2026 “The GEM and Other Gems of Egypt” – Sold Out

Depart Australia with Qatar bound for Egypt via Doha.

Arrive Cairo, welcome to Egypt, a country known for its historical sites and world wonders.  We begin in Cairo, the sprawling capital of Egypt and the largest city in Africa.  Transfer to hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner tonight.

Our first taste of ancient Egypt begins with an exploration of Sakkara where we will see the Step Pyramid of Djoser.  Designed by Imhotep, the famous vizier of King Djoser, it was the first pyramid ever built.  From here we continue to Dahshur to visit both the Bent and Red Pyramids both built during the reign of Pharoah Sneferu.  The Red Pyramid is one of the best- preserved pyramids in Egypt.  This afternoon we will visit the Royal Mummies Hall at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation as a pre-cursor to the GEM tomorrow. 

A day filled with highlights as we begin our day at the oldest structures in existence and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the amazing Great Pyramids of Giza.  We’ll visit the nearby Great Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a king, often referred to as the national symbol of Egypt.  A special experience today as we enjoy lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge located on the Giza Plateau.  The highlights continue as we visit the latest jewel in Egypt’s crown, The GEM!!  Our scheduled visit is for 3 hours however we have chosen today to visit to take advantage of the late closing time on a Wednesday of 9pm. 

This morning we fly to Aswan in Upper Egypt.  On our arrival we will visit Philae Temple (the Temple of Isis) before enjoying a relaxing sail on a traditional felucca on the Nile around Kitchener Island.

An early morning desert crossing as we head towards the incredible temples of Abu Simbel, a real highlight of any trip to Egypt.  The twin temples were originally carved out during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC.  On our return to Aswan we embark our 5* Movenpick Royal Lotus Nile cruiser, our home for the next 3 nights.  Tonight we overnight in the port of Aswan. 

A morning visit to the riverside temple of Kom Ombo before we set sail towards Edfu and Horus Temple, the best-preserved of Egypt’s temples.  We sail towards Luxor travelling through the Esna Lock which is always entertaining and marvel at life along the Nile which has barely changed since antiquity.  Tonight we will enjoy a Galabeya Party onboard featuring music and entertainment.  Overnight port of Luxor.

Breakfast onboard before a big day of history and exploration.  Our first stop for the day, The Valley of the Kings includes entry to the tomb of King Tutankhamun.  Carved deep into the limestone rock, each tomb has a similar pattern of three corridors, an antechamber and a sarcophagus chamber.  We’ll be able to descend into the tombs to see examples of the elaborate and incredibly well-preserved hieroglyphic paintings.  Next, we’ll visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, the only Queen to be given the title of pharaoh.  We’ll visit the Colossi of Memnon, a historic landmark consisting of two massive statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III.  Our next visit is Deir El Medina and Medinet Habu.  Deir El-Medina is one of the most well-preserved ancient settlements in Egypt and lies near Thebes which was once a highly skilled community of craftsman and their families.  We’ll visit Medinet Habu, the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III and see the well-preserved reliefs and monumental architecture.  On returning to the ship we will enjoy some relaxation time before more entertainment tonight including a Belly Dance show.  Overnight in the port of Luxor.

After disembarkation, our touring begins at the fascinating Karnak Temple, dedicated to the Pharaoh Amun.  Approximately 30 pharaohs contributed to the temple’s structure over time, which explains its monumental size!  We’ll then visit Luxor Temple, once connected to Karnak Temple by a 3km long Avenue of Sphinxes.  Luxor Temple is also home to a 25m tall pink granite obelisk, which was part of a matching pair until the 1830’s when one was given to France.  It now stands in the centre of the Place de la Concorde in Paris.  We’ll also visit a local gallery to appreciate ancient artform of papyrus craft, with an opportunity to purchase to take home.

Take a half-day tour to Dendera Temple Complex and see one of the best-preserved temples and most important sites of ancient Egypt, the Temple of Hathor, the goddess of pleasure and love.  Afternoon free at leisure. 

Transfer to airport for flight to Cairo.  We will be met at the airport and continue on to visit the 12th century Saladin Citadel of Cairo and the Mohammed Ali Mosque before arriving at the 14th century Khan el-Khalili Bazaar for some retail therapy and to experience the sounds and smells of this ancient market.  Rest of the day free to explore.

Today is a free day to allow you to choose what you would like to see and do.  You may choose to see Coptic Cairo, Islamic Cairo or return to the GEM.  Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel before we bid farewell to this ancient land. 

After breakfast we will be transferred to the hotel to board our flight for home. 

In transit and arriving home.