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Egypt Study Tour

Duration

27 Days / 26 Nights

Type

Group Tour

Activity

Culture & History

Language

English

Starts From
NZ $6,150
Per person sharing double room
Validity

From: 18 November 2023
Till: 14 December 2023

Know before you go

Package price is per person per package in NZ Dollars.
Valid only for New Zealand & Australia Residents.

Tour Organizer

Raed Elkabbany

Managing Director at Vantage Travel International (VTI)

  • Egyptian by birth and Kiwi by choice.
  • Raed have studied Egyptology in Egypt and came to NZ 1995.
  • He got his post graduate degree in Advanced Tourism and Travel Management in Massey University.
  • He led thousands of tours to Egypt for years before establishing VTI in Auckland.
  • His passion to the history of Egypt appears in his tour itineraries that match the special interest of each individual or travel group.
  • He makes sure that his tours will have a positive impact on the local environment and communities.
  • His core believe is we travel not only to see new places but also to meet new people and understand our differences.
  • For him, Travel is the industry of PEACE.

Prof. Jennifer Hellum

Senior lecturer at the University of Auckland

  • Received her PhD in Egyptology from the University of Toronto in 2001.
  • She has excavated at Abu Sha’ar on the Red Sea coast.
  • She has excavated at Mendes in the Egyptian Delta.
  • She has excavated at Giza near Cairo and Abydos in Middle Egypt.
  • She has taken three previous tours of students to Egypt.
  • She has written several articles on the mythology of ancient Egypt.
  • She is in the process of writing a book on the subject.

Tour Details

Experience Egypt like never before on an in-depth 27-day guided Egypt study tour (18 Nov to 14 Dec 2023) led by Prof. Jennifer Hellum, Senior Lecturer at Auckland University. Explore the wonders of Cairo, El Miya, El Fayoum, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Alexandria as well as a Nile Cruise in a once-in-a -lifetime experience. Ideal for anyone fascinated with Egypt who wants to see the highlights and monuments, experience the culture and learn more about the history and original civilization from an expert.

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met by our English-speaking representative, your best friend for the coming few days, who will transfer you to the hotel in Cairo by private Air-conditioned vehicle. On arrival, we will check in within a few minutes! Dinner and overnight at Hilton Pyramids Golf or similar. [Dinner]

After an energizing breakfast at your hotel, you will be met by our expert, Egyptologist tour guide, who will join you to have a FULL DAY tour to the awesome Pyramids of Giza, the most famous monument in the whole world and one of the landmarks of Egypt and its ancient civilization, and an architectural achievement that still amazes scientists and engineers until today, the Pyramids of Giza is surely one of the historical monuments’ tourists visiting Egypt should never miss. During that visit to the Pyramids, our dear guests will have the chance to try many “optional” tours like camel or horse riding, in addition to going inside the pyramids and exploring them! An oriental fast food – Fol & Falafel Sandwiches – will be provided during the tour. Overnight at Hilton Pyramids Golf or similar. [Breakfast & Lunch]

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel in Cairo. Today, we are going to continue our tour in the Giza area, as we will drive towards one of the oldest Archaeological sites in Egypt, Sakkara, it was the ancient necropolis of Egypt in the period starting from the 1st dynasty in the 30th century BC till the Coptic period in Egypt around the 2nd century AD. We are going to visit “Imhotep Museum, New Dynasty Tombs, Tomb of Mérérouka, Toms of Serapeum, and Tomb of Mehu. After visiting the highlights of Sakkara, we will have our lunch and drive back to our hotel overnight at Hilton Pyramids Golf or similar. [Breakfast & Lunch]

Breakfast meals will be served at your hotel. Then we will drive towards the amazing city of Alexandria in our Air-conditioned vehicle. Our first visit will be to the Library of Alexandria, the ancient library was established in the 3rd century BC and destroyed during the 1st century BC. The library we see today was opened in 2002. We will then proceed to visit the Roman Amphitheatre, discovered in 1960, the theatre which was built in the 4th century BC with its marble steps is one of its kind in Egypt. Also, we will visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shokafa, which was the main cemetery of mummified animals, especially horses. After this remarkable tour in the amazing city of Alexandria, we will drive back to our hotel in Cairo for an overnight at Hilton Pyramids Golf or similar. [Breakfast & Lunch]

Today after breakfast, we will drive to the awesome town of El Fayoum. Your visit of El Fayoum will start with the Hawara Pyramid, constructed by the well-known King Amenmhat III, in the 19th century BC., his royal tomb is built of limestone and mud bricks. Afterwards, we will be having lunch on the shores of the Lake of Qarun, one of the deepest natural lakes in Egypt which is more than 3300 square meters. Our last visit of the day will be to the Pyramid of Meidum, constructed by King Senfru, the constructor of the Pyramids of Giza. After our amazing tour, we will drive back to Cairo, arrive in Cairo and proceed to our hotel there overnight at Hilton Pyramids Golf or similar. [Breakfast & Lunch]

Check out after breakfast. Today we will drive towards the city of El Minya. It is known as the jewel of Upper Egypt due to the marvelous views of the river Nile and the diversity of monuments situated in that city. We begin our visits by exploring Tell El Amarna, established by Akhenaten at the end of the 13th century BC. The new capital was largely destroyed as the supporters of the cult of the god Amun never admitted that the worship of the new god, Aton, the god of the sun, is rightful. However, today the ruins of the city stretch over a surface area that is more than 12 kilometres. Arrive at the hotel, dinner and overnight at MG Nfertiti Minya Hotel or Similar. [Breakfast & Dinner]

Enjoy your breakfast before starting our full day tour to visit the unique sightseeing in El Minya. Our first visit of the day will be to the Tombs of Beni Hassan, an ancient necropolis that includes many rock-cut tombs that date to the first intermediate period and the Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt. We will then visit the site of Tuna El Gabal, the famous Boundary Stelae of Akhenaten, which shows himself and his wife worshipping Aton, and a couple of interesting ancient tombs. Our last visit will be to the ancient city of El Ashmonien, which was an important centre in ancient Egyptian times, during the Roman Period and the Christian era afterwards as well as many interesting remaining monuments. After the tour, we will drive back to our hotel. Overnight at MG Nfertiti Minya Hotel or Similar. [Breakfast & Dinner]

Check out from your hotel in El Minya. You will then join your tour guide in one of the very interesting tours of our trip. Today we are going to visit the awesome Temple of Abydos, built during the reign of King Seti I and was finished by the following two generations, his son and grandson: Ramses II and Mern-Ptah. The Temple contains 7 shrines dedicated to 7 Gods: Osiris, Isis, Horus, Amon Ra, Ra Hor Akhty and Ptah, and Seti I as a deified King. In this temple, you can also find the most well-preserved painted reliefs and texts from the 18th Dynasty. After the tour, we will drive to our hotel in Abydos to check in and overnight at House Life Abydos or Similar. [Breakfast & Dinner]

Check out from Abydos. Today, we will drive towards the city of Luxor, and on the way will visit one of the awesome temples of Hathor, the goddess of joy & love. It is one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt. After the tour, we will drive to Luxor to check in our hotel. The rest of the day is FREE at leisure on your own to explore the city on your own. However, we can offer you a Sound & Light Show at the Karnak Temples Complex to enjoy the laser works and light effects. Overnight at Steigenberger Resort Achti or Similar [Breakfast]

Enjoy your delicious breakfast before exploring the West bank of Luxor, the city of the dead! Our first visit of the day will be to the marvelous Valley of Kings, the richest and most fascinating ancient tombs in Egypt. This was the burial site of the kings from the New Kingdom. We will then visit the Temple of Deir El Bahari, constructed during the reign of the 18th dynasty by Queen Hatshepsut, one of the greatest rulers of Egypt. Later on, we will visit the ruins of the funerary temple of King Amenhotep III resembles in Colossi of Memnon, was constructed in 1350 BC and became a landmark of Luxor afterwards. Finally, we will get back to our hotel at Steigenberger Resort Achti or Similar. [Breakfast]

Breakfast at your hotel before our full day tour in the West Bank of Luxor. We are going to visit the most attractive sites, including Temple of Madinet Habu, by Ramses III. The relatively large complex has some wonderful decorations with some colors that remained intact until today. Our next visit of the day will be to Deir El Madina, or the village of the workers who constructed these marvellous monuments all over Luxor. At the end of the tour, we visit the Ramesseum, the mortuary temple of the great king, Ramses II, who built it in the 13th century. Today the temple is featured with some colossi of the king and many other notable sections. Finally, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for overnight at Steigenberger Resort Achti or Similar. [Breakfast]

Today is an amazing day, as we are going to have a short visit in Luxor, where we can explore two of the marvelous museums in Luxor. We begin the tour by Luxor Museum, situated near the Karnak Temple, this museum was established by the Egyptian government to host some of the findings unearthed in Luxor and around the city. Our next visit will be to the Mummification Museum, a new museum dedicated to the illustration and the documentation of the mummification process in ancient Egypt including the tools, substances, mummies, coffins, and other interesting items from the mortuary scene in ancient Egypt. Overnight at Steigenberger Resort Achti or Similar. [Breakfast]

After having some rest in Luxor, we are here, ready to complete our trip to Luxor. Today, we are going to join our tour guide to find out one of the impressive temples’ complexes, not only in Egypt, but also in the whole world! We are here today to explore the Karnak Temples Complex, located in the heart of the city of Luxor in the East Bank of the city. It is situated only three kilometers away from the Luxor Temple. The Karnak Temple is surely the most impressive ancient Egyptian monument. Being constructed over a period of more than 2000 years, it amazes all the travellers who tour Egypt and visit the Temple. Archeological missions are still working today in the Karnak Temple and they unearth interesting findings every now and then. Overnight at Steigenberger Resort Achti or Similar. [Breakfast]

Breakfast at your hotel in Luxor. Later on, you tour guide will accompany you to explore one of the marvelous temples in Egypt, the awesome Temple of Luxor, situated in the city that holds the same name in Egypt. Almost any tour to Egypt would include a visit to the Temple of Luxor and the Karnak Temple. Constructed during the reign of the Middle Kingdom in the ancient Egyptian history, the Temple of Luxor has witnessed many constructions that were contributed by many kings and rulers afterwards making it an open-air museum of the evolution of the Egyptian construction in ancient Egypt. We will then go back to our hotel and overnight at Steigenberger Resort Achti. or Similar. [Breakfast]

It is a free day at leisure on your own in Luxor, or ancient Thebes, served as the capital of Egypt for a very long period of ancient Egyptian history and it really flourished during the ruling period of the New Kingdom. This is why the city of Luxor today hosts almost one quarter of the monuments of the whole world. We can offer you an optional Hot Air Balloon, whereas our dear guests will have a unique chance to explore all the stunning collections of our ancient Egyptian temples from the SKY! The Hot Air Balloon tour in Luxor is one of the highly recommended tours for those, who like adventure and are keen to enjoy their tours in Luxor in such a different way! Overnight at Steigenberger Resort Achti or Similar. [Breakfast]

Energizing breakfast will be served on board before our full day tour. Today, we will drive towards Aswan, passing by the two awesome cities of Edfu & Kom Ombo. Our first visit will be to Temple of Horus, constructed by the Ptolemies in the 3rd century BC for the worship of the god Horus, the avenger of his father. After this marvelous visit, we will continue driving towards Aswan. The next visit will be to Temple of Kom Ombo, established in the Ptolemaic period and completed in the Roman era. After this visit, we will continue driving to Aswan. Arrive to Aswan and proceed to your hotel in Aswan for check-in, rest & refresh. Overnight at Citymax Hotel Aswan Cornish. [Breakfast]

Enjoy your breakfast at your hotel in Aswan. After that, please get ready to join your expert tour guide to explore the wonderful city of Aswan by visiting the High Dam, which was constructed by the former president, Gamal Abdel Nasser to store the water, then generate a large volume of the electricity. We will then ride in a motorboat to reach Agilika Island, to visit Temple of Philae, constructed in the 3rd century BC in the Greco Roman era as the cult center of the goddess Isis. Our last visit of the day will be to the Unfinished Obelisk, which was found in the granite quarry in the Southern part of Aswan. After that, we’ll return to our hotel for overnight at Citymax Hotel Aswan Cornish. [Breakfast]

Get ready for a real adventure! Today, we are going to explore one of the unique temples in ancient Egypt, the well-known Temples of Abu Simbel, located to the south of Aswan, near Nubia. The two temples of Abu Simbel were constructed by the famous king, Ramses II, the strongest king in the ancient Egyptian history. The two temples are cut out of rocks and buried under the sand for centuries before being discovered in the 19th century. The great temples were dedicated to the worship of God Ra-hor-akhty, however, the other, smaller, temple was dedicated to the king Ramses II and his beautiful wife, Nefertari after being defined. After a memorable tour of the temple of Abu Simbel, we will drive back to our hotel in Aswan. Overnight at Citymax Hotel Aswan Cornish. [Breakfast]

Breakfast at your hotel. Later on, you’ll be met by our expert, Egyptologist tour guide in order to complete our tour in the land of gold. Our first visit will be to the Nubian Museum, established in 1997 through an initiative of the UNESCO, the museum hosts some of the most distinctive items that were found in Nubia over a long period of the ancient history of this area. We will then enjoy a wonderful visit to the Temple of Kalabsha, relocated after the construction of the High Dam in the 1960s, the temple was constructed in the year 30 BC as a great example of Roman architecture in Egypt. Finally, you’ll visit Nubian Village, where we get to know the Nubian community, their beliefs and traditions, and much more! After the tour, we will get back to our hotel in Aswan for rest and refresh. The rest of the day is free at leisure on your own to explore the local simple life of Aswan. Overnight a Citymax Hotel Aswan Cornish. [Breakfast]

Today is free at leisure on your own in Aswan, a city with its own type of magic. With its marvelous geographical location that offers its guests spending their holidays in Egypt with marvelous views of the Nile and its many magnificent historical monuments, many travelers who visit Egypt prefer to spend some days in Aswan especially in the winter. The city of Aswan is the capital of a governorate that holds the same name. Aswan is the Southernmost city in Egypt and it is located at the far end of the Nile Valley overnight at Citymax Hotel Aswan Cornish. [Breakfast]

Free morning at leisure on your own in Aswan, where you can spend few hours exploring this magical city of Aswan before we return to Cairo on the next day. Enjoy an optional felucca tour and sail around some of the attractive islands and sites that located on the west bank of the Nile, including the attractive Elephantine Island and the Mausoleum of Agha Khan. The rest of the day is free at leisure on your own overnight at Citymax Hotel Aswan Cornish. [Breakfast]

Check out after breakfast. You’ll then be met by our English-speaking representative, who will transfer you by private bus to Aswan Airport, to catch your domestic flight to Cairo. On arrival to Cairo Airport, you’ll be met by our English-speaking representative in Cairo, who will transfer you to your hotel in Cairo. Check-in. Today is free at leisure on your own in Cairo, the largest city in Africa and the biggest and most important city in Egypt. The Egyptian capital: Cairo has a wonderful blend of Pharaonic, Coptic, and Islamic monuments with a variety that can hardly be found anywhere else in the world. Cairo is featured with a significant geographical location in the Northern section of Egypt. Situated at the end of the Nile Valley a few kilometers away from the beginning of the Nile Delta, Cairo is lucky to have such a centric position in Egypt. At night, we can offer an “Optional” Sound & Light show by the Great Pyramids of Giza, where you would enjoy the fantastic light effect and laser works! Overnight at Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo. [Breakfast]

Limited Pre-Opening (Half-day tour)

Visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). During this exclusive tour, guests will have the opportunity to view the Hanging Obelisk, King Ramses II Statue, 10 Statues of King Senusert (from a distance), and the Grand Staircase (from a distance). Your tour will begin with your Egyptologist tour guide from Cairo Private Tours, who will greet you in the hotel lobby. During your ride to the museum, your guide will provide you with a summary of Egyptian history, so you can better understand the significance of the artifacts you will encounter. This special half-day tour will take you to the largest museum in the world, the Grand Egyptian Museum. Although it is currently only partially open, it is a must-see for anyone who is passionate about ancient Egypt. After the official opening, you will have the opportunity to visit the laboratories and conservation center, where a vast collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, including a large collection from King Tut’s tomb, are on display and the entrance fees rate may be changed accordingly. Overnight at Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo. [Breakfast]

Breakfast meal will be served at your hotel. After that, you’ll be met by our expert Egyptologist tour guide, who will join you in such a wonderful tour to The Egyptian Museum, the largest museum in the world with a huge collection of displays dating back to various periods of ancient Egyptian history including the exhibits of Tutankhamen. We will then visit the Citadel of Saladin, constructed in the 10th century by Saladin to protect Egypt and became the residence of Egypt’s rulers for more than seven centuries. Finally, we will visit Coptic Cairo Area, including the Hanging Church and the Church of Abu Serga. After the tour, we will get back to the hotel for rest and refresh. Evening time is yours to explore the city of Cairo by night at Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo. [Breakfast & Lunch]

Breakfast at your hotel. Later on, you’ll join our expert, Egyptologist tour guide in such a unique tour to explore Islamic Cairo area. We begin our visits of the day by exploring the monuments in the El Muizz Street, one the richest sections with Islamic monuments. Our first visit will be in Bab El Fetouh, one of the historical gates of Cairo which was constructed in the 11th century. We will then go along the street to visit El Hakim Mosque, constructed in the 11th century as one of the largest and most remarkable historical mosques in Egypt. After that, you’ll enjoy a wonderful visit to another site, El Aqmar Mosque, a wonderful Fatimid Mosque in Egypt featured with its marvelous stone decoration at its entrance. At the end of the tour, we will have a walking tour to the touristic site of El Hussein, where we will have our lunch meal at local restaurant. Overnight at Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo. [Breakfast & Lunch]

Breakfast at your hotel in Cairo. The rest of the day is free at leisure on your own at your hotel in Cairo for rest and refresh or we can offer very attractive tours in the capital like visiting the Islamic part of the city, which includes the highlights and the most unique collection of our Islamic monuments, building and impressive mosques. Evening time is free as well, where you can go on an “optional” felucca ride, traditional Tanoora show at the heart of old Islamic Cairo, or enjoy a Dinner Cruise with an oriental show overnight at Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo. [Breakfast]

Check out after breakfast. Later, you’ll be met by our English-speaking Representative, who will transfer you by private Air-conditioned vehicle to Cairo International Airport in order to catch your departure flight to your next destination after spending few days exploring the awesome monuments of Egypt. [Breakfast]

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05 nights’ accommodation at Hilton Pyramids Golf Hotel in Cairo or Similar – based on (Bed & Breakfast basis).

02 nights’ accommodation at MG Nefertiti Hotel in El Minya or Similar – based on (Half Board).

01 nights’ accommodation at House of Life Hotel in Abydos or Similar – based on (Half Board).

07 nights’ accommodation at Steigenberger Achti Resort in Luxor or Similar – based on (Bed & Breakfast basis).

06 nights’ accommodation at CITYMAX Hotel El Corniche in Aswan or Similar – based on (Bed & Breakfast basis).

05 nights’ accommodation at Steigenberger El Tahrir Cairo Hotel or Similar – based on (Bed & Breakfast basis).

Meet and assist by our professional, English-speaking Representatives in all cities.

Local English-speaking tour guides in all the indicated historical sites in the program itinerary.

Lunch meal(s) at local Tourist Restaurant(s) during the day tours as per the program itinerary.

Entrance fees to all the indicated historical sites and attractions in the program itinerary.

All transfers by Air-conditioned buses with qualified drivers as per the program itinerary.

One-way Domestic Flight Aswan/Cairo” on economy class.
Total of 36 included meals per person (26 Breakfast, 07 Lunch, 03 Dinner).

Total 27 still bottled water per person.

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