How to plan your 9-day tour to Egypt (Nile Cruise & Cairo Tour & Abu Simbel Temples)
Egypt is a country that has been fascinating visitors for centuries. From the iconic Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza to the ancient temples and tombs along the Nile River, Egypt offers a wealth of history and culture to explore. If you are planning a trip to Egypt, a 9-day tour that includes a Nile Cruise, a Cairo Tour, and a visit to the Abu Simbel Temples is a great way to experience the highlights of the country. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to plan your tour.
Step 1: Book Your Tour
The first step in planning your Egyptian adventure is to book your tour. Viator.com offers a comprehensive 10-day tour that covers all the major highlights of Egypt, including the Nile Cruise, Cairo Tour, and Abu Simbel Temples. The tour includes accommodations, meals, transportation, guided tours, and entry fees to all attractions. The tour also includes domestic flights and pickups from Cairo International Airport and hotels.
Step 2: Get Your Entry Visa
Before heading to Egypt, you will need to obtain an entry visa. Entry visas can be obtained upon arrival at Cairo International Airport or from the Egyptian embassy or consulate in your home country. The cost of the visa varies depending on the country you are traveling from.
Step 3: Pack Accordingly
Egypt has a desert climate, which means that it is hot and dry most of the year. When packing for your trip, make sure to bring lightweight, breathable clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable during your adventures. It is also recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong sun.
Step 4: Know What’s Included
The tour includes a 5-day luxurious cruise on the Nile River on the m/s Amwaj or similar ship on a full-board basis. You will also spend 3 days at the Cairo Hilton Heliopolis Hotel or similar on a bed and breakfast basis. The tour includes domestic flights, gratuities, and optional tours. All entry fees are also included, as well as pickups from Cairo International Airport and hotels.
Step 5: Optional Tours
While the tour already includes a comprehensive itinerary, there are also optional tours available. These include a sound and light show at Philae Temple, a hot air balloon ride over Luxor, and a tour of Alexandria. These tours can be arranged through your tour guide and are an excellent way to experience even more of Egypt’s rich history and culture.
Step 6: Cancellation Policy
The tour’s cancellation policy allows for up to four days in advance of the experience. You can either cancel the experience and receive a full refund or reschedule the experience for another time. It is important to note that the full payment will be charged for cancellations made less than four days in advance.
Step 7: What to Expect
During this tour, you can expect to see some of the most iconic sites in Egypt. You will visit the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, and much more on your Cairo Tour. You will also have the opportunity to explore the temples and tombs along the Nile River during the Nile Cruise. The Abu Simbel Temples are another highlight of the tour and are a must-see for anyone interested in Ancient Egyptian history.
Step 8: Additional Info
Lastly, it is important to keep in mind that the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Transportation is also wheelchair accessible, and surfaces are wheelchair friendly.
Conclusion
A 9-day tour to Egypt that includes a Nile Cruise, a Cairo Tour, and a visit to the Abu Simbel Temples is an unforgettable adventure. With Viator.com’s comprehensive tour, all the details are taken care of, allowing you to sit back, relax, and soak up all the history and culture that Egypt has to offer. Start planning your Egyptian adventure today and experience one of the most remarkable countries in the world.
Insider’s Guide to Cairo, Egypt
If you are planning to visit Egypt and want to explore Cairo, you may be interested in more than the common tourist spots. As a local resident, I know all the hidden gems that will add an exceptional experience to your trip. Here are some insider’s tips that will make your Cairo tour unforgettable:
Local Attractions: Hidden Gems
Cairo is home to many more sites than the famous Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum. If you would like to have an off-the-beaten-path experience, I recommend visiting the Islamic Cairo district. Its narrow streets host some of the oldest and most magnificent mosques and buildings in the city, such as the Al-Azhar Mosque, Cairo Citadel, and the ancient gates of Bab Zuweila. Take the time to explore the bazaars and souks to enjoy the local flavors, smells, and crafts.
Another hidden gem is the Coptic Cairo district, where many Coptic Orthodox Christian sites rest side-by-side with the Islamic landmarks. There you can see the Hanging Church, St. Sergius and Bacchus Church, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.
Dining Spots: Taste the Local Food Culture
If you want to try authentic Egyptian cuisine, avoid the fancy restaurants and visit some street food vendors and cafes. For instance, Koshari is a traditional dish made with lentils, macaroni, rice, and tomato sauce, topped with fried onions and chickpeas. Go to El Tahrir or Abou Tarek restaurants to try it.
You can also have a traditional breakfast of fava beans, “ful,” with Egyptian bread, “baladi,” or try the delicious Egyptian “falafel,” made with fava beans too, not chickpeas as the Lebanese version. Head to the popular Talaat Harb street in Downtown Cairo, and you will find a collection of vendors selling such dishes.
Cultural Experiences: Traditions and Festivals
Cairo hosts many festivals and cultural events throughout the year. The most famous are the Cairo International Film Festival, held in November, and the Cairo Book Fair, one of the largest in the world, held in January annually.
Apart from that, the city has a vibrant art scene showcasing various types of art in different galleries and exhibitions halls. In addition, you can attend a Sufi music and dance performance, “Tanoura,” that is frequently held at Al Azhar Park and Mohamed Ali Mosque.
Local History: Captivating Stories
Cairo is one of the oldest cities globally, founded in 969 AD, and it has an extensive history. One of the captivating stories from the city’s past is the building of Al-Azhar Mosque. It was constructed by the Fatimid Caliphate in 970 AD to serve as the center of learning for the Islamic community. Al-Azhar University, situated next to the mosque, is still one of the top Islamic educational institutions globally.
Another fascinating story is the construction of the Hanging Church, one of the oldest Coptic churches in Egypt and the world. Its name comes from its location on top of the Babylon Fortress’s southern gate, hanging over it. It dates back to the third century AD and has seen various renovations, restorations, and additions over the centuries.
Off-the-beaten-path suggestions
If you are up for a more adventurous, off-the-beaten-path experience, take a day trip to the white desert, located about 400 kilometers southwest of Cairo. The desert is characterized by its surreal, wind-carved rock formations that resemble white mushrooms. A night camping in the desert will give you a unique and unforgettable experience.
Another great off-the-beaten-path suggestion is to visit the Wadi El-Natrun desert about 100 kilometers north-west of Cairo. The desert hosts many ancient Coptic monasteries built between the 4th and 7th centuries CE, such as the Deir al-Suriani, Deir Abu Makar, and Deir al-Baramus.
In conclusion, Cairo is a city of contrasts, mixing ancient history with modernity, Islamic with Christian, bustling crowds with solitude spots. A tour to Cairo can be truly memorable if you take the time to explore the hidden gems, taste the local flavors, immerse yourself in the culture, learn about its fascinating history, and seek off-the-beaten-path adventures.
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