Unforgettable Egypt with Maureen Keegan

Join popular co-host Maureen Keegan for an immersive journey to Egypt. Beginning in Luxor, we will explore the extraordinary legacy of ancient Thebes - from the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut (a rare female king and one of ancient Egypt's most successful pharaohs) to the awe-inspiring columns of Karnak and the graceful beauty of the Luxor Temple. From here, we will board a beautifully appointed dahabiya for a serene cruise along the Nile, sailing past palm-fringed villages and golden desert landscapes. With a slower pace and exclusive access to lesser-visited sites, this portion of the journey offers a deeply personal connection to Egypt's history and rhythm of life.

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This journey culminates in Cairo, a vibrant city where ancient and modern worlds collide. We'll explore the new, monumental Grand Egyptian Museum, home to an unparalleled collection of antiquities, before delving into the city's rich cultural tapestry. We'll wander through historic quarters, visit remarkable mosques and museums and experience the energy of local life. Of course, our trip will not be complete without standing before the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx. This itinerary balances depth, comfort and wonder, offering a refined way to experience Egypt's most captivating treasures. 

 

Quick itinerary (with meal inclusions in brackets):

• 3 November: arrival in Cairo, one night stay at an airport-area hotel

• 4 November: flight to Luxor; visit Karnak and Luxor temples (b, l)

• 5 November: visit Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut temples; stop at Colossi of Memnon (b, l)

• 6 November: visit Temple of Esna and board the dahabiya for our cruise up the Nile (b, l, d)

• 7 November: see the walls of the ancient town of Nekheb, explore the New Kingdom tombs, visit the Temple of Horus (b, l, d)

• 8 November: stop at Bisaw island to walk through farms, meet villagers and experience Nile fishing; sail to El Selsela (b, l, d)

• 9 November: visit Kom Ombo temple, the town of Daraw, sail to Aswan (b, l, d) 

• 10 November: disembark from Dahabiya in Aswan; fly to Cairo; visit Grand Egyptian Museum (b, l)

• 11 November: visit Saqqara, Dahshur and the pyramids of Giza (b, l)

• 12 November: visit Coptic Old Cairo, the Citadel, Medieval Cairo and Khan el Khalili market (b, l)

• 13 November: last full day in Cairo to do as you wish - and departure (plan for late evening or very early am on the 14th departure) (b)

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The trip includes: 

• One night in shared (twin or double) rooms in a 5* airport-area hotel in Cairo

• Two nights in shared (twin or double) rooms in a 5* hotel in Luxor

• Four nights aboard a beautiful dahabiya - traditional two-masted sailing boat - in shared (twin or double) rooms with private ensuite bathrooms

• Four nights in shared (twin or double) rooms in a 5* hotel in central Cairo 

• Flights from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo

• Arrival and departure transfers if arriving on specific flights, to be shared asap

• All tours, scheduled group activities and related transportation

• All meals as indicated above, with water

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The trip does not include: 

• International flights

• Visas

• Meals not indicated above and any additional beverages

• Optional tours: possible extras include a hot air balloon ride in Luxor, visits to the tombs of Tutankhamen, Ramses VI, Seti

• Medical insurance and trip cancellation insurance

• Tips (budget around $10 USD per day, at your discretion)

• Incidentals

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Special considerations:

• The trip starts and ends in Cairo. Typical arrival time in Cairo will be middle of the night/early morning on the 3 November and you will be transferred directly to the airport hotel. Typical departure will be overnight as well - so late on the 13th or very early on the 14th. The trip hotel is booked for check out on the 14th of November.

• The tours in Luxor average 5-6 hours; days on the dahabiya are relaxed; tours in Cairo are long, running around 8-10 hours (but we will have private transportation)

• Hotel ratings are relative to local standards, not global standards - so be aware that a 5* hotel in Egypt will guarantee specific luxury facilities but may not be the equivalent of a 5* hotel elsewhere

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Trip cost:

$6825 Canadian dollars (about $4990 USD) per person. $2225 CAD non-refundable deposit due at time of registration with the balance due by 1 September 2026.

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Join this trip:

If you would like to join this trip, please fill out this registration form and we will contact you about the deposit. For more information, please contact natasha@thevoyagiste.com​​​​

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