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Egyptian Discovery 2026/27

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Operated by Bunnik Tours
Tripcode: 1221
Overview
Destination:
Egypt
Start:Cairo, Egypt
Finish:Cairo, Egypt
Duration:16 days
Type:Group tour (max 20)
Style:
Small group,
Travel Period
August 2026 - May 2027
Ever dreamt of travelling through time? Egypt comes pretty close! Be transported to a time of great wealth and power, when pharaoh’s reigned and pyramids served as gateways to the afterlife. Cruise the Nile, descend into Tutankhamen’s Tomb, discover the contrasts of the country’s north and immerse in ancient culture among the treasures of Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
  • Sightseeing

    Uncover the mysteries of Egypt's ancient civilisation

    • Discover the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
    • Enjoy lunch with a view at the 9 Pyramids Lounge
    • Marvel at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), including King Tutankhamun’s Collection
    • Be fascinated by Alexandria, the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean’
    • Visit Alexandria’s Graeco Roman Museum, Pompey's Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, New Bibliotheca, and see the Citadel of Qaitbey
    • Pay homage at the Battlefield Cemetery and Military Museum of El Alamein
    • Visit the Luxor and Karnak Temples
    • Half day tour of Dendera Temple complex
    • Explore the West Bank, including the Colossi of Memnon, the Valley of the Kings (where we enter some of the tombs of the pharaohs) and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
    • Enter King Tutankhamun’s Tomb
    • Unwind on a four-night cruise on the Nile from Luxor to Aswan
    • Travel to the Temple of Horus (the Falcon God) in Edfu
    • Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo
    • Enjoy a Galabeya party whilst cruising the Nile
    • Visit the temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari at Abu Simbel
    • Relax on a traditional felucca sailboat in Aswan
    • Explore the Philae Temple on Agilkia Island
    • Tour the Nubian Museum
    • Navigate the waterways of the Nile to a Nubian village, visiting the local market and a Nubian family in their home
    • Visit the Mohammed Ali Mosque, the Saladin Citadel of Cairo and the centuries-old Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
    • See the Step Pyramid of Sakkara and the Red and Bent Pyramids at Dahshur

    Travel

    • Return economy-class flights from Australia to Egypt. Taxes included
    • 2 economy-class flights within Egypt
    • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour
    • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles
    • 4-night Nile River cruise

    Accommodation

    • 9 nights in 4-5 star hotels
    • 4 nights in an outside cabin on board a 5 star (Egyptian standard) luxury Nile River cruise

     

    Properties include:

    • Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino, Cairo
    • Four Seasons Alexandria at San Stefano, Alexandria
    • Le Meridien Cairo Airport, Cairo
    • Steigenberger Nile Palace, Luxor
    • Movenpick Royal Lily, Nile Cruise
    • Movenpick Resort, Aswan
    • Fairmont Nile City, Cairo

    Hotels & Cruise ship listed are an indication and are subject to change without notice.

    Meals

    • 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

    Tour Guides

    • English-speaking, university-qualified Egyptologist guides

    Porterage

    • Porterage included where available

    Some things to note

    Please note:

    • Ramadan is observed from 7 February to 8 March 2027
    • The luxury Nile cruise is not a private charter and is shared with non Bunnik passengers. Due to the limited space for docking along the Nile, ships bank together when stopped. Therefore, in some cases, you may need to walk through as many as six ships to enter and exit our cruise ship. The Nile Cruises featured on all tourist itineraries to Egypt operate between the cities of Luxor and Aswan. These cities lie only 240 kilometres apart which means this distance could easily be covered in only 1 or 2 days without stops. Each cruise itinerary will, however, have an element of day-time cruising allowing us to relax and see life along the river. 
    • Women will need a head scarf to enter some mosques and temples, and wear modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders. Also, it’s a good idea to pack a spare pair of socks in your daypack, as sometimes shoes need to be removed when entering and the ground can be hot. There can be a lack of shade when visiting sights and attractions, so a sturdy hat and sun protection is also an absolute must.
    • Travel through the Esna Lock is subject to river traffic and local conditions which means we may pass through the lock during the night or have an extended wait prior to entering the lock. 

     

    Optional excursions:

    • Timing & practicability of optional excursions are subject to several external factors, such as internal flight timings, weather & traffic conditions. For optional excursions ex Cairo, pre &/or post-tour accommodation is recommended to allow sufficient time. Further optional excursions not listed may be offered by your guide throughout the tour.
    • All optional tours are based on a minimum of 2 participants (unless otherwise stated) and are subject to availability. The length of tours advised is an approximate only. Tours can be booked on tour directly with your Tour Director or guide. We recommend arranging the booking at the beginning of the tour to avoid disappointment. Please note some optional tours may also be available on multiple or alternate days. Prices are a guide only and are subject to change without prior notice. Payment by cash is preferred as there are no guarantees that credit card facilities will be available. Please check with your Tour Director or guide locally for information relating to this. Credit card fees and exchange rates are at the discretion of your bank.
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Depart Australia
Day 1 - Depart Australia
Day 2 - Arrive Cairo
‘Salam’ and welcome to the bustling hub of Cairo. Set on the iconic Nile River, Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt. Home to an incredible array of famous Egyptian landmarks, visitors will find it to be a fascinating and often bewildering mixture of old and new. The culture, monuments and architecture throughout the sprawling metropolis tell many tales of its captivating history, boasting a vibrant mix of Pharaonic, Roman, Greek and Islamic influences. Hailed as the cultural heart of the Middle East, Cairo today is renowned for its diverse industry landscape, thriving art scene and rich blend of culinary wonders. We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your exhilarating adventure, so we recommend that you arrive at your starting destination by 5.00pm. Enjoy some free time to freshen up at the hotel, before meeting our fellow travellers and expert Egyptologist at a group welcome dinner this evening. Please note, in order to undertake the following optional tours additional pre tour accommodation in Cairo may be required. Please check with your Travel Specialist for details. Optional Excursion Coptic Cairo - Discover the ancient sites & culture of Coptic Christians throughout Old Cairo. 3 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only. Optional Excursion Islamic Cairo - Visit the Gayer Anderson Museum, Ibn Toulon Mosque & El Sultan Hassan Mosque. 3 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only. Optional Excursion National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation – Displaying the civilisation of Egypt from the prehistoric period to the present era. 3 hours – from $80pp US. Cash only.
Day 3 - Cairo – Giza – Cairo
We’re set for a magical day of touring, visiting some of the sites that frequently top traveller’s bucket lists. We begin at the oldest structures in existence and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramids of Giza. Serving as the tomb of the pharaoh Khufu, the largest pyramid was originally 481 feet high and has managed to stay largely intact since its construction in 2600 BC. The two slightly smaller pyramids were built for Khufu’s son, Khafre, and grandson, Menkaure, likewise as burial places for three generations of Egyptian kings. We’ll then visit the nearby Great Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a king, often referred to as the national symbol of Egypt. This iconic statue is believed to have been built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre and is thought to represent him, yet its construction and purpose remains a fascinating mystery. Special Experience Take in the incredible views of the Great Pyramids of Giza while enjoying a delicious lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge. Venturing to the 9 Pyramids Lounge, it’s time to indulge in the delicious Middle Eastern cuisine the city is renowned for, but the best bit? The view! This unique restaurant is unlike anywhere you’ve dined before. Offering panoramic views of the majestic pyramids surrounded by desert, the pictures you’ll take here are guaranteed to be incredible. Next, we’ll visit the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza, located a short distance from the pyramids themselves. One of the largest, most modern and renowned museums in the world, the GEM is home to over 100,000 ancient Egyptian artefacts. After being greeted by a 3,200-year-old, 83-ton statue of Ramses II in the GEM’s main entrance we’ll spend the afternoon exploring the vast collection of exhibition halls, including its centrepiece, the King Tutankhamun galleries.
Day 4 - Cairo - Alexandria
After breakfast, we will travel to the 12th century Saladin Citadel, one of Cairo’s most magnificent fortifications. Once a residence for the rulers of Egypt, we’ll venture inside the medieval monument to discover more about the Islamic history of the city and visit the Muhammad Ali Mosque. Also referred to as the ‘Alabaster Mosque’ due to the marble panelling adorning its walls, this incredible structure features an elegant blend of Ottoman and European architectural styles. We then make our way to Cairo’s famous 14th century Khan el Khalili Bazaar. Swarming with local artisans and vibrant vendors, we’ll enjoy a brief coffee stop to soak up the atmosphere. After our visit, we’ll indulge in a late lunch to try a popular local dish called Koshary, considered Egypt’s national dish and a beloved street food. Departing the wonders of Cairo, we continue on to Wadi el Natroun, a once important location for Egypt’s ancient inhabitants. An area rich in sodium salts and carbonates, the natural elements found here were utilised during the mummification process. In the evening, we will arrive in the beautiful city of Alexandria on Egypt’s north coast. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, the port city was founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great. It is the second largest city in Egypt and is best known for the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Day 5 - Alexandria
Waking in the sea-brushed city of Alexandria, we’ll set off early to discover some of its highlights on a half day tour. First, we’ll take a visit to the Graeco-Roman Museum, home to an array of artifacts from the Greco-Roman era that provide a fascinating glimpse into the civilisation of ancient Egypt. We’ll then see the Pompey’s Pillar and Catacombs of Kom el Shogafa, an ancient burial site carved out of bedrock that stretches over three levels underneath the city. We’ll also enjoy a tour of the Bibliotheca, a major cultural centre home to a wonderful collection of museums and a spectacular reading room designed to house eight million books. Our last stop is for a photo at the Citadel of Qaitbay, a spectacular 15th century fortress overlooking the Mediterranean. The defensive structure features high, limestone walls and several towers that have protected Alexandria during a number of infamous sieges over its history. Concluding our tour, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Why not explore more of the fascinating museums around the city or take a stroll along the harbour for picturesque views of the coast?
Day 6 - Alexandria – El Alamein – Cairo
Enjoy a leisurely start today, with some free time before boarding the coach to our next destination. Our drive takes us westward through the winding dunes along the Mediterranean coast, following the historic path of Field Marshal Montgomery to El Alamein. This coastal town is steeped in history and was once the site of two pivotal battles between British and Axis forces during World War II. These battles became a crucial turning point in World War II’s North African campaign, with the Allied forces then able to invade Italy. Special Experience Visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery and Military Museum associated with the Battle of El Alamein. Venturing to the Commonwealth War Cemetery, we’ll explore the poignant memorial that encompasses 7,367 tombs of soldiers laid to rest from all over Britain, New Zealand, Australia, France, India and Malta. We’ll also stop to visit the El Alamein Military Museum, made up of five main halls representing the countries that participated in the battle. Here, we’ll take a moment to view the unique, and incredibly moving, paintings depicting scenes from the war. We’ll then head back to bustling Cairo, where the evening is at leisure.
Day 7 - Cairo – Luxor
It’s an early start this morning, as we say goodbye to the Egyptian capital and fly to Luxor in Upper Egypt. Located on the east bank of the Nile River, the city surrounds two huge, surviving ancient monuments. Upon arrival, we’ll begin sightseeing with a visit to the fascinating Karnak Temple, dedicated to the Pharaoh Amun. Approximately 30 pharaohs contributed to the temple’s structure over time, which explains its monumental size! This extraordinary complex covers more than 2 square-kilometres, and it was built, restored, and decorated over a 1,500 year time period. Constructed as a cult temple, the site was dedicated to the ancient Egyptian Theban Triad: the deities Amun, Mut and Khonsu. We’ll then visit Luxor Temple, connected to Karnak Temple by a 3-kilometre-long Avenue of Sphinxes. Luxor Temple is also home to a 25-metre-tall pink granite obelisk, which was part of a matching pair until the 1830s when one was given to France. It now stands in the centre of the Place de la Concorde in Paris. We’ll also visit a local gallery to appreciate the ancient artform of papyrus craft, with an opportunity to purchase the artwork to take home.
Day 8 - Luxor
Take in the passing views of the agricultural landscape this morning as we journey to one of the best-preserved temple complexes of ancient Egypt. Special Experience Take a half-day tour to Dendera Temple complex and see one of the best-preserved temples and most important sites of ancient Egypt, the Temple of Hathor (the goddess of pleasure and love). The main temple of Dendera is dedicated to the goddess Hathor, who’s associated with love, pleasure, beauty and music. Beauty can be seen everywhere in this complex, with well-preserved artwork and reliefs found within the temple reflecting religious rituals and mythological stories. The large collection of temples and shrines were constructed across numerous Egyptian eras and feature exquisite detailing and vibrant colours. We’ll take our time here, to explore the magnificent ruins that offer a glimpse into the beliefs and practices of this ancient civilisation. Returning to the hotel in the afternoon, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore more of Luxor. And with a history dating back to 3200 BC, there is so much to discover. Why not take a stroll along the Nile for scenic views over the river and surrounding areas? Optional Excursion Hot Air Balloon Ride over the West Bank in the early morning. Includes transport from hotel. 1.5 hours – from $170pp US. Cash only. Optional Excursion Sound & Light Show at Karnak Temple at night. 1.5 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.
Day 9 - Luxor – Nile Cruise
This morning, we discover the sights of Luxor on a half day tour. Our first destination is the spectacular Valley of the Kings. Serving as a royal burial chamber for around 500 years, it is home to legendary kings and queens, their families, and their possessions for the afterlife. Here we’ll explore tombs carved deep into the limestone rock, where each tomb has a similar pattern of three corridors, an antechamber and a sarcophagus chamber. Special Experience Descend underground into Tutankhamun’s Tomb, adorned with intricate corridors, and well-preserved hieroglyphic paintings. Our next destination is the spectacular Temple of Hatshepsut. Queen Hatshepsut was one of only a few women to be given the title of pharaoh. We’ll then visit the Colossi of Memnon, a historic landmark consisting of two massive statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Following our exploration, we then stop at a nearby alabaster workshop, to learn how the locally quarried stone is carved and crafted. This afternoon we embark on our Nile River cruise ship. Lunch is served on board and the rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy at leisure. Optional Excursion Luxor Museum – Discover one of Egypt’s best museums, boasting some of the country’s best-preserved artefacts. The Luxor Museum is home to an abundance of ancient antiquities from the Theban region, featuring statues, pottery, jewellery and well-preserved mummies. 1.5 hours – from $60pp US. Cash only. Challenging Day Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 10 - Nile Cruise
Waking to the sights and sounds of life along the river, enjoy a free morning on the riverboat to relax or soak up the surrounding scenery. Flanked by both lush greenery and arid landscapes, spending the next few days on the water offers us a fascinating perspective of Egypt’s unique natural environment. We’ll then spend the afternoon cruising along the Nile as we set sail for the city of Edfu. Kick back and unwind as we take in the passing views, enjoying a different perspective of the temples and tombs that line the riverbank. As we glide through the water, we’ll also enjoy a glimpse into the daily lives of the Nubian villages that reside on the river’s edge. Continuing our river journey south, we pass through the Esna lock - this crucial piece of infrastructure is designed to manage the Nile’s flow and allows vessels to bypass the Esna Barrage, a dam that regulates water for irrigation purposes. Constructed in the 20th century, the lock ensures continuous river navigation despite varying water levels and seasonal changes. In the evening, we’ll arrive in the port of Edfu where we’ll dock for the night. Optional Excursion Deir El Medina & Medinet Habu – Visit one of the most well-preserved ancient settlements in Egypt and the Mortuary Temple of Ramses ll. 3 hours – minimum 4 participants required – from $105pp US, including Nobles Tombs; from $160pp US, including Nefertari’s Tomb (subject to open times). Cash Only
Day 11 - Nile Cruise
Located on the west bank of the Nile River between Esna and Aswan, you will find the small city of Edfu. This Egyptian city has a population of approximately sixty thousand people. It is famous for the Temple of Horus, dedicated to the Falcon God, the main attraction which we’ll visit this morning by bus transfer. This beautiful sandstone temple is one of the best-preserved in Egypt and the second largest after Karnak Temple. Towering at 36m high, it is one of the few ancient buildings with its roof still intact. We’ll then cruise to the riverside Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus. The temple is unusual in nature as it is in fact a ‘double’ temple, meaning that the complex honours two gods, and remnants of Sobek’s crocodiles and Horus’ falcons can be seen throughout their respective sides. Resting on a bend overlooking the Nile, the structure is perfectly symmetrical along its main, central axis. Departing Kom Ombo in the early evening, we continue on to Aswan. Tonight, we’ll have the opportunity to experience a traditional (and fun!) Galabeya party on board, dressing in festive garments, and enjoying music and dancing.
Day 12 - Nile Cruise
Although it’s an early start this morning, we’ll be rewarded with one of the most famous sights in Egypt, as we cross the expansive desert to Abu Simbel. Our destination is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed twin temples of Abu Simbel, carved into a sandstone cliff in the Nubian desert. The temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC, as a monument to himself and his queen, Nefertari. The Great Temple of King Rameses II dominates the site with its four, 20-metre-tall, seated statues of the king. Renowned as ruling during one of the most prosperous and powerful eras in ancient Egyptian history, the walls of the main halls are decorated with scenes of Rameses II’s military campaigns. We will spend a few hours exploring the temples before returning to our Nile cruise ship. In the afternoon, we’ll relax on board a traditional felucca sailboat, a small wooden boat that has sailed the Nile for centuries. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere, observing life along the banks of the river as our boat takes advantage of the gentle winds and currents. Optional Excursion Sound & Light Show Philae - Experience the Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple at night as you walk through ancient courtyards illuminated by vivid lights and echoes of powerful narration. Let the dramatic storytelling and visual effects transport you back in time to uncover the secrets, legends and legacy of one of Egypt’s most enchanting temples. 1.5 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.
Day 13 - Nile Cruise – Aswan
Today, we disembark the Nile cruise ship and bid farewell to the amazing crew. Our day will then be spent exploring the incredible sights of Aswan. Our first stop is the enchanting Philae Temple, a temple that was relocated to Agilkia Island to save it from rising waters during the High Dam’s construction. Dedicated to Isis, the goddess of magic, the complex is a seamless blend of ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman architectural styles. Here, we’ll marvel at the majestic colonnades and intricate reliefs. Special Experience Explore the fascinating Nubian Museum, before navigating the waterways of the Nile to a Nubian village, visiting the local market and a Nubian family in their home. Dotted along the Nile River, you’ll find traditional Nubian villages that feature bright and colourful mud-brick homes. Known for their rich history and traditions, Nubian history can be traced back thousands of years. Renowned for their unique language, vibrant music and colourful crafts, preserving a distinctive cultural identity, we’ll experience the atmosphere of a local market before being welcomed into the home of a Nubian family. Later, we’ll return to our hotel where the evening is at leisure.
Day 14 - Aswan – Cairo
After breakfast this morning, we’ll transfer to Aswan airport for our flight back to Cairo. On arrival, we’ll enjoy some free time in the city for lunch before boarding the coach for a drive out to the Pyramids of Dashkur. This ancient necropolis was used as funerary grounds beginning in the time of the Fourth Dynasty, where King Senefru built two of his three pyramids: the ‘Bent’ pyramid, named for the angle of the sides, and the ‘Red Pyramid’, named for the red limestone used in its construction. We then journey to the incredible Step Pyramid of Sakkara, also known as the Pyramid of Djoser. Believed to have been designed by the famous vizier of King Zoser, Imhotep, the pyramid is made up of six structures stacked on top of each other, forming its distinctive ‘stepped’ appearance. Considered the world’s earliest stone monument, the complex is revered as one of Egypt’s most significant structures due to the construction method serving as inspiration for later architectural accomplishments. This evening, we’ll check into our hotel before farewelling the spectacular sights of Egypt over a flavourful dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Day 15 - Depart Cairo
Today marks the completion of our Egyptian adventure as we depart Cairo and begin our journey home. We hope you carry the magic of vibrant bazaars and ancient mysteries with you for years to come!
Day 16 - Arrive Australia
Day 16 - Arrive Australia
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Bunnik Tours

With over 25 years experience and a multitude of industry awards, Bunnik Tours' overarching aim remains simple: to provide a better way for travellers to see the world. We do this by creating a series of unique holiday experiences: - Small group tours of no more than 20 passengers, specifically designed to capture the essence of the places we visit. Tours that provide the perfect balance between organised sightseeing and free time for independent discovery. Holidays that visit the famous attractions but also wander off the usual tourist trail. Complete and stress-free tour packages with accommodation, guides, tipping, and meals included (and much more!). Independent travel packages are a flexible way to visit one or more destinations. They can also be added onto our small group tours for a unique experience! A strong belief in responsible travel and sustainable tourism. We have always been a family of travellers at heart, exploring the world around us with equal parts wonder, good humour and curiosity. As a family business we understand that our family's name and reputation is at stake every time we sell a holiday. We take your trust very seriously and look forward to the day when we can help you explore the world. Dennis Bunnik is the chair of the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) and we are actively involved in helping to improve the overall professionalism of the travel industry. Discover our passion for this incredible planet and its inhabitants, and experience your tour the ‘Bunnik Way’! - Dennis, Marion & Sacha Bunnik

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Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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