On a luxury ship along the majestic, calm Nile - hardly anyone doubts that this is the best way to see all the wonders of ancient Egypt. A cruise is travel and rest in one. Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Hurghada - following in the footsteps of the pharaohs is an adventure in itself. You will feel small before the majestic pyramids, temples, imposing statues and obelisks, built as if to outlive time and space. You will be amazed by the 20-metre statues in front of the temple of Ramesses II and Nefertari - Abu Simbel. Even after 5 thousand years, Egypt remains an eternal example of an advanced civilisation. The scale is staggering - of the ancient monuments, of the seemingly endless Nile, of the even more endless Sahara. Pleasantly tired after a day of sightseeing, you will be gently rocked by the eternal waters of the Nile. Wrapped in comfort, you will look forward to the next adventure - meeting a crocodile, a camel or a colourful shoal of fish in the Red Sea. And the mystical gaze of the Sphinx, which seems to look through time and tells us silently: Egypt is worth it. There is no other place like it in the world!
In the Footsteps of the Pharaohs Cruise, Wednesday Departures from Cairo, with a Charter Flight from Varna
📍 Hurghada, Egypt
Duration
8 days
Level
Easy
Languages
BG, EN
Departure
Varna
Day 1: Varna - Cairo
Departure from Varna Airport at 07:00 for Cairo on a direct charter flight. Arrival at Cairo airport at 09:00. (The flight schedule is indicative. You will receive the final one with your travel documents before departure.) Welcome by the partner company. Half-day tour of Cairo (included in the price) - a visit to the Egyptian Museum, which holds many exhibits from the era of ancient Egyptian civilisation, including the hall with the mummies of some of the most famous pharaohs. The museum displays more than 12 000 artefacts from all periods of Egyptian history. A visit to a cotton shop. Transfer to the hotel. Check-in. Dinner. Overnight stay.
Day 2: Cairo
Breakfast. Sightseeing programme in Cairo (included in the price): the excursion includes a visit to one of the wonders of the world - the Egyptian pyramids, which captivate with their grandeur and mystery. From the Giza viewpoint you will enjoy a view of the Cairo metropolis. You will not miss the imposing statue of the Sphinx either. A visit to a perfume shop. Lunch (packed). Transfer to the hotel. Dinner. Overnight stay.
Day 3: Cairo - Aswan
Breakfast. Transfer to Cairo airport for a direct domestic flight to Aswan, operated by Egypt Air. Arrival at Aswan airport. Transfer to the cruise ship. Check-in. Sightseeing programme in the Aswan area: the High Dam of Lake Nasser, which blocks the Nile. Its construction was postponed several times for political reasons and because of the need to move important archaeological sites. The Unfinished Obelisk - a magnificent monument 42 m high and weighing 1 200 t, which was never raised. It was abandoned in the rock from which it was carved in ancient times because a crack appeared. A visit to the Temple of Isis. It originally stood on the island of Philae, which is now flooded by the waters of Lake Nasser. The temple was saved and moved to the island of Agilkia thanks to a large-scale UNESCO rescue operation. Return to the ship. Lunch. Optional sightseeing programme on advance request (at an extra charge): a Combo excursion - a felucca ride, a visit to the botanical garden and an authentic Nubian village. Departure from the ship on a traditional Egyptian felucca with a large sail. Sailing on the Nile to the Aswan botanical garden. A tour of the botanical garden. Departure by motorboat on the Nile to a Nubian village. A tour of a complex of houses showing local life and customs. A look at crocodiles and the chance to take photos. Return to the ship by motorboat. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
Day 4: Aswan - Kom Ombo - Edfu
Breakfast. Free time in Aswan - the southernmost city of Egypt, known for its stone quarries. The option of a stroll on your own through the colourful Aswan market or, optionally and on advance request (with a packed breakfast if you take part in the additional service), a coach excursion to Abu Simbel with entrance fees included. Early departure from the ship at around 04:30. Abu Simbel lies on the west bank of the Nile. When Lake Nasser's dam was built, the temples were moved 65 m higher than their original site. Here are the two ancient Egyptian temples carved into the rock, with an exceptionally beautiful and imposing façade, from the time of Ramesses II (around the 13th century BC), after his victory at Kadesh. The Great Temple is dedicated to the gods Amun-Ra, Horus and Ptah. The image of Ramesses dominates the temple's entire decoration and radiates divine power. Very close to the Great Temple is the so-called Small Temple, the temple of Hathor and Nefertari - the first temple in Egyptian history dedicated to a queen. The temple complex is now protected by UNESCO. Return to the ship around noon. Lunch. In the afternoon, sailing to Kom Ombo. Arrival in the late afternoon and a visit to the temple of Kom Ombo. Built in the Hellenistic era, during the time of the Ptolemies, it is an unusual double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. Sailing to Edfu. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
Day 5: Edfu - Luxor
Breakfast. Departure from the ship at around 06:30. An early visit to the temple of Edfu, dedicated to the god Horus, son of Isis and Osiris. Construction of the temple began in 237 BC, during the reign of Ptolemy III, and was completed almost 2 centuries later, in 57, during the reign of Ptolemy XII - the father of the famous Cleopatra. Return to the ship. Breakfast. Sailing to Luxor via Esna. Lunch. Free time on board. In the late afternoon, a visit to the Luxor temple, built on the remains of ancient Thebes. The Great Temple of Luxor, built by Ramesses II, is dedicated to the gods Amun-Ra, Mut and Khonsu and impresses with its giant papyrus columns. A visit to a papyrus shop. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
Day 6: Deir el-Bahari - Hurghada (300 km)
Early in the morning (departure from the ship at around 04:00-05:00), optionally and on advance request, a hot-air balloon flight over the west bank of the Nile (weather permitting). Breakfast (or a packed breakfast if you take the balloon flight). Check-out and disembarkation from the cruise ship. A visit to the Valley of the Kings, home to 62 pharaohs' tombs, one of which, Tutankhamun's, was discovered in 1922; the amazing temple of Hatshepsut - the first female pharaoh, who ruled Egypt for two peaceful decades; and the Colossi of Memnon - two massive stone statues depicting the seated Pharaoh Amenhotep III. When they were raised in 1350 BC, they guarded the entrance to the pharaoh's tomb. A visit to an alabaster shop. Departure for Karnak - the largest religious complex in the world, a showcase of the achievements of Egyptian architecture during the reigns of 30 pharaohs. The religious complex consists of three main temples and several smaller ones. Departure by coach for Hurghada. Arrival late in the evening. Check-in at the hotel. Late dinner. Overnight stay.
Day 7: Hurghada
Breakfast. Free time for the beach and relaxation. Lunch. Dinner. Overnight stay. Optional sightseeing programme on advance request (one of three excursions):
1. Desert safari with dinner included:
Departure from the hotel at 12 noon. Your introduction to Egypt would be incomplete without a desert safari. You will gain unique impressions from racing jeeps over the dunes and extreme quad bike and two-seater buggy driving. You will ride a camel and get a close look at the life of the Bedouins in the desert, visit a small zoo and terrarium and enjoy a folk show (yoga, dervishes, oriental dancing). Return to the hotel at around 21h.
2. “El Gouna - the Venice of Egypt” with lunch and soft drinks included:
The excursion includes a boat trip during which you will enjoy the beautiful views, watch dolphins and have the chance to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. Back in El Gouna, you will also take small boats through the town's canals. Return to the hotel in the evening. A local fee of about 5 USD per traveller is paid on site.
Day 8: Hurghada - Varna
Breakfast. Transfer to Hurghada airport. Departure for Bulgaria on a direct charter flight. Arrival at Varna Airport (you will receive the flight schedule with your final documents before departure).
*The order of the sightseeing in the programme may change.*
The price includes
The package price is in euro and includes:
Flight ticket on a direct charter flight Varna - Cairo; Hurghada - Varna, including airport taxes;
- Flight ticket for a direct domestic flight from Cairo to Aswan, including airport taxes;
- Hand luggage up to 7 kg and checked baggage up to 20 kg;
- The transfers described in the programme;
- 3 nights on a full-board basis (drinks not included) on board a 5* cruise ship from Aswan to Luxor with Nile Cruises (or similar);
- 2 nights in Hurghada at a 4* hotel on an All Inclusive basis;
- 2 nights in Cairo at the Amarante Pyramids Hotel 4* (or similar) with breakfast and dinner (drinks not included);
- Excursion in Cairo - the Pyramids, the Sphinx and the new Grand Egyptian Museum;
- The sightseeing programme described - the Temple of Isis, the Unfinished Obelisk and the High Dam in Aswan; the temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu; the Valley of the Kings and the temple of Hatshepsut; the temples of Luxor and Karnak;
- Entrance fees for the sites visited in the programme, except those listed under "the price does not include";
- Local guides accompanied by a tour leader from the company, who will translate the commentary during all transfers and excursions in the programme;
- “Travel Assistance Abroad” medical insurance with Groupama, with cover of 10 000 euro (the insurance cover for all persons over 70 years of age is 5000 euro)
The price does not include
The package price does NOT include:
Personal expenses;
- Entry visa for Egypt: $30 - paid at the airport in Egypt (if the price changes, travellers will be notified in good time);
- Service fee for all local staff in the programme: $25 per person (paid on site on the day of arrival);
- Entrance fees for the tomb of Tutankhamun (about 300 EGP) and the Pyramid of Cheops (about 450 EGP), and a photography fee at the Egyptian Museum (about 50 EGP) in Cairo (subject to change, paid in local currency on site);
- Entrance fees for other museums, sites and events visited optionally;
- Drinks with lunches and dinners;
- Additional services and excursions under the programme;
- For all sea excursions - a fee of $5 per person, paid on the spot;
- Travel cancellation insurance - the supplement depends on the price of the package and the cancellation period. It can be added on the day the contract is signed;
- Health insurance supplement for persons aged 65 to 75 - 15 euro;
- Health insurance supplement for persons over 76 - 29 euro;
- Fuel surcharge - announced 21 days before the flight (if fuel prices change and the airline charges one).
Booking and cancellation terms
Booking conditions
Payments:
- Deposit: 30% per person on booking
- Balance due by 30 days before the departure date
- Details required:
- For all travellers:
- - Full name in Latin characters (as shown in the passport)
- - Bulgarian personal ID number (EGN) or date of birth (for foreign citizens)
- - Passport number and expiry date
- The tour operator is not responsible for incorrect details submitted.
- Cancellation terms:
- Cancellation 59 - 31 days before the trip: a fee equal to the deposit (minimum 30% of the travel price, unless stated otherwise).
- Cancellation 30 days or less before the trip: a fee of 100% of the travel price
- Important information for travellers:
- - The price may change in the event of: changes in transport costs (fuel), airport, port and other fees; a change of more than 3% in the exchange rate between the date the contract is signed and departure; an unforeseen price increase by our partners, as well as in other objectively necessary cases. The exchange rate used to calculate the programme is EUR/USD 1 = 1.14.
- - Due to constantly changing fuel prices, airlines may charge a so-called fuel surcharge. In such a case, the tour operator reserves the right to change the travel price by the actual amount of the fuel surcharge, and it will be payable for all bookings on the flights for which it is charged, regardless of when they were made. If fuel prices change, a fuel surcharge may be charged. This surcharge must be announced by the tour operator and paid by the customer no later than 21 days before the departure date.
- - The airline reserves the right to change departure and arrival times, and the tour operator will inform passengers in good time.
- - The tour operator is NOT responsible for changes in museum fees or museum opening hours. The fees stated are based on the information published on the websites of the sights concerned. Changes may occur. The tour operator reserves the right to change the order of the programme for reasons beyond its control and is not responsible for travellers refused entry by the respective border authorities.
- - Foreigners who entered the Republic of Bulgaria with their own transport (car) may not leave the country by another type of transport.
- - Children under 18 travelling without their parents or with only one of them must carry the original and a photocopy of a notarised declaration that both parents, or the parent not travelling, consent to the child leaving the country. If the child travels with both parents but they have different surnames, the child's birth certificate and a copy of it must be provided. The documents are for the Bulgarian border authorities.
- - The order of the sightseeing in the programme may change.
Optional excursions
Additional excursions:
Safari:
- (the excursion runs with a minimum of 20 people booked)
- Your introduction to Egypt will not be complete without a desert safari. You will be thrilled by high-speed jeep runs down the dunes and extreme quad bike and two-seater buggy driving. A camel ride awaits you, along with the chance to get a close look at the life of the Bedouins in the desert. You will visit a mini zoo and terrarium and watch a multicultural show (yoga, dervishes, oriental dancing), and in the evening you will gaze at the stars through a telescope - all in one excursion with dinner included!
- Price: 60 euro / 30 euro - child under 12
- Abu Simbel:
- (the excursion runs with a minimum of 20 people booked)
- A coach excursion to Abu Simbel, on the west bank of the Nile, 280 km south of Aswan. When Lake Nasser's dam was built, the temples were moved 65 m higher than their original site. Here are the two ancient Egyptian temples carved into the rock, with an exceptionally beautiful and imposing façade, from the time of Ramesses II (around the 13th century BC), after his victory at Kadesh. The Great Temple is dedicated to the sun god Ra and the gods Horus and Ptah. The image of Ramesses dominates the temple's entire decoration and radiates divine power. Very close to the Great Temple is the so-called Small Temple, the temple of Hathor (Hathor) and Nefertari (Nefertari) - the first temple in Egyptian history dedicated to a queen. What is more, the female statue is the same size as that of Ramesses, contrary to the custom of making statues of women and children much smaller. The temples are an exceptional sight, and their history is more than impressive. The temple complex is now protected by UNESCO.
- Price: 95 euro - adult / 50 euro - child under 12
- El Gouna - the “Venice of Egypt”:
- (the excursion runs with a minimum of 20 people booked)
- El Gouna is located 25 km from Hurghada. The boat trip starts here, during which you will see dolphins, swim and snorkel in the beautiful waters of the Red Sea and enjoy the lovely views. Lunch with soft drinks is included in the price of the excursion. At around 14.00, return to El Gouna and a ride in small boats through the town's canals. Return to the hotel for dinner.
- Price: 60 euro - adult / 30 euro - child under 12
- Combo: Felucca ride, Botanical Garden and Nubian village:
- (the excursion runs with a minimum of 20 people booked)
- Departure from the ship on a traditional Egyptian felucca with a large sail. Sailing on the Nile to the botanical garden of Aswan. A tour of the botanical garden, with a short tea/coffee break among the green trees. Departure from the botanical garden by motorboat on the Nile to a Nubian village. A tour of a complex of houses that gives an idea of local life and customs. A treat of the local karkade tea. The option of a temporary henna tattoo (at an extra charge). And the biggest attraction - a look at crocodiles, with the chance to have your photo taken holding one of the smaller ones. Return to the ship by motorboat.
- Price: 55 euro - adult / 30 euro - child under 12
- Hot-air balloon flight over Luxor:
- A morning hot-air balloon flight in Luxor.
- Price: 110 euro - adult
- *The tour operator reserves the right to change the order of the excursions in the programme.
- *Excursion prices may change.
Price from
per person
