Tour Description

Women Only Small Group Tour with licensed female Egyptologist

Guaranteed with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 16 passengers

Twin-share option available on request (subject to availability)

11 Days ex Cairo

Departure Date ex Cairo: 08 May 2026 – Guaranteed Departure

Innovative Travel will help you discover Egypt’s ancient mysteries. There are many benefits in choosing an Innovative Travel Women-Only Small Group Tour for your Egyptian experience. With offices in Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Sharm el Sheikh and Abu Simbel you’ll benefit from fantastic local back up and local knowledge. Your guide Amira is qualified and ready to share Egypt’s secrets, from the incredible history to the best local markets or restaurant.

Benefit from almost 35 years of designing safe holidays in Egypt, with the privileged partnership of Cairo based Director, Elhamy ElZayat, “the grandfather of Egyptian tourism”, and recipient of Queens Birthday Honour, the New Zealand Order of Merit. M.N.Z.M. The enduring partnership, in combination with New Zealand based Robyn Galloway, founder of Innovative Travel, a renowned Egyptian expert since 1990, enables full support at multiple levels, from our local Egyptian offices in 7 locations, with 24/7 back up.

Highlights:

Your Egypt experience begins, prior to immigration when you will be met by a licensed representative, assisted with your Egyptian visa, and expressed through immigration
Your seamless welcome experience continues with the benefit of our local representative, who will accompany your arrival transfer, passing on handy tips and to assist with your check in at the five-star Hyatt Regency, Cairo West Hotel where you will greet your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner
Experience the comfort of deluxe (5*) hotels in strategic locations
Savour sailing down the Nile aboard a stylish deluxe (5*) cruise ship
Bonus: All tipping is included, for all included services

Meet your special female Egyptologist: Amira

Welcome to Cairo. Your private Egyptologist, Amira will join you for your welcome dinner in Cairo.

Amira has a Bachelor of Arts and English Literature from Cairo University and has many years’ experiences guiding private groups. Amira looks forward to personally welcoming you in Cairo and sharing her insights into both modern and ancient Egypt.

Itinerary
Accommodation
Terms & Conditions
Important Information

Day 1 – Fri 08 May: Cairo (D)

Welcome to Egypt. On arrival at Cairo Airport, you will be met by our friendly local representative PRIOR to immigration to assist with your included Egyptian visa. No need to be concerned about jet lag with the Innovative Travel special express service through immigration. You will then be transferred in a private vehicle to the Hyatt Regency West Giza Hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. A welcome dinner is included this evening, hosted by your guide and meet your fellow travellers.
(Note: please plan to arrive in Cairo by 2pm to allow time for immigration and transfer to the hotel in time to join the welcome dinner).

Day 2 – Sat 09 May: Cairo (BD)

This morning you will embark on a tour of the Pyramids, Sphinx and the new Grand Egyptian Museum. Begin your tour with a visit to the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza where you will see the great pyramid built by Cheops and containing more than 2.3 million cubic metres of stone.
Optional (supplement applies): Visit to the inside of Cheops Pyramid.

Continue to the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the world’s largest and most comprehensive archaeological museum dedicated to one civilization, located near the Great Pyramids of Giza. Spanning over seven millennia of Egyptian history, the GEM houses over 100,000 exhibits illuminating the legacy of Egypt’s ancient civilization. Upon entering, see the colossal statue of Ramses II, a commanding presence that once stood in Cairo’s Tahrir Square and now presides proudly over the museum’s grand atrium. From here, ascend the Grand Staircase, an architectural masterpiece that rises through time itself—each level thoughtfully curated to reflect a distinct era of Egypt’s rich past. At the top view, the Pyramids through a sweeping panoramic window. To the right lies the Tutankhamun Gallery, home to the legendary treasures of the Boy King. This remarkable exhibit, a recreation of his tomb, displays over 5,000 artifacts—many unveiled for the first time. Continue through the galleries showcasing artifacts, from prehistoric times and early dynasties to stories of pharaohs, gods, and everyday life, uncovering the mysteries and marvels of one of the world’s oldest cultures, along with the rhythm, of daily life along the Nile. Finish your visit with time to browse the museum’s elegant shopping arcade or relax in one of its cafes. (Lunch option also available). Dinner this evening is at Zeeyara Restaurant, overlooking the pyramids.

Day 3 – Sun 10 May: Cairo – Luxor (BD)

This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for your half day sightseeing tour of Memphis and Sakkara. Your tour begins with a visit to Memphis which served as the capital of Upper and Lower Egypt some 5000 years ago during the First Dynasty. Continue to Sakkara one of the most exciting historical and archaeological areas in all of Egypt. Dominated by the famous Step Pyramid of King Zoser this was the first pyramid to be built in ancient Egypt preceding those at Giza by many centuries.

You will be transferred to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. On arrival you will be met by a local representative and transferred to the Sonesta St George Hotel. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 4 – Mon 11 May: Luxor (BLD)

Optional visit (surcharge applies): Mummification Museum

This morning visit the Mummification Museum, dedicated to this ancient art of embalming applied to humans and for animals. The process is believed to have taken 70 days and involved a careful process. Here view ancient mummies, including that of General Amun el Thebes.

Later this morning transfer to embark your Nile Cruise ship.
A deluxe five-star ship offers the ultimate in comfort, elegance, and design. Featuring deluxe cabins with large panoramic windows. Facilities include top deck with lounge chairs, outdoor pool and Sundeck bar, WI-FI, restaurant, lounge bar, library, gym, sauna and spa.
Optional (supplements apply – subject to availability):
• Upgrade to the Royal Suite
• Spa treatments by appointment

This afternoon, visit the magnificent Luxor Temple, built in the 14th century BC by two kings – Amenophis III and Ramses II. Follow the Avenue of the Sphinx to the Karnak Temple complex and gaze in awe at this imposing monument housing precious relics of Ancient Egyptian dynasties. Dinner on board followed by this evening’s entertainment, a belly dancing show.

Day 5 – Tue 12 May: Luxor – Esna (BLD)

Optional Hot Air Balloon Trip (surcharge applies)

Early this morning cross to the West Bank and visit Thebes Necropolis and the burial ground of the Pharaohs – the Valley of the Kings – where Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Proceed to the nearby Valley of the Queens, the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon facing the Nile. Explore the myriads of tombs and temples before cruising via Esna lock to Edfu. Your visit today includes a special upgraded ticket to include access to the boy king Tutankhamun and the special tomb of Pharoah Seti 1, from the 19th Dynasty. Rediscovered in 1817, it is one of the most colourful and best-preserved tombs on the West Bank. The last stop this morning is at the Habibi Cotton factory, located on the West Bank and providing employment for local women. Here high-quality Egyptian cotton garments, scarves, and beautiful art works, along with many other goods are produced, the opportunity to purchase is available.

Return to the ship where lunch is served whilst sailing to Esna. This evening join the captain’s welcome cocktail party followed by dinner and overnight at Esna.
Note: Whilst crossing through the Esna Lock, entrepreneurial local families arrive by boat and cheerfully throwing various handmade local ware up to the boat for inspection. We encourage our clients to support this local initiative, a key form of income for local families, with some local Egyptian cash on hand.

Day 6 – Wed 13 May: Esna – Edfu – Kom Ombo (BLD)

Early morning departure to Edfu, with a delicious breakfast aboard. Visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples of the Greco – Roman era. Continue cruising to Kom Ombo and later in the afternoon visit the Temple shared by two Gods – Sobek & Horus. The temple is perfectly symmetrical, ensuring neither God was offended. The collection of crocodile mummies held here is fascinating. Overnight in Kom Ombo, with the opportunity to view the sun setting over this spectacular temple. This evening there will be a Galabaya party onboard.

Day 7 – Thu 14 May: Kom Ombo – Aswan (BLD)

Early morning sailing to Aswan. This morning take your local boat across to the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam’s construction. Later visit the High Dam. Return for lunch on board and time to relax. Later return to the ship for dinner this evening, followed by a colourful Nubian Show.

Day 8 – Fri 15 May: Aswan – Cairo (BD)

Disembark this morning, with time to explore Aswan or your choice of two optional tours. Late afternoon transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo.

Option 1: (supplement applies) Nubian Museum

After disembarkation meet your guide and transfer to the International Nubian Museum. The kings of Nubia ultimately conquered and ruled Egypt for a century. Known for its rich deposits of gold, Nubia was also the gateway for the incense trade, their rulers building cities, temples and their own royal pyramids. After your tour, time free to explore Aswan in your own time, before departing to the airport for your flight to Cairo.

Option 2: (supplement applies): Abu Simbel Tour

An early morning transfer from the cruise boat to Abu Simbel Airport. Depart on EgyptAir to Abu Simbel. On arrival be met by a local Egyptologist and join a small group tour to one of the most impressive archaeological sites in all of Egypt, not only for its historical significance, but for the great engineering success in moving these temples to their present location.
Of all the temples of Egyptian antiquity, amongst the most spectacular and best preserved are the Temples of Abu Simbel. The master builder was Ramses II, one of Egypt’s greatest Pharaohs. The larger temple celebrates the Pharaoh himself while the smaller one honours his wife, Queen Nefertari.
When the new Lake Nasser Dam was built in the 1960s, the temples were moved to save them from a watery grave. In an amazing feat of engineering, the temples were hewn into huge blocks of thirty tonnes each and relocated 180m further inland.
Please wear sturdy footwear today, pack some snacks and water bottle. At the conclusion of your tour, transfer to Abu Simbel Airport, for your flight to Aswan, connecting to Cairo.

On arrival our Cairo Airport team will meet and assist you. Transfer to the Sofitel Gezirah Hotel where you are reserved for two nights. Dinner at your hotel this evening.

Day 9 – Sat 16 May: Cairo (B)

This morning you will visit the Tawasol Charity, where compassion meets action. Discover how their programs in education, healthcare, and community development are transforming lives across underserved areas. Meet the dedicated team and local women who have benefitted from interest free loans to start small businesses. Next visit the magnificently curated National Museum of Ancient Civilizations. The Museum’s vision is to bring the rich tapestry of tangible and intangible Egyptian heritage to life within a vibrant cultural, artistic and scientific context. After your visit which spans many millennia, move downstairs to the Mummy Room, to view the spectacular Mummy exhibits, in your own time. Continue to the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, open since the 1382, with time for shopping. Conclude your day on a rooftop bar, watching the sun set over Cairo’s skyline, with a local drink of wine, beer or juice included. Return to the Sofitel Gezirah. Dinner this evening own arrangements.

Day 10 – Sun 17 May: Cairo (BD)

Breakfast in your hotel. Step into the rich legacy of Egyptian women on the Women of Egypt Tour in Cairo, a captivating journey through time that celebrates the powerful, inspiring, and often overlooked stories of women who shaped Egypt’s history. From ancient queens and revolutionary icons to modern pioneers, explore key historical sites, museums, and hidden corners of Cairo through a female-focused lens. Led by expert guides, this tour offers a fresh, empowering perspective on Egypt’s cultural heritage. Farewell dinner.

Day 11 – Mon 18 May: Cairo (B)

Two group departure transfer times are available to the airport, including one early and one mid-morning. Alternative private transfers can be arranged if required.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

Fast Track meet and assistance prior to immigration at Cairo Airport
Egyptian visa on arrival (offer valid for NZ, Australian, UK, USA & Canadian passport holders). Other nationalities on application
Personally hosted whilst in Egypt by Egyptologist Amira
Return Airport to hotel transfers
Local representative airport assistance in Cairo, Luxor & Aswan
Check in assistance on Day 1 into Cairo hotel
Accommodation in Deluxe class (5*) hotels (2N Cairo Hyatt Regency West; 1N Hilton Luxor; 3N Sofitel Gezirah Hotel Cairo with daily buffet breakfasts
4-night Nile cruise on a Deluxe ship, Movenpick Royal Lily, All meals on the cruise (4, breakfasts, 4 lunches & 4 dinners)
Welcome dinner on Day 1
Dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the pyramids, on Day 2
Dinner at hotel in Luxor on Day 3
Dinner at Sofitel Gezirah Hotel Cairo on Day 8 and Day 10
All touring and transfers in air-conditioned transportation
Private English-speaking female Egyptologist in Cairo and Luxor
Sightseeing as specified in itinerary
Upgraded VIP Valley of the Kings ticket to include the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI
Sightseeing on the Cruise with your Egyptologist guide
Activities & entrance fees as per the itinerary
Economy Class domestic flights (Cairo/Luxor and Awan/Cairo)
Porterage
Bonus: All Tipping and gratuities for guides, drivers and transfers included for all included activities
Egypt Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

International airfares
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Tipping/Gratuities (for non-included optional activities)
Personal expenses
Meals not specified or hotel / cruise minibar
Optional sightseeing or activities
Afternoon transfer on Day 11 to Cairo Airport
Check in prior to 2pm
Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

OPTIONAL TOURS (minimum of 2 required)

Mummification Museum in Luxor: NZD 120 / AUD 114
Hot Air Balloon over the West Bank ex Luxor: NZD 290 / AUD 275
Nubian Museum in Aswan: NZD 120 / AUD 114
Abu Simbel excursion ex Aswan including Return flights, transfers, and small group tour with a local Egyptologist guide: NZD 859 per person / AUD 790 per person
Half day Coptic Cairo: NZD 170 / AUD 160
Cheops Pyramids Entrance: NZD 99 / AUD 92

Accommodation based on the following (or similar):

The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only.

Cairo (Giza)

Deluxe Class: Hyatt Regency Cairo West

Luxor

Deluxe Class: Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa – Nile View Room

Nile Cruise

Deluxe Class: Movenpick MS Royal Lily – Standard Cabin

Cairo (Downtown)

Deluxe Class: Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah Hotel – Premium Partial Nile View Room

In addition to the Innovative Travel general terms and conditions, the following applies:

The tour is guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 4 clients, and maximum of 16 clients.

If you are a solo traveller and would like to share a twin room, with another traveller, please request at the time of registration. If for any reason during the tour a preference is made for a single room, a single supplement will be charged.

To secure your place please fill out the tour registration form.

An initial deposit of NZD/AUD $2,500 will be required per person, along with a registration form completed and returned to Innovative Travel.

The balance is payable on 01 March 2026.

Cancellation fees:

01 – 19 Feb 26: 35%;
20 Feb-01 Mar 26: 50%;
02 March 26 – departure: 100%.

Travel insurance is essential to be purchased at the time of deposit to cover cancellation due to any unforeseen circumstances. For full general terms and conditions refer to www.innovative-travel.com

Cruising the Nile: Please use cruise itineraries as a guideline only. The order of sightseeing and overnight destinations may vary and are subject to change due to the operation of Esna Lock, or at the discretion of the of the cruise company. Should a change of boat be required due to any unforeseen circumstances prior to departure, an alternative of the same standard or better will be offered if available.

On the Nile there are river boats that cruise between Luxor and Aswan. Each night and whilst moored for sightseeing, other cruise boats maybe be parked abreast of each other. The location of your cruise boat will vary from port to port and at times the view from your cabin will be restricted to cruising periods only.

Valley of the Kings: Not all the tombs within the Valley are currently open to the public. Many are closed periodically for resting and renovation (Entrance fees to three tombs is included in tour packages) plus an upgraded VIP ticket to include entrance fees to Tutankhamen’s and Seti 1 tomb.

Dress Codes: Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites –Women – long skirt or long pants with shoulders and arms covered with a full cover head scarf to enter holy sites.

Itineraries are prepared as a guideline only. Some variations may apply due to prevailing local conditions in a country. All cruise ship itineraries and embarkation times may be subject to change, due to local conditions (including weather) and/or possible port congestion and the final requirements of the cruise companies. Final embarkation timings will be confirmed to clients prior to embarkation. Transfer times, and flight schedules booked by Innovative Travel may be reconfirmed by the local agent, upon arrival and are subject to change.

Hotel check-in/out times are normally IN: 2pm/OUT: 12noon the only way to guarantee an early check-in or late check-out is to pre-book the night before (early check-in) or night after (late check-out). Otherwise, early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability when you are there.

Bedding configuration: Please note we will note your preferred bedding configuration.

Itinerary descriptions and photographs: All photos and hotel descriptions are general impressions of the property booked. These do not necessarily represent the room or view you will receive.

Non-Smoking Rooms: As a policy Innovative Travel request non-smoking rooms for all guests. These rooms are requested and are subject to availability.

Holiday preparation: Before your holiday, please make sure that you check and comply with specific local requirements such as visas, international driving licence, vaccinations, travel insurance etc. as they vary from one country to the other and change frequently.

Tipping is an accepted practice throughout the world. In many countries tipping acts as a supplement to a basic wage. It is however discretionary. If you believe you have received efficient service, then service should be rewarded. Group tipping is included for all including group activities and meals. For optional tours a guideline will be provided for tipping prior to departure.

On a lighter note: Please remember that religious beliefs, traditional customs, and daily manners may differ from country to country, these may seem quite strange at first. These idiosyncrasies are part of what makes travelling a special experience. Please be patient if you think things are happening at a different pace than you are used to and respect the differences in culture.

If you need assistance relating to travel arrangements provided, please speak to Amira immediately, who will communicate with our Local Agent, as they are there to assist you. If there is any issue with your room, please make this known to Amira so she may assist you.

For general tour conditions, cancellation, and amendment fees as per www.innovativetravel.co.nz Special conditions apply for private group tours.

Travel Advisory Information can change at any time, and we suggest clients refer to The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Travel Trade Advisory website at www.safetravel.govt.nz (NZ site) or www.smartraveller.gov.au (Australian site) prior to departure for the latest up to date information and general advice regarding travel to Egypt.

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