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Luxury Cairo to Cape Town Epic Journey
Break Available: Year Round (Core: Nov - April)
14 Night Break
Price per person From:
£4,375 (Excluding flights to Cairo, and back from Cape Town)
Follow in the footsteps of the 19th century explorers and discover some of the worlds Must See Sights!
Egypt is packed with the most incredible ruins and on this trip you have the chance to experience all of them at your own pace with your own private guide. You cannot over estimate the benefit the private tours away from the “boat crowd” will bring to your enjoyment of the array of historical sites you will visit.
In Cairo take time at the hotel to swim with the view of the pyramids in the background!
The two Sonesta Nile cruise ships we offer are both truly luxurious boats, peaceful calm havens in which to relax and watch the Nile go by, in-between visiting the many evocative sights and ruins on offer.
Enjoy 4 magical days in Cape Town with privately guided tours revealing this city’s awe inspiring scenery, fascinating history, cosmopolitan culture and its culinary delights.
The three private tours included will share with you the amazing highlights of Cape Town.
However you also have spare time to head for the eateries and street entertainers of the V&A Waterfront, as well as the Two Oceans Aquarium, have High Tea at the iconic Belmond Mount Nelson as well as make time for a stroll through the world renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens.
Highlights
- 4 nights on the 5 star Sonesta ships, considered the two most elegant ships on the Nile
- 4 nights in Luxury Pyramid-view room!
- Private Tour of the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis and Sakkara
- Private Tour of Egyptian Museum of antiquities housing the magnificent Treasure of Tutankhamen
- Private tour of Coptic & Islamic Cairo
- Exclusive to Weekend a La Carte clients you will have PRIVATE GUIDED VISITS for the shore based tours
- Karnak and Luxor Temples
- Valley of Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon
- Temple of Horus at Edfu & Kom Ombo Temple
- Aswan Dam and unfinished Obelisk
- Philae Temple
- Private Felucca Sail
- Captivating Cape Town
- TWO Full Day Privately Guided Tours with Local Eats Lunch
- Explore Cape Peninsula – History, Wildlife & Nature
- Cape Vineyards – Wine Tastings, Stellenbosch & Historic Franschhoek
DAY 1: Friday
Arrive in Cairo, Private Transfer to Hotel
DAY 1: Friday
Arrive in Cairo, Private Transfer to Hotel
On arrival in Cairo you will be met and assisted through airport arrival formalities prior to your private transfer to your hotel .
Overnight in Cairo in your pyramids view room.
DAY 2: Saturday
Private Visit Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, Citadel of Saladin and Coptic Cairo
DAY 2: Saturday
Private Visit Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, Citadel of Saladin and Coptic Cairo
Start your Cairo Holiday with your private guide taking you on a day tour of Cairo.
This morning you will visit the Egyptian Museum of antiquities. With over 120,000 items in the museum you have plenty to entertain you including some beautiful papyrus from the ancient world.
However your main focus will be the artefacts from the final two dynasties of Egypt from the tombs of the Pharaohs and the Valley of the Kings, including the magnificent treasure of King Tutankhamun.
After a stop for lunch (not included) you will visit the medieval fortification of the Citadel of Saladin with it’s Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque and Coptic Cairo.
In Coptic Cairo you will see the Hanging church built on the tower-gate of a Babylon fortress with its nave suspended over the passage. The synagogue of Ben Ezra is the next stop. Folklore rumours that it is located on the site where baby Moses was found and so is a special place.
Finally St Sergius church is the oldest church in Coptic Cairo with 4th Century Pillars, though the main church was built in the 11th Century. It was built on the spot where Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus are said to have taken shelter after fleeing to Egypt to escape persecution from King Herod of Judea.
This tour is 6-8 hrs and you will return to overnight in Cairo in your pyramids view room.
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Sound and Light Show Pyramids and Sphinx in Cairo
A la Carte Optional Extras
Sound and Light Show Pyramids and Sphinx in Cairo
History is re-told by the Sphinx, telling you the most ancient secrets of the world. Go back in time thousands of years to learn how the pyramids were built and survived! In one hour this sound and light show narrates the history of the great kings, their secrets and legends. This is a seated show and only goes ahead once 10 people have confirmed.
Price Per Person From: £65
DAY 3: Sunday
Private visit of Memphis & Sakkara, Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx
DAY 3: Sunday
Private visit of Memphis & Sakkara, Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx
Memphis “the ancient capital of Egypt” and its burial grounds of Necropolis of Sakkara. Here there are numerous pyramids including the “Step Pyramid”, as well as the huge statues of Ramses 11.
After lunch (not included and payable locally) our private tour will continue to take you to the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Valley Temple of Chephren.The Great pyramid of Giza is the oldest of the seven wonders of the world, and the only one to remain largely intact and will without doubt astound you with it’s size and engineering ingenuity, whilst the Pyramid of Chephren with its estimated 4.8 million tons of stone is bound to inspire .
The dramatic Great Sphinx of Giza with it’s lion body and human head if literally translated into English is “The terrifying one. The Father of Dread” with the face believed to represent Pharaoh Khafre , dating back to @ 2,500 years before Christ. This tour includes a short camel ride though this can be skipped if preferred.
Overnight in Cairo in your pyramids view hotel
DAY 4: Monday
Fly to Luxor and private transfer to Sonesta Cruise Ship, Private Guided visit of Luxor & Karnak
DAY 4: Monday
Fly to Luxor and private transfer to Sonesta Cruise Ship, Private Guided visit of Luxor & Karnak
Private transfer for your flight to Luxor (@ 1 hr flight) and take a private transfer to the Sonesta Cruise Ship for one of the most romantic weeks in your life. This will indeed be a luxury week break.
This afternoon visit East bank of the Thebes to explore with your private guide the famous Luxor and Karnak Temples.
Luxor in 2000 BC was considered one of the most influential cities in the world and certainly the beating heart of ancient Egypt. The temples and structures that have stood for thousands of years have been preserved beautifully.
Every pharaoh of note built, destroyed, enlarged, embellished or restored part of the Karnak complex to show devotion to Amun. In so doing over the years Karnak became one of the largest and most magnificent Temple complexes in the ancient world, and remains at the core of one of the best outdoor museums in the world!
This night there is a belly dancer and folkloric show to entertain you on board.
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Sound and Light Show in Karnak
A la Carte Optional Extras
Sound and Light Show in Karnak
The Karnak Sound and Light Show highlights the dramatic history of ancient Thebes. The show narrates the achievements of some of the great Pharaohs, with poetic descriptions of the ancient treasures. Walk through the complex of temples whilst haunting music flows around you and you will be told the story of the Pharaohs, the Karnak temple and the god Amun. It is an enchanting and surreal experience to listen to the sound effects and gaze at the magnificent ruins illuminated. This is only confirmed once 10 people have booked.
Price per person: From £70
DAY 5: Tuesday
Private Guided visit to the West Bank - Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon.
DAY 5: Tuesday
Private Guided visit to the West Bank - Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon.
Today you will visit the West Bank where a private guide will take you to the Valley of the Kings in Upper Egypt which contains many of the tombs of pharaohs from the New Kingdom, including Ramsess the Great.
Nearby is the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut which you will visit. This ancient funeral shrine in Upper Egypt is considered one of the incomparable monuments of Egypt and is a “Must See”
After the Valley of Kings tour continue to see the famous ‘Colossi of Memnon’. These massive quartzite statues which once flanked the entrance to Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple now stand virtually alone in a field. Continue to Esna and an afternoon at leisure followed by the Captains’s welcome cocktail. Tonight there will be music on board.
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Hot Air Ballooning Over Luxor
A la Carte Optional Extras
Hot Air Ballooning Over Luxor
Take an early morning Sunrise Balloon flight over the west bank of Thebes to experience the world’s largest open-air museum. Have the incredible experience to see the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut from high above.
You will start off with an early pick-up so you be ready to float over Luxor’s ruins and temples in the beautiful morning light and see a lovely sunrise.
The flight takes about one hour and there will be a minimum of 6-8 people in the Balloon.
Price per Person: From £165 per person
DAY 6: Wednesday
Sail to Edfu, Private Guided Tour of Temple of Horus, Private Tour Kom Ombo, Galabeya Party
DAY 6: Wednesday
Sail to Edfu, Private Guided Tour of Temple of Horus, Private Tour Kom Ombo, Galabeya Party
Your deluxe Nile Cruise will continue so you can visit with your private guide Edfu, the site of the extraordinary Temple of Horus, one of the best preserved shrines in Egypt built between 237 and 57 BC. The inscriptions on its walls have provided important information on language, myth and religion in Ancient Egypt.
Lunch and relax aboard the cruise whilst sailing to Kom Ombo. This afternoon with your private guide you will visit the temple shared by two Gods; the Crocodile God Sobek and the Falcon God Haerosis. This temple is very unusual due to its perfect symmetry along the main axis.
This evening join in a traditional Egyptian Galabeya party onboard.
DAY 7: Thursday
Sail to Aswan, Private Guided Tour of Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk & Philae Temple, Private Felucca Sail on the Nile
DAY 7: Thursday
Sail to Aswan, Private Guided Tour of Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk & Philae Temple, Private Felucca Sail on the Nile
Sail to Aswan to visit the impressive Aswan High Dam as a private tour. Finished in 1970 this dam significantly impacted farming for the better with a more controlled and steady water supply for both the farmland and all important cotton crops.
After the High Dam you will visit the Unfinished Obelisk, which as it is incomplete shows how the rocks were cut, and so is of great interest.
Afterwards you will visit Philae Temple which was venerated from the Pharaonic era up to the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods with each ruler adding their own stamp onto the stones here. With the advent of the dam threatening to flood it UNESCO moved it from Philae Island to it’s current location on Agilika Island.
This afternoon you have the wonderful delight of a sail on your private Felucca around Kitchener’s Island followed by afternoon tea on board.
This evening you will be entertained by a folklore show including belly dancing on board in the evening.
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Sound and Light Show Philae
A la Carte Optional Extras
Sound and Light Show Philae
The alluring sacred Temple of Philae is dramatically transformed in this magical sound and light show that takes you on a narrated journey to discover the legends of Osiris and Isis. This lasts about an hour and a quarter and is a mix of walking around and seated. This is only confirmed once 10 people have booked.
Price Per Person From: £65
DAY 8: Friday
Private transfer to airport for flight to Cairo after your luxury Nile Cruise
DAY 8: Friday
Private transfer to airport for flight to Cairo after your luxury Nile Cruise
Breakfast aboard the Cruise prior to disembarkation and private transfer to Aswan airport for flight to Cairo.
A la Carte Optional Extras
- Guided visit to Abu Simbel
- Relax on 3 Night Extension on the Nile
A la Carte Optional Extras
Guided visit to Abu Simbel
Early this morning (about 8am) a transfer will take you to Aswan for a 40 minute flight to Abu Simbel. On arrival you will be transferred by Egypt-Air bus to the two magnificent rock temples of Abu Simbel for a guided tour. These iconic temples were carved in the 13th Century BC and were built as a lasting monument to the king and his queen Nefertari, though moved to a new location in 1968 to avoid submersion as a result of the dam.
Your guided tours takes about 2 hours. You will then fly back to Cairo via Aswan. Please note this is not a private guided tour and whilst the group is normally about 20 it can be up to 30.
Price Per Person From: £420
Relax on 3 Night Extension on the Nile
Your itinerary has been action packed and you may wish to extend your Nile cruise to have more time to relax by staying on the boat as it return to Luxor.
There are no visits included during this time, as this is the time for you to watch the Nile and ruins slip by as you relax by the pool on deck, and enjoy your cabin with it’s wonderful views.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included and you would have 3 extra nights on the cruise ship and on Day 11. Monday you will fly back direct from Luxor to the UK.
Extra Cost Per Person:
Sonesta St George 1: From £360 (assuming no change in air costs)
Sonesta Star Goddess: From £565 (assuming no change in air costs)
DAY 9: Saturday
At Leisure and Private Transfer for Flight to Cape Town
DAY 9: Saturday
At Leisure and Private Transfer for Flight to Cape Town
Breakfast and morning at leisure to enjoy your hotel and swim with the view of the pyramids in the background. Private transfer for your overnight flight to Cape Town.
DAY 10: Sunday
Arrive Cape Town and Private Transfer to Cape Grace
DAY 10: Sunday
Arrive Cape Town and Private Transfer to Cape Grace
Welcome to Cape Town! You will receive a VIP Meet & Greet and Private Transfer to Cape Grace Hotel situated on a private quay on the V&A Waterfront commanding dynamic views over the harbour, yacht marina and iconic Table Mountain.
Spend 4 nights in 1 Table Mountain Luxury Room including breakfast.
Scenically beautiful, Cape Town is a compelling mix of trendy modern and old-world elegance. Glamorous hotels, world-class dining and stunning vistas merge seamlessly with dynamic suburbs and vibrant nightlife. Malay and African heritage is evident in the cuisine, traditions and entertainment while the architecture reveals a strong Dutch, German and English flavour and style. Contemporary art is proudly displayed in a variety of galleries and wine bars and brandy tasting lounges will appeal to the fashionable set.
Afternoon at Leisure – Perhaps take High Tea at the iconic Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, a long time favourite of the rich and famous. It is the perfect introduction to the indulgent epicurean delights that this city has to offer.
DAY 11: Monday
Private Cape Peninsula Tour
DAY 11: Monday
Private Cape Peninsula Tour
You will be collected at your hotel for this special Private Full Day Cape Peninsular tour.
Beginning at Kalk Bay, best known for its working fishing harbour and bohemian feel. Browse the arts and crafts on offer, perhaps do a bit of shopping in the quirky fashion boutiques and enjoy the antiques and collectables along the main strip.
Next, head over to Simon’s Town for those keen to find out more about the rich history surrounding this naval town, museums and monuments providing plenty of insight. Bringing this naval town to life is an insight into the shark diving industry and stories of Just Nuisance – Great Dane, WWII mascot and only dog ever enlisted in the Royal Navy.
Before heading into the Cape Peninsula itself in search of your own rogue penguins – a splinter colony away from the crowded boardwalks over the main breeding site – on a beach known only to locals. Your tour continues with a gentle hike in the Cape Peninsula Reserve, exploring secluded beaches, and this region’s unique wildlife. The return journey weaves back to Cape Town via Noordhoek Farm Village a food artisan hub of the Peninsula and – time permitting – stopping for a sundowner at a local brewery, vineyard, beach or scenic look-out, whatever takes your fancy.
DAY 12: Tuesday
At Leisure in Cape Town
DAY 12: Tuesday
At Leisure in Cape Town
At leisure to explore the many sights of Cape Town. There are so many things to do and see including:
- Ascend Table Mountain by Cable Car
- Watch Great White Shark Breaching in False Bay
- Dine at The Test Kitchen
- Take a Boat Trip to Seal Island
- Hire a Classic Car and cruise the coastal roads of the Cape
- Tour Robben Island
- Embark on a Township Tour to see a Community Project in Action
- Go Whale Watching or Shark Cage Diving
- Hike up Lion’s Head
- Visit the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for diverse cuisine, five museums, Two Oceans Aquarium and shopping for the discerning traveller
DAY 13: Wednesday
Private Cape Winelands Tour
DAY 13: Wednesday
Private Cape Winelands Tour
This privately guided tour explores one of the most scenically beautiful areas in South Africa, visiting fascinating towns and taking a look into off-the-beaten-track farms which revel in their old-world roots and influences. Today is about so much more than just sipping the wines. Depending on time and season, stroll through the vines, learning about farming methods and techniques. Take an intimate wine-tasting and cellar tour and possibly meet the driving force behind the estate. If lucky, our behind-the-scenes experience could include grape picking or barrel tastings.
Spend time in Stellenbosch, browsing through its wealth of appealing stores and museums and sip local coffee blends in tempting cafes. Let the pairing of wine and olives awaken your senses before you meander through lush gardens bursting with life. Admire a collection of contemporary art, see the highest-growing vines and, from an elevated point, take in the stunning vistas over an old-world estate.
This afternoon, discover Franschhoek. Established by the French Huguenots in 1688, this town retains its historic charm but has fused it with a contemporary vibe. It boasts gourmet restaurants, appealing boutiques and art galleries.
DAY 14: Thursday
At Leisure and Private Transfer to Airport
DAY 14: Thursday
At Leisure and Private Transfer to Airport
A full day at leisure before your private transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
Alternatively how about extending your trip to include a Safari in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park and in the heart of Big 5 game country? Talk to us about extending your holiday for a superb 3 nights of exhilarating experiences in the bush.
Where You'll Stay
Sonesta St. George Cruise Boat - Nile, Egypt
Sonesta St. George Cruise Boat - Nile, Egypt
One of the newest ships on the Nile the Sonesta St George has 47 well appointed cabins and 10 presidential suites. It offers wonderful 5* service and unique to Weekend a la Carte private guided excursions for our clients.
It offers the ultimate in elegance, comfort and luxury. All rooms feature the highest quality furnishings with panoramic French windows that open to bring in fresh breezes from the Nile and individually controlled air conditioning. Bathrooms are equipped with steam bath, Jacuzzi and water massage.
The Ships Presidential and Royal Suites exude Grandeur and are remarkably spacious with a comfortable sofa and armchairs facing out onto the two large French windows and the Nile panorama.
Facilities on board include a full service spa and fitness center, restaurant, bars and observation lounge.
Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel - Cairo
Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel - Cairo
The stunning Le Méridien Pyramids resort, nestled between the city and the wilderness, boasts unparalleled views of the majestic, ancient Giza Pyramids.
A mere glance out your window reveals one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is also surrounded by luxuriantly landscaped gardens, providing a respite of greenery amidst golden sands.
It has a peerless choice of restaurants and cuisines and magnificent swimming pool and spa amenities.
We offer Pyramid-view rooms as standard practice.
Sonesta Star Goddess - Beethoven Deluxe Suite
Sonesta Star Goddess - Beethoven Deluxe Suite
This new luxurious boutique cruise ship only has suites, and only has 33 of them, so it is a very exclusive and intimate cruise ship. You will find exceptional 5* service and unique to Weekend a la Carte private guided excursions for our clients.
We offer the Beethoven Suites which are 40 sqm, with their own private terrace, panoramic windows, room service and a full sized bathtub in the en-suite.
The boat boasts a restaurant, sun deck barbecue, lounge, outdoor swimming pool with adjacent pool bar service, full-service spa with gym, massage rooms, sauna and Jacuzzi.
Cape Grace Hotel
Cape Grace Hotel
Encircled by Table Mountain, the yacht marina, a working harbour and the bustling V&A Waterfront, there is no doubt that the 5 Star Cape Grace is the ultimate Cape Town destination.
Cape Grace has held pride of place on its own quay in the V&A Waterfront for the past 20 years, increasing its reputation for ultimate style, luxury and service in the perfect waterfront setting.
Cape Grace’s sense of place is emphasised by stylish interiors inspired by Cape Town’s heritage and floral kingdom. Each of the 120 luxurious rooms offer 5-star luxuries and extensive guest services.
Signal Restaurant provides a welcoming setting, where guests can enjoy fresh, local cuisine. The innovative menu celebrates the Cape’s rich variety of culture with dishes that pay homage to local flavours and accent European classics. On the water’s edge, Bascule Whisky Wine and Cocktail Bar is the perfect setting to take in the sights and sounds of the busy Waterfront surrounds.
Sound and Light Show Pyramids and Sphinx in Cairo
History is re-told by the Sphinx, telling you the most ancient secrets of the world. Go back in time thousands of years to learn how the pyramids were built and survived! In one hour this sound and light show narrates the history of the great kings, their secrets and legends. This is a seated show and only goes ahead once 10 people have confirmed.
Price Per Person From: £65
Sound and Light Show in Karnak
The Karnak Sound and Light Show highlights the dramatic history of ancient Thebes. The show narrates the achievements of some of the great Pharaohs, with poetic descriptions of the ancient treasures. Walk through the complex of temples whilst haunting music flows around you and you will be told the story of the Pharaohs, the Karnak temple and the god Amun. It is an enchanting and surreal experience to listen to the sound effects and gaze at the magnificent ruins illuminated. This is only confirmed once 10 people have booked.
Price per person: From £70
Hot Air Ballooning Over Luxor
Take an early morning Sunrise Balloon flight over the west bank of Thebes to experience the world’s largest open-air museum. Have the incredible experience to see the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut from high above.
You will start off with an early pick-up so you be ready to float over Luxor’s ruins and temples in the beautiful morning light and see a lovely sunrise.
The flight takes about one hour and there will be a minimum of 6-8 people in the Balloon.
Price per Person: From £165 per person
Sound and Light Show Philae
The alluring sacred Temple of Philae is dramatically transformed in this magical sound and light show that takes you on a narrated journey to discover the legends of Osiris and Isis. This lasts about an hour and a quarter and is a mix of walking around and seated. This is only confirmed once 10 people have booked.
Price Per Person From: £65
Guided visit to Abu Simbel
Early this morning (about 8am) a transfer will take you to Aswan for a 40 minute flight to Abu Simbel. On arrival you will be transferred by Egypt-Air bus to the two magnificent rock temples of Abu Simbel for a guided tour. These iconic temples were carved in the 13th Century BC and were built as a lasting monument to the king and his queen Nefertari, though moved to a new location in 1968 to avoid submersion as a result of the dam.
Your guided tours takes about 2 hours. You will then fly back to Cairo via Aswan. Please note this is not a private guided tour and whilst the group is normally about 20 it can be up to 30.
Price Per Person From: £420
Relax on 3 Night Extension on the Nile
Your itinerary has been action packed and you may wish to extend your Nile cruise to have more time to relax by staying on the boat as it return to Luxor.
There are no visits included during this time, as this is the time for you to watch the Nile and ruins slip by as you relax by the pool on deck, and enjoy your cabin with it’s wonderful views.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included and you would have 3 extra nights on the cruise ship and on Day 11. Monday you will fly back direct from Luxor to the UK.
Extra Cost Per Person:
Sonesta St George 1: From £360 (assuming no change in air costs)
Sonesta Star Goddess: From £565 (assuming no change in air costs)
£4,375 (Excluding flights to Cairo, and back from Cape Town)
What's Included?
- One way flights: Cairo to Luxor, Aswan to Cairo, Cairo to Capetown with one hold bag per person
- 4 nights full board & accommodation on Sonesta St George
- 4 nights in pyramid view room at Le Meridien Hotel
- PRIVATE vehicle & PRIVATE guides for all sightseeing
- 4 nights in a Table Mountain Luxury Room at Cape Grace Hotel
- 2 Full Day Privately Guided Tours with Lunch
- Private transfers
Departure airport
- Heathrow
Clients are welcome to book their own flights to Cairo and back from CapeTown or we can quote for you.
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The Big 5 Safari Company
If you would like to extend your Cairo to Cape Town trip with a journey along the famous Garden Route and finishing with an exciting safari in a Big 5 Game Reserve, then click on our link for just one example. We can tailor everything to suit you!