Expedition Details
With its pharaohs, myths, and mysterious temples, Egypt is a wonderful destination for young explorers. Introduce your family to the rich culture of Egypt on an expedition to Cairo, Abu Simbel, Aswân, and Luxor. Experience the excitement of a lively bazaar, sail a traditional felucca, and come face-to-face with mummies as you delve into the history and mythology of ancient Egypt.Trip Highlights
- Ride a camel past the Pyramids and a donkey along the west bank of the Nile.
- Step back in time to the age of the pharaohs during a sound-and-light performance at Karnak.
- Try your hand at pottery, engraving, or woodworking at a crafts workshop.
- Encounter mummies, island temples, ancient fortresses, and colossal statues.
- Enjoy dinner with an Egyptian family in their home.
Itinerary - 9 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Cairo, Egypt
Depart for Cairo, arriving the next evening.
Conrad Cairo Hotel
Day 3 — Cairo
At the Egyptian Museum, see the treasures of the tomb of Tutankhamun, and face a lineup of historic pharaohs in the Royal Mummies Room. Enjoy lunch on a traditional felucca, or sailboat, on the Nile River. Then explore the minarets and courtyards of Islamic Cairo's mosques. Later, explore the bazaar of Khan El Khalili, alive with the timeless sounds and excitement of bargaining and trade. Join your fellow travelers for a festive welcome dinner tonight.
Conrad Cairo Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Cairo
Today, encounter two of the world's most spectacular sights: the great Pyramids and the Sphinx at Gîza. Go for a camel ride past these incredible sites. Then gaze upon the impressive funerary boat of King Cheops at the Solar Boat Museum. After lunch, visit a crafts workshop and try your hand at pottery, engraving, or woodworking.
Conrad Cairo Hotel (B,L)
Day 5 — Cairo/Abu Simbel/Aswân/Luxor
Fly to Abu Simbel to view the towering Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Ramses II's favorite wife, Nefertari. Continue by air to Aswân and trace the history of the Aswân High Dam. Take a boat ride to the majestic Temple of Philae, perched on an island in the Nile river, before learning about Nubian culture at a local museum. After dinner, fly to Luxor and settle into your hotel.
Sonesta St. George Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Luxor
With its vast array of ancient temples and monuments, Luxor is often called the world's greatest open-air museum. Discover the sites of the west bank of the Nile today. Stop at the huge Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Hatsheput, dedicated to Egypt's first female pharaoh. Kids may take a donkey ride before descending into the dark silence of the tombs at the Valley of the Kings. Later, visit the Luxor Museum to see its fabulous collection of pottery, jewelry, furniture, and statuary.
Sonesta St. George Hotel (B)
Day 7 — Luxor
Explore the Temple of Luxor, built during the reigns of three pharaohs. Then stroll among the colossal columns of the awe-inspiring Temple of Karnak. Meet the director of Luxor antiquities for a private talk. Later, ancient Egypt comes alive at an enthralling sound-and-light performance.
Sonesta St. George Hotel (B,D)
Day 8 — Cairo
Return to Cairo and wander through the ruins of the Fortress of Babylon, located in the oldest part of the city known as Coptic Cairo. Enjoy time to swim or relax at the hotel this afternoon. Tonight, experience local hospitality at a farewell dinner in a private home.
Conrad Cairo Hotel (B,D)
Day 9 — Cairo/U.S.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
(B)
Optional Extension
- Sharm el Sheikh - Post-Trip Extension, 5 Days
Related Trip
View LargerNational Geographic Expert
Sonia El Masri
Egyptologist Sonia El Masri was born in Alexandria and currently resides in Cairo. She earned a diploma in Egyptology from the University of London and has lectured widely on Egypt, its antiquities, and its fascinating history. For the past 25 years, Sonia has enjoyed introducing travelers of all ages to the wonders of her native country. She is passionate about each era of Egyptian history and looks forward to sharing her insights on the places we visit with adults and children alike.
Sonia will join the following departures:
Mar 26 - Apr 03, 2010 • Jul 23 - 31, 2010Dec 22 - 30, 2010
Expedition Dates 
Expedition Costs
Adult prices are per person, double occupancy. The child prices above apply to children under 12. For children aged 12-15, deduct $300 from the adult price. We recommend this expedition for children ages 7 and older. For a single room, add $750 on the March and July departures, and $800 on the December departures. On the December departures, there is a holiday surcharge of $400 per person.
All flights within Egypt are included in the expedition cost. International airfare is not included. Round-trip economy airfare between New York and Cairo is $1,100 (subject to change).
