Day 1: Arrival in Cairo – Welcome to Egypt
Land at Cairo International Airport. Our dedicated airport representative will greet you immediately past customs and escort you via a private, premium air-conditioned vehicle to your luxury Cairo hotel. Settle in and rest before the adventure begins.
• Overnight: Cairo
Day 2: Iconic Wonders – Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & The Egyptian Museum
Savor breakfast before launching into a classic Cairo sightseeing experience. Uncover over 5,000 years of profound antiquity at the Egyptian Museum, featuring the breathtaking gold artifacts and treasures of King Tutankhamun. In the afternoon, stand before the majestic Great Pyramids of Giza (Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus) and the enigmatic Great Sphinx, complete with an authentic, complimentary camel ride against the desert backdrop.
• Optional Upgrade: Immerse yourself in the spectacular evening Giza Pyramids Sound & Light Show.
• Overnight: Cairo
Day 3: Fly to Luxor – Boarding the Luxury Nile River Cruise
Following breakfast, catch a swift domestic flight from Cairo to Luxor. Upon arrival, step directly into history at the colossal Karnak Temple complex and the iconic Luxor Temple, marveling at the towering granite statues of Ramses the Great. Transfer to your luxury Nile cruise ship for boarding prior to a delicious lunch on deck.
• Overnight: Boarded in Luxor
Day 4: Luxor West Bank – The Valley of the Kings & Ancient Temples
• Optional Upgrade: Rise early for a breathtaking Hot Air Balloon ride floating over the dramatic Luxor mountains and historical valleys.
Enjoy breakfast on board before exploring the legendary West Bank of Luxor. Journey through the final resting places of royalty at the Valley of the Kings, visit the stunning terraced Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at El Deir El Bahari, and pause at the towering Colossi of Memnon. Set sail down the Nile River toward Edfu.
• Overnight: Onboard Nile Cruise
Day 5: Sailing the Nile – Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples
Enjoy a scenic breakfast while cruising the Nile. Tour the exceptionally preserved Temple of Horus in Edfu by horse-drawn carriage. Return to the vessel and cruise down to Kom Ombo to explore the unusual double Temple of Sobek and Haroeris. Relax with traditional afternoon tea on the sun deck as sunset washes over the river banks.
• Overnight: Onboard near Kom Ombo / Aswan
Day 6: Aswan Highlights – The High Dam & Philae Temple
Awaken in beautiful Aswan. Today's guided excursions bring you to the marvel of modern engineering, the Aswan High Dam, followed by the ancient Granite Quarries. Board a brief water taxi to visit the beautiful, island-bound Temple of Philae, dedicated to the Goddess Isis.
• Overnight: Onboard in Aswan
Day 7: Optional Abu Simbel Excursion & Return Flight to Cairo
Disembark your cruise after breakfast.
• Optional Upgrade: Embark on an excursion south to the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel Temples, carved directly out of a sandstone cliff face by Ramses II alongside the smaller temple honoring Queen Nefertari.
Return to Aswan for your domestic flight back to Cairo. Transfer to your premium hotel accommodations.
• Overnight: Cairo
Day 8: Mediterranean Heritage – Full-Day Alexandria Tour
Journey by private vehicle to the historic coastal city of Alexandria. Begin at the spectacular Library of Alexandria, building on the legacy of the classical world's greatest center of learning. Visit the historic Citadel of Qaitbay, built dynamically on the original foundations of the legendary Pharos Lighthouse. Explore the manicured Montaza Palace Gardens of King Farouk, the majestic Abbo Elabbas Mosque, and the ancient Church of St. Mark. Take a panoramic drive along the scenic Alexandria Corniche and across Stanley Bridge before returning to Cairo.
• Overnight: Alexandria
Day 9: Historic Cairo – Citadel of Salah El Din & Old Coptic Cairo
Return comfortably to Cairo. Scale the heights of the Moqattam hills to tour the imposing 12th-century Citadel of Salah El Din and the breathtaking Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque. Afterward, walk the historic pathways of Old Coptic Cairo to see the unique architecture of the Hanging Church, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Church of St. Barbara, and the historic Church of Abu Serga.
• Overnight: Cairo
Day 10: Ecotourism Day Trip – Fayoum Oasis & Wadi El Rian
Travel southwest into the desert to explore the historic Fayoum Oasis. Witness the pristine expanses of Lake Qaroun, one of the oldest natural lakes in existence. Venture deeper into the protected reserve of Wadi El Rian to see its unexpected desert waterfalls and serene natural scenery before heading back to the capital.
• Overnight: Cairo
Day 11: Cairo Leisure Day
Relish a completely free, unstructured day in Cairo to shop for authentic spices and souvenirs at Khan El Khalili bazaar, try local culinary specialties, or rest at your leisure.
• Overnight: Cairo
Day 12: The Foundations of Empire – Saqqara, Memphis & Dahshur Pyramids
Dedicate your final exploration to the earliest days of Dynastic Egypt. Tour the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, recognized as the world's oldest major stone monumental structure. Proceed to Memphis, the glorious first capital of ancient Egypt, to view the massive recumbent Colossus of Ramses II. Conclude with a rare visit southward to view the distinct engineering variations of the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid at Dahshur.
• Overnight: Cairo
Day 13: Final Departure from Cairo
Partake in breakfast at your hotel before meeting your private airport transfer coordinator, who will smoothly guide you through customs and check-in for your international flight homeward.
