The Pyramids & Sphinx, Antiquities at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Romantic Philae Temple, Ancient Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple
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 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 hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Single room supplement (EGSGNA)
Your Egyptian adventure begins with a visit to the iconic pyramids of Giza. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), a monumental structure standing tall at 500 feet and spanning 750 feet at its base. Constructed with massive stone blocks and adorned with a hard limestone casing, this architectural masterpiece will leave you speachless. Alongside the Great Pyramid, admire the smaller yet equally impressive pyramids of Khafre (Chephren) and Menkaure (Mycerinus). You'll even have the chance to venture inside the pyramids (limited tickets available for the Great Pyramid) for an unforgettable experience.
Next, we'll visit the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located near the Pyramids of Giza. Immerse yourself in the wonders of ancient Egypt as you explore the Tutankhamun exhibit and countless other fascinating artifacts. Our expert Egyptologist guide will accompany you throughout your visit, sharing their wealth of knowledge and passion for Egyptian history and culture. 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 the day draws to a close, we'll transfer to the station for an overnight sleeper train to Aswan. The journey takes around 12 hours and you'll be accommodated in a twin birth cabin, where an airline style dinner and breakfast will also be served.
OVERNIGHT:
Overnight Sleeper Train
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
Internal flights upgrade
After our night onboard the sleeper train, we arrive in Aswan, a city steeped in ancient Nubian history. The Nubian people have inhabited this region for millennia, their culture intertwined with the Nile.
Following your arrival, we will take to the water for a scenic boat ride to the magnificent Philae Temple. Dedicated to Isis, the goddess of healing and magic, this breathtaking complex sits gracefully on its own island. It famously faced the threat of being submerged forever by the rising waters of Lake Nasser following the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Fortunately, a monumental rescue project carefully dismantled and relocated the entire temple to nearby Agilkia Island, meticulously preserving its stunning colonnades and intricate carvings for future generations.
After our guided exploration of Philae, we will journey back to the heart of Aswan. You will then have a completely free afternoon to enjoy at your own pace. You might choose to wander through the bustling local souks to take in the aromas of vibrant spices, stroll along the picturesque Corniche, or simply relax and unwind in the comfort of your hotel surroundings.
OVERNIGHT:
Aswan hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Following a hearty breakfast, we will depart by road for our journey north towards Luxor, famously known as the world's greatest open-air museum. As we travel, you can watch the timeless landscapes of rural Egypt pass by, where the lush, green agricultural land along the River Nile contrasts dramatically with the arid desert beyond.
Upon arrival in Luxor, we will head straight to our hotel. You will have ample time to check in, settle into your room, and refresh after the morning's drive before we step back in time for an afternoon of exploration.
Our first stop in this historic city is the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple complex. Vast, monumental, and spectacular, Karnak is one of the largest religious complexes ever constructed, having been developed continuously by successive pharaohs over more than two thousand years. We will take a guided walk through the magnificent Great Hypostyle Hall, dwarfed by its towering columns, and marvel at the towering obelisks, sacred sanctuaries, and intricately carved hieroglyphs dedicated to the god Amun-Ra.
OVERNIGHT:
Luxor hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
This morning, we embark on a journey to the West Bank of Luxor, a realm steeped in ancient history and shrouded in the mystique of pharaohs and their eternal resting places. Our exploration begins with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, a vast necropolis where generations of pharaohs were laid to rest in elaborately decorated tombs. We'll venture into several of these tombs, marvelling at the vibrant hieroglyphs and intricate paintings that adorn their walls. These ancient chambers continue to reveal their secrets to archaeologists, making the Valley of the Kings one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world.
Next, we'll be captivated by the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a unique mortuary temple built into the cliffs. Its elegant colonnades and terraces offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. And no visit to the West Bank would be complete without encountering the Colossi of Memnon, two colossal statues that have stood guard over the Theban necropolis for millennia.
This evening, we re-join the sleeper train for the overnight journey back to Cairo where our journey will come to an end.
OVERNIGHT:
Overnight sleeper train
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
Hot air balloon in Luxor
We arrive back into Cairo this morning where you have the choice of joining our transfer directly to Cairo Airport, or remaining in Cairo. If you'd like to extend your stay in Cairo, we can assist with booking extra nights and additional day tours if you'd like to see more of what this fascinating country has to offer 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. Another full day option further afield includes 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:
Cairo city tour
Wadi Rayan day trip (Valley of the Whales)
Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis
Alexandria day trip
included with
3 nights in 3 & 4-star hotels in Cairo, Aswan & Luxor
All transport and transfers in private AC vehicles
24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
Services of a local Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing tours
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
excluded by
International flights (available on request)
Visa fees (available on arrival for most nationalities)
Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Entrance fees (allow approx. US$124)
Tipping kitty (allow US$75)
Drinks, snacks, guide tips and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Hotel gala dinners (see Tour notes)
Any other items not mentioned above
Extras /
Upgrades
Hot air balloon in Luxor
Abu Simbel temples
Cairo city tour
Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis
Felucca to hotel upgrade
Detailed Description
This six-day Egyptian adventure begins in Cairo, where you are greeted and transferred to your accommodation to settle in. The following day dives straight into the ancient wonders with a guided visit to the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum to view the Tutankhamun exhibit. In the evening, the journey continues via an overnight sleeper train heading south to Aswan.
Upon arriving in Aswan, you will take a scenic boat ride to the beautifully relocated Philae Temple, followed by a free afternoon to explore the local souks or the picturesque Corniche. Day four features a scenic drive north to Luxor, commonly referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum. Here, you will step back in time with a guided walk through the vast and spectacular Karnak Temple complex.
The final leg of the tour explores Luxor's West Bank, delving into the elaborately decorated tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the striking Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the towering Colossi of Memnon. After taking the sleeper train back to Cairo, the tour concludes on day six with a final airport transfer or the option to extend your stay with additional nights in Cairo.
Throughout your stay, you will be comfortably accommodated in good quality 3- and 4-star hotels
