Egyptian Highlights Tour

Upon your arrival, our team will be present at the airport to greet you and facilitate your transfer to the designated hotel, marking the commencement of your trip. Our staff will assist you in getting comfortably settled, acquaint you with the surroundings, and provide a briefing regarding the plans and arrangements scheduled for the following days.
Overnight - Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan or similar

Your Egyptian adventure begins with an immediate immersion into history at the Giza Plateau. Prepare to be awe-struck by the iconic Great Pyramids—the last standing of the Seven Wonders—and encounter the enigmatic Sphinx, standing eternal guard. We’ll explore the vast complex, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu. But the journey back in time doesn't stop there. We continue to Memphis, the ancient kingdom's first capital, to stand before the colossal statue of Ramses II, a powerful reminder of pharaonic rule. Finally, we travel to Saqqara to marvel at the Step Pyramid of Djoser, an architectural masterpiece that offers a crucial look at the evolution of pyramid construction long before the Giza marvels were built.

We kick off the day with an early flight to Luxor, the magnificent ancient city of Thebes. Our deep dive begins on the Nile's West Bank, steeped in mythology and history. We'll start at the towering Colossi of Memnon before venturing into the famous Valley of the Kings, where we'll explore the elaborate tombs of pharaohs, including the legendary Tutankhamun. Next, we visit the cliff-built Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, dedicated to one of Egypt's most powerful female rulers, and conclude the West Bank adventure at Medinat Habu, known for its vibrant hieroglyphics.
The afternoon is yours to relax and unwind aboard your luxurious 5-star Nile cruise ship—enjoy the pool, stroll the deck, or explore Luxor’s vibrant local markets. As evening falls, prepare for a captivating experience: a magical walking tour of the brilliantly illuminated Luxor Temple, a truly unforgettable sight against the night sky.

Your day begins with an optional, truly unique experience: a hot air balloon ride over the majestic West Bank of the Nile at sunrise. Imagine silently drifting above the Valley of the Kings as the sun illuminates the ancient landscape—a memory you'll cherish forever.

Following a delicious breakfast, we dive into the heart of ancient Thebes at the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple Complex. Prepare to be amazed by this sprawling "city of temples." You'll wander through the towering columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall and explore the numerous temples and intricate hieroglyphics that confirm Luxor's status as the world's largest open-air museum.

In the afternoon, we embark on a leisurely cruise up the Nile. Settle onto the sundeck and enjoy the unfolding scenery of lush fields and traditional villages. We will pass through the fascinating Esna lock before continuing to Edfu, where we will moor for the night. (Note: Nile cruise itineraries may have minor alterations en-route.)

Following a relaxing breakfast on board, our exploration begins at the remarkably preserved Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus. We'll wander through its impressive courtyards, marveling at the stunning Ptolemaic architecture and intricate reliefs.
Back on our comfortable cruise ship, we continue up the Nile towards Kom Ombo, enjoying the captivating scenery and the timeless rhythm of traditional Egyptian rural life along the riverbanks. We'll soon arrive at the uniquely dual-dedicated Kom Ombo Temple, dramatically situated right on the Nile. We'll explore its fascinating chambers, dedicated to both Sobek (the crocodile god) and Haroeris (the falcon god), and see the display of mummified crocodiles.
The afternoon offers ample time to unwind: relax on the sundeck, take a dip in the plunge pool, or simply lounge with a book as the boat gently cruises. With the daylight hours remaining, our journey continues southward towards Aswan, the historic gateway to Nubia, enjoying the views of traditional felucca sailboats and colorful Nubian villages as we approach.

Your day in Aswan offers a choice: embark on an optional, early morning excursion to the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). We travel through the desert to witness the spectacular moment when the rising sun illuminates the colossal statues of Ramses II—a truly unforgettable experience.
Alternatively, if you remain in Aswan, you'll step back in time with a leisurely sail on a traditional Felucca sailboat, gliding along the Nile and soaking in the stunning scenery and gentle breeze. (Note: The Felucca ride is missed if you choose the Abu Simbel excursion).
Our afternoon tour begins with a boat journey to the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This picturesque island complex, relocated due to the Aswan High Dam, is one of Egypt's most beautiful and romantic sites. We conclude our day by visiting the impressive Aswan High Dam itself, a monumental feat of engineering that created Lake Nasser and fundamentally changed Egypt's relationship with the Nile River.

This morning, we bid farewell to Aswan and take a short flight back to Cairo for a deep dive into the city's history, starting at the renowned Egyptian Museum. Accompanied by your expert Egyptologist guide, you’ll explore the vast collection, marveling at intricate artifacts, sarcophagi, and the priceless, iconic treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb. The afternoon provides free time to explore Cairo at your own pace, or you can join an optional half-day tour to experience the city's diverse cultural heritage: we'll visit Coptic Cairo to see the historic Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue; then ascend to the medieval Citadel for panoramic city views and explore the magnificent Ottoman-style Mosque of Muhammad Ali; finally, we conclude with a sensory overload at the labyrinthine Khan el-Khalili bazaar, where you can haggle for spices and traditional Egyptian crafts.

Your day is open until we arrange your transfer to the airport for your departure flight. If you're interested, extensions are possible to prolong your tour. You could spend time by the Red Sea, embark on day trips to Alexandria, or explore the World Heritage Site of Wadi Rayan and the Valley of the Whales.