Insight Vacations

Wonders of Egypt - Small Group, Winter

Wonders Of Egypt – Small Group, Winter
Embrace the very best of Egypt on this 9-day tour. In Luxor, walk through an avenue of ram-headed sphinxes at Karnak, a vast complex of ancient temples, chapels, and pylons. Visit the Luxor Museum, where you can see two royal mummies. Travel by luxury coach to the Valley of the Kings, where the legendary pharaoh Tutankhamun is buried. Sail along the Nile aboard a felucca-a traditional wooden boat with billowing sails-guided by a local sailor who will share insights into ancient sailing practices. In Cairo, meet an Egyptologist at the Egyptian Museum to view treasures recovered from pharaohs’ tombs, then ascend to the Citadel for sweeping views over the city. Finally, marvel at the incredible Pyramids of Giza from within, as an Egyptologist leads you past the Sphinx to the heart of a pyramid, revealing its cavernous wonders.

Dining Summary

  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 4 Lunch (L)
  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)

Choice Highlights

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Aswan: Satisfy your curiosity and your taste buds over an Egyptian cooking demonstration with your talented onboard chef.
  • Aswan: Ever wondered what it is like to be in the driver’s seat Enjoy a tour of the Captain’s quarters and learn about how he sails through the Nile and how knowledge has been passed down through generations.

Additional Included Highlights

  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included – you’ll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • 4 night Nile cruise aboard your mid-size cruise ship featuring air-conditioned cabins with private facilities, on either MS Medea, MS Miriam, MS Giselle, MS La Boheme or similar. Please note that gratuities are not included for the Travel Director, Nile Cruise staff, Drivers and Airport Escorts.
  • Included economy class flights between Cairo/Luxor and Aswan/Cairo with transfers between airports and hotels.
  • Complimentary transfers from/to Cairo Airport are available on arrival and departure days, or with additional accommodation booked through Insight Vacations.

Authentic Dining

  • Luxor: Get to know your fellow travelers over a delightful drink followed by dinner.
  • Kom Ombo: Learn about traditional Egyptian attire and immerse yourself in local culture at an Egyptian dinner and galabeya party.
  • Aswan: Follow in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie as you enjoy high tea at Aswan’s famous Old Cataract Hotel, as the sun begins to set.

Insight Choice

  • Aswan: Satisfy your curiosity and your taste buds over an Egyptian cooking demonstration with your talented onboard chef.
  • Aswan: Ever wondered what it is like to be in the driver’s seat Enjoy a tour of the Captain’s quarters and learn about how he sails through the Nile and how knowledge has been passed down through generations.

Insight Experiences

  • Luxor: Enjoy listening to stories of village life from local residents, when you visit a family home for a tasting of authentic Egyptian sun bread.

Make Travel Matter

  • Cairo: Be mesmerized by the intricate art of Egyptian carpet weaving as you meet the skilled artisans of a local weaving school. This ancient and traditional Egypt art is one of the oldest in the country, and only few schools have been safeguarding the traditional weaving methods on wooden looms, using silk and cotton, and natural dyes. More than carpets, they come to life as unique works of art. This experience advances UN Global Goal 11: Resilient Cities and Communities.

Top Rated Highlights

  • Cairo: Take a short scenic flight to Luxor where you will begin your Nile Cruise.
  • Karnak: Stand amid a vast forest of columns in the largest temple complex known to man, as your Egyptologist explains the significance behind it. Walk the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, see the of Rameses II and the Hypostyle Hall.
  • Luxor: Visit the Luxor Museum and discover ancient artefacts.
  • Colossi of Memnon: See the massive stone statues of the Colossi of Memnon.
  • Valley of the Kings: Embark on an experience with an Egyptologist to visit the mortuary Temple Hatshepsut.
  • Valley of the Kings: Explore the Valley of the Kings, home to the magnificent tombs of Egypt’s Pharaohs, with an Egyptologist.
  • Luxor: Visit Luxor Temple, constructed approximately 1400 BC. Look to the top of the remaining Pylon of Ramses II and step into the ancient monument.
  • Kom Ombo: Visit the unique temple as it is the only double temple in Egypt.
  • Aswan: Visit Aswan’s High Dam and Granite Quarries to ponder why the Unfinished Obelisk has been left in mid-creation for thousands of years.
  • Philae Island: Travel by motorboat to Philae Island and witness the majestic Temple of Isis rising from the waters.
  • Aswan: On a traditional Nile felucca, meet a sailor and learn the art of sailing this ancient Nile craft. Visit the High Dam and Granite Quarries.
  • : Take a short boat ride to Philae Island, where the temple of Isis was carefully reassembled after the original site was submerged by the rising Nile. Enjoy a guided visit before the temple facade becomes a canvas for light and sound, recounting the myth of Isis and Hathor and the Nile’s sacred floods in a vivid display.
  • Aswan: Enjoy your short flight back to Cairo for your final night.
  • Cairo: Uncover Cairo’s rich heritage at the UNESCO-listed Citadel, a commanding fortress that shaped Egypt’s history for centuries. With your Egyptologist, step inside the Great Alabaster Mosque, where soaring domes, intricate stained glass and the tomb of Sultan Muhammad Ali create a moment of quiet reflection. From its hilltop setting, take in sweeping views over the city below.
  • Cairo: With your Egyptologist, explore the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), where you can admire the remarkable treasures of Tutankhamun, including his iconic gold mask, gilded coffin and exquisite jewelery: priceless artefacts that shine a light on Egypt’s fascinating past.
  • Giza: Be mesmerized by the Sound & Light Show at the Great Pyramids.
  • Giza: With your Egyptologist, meet the enigmatic Sphinx and venture deep inside one of the pyramids, to the chambers where the pharaohs went to meet their Gods in the afterlife.
  • Memphis: Visit this famous capital of the ancient world to see the statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx.
  • Saqqara Necropolis: View the oldest pyramid in the world, the Step Pyramid of Zoser I, existing for over 4,500 years.

Well-being

  • Our highly-skilled Travel Director and certified Egyptologist will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxury, air-conditioned coach with onboard washroom. Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom may be used on occasion. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
  • We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

05/16/2025 through 03/27/2027
05/16/2025 through 04/08/2027

Day 1

Upon the banks of the mighty Nile River, the renowned city of Cairo stands tall as an iconic world capital and a well-preserved relic of antiquity. Immerse yourself in this historically significant city, replete with architectural wonders, mesmerizing artifacts, and sprawling markets humming with energy.

Of course, a trip to Cairo must include a visit to its most recognizable monuments. Head west to the Giza Necropolis, whose warm desert sands will transport you to the time of the ancient pharaohs. Gaze in awe at the Great Pyramid of Giza, a Wonder of the World, as well as its two sister pyramids and the famous Great Sphinx monolith. Hop on a camel to view the pyramids from another vantage point, or venture inside any of the three pyramids to explore the rooms in which the pharaohs were entombed.

Cairo’s city center brims with fascinating museums, striking mosques and temples, grand palaces, and excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Highlights include the expansive Egyptian Museum, painted in bright red and home to thousands of unique antiquities, as well as the enormous Salah El-Din citadel, site of the exquisite Muhammad Ali Mosque. The Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo neighborhoods exhibit the best of both Christian and Islamic influences within the city and abound with stunning art and diverse houses of worship. Experience one of the most legendary bazaars in Africa at the Khan el-Khalili souk in Islamic Cairo. Here you’ll traverse a winding outdoor market to browse spices, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs, all authentic to Egypt.

Discover the historic paradise that is Cairo and let this ancient city astound you!


Day 2

Upon the banks of the mighty Nile River, the renowned city of Cairo stands tall as an iconic world capital and a well-preserved relic of antiquity. Immerse yourself in this historically significant city, replete with architectural wonders, mesmerizing artifacts, and sprawling markets humming with energy.

Of course, a trip to Cairo must include a visit to its most recognizable monuments. Head west to the Giza Necropolis, whose warm desert sands will transport you to the time of the ancient pharaohs. Gaze in awe at the Great Pyramid of Giza, a Wonder of the World, as well as its two sister pyramids and the famous Great Sphinx monolith. Hop on a camel to view the pyramids from another vantage point, or venture inside any of the three pyramids to explore the rooms in which the pharaohs were entombed.

Cairo’s city center brims with fascinating museums, striking mosques and temples, grand palaces, and excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Highlights include the expansive Egyptian Museum, painted in bright red and home to thousands of unique antiquities, as well as the enormous Salah El-Din citadel, site of the exquisite Muhammad Ali Mosque. The Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo neighborhoods exhibit the best of both Christian and Islamic influences within the city and abound with stunning art and diverse houses of worship. Experience one of the most legendary bazaars in Africa at the Khan el-Khalili souk in Islamic Cairo. Here you’ll traverse a winding outdoor market to browse spices, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs, all authentic to Egypt.

Discover the historic paradise that is Cairo and let this ancient city astound you!


Day 3 Luxor, often referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum, is a city where ancient history and breathtaking archaeology converge. Nestled along the eastern bank of the Nile River, Luxor is home to some of the most remarkable and well-preserved relics of ancient Egypt. A visit to the Karnak Temple Complex, an expansive and awe-inspiring site dedicated to the Theban triad of gods, reveals the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture and religious practices. The massive columns, obelisks, and the Sacred Lake offer a glimpse into the grandeur of one of the most influential religious centers of ancient Egypt.

Just a short distance away lies the Valley of the Kings, a necropolis that served as the final resting place for many of Egypt’s pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. The richly decorated tombs, including the famous Tomb of Tutankhamun, provide unparalleled insights into the burial practices and art of ancient Egypt. Visitors can marvel at the intricate wall paintings and hieroglyphs that have been remarkably preserved over millennia.

The Temple of Luxor, situated on the city’s main thoroughfare, offers another fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian religion and architecture. Originally built by Amenhotep III and later expanded by Ramesses II, this temple stands as a testament to the artistic and architectural achievements of ancient Egypt. The grand avenue of sphinxes that once connected it to Karnak Temple adds to the allure and historical significance of the site.

Fun Fact: Luxor was once known as Thebes and served as the capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom. The city’s rich history and architectural wonders make it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike. For a truly memorable experience, consider visiting Luxor between October and April when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring its ancient treasures.
Day 4

Kom Ombo, a hidden gem along the Nile River in southern Egypt, is a destination that seamlessly blends ancient history, captivating architecture, and scenic beauty. This charming town is renowned for the Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique double temple dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky. The temple's twin design is a rare feature in ancient Egyptian architecture, with mirror-image halls, sanctuaries, and chambers that reflect its dual dedication. Built during the Ptolemaic dynasty (180-47 BC), the temple's intricate reliefs and hieroglyphics offer fascinating insights into ancient Egyptian beliefs, medical practices, and daily life.

A visit to Kom Ombo is not complete without exploring the Crocodile Museum, located just a stone's throw from the temple. This museum houses a collection of mummified crocodiles and other artifacts dedicated to Sobek, showcasing the deep reverence the ancient Egyptians had for the Nile’s fearsome creatures. As you wander through the museum, you can discover the significance of these animals in ancient mythology and their role in the spiritual and agricultural life of the region. It’s an experience that brings to life the spiritual and cultural dimensions of ancient Egypt in a tangible way.

Beyond its historical treasures, Kom Ombo offers a serene riverside setting that makes it a perfect stop on a Nile cruise. Picture yourself gliding down the Nile at sunset, with the Temple of Kom Ombo majestically illuminated against the twilight sky—a truly unforgettable sight. The surrounding countryside, dotted with lush sugarcane fields and traditional Nubian villages, invites exploration. You can take a felucca ride on the Nile or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the local markets, where vibrant textiles, spices, and handcrafted goods offer a taste of local culture and traditions.

A fun fact about Kom Ombo is that it was not only a religious center but also a site of great scientific importance. The temple contains one of the earliest known depictions of medical instruments carved into its walls, hinting at the advanced medical knowledge of ancient Egyptian priests who likely performed surgeries and treatments here. These carvings are believed to be among the oldest records of surgical tools, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated practices of the time. For those intrigued by ancient history and archaeology, Kom Ombo presents an irresistible destination where stories from millennia ago come to life.


Day 5 Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Nile River, Aswan, Egypt, is a city where ancient history and natural beauty converge in an enchanting landscape. Often referred to as the gateway to Nubia, Aswan is a haven for those seeking to explore Egypt's rich heritage while basking in a serene, almost mystical atmosphere. The city's ancient roots are palpable as you stroll through its vibrant streets, where the echoes of Pharaonic, Roman, and Islamic eras linger in every corner.

Aswan's most iconic attraction is the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This temple complex, which was painstakingly relocated to Agilkia Island to save it from flooding after the construction of the Aswan High Dam, offers a mesmerizing glimpse into Egypt's ancient religious practices. The temple's intricate carvings and towering columns are a testament to the skill and devotion of its creators, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike. A visit to the nearby Nubian Museum further deepens your understanding of the region's rich cultural tapestry, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that span thousands of years.

For a more leisurely experience, a felucca ride on the Nile provides an unforgettable way to soak in the natural beauty of Aswan. As you glide along the calm waters, you'll be treated to stunning views of Elephantine Island, the Aga Khan Mausoleum, and the lush Botanical Gardens on Kitchener's Island. The warm, golden hues of the sunset over the Nile create a scene of breathtaking serenity, perfectly capturing the essence of Aswan's timeless allure.

Fun Fact: Aswan's ancient quarries were the source of much of the granite used to build Egypt's temples and monuments, including the famous Unfinished Obelisk, which lies abandoned and half-carved, offering a fascinating glimpse into the construction techniques of the ancient Egyptians.

With its blend of historical treasures, natural beauty, and laid-back charm, Aswan invites you to step back in time and discover the soul of ancient Egypt.
Day 6 Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Nile River, Aswan, Egypt, is a city where ancient history and natural beauty converge in an enchanting landscape. Often referred to as the gateway to Nubia, Aswan is a haven for those seeking to explore Egypt's rich heritage while basking in a serene, almost mystical atmosphere. The city's ancient roots are palpable as you stroll through its vibrant streets, where the echoes of Pharaonic, Roman, and Islamic eras linger in every corner.

Aswan's most iconic attraction is the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This temple complex, which was painstakingly relocated to Agilkia Island to save it from flooding after the construction of the Aswan High Dam, offers a mesmerizing glimpse into Egypt's ancient religious practices. The temple's intricate carvings and towering columns are a testament to the skill and devotion of its creators, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike. A visit to the nearby Nubian Museum further deepens your understanding of the region's rich cultural tapestry, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that span thousands of years.

For a more leisurely experience, a felucca ride on the Nile provides an unforgettable way to soak in the natural beauty of Aswan. As you glide along the calm waters, you'll be treated to stunning views of Elephantine Island, the Aga Khan Mausoleum, and the lush Botanical Gardens on Kitchener's Island. The warm, golden hues of the sunset over the Nile create a scene of breathtaking serenity, perfectly capturing the essence of Aswan's timeless allure.

Fun Fact: Aswan's ancient quarries were the source of much of the granite used to build Egypt's temples and monuments, including the famous Unfinished Obelisk, which lies abandoned and half-carved, offering a fascinating glimpse into the construction techniques of the ancient Egyptians.

With its blend of historical treasures, natural beauty, and laid-back charm, Aswan invites you to step back in time and discover the soul of ancient Egypt.
Day 7

Upon the banks of the mighty Nile River, the renowned city of Cairo stands tall as an iconic world capital and a well-preserved relic of antiquity. Immerse yourself in this historically significant city, replete with architectural wonders, mesmerizing artifacts, and sprawling markets humming with energy.

Of course, a trip to Cairo must include a visit to its most recognizable monuments. Head west to the Giza Necropolis, whose warm desert sands will transport you to the time of the ancient pharaohs. Gaze in awe at the Great Pyramid of Giza, a Wonder of the World, as well as its two sister pyramids and the famous Great Sphinx monolith. Hop on a camel to view the pyramids from another vantage point, or venture inside any of the three pyramids to explore the rooms in which the pharaohs were entombed.

Cairo’s city center brims with fascinating museums, striking mosques and temples, grand palaces, and excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Highlights include the expansive Egyptian Museum, painted in bright red and home to thousands of unique antiquities, as well as the enormous Salah El-Din citadel, site of the exquisite Muhammad Ali Mosque. The Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo neighborhoods exhibit the best of both Christian and Islamic influences within the city and abound with stunning art and diverse houses of worship. Experience one of the most legendary bazaars in Africa at the Khan el-Khalili souk in Islamic Cairo. Here you’ll traverse a winding outdoor market to browse spices, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs, all authentic to Egypt.

Discover the historic paradise that is Cairo and let this ancient city astound you!


Day 8

Upon the banks of the mighty Nile River, the renowned city of Cairo stands tall as an iconic world capital and a well-preserved relic of antiquity. Immerse yourself in this historically significant city, replete with architectural wonders, mesmerizing artifacts, and sprawling markets humming with energy.

Of course, a trip to Cairo must include a visit to its most recognizable monuments. Head west to the Giza Necropolis, whose warm desert sands will transport you to the time of the ancient pharaohs. Gaze in awe at the Great Pyramid of Giza, a Wonder of the World, as well as its two sister pyramids and the famous Great Sphinx monolith. Hop on a camel to view the pyramids from another vantage point, or venture inside any of the three pyramids to explore the rooms in which the pharaohs were entombed.

Cairo’s city center brims with fascinating museums, striking mosques and temples, grand palaces, and excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Highlights include the expansive Egyptian Museum, painted in bright red and home to thousands of unique antiquities, as well as the enormous Salah El-Din citadel, site of the exquisite Muhammad Ali Mosque. The Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo neighborhoods exhibit the best of both Christian and Islamic influences within the city and abound with stunning art and diverse houses of worship. Experience one of the most legendary bazaars in Africa at the Khan el-Khalili souk in Islamic Cairo. Here you’ll traverse a winding outdoor market to browse spices, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs, all authentic to Egypt.

Discover the historic paradise that is Cairo and let this ancient city astound you!


Day 9

Upon the banks of the mighty Nile River, the renowned city of Cairo stands tall as an iconic world capital and a well-preserved relic of antiquity. Immerse yourself in this historically significant city, replete with architectural wonders, mesmerizing artifacts, and sprawling markets humming with energy.

Of course, a trip to Cairo must include a visit to its most recognizable monuments. Head west to the Giza Necropolis, whose warm desert sands will transport you to the time of the ancient pharaohs. Gaze in awe at the Great Pyramid of Giza, a Wonder of the World, as well as its two sister pyramids and the famous Great Sphinx monolith. Hop on a camel to view the pyramids from another vantage point, or venture inside any of the three pyramids to explore the rooms in which the pharaohs were entombed.

Cairo’s city center brims with fascinating museums, striking mosques and temples, grand palaces, and excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Highlights include the expansive Egyptian Museum, painted in bright red and home to thousands of unique antiquities, as well as the enormous Salah El-Din citadel, site of the exquisite Muhammad Ali Mosque. The Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo neighborhoods exhibit the best of both Christian and Islamic influences within the city and abound with stunning art and diverse houses of worship. Experience one of the most legendary bazaars in Africa at the Khan el-Khalili souk in Islamic Cairo. Here you’ll traverse a winding outdoor market to browse spices, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs, all authentic to Egypt.

Discover the historic paradise that is Cairo and let this ancient city astound you!


11/11/26 - 02/17/27

Starting At $4,525

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03/31/27 - 04/08/27

Starting At $4,650

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Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change.
Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

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