Travel Notices

A Taste of Egypt

Discover ancient Egypt: Cairo, its capital; Aswan, gateway to Africa; Luxor, site of Luxor and Karnak temples; the iconic Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren; 3 nights aboard a deluxe Nile cruise ship.

Overview

from$3199Tour + Flights 9days
price per person, double occupancy,* based on Sep 24, 2024 departure from JFK
$300 Instant Savings. Expires Apr 25, 2024.*   All prices reflect savings.
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$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.††
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Carefree Booking. Change your travel plans with no penalties. See details & restrictions.†
Style Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures July 2024 – January 2025 Group Size 16 travelers max
Themes History & Culture,  River Cruises
Activity Level Moderate
What to Expect This fast-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Expect early wake up times and very long days in order to fit in all included visits. The Nile cruise portion of this tour can total up to 100 passengers. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
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What to expect | Your Privacy

Step back in time and discover the ancient wonders of Egypt on our A Taste of Egypt tour. Enjoy nine fascinating days exploring this historic country, starting in the sprawling capital city of Cairo, where East and West meet in a wonderful mix of precious antiquities and bustling modern life. Explore the treasures in the Egyptian Museum, browse the ancient bazaars and visit the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza. Fly to Aswan and embark on a three-night deluxe Nile River cruise, touring the East Bank of the Nile from Aswan to Kom Ombo and Esna to Luxor and the Temple of Karnak. Egypt is known as the world's greatest outdoor museum, and you'll soon discover why it is a bucket list destination for world travelers.

Package includes

  • Flights
  • Cruise
  • Coach
  • Transfers
  • Hotel
  • Meals
  • Guides
  • Round trip flights from New York (JFK) via EgyptAir, including taxes & fees
  • Arrival & departure transfers with meeting, assistance and porterage
  • All intra-Egypt flights and ground transportation
  • 3 nights Deluxe hotel accommodations in Cairo
  • 1 night Deluxe hotel accommodations in Aswan
  • 3 nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship in an outside, middle deck cabin
  • 15 meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 3 dinners
  • All shore excursions on Nile Cruise
  • Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
  • Professional English-speaking Egyptologist tour director and local guides

Optional add-ons

  • Exciting optional excursions in Cairo
  • Optional excursion to Abu Simbel

Why you'll love it

  • Spend 3 nights sailing along the Nile River aboard your deluxe Nile cruise ship.
  • Browse the Egyptian Museum's extensive collection of ancient treasures.
  • Marvel at the mysterious Sphinx and the great Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren.
  • Tour the granite quarries at Aswan's High Dam, which controls the Nile and is Egypt's major source of hydroelectric power.
  • Share a pot of tea with a family in a local village.
  • View the unique and fascinating drawings at the Temple of Kom Ombo.
  • Sail from Esna to Luxor, the capital of the New Kingdom and an important trade center of the ancient world.
  • Visit the Temple of Karnak, one of the most signification monuments of the Pharaonic legacy.
  • Explore the Valley of the Kings, once a royal burial ground for pharaohs.
  • Discover the ancient mysteries of King Tut on an included tour of his tomb in Luxor.

Itinerary at a Glance

A Taste of Egypt map

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $300 off if you book by Apr. 25, 2024!
Dates & Prices, with flights
per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price		 Instant
Savings		 Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Tue, Apr 23, 2024
Finishes: Wed, May 1, 2024
 Apr 23 – May 1 		$3399 – – Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, May 7, 2024
Finishes: Wed, May 15, 2024
 May 7 – May 15 		$3399 – – Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, May 21, 2024
Finishes: Wed, May 29, 2024
 May 21 – May 29 		$3499 – – Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, May 28, 2024
Finishes: Wed, Jun 5, 2024
 May 28 – Jun 5 		$3499 – – Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, Jun 18, 2024
Finishes: Wed, Jun 26, 2024
 Jun 18 – Jun 26 		$3499 – – Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, Jul 16, 2024
Finishes: Wed, Jul 24, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 25, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 16 – Jul 24 		$3549 –$300 $3249 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Aug 6, 2024
Finishes: Wed, Aug 14, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 25, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 6 – Aug 14 		$3649 –$300 $3349 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Sep 10, 2024
Finishes: Wed, Sep 18, 2024
 Sep 10 – Sep 18 		$3499 – – Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, Sep 24, 2024
Finishes: Wed, Oct 2, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 25, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 24 – Oct 2 		$3499 –$300 $3199 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Oct 8, 2024
Finishes: Wed, Oct 16, 2024
 Oct 8 – Oct 16 		$3499 – – Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, Oct 15, 2024
Finishes: Wed, Oct 23, 2024
 Oct 15 – Oct 23 		$3499 – – Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, Oct 29, 2024
Finishes: Wed, Nov 6, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 25, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 29 – Nov 6 		$3499 –$300 $3199 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Nov 12, 2024
Finishes: Wed, Nov 20, 2024
 Nov 12 – Nov 20 		$3499 – – Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, Nov 26, 2024
Finishes: Wed, Dec 4, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 25, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 26 – Dec 4 		$3499 –$300 $3199 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Dec 3, 2024
Finishes: Wed, Dec 11, 2024
 Dec 3 – Dec 11 		$3649 – – Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, Dec 17, 2024
Finishes: Wed, Dec 25, 2024
Book by Thu, Apr 25, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Dec 17 – Dec 25 		$3949 –$300 $3649 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Dec 24, 2024
Finishes: Wed, Jan 1, 2025
 Dec 24 – Jan 1 		$3949 – – Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, Dec 31, 2024
Finishes: Wed, Jan 8, 2025
Book by Thu, Apr 25, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Dec 31 – Jan 8 		$4049 –$300 $3749 Select

Unfortunately, we don't offer late returns on this package. Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

A Taste of Egypt
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy
May 7, 2024;  May 21, 2024;  May 28, 2024;  Jun 18, 2024;  Jul 16, 2024;  Aug 6, 2024 $749
Sep 10, 2024;  Sep 24, 2024;  Oct 8, 2024;  Oct 15, 2024;  Oct 29, 2024;  Nov 12, 2024;  Nov 26, 2024;  Dec 3, 2024 $919
Dec 17, 2024;  Dec 24, 2024;  Dec 31, 2024 $1079
All other dates $829
Optional Excursions1
Discounted Optional Excursions Package2 $195
Abu Simbel Optional Tour3 $350

1. Price based on a minimum of two passengers

2. Includes Citadel of Saladin & El Khalili Bazaar, Memphis & Sakkara, Evening walking tour of Zamalek & Dinner

3. Space is limited and must be pre-booked, tour is not available for purchase locally

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
New York Kennedy (JFK) included

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above. Please review the flight schedule, especially if you're booking connecting flights.

Want to fly from another city? Unfortunately, we don't offer flights from other cities, but you can book your own connecting flights.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

  • Check in for your overnight flight for Cairo, Egypt

Day 2 Cairo

  • Arrive in Cairo, Egypt and transfer to your hotel
  • Enjoy the day at leisure

Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences or similar

Full Day Itinerary
Cairo cityscape

Arrive in Cairo, where East and West come together in a wonderful mix of old and new. After customs formalities, you'll be met by our representatives in Cairo and escorted to your centrally located hotel overlooking the Nile River. You'll have the rest of the day to relax after your long flight or explore independently.

Day 3 Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx, Aswan

  • Tour the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren
  • Discover the treasures of the Egyptian Museum
  • Board your evening flight from Cairo to Aswan

Mövenpick Resort Aswan or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Egyptian Museum, Cairo

This morning, your guide will escort you on a fascinating tour of the most famous of all sites in Egypt—the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren. These monuments have stood for 46 centuries and may be the most visited in Egypt. The Sphinx, a feline character with the body of a lion and the face of Khufu (Cheops in Greek), is 50 meters long and 22 meters high. Carved from a single stone, it lies just before the Pyramids, and even today, its meaning and origin remain shrouded in mystery.

After lunch, enjoy a tour of Cairo, beginning at the Egyptian Museum, where you'll view, among other treasures, the priceless antiquities of Tutankhamun's tomb.

This evening, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Aswan, the gateway to Africa for the ancient Egyptians. Originally named "Syene" for the coarse-grained syenite extracted from its quarries, Aswan became a trading hub for spices, leather, ivory, fruit, grains, baskets, and mummified and living crocodiles.

Day 4 Aswan

  • Join an optional tour to Abu Simbel
  • See Aswan's High Dam and the granite quarries
  • Enjoy a tour by felucca

MS Tulip or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Feluccas, Aswan

Early this morning, take advantage of an optional excursion to the temple complex of Abu Simbel. 

See Aswan's High Dam, which controls the Nile and is a significant source of hydroelectric power in Egypt. Also, tour the granite quarries where a partially carved and cracked obelisk will demonstrate how the giant forms were hewn from the solid rock. Continue to the pier for embarkation aboard your deluxe Nile cruise ship. Settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch on board.

Enjoy a tour by felucca (a small, swift Egyptian sailboat) before returning to your cruise ship for dinner.

Spend the night in Aswan. 

Optional Excursion: Abu Simbel, $350
The Small Temple of Nefertari, Abu Simbel

Early this morning, fly from Aswan to nearby Abu Simbel, the site of the Great Temple of Ramses II, one of the most magnificent of all temples in Egypt and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Part of the Nubian Monuments, the twin temples of Abu Simbel were initially carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Ramses II in the 13th century BCE as a lasting tribute to himself and his queen Nefertiti. After the creation of Lake Nasser, formed by the building of Aswan High Dam in 1968, the Abu Simbel complex was relocated in its entirety high above the reservoir. After exploring the temple complex, return to Aswan. Space is limited. This tour must be pre-booked and is not available for purchase locally.

Day 5 Kom Ombo & Esna

  • Visit Philae Temple and enjoy a cup of tea at a Nubian house
  • Tour the Temple of Kom Ombo

MS Tulip or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Temple of Kom Ombo

Visit Philae Temple, the holiest site for Isis worshippers for centuries. The temple was officially closed down in the 6th century CE by the Byzantine emperor Justinian, and it was the last pagan temple to exist in the Mediterranean world. After the construction of the Aswan Dam, the half-submerged temple complex was completely dismantled and rebuilt to the original specifications on the nearby island of Agilika, which was reshaped and landscaped to resemble the original Philae. Metal pylons on the old island of Philae can still be seen rising from the water to the south of Agilika. Then enjoy a cup of tea in a Nubian house and learn about the local Nubian culture!

After lunch aboard the cruise ship, sail to Kom Ombo, where, in ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the river bank. The Temple of Kom Ombo is unique in all of Egypt and is shared by the two gods, Sobek and Haroeris. These Ptolemaic temples overlook the Nile and feature fascinating renderings on the walls, including detailed drawings of surgical instruments.

After dinner onboard, enjoy an Egyptian Galabeya Party onboard the ship.

Spend the night in Esna.

Day 6 Luxor

  • Sail to Luxor
  • Tour the East Bank of the Nile and the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple

MS Tulip or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Temple of Luxor at night

Visit the East Bank of the Nile. Highlights of today's tour include visits to the Temple of Karnak, one of the most significant monuments of the Pharaonic legacy, with work carried out on the temples over 1500 years, and Luxor Temple, strikingly graceful and enhanced over the centuries by Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Alexander the Great, and others.

After dinner onboard, enjoy a Belly Dancer and Tanoura show.

Overnight in Luxor.

Day 7 Luxor & Cairo

  • Disembark after breakfast
  • Tour the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings via motor coach
  • Visit the mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
  • Discover the ancient tomb of King Tutankhamun

Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Aerial view of the Valley of the Kings, Luxor

After breakfast, disembark and board your touring coach to visit the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings, where 64 of Egypt's Pharaohs have their royal tombs hewn into the sheer rock. Continue to the impressive Deir El Bahari mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural wonder built against a looming cliff face backdrop, and the Colossi of Memnon, two giant seated statues of Amenhotep III. Afterward, discover the ancient tomb of King Tutankhamun, commonly referred to as King Tut. Explore the rooms covered in mural paintings and the burial chamber, which still contains the pharaoh's mummy in its original sarcophagus.

Then, transfer to the airport for your short flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight.

Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride (purchased locally), $170
Hot air balloons, Luxor

Wake up early to embark on a hot air balloon ride and an incredible bird's eye view over the Nile. (Subject to weather conditions.)

Day 8 Cairo

  • Spend the day at leisure or join an optional excursion

Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Pyramid and Sphinx

Enjoy a day at leisure and independent exploration, or join an optional tour. 

Optional Excursion: Citadel of Saladin & Khan El Khalili Bazaar, $90
Lantern shop, Khan El Khalili Bazaar

This morning, visit the Citadel of Saladin, built on the remains of a Crusader-style fortress and the Alabaster Mosque. Later, visit the Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Embrace the spices as you admire exotic clothing, jewelry, hand-hammered copper, ceramic ware, and other treasures that await your deft bargaining to win them at astounding prices.

Optional Excursion: Memphis & Sakkara, $90
Step Pyramid of Djoser

This afternoon, visit the royal burial ground of Sakkara, located in the ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis. Discover the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest known complete stone building from the Third Dynasty.

Optional Excursion: Walking Tour of Art Galleries in Zamalek with dinner, $70
Zamalek, Cairo

This evening, enjoy a guided visit to the trendy Zamalek suburb, an island in the Nile alongside Cairo. Zamalek is one of Cairo's most dynamic enclaves and cultural hubs, home to eclectic galleries, fair trade shops, bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Stroll through the neighborhood and discover wonderful artworks by some of Egypt's most talented contemporary artists showcased at galleries such as Safar Khan Art Gallery or Picasso Art Gallery. Afterward, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 9 Cairo/USA

  • Bid farewell to Egypt as you're escorted to the airport for your return flight
  • Arrive in the USA later today

Breakfast

Discounted Optional Excursions Package: $195

Save by pre-booking a discounted package of our most popular optional excursions:

  • Citadel of Saladin & Khan El Khalili Bazaar ($90)
  • Memphis & Sakkara ($90)
  • Walking tour of Art galleries in Zamalek and Dinner ($70) 

You can book these excursions individually in Egypt. But you can save if you purchase this special package ahead of time—with or before your final payment. These are not "seat in coach" excursions that pick up passengers at various hotels; all are operated for Friendly Planet groups only.

Abu Simbel Excursion: $350

Pre-book this excursion to save money and ensure your spot as space is limited and is not available for purchase locally. See details above.

 

Hotels & Ship

Hotels

Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences
Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences
First Class

Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences is located in the heart of Cairo on the Zamalek island, right in the city's center. The hotel is just steps from the Egyptian Museum, Cairo Opera House, and Andalos Park.

More information

Mövenpick Resort Aswan
Mövenpick Resort Aswan
Deluxe

Mövenpick Resort Aswan is located on its own island, Elephantine Island, in the middle of the Nile River in Aswan. Lush gardens and views of the Nile surround the resort. The resort includes a birdwatching station, a deer farm, a fish pond, and an organic farm. 

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Cruise Ship

MS Tulip
MS Tulip

Wings Group welcomes you aboard their newly renovated five-star M/S Tulip cruise ship. Your deluxe cruise along the Nile will take you back thousands of years to places where history unfolded and unearthed the romances of Cleopatra, some of the wonders of the ancient world, and impressive structures mysteriously built without modern technology.

More information

Reviews & Photos

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Trip Details

More Common Questions

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* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

† The Carefree Booking policy is not travel insurance and only applies to a new booking—defined as booking without the use of funds on file from a previous cancellation. With our Carefree Booking policy, if you book one of our scheduled departures and decide later not to travel for any reason, you can transfer all payments you've made excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets, towards another available departure date or package, with no change fees or penalties.

Alternately, you can choose to receive a future travel credit for all payments made, excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets; or you can choose to receive a refund for that same amount, minus the deposit, per person future travel credit.

You may use these credits anytime, however they must be used or transferred within 5 years of your booking.

The Carefree Booking policy only applies to your original booking—limiting rebookings to one. Subsequent bookings will be subject to standard cancellation penalties. Additionally, any coupon or discount (other than our Instant Savings) does not transfer from the cancelled booking and therefore will not be applied to the new booking.

Travel protection premiums may be credited to your new tour provided: no claim is filed; (no vendor penalties such as Air, sea or rail etc have been incurred); and your new trip departs within 1 year of the cancellation of your original tour.

Valid for bookings made on or after September 23, 2022 Offer may not be available on all packages, including private and custom group departures and Biblical Journeys. Changes or cancellations requested after final payment due date are subject to our regular change and cancellation fees & policies. For more information and some additional restrictions, see our terms & conditions.

†† $199 deposit available on select packages. Valid for new bookings only. Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. If you select our optional travel protection plan, the premium will be added to your deposit. See additional terms & conditions.

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