Excursion Mid voyage land adventure: luxor deluxe tour at Safaga

Cruise line: Silversea
Difficulty:

Experience the famous Karnak Temple and the remote Valley of the Kings, where ancient Egypt's illustrious rulers found their final resting place. Venture off the beaten path and explore sites the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut perched at the head of a valley overshadowed by the peak of the Thebes, and the Colossi of Memnon.

01MIDSAF-D Luxor Deluxe

Duration: 2 Days/ 1 Night

Departs from: Safaga

Re-join ship: Safaga

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Advance booking through Silversea Reservations is required no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. A cancellation fee of 100% of the program fare, per person, applies for cancellations made 90 days or less before the initial sailing date. Payment in full is due at the time of your final cruise payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.

This Land Adventure is a small group luxury tour, providing bespoke cultural and sightseeing experiences. Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and early booking is recommended. A minimum number of participants is required for the program to run as described. If the minimum is not met, Silversea reserves the right to either adjust the program at an increased rate for private arrangements or cancel your departure for a refund.

All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 120 days of sailing, except in cases of cancellation by Silversea. Our family-friendly land programs require adult accompaniment for guests under 18.

Please note that all Land Adventures are operated by independent contractors, and Silversea assumes no responsibility for their services. While we strive to ensure your land program runs as described, our local operators reserve the right to modify the tour sequence, sites visited, and venues due to operational reasons.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Egypt. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is Egyptian Pound; however Euros and US dollars are well-accepted by most vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited. (There is no shopping stop planned during the program.)

DAY ONE - Safaga / Luxor

From the Port of Safaga, a 3.5-hour journey takes you to Luxor via the Eastern Desert and the Nile valley.

Upon arrival, lunch will be served.

After lunch, you will start your exploration adventure by visiting the Karnak temple. This grand temple was built, enlarged and decorated over a period of nearly 1,500 years. It was the most important sanctuary of the cult that worshipped the sun god Ra-Amun. The entrance and main axis are lined by ram-headed sphinxes leading to the first Pylon and into the Great Court. This is the largest single area of the Karnak temple, highlighted by 134 huge columns. Your visit will cover the most important parts of this magnificent temple complex.

Following the Karnak temple, you will be visiting the Luxor temple, located in the centre of Luxor town. The grandeur of this temple and its excellent state of preservation never fail to amaze visitors. The original temple was built on the site of an older sanctuary. Over the centuries, various rulers made additions and Ramses II added a statue of himself and two obelisks; one of them stands today in Paris.

After visiting Luxor temple, proceed to your hotel for check in.

Afternoon tea will be served and you may spend the remaining afternoon at leisure or shopping with your guide.

In the evening enjoy the visit of Luxor Museum.

This marvelous museum overlooks the west bank of the Nile River and has an amazing collection of ancient artifacts. Displays range from magnificent pharaonic art to items used in everyday life, such as pottery and jewelry, including a carefully selected assortment of items from the Theban temples and necropolis.

Following the visit, dinner will be served at your hotel.

Overnight at Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa – Luxor.

DAY TWO - Luxor /Safaga

Optional: An early morning hot-air balloon ride over Luxor ($200 per person) can be booked and paid for directly at the balloon company's desk in the hotel lobby (subject to availability and wind conditions). A balloon representative will be available at the hotel reception from 6pm to 6:30pm on the night before (day 1 of your trip) for guests who wish to participate.

Pick up time is usually around 4:30am to 5:00am with an expected return to your hotel at 7:30am.

We suggested for those who are interested to join the tour to advise Shore excursions on board.

After breakfast depart your hotel toward the West bank of Luxor.

Your first visit will be the Valley of the Kings.

In this remote area lies the Necropolis of ancient Thebes where the tombs of the great Pharaohs were cleverly concealed deep inside the barren cliffs.

From the coach parking area, it is about a 15-minute walk to the site of the tombs, or you can ride a miniature tram.

Your visit to the Valley of the Kings will be truly special, as you will explore the tomb of Seti I. This tomb features some of the most beautiful paintings in the valley and is considered the longest tomb, measuring 137 meters (approximately 450 feet). After visiting the tomb of Seti I, you will have the opportunity to see the famous tomb of King Tutankhamun, where you can view the real mummies of King Tut. If time allows, you may also take a quick look at one or two additional tombs in the area.

Leaving the Valley of the Kings, a short drive will take you to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s finest and most striking monuments. This extraordinary structure, dedicated to Egypt’s only female pharaoh, rises majestically from the desert plain in a series of terraces, backed by an impressive mountain range.

Before leaving the west bank of Luxor, a photo stop will be made at the Colossi of Memnon. These two giant statues tower above an empty field and are all that remains of the Temple of Amenhotep III.

Embark your Dahabeya Nile boat where lunch will be served while cruising toward the East bank of Luxor back to your hotel.

Check out, embark your coach and commence the return journey to Safaga.

Please note: The tour sequence may vary. All sites require extensive walking. At the Valley of the Kings, entering the tombs involves navigating sloping pathways and a flight of steps. Guides are only permitted to provide commentary outside the tombs. Guests are advised to wear lightweight clothing and comfortable, rubber-soled walking shoes. Remember to carry sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a sweater for the evening, and your camera.

Program Includes:

One-night stay at Hilton Luxor hotel

One breakfast, one lunch and one dinner (meals include two drinks, with a choice of local beer, wine, soft drink, coffee or tea)

All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Hot air ballooning, any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.