Day 1: Arrival in Cairo – Welcome to Egypt
Touch down at Cairo International Airport. Your dedicated travel representative will greet you directly at the arrivals terminal, assist you smoothly through airport customs checkpoints, and coordinate your private transfer via a modern, air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel. Spend the evening resting and adjusting to the time zone. Overnight stay in Cairo.
Day 2: The Great Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Historic Egyptian Museum Treasures
Savor a fresh hotel breakfast before setting out on a full-day guided sightseeing tour of Egypt's crown jewels. Marvel at the Giza Plateau, standing before the legendary Great Pyramids of Giza (Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus) alongside the iconic Sphinx, a colossal funeral monument guarded by a mythical lion's body with the face of King Chephren. In the afternoon, browse the vast galleries of the Egyptian Museum, featuring over 250,000 real relics, including the spectacular gold burial treasures of King Tutankhamun. Overnight stay in Cairo.
Day 3: Domestic Flight to Aswan – 5-Star Nile Cruise Embarkation
Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the airport for your domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, visit the modern engineering marvel of the Aswan High Dam and the picturesque, waterside Philae Temple. Transfer to your deluxe 5-star Nile River cruise ship for seamless boarding before lunch. Relax on deck as your ship sets sail toward Kom Ombo. Following an elegant afternoon tea, tour the unique double Temple of Sobek and Haroeris. Continue sailing to Edfu for a festive evening disco party on board. 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 cruise ship to enjoy lunch and premium views as you cross the river locks and sail smoothly 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 – Hidden Tombs in the Valley of the Kings
Wake up to a fresh 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 at Deir El Bahari, and stand before the towering Colossi of Memnon representing Amenophis III. Enjoy an afternoon free at leisure with traditional afternoon tea on deck. Overnight on board the cruise in Luxor.
Day 6: Disembarkation – Optional East Bank Tour & Private Drive to Hurghada
Enjoy your final cruise breakfast 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. Afterward, board your private, air-conditioned vehicle for a scenic drive across the desert landscape to the beautiful Red Sea resort city of Hurghada. Check into your premium resort for an evening of rest. Overnight stay in Hurghada.
Day 7: Hurghada Red Sea Resort – Free Day or Optional 4x4 Desert Jeep Safari
Savor breakfast at your resort. Enjoy a completely free day to lounge on pristine sandy beaches, swim in the clear waters of the Red Sea, or experience world-class snorkeling. Alternatively, join an optional 4x4 Jeep Desert Safari: journey 35 kilometers into the desert to a traditional Bedouin village, watch a breathtaking desert sunset from the mountain peaks, enjoy a fresh barbecue dinner, and immerse yourself in an authentic Bedouin party before returning to your resort. Overnight stay in Hurghada.
Day 8: Travel from Hurghada to Cairo – Optional Ancient Sakkara & Memphis Tour
Following breakfast, board a comfortable, air-conditioned long-distance bus for your journey back north to Cairo. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Spend your afternoon at leisure, or choose a fascinating optional historic day trip to the ancient Step Pyramid of Sakkara (the world's oldest major stone structure) followed by a tour of Memphis, the very first capital of ancient Egypt, to view the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx. Overnight stay in Cairo.
Day 9: Cairo International Airport – Final Departure Formalities
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Your travel coordinator will guide you via a private air-conditioned vehicle to Cairo International Airport, assisting you through final flight check-in and departure clearances for your journey home.