Egypt & The Nile | Classic | Winter | 2025/2026
Egypt & The Nile | Classic | Winter | 2025/2026
Egypt & The Nile | Classic | Winter | 2025/2026
8 Days Starting and ending in Cairo
Visiting: Cairo, Giza, Overnight Train to Aswan, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Edfu, Luxor, Hurghada
Tour Overview
Step into the ancient world of Egypt and discover the Great Pyramids. Experience the captivating chaos of Cairo, spend 3 nights gently floating down the river Nile in a traditional river cruise boat and have the chance to embark on a Red Sea cruise. A trip to Egypt with Contiki will ensure you have a trip to remember.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Cairo
Location: Cairo
Accommodation Name: Pyramids Resort By Jaz (or similar)
Join forces with your group tonight and soak up the excitement of these exotic lands. Tomorrow will be a whole world of discovery, so you'll be thankful for your hotel slumber.
Day 2: Cairo To Overnight Train
Location: Cairo, Giza, Overnight Train to Aswan
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Get ready for a sensory overload of the best possible variety. Markets & mayhem are on every corner, with stops for hummus and tea proving very essential. Of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World only one remains, and today you will be seeing it up close and personal. Get the tissues ready, seeing the iconic Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza in all their 4,600 year old glory will make for a day that stirs you to the very core. Tonight it's an overnight train to Aswan - nothing gives you a more up-close look at a place than riding local!
Day 3: Nile Cruise (Aswan)
Location: Overnight Train to Aswan, Aswan
Accommodation Name: Nile Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we'll wake up in Aswan, today is all about jaw drops from start to end. Take a stroll along the Nile before grabbing that camera, as we hop aboard a wooden felucca sailboat, the first of our two boating experiences for the day, and watch the local life as you float on by. Tonight is a taste of the high life with a luxury cruise on the River Nile, no less. This is the first of 3 nights we'll spend on the water, soaking up Egypt from its iconic waterway.
Day 4: Nile Cruise (Aswan To Edfu)
Location: Aswan, Abu Simbel, Aswan, Edfu
Accommodation Name: Nile Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy waking up to the Nile and sand dunes as your backdrop, while you sip your coffee and ponder just how good life is. Next up is your chance to explore Abu Simbel's Temple of Ramses II, one of the world's most iconic sites dating back to 1264 BC. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a must-do for history buffs and those looking to get in the know on this ancient site. Our Local Guide will uncover its history before we gently drift upstream, steering ourselves away from Aswan with our maps open on ancient Edfu. After green fields, the Arabian desert and palm trees aplenty have teased our eyes along the Nile, we'll pull in for a peak at the perfectly symmetrical town of Kom Ombo. This village's famous temple is dedicated to the God of Crocodiles, and the God of Falcons and with it's stunning setting right by the Nile is the perfect spot to head on-land for some exploring. Back on the boat you can practice your 'walk like an Egyptian' pose, then take a dip in the pool (yes, as in the boat has a pool) before we dock for the night in Edfu.
Day 5: Nile Cruise (Edfu To Luxor)
Location: Edfu, Luxor
Accommodation Name: Nile Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we'll cast off in the direction of Luxor. As soon as we step foot on Luxor terrain, we'll start spinning our way into the historical mysteries of this magnificent town including the Avenue of the Sphinxes, an epic lineup of human headed sphinxes spanning 3km, and let's not forget a photographers dream. Tomorrow the Luxor discoveries continue, so there's no need to cram it all in on day one.
Day 6: Luxor To Hurghada
Location: Luxor, Hurghada
Accommodation Name: Bel Air Azur Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Only on a trip to Egypt would ancient royal tombs make a casual appearance on our daily agenda. Venturing to the Valley of the Kings known as 'City of the Dead,' our local guide will take us to some of the 63 royal tombs found here. We'll also walk through the perfectly symmetrical Temple of Hatshepsut. Later, choose to visit the Temple of Karnak where we can find the world’s largest religious structure, the Temple of Amun. Hurghada is all about beachside summer holiday vibes to rival the Mediterranean. With crystal clear waters as far as the eye can see, umbrella-lined beaches, and golden sunsets, this town will be sure to seal the deal on your love for Egypt.
Day 7: Hurghada To Cairo
Location: Hurghada, Cairo
Accommodation Name: Novotel Cairo Airport (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lovers of exploring by sea could take a cruise of the Red Sea for all new views, or those who prefer life a little more on land could snorkel, sun bake or just relax in paradise this morning. Later, we'll attempt an Arabic goodbye to the beautiful beaches of Hurghada as we make our way back to where our Egyptian escapade kicked off just a week ago. It's our last complete day together on tour, which means we need to make the most of every second and avoid winding down at all costs. It's our last complete day on trip, we'll enjoy some time together as we make our way back to Cairo.
Day 8: Depart Cairo
Location: Cairo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Down your last breakfast on us before collapsing into a mess of farewells. Stay strong, there are plenty more exotic lands with Contiki trips written all over them.
What's Included
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Meals
7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 5 Dinners are included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation at Pyramids Resort By Jaz (or similar), Overnight Train, Nile Cruise, Bel Air Azur Resort (or similar), and Novotel Cairo Airport (or similar) is included.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours of Cairo, Giza, Aswan, Luxor, and Hurghada are included.
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Nile Cruise
A luxury cruise on the River Nile for 3 nights is included.
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Local Transportation
Transportation including an overnight train to Aswan and local transfers is included.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as exploring the tomb of Tutankhamun from the inside and visiting the Temple of Karnak are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Cairo are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Egypt by a combination of local overnight trains, traditional felucca sailboats, and a luxury Nile Cruise, providing a unique and immersive experience of the country's landscapes and waterways.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Pyramids Resort By Jaz in Cairo, enjoy a unique overnight train experience, and relax on a luxury Nile Cruise. Conclude your journey at the Bel Air Azur Resort in Hurghada and Novotel Cairo Airport.
Dining Summary
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 3 Lunch (L)
Included Experience
- Cairo: Check out this Cairo landmark and soak up the history. It’s home to more than 120,000 ancient Egyptian antiquities.
- Giza: This needs no introduction! Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. #bucketlist
- Aswan: Sit back and chill as you drift down the famous river on a traditional felucca sailing boat
- Luxor: Follow in the footsteps of the pharaohs as you walk along this famous stretch of road.
- Luxor: Grab your camera and explore one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. See the tomb of Tutankhamun from the outside (with the option to add on exploring it from the inside!) and many other Egyptian pharaohs.
- Hurghada: Check out these towering Pharaoh statues. They’ve stood guard since 1350 BC, even surviving natural disasters. And apparently one even ‘sings’ in the wind.
- Luxor: Stroll through the mighty mortuary temple built during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut. Don't forget to bring your camera! You'll definitely want to capture the perfectly symmetrical poles of the Porticos. This is also the spot where the Beautiful Festival of the Valley (celebrated to meet your ancestors) used to take place back in the middle ages.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect on the first day in Cairo?
On the first day in Cairo, you will join forces with your group and soak up the excitement of these exotic lands. The evening is free for you to relax and prepare for the adventures that await you the next day.
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What will we see on the second day of the tour?
On the second day, you will experience a sensory overload with markets and mayhem on every corner. You will visit the iconic Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza, the only remaining wonder of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World. The day ends with an overnight train ride to Aswan.
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What unique experiences are included in Aswan?
In Aswan, you will take a stroll along the Nile and hop aboard a traditional felucca sailboat to watch local life as you float by. You will also enjoy a luxury cruise on the River Nile, which is the first of three nights spent on the water.
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What historical sites will we visit in Edfu?
In Edfu, you will explore the perfectly symmetrical town and visit the famous temple dedicated to the God of Crocodiles and the God of Falcons. The temple's stunning setting right by the Nile makes it a perfect spot for some on-land exploring.
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What can we expect to see in Luxor?
In Luxor, you will explore the Avenue of the Sphinxes, an epic lineup of human-headed sphinxes spanning 3km. You will also visit the Valley of the Kings, known as the 'City of the Dead,' and the perfectly symmetrical Temple of Hatshepsut. There is also an option to visit the Temple of Karnak, the world's largest religious structure.
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What activities are available in Hurghada?
In Hurghada, you can enjoy beachside activities such as snorkeling, sunbathing, or simply relaxing by the crystal-clear waters. There is also an option to take a cruise of the Red Sea for new views.
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How does the tour conclude in Cairo?
The tour concludes in Cairo with a final breakfast provided. You will have time to say your farewells before departing, with the option to explore more exotic lands on future trips.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.