We are currently experiencing high call volumes with longer than usual wait times. We appreciate your patience!
Alaska
Australia & New Zealand
Canada
Central & South America
Eastern USA
Europe, Africa & Asia
Hawaii
Southern USA
West & Mid-West USA
View All Destinations
Hosted By: Jeff Thompson
Chief Meteorologist
KOLO TV
View Biography
The culture and legendary sites of Egypt are as old as the desert sands, and the Nile River is the beating heart of this compelling country. Marvel at the Pyramids of the Giza Plateau, the iconic Great Sphinx, and other ancient engineering marvels dedicated to Egyptian gods and pharaohs. Explore Cairo, the capital of Egypt, and visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization on a city tour before flying to Luxor. Then embark on the storied route of the Nile River aboard the riverboat ms Tulip. Enjoy five-star French balcony cabins, luxurious amenities, and delicious cuisine as we travel along the lifeblood of Egypt with landmarks shrouded in myth and mystery at each river bend.
You can earn a $100 Travel Show Credit good for your next trip with Holiday Vacations by simply clicking the photo to watch the online travel show! The show is about 10 minutes long and at the end, you'll have the ability to submit your contact information and receive a travel credit which can be applied to this or any Holiday Vacations tour. Get started now!
November 30th, 2023 - December 9th, 2023
Occupancy
Price Per Person
Double
$4999
Single
$5799
Final Payment Date: 08/27/2023
Day 1 : Fly to Egypt
Day 2 : Arrive in Cairo
When you arrive in Cairo, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. Enjoy getting to know one another on our way to our comfortable 5-star accommodations.
Day 3 : Pyramids & the Great Sphinx
Today we discover some of Egypt’s most mysterious monuments with a visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza featuring the Pyramid of Khufu, the oldest and largest of the pyramids and the only surviving structure of the remaining six wonders of the ancient world. We also witness the iconic Great Sphinx of Giza dating back to the 26th century BC when the other civilization of the time was next-door Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). We drive to Memphis, once a thriving metropolis and capital of the Old Kingdom where we stop to see Sakkara, the legendary step pyramid of the Third Egyptian Dynasty.
Day 4 : Cairo Sightseeing
Set on the Nile, the longest river in the world, explore the ancient city of Cairo filled with legendary sites including the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Khan el Khalili Bazar, Old Cairo, and the Citadel of Cairo featuring the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Old Cairo is the historic part of the city that tells its origin stories. Spark the imagination when you consider how Old Cairo was once a Roman-era fortress called “Fort Babylon” and at another time, an Islamic-era settlement, both which pre-dated the founding of Cairo in 969 AD.
Day 5 : Karnak & Luxor Temples
We fly south to Luxor where we board the ms Tulip, our home for the next four nights. Cruise the Nile River which flows northward through Africa and into the Mediterranean Sea. We visit Karnak, a complex that consists of decayed pylons, temples and chapels. Karnak Temple has not only religious significance, it also served as a treasury, administrative center, and palace for the New Kingdom pharaohs and is considered the largest temple complex ever constructed anywhere in the world. Luxor Temple was built around the 14th century BC, and by the time of the Roman Empire, it was used as a fortress for the Roman government. Originally dedicated to the mother goddess of Mut, Luxor Temple has since turned into a Tetrarchy cult chapel, and then a church.
Day 6 : Valley of the Kings
Today we cross the Nile to the West Bank of Luxor into the Valley of the Kings. Marvel at the mountain-cut tombs built for the powerful pharaohs and nobles, and once filled with riches to accompany them into the afterlife. Then visit the stunning Hatshepsut Temple, a mortuary temple dedicated to the longest-ruling female of Ancient Egypt. Continuing on to Esna, we arrive at a temple dedicated to the ram-headed god of Khnum, the god of “the source” of the Nile, the river which brings all life to the sprawling Egyptian desert.
Day 7 : Edfu & Kom Ombo
A brief horse-drawn carriage ride is a delightful way to start the day, traveling to the Temple of Edfu dedicated to the falcon-headed god of Horus. One of Egypt’s most iconic deities, the Eye of Horus originates from this spirit, representing well-being, protection, and healing. Later today we cruise to the agricultural city of Kom Ombo.
Day 8 : Ptolemaic Temple & Aswan
This morning discover the Ptolemaic Temple of Kom Ombo before sailing to Aswan. Sobek is the deity we discover here, the crocodile-headed god associated with pharaonic power, military prowess, fertility, and magic to protect against the dangers of the Nile’s predator-filled waters. Coming into Aswan we see High Dam (the world’s biggest embankment dam), Old Dam, intriguing granite quarries, and the temple on Philae island, a destination that Victorian-era Brits found so fascinating that tourism was popular here by the 1800s.
Day 9 : Kitchener Island
Start the day with a cruise by felucca, a traditional Egyptian wooden boat. We sail around the botanical gardens of Kitchener Island, a garden island accessible only by felucca and filled with beautiful tropical rarities like the Sabal Palm and Royal Palm trees. Late afternoon we fly to Cairo and check into our 5-star accommodations at Le-Meridian Airport Hotel to rest up for tomorrow’s flight back home.
Day 10 : Fly Home
KOLO TV Pickup Locations:
Reno, NV - Reno-Tahoe International Airport
Jeff has forecasted weather for northern Nevada and the Sierra for more than two decades.
He got his start in Helena, Montana, and came to Reno in the fall of 2001. He has been a busy guy ever since, proudly working with and learning from legendary figures in Reno television. Along the way, Jeff earned his master’s degree in atmospheric science at the University of Nevada, worked as Assistant Nevada State Climatologist, served on the state drought committee, taught at the University, commuted to Sacramento to forecast at KCRA, and fell in love with and married Miss Nevada.
Jeff holds the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation from the American Meteorological Society and has the National Weather Association Seal of Approval.
Jeff and his wife have four children and two dogs.
Join Jeff and KOLO viewers on this exciting fabulous trip of a lifetime.
Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.
Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.