About your itinerary
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Don't forget that if something isn't quite right we can make changes to the itinerary.
Hi Al & Luis,
I am so happy you are looking to book another fabulous trip with Outofoffice.com.
I wanted to send you a little bit of inspiration for a very exciting trip to Egypt, fall is the perfect time to visit and It truly is a place that holds countless wonders to see and experience.
From the bustling heart of Egypt's capital Cairo to riverside Aswan and your incredible 5* Nile River Cruise, this itinerary allows you to experience the highlights of Egypt in a fun and inclusive environment. This magical destination of ancient temples, majestic desert dunes, and, beautiful riverside greenery await you on this fantastic 10-day trip.
Of course, this is our Gay Group trip where you will have a chance to explore the ancient wonders with up to 16 other like-minded LGBT travelers. Otherwise, we can look at curating a tailor-made itinerary for you both to experience Egypt.
Really excited to hear back from you and hopefully get another adventure with Out Of Office in the diary.
Best wishes,
Matt Walters 
Your Itinerary In Detail
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This itinerary has been tailor-made for you. No two itineraries are the same and we are always able to make changes if something isn't quite right.
Tuesday 24th October 2023
Welcome to Egypt
Welcome to Egypt
The mighty Nile and magnificent monuments entice many to Egypt while the beguiling desert and lush delta wow visitors. Add in the country's long and lingering past and culture full of stories, it is a traveler's dream.
With sand-covered tombs, austere pyramids and towering Pharaonic temples, Egypt brings out the student in all of us. Visit the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, where Tutankhamun’s tomb was unearthed, and see the glittering finds in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Hop off a Nile boat to visit Dendara, Edfu or one of the other waterside temples, cross Lake Nasser to see Ramses II’s masterpiece at Abu Simbel, or trek into the desert to find the traces of Roman trading outposts. You never know – your donkey might stumble across yet another find, for that is the way many previous discoveries were made.
Egypt once ruled an empire from Al Qahira – Cairo, the City Victorious. The metropolis is packed with soaring minarets and medieval schools and mosques, some of the greatest architecture of medieval Islam. At the same time, Egypt’s native Christians, the Copts, have carried on their traditions that in many respects – such as the church’s liturgical language and the traditional calendar – link back to the time of the pharaohs. Tap into the history in Cairo's early churches and in remote desert monasteries.
That empty beach with nothing but a candlelit cabin, and a teeming coral reef offshore: they’re waiting for you in Egypt. The coast along the Red Sea has a rugged desert beauty above the waterline and a psychedelic vibrancy below – rewarding to explore on a multiday outing to one of the globe’s great dives or on an afternoon’s snorkelling jaunt along a coral wall. There is even more space and just as much beauty in Egypt’s vast deserts. Whether you’re watching the sun rise between the beautiful shapes of the White Desert or the shimmering horizon from the comfort of a hot spring in Siwa Oasis, Egypt’s landscapes are endlessly fascinating.
The old saying that Egypt is the gift of the Nile still rings true: without the river there would be no fertile land, no food and a lot less electricity. Although people's lives are increasingly physically detached from the water, the Nile still exerts a uniquely powerful role.
Private Transfer from CAI to Intercontinental
Private Transfer from CAI to Intercontinental
Upon arrival at Cairo Airport, you will be met by an Out Of Office representative and privately transferred to the Intercontinental Semiramis, ready to meet your group in the late afternoon.
Your Gay Group Trip
Your Gay Group Trip
Today is the first day of the group trip, and you'll meet your fellow travellers at 4pm in the hotel lobby.
As far back as our memories go, we can all remember being amazed by the stories of ancient Egypt, the cradle of civilization. The mystery of how the pyramids were built, the unbelievable cache of treasures buried deep in tombs, the strange ritual of mummification, the art of hieroglyphics, and the wonder surrounding this unique civilization that existed 4500 years ago. There are few places on earth that so tightly grip our imagination and curiosity and it's all the more powerful when finally standing at the foot of the Great Pyramids of Giza, or exploring underground tombs in the Valley of the Kings surrounded by hieroglyphics, or placing your own hand on the massive pillars of the Karnak Temple in Luxor. The pages of our history books come to life right in front of us for 10 days that can only be called epic.
This particular trip includes upgraded 5-star accommodation throughout, some more structure to each day, more inclusions, and a smaller maximum group size of 12, all in an effort to provide maximum comfort and safety in this unique part of the world.
Days 1 & 2 - Cairo
Days 1 & 2 - Cairo
There's no better way to start an Egyptian trip off than at the doorstep of the iconic Pyramids of Giza You'll be met at the airport and transferred to our home in Cairo for three nights in the most epic spot imaginable, looking right at the awe-inspiring pyramids across the street. Our accommodation here is our very comfortable base in which to get some deserved R&R after exploring the highlights of this region.
On day 1 we'll all meet at 4:00pm where we'll introduce each other, including our local Egyptian guide and your Detours trip leader who will be there to answer questions and prepare you for the coming days of adventure and exploring together.
On day 2 we'll explore the entire site of the Pyramids of Giza on a private guided tour including the huge Sphinx, a visit inside an ancient tomb, a panoramic photo stop, and of course we'll get right up next to the captivating pyramids themselves. In the afternoon we'll head to one of the world's great museums, the Egyptian Museum, where you'll find yourself face-to-face with ancient mummies and impressive antiquities to give you all the background of ancient Egyptian society, up close. This is one of those days you'll remember forever.
Intercontinental Semiramis for 2 nights
Intercontinental Semiramis for 2 nights
Standing on the site of the historic Semiramis hotel, this is modern luxury on the River Nile. Featuring a rooftop pool, fine dining with exquisite cuisine for every taste, and a state of the art Spa, with the Nile Terrace offering stunning views of the sunset over the Nile. Located in the heart of the city centre, next to the Egyptian Museum and bazaars of old Cairo.
Plus 1 night prior your group trip.
Your room: Private Room
Thursday 26th October 2023
Day 3 - Aswan
Day 3 - Aswan
On the 3rd day we'll head to the airport together and jump on a short 45 minute flight down to Aswan, on the bank of the mighty Nile River and considered the source of life for thousands of years of Egyptian civilization. This part of country is full of endless incredible sites to experience. After our flight we'll jump on a boat to visit the beautiful Temple of Isis (the Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom) located on Philae Island. It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings – definitely one of the real gems of Upper Egypt.
In the evening we'll be treated to the warm hospitality and local cuisine of the local Nubian people with a dinner prepared for us in a local Nubian village.
Movenpick Resort for 1 night
Movenpick Resort for 1 nights
Movenpick Resort Aswan enjoys a spectacular view over the river Nile from the unique location of Elephantine Island. The hotel is within walking distance of numerous local historical attractions as well as Aswan railway station. Enjoy 360-degree views overlooking the Nile from the top floor Panorama Restaurant & Bar, serving international and local cuisine. There is also a spacious swimming pool from where you can enjoy brilliant views of the Nile River.
Your room: Private Room
Friday 27th October 2023
Days 4, 5 & 6 - Nile Cruise
Days 4, 5 & 6 - Nile Cruise
There's no better way to experience this beautiful region than by casually cruising down the Nile River on an impressive ship with all the amenities of an upscale hotel. On our 6th day we'll board our floating home for 3 nights, where we can enjoy watching the daily life on the banks of the Nile from the comfort of our guest room, or the rooftop sundeck, the pool or the bar. It's a fantastic way to enjoy constantly changing scenery, while also having plenty of opportunities to jump off to explore impressive sites along the way.
We'll jump off our ship several times over the course of our few days for the following experiences:
- A ride on a traditional wooden felucca boat and a climb on the towering sand dunes on the east side of the river.
- A visit to the Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to the Gods Horus and Sobek and built around 181 BC, picturesquely ruined on the river's edge, providing an interesting insight into the Greco-Roman period.
- A visit to Edfu temple, considered the best-preserved temple in Egypt, dating back to 237-57BC. Note that the only means to visit this temple is by horse drawn carriage.
Our cruising trip ends with what many will consider the highlight of it all – the Valley of the Kings and Luxor. We'll go underground in the Valley of the Kings to explore royal tombs and learn about the vibrant hieroglyphics that surround us in each one. We'll explore the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, who was the most famous queen of Egypt and ruled for the longest period. And we'll stand at the feet of the 56-ft tall statues of the Colossi of Memenon, used to flank the entrance of the funerary temple of king Amenhotep the 3rd the grand father of Tutankhamen.
M/S Royal Lotus for 3 nights
M/S Royal Lotus for 3 nights
With just 60 cabins, the 5-star Royal Lotus is one of the smaller, more intimate of the Nile ship options. With a beautiful rooftop pool, great on-board restaurant, and all the amenities you'd expect from a hotel room on land. All-in-all a very upscale and comfortable way to enjoy a cruise down the Nile River.
Your room: Private Room
Monday 30th October 2023
Days 7 and 8 - Luxor / Cairo
Days 7 and 8 - Luxor / Cairo
On the morning of our 7th day we'll wander around in awe at Karnak, one of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, built over a period of some 2000 years, some of it dating back to 2,055 BC – that's over 4000 years ago! After over a week of fascinating history and impressive sites right in front of us this time in Luxor at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and more is an incredible place to end before we jump on our flight back to Cairo for our final night together.
We'll jet back to Cairo on a 45-minute flight, then stay in downtown Cairo for the remaining nights of the trip, right on the bank of the Nile in one of the most vibrant areas of the city. Our 8th day in the city introduces some of the flexibility our travelers expect with a day of options. Maybe you'd like to check out the ancient city of Memphis, or visit a traditional souk, or experience the Islamic sites of Cairo, or see the pyramid of Djoser or give yourself some time for a poolside drink in the sun. This is a day to experience something that specifically interests you, before we are welcomed into the home of a local family for a delicious lunch or dinner all together.
Intercontinental Semiramis for 3 nights
Intercontinental Semiramis for 3 nights
Standing on the site of the historic Semiramis hotel, this is modern luxury on the River Nile. Featuring a rooftop pool, fine dining with exquisite cuisine for every taste, and a state of the art Spa, with the Nile Terrace offering stunning views of the sunset over the Nile.
Located in the heart of the city centre, next to the Egyptian Museum and bazaars of old Cairo.
Wednesday 1st November 2023
Day 9 - Cairo Highlights
Day 9 - Cairo Highlights
Cairo is packed full with amazing sites to experience and this day is spent exploring the best of them together. These include the Egyptian Museum of Civilization, which holds the mummies of 18 kings and 2 queens and is the first museum in the Arab world dedicated to all the historical periods and their impact on the area.
From there, we'll ascend to the Citadel of Saladin built in 1176 to protect the city from the Crusaders invasion. Perched above the city, this makes for a great viewpoint in addition to its historical significance and architectural beauty.
The last stop of the day is the eclectic souks of the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, which is an essential Egyptian experience. You'll have plenty of time to lose yourself in the colours and aromas of this fascinating marketplace, one of the worlds’ oldest. We’ll learn how various vendors prepare popular food, explore the Al Attarin spice and El Sagha gold markets, and take a break for tea at the iconic Feshawi Café.
Thursday 2nd November 2023
Private Transfer from Intercontinental to CAI
Private Transfer from Intercontinental to CAI
Today you'll be privately transferred back to Cairo Airport, in time for your return journey to the UK.
What's Included
Your itinerary includes
- International flights with Qatar
- Checked baggage throughout
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to hotel
- 1 additional night in Cairo before meeting the group
- — All land transportation within Egypt
- — Accommodations for your 10-day trip
- — 2 domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan/Luxor and Aswan/Luxor to Cairo
- — 3-night Nile River Cruise
- — Guided visits and entrance fees at Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Edfu Temple, Karnak Temple, Alexandria Library, Temple of Isis, Kom Ombo Temple, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
- — Entrance to 3 tombs in the Valley of the Kings
- — Daily breakfast, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
- — Local Egyptian guide throughout
- Private transfer from hotel to Cairo Airport
- 24/7 emergency concierge service
Your itinerary excludes
- Lunches and dinners to be paid locally
- Travel insurance
- Visas (if applicable)
- Gratuities
Important Information
Travel Advice
It is important to seek independent and up-to-date advice when travelling to any foreign country. Many of our customers ask us to keep them up-to-date on the existing legal position regarding LGBT rights in the country to which they are travelling. You can find up-to-date details on our website under the country which you are travelling to. They are provided as a guide only and laws can change frequently. You should seek advice from the relevant authorities and embassies before travel (if applicable).
Travel Insurance and Terms and Conditions
It is a condition of booking with Out Of Office that you have adequate insurance cover for your trip at the time of booking. Please also ensure you have referred to our terms and conditions which can be found at www.outofoffice.com/terms-and-conditions. Please note that as each booking is tailor-made for you we only confirm the itinerary once we have received a deposit. There is a small chance that availability on some items quoted may change. If this is the case we will book similar accommodation and let you know.