Benny’s Royal Tour’s Explore Pyramids, & Nile Cruise Tour begins. Assemble Kochi International Airport at 05.00 hrs. Oman Airways Flight WY226G departs at 08.10 hrs and arrives at Muscat International Airport at 10.25 hrs. Later connect Oman Airways Flight WY405 to Cairo at 14.30 hrs and arrive at Cairo International Airport, at 17.15 hrs. Egypt, a country linking northeast Africa with the Middle East, dates to the time of the pharaohs. Millennia old monuments sit along the fertile Nile River Valley, including Giza's colossal Pyramids and Great Sphinx as well as Luxor's hieroglyph-lined Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings tombs. The capital, Cairo, is home to Ottoman landmarks like Muhammad Ali Mosque and the Egyptian Museum, a trove of antiquities. Egypt holds significant importance due to its rich history, strategic location, and contributions to civilization. Its ancient civilization was one of the world's first, leaving behind monumental structures like the pyramids and influencing various aspects of life, including mathematics, medicine, and astronomy. Modern Egypt is a regional power. Upon arrival at Cairo International airport meet the representative at the airport. After immigration formalities transfer to the Hotel at Cairo.
NILE DINNER CRUISE : AN ENCHANTING EVENING ON THE LEGENDARY NILE
After arriving in Cairo and checking in to our hotel, we begin our Egyptian journey with a memorable evening aboard a luxury Nile Dinner Cruise. As the boat gently sails along the world's longest river, admire the breathtaking panorama of Cairo's illuminated skyline, where historic landmarks and modern architecture create a magical setting under the night sky. Enjoy a lavish buffet dinner featuring a selection of authentic Egyptian specialties and international cuisine, served in an elegant atmosphere with panoramic views of the Nile. The evening comes alive with spectacular live entertainment. Be captivated by the mesmerizing belly dance performance, showcasing the grace and vibrant traditions of Egyptian culture. Witness the hypnotic Tanoura Show, where skilled performers spin continuously in brilliantly colored costumes, creating a dazzling display of light, movement, and artistry. Traditional Egyptian music further enhances the atmosphere, offering an authentic cultural experience. As we cruise past Cairo's beautifully lit riverbanks, this unforgettable evening combines fine dining, world-class entertainment, and the timeless beauty of the Nile, making it the perfect introduction to the wonders of Egypt.
Overnight stay : Pyramids by Jaz Hotel or Similar in Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Local Restaurants
Day 2
CAIRO SIGHTSEEING TOUR
VISIT THE GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing tour to visit Egyptian Pyramids, the one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Egypt, the land of pharaohs and pyramids never fails to amaze its visitors with its rich culture, mysteries and monolithic pieces from the medieval times. Pyramid in the world was built as a tomb for the Egyptian Pharaoh. There are about 80 ancient Egyptian pyramids still standing, but the three biggest and most well-preserved - called Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure, and - are located in Giza. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the oldest and largest of the pyramids in Giza . It is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence; this is despite being the oldest wonder by about2,000 years. The pyramids were built as tomb for pharaoh Khufu and estimate that it was built in the 26th century BC during a period of around 27 years. Initially standing at 146.5 meters, the Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world for more than 3,800 years. After 46 windy centuries, its height has been reduced by 9m. Khafre Pyramid is the second largest pyramid in Egypt, only about 10 meters lower than the Great Pyramid . The pyramid is unique in that the remains of the original cladding have been preserved in its upper part. Khafra built his pyramid at Giza next to his father’s pyramid. Its pyramid complex is better preserved than others. The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three main Pyramids of Giza, located on the Giza Plateau in the southwestern outskirts of Cairo, Egypt. It is thought to have been built to serve as the tomb of the Fourth Dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Menkaure. You will also get the chance to visit the inside of Giza pyramids (optional).
VISIT GREAT SPHINX OF GIZA
Another awesome attraction in Giza is the Great Sphinx of Giza, an imposing statue body of a lion and head of a human. Carved out of a single block of the surrounding limestone bedrock, this colossal Egyptian antiquity is claimed to be the oldest and the largest known sculpture in the world.Built-in 2500 BC, the Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt sits on the Giza plateau right in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Facing east, this stunning monument shimmers with the rising sun each morning and the GreatSphinx of Giza height is 73 meters long and 20.21 meters.
VISIT EGYPTIAN MUSEUM
After lunch we visite the prestigious Egyptian Civilization Museum in Cairo. The visit to the Egyptian Civilization Museum is the main highlights of the trip to Egypt. It exhibits a rare collection of over 250,000 genuine artifacts that date as far back as 5000 years, including an exclusive exhibit dedicated to the Tutankhamon - A collection of treasures, gold, and jewellery that were buried in his tomb for over 3,500 years before they were discovered in the 1920s when his tomb was excavated. The museum contains more than a quarter of a million objects spanning over three millennia from the Old Kingdom to the Roman period;it would take at least nine months to see everything.
VISIT PAPYRUS AND PERFUME FACTORY
Later you will get a chance to visit papyrus and perfume factories. Papyrus is a material made from the pith of the papyrus plant. Papyrus is first known to have been used in Egypt , as the papyrus plant was once abundant across the Nile Delta .The Egyptian crown owned a monopoly on papyrus production from ancient times and it was even exported to many locations in the ancient world. You will get a chance to buy papyrus paintings to your home. Egypt is the land of perfumes. The Ancient Egyptians loved beautiful fragrances. They associated them with the gods and recognised their positive effect on health and well-being. The ancient Egyptians were famous all over the ancient world for their perfumes. From roman period it is very popular. Nenúfar, was the perfume used by Cleopatra, the fragrance of the blue lotus, which was sacred to the Pharoahs, and had hallucinogenic properties. In history the Ceasor and Mark Antony were attracted by her perfume
CHRISTMAS EVE CELEBRATION
As the sun sets over Cairo, we gather for a magical Christmas Celebration Dinner at the iconic 139 Pyramids Lounge, where the illuminated Great Pyramids provide a breathtaking backdrop for an unforgettable evening. Surrounded by the festive spirit of Christmas, we enjoy a delightful dinner featuring an elegant selection of local and international cuisine while soaking in the spectacular views of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The warm ambiance, festive decorations, and joyful Christmas atmosphere make this a truly memorable celebration. Following dinner, we proceed to a local church to attend the Christmas Eve Prayer Service, joining the local community in celebrating the birth of Christ. Experience the beautiful hymns, candlelit atmosphere, and the spiritual significance of Christmas in one of the world's oldest Christian countries, creating a heartwarming and meaningful conclusion to this special Christmas Eve.
Overnight stay : Pyramids by Jaz Hotel Similar in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3
FLY TO ASWAN – NILE CRUISE
FLIGHT TO ASWAN
After breakfast, check out from the Hotel. Then we transfer to Cairo airport to take a flight to Aswan. Arrive at Aswan, the beautiful city famous for Nubian culture and on arrival we will proceed to the Nile River to take you to the splendid Philae Island to Phile temple.
BOARD ON 5-STAR CRUISE WITH EGYPTIAN DANCE SHOWS.
Later we will check in for a 5-star Nile cruise. Enjoy your lunch on cruise. Later we saile to Phile Island in a Felucca ride. Feluccas are the traditional sailboats of Egypt Nile. Egyptians and foreigners alike enjoy a relaxing felucca ride. It was famed for its beauty and was known as the "Pearl of Egypt'.
VISIT PHILE ISLAND, THE PEARL OF EGYPT IN FELUCCARIDE
On arrival you will get guided tour of Philae Temple, you'll explore the sacred site that was built to honor Egyptian Goddess Isis. Isis, the mother of God Horus and wife of Osiris, is famed for her symbolism of peace, beauty and love. Surrounded by water, the island of the temple is home to the incredible ancient Egyptian ruins that date back to 690 BC. On this tour, you'll not only learn about the unique history from your personal tour guide, but you'll also get the experience of sailing on the Nile River to and from Philae Island.
ASWAN HIGH DAM
Later, we continue our journey through Sahara Desert and visit the beautiful Aswan Dam. Aswan High Dam, is the world's largest embankment dam, which was built across the Nile, the longest riverin the world in Aswan,Egypt, between 1960 and 1970. The Aswan Dam is approximately 11,811feet long, 364 feet high with a base of around 3215 feet. During the construction process of the Aswan Dam, more than 90,000 Cubans were relocated as far as 45 kilometers away from their homes. The Aswan Dam contributes to more than half of the total power supply in Egypt. The dam has stopped the annual flooding of the Nile. Before the Aswan Dam was constructed, many Ancient Egyptian monuments like the statue of Ramses the Great in Abu Simbel had to be moved in order to stop them from being flooded. Laterwe will return back to cruise. An EveningNubian party will be operated by the cruise staff. Dinner on board.
Overnightstay:M/S Monte Carlo Nile Cruise or Similar
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board.
Day 4
ASWAN – ABU SIMBEL
After early breakfast we transfer to Abu Simbel of Ramses II through the Sahara Desert. The Sahara is a desert on the African continent . With an area of 9,200,000 square kilometers it is the largest hot desert in the world and the third largest desert overall, smaller only than the deserts of Antarctica and the northern Arctic .We will get an opportunity to see the sun rise in the Sahara Desert.
VISIT ABU SIMBEL, THE CITY OF RAMSES II, THE PHARAOH
On arrival in Abu Simbel, we visit the great temples dedicated to Pharaoh Ramses II and his wife Nefertary in Abu Simbel. Abu Simbel i s an ancient temple complex, originally cut into a solid rock cliff, in southern Egypt and located at the second cataract of the Nile River. The Great Temple of Abu Simbel is fronted by four giant figures of Ramses II. It is difficult to tell that they were once cut into a multitude of pieces as part of the relocation effort. The two temples which comprise the site were created during the reign of Ramesses II between 1279 - 1213 BC. The great extensive artwork throughout the interior of the Great Temple were created to celebrate Ramesses' victory over the Hittites at the Battle of Kadesh i n 1274 BC. Later we return back to cruise. Lunch on board and continue our journey to Kom Ombo.
TOUR TO KOM OMBO, THE CROCODILE TEMPLE
Later sail to Kom Ombo. The Temple of Kom Ombo is one of the Nile Valley's most beautifully sited temples. Kom Ombo is an unusual double temple in the town of Kom Ombo perched on a small mound of stone and sand. Unique in Egypt, it is dedicated to two gods; the local crocodile god Sobek and Haroeris. The building is unique becauseits 'double' design meant that there were courts, halls,sanctuaries and rooms duplicated for two sets of gods. Then return back to cruise. Dinner and variety of cultural activities on board. Then sailing to Edfu
Overnight stay : M/S Monte Carlo
NileCruise Cruis or Similar Meals :Breakfast, Lunch and Dinneron board.
Day 5
EDFU – LUXOR
VISIT THE TEMPLE DEDICATED TO FALCON GOD HORUS IN EDFU.
Cruise will arrive at Edfu. After breakfast on board, we visit the Edfu temple, an Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in Edfu, Upper Egypt. It is one of the best-preserved shrines in Egypt. The temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, was built between 237 and 57 BC. This is a mortuary temple built by the female Pharaoh Hatshepsut around 1470 BC. The architecture of this temple is considered unique and a turning point in the history of Egyptian architecture. The inscriptions on its walls provide important information on language, myth and religion during the Greco-Roman period in ancient Egypt. Later return back to Cruise and sail to Luxor.
MEMORABLE VISIT LUXOR TEMPLE
After lunch we visit Luxor and Karnak Temples.Largely built by the New Kingdom pharaohs AmenhotepIII in 1390 BC and Ramses II in 1279, this templeis a strikingly graceful monumentin the heart of the modern town. The Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian complex located on the east bank of the Nile River. The Karnak Temple Complex,commonly known as Karnak comprises a vast mix of decayed temples , chapels, pylons, and other buildings near Luxor , in Egypt . Also known as the Southern Sanctuary, its main function was during the annual Opet celebrations, when the statues of Amun, Mut and Khonsu were brought from Karnak, along the Avenue of Sphinxes, and reunited here during the inundation. Later, return to the port to board our cruise.
Day 6
LUXOR WEST BANK
VISIT VALLEY OF KINGS, THE MUMMY FILM LOCATION
Later proceed to west bank of Egypt to visit Valley of Kings and Hatshepsut’s Temple. The Valley of the Kings is the burial ground for many important kings of ancientEgypt. It was founded by the third XVIIIth Dynastyking, Tuthmosis, who kept addingglory to ancient Egypt. Kings had nice tombs, with all their important belongings, located next to their mortuary temples. During Egypt's New Kingdom (1539-1075 B.C.), the valley became a royal burial ground for pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramses II, as well as queens, high priests,and other elitesof the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties. Many Hollywood films like Mummies have been filmed here. These beautifully painted tombs have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. For over a thousand years, the kings, queens and nobles of the New Kingdom (1500- 1070 B.C.) were buried in this valley, which isthe world'smost magnificent urialground. The valleycontains hundreds of tombs , the most famous tomb (KV No. 62) belongs to the boy king Tutankhamen .
VISIT THE BEAUTIFUL HATSHEPSUT’S TEMPLE
Later visit Hatshepsut’s Temple, is one of the world’s most striking architectural masterpieces. Hatshepsut temple was built by Queen Hatshepsut during the 18th dynasty in the new kingdom on the west bank of the Nile under the cliffs of “Deir El-Bahari”. Its purpose was to become the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut and was known as Djeser-Djeseru (Holy of Holies). The temple was the neighbor of the Mortuary Temple of Mentuhotep II which was used as a primary model. It was dedicated to the god Amun and Hatshepsut herself who was successful in immortalizing her name through the ages.
COLOSSI OF MEMNON
We pause for a memorable photo stop at the iconic Colossi of Memnon, two towering stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have stood proudly for over 3,400 years, guarding the ancient Theban Necropolis. Rising majestically against the backdrop of Luxor's west bank, these impressive monuments offer a fascinating glimpse into Egypt's glorious past and are among the city's most photographed landmarks. Capture stunning photographs while admiring these remarkable masterpieces that have witnessed thousands of years of history and continue to inspire visitors from around the world. Later we transfer to Luxor airport to connect flight to Cairo. On arrival in Cairo airport, we will transferto hotel. Dinner and overnight on in Cairo
Day 7
CAIRO -ALEXANDRIA
VISIT THE CITY OF EMPEROR ALEXANDER THE GREAT AND QUEEN CLEOPATRA
Early morning we will transferto Luxor airport to catch the flight to Cairo .Then transfer to Alexandria by bus .The city foundedby Alexander the Great in 332 BC and the Queen Cleopatra lorded over it. This was the Mediterranean's dazzling city, home to the Great Library of Alexandria and the colossal Pharos Lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the Necropolis (Catacombs), one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages We arrive at corniche, the waterfront of Alexandrian harbour. It is one of the major corridors for trafficin Alexandria.
CATACOMBS, THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE MIDDLE AGES
Here we visit the wonders of ancient world like Kom El Shoqafa, the Catacomb and site of ancient light house in Alexandria and are considered as the Seven Wondersof the Middle Ages . This consists of a series of Alexandrian tombs, statues and archaeological objectsof Roman period. Later visit the Citadel of Qaitbay, the 15th-century defensive fortress located on the Mediterranean Sea coast, in Alexandria, Egypt. Here we can see the Pompey's Pillar, a Roman triumphal column in Alexandria , set up in honour of the Roman emperor Diocletian between 298-302 AD. It is the biggest memorial column in Egypt on red granite,with a total height of about 28 meters and a base diameter of 2.7m.
BIBLIOTHECA ALEXANDRINA
Step into one of the wor ld's greatest centers of knowledge as we visit the magnificent Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the modern revival of the legendary Ancient Library of Alexandria. This architectural masterpiece symbolizes Egypt's rich intellectual heritage and its enduring commitment to education, culture, and innovation. Admire its striking contemporary design, explore its fascinating exhibitions and museums, and discover a treasure trove of knowledge that connects the wisdom of the ancient world with the achievements of the modern era. A visit to this iconic landmark offers a unique blend of history, culture, and inspiration, making it one of Alexandria's most remarkable attractions. We then proceed for a photo stop at the magnificent Citadel of Qaitbay, a majestic 15th-century fortress proudly overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
POMPEY’S PILLAR
Visi t the tallest ancient monument in Alexandria, standing proudly at nearly 27 meters (88 feet) high. Despite its name, the pillar has no connection to the Roman general Pompey; it was actually erected in AD 297 in honor of Emperor Diocletian. Carved from a single piece of magnificent red Aswan granite, this impressive Roman triumphal column has stood for over 1,700 years. Surrounded by the fascinating ruins of the ancient Serapeum Temple, the site offers a glimpse into Alexandria's glorious Greco-Roman past and is one of the city's most photographed historical landmarks. Enjoy time to admire this remarkable engineering achievement and capture memorable photographs. Later return to Cairo International airport for final departure.
Day 8
FLY BACK TO HOME
Board Oman Air flight WY408, departing Cairo at 01:15 hrs and arriving at Muscat International Airport at 06:55 hrs. After a comfortable transit, continue your journey on Oman Air flight WY223, departing Muscat at 08:25 hrs and arriving in Cochin at 13:25 hrs, bringing our unforgettable Egyptian adventure to a memorable. It’s the time to say goodbye to all the new friends you have made. As we conclude this extraordinary Christmas journey through the timeless wonders of Egypt, we take home cherished memories of majestic pyramids, magnificent temples, festive celebrations, scenic Nile experiences, and the warmth of Egyptian hospitality. From the vibrant streets of Cairo to the ancient treasures of Luxor and Aswan, every moment has been a perfect blend of history, culture, and holiday magic. May the spirit of Christmas and the unforgettable experiences shared throughout this remarkable adventure remain in our hearts for years to come. We wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and look forward to welcoming you on another incredible journey with us!
