Day 1: Arrival in Cairo – Welcome to Historic Egypt
Touch down at Cairo International Airport. Our dedicated, expert travel representative will greet you at the arrival terminal, assist you seamlessly through customs checkpoints, and coordinate a smooth transfer to your premium hotel via a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Overnight stay in Cairo.
Day 2: The Great Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & The Egyptian Museum treasures
Savor a fresh hotel breakfast before setting off on a full-day guided sightseeing tour of the ancient world's crown jewels. Walk the sand of the Giza Plateau to stand before the legendary Great Pyramids of Giza (Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus) alongside the iconic Sphinx. In the afternoon, browse the vast, priceless galleries of the Egyptian Museum, featuring over 250,000 real relics and King Tutankhamun's gold burial treasures. Transfer to the railway hub for your overnight sleeper train down to Aswan with dinner served on board.
Day 3: Nile Cruise Embarkation – Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple & Kom Ombo
Arrive in scenic Aswan, check into your deluxe 5-star Nile River cruise ship, and enjoy a fresh lunch on board. Spend your afternoon touring the modern engineering marvel of the Aswan High Dam and taking a short boat ride to the picturesque, waterside Temple of Philae. Afterward, relax on deck as the cruise ship sails smoothly toward Kom Ombo, where you will join an afternoon tour of the unique double Temple of Sobek and Haroeris. Sail to Edfu for a festive onboard evening. Overnight in Edfu.
Day 4: Temple of Horus at Edfu & Sailing to Historic Luxor
Following breakfast on board, ride a traditional horse-drawn carriage to explore the brilliantly preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, the ancient world’s finest surviving Ptolemaic structure. Return to the ship to enjoy lunch and premium views as you sail through the river locks toward historic Luxor. Indulge in traditional hospitality at an evening onboard Galabya cultural party. Overnight on board the cruise in Luxor.
Day 5: Luxor West Bank – Valley of the Kings & Queen Hatshepsut Temple
Wake up early for an optional sunrise hot air balloon flight drifting over the ancient mountain valleys. After breakfast on board, cross to the West Bank of the Nile to explore the ancient Necropolis of Thebes. Descend into the hidden, rock-cut chambers of the pharaohs in the world-famous Valley of the Kings, view the multi-tiered architectural wonder of the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and stand before the towering Colossi of Memnon. Spend the afternoon at your own pace. Overnight on board the cruise in Luxor.
Day 6: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple & Overnight Journey to Cairo
Enjoy your final breakfast on board before disembarkation. Choose a highly recommended optional guided tour of the stunning Luxor East Bank, walking through the towering 134-column Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Temple and exploring the ancient Avenue of Sphinxes at Luxor Temple. Transfer to the rail station for your overnight sleeper train journey back north to Cairo with dinner served on board.
Day 7: Alexandria – Mediterranean Coast City Tour & Library of Alexandria
Arrive in Cairo and transfer immediately to coastal Alexandria via a private, air-conditioned vehicle to check into your seaside hotel. Join your expert tour guide to discover the best of the Mediterranean coast, starting with the modern Library of Alexandria. Next, visit the iconic Citadel of Qaitbay, built on the original site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World). Stroll through King Farouk’s Royal Gardens at Montaza Palace, view the Abbo Elabbas Mosque, and see the ancient underwater monument sites from the historic harbor corniche. Overnight stay in Alexandria.
Day 8: Return to Cairo – Optional Step Pyramid of Sakkara & Memphis Tour
Savor breakfast before heading back to Cairo by private vehicle. Spend the day at leisure or choose an optional historical day trip to the ancient Step Pyramid of Djoser in Sakkara (the world's oldest major stone structure) followed by a tour of Memphis, the very first capital of ancient Egypt. Enjoy an authentic lunch at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Cairo.
Day 9: Cairo International Airport – Final Departure Formalities
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Our travel coordinator will guide you via a private air-conditioned vehicle to Cairo International Airport, assisting you through final check-in and security clearances for your return flight home.