Tour Description

***Special Earlybird Offer***

SAVE $500 per person

Book and pay deposit of $500 per person by 15 December 2024 (T’s & C’s apply)

Women Only Small Group Tour

Guaranteed with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 16 passengers

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

11 Days ex Cairo

2025 Departure Date: 02 May

Women only tour, with a licensed female Egyptologist

Ancient Kingdoms Holidays will help you discover Egypt’s ancient mysteries. Travelling in Egypt can be complex and if you try and do it independently, your holiday can literally unravel. There are many benefits in choosing an Ancient Kingdoms Holiday 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 hotels in strategic locations
Savour sailing down the Nile aboard the stylish deluxe cruise ship, the Sonesta St George. Each cabin features floor to ceiling opening windows, in French balcony style.
Bonus: All tipping is included, for all included services.

Meet your special female Egyptologist guide: Amira

Welcome to Cairo.

Your private Egyptologist guide, 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 – Friday 2nd May: Cairo (D)

On arrival in Cairo, you will be met by our friendly local representative prior to immigration and assisted with your included Egyptian visa. No need to be concerned about jet lag with the Innovative Travel special fast track service through immigration. You will then be transferred in a private vehicle to the Hyatt Regency Cairo West Hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. A welcome dinner is included this evening, meeting hosted by your guide and 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 – Saturday 3rd May: Cairo (BD)

This morning visit the impressive site of the Pyramids. Construction began in 2690 BC, the Pyramids of Mycerinus, Chefren & the Great Pyramid of Cheops, are the only survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Face the mystical Sphinx, reputedly used as target practice by Napoleon’s troops. Lunch is in your own time. Continue to the ancient capital of Memphis and visit the Step Pyramids of Sakkara – the oldest surviving Egyptian pyramid. Dinner this evening, is in a special restaurant, on the roof top bar, overlooking the pyramids.

Day 3 – Sunday 4th May: Cairo – Luxor (BD)

This morning embark on a captivating visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the largest and most comprehensive archaeological museums in the world located near the Pyramids. Spanning over 5,000 years of history, this museum boasts an extraordinary collection of artifacts that trace the rich cultural heritage of Egypt inspired by the boy King Tutankhamun. Currently in its “second soft-opening phase,” the GEM has unveiled 12 of its main galleries, offering a glimpse into its vast treasures. As you step inside, you’ll be welcomed by the imposing figure of Ramses II, a colossal statue that has been relocated from Tahrir Square and now stands proudly in the museum’s grand foyer. From here, you’ll journey through the newly opened galleries, where over 15,000 meticulously curated artifacts are displayed. These exhibits span millennia, showcasing the incredible achievements of ancient Egyptian civilization, from its earliest dynasties to the grandeur of its later empires. With each step, you’ll delve deeper into the stories of pharaohs, gods, and everyday life, uncovering the mysteries and marvels of one of the world’s oldest and most influential cultures. The GEM has an excellent choice of cafes and gift shops, so perhaps take a coffee break during your exploration.

Note: Access to the Tutankhamun galleries is restricted until the official opening

Transfer to Cairo Airport and fly to Luxor. On arrival you will be assisted by our local Luxor Airport team and transferred to the Sofitel Old Winter Palace Hotel for an overnight stay. It was here that Howard Carter announced from the grand staircase, that he had discovered the tomb of boy king Tutankhamun. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 4 – Monday 5th May: Luxor (BLD)

Optional visit (surcharge applies): 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 via the centrally located, private dock for the Sonesta St George Nile cruise ship. This deluxe five-star ship offers the ultimate in comfort, elegance, and design. Featuring 47 deluxe cabins, each 22 sq. metres, with full French balcony sliding doors and Presidential Suites. As you embark, a welcome drink is included.
Facilities include: BBQ area on the top deck, outdoor pool with Sundeck bar, restaurant, bar, gym, spa, sauna and jacuzzi, (optional Spa treatments by appointment), Wi-Fi.
Cabin amenities feature: L’Occitane toiletries, welcome bottle of wine, tea & coffee tray refilled daily, a bottle of mineral water delivered daily.
Tea, coffee, and mineral water included daily with all meals.
Option to upgrade to a Presidential suite with full balcony (surcharge applies).

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. This evening’s entertainment includes a belly dancing show.

Day 5 – Tuesday 6th 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 myriad 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. Continue and return to the ship with lunch on board. Lunch is served whilst sailing to Esna.

Note: Whilst crossing through the Esna Lock, entrepreneurial local families arrive by boat and cheerfully throw 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.

This evening join the Captain’s welcome cocktail party followed by dinner and overnight at Esna.

Day 6 – Wednesday 7th May: Esna – Edfu – Kom Ombo (BLD)

Early morning departure to Edfu, with a delicious breakfast aboard. Here visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples of the Greco – Roman era. Continue cruising to Kom Ombo and visit this 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.

Day 7 – Thursday 8th May: Kom Ombo – Aswan (BLD plus High Tea)

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. Mid-afternoon transfer to the Sofitel Old Cataract, base for Dame Agatha Christie as she penned “Death on the Nile”. Savour a High Tea whilst sitting on this famous terrace overlooking the Nile. Later return to the ship for dinner this evening, followed by a colourful Nubian Show.

Day 8 – Friday 9th May: Aswan – Cairo (BD)

Disembark this morning, with time to explore Aswan or your choice of two optional tours.

Optional Tours (surcharge applies):

Option 1: Nubian Museum (minimum of 2 required)

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: 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.

This afternoon transfer to Aswan Airport and fly to Cairo. On arrival our Cairo Airport team will meet and assist. Transfer to the Cairo Marriott Hotel where you are reserved for two nights. Dinner this evening is at the Cairo Marriott Hotel.

Day 9 – Saturday 10th May: Cairo (B)

Today you will explore this modern cosmopolitan capital with a rich heritage of cultural influences and echoes of ancient civilisations. This morning 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 their spectacular Mummy exhibits, in your own time. Time for a coffee break before departing to Mohammed Ali Mosque, and the Citadel which dominates Cairo’s skyline. 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 Cairo Marriott Hotel. Dinner this evening own arrangements, perhaps dine at one of the many hotel restaurants, or dine locally. Your guide will provide recommendations.

Day 10 – Sunday 11th May: Cairo (BD)

This morning is at leisure, with the opportunity to relax at the Cairo Marriott Hotel with check out late morning, for a transfer to the City Stars Mall, in the Heliopolis area, for your final night in Cairo. Time free for lunch and or shopping with your choice of over 700 shops, until your midafternoon check in. Time to relax, perhaps by the pool, before your final farewell dinner this evening.

Alternatively, take an optional tour (Minimum of 2 required – surcharge applies).
Option 1: Check out of the hotel and travel to visit old Cairo’s Coptic Churches. It was in this area that Jesus, Mary and Joseph stayed, and Christianity flourished, prior to the Islamic invasion. The area encompasses the Babylon Fortress the Coptic Museum, the Hanging Church, the Greek Church of St George amidst many other historical sites.

Option 2: An early morning check out. Today travel into the desert via Fayoum Oasis to Wadi Al-Hitan (Valley of the Whales) where whale skeletons, have been preserved in a natural open-air Museum for millions of years. Entry to the Fossil and climate Museum is included.
(Note: As this journey is through the White Desert, a part of the tour will be in a 4WD, with a local driver, in a thrilling mainly off-road drive. Lunch is included on today’s tour. Continue to the Holiday Inn Cairo – Citystars Hotel for an overnight stay.

A farewell dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant.

Day 11 – Monday 12th May: Cairo (B)

Two departure transfers are available to the airport, including one early and one mid-morning. The City Stars Hotel is approximately 20 minutes from the airport, alternative 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 by Egyptologist Amira, whilst in Egypt
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 hotels (2N Cairo West Hyatt Hotel; 1N Sofitel Old Winter Palace Luxor; 2N Cairo Marriott Hotel; 1N Cairo City Stars Hotel) with daily buffet breakfasts
4-night Nile cruise on a Deluxe ship – 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
High Tea at the Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel on Day 7
Dinner in Luxor on Day 3
Dinner at Cairo Marriott Hotel on Day 8
Farewell dinner at on Day 10
Welcome bottle of wine on cruise
All touring and transfers in Air-conditioned transportation
Private English-speaking female Egyptologist in Cairo and Luxor
Visit the Pyramids & Sphinx, Memphis & Sakkara
Upgraded VIP Valley of the Kings ticket to include the tombs of Tutankhamun and Seti I
Sightseeing on the Cruise with your Egyptologist guide
Activities & entrance fees as per the itinerary
Your choice of one optional tour to the Mummification Museum in Luxor, or the Nubian Museum in Aswan
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 275 / AUD 260
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 895 per person / AUD 850 per person
Half day Coptic Cairo: NZD 170 / AUD 160
Valley of the Whales Tour: NZD 335 / AUD 320

NOTE: A choice of either the Mummification Museum or the Nubian Museum is included in the tour price.

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: Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel

Nile Cruise

Deluxe Class: Sonesta St George Nile Cruise Ship

Cairo (Downtown)

Deluxe Class: Cairo Marriott Hotel

Cairo (Heliopolis – next to Stars Centre Mall)

Deluxe Class: Holiday Inn Cairo – Citystars Hotel

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

The tour is guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 8 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 $2,000 will be required per person, along with a registration form completed and returned to Innovative Travel.

The balance is payable on 15 February 2025.

Cancellation fees:

After deposit until 01 Dec 24: $750 per person;
02 Dec 24-15 Feb 25: $2,000 per person;
16 Feb 25 – 16 Mar 25: 30%;
17 -31 Mar 25: 50%;
01 April 25 – 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.

Enquire About This Itinerary

Priced From:

$ 9495pp ^*