Cultural adventure tour of Cairo, the pyramids and the temples and tombs of Luxor
Highlights
Great Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, Egyptian Koshary Lunch, Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Tombs & Temples in Luxor, Felucca Sailing Experience on the Nile
Itinerary
Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport, assist you with obtaining your visa and luggage, and then transfer you to your hotel close to the Pyramids for the start of your trip. They will help you settle in, introduce you to the local area, and explain tomorrow’s arrangements. The rest of the day is free. If you arrive early you may like to take an evening dinner cruise on the Nile, or enjoy a spectacular sound and light show at the pyramids (both available to book locally on arrival).
| OVERNIGHT: Cairo 5-star hotel
| MEALS: None
| EXTRAS: Nile dinner cruise in Cairo, Single room supplement (EGSGPE), Extra day in Cairo (5-star) - pre-tour
Our Egyptian adventure begins at the Giza Plateau, home to the iconic Great Pyramids – arguably the most recognizable ancient structures in the world. These colossal monuments, built by the Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure around 2500 BC, have captivated travelers and scholars for centuries.
Our expert Egyptologist guide will be your key to unlocking the secrets of these ancient wonders. They'll share fascinating insights into the construction techniques, the religious beliefs that inspired their creation, and the stories of the pharaohs who were laid to rest within these monumental tombs. You'll learn how these pyramids fit into the broader narrative of ancient Egyptian history and gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and ambition of this remarkable civilization.
For those who are feeling adventurous (and not claustrophobic!), you'll have the opportunity to venture inside one of the pyramids. Descend into the cool, dimly lit passageways and experience the unique atmosphere of these ancient chambers. It's a truly unforgettable experience that brings you face-to-face with the past.
Next, we'll encounter the enigmatic Sphinx, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. This majestic guardian, nestled close to the pyramids, was only fully uncovered in the 1920s, adding to its mystique. Stand in awe of its imposing presence and contemplate the mysteries it holds.
After our awe-inspiring visit to the Sphinx, we'll take a well-deserved break to refuel with a delicious Koshary lunch. This beloved Egyptian dish is a true culinary adventure, a hearty and flavorful combination of rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, and a tangy tomato sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that perfectly embodies the country's rich culinary heritage and will leave you feeling satisfied and ready for the next adventure!
Our exploration continues with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum of Antiquities (GEM), a treasure trove of artifacts that spans millennia. Here, you'll encounter the golden treasures of Tutankhamun, marvel at the intricate sarcophagi of pharaohs, and come face-to-face with the art and artifacts that bring ancient Egypt to life.
Please note: While we will have dedicated time to visit the Museum highlights, the GEM holds one of the largest archaeological collections in the world and therefore it won't be possible to explore the museum in its entirety. If you wish to explore further, you have the option to add on our GEM re-visit package, which will allow you to return and explore at your leisure during your scheduled free time.
As evening descends, we'll transfer to the train station for a unique experience – an overnight journey to Luxor on a sleeper train. Settle into your private twin-berth compartment and enjoy dinner as the train rolls through the Egyptian countryside. As the landscape slips by, your steward will transform your compartment into a cozy sleeping space, ensuring a comfortable night's rest as you journey towards the ancient city of Luxor.
| OVERNIGHT: On board sleeper train
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
| EXTRAS: Cairo to Luxor flight upgrade
We arrive into Luxor early this morning and cross the Nile to begin our tour of Luxor’s West Bank. Home to the Valley of the Kings, the dusty tombs in this ancient burial site are still revealing their secrets today and so it remains one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Our tour includes several of these Pharaonic tombs, as well as the temple of Queen Hatchepsut, Deir el-Medina (the Valley of the Craftsmen), and the huge Colossi of Memnon.
Your afternoon is then free to relax and enjoy the facilities of your 5-star hotel on the banks of the Nile. This evening we visit Luxor temple, which is located right in the middle of town and beautifully lit up at night.
| OVERNIGHT: Luxor 5-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast
Your morning is free today and you can enjoy a welcome lie in after your early start yesterday. After lunch we'll tour the huge temple complex at Karnak , once the religious centre of Thebes and Upper Egypt. It was linked to Luxor by an extensive avenue, lined with sphinxes, and the whole complex was in turn linked to the Nile via a canal through which moved the sacred boats of the god Amun. Entering through a smaller sphinx-lined avenue, built by Ramesses II, you come to the immense pylon entrance. Inside the huge Courtyard are three chapels dedicated to the gods Amun, Khous and Mut. The remarkable Hypostyle Hall has 134 towering columns, each carved with scenes of gods and pharaohs, and hieroglyphic inscriptions adorn the walls.
A spectacular hot air balloon flight over the west bank of the Nile is available this morning (expect an early start to catch sunrise as the balloon rises).
| OVERNIGHT: Luxor 5-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast
| EXTRAS: Hot air balloon in Luxor
Your day is free today to relax in the hotel or take an additional optional tour if you'd like an even more in depth exploration of Egyptian history. For example, the Rammesseum, Medinat Habu and Valley of the Queens on the west bank of the Nile are all worth a visit, as is the Luxor Museum. You can also explore Luxor further, do some shopping or browsing in the market, visit the mummification museum or enjoy a felucca trip to nearby Banana Island. Your tour guide will be happy to arrange any extra visits for you or you can book the sightseeing tours in advance.
In the evening we head back to the station to catch the overnight sleeper train back to Cairo. Flight upgrades are available on request.
| OVERNIGHT: Luxor 5-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
| EXTRAS: Luxor to Cairo flight upgrade, Extra West Bank tour in Luxor, Luxor Museum tour
We arrive back into Cairo this morning and transfer to our hotel. Most of the day is then free to explore Cairo as you choose or you may take an optional tour. These include a city tour in Cairo which visits Coptic Cairo, the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, or a half day tour to Saqqara, Dashour and Memphis to learn more about the history and evolution of pyramid building. Other full day options further afield include a visit to the colonial city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean, or a trip into the desert outside Cairo to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan (you’ll miss the bazaar walk if you take these full day options).
In the late afternoon we take a guided walk through the back streets and bazaars in Old Cairo. We'll walk through the huge Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore streets dedicated to metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewelery and anything else you can imagine as we gradually enter the more touristy Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We'll have time for a break to try some mint tea and a shisha pipe and this is a great final opportunity to pick up some souvenirs of your time in Egypt.
| OVERNIGHT: Cairo 5-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast
| EXTRAS: Cairo city tour, Nile dinner cruise in Cairo Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis
Your time is free today for some last minute sightseeing or shopping until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. If you have an evening flight departure, then the Cairo City Tour and Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis tours are also available today. Alternatively you can add extra nights to your time in Cairo which would allow you to take a day trip to the colonial city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast, or a trip into the desert outside Cairo to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan.
| OVERNIGHT: N/A
| MEALS: Breakfast
| EXTRAS: Alexandria day trip, Cairo city tour, Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis, Extra day in Cairo (5-star) - post-tour
included with
4 nights accommodation 5-star hotels
2 nights on board sleeper train in private twin-berth cabins (flight & hotel upgrades available)
All transport and transfers in private AC vehicles
24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
Sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary
Services of a local Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing tours
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
excluded by
International Flights and visa fees
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Single room supplements (chargeable if a same-sex room share is not available)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Entrance Fees (allow approx. US$100)
Tipping kitty (allow US$55
Entry to the Mummies room at the Egyptian Museum
Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Tour guide tips
Hotel gala dinners on 24 and/or 31 Dec (budget up to $180 p/p, see Tour notes)
Any other items not mentioned above
Extras /
Upgrades
Single Room Supplement
Extra night - pre-tour
Extra night - post-tour
Alexandria day trip
Cairo city tour
Nile Dinner Cruise in Cairo
Wadi Rayan day trip (Valley of the Whales)
Detailed Description
This captivating itinerary is designed to immerse you in the history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of this fascinating country, all within a limited time frame. From the iconic pyramids of Giza to the majestic temples of Luxor, you'll experience the highlights of Egypt while enjoying comfortable accommodations, expert guidance, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Upon arrival in Cairo, you'll be greeted by our friendly staff and transferred to your comfortable hotel. After settling in, you'll have the rest of the day free to explore the city or relax.
Your adventure begins at the Giza Plateau, home to the iconic Great Pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx. Our expert Egyptologist guide will unlock the secrets of these ancient wonders, sharing fascinating insights into their construction and history. You'll also have the chance to venture inside one of the pyramids and experience the unique atmosphere of these ancient chambers.
After a tasty Koshary lunch, we'll visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) of Antiquities, a treasure trove of artifacts that spans millennia. Here, you'll encounter the golden treasures of Tutankhamun, marvel at the intricate sarcophagi of pharaohs, and come face-to-face with the art and artifacts that bring ancient Egypt to life. In the evening, we'll embark on a unique experience – an overnight journey to Luxor on a sleeper train.
Arriving in Luxor, we'll cross the Nile River and embark on a journey through time to the West Bank, a place steeped in ancient Egyptian history and mythology. You'll explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Valley of the Craftsmen, and the Colossi of Memnon. As evening descends, we'll venture into the heart of Luxor to visit the magnificent Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated against the night sky.
Experience the magic of the Nile River with an included felucca ride. Afterward, we'll embark on an afternoon adventure to the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple Complex, a sprawling complex that was once the religious center of Thebes and Upper Egypt. For an even more unforgettable experience, consider an optional hot air balloon flight over the West Bank of the Nile.
Enjoy a day at your own pace! Relax and recharge at the hotel, or delve even deeper into Egypt's fascinating history with an optional tour. The West Bank beckons with intriguing sites like the Rammesseum, Medinat Habu, and the Valley of the Queens. Or, stay closer to town and visit the Luxor Museum. You can also explore Luxor independently, wander through the bustling souk, visit the Mummification Museum, or take a felucca ride to nearby Banana Island. In the evening, we'll head back to Cairo on an overnight sleeper train.
Back in Cairo, you'll have another day to explore the city at your leisure or choose from a variety of optional tours. Embark on a city tour that takes you to Coptic Cairo, or journey to the outskirts of Cairo to explore the fascinating world of pyramid building at Saqqara, Dashur, and Memphis. For those seeking a true adventure, consider a full-day trip to the Wadi Rayan, a desert oasis located outside of Cairo, home to the Valley of the Whales
