October 23-30, 2024
Journey through time with WTA on a captivating tour of Egypt, a country that beautifully bridges the gap between Africa and the Middle East. Here the life-giving Nile River weaves a tapestry of history and culture. This extraordinary land, often referred to as the “Two Lands,” is thought to symbolize the duality of the banks on either side of the river. On the West Bank of the Nile, a realm known as the land of the departed, ancient tombs and crypts come alive in the golden hues of the setting sun. Symbolically, with the dawn’s first light on the Eastern Bank of the Nile, the land of the living awakens, breathing life into a plethora of vibrant cities that have thrived throughout Egypt’s illustrious history.
Ancient Egypt is arguably the most interesting and oldest civilization in the world. Cairo and Luxor are two epicenters of this fascinating ancient history, making this destination not only a feast for the eyes but also a journey through time. With its distinguished legacy, Egypt proudly boasts the distinction of preserving the only surviving Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Amidst a treasure trove of statues, tombs, and enigmatic hieroglyphs, Egypt beckons you to experience its splendors. Join the WTA on a voyage to unlock the mysteries of ancient Cairo and the grandeur of Luxor. This trip promises to create memories that will be etched in your mind forever!
Note: We recommend leaving the US on October 22 so that your flight arrives on October 23 – early enough to join your group for the Welcome Dinner on Day 1. Should you wish to arrive on October 22 instead, pre-trip hotel charges will be added to your final bill.
- Activity Level
Travel
ITINERARY
DAY 1 – October 23 – Arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI), and private transportation will take you to your accommodations for the week. After settling in, your group will get to know each other over a local welcome dinner at the hotel.
Note: We recommend your flight from the US arrives before 4pm on October 23 to allow adequate time to join the day’s activities.
DAY 2 – October 24 – Begin your extraordinary day with a visit to the Giza Plateau, home to the legendary Great Pyramids of Giza, including the Pyramids of Cheops, Mycerinus, and Chephren. These awe-inspiring structures, dating back to the Fourth Dynasty around 2690 BC, are the sole surviving wonders of the ancient world. Delight in the unique opportunity to explore the interior of one of these iconic pyramids, where you’ll be astounded by the colossal stones that comprise their construction. After, the enigmatic Great Sphinx awaits, with the majestic pyramids as its backdrop. This timeless setting has been a source of fascination for adventurers across the ages.
DAY 3 – October 25 – Prepare for another remarkable day in Cairo, commencing with a visit to the Saqqara necropolis, where you’ll encounter the Pyramid of Djoser, a true architectural masterpiece crafted for King Zoser. This pyramid plays a pivotal role in the evolution of pyramid construction, signifying the transformative shift from humble mastabas to the iconic pyramidal structures. Leaving Saqqara behind, your journey proceeds to Memphis City, the ancient capital of Egypt, celebrated for its colossal statue of Ramses II and the majestic Alabaster Sphinx. This city’s roots extend all the way back to 3100 B.C., and is home to the grand statue of King Ramses II., a colossal man-made statue dedicated to a king.
DAY 4 – October 26 – Today’s adventure takes you to the Grand Egyptian Museum, a treasure trove of Pharaonic history and art. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in an extraordinary collection spanning 5,000 years, unrivaled in its size and significance on a global scale. With over 120,000 awe-inspiring artifacts, including the resplendent gold and jewelry that lay hidden within Tutankhamun’s tomb for more than 3,500 years before its discovery in the 1920s, you’ll witness the grandeur of Egypt’s past come to life. Following your enriching museum exploration, indulge in a FREE afternoon. You can choose to treat yourself at the hotel spa or wander through the bustling Souks, to seek out that perfect memento to commemorate your journey.
DAY 5 – October 27 – This morning, your group will catch a regional flight to Luxor, a city renowned as the world’s largest open-air museum, graced with breathtaking architecture on both banks of the majestic Nile. Your day of discovery kicks off with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, where you can capture photos of Queen Hatshepsut’s temple and the Memnon Statues. Savor a delightful lunch at the cherished Sunflower Restaurant, a local gem. As the day winds down, relish a relaxing dinner before retiring to your Luxor accommodation, where you can reflect on the captivating experiences of the day.
Day 6 – October 28 – Explore the East bank, revealing the magnificent Karnak and Luxor temples, Egypt’s second-largest archaeological wonders after the Great Pyramids. Karnak, sprawling along the Nile’s east bank across 100 hectares, dedicates its central sector to the revered deity Amun-Ra, deeply connected to Thebes. Astoundingly, Karnak’s construction spanned over two millennia, from the Old Kingdom to Roman-occupied Egypt, giving rise to the world’s largest Hypostyle hall. Moving to the Luxor Temple complex, dating back to 1400 BCE, it is known as “ipet resyt” in Egyptian, translating to “the southern sanctuary.” This temple embodies Egypt’s enduring legacy with its rich history and architectural grandeur.
DAY 7 – October 29– As your remarkable Egyptian adventure approaches its end, your final full day commences with a journey from Luxor back to Cairo, carrying an air of anticipation for your farewell. Later in the day, you’ll come together with your group for a memorable evening aboard the Nile Maxim, where you’ll be treated to a lavish dinner, all while being serenaded by the mesmerizing charm of the Nile River.
DAY 8 – October 30– A private transfer will take you back to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your connecting flight to the US.
*Please note that this is a tentative itinerary and it is subject to change.
Ease
PRICING: $5,995
Comfort
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 8 days & 7 nights’ accommodations
- Single occupancy, luxury hotel
- Airport transfer
- Local transportation, & domestic flight
- Private, local guides
- Tour of Giza Plateau and Sphinx
- Tour of Sakkara and Memphis City
- Tour of Valley of Kings and Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
- Tour of Karnak and Luxor Temples
- Visit to Grand Egyptian Museum
- All admission fees to temples, museums, etc.
- Luxury Nile River Cruise
- Daily breakfast
- Daily group lunch (excluding FREE DAY)
- Daily group dinner (a la carte)
- COVID antigen testing for USA re-entry, if applicable
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Roundtrip airfare to Cairo International Airport (CAI)
- Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Meals not listed above
- Optional excursions and tours not listed above
- Gratuities and tips for personal services
Style
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Your trip is a BIG investment. If you cannot afford to lose the money you have invested to travel, for whatever reason, WTA strongly recommends you consider travel insurance. We encourage you to do your due diligence by researching and finding the best plan for YOU.
Suggested Travel Insurance companies are below. Ensure you inquire about a “Cancel For Any Reason” plan.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Traveler must make a NONREFUNDABLE deposit payment of $400 at time of registration to secure her spot.
- Monthly minimum payment of $400 is required on the first of every month until paid in full to keep your reservations current.
- Final payment must be made 90 days before the trip date.
- A 50% refund can be requested prior to 6 months before the trip start date found in your invoice.
- No refunds for cancellations within 6 months of the trip date found in your invoice.
- A $250 penalty will be charged for any outstanding balance after the final payment date found in your invoice.
- For inquiries, contact wtaadmin@
womentravelabroad.com