Tour Description

Throughout the year the inside of Abu Simbel Temple remains in darkness except for two occasions in February and October.
The light which streams deep into the complex reflects on Ramses II and Sun God’s seated statues, illuminating the entire place and highlighting its brilliant architecture.
The Sun Festival takes place when the light hits the statues.
Throughout this phenomenon there is one statue that remains in darkness, Ptah, the Goddess of darkness.
Ramses built the temple at Abu Simbel so that the inner chamber would light up at just two times of the year, which are on February 22, the anniversary of his ascension to the throne and on October 22nd, which is his birthday.
The Sun God was very important to Egyptians. Careful planning was required to ensure everything was aligned just right for the sun to shine where it was wanted.

This tour of Egypt explores the Giza Plateau and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo then takes you south to Upper Egypt to visit the Temples and Tombs of the Pharaohs. You will also have the opportunity to take a Hot Air Balloon ride over the West Bank of Luxor, the Nile River and the Valley of the Kings.
Enjoy 4 Days on-board a Nile River Cruise as it takes you from Aswan to Luxor, visiting the temples of Ancient Egypt dedicated to the God and Goddesses
Rooms are standard city view, upgrade is available

Single Supplement USD400
Optional extension and Day Tours from Cairo are available
Extension to Hurghada & Red Sea available

Tour Highlights

Entrance Tickets to Sun Festival
Pyramids and Sphinx
Egyptian Museum
Abu Simbel
Philae Temple in Aswan
Komombo Temple
Nile River Cruise
West Bank of Luxor
Valley of the Kings
Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
East Bank of Luxor
Karnak Temple
Luxor Temple
Khan el Khalili Bazaar
Internal Flights included

Day 1: Arrival Day

19th October 2022/19th February 2023
Arrival Day: Welcome to Egypt
Our Pink Lotus Tours representative will meet you prior to baggage collection to assist you with the purchase of your entry visa, customs and baggage collection.
You will then be transferred to your hotel, our representative will assist with check-in procedures and brief you about tomorrows visit to the Pyramids.
The rest of the day is free to explore the hotel area and get some rest for your adventures ahead.
Overnight in Cairo: Standard Room
Room upgrades are available, please enquire

Day 2: Pyramids and Museum

20th October 2022/ 20th February 2023
Today we explore the Giza Plateau, your chance to personally stand where the Ancient Egyptians stood thousands of years ago, next to the Great Pyramid of Cheops, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one that still exists.
We continue our adventure with a camel ride through the Sahara for those who are interested (optional extra cost).
We finish our visit to the plateau with the Guardian Angel of the area, the monolithic and iconic Sphinx.
Lunch will be served with a spectacular view of the Pyramids and the Sphinx
The day is not over yet, we will now experience how the ancients recorded their history on the first paper ever produced, Papyrus, at a government regulated Papyrus Institute.
Step into the energy of the city that never sleeps, we experience the crazy Cairo traffic as we drive into downtown Cairo and Tahrir Square, scene of the 2011 revolution and location of the Egyptian Museum.
The current Egyptian Museum was built before the discovery of the treasures of King Tutankhamen and his famous solid gold funerary mask so it is overflowing with ancient artefacts and would take many, many visits to see in its entirety so we highlight the best of the best.

Overnight : Cairo Hotel – Standard Room
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3: Philae Temple - Nile River Cruise

21st October 2022/ 21st February 2023
Morning flight to Aswan
We take a motorboat to Agilkia Island to visit of Philae Temple dedicated to the Goddess Isis
Join our Nile River Cruise, your floating hotel for the next 3 nights
Free time to optionally visit of Aswan Markets by night.
Overnight aboard your cruise –
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Abu Simbel Sun Festival

22 October 2022/ 22nd February 2023
SUN FESTIVAL IN ABU SIMBEL

An early departure from the boat to drive to Abu Simbel before sunrise.
We drive approximately 3 1/2 hours through the desert to reach the Temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II
Upon arrival there will be music and local entertainment as we await the sunrise.
After the celebrations you can view the whole Temple and also the second Temple dedicated to the pharaohs most beloved wife, Nefertari

We return to the Nile Cruise and set sail to Kom Ombo for the unusual double Temple of Kom Ombo constructed during the Ptolemaic Dynasty and dedicated to two gods – Sobek and Horus.
Sail to Edfu, the Temple dedicated to Horus and one of the best preserved sites in all of Egypt
Overnight on board your Nile River Cruise in Edfu.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Nile River Cruise

23rd October 2022/ 23rd February 2023

Sailing to Luxor

Visit today will depend on our sailing schedule

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 6: Valley of the Kings

24 October 2022/24th February 2023
Check-out of Nile River Cruise
The tombs of the Pharaohs’ were at one time cut deep in the mountain and contained all the treasures they needed in the afterlife.
Nowadays we can view the paintings and hieroglyph’s depicting scenes of daily life and offerings to the Gods.
There will also be the opportunity to visit the tomb of King Tutankhamun, the only mummy still in its tomb in the Valley of the Kings (optional extra ticket)
We will have a quick photo stop at the massive twin statues depicting the Pharaoh Amenhotep III commonly known as the Colossi of Memnon before explore the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, arguably one of the strongest women to rule in ancient times and the only one to rule with the authority of a male
Overnight in Luxor Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Karnak and Luxor Temple

25th October 2022/ 25th February 2023
Optional Hot air balloon ride floating high above the West Bank of Luxor
Today we will visit the fascinating Karnak Temples, dedicated to the Pharaoh Amun. Wander the 134 awe-inspiring columns in the Hypostyle Hall, marvel at the detailed hieroglyphics expertly carved on every wall. Let your imagination take you to a time when these walls were full of colour and grandeur. A truly memorable experience.
Once we have explored Karnak we will explore the majestic Luxor Temple.
Late afternoon fly back to Cairo, upon arrival drive to your hotel
Overnight Cairo Airport Hotel
Meals: Breakfast.

Extensions available
Optional City Tours or visit to Step Pyramid of Saqqara

Day 8: Departure Day

26th October 2022/ 26th February 2023
Enjoy breakfast and some time at your hotel until it’s time for our representative to meet and transfer you to airport for your departure.
Meals: Breakfast

Package Includes

Airport transfers in Air-conditioned vehicle
Meet & Greet Service at Cairo Airport
5 Star Accommodation in Standard Room
Breakfast at your hotel each day
5 Star Nile River Cruise
Breakfast Lunch and Dinner on-board Nile Cruise
Internal Flights Cairo/Aswan and Luxor/Cairo
Entrance Tickets to all sites mentioned
Air-Conditioned transport throughout tour
English Speaking Guide

Package Excludes

International Airfare & Travel Insurance
Entry Visa into Egypt (currently USD25)
Tipping Kitty USD55 to be collected on Day 2
Hot Air Balloon
Meals not included in itinerary
Personal Expenses
Single Supplement USD400
Tipping for your guide