Egypt Explorer: 12 Days

Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and escorted to your downtown Cairo hotel. Check in and relax with dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant of your choice, all while enjoying stunning views of the Nile.

(Overnight: Sofitel Nile El Gezirah, Meals: none)

Experience the wonders of Pharaonic Egypt with a private tour led by your professional guide. Begin your journey at the Pyramids of Giza, the oldest and only surviving wonder of the ancient world. You’ll have time to enter the Great Pyramid, take a camel ride to the Sphinx, and visit the Boat Museum for a truly unforgettable experience.

Have lunch near the pyramids followed by an afternoon visit to the Egyptian Museum, home of countless ancient relics including King Tutankhamun’s gold. After an optional visit to the museum’s Mummy Room, enjoy a sunset sail in a traditional Felucca boat on the Nile River.

(Overnight: Sofitel Nile el Gezirah 5*, Meals: breakfast, lunch)

Delve into the fascinating history of Egypt’s Old Kingdom at the lesser-known sites of Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur.

Tour the ancient capital of Memphis, explore its open-air museum, and learn about the rich history of this once-thriving city. Discover Saqqara with the impressive Step Pyramid, Onas Pyramid, and the Noble Tombs. Head to the nearby Serapeum, an amazing underground site of burial vaults that contained sacred bulls for the Apis cult.

After lunch, visit Dahshur to see the Bent Pyramid, and the Red and Black Pyramids.

(Overnight: Sofitel Nile el Gezirah 5*, Meals: breakfast, lunch)

Today you’ll get to know the historic city of Cairo and its people, beginning with a walking tour of Coptic Cairo. This ancient part of the city brims with old-world charm, housing an array of religious monuments that tell the tale of Egypt’s Christian history. Wander through winding alleys to discover the Hanging Church and the Abu Serga Church, which contains the Holy Crypt.

Next discover Cairo’s Islamic Medieval quarter. Visit Fatha Gate and walk through Moez Street to Azhar mosque. Experience Cairo’s oriental bazaar Khan Al Khalili and try your hand at bargaining. Head to the Citadel and enjoy the history and the wonderful views of Cairo. Complete your tour with a visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, home to the awe-inspiring Royal Mummies’ Hall where you can view the mummified remains of Egypt’s ancient Kings and Queens.

(Overnight: Sofitel Nile el Gezirah 5*, Meals: breakfast, lunch)

After a 1-hour flight, explore the sites of Luxor’s West Bank including the statues of Memnon, the incredible tombs at the Valley of the Kings, and the unique Hatshepsut Temple which belonged to a famous female Pharaoh.

After a morning of remarkable sites, you will meet Egyptians for lunch at a local farm. Try your hand at making local flat bread which you will eat alongside your hosts in their home.

Say goodbye to your new Egyptian friends and head to the Pharaonic Workmen’s Village, where those who built, painted and worked on the temples and tombs lived.

(Hotel: Steigenberger Nile Palace 5*; Meals: breakfast, lunch)

This morning take an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over Luxor’s gorgeous landscape. Then visit Karnak temple, considered to be the largest temple complex ever built. Head to the nearby Luxor temple and tour the majestic site, including the Avenue of the Sphinxes.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to visit the Luxor Museum, enjoy a drink at the famous Winter Palace, or take an evening walk along the Promenade.

(Hotel: Steigenberger Nile Palace 5*; Meals: breakfast)

This morning enjoy free time at your hotel in Luxor. Then transfer to your Dahabiya sailboat in time for lunch as you set sail for El Hegz Island. Once in El Hegz, you will go on a walking tour in the village, taking time to connect and visit with a local family.

(Overnight: Dahabiya cabin; Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

After breakfast on board and a peaceful morning of sailing the Nile, you’ll visit El Kab’s ancient tombs and temple ruins.

Return to your sailboat for lunch, then proceed to Edfu Temple for an afternoon of exploring. Edfu’s temple of Horus is among the best-preserved of all the great temples of Egypt. Built high off the Nile, it was protected throughout history from the Nile River floods.

(Overnight: Dahabiya cabin, Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Today you’ll visit Bisaw Island and a local village, connecting to the Nile and her people by learning about the lifestyle and culture in a remote Egyptian village. Enjoy a ride with a local fisherman, learning about his lifestyle, and try your hand at helping him fish.

Continue sailing, then stop to tour El Selsela’s ancient sandstone quarry and shrines.

(Overnight: Dahabiya cabin; Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Today you will tour the Kom Ombo temple, famous for its unique double design. Then visit Daraw town and experience the weekly camel market. After lunch onboard, you will set sail for Aswan.

(Overnight: Dahabiya cabin; Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

After you check out of your Dahabiya, you’ll tour the main sites of Aswan, including the High Dam of Lake Nasser and the Philae temple complex, set on a picturesque island.

Enjoy a traditional lunch, then immerse yourself in Nubian culture on a walking tour of one of the villages, concluding with a delightful tea session at a friendly local family’s home.

(Overnight: Movenpick Aswan 5*; Meals: breakfast, lunch)

As your incredible journey draws to a close, you’ll take a return flight from Aswan to Cairo, ensuring ample time to catch your international departure flight and reflect on the unforgettable memories you’ve made along the way. (Actual itinerary may change based on your departure flight time)

(Overnight: None, Meals: breakfast)