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. Explore the minarets and courtyards of Islamic Cairo’s mosques. Tonight, gather for a festive welcome dinner.
Conrad Cairo Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Gîza/Cairo
Encounter the great Pyramids and the Sphinx at Gîza. Ride a camel and see the 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 — Abu Simbel/Aswân/Luxor
Fly to Abu Simbel to view the towering Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Nefertari. Continue by air to Aswân and trace the history of the Aswân High Dam. Then take a boat ride to the island of Agilika to explore the majestic Philae Temple. Drive to Luxor and settle into your hotel.
Sonesta St. George Hotel (B,L,D)
Days 6 & 7 — Luxor
Discover the incredible sights of the west bank of the Nile. Kids may take a donkey ride before descending into the tombs at the Valley of the Kings. Stop at the Luxor Museum to see its fabulous collection of pottery, jewelry, furniture, and statuary. Explore the Temple of Luxor, built during the reigns of three pharaohs. Then wander among the columns of the awe-inspiring Temple of Karnak. Meet the director of Luxor antiquities. On our second night in Luxor, ancient Egypt comes alive at an enthralling sound-and-light performance.
Sonesta St. George Hotel (B; B, D)
Days 8 & 9 — Cairo/U.S.
Return to Cairo and explore the ruins of the Fortress of Babylon. Later, venture into the lively bazaar of Khan El Khalili. Experience local hospitality at a farewell dinner in a private home. The following morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Conrad Cairo Hotel (B, D; 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:
Dec 22 - 30, 2010 • Mar 25 - Apr 02, 2011Dec 27, 2011 - Jan 04, 2012
Expedition Costs
Adult prices are per person, double occupancy. The child prices above apply to children under age 12. For a child 12–15 years of age, deduct $300 from the adult rate. For a single room on the March and July 2011 departures, add $750; on all December departures, add $800. There is a holiday surcharge of $400 per person on all December departures.
We recommend this expedition for children ages 7 and older. 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).
