Visiting - Nile Cruise & Luxor or Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay or El Quseir 14 nights from £1079
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A classic itinerary providing the opportunity to experience the historical highlights of
Upper Egypt on a Nile cruise, followed by time to relax and bask in the welcoming
sun of an Egyptian resort.
PRICES
Prices for the Egypt Experience Tour start from
£1079 per person for
14 nights
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Important information
Guide prices are based on 2 people sharing a room and include flights with Monarch from Gatwick (Manchester available at a supplement). Accommodation has been calculated using the Swiss Inn Radamis I (Full Board) and Sofitel Karnak Luxor (Bed & Breakfast).
This classic tour can only be booked by calling 0844 770 9960
Itinerary
7 nights Nile Cruise + 7 nights Luxor, Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay or El Quseir
Monday
Depart from the UK for your flight to Luxor. On arrival, you will be met and
transferred to your chosen Nile cruise boat for an evening check-in. Overnight in Luxor.
Tuesday - Sunday
For the next 6 nights, follow the Nile cruise itinerary found on
page 18 of the online brochure (each cruise follows a slightly different itinerary. Call Reservations for further information).
Monday
After breakfast, disembark your cruise boat and transfer to your chosen
hotel in Luxor for the next 7 nights, or alternatively travel by road to Hurghada, El Gouna,
Makadi Bay, Soma Bay or El Quseir, a journey of approximately 5 hours, spending the
next 7 nights at the hotel of your choice.
Monday
Transfer from your hotel in Luxor, Hurghada*, El Gouna*, Makadi Bay*,
Soma Bay* or El Quseir* to Luxor airport, for your return flight to the UK.
*Journey of approximately 5 hours by road.
How To Book
Please note that the prices above should only be used as a guideline.
Our specialist Tailor-Made team are able to provide you quickly and accurately with the most up to date prices.
Due to their specialist nature, our multi-centre holidays are not bookable online - please call reservations for further information on 0844 770 9960
Things to see on Luxor, Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay & El Quseir
Luxor
Valley of the Kings
Dating back to the 11th century, the Valley of the Kings is an ancient burial ground dug deep into the desert mountains and contains the tombs of many of Egypt's ancient pharaoh rulers at the time, most famously, Tutankhamun. His tomb is one of the greatest discoveries of Ancient Egypt as it is the only tomb that remained almost 100% intact until it was discovered in 1922. The stone sarcophagus and the wooden coffin still contain his mummy and are left in the burial chambers. The tombs at Valley of the Kings, carved in rock, were designed to resemble the Underworld.
Karnak Temple
Luxor's centrepiece, The Karnak Temple is one of the largest and most important religious ancient sites in the world. Karnak, meaning 'fortified settlement' in Arabic, covers a complex of 2 square kilometres of temples including the Temple of Amun, which is the largest place of worship ever built. Due to its size and sheer complexity, the Karnak Temple is one of Egypt's most impressive sites. Don't miss the spectacular Sound & Light that takes place at the Karnak Temple every evening.
Luxor Temple
Built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II the Luxor Temple is placed in the middle of the city overlooking the Nile. A must-see site, the Luxor Temple has withstood a multi-layered history, from Alexander the Great's rule where he converted one of its chambers into a sanctuary, followed by the Romans rule who transformed the temple into a military camp, then transformed once more into churches, and later still, Abu El Haggag mosque was built next to the temple. All throughout the temple, paintings and inscriptions tell the stories of the pharaohs and of history. In front of the temple is a giant red granite obelisk and the Avenue of Sphinxes, a long wide entrance road with Sphinx statues left and right which is supposed to lead all the way from the Luxor Temple to the Karnak Temple.
Luxor Museum
The Luxor Museum is located between the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple is home to relics and antiquities and key discoveries from decades of archaeological findings. Priceless masterpieces are exhibited in this small museum that only adds to the glorious story of Luxor's magnificent monuments.
Mummification Museum
Right across from the Luxor Museum is the Mummification Museum where the immortal dead tell their story and take you through the art and science of the mummification process, a true Egyptian specialty. Humans as well as some sacred animals were mummified such as crocodiles and baboons.
Valley of the Queens
On the West Bank of the Nile lies the Valley of the Queens where tombs of wives of pharaohs, princesses, princes, and nobles are there on display. The Valley of the Queens is most popular for the Tomb of Nefertari, the favourite wife of Ramses II, which is referred to as the most beautiful in Egypt is it completely covered with colourful paintings of Nefartari being guided by the gods.
The Colossi of Memnon
The Colossi of Memnon are two gigantic statues of Amenhotep III cut out of single blocks of sandstone. Each statue stands at 21 metres in height and represents Amenhotep III seated on his throne. You can't miss these gigantic figures on your way to the West Bank.
The Ramesseum
The Ramesseum is a mortuary temple of Ramses II who was a prolific builder, known most for his building of Abu Simbel. Although not entirely intact, it is one of the loveliest temples in Egypt. The temple contains a broken statue of Ramses II which used to be the biggest in the world, weighing at 1,000 tons.
Hatshepsut Temple
Located beneath massive, steep cliffs, stands the Temple of Hatshepsut. Designed by Hatshepsut's steward and architect Senenmut, the temple is a true work of art and built to resemble classical architecture with a three-level facade and beautiful wide terraces. Inside the temple you will find halls, a chapel, a sanctuary, and beautifully designed columns with statues in front of them which were once in bright and vivid colours.
Hurghada
Diving
People come from all over the world for a taste of Hurghada's amazing diving and snorkelling amongst its variety of marine life and dive spots such as Brothers Islands, Ras Mohammed, and the Strait of Gubal, where Thistlegorm, the Red Sea's most well known wreck is found. Both reef diving and wreck diving are very popular in Hurghada.
El-Dahar Souk
Situated in downtown Hurghada and known as the 'old town', El Dahar souk awaits you with the smells and sounds of a typical bustling souk with tiny alleys of markets that pull you in. Be sure to put your bargaining skills to the test as it is part of the souk culture to haggle as you buy all your gifts and souvenirs.
St. Anthony & St. Paul's Monasteries
St. Anthony and St. Paul's Monasteries are the oldest Christian monasteries dating back to the 4th century AD when monks began to set at the foot of the Red Sea Mountains. Both monasteries are considered to be the holiest sites of the Coptic Church in Egypt. Visit the monasteries for a guide through their lives and to catch the glimpse of some spectacular views.
Island Hopping
Trips to nearby islands are also very much worth it for those more into snorkelling and just laying on white sandy beaches. Giftun Island is a snorkeler's paradise where you can also camp overnight and awake with the sunrise.
Hurghada Marina
A new addition to the city of Hurghada, the Marina and Marina Boulevard have given the city a fresh new modern look with upscale seafood restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, and nightclubs, all with a marina-front view of boats and yachts docked in the water. The Marina is also the place where you can rent diving and snorkelling boats to take you on day trips to neighbouring islands.
El Gouna
Lagoon Trip
The best way to see El Gouna and get a proper tour is to take a Lagoon Trip. This small motor boat which takes a group of up to 20, goes out every half an hour from many locations throughout El Gouna and is a 1 hour trip which gives you the chance to see all of El Gouna from its lagoons.
Kitesurfing
With 5 kite surfing centres and schools, El Gouna is by far the best kitesurfing destination for beginners and experienced kiters alike. Many beaches in El Gouna are dedicated to the sport and just the site of all the coloured kites scattered across the shore encourages you to try the sport. El Gouna year round sunshine and perfect wind conditions are ideal for kitesurfing and kiteboarding. Lessons and courses are available and gear for rent.
Diving
The Red Sea is known for being a divers' paradise and El Gouna has spared no efforts at giving its guests the opportunity to dive in one of the world's best seas for diving. Home to 9 diving centres, all PADI-approved, guests can get their PADI-license in El Gouna, take courses, and go on breathtaking dives. Junior diving and handicapped diving is also available.
Golf
El Gouna is home to an 18-hole championship USPGA golf course with amazing views and in excellent conditions. The year-round weather makes it a favourite destination for winter golf!
Horse & Camel Riding
Horse and camel riding are available in El Gouna's many beaches which is a beautiful way to relax and unwind with the sea and mountains as your view. A sunset ride is recommended!
Abu Tig Marinas
Home to the luxury yachts, gourmet restaurants, bars and nightclub, the Abu Tig Marinas are a great place to take a stroll along the waterfront promenades and connecting alleys to window shop and to have that well-deserved meal.
Stand up Paddling
The newest sport addition to El Gouna, stand up paddling is a fun yet not so easy way to enjoy the waters and lagoons and get the best views of El Gouna! A surf board is used to stand on and you paddle through the lagoons while standing up. Simple!
Spas
Great for wellness and sports alike, El Gouna is home to two outlets of the luxury Angsana Spa, part of the Banyan Tree Group. El Gouna also has a state-of-the-art gym facility called LAX overlooking the marina which also offers spa services.
Fine Dining
El Gouna is home to one of the country's best restaurants from local traditional cuisine to international tantalising cuisines. The Marina area is known for its fine dining so make sure to treat yourself to a meal overlooking the mega-yachts and sea.
Marina Street Festival
Be sure to attend the Marina Street Festival which takes place every Friday at El Gouna's Abu Tig Marina. Great entertainment and food await you!
Downtown & El Kafr
Be sure to visit this bustling area of alleys, pedestrian squares, shopping arcades and typical Egyptian cafes and restaurants. It is one of the older areas of El Gouna.
Art Village
Located in downtown El Gouna, the Art Village is a lovely souk-like market where you can get all the souvenirs you need to bring back home. From Egyptian jewellery to clothes to carpets and scarves, you can find it all here.
Beaches & Island Hopping
El Gouna has many amazing beaches and is also surrounded by beautiful Red Sea islands not far off worth visiting. Boat trips can take you to the best spots for swimming, snorkelling or just laying around on the islands beaches such as Tawila Island, Mahmeya Island, and Gobal Island. If you prefer to stay in El Gouna, make sure to go to Mangroovy Beach, Buzzha Beach, and Zeytouna Beach. All beaches and islands are fully equipped with facilities and restaurants.
Catamaran Trip
A fun way to go out at sea is to take one of El Gouna's infamous Catamaran trips. You can rent out the catamaran for a private party or join as part of a group. Lunch is available on the trip.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
For those that want a more peaceful, calmer experience then a visit must be made to El Gouna's public library, a branch of Alexandria's renowned modern Library, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, this place is great to relax and unwind with a book in one of its outdoor quarters.
El Gouna Farm
Want to buy organic freshly made olive oil from Egyptian olive trees, or the best organic jojoba oil in town? Then you must pay a visit to the El Gouna Farm, located about 5 minutes outside the resort town, where they produce their own products from harvested plants.
El Gouna Winery
El Gouna also makes it own award-winning wine at its winery. Go for a tour and wine-tasting of some unique tasting Egyptian wine. El Gouna wine brands are also sold at the winery and are available in all hotels, outlets, and restaurants and bars.
Makadi Bay
Sunwing Waterworld Makadi
A fun activity for the whole family is this newly opened water theme park which has large slides, a wave pool and other fun-filled water features.
Souk Makadi
Tantalise your senses at this typical Arabian souk where you can shop for anything you can think of from souvenirs to take back home to Egyptian jewellery, perfume, and clothing. Just walking around here is great fun and very entertaining.
Diving
As with every destination on the Red Sea, diving is a key highlight with reefs and an underwater marine world as magnificent as the Red Sea's. The most popular dive spot in Makadi Bay is Abu-Hashish, which means in 'Father of Grass' in Arabic and it was given this name because this very shallow dive site is filled with sea grass. Great for beginners to all levels of divers, at Abu-Hashish you can see puffer fish, octopus, and sea horses, among other fish.
Snorkelling
Perfect for snorkelers, Makadi Bay is fronted by a long stretch of white sandy beach and home to a spectacular house reef. Trips to nearby islands great for snorkelling too can also be arranged from Makadi Bay.
Makadi Serena Spa
Prefer to relax and unwind? There's no better place to do that in than in Makadi Bay's relaxing surroundings. Inspired by ancient Indian wellness rituals, Makadi Serena Spa is the perfect world to get lost in with a variety of treatments to choose from all inspired from Indian traditions.
Soma Bay
Diving & Water Sports
Diving and snorkelling are main attractions in Soma Bay especially at the Abu Soma dive site, an amazing reef where you can see dolphins, turtles, sharks, barracudas, and manta rays. Best months to see the biggest variety is in March and April. Other water sports include wind and kite surfing, sailing, and deep-sea fishing.
Badaweya Desert Experience
For an action-packed day, join this adventurous excursion into the desert. Cross the awe-inspiring desert in a variety of exciting ways - by jeep, quad bike, off road sand buggy and camel. Visit a local Bedouin village, see the desert in all its glory at sunset, enjoy a BBQ dinner and watch a fantastic show under the stars.
Les Thermes Marins Spa & Thalasso Centre
This luxury spa, part of the hotel complex La Residence which is also home to an 18-hole championship golf course, is the largest thalassotherapy spa on the Red Sea. The facilities and variety of treatments at Les Thermes Marins are endless and the spa is huge with over 20 massage cabins, 22 hydrotheraphy treatment cabins, 6 underwater cabins, 8 bubble bath cabins, in addition to a huge aquatonic pool, an aquagym, and lap pool. As if that wasn't enough, there is also a gym to stretch out those muscles and get some exercise as well!
El Quseir
Wadi Hammamat
One of El-Quseir's historic attractions, Wadi Hammamat (Arabic for valley of the many baths) is a legendary quarry with ruins and rock inscriptions dating back to 4000 BC. What makes it most famous is its Bekheny Stone, a beautiful green ornamental rock that was considered sacred during antiquity times and was used from Pharoanic to Roman times to produce bowls, statues, and sarcophagi.
Bir Umm Fawakhir
Slightly north of Wadi Hammamat is Bir Umm Fawakhir, a Byzantine gold mine settlement from the 5th and 6th settlement. Gold was extracted from the surrounding mountains and was washed and transported to the Nile Valley for refining. You can walk around the mine site and observe the neat buildings and ancient inscriptions on the granite boulders at the town's guard posts.
Diving
El-Qusier is home to at least 80 popular dive sites from the amazing Cathedral, a labyrinth of tunnels and caverns where you might be lucky to see dolphins, the gardens of Omar Sukan where you can see fish like Tuna and Eagle Rays, the coral reef paradise of Ras Quseir is filled with Anemones, Moral Eels, and some Clown Fish, and Serib Kebir, used as the movie set of the biographical film about the life of Hans Hass, the diving pioneer and his wife. At Serib Kebir you can see schools of yellow-tailed barracudas, squid, and blue-spotted rays and is also popular for night dives.
El-Quseir Fort
Today, at the main gate you can buy a ticket which gains you access to the entire fort which includes several small exhibits of the area's history, shipbuilding, phosphate mining and Bedouin life and traditions. From the highest point of the fort you can see all the markets and tourist bazaars underneath in El-Quseir's Bedouin Village.
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