Sold Out!

Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, great hotels, lots of meals, guided touring and much more!

Also check out our 7-day Pyramids Express tour!

The birthplace of one of the greatest civilizations ever known, Egypt retains the glory of the past in its extraordinary pyramids and temples. Over the centuries, through the Pharaohs, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Turks, and Europeans, Egypt's eternal river of life, the Nile, has flowed on. Your deluxe hotel in Cairo is located on its bank, with a view that will enthrall even the most well-traveled visitor.

Our Pyramids & Nile Cruise tour features flights, 5-star deluxe hotel accommodations, a lavish buffet breakfast daily, transfers, and a guided tour of the great Pyramids at Giza and Sphinx. Plus, enjoy a three-day deluxe cruise on the Nile River aboard the M/S  Tulip. Visit the fabulous temples and tombs at Karnak and Luxor, the engineering marvel of the Aswan Dam, and the Temples of Philae, Kom Ombo and Edfu. Explore further on your own or take advantage of fascinating optional tours. Round out your vacation by adding an extension to the fabulous Lost City of Petra in Jordan. This is a spectacular journey for a truly spectacular price!

Pyramids & Nile Cruise Touring Program

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating journey to Egypt begins this evening as you depart JFK International Airport in New York for your non-stop, overnight flight to Cairo.

Day 2: Cairo. Midday arrival in Cairo, where East and West come together in a wonderful and chaotic mix of old and new. You'll be met by our representatives in Cairo and assisted with visa and customs formalities. Proceed to check in at your centrally located 5-star hotel overlooking the Nile River.

You’ll have the rest of the day to explore independently. Or, join an optional tour to the Old City of Cairo, where you'll visit the Christian and Jewish Quarters as well as some of the city's significant sites, including Abu Serga, Hanging Church, and Ibn Ezra Synagogue ($25 per person). Ramses Hilton

Day 3: Cairo & Aswan. Transfer to the airport this morning for the flight to Aswan, Egypt's southernmost city and the crossroads of the ancient caravan routes. Transfer to the pier for embarkation and lunch aboard. This afternoon enjoy a tour by felucca (a small, swift Egyptian sailboat) around Elephantine Island, once the center of modern Aswan.

Before returning to your cruise ship for dinner and evening activities, you'll visit the magnificent Botanical Gardens of Lord Kitchener. Tonight, join an optional excursion to the Temple of Philae for a Sound and Light Show. Enjoy the spectacular lights of this multimedia presentation which vividly reveals the form and majesty of this ancient site. Walk through the dramatically lit temple as its history is narrated ($45 per person). M/S Tulip or M/S Tamr Henna (B,L,D)

Abu Simbel Optional Tour: Take advantage of a special opportunity to visit the fascinating site of Abu Simbel. The Abu Simbel Optional Tour departs early morning on Day 4 and costs $199 per person, if reserved and prepaid. Since space is limited and arrangements are difficult once you arrive in Egypt, we strongly recommend prior booking of this fantastic extra tour. We cannot guarantee availability on the Abu Simbel optional tour unless booked in advance.

Day 4: Aswan, Kom Ombo & Edfu. Today, you'll visit Aswan's High Dam, which controls the Nile and is a major source of hydroelectric power in Egypt, and Philae Island with its temple dedicated to Isis. (An optional tour to Abu Simbel is available early this morning). After lunch, sail to Kom Ombo, where, in ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the river bank. The Temple of Kom Ombo is unique in all of Egypt and is shared by the two gods Sobek and Haroeris. Continue sailing to Edfu. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Edfu, Esna, & Luxor. Today's visits include the Temple of Edfu, a Greek-built monument to Horus, falcon-headed son of Osiris. It took about 200 years to complete and has helped fill in many gaps of knowledge about the Pharaonic architecture that it imitates. Sail to Esna, and cross Esna Lock to Luxor, one of Egypt's greatest attractions for the sheer grandeur of its monumental architecture and excellent state of preservation. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Luxor & Cairo. After breakfast, disembark and board your touring coach to visit the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings, where 64 of Egypt's Pharaohs have their royal tombs hewn into the sheer rock. Continue to the impressive Deir El Bahari mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural wonder built against the backdrop of a looming cliff face and the Colossi of Memnon, two huge seated statues of Amenhotep III.

Highlights of today's tour are visits to the Temple of Karnak, one of the most overwhelming monuments of the Pharaonic legacy, with work carried out on the temples over a period of 1500 years, and Luxor Temple, strikingly graceful and added to over the centuries by Tutankhamen, Ramses II, Alexander the Great and others. Late afternoon flight back to Cairo. Ramses Hilton or Sheraton Cairo Hotel, Towers & Casino (B)

Day 7: Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx. This morning, your guide will escort you on a fascinating tour of the most famous of all sites in Egypt—the Pyramids of Cheops and Chephren. These monuments have stood for 46 centuries and are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, possibly the most visited monuments of Egypt. The Sphinx, a feline character with the body of a lion and the face of Khufu (Cheops in Greek) is 50 meters long and 22 meters high. Carved from a single stone, it lies just before the Pyramids, and even today its meaning and origin remain shrouded in mystery.

After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day to explore Cairo on your own. Your hotel is conveniently located near such tourist sites as the Egyptian Museum and the city's shopping district. Or, enjoy an optional afternoon tour to the Egyptian Museum, where you'll see, among other treasures, the priceless antiquities of Tutankhamen's tomb ($30 per person). Continue to the world-famous Khan El Khalili bazaars, where the sights, sounds, spices and exotic clothing and jewelry, hand-hammered copper, ceramic ware and other treasures are waiting for your deft bargaining to win them at astounding prices. Another optional this evening includes a fun-filled farewell dinner with entertainment on a floating restaurant on the Nile River ($45 per person). Both optional tours are part of the optional tour special package. (See note under prices.) (B)

Day 8: Cairo/USA. Today you'll be escorted to the airport as you bid farewell to Cairo and board your return flight to the USA. Your fascinating journey comes to an end as you arrive in the USA later today. Or, why not take advantage of your already-included airfare to extend your stay at the mysterious, rose-red city of Petra in Jordan! (B)

Filming Location of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

The ancient city of Petra is hidden among the ancient canyons of southern Jordan, where it was half-carved, half-built more than 2000 years ago by an industrious Arab people, the Nabateans. You'll marvel at the spectacular setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge, which suddenly and dramatically opens into a wide plaza with Petra's most famous monument, the Treasury, soaring before you. During your visit you'll stay at the deluxe Taybet Zaman village, a lovely and enchanting recreation of an ancient Nabatean village, complete with winding paths, narrow passages, and rooms decorated like the Bedouin tents still found deep in the deserts of the region.

Day 8: Cairo/Amman. Enjoy the morning at leisure in Cairo. Later this afternoon transfer to the airport for the short flight to Amman. After customs formalities, transfer to your hotel. Radisson SAS Hotel (B,D)

Day 9: Amman/Petra. Early morning departure via the Kings Highway to the lost city of Petra. Your guided tour begins with a ride on horseback and then a walk through the Siq, a narrow gorge flanked by huge cliffs.

As you reach the end of the Siq, you'll behold the breathtaking sight of the Treasury, its elaborately carved façade looming high above you. Spend the rest of the day touring the various tombs and structures in this site and marveling at the artistry and creativity that must have inspired the Nabateans to construct so marvelous and dramatic a city. Late this afternoon, drive to your deluxe hotel, located only 9 km from the archeological site of Petra, where you'll enjoy a spectacular view of the ancient site and surrounding mountains. Taybet Zaman (B,D)

Day 10: Petra/Amman/Cairo. This morning enjoy some leisure time at your hotel. Among the amenities are a Turkish Bath, an outdoor swimming pool, museum and Souk (market) where pottery, weaving and other crafts are produced on site. Later this afternoon, drive north to Madaba, where you'll view the oldest preserved ancient mosaic map of the Holy Lands. Enjoy an opportunity to see the ancient art of Madaba rug weaving on traditional hand looms before heading to the city of Amman for a panoramic tour of Jordan's modern capital. Later, drive to the airport for your return flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Le Passage (ex Movenpick Heliopolis) (B)

Day 11: Cairo/USA. Today you'll be escorted to the airport as you bid farewell to Cairo and board your return flight to the USA. Your fascinating journey comes to an end as you arrive in the USA later today.

The Lost City of Petra Extension prices:

• $699 per person double occupancy

• $199 per person single room supplement

• $60 per person for Jordan departure tax and re-entry visa to Egypt plus fuel surcharges for Amman/Cairo flight

The Lost City of Petra Extension requires a minimum of 10 passengers in order to operate at published prices.

Destination FAQs

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Egypt, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Jordan, click here.

Rave Reviews from our Passengers

ASIA
A Taste of China
A Taste of Malaysia & Borneo
Beautiful Bhutan - Festivals Tour
Best of China & Yangtze Cruise
Best of India & Nepal
Best of Vietnam & Cambodia
Borneo Adventure
Japan Panorama
Taj Mahal Express
Treasures of Thailand
AFRICA
Discover Morocco
Kenya Wildlife Safari
Pyramids & Petra
Pyramids, Nile Cruise & Petra
South African Explorer
EUROPE
Athens & Greek Isles Cruise
Athens Express
Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Berlin
Classical Greece by Sea
easyCruise Greek Isles, Turkey
Enchanting Germany
Italian Treasures
Spain & Portugal
MEDITERRANEAN
Classical Greece by Sea
easyCruise Greek Isles, Turkey
Greece, Turkey & Croatia Cruise
Italy, Greece & Turkey Cruise
Italy, Greek Isles & Croatia Cruise
Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Malta Cruise
Spain, France & Italy Cruise
MIDDLE EAST
Classic Israel: Land of the Bible
Dazzling Dubai
Pyramids & Petra
SOUTH AMERICA
Amazing Peru
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands
Exotic Ecuador
Patagonian Explorer
Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos
SOUTH PACIFIC
New Zealand Adventure
CRUISES
Athens & Greek Isles Cruise
Classical Greece by Sea
easyCruise Greek Isles, Turkey
Greece, Turkey & Croatia Cruise
Italy, Greece & Turkey Cruise
Italy, Greek Isles & Croatia Cruise
Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Malta Cruise
Spain, France & Italy Cruise

Region:	-- all regions -- Africa Asia Europe Middle East South America
Country:	-- all countries --
Duration:	-- any length -- Up to 8 days 9 - 12 days 13 - 16 days 17 days or more
Budget:	-- any budget -- Up to $1000 Up to $2000 Up to $3000 Up to $4000
Month:	-- anytime -- January February March April May June July August September October November December

Included Tour Features

• Round trip flights including fuel surcharges from New York (JFK) via EgyptAir including fuel surcharges (flight schedule)

• All intra-Egypt flights and ground transportation

• Arrival and departure transfers with meeting, assistance and porterage

• Deluxe hotel accommodations at the Ramses Hilton or Cairo Sheraton Hotel & Towers overlooking the Nile River with private bath

• Deluxe cruise for 3 nights aboard the M/S Tulip in outside cabins with private bath

• Bountiful buffet breakfast daily in Cairo and all meals aboard the cruise

• Half day of included touring featuring the famous Pyramids at Giza and the Sphinx plus panoramic tour of Cairo

• Fabulous Lost City of Petra Extension to Jordan

• Extra nights and late returns from Egypt (pending availability of flights)

> Pyramids & Nile Cruise 8 days Departures & Prices* Depart Return Book by Jun 20 After Jun 20 2007 DEPARTURES Nov 7 Nov 14 $1699 Nov 14 Nov 21 $1699 Nov 21 Nov 28 $1699 Dec 26 Jan 2 $1999 2008 DEPARTURES Jan 9 Jan 16 $1699 Jan 16 Jan 23 $1699 Feb 6 Feb 13 $1699 Feb 13 Feb 20 $1699 Feb 20 Feb 27 $1699 Mar 5 Mar 12 $1699 Mar 12 Mar 19 $1699 Apr 16 Apr 23 $1799 Apr 30 May 7 $1699 May 14 May 21 $1799 May 28 Jun 4 $1919 Jun 4 Jun 11 $2119 Jul 2 Jul 9 $2319 $2519 Aug 27 Sep 3 $2019 $2219

Tour prices are per person, double occupancy, including airfare. Prices in red reflect an early booking discount if you reserve by June 20, 2008. * Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee for this tour of $170.

Taxes & Fees Service Price Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee $170 Egyptian Visa Fee $28

Optionals & Upgrades Service Price Discounted Optional Tours Package $99 Abu Simbel Optional Tour $199 Comprehensive Travel Insurance (Recommended) $129 Single Room Supplements December 26 Departure Only $395 All Other Departures $340

Lost City of Petra Extension Service Price Lost City of Petra Extension $699 Single Room Supplement $199 Jordan Border Taxes and Fees $60

Optional Tours Package

In order to help you maximize your time (and stretch your budget) we offer a discounted package of 3 popular optionals that includes a half day of guided touring of the Old City and Egyptian Museum, the spectacular Sound and Light Show at the Philae Temple, and a farewell dinner cruise on the Nile, with entertainment. (These tours, when purchased individually in Cairo, cost $135.)

Shop & Compare

Our tours may look similar to others you've seen, but we invite you to shop & compare. There are important differences that make Friendly Planet tours the best you can find.

Credit Cards or Cash:Whether you pay by check, money order or your favorite major credit card, your tour price is the same. No extra cost to charge your dream vacation to Egypt when you travel with Friendly Planet.Credit Card Authorization Form.

No Compromise on Quality: Despite our extraordinary prices, there are no compromises on our Egypt tours. In Cairo, you'll stay at the deluxe Ramses Hilton Hotel or theCairo Sheraton Hotel & Towers on the Nile. You'll cruise aboard the deluxe M/S Tulip of Wings Tours & Cruises, in cabins with river views and private bath.

Included Features:  Your transfers are INCLUDED in our price, not sold as a very expensive options. You'll enjoy a bountiful buffet breakfast daily and a half day of included touring to the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza. All of your meals and all of your touring and shore excursions on the cruise are included.

Free Comprehensive Destination Guide: To help you prepare for your trip, you will receive a free, comprehensive Friendly Planet Egypt destination guide - a Friendly Planet exclusive - filled with plenty of helpful information about the destination itself (including history and other fascinating facts), weather, tipping, local customs, how to dress, plus insider shopping, nightlife and restaurant suggestions, organized by cuisine and cost. Your tour host will be glad to offer even more suggestions.

Personal Service: The extra ingredient that makes our tours stand apart from others—the wonderful, personal attention you'll receive from our friendly staff in the USA and our representatives in Egypt—is completely free of charge. Compare our Egypt programs to others, feature for feature. You'll see for yourself that ours are the very best value for money you'll find anywhere.

Important Note: If you are reserving this tour less than 60 days prior to departure, confirmation is subject to space availability. We will advise you within 48 hours if we can confirm your reservation. In the meantime, no credit cards will be debited for deposits or payments until we are able to confirm your reservations.

Wait-listing on Friendly Planet Sold-Out Departures: If your preferred departure is sold out, you can place yourself on a waitlist by completing the online reservation form and submitting it to us. Just click on the "waitlist" button, complete the form and click "submit". In the comments box at the very bottom of the form, please write any notes regarding your request, especially any flexibility you might have in your dates of travel. This way, if your first choice doesn't clear, we can try for a second or third choice. We will make every effort to clear your space in a timely way so that you can join us on tour. You do not need to send any deposits for waitlists. When we clear your space, we'll contact you immediately by phone or email, and if you still wish to travel, we will arrange for deposits or payments at that time. We regret that we cannot accept waitlists beyond 35 days prior to departure. If you see "sold out" next to the dates you wish to reserve or waitlist, please note that this departure is now closed, including waitlist possibilities.

Important Information About Transfers: Transfers for this tour are provided on a group basis only. For land-only passengers or for passengers deviating in any way from the group program, transfers are not provided. Individual, private transfers can be arranged at a supplement in price. Taxis and other forms of transportation are also available and may cost less than private transfers. If you wish to arrange private transfers, please request this service at the time of reservation.

Please Note: a visa is required for Egypt. It will be obtained upon arrival for all U.S. and Canadian citizens. Please check with us if you are traveling on a passport other than US or Canadian, as it may be possible to include you on our group visa. If not possible, it will be your responsibility to secure your visa directly from the Egyptian authorities.

Already Booked? Print and complete your Tour Registration Form (PDF).

800.555.5765 / Fax 215.572.9803

Home | About Us | Hotels | Cruise Ships | FAQs | Contact Us | Site Map
National Tourism Boards| k

* Some tour prices reflect an early booking discount on select dates. Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee.

Though we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our site about our tours, sometimes oversights and typographical errors can occur. Please confirm all tour prices and details with us via email or phone prior to booking. We will not be held responsible for misunderstandings arising from such errors.

TourCode: d-000