
Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh
Day 12 Hurghada

Sign up for optional activities at your resort (not included in tour price); deep sea fishing, boat excursions, scuba diving, or other.

Overnight at Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh.


Hurghada reef diving
Hurghada reef diving
Day 13 Hurghada

Sign up for optional activities at your resort (not included in tour price); deep sea fishing, boat excursions, scuba diving, or other.

Overnight at Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh.


Day 14 Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the hub of the country. Millennia of history have made it one of the most fascinating places in the world. The Egyptian Museum whose 107 halls feature huge statues on the ground floor, and small statues, jewels, Tutankhamon treasures and the mummies on upper floors. Other downtown sights include the Saladin Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, and Khan Khalili bazaar. Nearby Giza is famous for the Pyramids of Egypt, among the largest constructions ever built.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Take your flight from Hurghada to Cairo. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver.

Overnight at Mena House Oberoi Palace.


Hurghada
Hurghada
Day 15 Cairo

Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver.

Depart from Cairo international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.