Treasures of The Nile

• Return international flights with one of our oneworld or codeshare partners (economy class) ex SYD/MEL/*BNE/*ADL/*PER/*AKL
• Return internal flight in Egypt: Cairo to Aswan/Luxor to Cairo

• 3 night 5-star Nile Cruise aboard the MS Blue Shadow
• Admire the changing view in a Deluxe Outside Cabin

• 6 nights 5-star luxurious hotel accommodation on tour

• Enjoy 15 meals including all meals while cruising

• English-speaking Egyptologist Tour Leader and Guide
• Airline taxes and surcharges
• Entrance fees as per itinerary
• One water bottle during sightseeing only

• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicles

• Return airport and cruise port transfers

Today depart for Cairo, Egypt.

Please note: due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 2 and arrive on day 2 . Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation which you will receive prior to departure.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be met by a representative at the airport and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight: Concorde el Salam or similar, Cairo

Meals included: None

After breakfast, join your Egyptologist guide for a visit to the enigmatic Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza. At 500 feet high and 750 feet wide at its base, the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), the only survivor of the Seven Great Wonders of the ancient world, it is a breathtaking structure built from enormous stone blocks with a white limestone covering. Along with the smaller pyramids, the sight of these huge structures is unforgettable.

Next, visit the pyramid of Chephren. The best preserved of the three main Giza Pyramids, the top part still retains the original facing of smoothly-finished stone, giving an idea of how the pyramids would originally have appeared. Beside the pyramid of Chephren, you will see the Great Sphinx, carved out of a natural rocky outcrop. The lion's body stretches 45 metres. Afterwards continue to the pyramid of Mycerinus, the smallest of the three pyramids and partly dressed with pink granite slabs.

Following the tour of the pyramids, you will visit Memphis, one of the most important cities in Egypt. From the 3rd millennium BC, this 'City of the Dead’ was the capital of ancient Egypt when King Menes unified upper and lower Egypt. Then continue visiting the Pyramids of king Zoser in Saqqara. It was the first real pyramid to be constructed in ancient Egypt; it is the most ancient surviving monument and the oldest stone building in history.

Overnight: Concorde El Salam or similar, Cairo

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning enjoy a guided tour of the famous Egyptian Museum in Cairo. It's the richest museum of Egyptian antiquities in the whole world, it contains pharaonic treasures from over 5,000 years ago. The building is rectangular with a large rotunda on the ground floor containing massive exhibits including colossal statues of Ramses II and the gold and alabaster trappings from the tomb of Tutankhamun.

Afterwards proceed to visit the massive medieval Salah El-din citadel, a medieval Islamic-era fortification in Cairo against the Crusaders. Explore this ancient fortress and marvel at its brilliant domed ceilings, suspended lights, and commanding views of Cairo. The citadel houses the Alabaster mosque of Muhammad Ali.

Afterwards, drive to Old Cairo and visit the Coptic Cairo, a part of Old Cairo which encompasses the Babylon Fortress, the Hanging Church, The Greek Church of St. George and many other Coptic churches and historical sites. It is believed in the Christian tradition that the Holy Family visited this area and stayed at the site of Saints Sergius Church (Abu Serga). Enjoy the evening free at leisure.

Overnight: Concorde El Salam or similar, Cairo

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning check out and be transferred to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the "Aswan High Dam”, an embankment dam built across the Nile in Aswan, between 1960 and 1970.

Later visit the beautiful Temple of Philae, dedicated to the worship of the Goddess of Love, the Goddess Isis. Take a short motorboat ride to visit the majestic Philae Temple on Philae Island. Philae Island is a rocky island in the middle of the River Nile and the Temple was an ancient pilgrimage centre for the cult of Isis. This sacred site was revered from the Pharaonic era up to the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

Afterwards, transfer to the ship to begin the three night 5-star cruise along the beautiful Nile River. Lunch will be enjoyed onboard. In the afternoon (if weather permitting) enjoy a sailing cruise around Elephantine Island aboard a traditional wooden Felucca sailing boat. Once back on board, enjoy a traditional dinner.

Overnight: MS Blue Shadow ship or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast relax on board or join an optional tour to Abu Simbel, the two famous massive rock temples on the western bank of Lake Nasser. Here, travellers may recognise the four colossus statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple. This outstanding archaeological area contains monuments such as the Temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel and the Sanctuary of Isis at Philae, which were saved from the rising waters of the Nile thanks to an international campaign launched by UNESCO.

Once back onboard enjoy lunch while your ship sails to Kom Ombo. Visit the Temples of the Gods Sobek and Haroeris dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek, and the falcon-headed god Horus. Back to the cruise, and sail to Edfu.

Overnight: MS Blue Shadow ship or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast, join the tour guide for a visit to the extraordinary Temple of Horus at Edfu, travelling by horse carriage. The Temple of Horus was the 'home' and cultural centre of the falcon god Horus of Behdet (the ancient name for Edfu).

Return onboard sail pass by Esna city and sail to Luxor. Lunch on board. Transfer to East bank of Luxor to visit the amazing Abu Hagag Mosque, Luxor Temple and the biggest temple in the world Karnak Temple, dedicated to the worship of Almighty God of the New Empire "god Amun."

Overnight: MS Blue Shadow ship or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast disembark and be transferred to the West Bank of Luxor for touring the Valley of the Kings, known as the ‘Gateway to the Afterlife’. The ancient Egyptians built impressive tombs for their pharaohs, of which the most famous can be found in the Valley of the Kings. Rising out of the desert plain in a series of terraces you will also see the Temple of Hatshepsut - often referred to as the Pharaoh Queen. On the way back to the river Nile, the road passes by the famed Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

Overnight: Hotel Sonesta Luxor or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today discover the ancient sites of Dendera complex to visit the Temple of Hathor, goddess of love and joy. The temple is located in Dendera which is situated at the north of Luxor. Afterwards visit the Great Temple of Abydos, one of the main historical sites in Abydos. It was a necropolis for Egypt's earliest kings and later became a pilgrimage centre for the worship of the god Osiris.

In the afternoon transfer to Luxor for your overnight.

Overnight: Hotel Sonesta or similar, Luxor

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast you will be transferred to Luxor airport for your flight back to Cairo.

At your arrival be transferred to your Hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day a day at leisure in the Egyptian capital city set on the Nile River.

This mega city's constant buzz and noise is a product of its 22-or-so million inhabitants. Tap into the energy of the place Egyptians call Umm Ad Dunya – the Mother of the World.

Overnight: Concorde El Salam or similar, Cairo

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time be transferred to the airport for the return flight back to Australia or New Zealand.

Please note: If your flight departs early, breakfast will be arranged for pick up from the hotel reception the night before.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: some flights may arrive +1 day later.

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. The Passenger Information Form must be completed within 72 hours of purchase.
 
Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.
 
On purchasing this Travel Offer you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions, in addition to the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 
 

Qantas Tours packages are non-refundable. If your Qantas Tour package is affected by Covid-19 related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other Qantas Tour or package available via the TripADeal website. 
Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.
We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.
Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 
 

Travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 20th November 2023.
 
This travel offer is priced for one person based on twin share. 
 
Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $650 applies. 
  
Departure Dates
May: 22
June: 5*
July: 24*
August: 7
September: 4*
October: 16, 30
November: 6, 20*
 
Surcharges
Please note: 
dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $300 per person.
 
Departure Cities
Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Perth or *Auckland
  
Departure City Surcharges
*Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Perth: $200 per person
*Auckland: $650 per person
  

Full Service Airline(s) Used
Qatar Airways, Emirates and oneworld or codeshare partners (subject to availability).
Please note: Qantas Tours cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 
   
Arrive early in Cairo, Egypt
$300 per person, subject to availability
Please note: 
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• Arrivals before your selected departure date can only be booked up to one month before check-out. Should you wish to arrive earlier, please contact Qantas Tours to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
30/03/2023 - 20/04/2023
16/06/2023 - 10/08/2023
10/09/2023 - 10/10/2023
20/11/2023 - 30/01/2024
 
Stay behind in Cairo, Egypt
$300 per person, subject to availability
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact Qantas Tours to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
15/12/2022 - 30/01/2023
30/03/2023 - 20/04/2023
16/06/2023 - 10/08/2023
10/09/2023 - 10/10/2023
20/11/2023 - 30/01/2024
  
Stopover Packages
Twin share: $1000 per person/one way
Solo Traveller: $2000 one way
 
Locations:
* Doha
* Dubai
   
Includes:
- 2 nights in 4 star accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Return airport transfers 
Please note: 
- A pre and post-tour stopover may be chosen; however, the stopover location must be the same each way, due to the airline used.
- Stopover packages are subject to availability.
- Stopovers are not permitted during and including the following dates:
30 March 2023 - 28 April 2023
16 June 2023 - 10 August 2023
10 September 2023 - 10 October 2023
20 November 2023 - 30 January 2024
 
Flight Class Upgrades
• Business Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note:
• Flight upgrades are subject to availability (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed; subject to aircraft configuration.
 
Domestic Flight info:
Baggage allowance: 1 x 23kg bag + 1 x carry-on bag 7kg
  

Cabins
All cabins are subject to availability; some cabins may have restricted views.
 
About The Ship - MS Blue Shadow
Nile Cruisers sail between Aswan and Luxor, a distance of 220 kilometres, the vessel sails through the pages of history.
 
MS Blue Shadow is a brand new, 5-star luxury Nile Cruises. 
 
They consist of 54 Deluxe Outside Cabins and 3 Suites. All are modernly designed with all facilities of international deluxe hotels.
 
Onboard you will enjoy a stylish interior with excellent facilities. Enjoy freshly prepared traditional cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere in the elegant restaurant. Guests can select from the varied buffets of seafood, local and international cuisine. Relax by the pool on the large sun deck or enjoy a drink by the bar. With well-appointed fully equipped cabins and suites and first class service from friendly staff, all make for a special cruising experience for guests.
 
Cabin Facilities
Fully air-conditioned cabins (individually controlled)
Marine satellite TV reception closed circuit video
LCD Television in all cabins
Cabins are equipped with private W/C, shower and hair dryer
Sound System, safety box & Mini bar in all cabins

Accommodation Used
5 Star (self-rated)
- Cairo: Concorde El Salam or similar
- Luxor: Sonesta Hotel Luxor or similar
 
5 Star (self-rated)
- Nile Cruise: MS Blue Shadow or similar
Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type, and are subject to availability based on seasonality. Properties will be confirmed, no later than two weeks prior to travel.
 
Extra Nights
Not available at check-out. 
Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights accommodation pre or post tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 6 weeks prior to departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour. 
 
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.
 
Child Policy
- No child discounts. Full price applies for all children travelling with their parents.
- Valid for Children 12 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors allowed.
 
Triple Share
Not Available
 
Bedding Configuration
Twin or Double bedding (subject to availability).
 
Adjoining / Interconnecting Rooms
Subject to availability and at the hotels discretion. Please enquire on booking if you require this option.

Minimum group size 16, maximum group size 26 per vehicle.
 
Optional Tours / Activities
Day 6: Abu Simbel by bus $110 per person (Includes coach, guide & entrance fees)
Please note:
- The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone prior to submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability).
- Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.
Shore excursions can be booked whilst onboard (subject to availability).
 

- Visa fees and requirements (A visa is a strict requirement if travelling on an Australian passport)
- Meals/beverages not stated in the itinerary (including any specialty restaurants onboard cruise)
- Gratuities/tipping are at the customer's discretion. The recommended tip is $10 USD per person, per day for guide, ship crew, and drivers
- Optional activities/tours (including any 'onshore' excursions as part of cruise)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (Mandatory)
Please note: A comprehensive travel Insurance policy must be organised BEFORE all details can be finalised.

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide: 
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction in which he or she is guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves the group at the end of the tour, they do not travel with the group. 
 
Tour Leader: 
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides in each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village, and offer information on the place visited on the bus, however, they are not required to have specific knowledge on art, architecture, or history. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and if caught doing so, can be fined. 
Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when particularly required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 
 
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
February/March/May:
- February is usually the second-coldest month of the year with only slightly higher temperatures than January, but it is generally warm by day, with an average daytime maximum temperature of 22°C, while on average the temperature falls to 14°C at night.
 - March, as Spring gets underway the temperatures rise, but the day-to-day weather is rarely excessively hot. The daytime temperature typically reaches a high of 25°C around mid-March, though the average is a degree or two higher than that towards the end of the month.
 - In May, the tourist season is in full swing in Cairo and the weather is already very warm. The average temperature reaches a high of 32°C during the day and at night only dips to a low of around 18°C.
 
June/July/August:
The hot summer weather intensifies further in June and July, with an average daytime maximum temperature of 37°C, and an average minimum temperature of 22°C. Temperatures rarely fluctuate by more than a few degrees either side of the long-term average. You can expect no rain during this month and there are 13 hours of sunlight each day on average.
 
September/October:
Temperatures begin to cool off a little during September though the daily weather is still hot. The daytime temperature reaches an average maximum of 35°C, and the temperature falls to an average minimum between 26 and 27°C overnight. October is slightly cooler than preceding months but remains hot. The average temperature still reaches a high of 30°C during the day and dips no lower than 18°C at night.
 
November/December:
From November onwards, Egypt offers hot and sunny days which stay very dry. The average daily temperature during this month in Cairo is 20°C. This can reach highs of 25°C or drop to lows of 14°C. The average daily temperature during December in Cairo is 15°C. This can reach highs of 20°C or drop to lows of 10°C.
 
FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:
We do not arrange seat selection for you. It is important to highlight that some Airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the Airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.
 
Passport Validity:
Customers are required to provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days prior to the departure date. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the booking. In this instance, customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred.
  
COACH TOUR
Meals:
Daily breakfast is included in the tour, for all other meals; lunches and dinners the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify Qantas Tours of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.
 
Luggage:
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on the tour. With regards to luggage, you must carry your own luggage from the coach to the hotel room and back to the coach. The driver will assist with the uploading and off-loading of the luggage from the coach.
 
OTHER
Fitness Level Required:
A general level of fitness will be required.
 
Mobility:
If you would love to travel with Qantas Tours and require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.
 
Gratuities / Tipping:
Land
- Gratuities (tips) are not included in the tour price for services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is $10 USD per person per day this covers the guide/leader, ship crew and the driver, which will be collected whilst on tour. 
- Tipping for all services provided on tour is always a matter of personal discretion, however please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and they may approach you for payment and there is no need to be intimidated by the request.
 
Sightseeing:
Please note: In the event entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary where possible, will be adjusted or similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).
 
Shopping: (International)
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all of your receipts. 
 
Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.
 
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions in regards to shopping for further information.

A tourist visa is a strict requirement when travelling to Egypt on an Australian passport. The tourist visas’ are available for purchase upon arrival. 
 
Important: 
Visa rules may have changed since COVID-19. Check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Please note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required. It is also important to note, some areas of employment such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may in turn affect the type of application required.

Voluntary Changes
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
• Changes - $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
   
Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Supplier Fees
In the event the Qantas Tour you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Qantas Tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.