Experience the wonders of Egypt on this comprehensive tour, starting and ending with complimentary airport transfers for stress-free travel. Explore Cairo’s iconic Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum before heading to Alexandria to visit the Catacombs, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and Fort Qaitbey. Discover Wadi El Natron’s monasteries and sail on a Felucca in Aswan, where you’ll also visit a Nubian Village and Philae Temple. Marvel at Abu Simbel and continue to Luxor for the Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut Temple. Cap it off with a visit to Cairo’s bustling Khan al-Khalili bazaar.
Greetings! Welcome to Egypt. Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Cairo is a city rich in history, with iconic landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. If you have free time, consider exploring the bustling city streets or visiting the Cairo Citadel, which houses museums and mosques.
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After breakfast, you'll have the opportunity to visit two of the world's most iconic sights: the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Explore these ancient structures that have stood for over 4500 years. If available, you may have the option to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu for an additional fee. Following this, your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum, home to a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts. The treasures discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamun, including jewelry and the famous golden death mask, are particularly impressive.
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Prepare for walking around the Pyramids complex, which can be hot during the summer months. Bring appropriate clothing, sun protection, and ample water. The inside thoroughfares of the Pyramids of Giza are small and warm, so it is not recommended for those with claustrophobia.Today, embark on a journey to Alexandria, a vibrant city located on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. Known as the Bride of the Mediterranean Sea, this bustling metropolis is Egypt's second-largest city and primary port. Built in 331 BC by the Greek architects Dinocrates under the command of Alexander the Great, Alexandria quickly evolved into a prominent cultural, intellectual, political, and economic hub, immortalizing Alexander's name. Upon arrival, descend underground to explore the enigmatic Kom ash-Shuqqafa catacombs, the largest Roman burial site in Egypt. Located 20 meters below street level, these crypts, which started as a small family tomb, expanded into a labyrinthine network of chambers capable of housing over 300 bodies. Afterward, visit the modern and striking Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inspired by the original great library of Alexandria, designed to accommodate more than eight million books. Take a leisurely stroll along the Corniche, visit Fort Qaitbey, and enjoy the refreshing Mediterranean air.
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The approximate driving time today is three hours.This morning, pay a visit to Wadi El Natron, a place used by the ancient Egyptians and Romans for extracting precious resources like salt, silica for making glass and carbonated sodium which was essential for the mummification process. Learn about the history of this fascinating place, view the lakes and soak up the surroundings before returning by private van to Cairo. Take some time to relax or get some snacks before you board an overnight sleeper train to Aswan.
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Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours. The train journey from Cairo to Aswan departs around 8pm and takes approximately 13 hours.
Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins, which are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided, and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. We recommend bringing additional toilet paper. General train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included dinner and breakfast are served on board. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you have any dietary requirements.We arrive to Aswan, the southernmost city of Egypt. Its laid-back charm is greatly influenced by its sizable Nubian population. Upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to explore the stunning Temple of Isis, dedicated to the Goddess of health, marriage, and wisdom. This remarkable temple was rescued from the Nile's rising waters and relocated to Philae Island, showcasing exquisite decorative pylons adorned with some of Egypt's finest carvings. It is undeniably one of the treasures of Upper Egypt. The afternoon is yours to discover at your own pace. In the evening, immerse yourself in modern Nubian culture by visiting a nearby village. Join a local Nubian family for a memorable dinner, savoring traditional dishes like okra stew or Tagen, a delectable tomato-based dish, accompanied by sanasel bread to enjoy the flavorful sauces.
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This morning, embark on a drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel, where you'll discover magnificent temples. Built by Ramses II, these temples served as the gateway to Egypt for Southern Africans, with their grand facade clearly marking the boundary between the Pharaoh's land and beyond. The Great Temple, guarded by four colossal statues of Ramses, is carved directly into the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, leaving a lasting impression as one of Egypt's most remarkable sights. You'll have two hours to explore Abu Simbel before returning to Aswan, where you'll board a Nile cruise boat. In the late afternoon, enjoy a leisurely sail on a traditional felucca before indulging in dinner on the ship.
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The approximate driving time today is six hours (2 ways). Please note that tonight, your boat will be docked in Aswan.
Nile cruise boats are generally spacious, accommodating around 150 passengers. All cabins have private facilities, and the boat is fully air-conditioned. Meals are provided onboard, but beverages will be extras.
While we ensure the use of the best available five-star rated cruise boats, it's important to note that the local rating system for five stars may not match the same standards you are accustomed to. Nile cruise boats provide comfortable accommodations and are a fantastic way to experience the Nile. Please be aware that we cannot provide advanced notice of the specific boat you will be sailing on due to varying schedules.Indulge in a leisurely morning in Aswan, savoring a cup of coffee and immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling bazaar. After enjoying lunch on board the ship, you'll embark on your first destination, Kom Ombo. This complex, dating back to the second century BC, is truly unique as it features a symmetrical design with each side dedicated to different gods. One section is devoted to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of fertility, while the other honors Haroeris, the falcon god. The temple is adorned with captivating reliefs. Following your visit, return to the ship and continue sailing upstream. Relax on the sundeck, taking in the breathtaking sights of desert hills against lush riverbanks, observing fishermen casting their nets and farmers tending to their land. Enjoy a delightful dinner on board before the ship docks in Edfu late at night.
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Tonight, your boat will be docked in Edfu.This morning, your ship will be moored near Edfu, offering you the opportunity to explore the beautifully preserved temple dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god, after breakfast on board. Continuing your journey, the ship will sail towards Luxor, passing through the Esna Locks. As the ships queue up for passage, take a moment to observe the process from the deck, sipping a refreshing drink while hearing the animated voices of captains navigating their vessels through the bustling small boats of merchants vying for attention. Upon arrival in Luxor, you can take a walk around the town. You have the option to visit Luxor Temple, which is a breathtaking sight, especially when illuminated at night. Return to the ship for dinner, marking your final night on board.
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The main mode of transportation to the Temple of Horus in Edfu is through locally managed horse-drawn carriages. As a company committed to responsible travel and animal welfare, we prioritize the well-being of animals. Unfortunately, the operators of this service have been found to violate our animal welfare guidelines. Therefore, we do not use them. In addition to animal welfare concerns, we have received feedback about uncomfortable experiences due to persistent vendors and suppliers at the site.
Tonight, your boat will be docked in Luxor.Concluding your Nile cruise, you'll find yourself in the captivating open-air museum of Luxor. From the awe-inspiring temple complex of Karnak to the renowned Valley of the Kings, Luxor offers a wealth of remarkably preserved remnants from the time of the Pharaohs. After enjoying breakfast, disembark from the ship and drop off your luggage at the hotel in Luxor. Accompanied by your guide, embark on a journey to explore Karnak Temple, a truly impressive testament to the monumental works of the ancient Pharaohs. As one of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak showcases grand pylons, obelisks, and chapels, revealing its finest sections such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the magnificent Great Temple of Amun during your guided tour. The rest of the day is yours to relax, peruse the excellent bazaar (which remains open until late), or immerse yourself in the ambiance of a local teahouse.
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Today, you'll embark on a private vehicle adventure to explore ancient Thebes. Your first stop will be the Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues standing at a height of 17 meters on Luxor's west bank. Continue your journey to the Valley of the Kings, where over 60 pharaohs' tombs are concealed beneath the arid hills. Many of these tombs are adorned with exquisite reliefs and paintings. With your tour guide, delve into this remarkable place, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were clandestinely laid to rest for eternity, and where new discoveries continue to be made. Your guide will provide insight into the history and legends of these extraordinary individuals, as well as the significance of the well-preserved paintings and hieroglyphics found in the deepest tombs. You will have the opportunity to visit three royal tombs. The journey continues to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an impressive colonnaded structure set against towering cliffs, creating a breathtaking natural amphitheater. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure, whether that entails shopping in the market or visiting the world's first Mummification Museum, where the secrets of pharaonic preservation are unveiled.
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Immerse yourself in a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the renowned Valley of the Kings and the Temples of Antiquities on the West Bank. We can assist you in reserving this service. The balloon ride begins with a pickup from your hotel between 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM. The balloon can accommodate 16 to 25 passengers, and while cameras are not permitted in the basket, you are allowed to bring your phone. The activity is subject to weather conditions, and if you choose to pay by card, a 3% bank service fee will be applied.Following breakfast, check out of your hotel and take a short flight back to Cairo. Once you return to the capital, your guide will accompany you on a visit to the Islamic sections of the city and the vibrant alleys of the bazaar. Khan al-Khalili, a sprawling market located around the historic Al-Azhar area, is one of the world's largest and oldest markets. It offers a quintessential Cairo experience with its maze-like streets and stalls that offer a wide array of captivating scenes. You may choose to explore the gold market, "Perfume Street," and the spice market, where delightful aromas fill the air, or browse the adjacent cloth market for a purchase. Another option is to visit the atmospheric El Fishawy, one of Cairo's oldest cafes, and discover why it has been in operation for over 200 years.
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Today's travel time is approximately 2 hours.There are no planned activities for the final day, and you are free to depart at your convenience. Please make sure to confirm the check-out time. If you desire to extend your stay in Cairo, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
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