9 days from $1699*

Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, great hotels, transfers, many meals, touring and more!

Pyramids & Nile Cruise plus Lost City of Petra Extension

For the 3rd year in a row, Friendly Planet is defying skyrocketing travel prices to bring you a fantastic, truly first class Egypt vacation deal fit for a pharaoh. You'll see the famous sphinx & pyramids at Giza, the temples at Luxor & Edfu, King Tut's tomb, old Cairo & much more, plus enjoy 3 nights on a luxury cruise on the Nile. Top it all off with an optional extension to the lost city of Petra and Amman in Jordan!

Our Touring Program

Passengers booked on August 2008 and prior departures of our Pyramids and Nile Cruise, click here to see the previous itinerary, dates & prices.

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. 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. Your hotel is within walking distance of downtown shopping districts, restaurants, and the famous Egyptian Museum, so enjoy time to explore independently or rest from your flight and enjoy the facilities at your hotel. Ramses Hilton

Day 3: Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx/ Flight to Aswan. This morning after a well-deserved rest and breakfast, 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.

The afternoon is yours to explore Cairo on your own, or take advantage of an optional afternoon tour to the Egyptian Museum, where you'll see, among other treasures, the priceless antiquities of Tutankhamen's tomb ($45 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.

Later today, transfer to the airport for the short flight to Aswan. Transfer to your centrally located hotel and after check-in, enjoy an evening at leisure. (B) Basma Aswan Hotel.

Day 4: Aswan, Cruise. Transfer to the pier for embarkation of your Nile cruise ship and have 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 ($49 per person). (B,L,D)

Day 5: Aswan, Kom Ombo & Edfu, Abu Simbel Optional Tour. 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)

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 5 and costs $229 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 6: 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 7: 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. Evening flight back to Cairo. Ramses Hilton (B)

*The Sept. 22 departure follows a slightly different tour itinerary. The day at leisure in Cairo will take place on Day 4 instead of Day 7. The flight to Aswan will also take place on Day 4. All tour inclusions are the same.

Day 8: Cairo. Enjoy your final day in Cairo to explore the city on your own. Your hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of many of Cairo's major attractions as well as excellent shopping and dining. Or, take advantage of an optional guided tour of Old Cairo, including the Citadel of Saladin, built on the remains of a Crusader-style fortress, the Alabaster Mosque, and the Hanging Church ($45 per person). This evening, join your fellow travelers on an optional dinner cruise with entertainment aboard a floating Nile River restaurant ($65 per person). (B)

Day 9: 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)

Pyramids & Nile Cruise Plus the Lost City of Petra in Jordan

Days 1 – 8: Same as Pyramids & Nile Cruise tour above.

Day 9: Cairo/Amman. Transfer to the airport for the short flight from Cairo to Amman. After customs formalities, board your touring coach and drive south, via the Kings Highway, to Petra. Arrival early this evening at your deluxe hotel located very close to the archeological site of Petra, where you'll enjoy a spectacular view of the ancient site and surrounding mountains. Join your fellow travelers for dinner and a stroll around the grounds of this fascinating hotel. Taybet Zaman or Crowne Plaza Resort Petra (B, D)

Day 10: 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. Explore 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. Later this afternoon, drive north to Amman and your hotel. Radisson SAS Hotel or le Meridien Hotel (B)

Day 11: Amman. Located in the heart of Amman's diplomatic and business districts—just minutes away from the vibrant city center—your hotel is close to Amman's major historical sites including the Citadel and the Roman amphitheatre. Explore the city at leisure, or take an optional tour to Jerash.

Located 30 miles north of Amman, Jerash is considered one of the largest and most well-preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world outside Italy. To this day, its colonnaded streets, baths, theaters, plazas and arches remain in exceptional condition. Within the remaining city walls, archaeologists have found the ruins of settlements dating back to the Neolithic Age, indicating human occupation at this location for more than 6500 years.

After lunch, return to Amman where you'll visit the major historical sites, including the Roman amphitheatre, Archaeological Museum, and the ruins of the Temple of Hercules ($100 per person). This evening, you're invited to join your fellow travelers for an optional dinner at a local restaurant ($25). (B)

Day 12: Amman/USA. Today you'll be escorted to the airport as you bid farewell to Amman and board your return flight to the USA. Your fascinating journey comes to an end as you arrive in the USA later today. (B)

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.

ASIA
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Pyramids & Nile Cruise plus Lost City of Petra Extension
Included Features

• On the Pyramids & Nile Cruise, round trip flights from New York (JFK) via EgyptAir including fuel surcharges (flight schedule)
• On the Pyramids, Nile Cruise, & Petra tour, round trip flights from New York (JFK) via Royal Jordanian Airlines including fuel surcharges (flight schedule)
• All intra-Egypt flights and ground transportation
• Arrival and departure transfers with meeting, assistance and porterage
• Five star hotel accommodations at the Ramses Hilton Hotel on the east bank of the Nile and the Basma Hotel in Aswan
• 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
• Discounted Optional Tours package in Cairo
• On the Petra Extension, five-star hotel accommodations at the Radisson SAS or Le Meridien Hotel, Amman and the Taybet Zaman or Crown Plaza Hotel, Petra
• Bountiful buffet breakfast daily plus dinner in Petra
• Full day of touring at Petra
• Optional day tour in Amman and Jerash

Pyramids & Nile Cruise Departures & Prices* Depart Return Book by Oct 22 After Oct 22 2008 DEPARTURES Sep 9 Sep 17 $1599 Sep 16 Sep 24 $1599 Sep 22 Sep 30 $1699 Oct 7 Oct 15 $1899 Dec 30 Jan 7 $2499 $2799 2009 DEPARTURES Jan 20 Jan 28 $2099 $2399 Feb 10 Feb 18 $2099 $2399 Mar 3 Mar 11 $2099 $2399 Mar 17 Mar 25 $2099 $2399 Apr 21 Apr 29 $2099 $2399 Apr 28 May 6 $1599 $1899

Tour prices are per person, double occupancy, including airfare. Prices in red reflect an early booking discount if you reserve by Oct. 22, 2008. * Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee for this tour of $120.

Pyramids & Nile Cruise plus Petra Departures & Prices* Depart Return Book by Oct 22 After Oct 22 2008 DEPARTURES Sep 16 Sep 27 $1999 Oct 14 Oct 25 $2299 Nov 18 Nov 29 $2399 $2699 2009 DEPARTURES Jan 13 Jan 24 $2499 $2799 Feb 3 Feb 14 $2499 $2799 Feb 17 Feb 28 $2499 $2799 Mar 31 Apr 11 $2499 $2799 Apr 28 May 9 $2499 $2799

Tour prices are per person, double occupancy, including airfare. Prices in red reflect an early booking discount if you reserve by Oct. 22, 2008. * Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee for this tour of $145.

*The Sept. 22 departure follows a slightly different tour itinerary. The day at leisure in Cairo will take place on Day 4 instead of Day 7. The flight to Aswan will also take place on Day 4. All tour inclusions are the same.

Pyramids & Nile Cruise Taxes & Fees Service Price Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee $120 Egyptian Visa Fee $28

Pyramids & Nile Cruise plus Petra Taxes & Fees Service Price Additional Taxes, Fees, & September 11 Security Fee $145 Egyptian Visa Fee $28

Pyramids & Nile Cruise Optionals & Upgrades Service Price Discounted Optional Tours Package $120 Abu Simbel Optional Tour $229 Single Room Supplements December 30 and April 7 Departures Only $395 All Other Departures $340

Pyramids & Nile Cruise plus Petra Optionals & Upgrades Service Price Discounted Optional Tours Package-Cairo & Amman $220 Abu Simbel Optional Tour $229 Single Room Supplement $575

DEPARTURE AIRPORTS Gateway Add New York Kennedy International (JFK) New York Kennedy International (JFK)

Ask about availability and prices for connecting flights from other cities.

Travel Insurance: Our comprehensive policy is available for only $129 per person and is strongly recommended to protect your investment.

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, a half day of guided touring at the Egyptian Museum and the Khan El Khalili bazaars, and a farewell dinner cruise on the Nile, with entertainment. (These tours, when purchased individually in Cairo, cost $155). For passengers taking the Petra portion, we offer an optional full day tour of Amman and Jerash, including lunch, and a farewell dinner in Amman. (These tours, when purchased individually in Amman, cost $125).

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.

Waitlisting on 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.

Flight Schedule: Click here for a full flight schedule.

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

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* 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.