Dubai & Egypt Upgrade
The adventure of a lifetime!
Seize the opportunity to set off on an expedition like no other! Your journey begins in the dazzling city of Dubai and ends in the sprawling city of Cairo, along the ancient Nile River. This action-packed trip will give you time to explore Dubai and guide you through places you've only read about in textbooks. You'll even visit a Wonder of the World: the Great Pyramid of Giza! Choose this upgrade to get 5-star accommodations!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Dubai (DXB) and out of Cairo (CAI)
- Personalized meet & greet assistance upon arrival at Dubai airport
- Airport transfer from Dubai Airport (DXB) to Dubai hotel
- 3 nights in Dubai at the Grand Millennium Hotel or similar (superior room)
- Half-Day Dubai city tour with English-speaking guide
- Airport transfer from Dubai hotel to Dubai Airport (DXB)
- One-way economy class flight from Dubai (DXB) to Cairo (CAI)
- Arrival transfer from Cairo Airport (CAI) to Cairo hotel
- 2 nights in Cairo at the Sheraton Cairo, or similar
- Cairo sightseeing tour, including the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum & Khan El-Khalili Bazaar (full-day, with lunch)
- Transfer from Cairo hotel to Cairo Airport (CAI)
- One-way economy class flight from Cairo (CAI) to Luxor (LXR)
- Transfer from Luxor Airport (LXR) to Nile Cruise
- 4-night Nile Cruise on board the M/S Monaco
- Guided tour of Karnak Temple and Temple of Luxor (half-day)
- Guided tour of the West Bank, including Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon
- Guided tour of The Temple of Horus (Edfu) and Kom Ombo Temple (Sobek)
- Guided tour of the Aswan High Dam & Philae Temple
- Felucca ride in Aswan, around Agha Khan & The Elephantine Island
- Transfer from Nile Cruise to Aswan Airport (ASW)
- One-way economy class flight from Aswan (ASW) to Cairo (CAI)
- Transfer from Cairo Airport (CAI) to Cairo hotel
- 1 night in Cairo at the Sheraton Cairo or similar
- Transfer from Cairo hotel to Cairo Airport (CAI)
- Daily breakfast, 5 lunches & 4 dinners
- Sightseeing as indicated, with private, local English-speaking guides
Great Ways to Explore
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Get incredible views of Dubai from the observation deck of Burk Khalifa!
Stroll through one of Dubai's traditional souks, or bazaars, to shop for souvenirs.
-
Traverse the Pyramids of Giza, the last remaining wonder of the ancient world.
-
Visit countless important sites nestled along the river.
-
Breathe in the heady spices at Cairo's Khan El-Khalili bazaar.
Immerse yourself in a once-in-a-lifetime trip through two bucket list destinations! First, get a glimpse into the modern marvels of Dubai, then take a step back in time to dust off millennia of Egyptian history.
Begin your trip with a flight into Dubai, where you will kick things off with a half-day city tour. After that, you'll get to enjoy the city with some leisure time on your own. Plan out your own itinerary for those days, or follow the sample itinerary provided below - the choice is yours!
Next, you'll board a plane for Cairo. You'll start off with a full-day tour, taking in the ancient opulence of the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, and other exciting sites. After that, you'll jet off to Luxor for the next leg of your journey!
Upon reaching Luxor, you will board the M/S Monaco and begin your 4-night Nile Cruise. During this time, you will encounter all kinds of historical marvels. Guided tours will bring you to enchanting places such as the Temple of Luxor, Colossi of Memnon, the Valley of the Kings, and more! Once your cruise comes to an end, you will fly back to Cairo for a final night before the adventure comes to an end.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Dubai (DXB) and out of Cairo (CAI)
- Personalized meet & greet assistance upon arrival at Dubai airport
- Airport transfer from Dubai Airport (DXB) to Dubai hotel
- 3 nights in Dubai at the Grand Millennium Hotel or similar (superior room)
- Half-Day Dubai city tour with English-speaking guide
- Airport transfer from Dubai hotel to Dubai Airport (DXB)
- One-way economy class flight from Dubai (DXB) to Cairo (CAI)
- Arrival transfer from Cairo Airport (CAI) to Cairo hotel
- 2 nights in Cairo at the Sheraton Cairo, or similar
- Cairo sightseeing tour, including the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum & Khan El-Khalili Bazaar (full-day, with lunch)
- Transfer from Cairo hotel to Cairo Airport (CAI)
- One-way economy class flight from Cairo (CAI) to Luxor (LXR)
- Transfer from Luxor Airport (LXR) to Nile Cruise
- 4-night Nile Cruise on board the M/S Monaco
- Guided tour of Karnak Temple and Temple of Luxor (half-day)
- Guided tour of the West Bank, including Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon
- Guided tour of The Temple of Horus (Edfu) and Kom Ombo Temple (Sobek)
- Guided tour of the Aswan High Dam & Philae Temple
- Felucca ride in Aswan, around Agha Khan & The Elephantine Island
- Transfer from Nile Cruise to Aswan Airport (ASW)
- One-way economy class flight from Aswan (ASW) to Cairo (CAI)
- Transfer from Cairo Airport (CAI) to Cairo hotel
- 1 night in Cairo at the Sheraton Cairo or similar
- Transfer from Cairo hotel to Cairo Airport (CAI)
- Daily breakfast, 5 lunches & 4 dinners
- Sightseeing as indicated, with private, local English-speaking guides
-
Get incredible views of Dubai from the observation deck of Burk Khalifa!
Stroll through one of Dubai's traditional souks, or bazaars, to shop for souvenirs.
-
Traverse the Pyramids of Giza, the last remaining wonder of the ancient world.
-
Visit countless important sites nestled along the river.
-
Breathe in the heady spices at Cairo's Khan El-Khalili bazaar.
Immerse yourself in a once-in-a-lifetime trip through two bucket list destinations! First, get a glimpse into the modern marvels of Dubai, then take a step back in time to dust off millennia of Egyptian history.
Begin your trip with a flight into Dubai, where you will kick things off with a half-day city tour. After that, you'll get to enjoy the city with some leisure time on your own. Plan out your own itinerary for those days, or follow the sample itinerary provided below - the choice is yours!
Next, you'll board a plane for Cairo. You'll start off with a full-day tour, taking in the ancient opulence of the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, and other exciting sites. After that, you'll jet off to Luxor for the next leg of your journey!
Upon reaching Luxor, you will board the M/S Monaco and begin your 4-night Nile Cruise. During this time, you will encounter all kinds of historical marvels. Guided tours will bring you to enchanting places such as the Temple of Luxor, Colossi of Memnon, the Valley of the Kings, and more! Once your cruise comes to an end, you will fly back to Cairo for a final night before the adventure comes to an end.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Dubai!
After clearing customs, you'll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Once you've checked in, the evening is yours to enjoy however you'd like.
Transfer to Dubai hotel
Check-in - Grand Millennium Dubai
Located right off Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai's main artery, the Grand Millennium combines contemporary interiors with a central location. Set in two striking towers, the 5-star hotel features 337 rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, premium bedding, minibars and much more. Enjoy a Moroccan hamam spa treatment, or take a refreshing dip in the temperature controlled swimming pool and jacuzzi. Dining at the Grand Millennium is an adventure, with three restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines and experiences.
Day 2. Dubai
Today, embark on a half-day tour taking you to Dubai's old and new highlights including the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall.
After your tour, consider visiting the Dubai Museum, an 18th-century fort housing a museum with multimedia exhibits on local history and cultural heritage.
Dubai city tour with English speaking guide (half-day)
Discover the lively city of Dubai in a 4-hour city tour featuring all the important sites! Begin the tour in Old Dubai and cross the Dubai Creek by small motorized water taxis known as abras. You'll then head over to the world famous Gold Souk, a covered arcade housing numerous jewelry shops. Admire the glittery goodness, and pick up a souvenir if you'd like!
The tour then takes you to the jaw dropping sites of New Dubai. See the world's largest shopping mall (Dubai Mall) the world's tallest building (Burj Khalifa), the Marina, the Burj Al Arab and the famous artificial Palm Islands.
Day 3. Dubai
Start your day with a visit to Dubai's Cultural Center, where you can join in a luncheon and learn more about the various cultures that exist in the city.
In the evening, head to one of the city's most iconic sights: the Dubai Fountain.
Day 4. Dubai - Cairo
Bid Dubai farewell as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo! Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and assisted through immigration and customs by a representative who will be holding a sign with your name. After transferring to your hotel, enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Transfer to Dubai airport (DXB)
Fly to Cairo!
Transfer to Cairo hotel
Check-in - Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino
The Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino is one of Cairo's premier resorts featuring a fully-equipped casino room, bar, outdoor pool, and other amenities all overlooking the River Nile – all of which makes this luxury resort very deserving of its 5-star rating.
By staying right on the west bank of the River Nile, you'll never be far from some of the city's most noteworthy attractions. Try your luck at the hotel's slots or Blackjack tables in the glittering casino or take a stroll to the nearby Cairo Opera House, Egyptian Museum, or Cairo shopping center. The famous Pyramids of Giza are only 20 minutes away. Indulge in stunning views, convenient amenities, and spacious guestrooms during your stay at this lavish hotel.
This 5-star resort also features 24-hour room service, a 24-hour fitness center, an upscale spa with plenty of rejuvenating treatments. On-site restaurants include Giannini's New York Italian which serves modern Italian cuisine, Rawi which serves local favorites, Sapporo Japanese Restaurant, and more. With seven on-site restaurants (including a cafe and nightclubs), there's always something to eat and see at the Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino.
Day 5. Cairo
Enjoy a full-day tour taking you to a handful of Cairo's iconic sights including the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
Cairo Sightseeing Tour, including the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum & Khan El-Khalili Bazaar (full-day, with lunch)
Begin your tour at the famous Great Pyramid of Giza! Giza is the main part of a complex that included two mortuary temples in honor of Khufu (one close to the pyramid and one near the Nile), three smaller pyramids for Khufu's wives, an even smaller "satellite" pyramid, a raised causeway connecting the two temples, and small Mastaba tombs surrounding the pyramid for nobles. One of the small pyramids contains the tomb of Queen Hetepheres (discovered in 1925), sister and wife of Snefru, and the mother of Khufu.
The next stop takes you to the Lord of the Sphinx. The word sphinx, which means "strangler," was first given by the Greeks to a fabulous creature which had the head of a man and the body of a lion. In Egypt, there are numerous sphinxes, usually with the head of a king wearing his headdress and the body of a lion. The head and face of the sphinx certainly reflect a style that belongs to Egypt's old kingdom and to the 4th dynasty in particular.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Egyptian Museum. Your Egyptologist will escort you on a fascinating tour of 7,000 years of history, as this famous museum houses the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts (more than 145,000 items on display). Highlights include the famous Tutankhamen collection with its beautiful gold death mask and sarcophagus, and the Royal Mummy room, which houses an additional eleven Pharaonic dignitaries.
Your final stop takes you to the fascinating Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. Reputed to be the largest bazaar in the Middle East, it was originally founded as a watering stop for Caravanserai in the 14th century. As you wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets, you will find workshops and stalls selling all kinds of items from woodwork, glassware and leather goods to perfume, fabrics and Pharaonic curiosities.
Day 6. Cairo - Luxor - Nile River Cruise
Say goodbye to Cairo for now and jet over to the Luxor airport! Once again, you will be welcomed by a representative and transferred to your new accommodations. This time, instead of heading to a hotel, you will board the M/S Monaco, settle into your room and enjoy lunch on board. After lunch, enjoy a half-day tour taking you to the Karnak and Luxor temples!
Transfer to Cairo airport (CAI)
Fly to Luxor!
Transfer to cruise ship
Check-in - MS Monaco
Totally renovated and relaunched in 2009, MS Monaco is designed to delight each of its guests. Cruise down the Nile river as you indulge in the opulence of elegant decor and attentive staff aboard this deluxe vessel offering nightly entertainment such as a belly dancer show, the "Gallabiya" party, and more! Unwind at the lounge and discotheque, shop around at the boutique and gift shop, or treat yourself to a new look at the beauty shop. Equipped with a swimming pool, two Jacuzzis, a sundeck, and 24-hour cabin service, MS Monaco has everything you need for the ideal getaway.
Guided tour of Karnak Temple and Temple of Luxor (half-day)
Discover Karnak, a great temple of Amon Ra known during the Middle Kingdom period as Ipt-Swt, which means the Selected Spot. It was also called Pr-Imn, which means the House of Amon. At the entrance, you will find a ram-headed avenue of Sphinxes, which was built to protect the Temple. There are 20 rams on each side, and as you cross this pylon, it takes you into an Open court, whose dimensions are 325-feet long by 250-feet wide, built during the 22nd Dynasty, and containing rows of bud papyrus columns.
You'll then head to the Temple of Luxor, among the most beautiful temples in Egypt. It was known in the New Kingdom period as Ipt-Rsyt, which means the southern shrine (This was to differentiate between this Temple and Karnak Temple, which was the northern house of Amon Ra). The temple runs close and parallels the river Nile from north to south, and it was constructed on the site of a small temple of Amon, built by kings of the 12th dynasty.
Day 7. Nile River Cruise
Wake up to the glittering Nile River, enjoy breakfast on board, then take a tour of the Valley of the Kings, the temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the ship for lunch as you sail towards Edfu.
Guided tour of the West Bank, including Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon
Enjoy a tour of the West Bank! Your first stop is the Valley of the Kings. The first king of the New Kingdom, Ahmose of the 18th Dynasty, built a pyramid-like structure at Abydos, which may or may not have been his original tomb. The Valley, known as Biban el-Muluk, "doorway or gateway of the kings," or, the Wadyein, meaning "the two valleys," is actually composed of two separate branches. The main eastern branch, called TA set aat, or "The Great Place," is where most of the royal tombs are located, and in the larger, The Valley is hidden from sight, behind the cliffs, which form the backdrop to the temple complex of Deir el-Bahari.
Next stop: the Temple of Hatshepsut! The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Queen’s architect, Senenmut, designed it and set it at the head of a valley overshadowed by the Peak of the Thebes, the "Lover of Silence," where lived the goddess who presided over the necropolis. His daughter became pharaoh, her father Tutmose I circulated the legend that the God Amon became the father of Hatshepsut and therefore she is half a God. She was married twice unfortunately and her second husband and stepbrother Tutmose III hated her so much that he had all pictures and inscriptions of her destroyed after she died.
Your final stop brings you to the Colossi of Memnon. These two, gigantic figures of Amenhotep III were originally situated in front of his Mortuary temple which was destroyed for unknown reasons. The two colossi are made of sandstone, which during ancient times was brought from Gabal El Silselah. Each colossus, including the pedestal and the crown, is about 70-feet tall and represents King Amenhotep III seated on his throne, wearing the Nimes, or royal headdress, with the divine cobra protecting his forehead.
Day 8. Nile River Cruise
Today, visit the Temple of Edfu, the most well-preserved temple of Ancient Egypt, renowned for its gigantic pylons. You'll also visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, and Horus the falcon-headed god. After your tour, have lunch on board and sail to Aswan.
Guided tour of The Temple of Horus (Edfu) and Kom Ombo Temple (Sobek)
On this tour, visit the Temple of Edfu and Kom Ombo Temple. Edfu was the 2nd Nome of Upper Egypt and the center of the cult of a triad of Gods, which consisted of Horus of Behdet, Hathor, and their son, Hor-Sama-Tawy. Edfu was known as “Apollo polis Magna” because the Greeks identified Horus with their God Apollo. Construction began during the reign of Ptolemy III (about 237 BC) and was finished during the reign of Ptolemy IV.
You'll then sail to Kom Ombo and visit Kom Ombo Temple. The temple is unique in one respect: it is dedicated to two gods, and the entire temple holds two perfectly symmetrical sections. The sanctuary to the left is dedicated to the falcon-headed sky god Harwer (also written Haroeris), or Horus the elder and his family.
Day 9. Nile River Cruise
In Aswan, explore the High Dam, constructed in the 1960s to tame the mighty waters of the Nile, and Philae Temple, one of Nubia's most important monument sites. You'll also get to experience sailing on a felucca, a traditional sailboat used on the Nile.
Guided Tour of the Aswan High Dam & Philae Temple
Located near Aswan, the world famous High Dam was an engineering miracle when it was built in the 1960s. It contains 18 times the material used in the Great Pyramid of Cheops. The Dam is 11,811 feet long, 3215 feet thick at the base and 364 feet tall.
You'll then visit Philae Temple, dedicated to Goddess Isis and constructed on the beautiful island of Philae. Philae the modern day name is Greek but the ancient Egyptians called the island P-aaleq which amongst other definitions has the dual meaning of "end" and "creation."
Day 10. Nile River Cruise - Cairo
Your Nile Cruise ends today. Head to Aswan airport for your flight to Cairo where you will spend your final two nights. The rest of the day is yours to explore on your own - you might want to check out Cairo Citadel or the Mosque of Muhammed Ali.
Transfer to Aswan airport (ASW)
Fly to Cairo!
Transfer to Cairo hotel
Check-in - Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino
The Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino is one of Cairo's premier resorts featuring a fully-equipped casino room, bar, outdoor pool, and other amenities all overlooking the River Nile – all of which makes this luxury resort very deserving of its 5-star rating.
By staying right on the west bank of the River Nile, you'll never be far from some of the city's most noteworthy attractions. Try your luck at the hotel's slots or Blackjack tables in the glittering casino or take a stroll to the nearby Cairo Opera House, Egyptian Museum, or Cairo shopping center. The famous Pyramids of Giza are only 20 minutes away. Indulge in stunning views, convenient amenities, and spacious guestrooms during your stay at this lavish hotel.
This 5-star resort also features 24-hour room service, a 24-hour fitness center, an upscale spa with plenty of rejuvenating treatments. On-site restaurants include Giannini's New York Italian which serves modern Italian cuisine, Rawi which serves local favorites, Sapporo Japanese Restaurant, and more. With seven on-site restaurants (including a cafe and nightclubs), there's always something to eat and see at the Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino.
Day 11. Depart Egypt
Your Dubai-Egypt vacation ends today. At the appropriate time, you'll be transferred to Cairo airport for your flight home.
Transfer to Cairo airport (CAI)
Fly home!
Where available, the Flexible Change Plan allows you to change your travel date for ANY reason (between 30 days and 14 days before planned departure). You will receive a Future Travel Credit for the entire amount you paid. Please note that prepaid instant purchase airfares and group airfare are not eligible for the Flexible Change Plan and are subject to airline-imposed change or cancellation fees based on airline rules at the time that the change is requested. You must rebook using the original air carrier at least 14 days prior to your originally scheduled departure and complete travel at least 1 year from original booking date. Additional fees may apply. Future travel credit is non-transferable, non-refundable, and may not be redeemed for cash.