Egypt·October 25 - November 4 2024

Goddess of the Nile

“Egypt isn’t a historic country, Egypt came first, then came the history.” – Najeeb Mahfous, Egyptian writer

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Overview

Egypt is the motherland of the world! The history of ancient Egypt spans the early prehistoric settlements of the northern Nile valley to the Roman conquest of Egypt in 30 BC. The Pharaonic period, when Egypt was ruled by a pharaoh, began in the 32nd century BC, when Upper and Lower Egypt were unified, and continued until the country fell under Macedonian rule in 332 BC. 3,000 years is quite an accomplishment for any civilization. We plan to connect you with Egypt’s history, its awe-inspiring sights, and most importantly, its people – the farmers in their villages along the Nile banks or on the busy streets of Cairo and the friendly Nubian people, one of the oldest races on earth, with their colorful houses in southern Egypt. We also aim to spoil you with fantastic hotels – luxury boutiques or historic 4–5 star hotels. You can’t travel to Egypt without sailing down the Nile River, gazing at the countryside as it slowly passes. So, we’ll spend a few nights on the Nile in a luxury private sailboat. This smaller, classic boat, called a Dahabeya, will take us closer to the Nile, allowing us to connect with nature, life, and people on its banks as we access points unavailable to bigger cruise ships. Our sailing experience will be like that of the Victorians in the days of the grand tour.

Highlights

See the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the greatest wonders of the ancient world

See the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the greatest wonders of the ancient world

Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the world's most important museums

Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the world's most important museums

Discover the oldest mosque in Cairo; Ibn Tulun

Discover the oldest mosque in Cairo; Ibn Tulun

Visit the crypt where baby Jesus and the Virgin Mary hid when they escaped to Egypt

Visit the crypt where baby Jesus and the Virgin Mary hid when they escaped to Egypt

Wander through the back streets of Islamic Cairo and the Bazar

Wander through the back streets of Islamic Cairo and the Bazar

Discover the ancient city of Thebes to see its magnificent wonders

Discover the ancient city of Thebes to see its magnificent wonders

Enjoy the vivid colors of the Valley of the Kings and the tomb of King Tut Ankh Amon

Enjoy the vivid colors of the Valley of the Kings and the tomb of King Tut Ankh Amon

Get lost between the gigantic columns of Karnak temples

Get lost between the gigantic columns of Karnak temples

Visit the great temples of Abu Simbel, miracles of ancient Egypt

Visit the great temples of Abu Simbel, miracles of ancient Egypt

Sail down the Nile for a few nights in your own private Dahabiya sailboat…. traveling like the Pharaohs

Sail down the Nile for a few nights in your own private Dahabiya sailboat…. traveling like the Pharaohs

Immerse yourself in the exotic culture of the Nubians in Aswan, dining and dancing with their kids

Immerse yourself in the exotic culture of the Nubians in Aswan, dining and dancing with their kids

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip.

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Cairo

Day 1: Friday, October 25, 2024

Fly into Cairo – a representative with our sign will assist you through immigration and customs formalities and drive you to our Cairo hotel, the Nile Ritz-Carlton.

Cairo is the largest city in the Middle East and one of the world's ten largest, with a population of 20 million. We’ll tackle Cairo later. Today, relax in your beautiful hotel. We’ll get together tonight for a lovely dinner at the hotel.

Included

Dinner

999

Cairo

Day 2: Saturday, October 26, 2024

After breakfast, we'll travel back in time to visit the Step Pyramid. The 6-tier, 4-sided Pyramid is the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt. Afterward, we'll visit the carpet school in Saqqara. Here, they teach women to weave, allowing them to become self-sufficient.

Then, we visit the great Giza pyramids and the Sphinx. The Great Pyramid, built as the tomb of King Khufu, is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and is considered the greatest construction on earth. It was built using over 2.3 million blocks of limestone weighing six million tons. That much stone could create a three-foot wall around France! 

After visiting this wonder, we'll lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge with a breathtaking view. After lunch, we’ll head back to our hotel for a rest. 

We'll enjoy a unique dining experience tonight with a middle-class family who will open their home to us. We'll start with a short cooking demonstration and learn what life is like for the average Egyptian. Their food is scrumptious!

Included

All Meals

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Luxor

Day 3: Sunday, October 27, 2024

This morning, we’ll take a short flight to Luxor, also known as Thebes – the capital of the ancient Egyptian Empire. Luxor boasts a third of the ancient monuments of the world.

We'll visit the West Bank of Luxor, including the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Afterward, we’ll explore an alabaster art gallery, where you can admire and purchase beautiful hand-crafted items in various price ranges.

It's time for lunch, and today we’re headed to the Almarsam restaurant. After enjoying our meal, we'll check into the Al Moudira Hotel, allowing time to relax by the pool and savor the stunning views of the Nile.

Tonight, we’ll dine al fresco at our hotel.

Included

Flight to Luxor

All Meals

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Nile River

Day 4: Monday, October 28, 2024

Early this morning, consider a hot air balloon ride over the west bank of Luxor. Appreciate the sunrise view while flying over the mountains of the Valley of Kings with the monuments floating below.

After breakfast, we'll check out of our hotel and visit the Karnak and Luxor temples. This magnificent site comprises a mix of crumbling temples, pylons, chapels, and other structures and is the second most visited site after the Pyramids. Construction on the complex began nearly 4,000 years ago. 

After we'll stop at a jewelry store that sells cartouches and other well-made local products in all price ranges. 

Then, we'll take an hour's drive to check into our own Dahabiya boat for a sumptuous lunch and a sail up the Nile. Life on our own traditional Egyptian boat is sublimely relaxing. One of the highlights of this trip is watching the banks of the Nile gently glide by. 

Our luxurious Dahabiya sailboat is owned by an Egyptian Captain and his partner, a lovely German woman. We’re heading upstream to El-Hegz.

This afternoon is reserved for unpacking, resting, and reading before nightfall when we’ll enjoy cocktails and dinner star gazing onboard.

Included

All Meals

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Edfu

Day 5: Tuesday, October 29, 2024

After breakfast on the boat, we’ll catch a horse and carriage to visit the Edfu temple, Egypt's second-largest and best-preserved temple. 

Modern Edfu, the northernmost city of Aswan state, is famous for growing sugar cane. They must grow quite a lot because the Egyptians have a serious sweet tooth!

This afternoon, we'll visit a local village to see firsthand how people live close to the land alongside the Nile River. 

Tonight, we’ll have the pleasure of a Nile-side BBQ dinner on Fawaza Island, where we’ll anchor for the evening.

Included

All Meals

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West Bank of Nile

Day 6: Wednesday, October 30, 2024

After breakfast, we'll visit Gebel El Silsila on the west bank of the Nile to see the chapel of King Hormohep. This chapel dates back to the 14th century BC and hosts seven shrines, each dedicated to local deities. This was also the main quarry for the sandstone that built the Egyptian temples.

Back aboard our floating home, we’ll sail on, enjoying a delightful lunch. This afternoon, take the opportunity to explore the Kom Ombo temple.

We'll have dinner on board tonight. You'll find our chef is quite remarkable and the local Egyptian wine is good. Enjoy two glasses on us with each meal. 

Included

All Meals

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Nile River

Day 7: Thursday October 31, 2024

Coffee and breakfast will be taken this morning while sailing. 

Get ready this afternoon for a refreshing swim in the Nile (it’s safe!). Afterward, we’ll sail to Aswan over lunch. 

Today, we'll visit the town of Daraw to walk through the market and meet some of the local animals. This is one of the main settings for the camel markets. 

We'll reach Aswan city in the afternoon. 

We'll have our last dinner on our floating home tonight as we overnight in Aswan City.

Included

All Meals

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Aswan

Day 8: Friday, November 1, 2024

This morning, we’ll say goodbye to the superb crew, driving drive for 3.5 hours south to see the Abu Simbel temple, one of the most impressive buildings in Egypt and the world. Abu Simbel was cut from a single rock into the mountain. Its facade is decorated with four statues of King Ramesses. We'll enjoy a yummy falafel lunch en route. 

Back in Aswan city, we’ll check into the legendary Old Cataract Hotel. This is where King Fouad once entertained, and Agatha Christie sipped cocktails and stayed for an entire year in 1937, writing “Death on the Nile.”

The majestic hotel is on a pink granite cliff overlooking the world’s longest river. This iconic place boasts a fabled guest list of royals and dignitaries. Be sure to take a dip in the pool during your stay. It's delightful. 

After check-in, we'll meet for late afternoon high tea (which will serve as your dinner) as we watch the sailboats pass by. Watching the sun go down in this setting is beyond gorgeous. 

After an early morning, you'll sleep soundly tonight in a room fit for a queen. 

Included

All Meals

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Aswan

Day 9: Saturday, November 2, 2024

After breakfast, we’ll explore one of the most stunning temples in Egypt, the Philae temple. It's built on an island that witnessed the love story of the goddess Isis and her husband, Osiris. The temple dates back to the Ptolomic era in the third century BC.

Today’s lunch is at El Masri restaurant, offering traditional Egyptian food. We'll have time to visit the spice market across the street and learn why spices are so important to Egyptian culture. 

You'll have plenty of time to relax back at our luxurious hotel. Why not relax in the spa* during your time off? 

Dinner tonight is at the hotel.


Included

All Meals

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Cairo

Day 10: Sunday, November 3, 2024

This morning, we'll check out and fly back to Cairo. We'll tour the Egyptian Museum, which houses an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, dating back thousands of years. Among the highlights, we will see treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun and other significant exhibits that showcase the rich history of pharaonic civilization. 

Then, we’ll head to Islamic Cairo to visit the oldest mosque in Egypt. The mosque of Ibn Tulun dates back to the 9th century. It is the largest in Cairo. Climb its minaret to enjoy a spectacular view of Cairo. 

Lunch today is at Abu Tarek. Try Koshary, the classic Egyptian dish that everyone loves. 

Next, we'll visit the Great Egyptian Museum, housing King Tut's golden mask and coffin and hundreds of other ancient treasures. After a final run through the gift shop, we'll check into the Belle Époque Hotel in the upscale Maadi neighborhood. 

Our last meal is at the hotel tonight. The pool setting is delightful. Let's toast to ten days of discovery and lasting friendships made.

Included

All Meals

Flight to Cairo

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Cairo

Day 11: Monday, November 4, 2024

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Cairo airport. Those flying home will travel with wonderful memories of the journey of a lifetime. 

 

Included

Breakfast

You'll Be Staying Here

The Nile Ritz Carlton

The Nile Ritz Carlton

The Nile Ritz-Carlton in Cairo is an emblem of luxury and tradition, perfectly situated to overlook the majestic Nile River.

Al Moudira Hotel

Al Moudira Hotel

Al Moudira Hotel is a lovely boutique hotel near the Valley of the Kings. 

Dahabiya Classic Sailing Ship

Dahabiya Classic Sailing Ship

Experience Egypt on a Nile Cruise on the Duhabiya AbundanceCreate memories that will last a lifetime.

Old Cataract Hotel

Old Cataract Hotel

The Old Cataract Hotel where King Fouad once entertained, and Agatha Christie sipped cocktails, staying for an entire year in 1937 while she wrote “Death on the Nile”. 

Villa Belle Epoque - Cairo

Villa Belle Epoque - Cairo

Villa Belle Epoque Hotel, in the residential area of Maadi, is popular with expats. 

Hosts

Sameh and Mariam

Sameh and Mariam

An Egyptian couple will guide us on this tour. Both are Egyptologists. Sameh hails from Upper Egypt, and Mariam, his partner, from Lower Egypt. Their love unified again Egypt's two sections, repeating history. Egyptian history is not just a subject they studied at school. It runs in their blood, a constant reminder of who they are and what Egyptian culture has offered humanity. They’ll go out of their way to make your journey an unforgettable, authentic experience. 

Price

Private Room

Private Room

Everyone gets their own fabulous room!

FROM$10,895

Shared Room

Shared Room

Share a room with a friend or family member

FROM$8,995

Add Ons

Arrive 1 Day Early in Cairo

Arrive 1 Day Early in Cairo

Arrive 1 Day early in Cairo to help with the jetlag.

PRICE$700.00

ADD THIS
Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Join us on an amazing hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the west bank of Luxor

PRICE$220.00

ADD THIS

Egypt where it all begins

Egypt

For many first-time visitors to Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza, a Nile cruise, and the archaeological treasures in Luxor make the must-see list. Still, Egypt offers many more exciting experiences. Journey into the dusty desert and visit the oases, scuba dive in the Red Sea, or hike to the top of Mount Sinai.

Egypt

What's Included

What's Included

Everything stated in itinerary above including all meals plus wine or beer with dinner

All guides and tours

4-day cruise down the Nile in private Dahabiya

Museum, pyramid, park or other entry fees

All in-country transport

Roundtrip airfare to Cairo

Any spa treatments desired

Any personal souvenirs or purchases.

Additional wine, beer or spirits beyond what is offered at meals.

Travel and Medical Insurance (required)

Reviews

"I have always planned trips myself for my family and friends, shying away from group travel. You won’t catch me on a tourist bus! This Egypt trip with GG2TW surpassed anything I would have been able to manage myself. The itinerary checked off all the bucket items, it was thoughtfully planned and very well executed. If you want to go to Egypt, go in style with Girl’s Guide To The World!"

Rhoda R, Kokomo IN, 2023 Trip Participant

"Girls' Guide to the World made my dream trip-of-a-lifetime possible. I took my first international trip solo to my dream destination - Egypt - with Doni and a small group of women, along with two brilliant Egyptologists. The trip ticked off every, single dream I had ever imagined--the pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Valley of the Kings, the temples of Karnak and Luxor, Abu Simbel, a night in the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, sailing down the Nile on a private boat. Every possible detail was thoughtfully planned out. Yet, our guides were able to make last-minute adjustments to improve our experiences. They were also able to make accommodations for me and another traveling companion who needed some extra assistance. I recommend Doni and her company without reservation."

Helen F., Ft. Worth TX on Trip Advisor

"The trip to Egypt was a “pinch me - am I really here?” trip. A real Bucket List experience. Fabulous accommodations, wonderful small group, and we felt so safe every single moment."

Caroline H, Queensland, Australia, 2023 Trip Guest

FAQs

Fly into the Cairo Airport. You'll be met by one of our representatives who will help you through immigration and customs and then drive you to the hotel.

The trip officially starts on October 25th, but if you are traveling across an ocean to get to Cairo, consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and adjust to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, there's an "Arrive 1 Day Early" trip add-on you can purchase on the website to reserve an extra night at the Four Seasons Cairo. 

We will have a zoom call about 8-10 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips.

The average temperature in Cairo in November is around 80°F during the day and 60°F at night. Perfect traveling weather!

If you purchase the Private Room option, you will have your own room throughout the trip, EXCEPT on the Dahabiya Nile River cruise. The Dahabiya has one suite and two single berths available for purchase at an additional cost. The rest of the berths are shared by 2 guests (separate beds). It's a small inconvenience to pay for having our own private boat!

Inquire about this trip

Goddess of the Nile

Egypt· October 25 - November 4 2024· 10 nights

FROM$10,895/pp