Experience the wonders of Egypt through the comfort and luxury of the exclusive Oberoi Hotels and Resorts. Begin your Journey in Cairo, enjoying spectactular views from the Mena House. Your private guide will unlock the secrets of Egypt while you explore the Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, Memphis and the Great Sphinx. From there its off to Aswan, to board your Oberoi Philae Nile Cruiser - your floating hotel for the next four nights. From Aswan to Ancient Thebes you will embark on a journey of discovery and splendor that is the Nile River. Tour the temples and monuments along the river's edge including: Kitchener Island and High Dam/Philae in Aswan, Edfu and Kom Obo Temples, to the Valley of the Kings & Queens and Karnak Temple in Luxor. Your private guide distinguishes you from the rest of the passengers as you explore at your own pace these amazing archeological treasures. Following the cruise, continue on to the Red Sea resort area of Hurghada for some luxurious rest and relaxation at the Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh. Return to Cairo to explore the Egyptian Museum with its incredible Tutankhamun exhibit, Citadel and the bustling bazaars. A truly personalized experience with your own private driver and vehicle, plus a trained Egyptologist guide. Designed to be completely low hassle. Our most complete and exclusive Egypt experience.
ALERT: Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise is not running during the month of June 2010
NOTE: Travel in Egypt often involves early-morning starts, designed to avoid crowds and the hottest midday hours. It can be hot, especially in June, July and August, but there is virtually no humidity and evening temperatures cool off dramatically. Egypt is a moderate secular state, well used to hosting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. While you will want to avoid revealing clothing, loose shorts and short-sleeved shirts are fine for both genders on board your Nile cruise and while sightseeing.

Day 1
Cairo
Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Travellers will be met in the tunnel by an airport representative who will in turn facilitate the visa process ($17 per person), escort your group through customs and immigration, off to baggage claim and finally to passenger pick up. It is here that your group will connect with our Kensington associate who will arrange airport transfer to your hotel. T The Mena House Oberoi stands tall, yet guarded by the mighty heights of the Great Pyramids of Cairo. Fascinating guests since 1869, the 523 room hotel has continuously held the attention of royalty, political thinkers, and celebrities over time. A range of continental dining and Egyptian specialty restaurants and bars satisfy even the most critical of appetites. The Mena House grants guests the opportunity to relax or stay active by checking out its golf courses, horse and camel stables, and extensive fitness options. Wander a few steps outside the hotel and you may run smack into a pyramid. Forty acres of jasmine-scented gardens will leave their scent on those who depart the hotel. It’s hard to leave this embellished haven of lush furnishings, oriental prints, and hand-woven fabrics. Cairo is the capitol of Egypt and the hub of the country. Millennia of history have made it one of the most fascinating places in the world. The Egyptian Museum whose 107 halls feature huge statues on the ground floor, and small statues, jewels, Tutankhamon treasures and the mummies on upper floors. Other downtown sights include the Saladin Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, and Khan Khalili bazaar. Nearby Giza is famous for the Pyramids of Egypt, among the largest constructions ever built.

Day 2
Cairo
On this full day tour, explore the relics of ages past at ancient Memphis, Sakkara and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Includes entry to either Chephren (Khafre) or Menkaure (Mycerinus) pyramids and the Solar boat (Cheops Pyramid entrance Extra (Great Pyramid of Khufu), clients must arrive early to get into Cheops Pyramid as limited number of people are allowed to enter each day). Also see the famous Sphinx. Includes a trained Egyptologist guide and private vehicle and driver. Enjoy the city's finest cuisine with a private table at the very best restaurants. Overnight at Mena House Oberoi Garden.

Day 3
Cairo - Nile
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Egypt Air flight from Cairo to Aswan, flights as requests only and subject to change. Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver. Sail on the Nile by felucca around Kitchener's Island, the Aga Khan mausoleum and botanical gardens. The essence of luxury, times gone by, and the power of ancient eras combine in making the Oberoi Philae the cruise of choice, as it gently glides along the Nile. With 58 cabins and suites, it provides a private escape into another time, where a world hidden on water is at the fingertips of guests. Dine as the Egyptian pharaohs once did, with remarkable service, upon elegant interiors and brushing against stylish teak paneling. With the Nile humming beneath your feet, let yourself relax as the sun sets over this cruise. Slip into the swimming pool, and let this journey envelope you as the Oberoi Philae floats peacefully through history’s landmarks.


Glide up the Nile at night and explore ancient temples during the day. Edfu (Idfu) is located on the west bank of the River Nile between Esna and Aswan. Of all the temple remains in Egypt, the Temple of Horus at Edfu is the most completely preserved. Kom Ombo was originally an Egyptian city called Nubt, meaning City of Gold. The town's location on the Nile 50 km north of Aswan (Syene) gave it some control over trade routes from Nubia to the Nile Valley, but its main rise to prominence came with the erection of the temple in the 2nd century BC.

Day 4
Aswan - Nile
Visit the impressive Aswan High Dam and its huge lake were created to control the floodwaters of the Nile. View the Temple of Philae on the island of Agilika, stopping at the “unfinished obelisk,” a practical demonstration of the methods used by ancient craftsmen to create impressive monuments. Visit a unique Greco-Roman temple dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the sun god. Overnight at Oberoi Philae. Aswan stands on the east bank of the Nile at the first cataract and is a busy market and tourist center. It contains the island of Elephantine. It is the terminus of the Nile cruise. Kitchener's Island is a paradise of exotic trees and plants and carefully planned walkways. Mausoleum of Aga Khan, Aswan High Dam and Philae are other notable sights. Aswan is also the connecting city for the Abu Simbel monuments in the south.

Day 5
Nile
Visit the Nile-side Temple of Horus, the falcon god, built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III. Overnight at Oberoi Philae.

Day 6
Luxor - Nile
Visit the great temples of Karnak and Luxor on the East Bank to marvel at the achievements of one of the earliest civilizations. This morning you will meet up with your guide and explore some of the most incredible sites of the country. You'll visit the valley of the Kings and Queens where you will have the chance to explore three tombs: Ramses III, Tuhotmoses III and Ramses I. For a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom (the Eighteenth to the Twentieth Dynasties of Ancient Egypt). The valley stands on the west bank of the Nile, opposite modern Luxor. You'll then visit the nearby Valley of the Kings and also the recently renovated mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut was the second pharaoh of the eighteenth dynasty of Ancient Egypt. She is generally regarded by Egyptologists as one of the most successful pharaohs, reigning longer than any other woman of an indigenous Egyptian dynasty. Tour includes a visit to the huge Colossi of Memnon which are all that remain of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III. Overnight at Oberoi Philae. Luxor, site of ancient Thebes, and the "world's greatest open air museum". Notable sights on the east bank include the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple. On the west bank is the spectacular Valley of the Kings. For a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and powerful nobles, including Tutankhamun. The nearby Valley of the Queens is said to hold more than seventy tombs.

Day 7
Luxor - Hurghada
Queue up with the morning convoy departing Luxor. This 350 KM drive will cross the desert and rock terrain that is a feature across most of Egypt. Arrive at the sparkling sea mid-morning and transfer to your resort. A secluded haven on the Red Sea Coast, celebrating rare marine life, nature’s fabulous colours and the timeless beauty of the sea. Nature’s colours come to life at The Oberoi, Sahl Hasheesh, situated on 48 acred with a private beach, white sand, aquamarine waters and vibrantly-hued marine life. All 63 Deluxe Suites and 21 Superior Deluxe Suites are spacious and elegantly appointed and have luxurious bathrooms with separate shower stalls. Their sunken marble baths overlook a private open-air walled garden. The 12 larger Grand Suites have their own private swimming pool, heated in the cooler months. Their restaurants and bar are all you would expect from this resort and offers an a la carte menu of Continental and Oriental cuisine. Get pampered at their Oberoi Spa with massages, scrubs and beauty therapies that leave you feeling completely rejuvenated or simply unwind in the private steam room or in the outdoor swimming pool, which overlook over the beach and the Red Sea. The beaches of Hurghada stretch for about 40 km along the seashore. El Gouna is an artificially-created and privately owned luxury hotel town, about 25 km north of Hurghada. Beautifully designed with several islands separated by channels and connected by bridges, the hotels and marinas feature private beaches and an exclusive boutique village. It is an international center for aquatic sports and snorkeling and diving.

Day 8
Hurghada
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax in your hotel. Overnight at Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh.

Day 9
Hurghada
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax in your hotel. Overnight at Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh.

Day 10
Hurghada - Cairo
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. HRG-CAI Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Overnight at Mena House Oberoi Garden.

Day 11
Cairo
This full day tour includes a private tour with your trained Egyptologist guide through the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and its Mummy Room, which houses a priceless treasure of archaeological finds. In the afternoon visit Saladin Citadel, a spectacular medieval fortress dating from the 12th century, where you explore the mosque and tomb of the Ottoman ruler Mohamed Ali. Later, a walking tour will take you through the fabled Khan Khalili bazaar filled with exotic treats. Enjoy the city's finest cuisine with a private table at the very best restaurants. Overnight at Mena House Oberoi Garden.

Day 12
Cairo
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Depart from Cairo international airport - end of itinerary.