Day 1 – Arrival in Cairo
Upon arrival at Cairo Airport, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. You’ll be staying in the relaxed Zamalek district in the heart of the city, with tree-lined streets and plenty of cafes and restaurants just a short walk away. From your hotel, you can also walk to Tahrir Square, where locals gather and city life unfolds around you. Here, you will find the original Egyptian Museum, a beautiful building home to a huge collection of ancient artefacts collected over generations. Although some features have moved to the new Grand Egyptian Museum, if you have time it is still well worth a visit for both the building itself and impressive collection of statues, mummies and treasures on display.
Day 2 – The Pyramids of Giza
This morning, after breakfast, you will be visiting the infamous Pyramids of Giza. You have seen them countless times in textbooks, films and documentaries, but nothing quite prepares you for the moment they appear on the horizon. You’ll likely have so many questions about these mysterious structures and this is where your guide is on hand to bring it all to life. You’ll be joined by a local expert who will take you through the history behind why they were built, the mysteries of their construction and the stories that still surround them today. There is also the option to step inside the Great Pyramid of Cheops, for an additional fee (around £20), where you can walk through a series of narrow passageways and steep wooden walkways towards the heart of the pyramids and ending in the granite burial chamber. It’s warm, a little claustrophobic and undeniably memorable. You’ll feel like an archaeologist uncovering ancient secrets.
Onto the Sphinx, Saqqara and Dahshur
From the pyramids, you’ll continue on foot towards the legendary Sphinx. It may be a little smaller than many people imagine, but standing face-to-face with this mysterious guardian of the desert is still a special moment. With the pyramids rising behind it, it’s one of those classic Egypt scenes that feels familiar, but even more impressive in real life.
Next, you’ll continue onto Saqqara, home to Egypt’s oldest pyramids and often skipped by most tourists which is exactly what makes it so special. The atmosphere feels quieter and more authentic, giving you space to properly take in the scale and history of the site without the crowds. At Saqqara, you’ll explore the famous Step Pyramid, considered the earliest large-scale stone structure ever built and the blueprint for the pyramids that followed.
Your final stop today is Dahshur, a royal necropolis and UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels wonderfully off the beaten track. Here, you’ll find several pyramids, including the unusual Bent Pyramid, named after its distinctive change in angle halfway up – thought to be the result of an engineering rethink. At the end of the day, your driver will take you back to your hotel where you can relax and reflect on your first deep dive into ancient Egypt.
Day 3 – Free time in Cairo and overnight train to Aswan
Today, you have the whole day free to explore Cairo as you wish, as you won’t be collected and taken to the train station until around 6pm. You can leave your luggage at the hotel and continue exploring until then. Beyond the Pyramids, Cairo has so much more to offer, from the Citadel where you can admire the incredible Muhammad Ali Mosque with it’s twin minarets which are the highest in Egypt, to visiting the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar and practising your haggling skills.
Later, you’ll be collected from your hotel and taken to the train station, where a local representative will be waiting to escort you to the train. We will arrange a private twin cabin for your overnight journey. The sleeper train is a surprisingly comfortable and memorable way to travel between destinations in Egypt, however its certainly not a luxury experience. Shortly after departure, you’ll be served dinner in your room, giving you time to settle in for the evening. Cabins are compact but cosy, with beds that fold down for the night, air conditioning and a small washbasin. There are shared toilets at the end of each carriage. A train attendant is on hand throughout the journey, so if you need anything during the night there will always be someone nearby to help. In the morning, a simple breakfast is served before arrival, ready for the next part of your Egypt adventure.
If you would prefer to catch a domestic flight to Aswan, we can arrange this for you. Speak to your travel specialist for more information.
Day 4 – Arrival in Aswan
This morning, you’ll arrive into Aswan train station where you will be met by our driver and taken to the river where you will board a traditional wooden boat for a short ride across the river to reach your welcoming guesthouse on Elephantine Island. You’ll stay in a traditional Nubian village, opposite the Tombs of the Nobles and your stay is very much part of the experience.
Rather than luxury, expect warm hospitality, simple but comfortable air-conditioned rooms and warm, friendly hosts. Staying here gives you a glimpse into local life on the quieter west bank of the Nile. The guesthouse doesn’t have a swimming pool, but if you’d prefer to stay somewhere with a pool, we can arrange this for you back on the other side of the river in Aswan City. From the terrace, settle in with a refreshing drink and watch traditional sailboats drift peacefully across the Nile. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish, take one of the kayaks out for a paddle along the Nile, drifting past colourful Nubian houses and palm-fringed riverbanks, or find a shady spot to soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Day 5 – Kitchener Island
This morning, you’ll be picked up from your guesthouse by a local guide and set off by boat to explore the islands around Aswan and Nubia. As you cruise along the Nile, your guide will share more about Nubian culture, traditions and daily life in Southern Egypt, where communities have their own language and strong cultural identity. You’ll drift past the smooth granite rocks of the First Cataract, scattered across the Nile like giant stepping stones. Their rounded shapes are said to resemble the backs of elephants – thought to be the reason behind the name of Elephantine Island. Along the way, enjoy views of the desert landscape stretching down to the riverbanks, a striking contrast from the green ribbon of the Nile.
Next, you’ll continue onto Kitchener Island, a peaceful island known for its lush botanical gardens filled with exotic plants, towering palms and colourful flowers from around the world. Wander through the shaded paths and soak up the oasis-like atmosphere – its the perfect place to slow down for an hour or two between temple visits and boat trips.
While visiting Aswan, if you have some extra time, or choose to stay another night, we highly recommend visiting the beautiful Philae Temple. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this unique temple sits on an island in the Nile and can only be reached by a short boat ride, making the visit extra special. Surrounded by water and palm-fringed views, it’s one of Egypt’s most scenic temples.
Day 6 – Overnight felucca experience
You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Aswan at around 9am and taken down to the jetty, where your traditional felucca will be waiting. It’s worth packing a small day bag with everything you’ll need for today, tonight and tomorrow morning, as your main luggage will be stored out of reach. We suggest bringing a warm layer, towel, mosquito repellent, slippers, a torch and your toiletries. Blankets and pillows are provided on board, but a sleeping bag liner can be a nice extra for comfort.
Your felucca is a simple wooden sailboat with a billowing white sail – a classic Nile scene. It’s not large, but perfectly suited for a relaxed couple of days on the water, shared only with your travel companion(s) and crew. Days are spent lounging on deck, with mattresses laid out for you, and at night you’ll sleep under the stars. Facilities are basic, sometimes there’s a toilet on board, otherwise stops are made along the riverbank, but that’s all part of the charm of this easy-going, back-to-basics experience.
As your felucca slips away from the jetty, you’ll begin a gentle, unhurried glide along the Nile, with no engine noise to disturb the peace. From the deck, everyday Egyptian life unfolds along the banks, farmers at work, children playing, and donkeys and buffalo cooling off in the water. Depending on the wind, you’ll stop along the way to visit a village, share tea with locals, enjoy lunch and even take a dip in the river. By sunset, you’ll moor up for the night, where a freshly prepared dinner is served on board, followed by a peaceful evening under the stars before settling in to sleep on deck.
Day 7 – Arrival in Luxor
After a peaceful night sleeping on deck, gently rocked by the Nile, you’ll wake to a calm and refreshing morning. Shortly after sunrise, you’ll enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking. From here, you’ll be collected by minibus transfer to visit the striking twin temples of Kom Ombo, set dramatically along the river, before continuing towards Luxor with a stop at the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. No matter how many temples you see, the scale and craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian architecture never fail to impress, bringing your Nile journey to a memorable close.
Next, your driver will take you to your guesthouse on Luxor’s quieter west bank. Away from the bustle of the centre, this peaceful spot feels like a hidden oasis, with palm-filled gardens, a swimming pool and traditionally styled Arabic rooms. The hotel has an open-air restaurant, serving delicious home-cooked Egyptian dishes, many made with ingredients straight from the garden. We recommend you dine here at least once during your stay. If you’d rather head into the centre for dinner, they can easily arrange a taxi for you.
Day 8 – Explore the Valley of the Kings
Early this morning, you’ll be picked up from your guesthouse for a visit to the legendary Valley of the Kings. Following winding roads into the mountains, you’ll reach the valley where many of Egypt’s pharaohs were laid to rest. With more than 60 tombs discovered so far, it remains one of the world’s most fascinating archaeological sites. While many tombs were looted centuries ago, the tomb of Tutankhamun was famously found almost untouched by Howard Carter, making it one of the most important discoveries in Egyptology. Around ten tombs are open to visitors each day, rotating regularly. As you wander through the chambers, you’ll see colourful hieroglyphics, hidden passageways and burial rooms caved deep into the mountainside.
After visiting the Valley of the Kings, you’ll cross to the other side of the mountains to the iconic Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, dramatically built into the cliffs. This temple is dedicated to one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs, and is known for its striking terraces and detailed hieroglyphics. You’ll discover stories of the mysterious Land of Punt, an ancient trading destination that still fascinates historians today. You’ll end the day at the towering Colossi of Memnon, where two huge statues of Amenhotep III stand and once guarded the entrance to his mortuary temple.
Day 9 – Onto the Red Sea (Safaga)
Today, you’ll cross the dramatic desert landscapes of the Eastern Desert by private transfer, a journey of around three hours through rugged mountains and wide-open scenery. Your destination is Safaga, a peaceful town away from the busier beach resorts of Hurghada. Once you arrive, it’s time to slow the pace. You’ll be sleeping in a relaxed beach resort right on the Red Sea, surrounded by tropical gardens, swimming pools and a private stretch of sand.
Day 10 & 11 – Free time in Safaga
We have not planned anything for your days on the Red Sea, so you can decide on how much or how little you’d like to do here. After days spent exploring temples, tombs and bustling cities, this is your chance to slow down. Spend lazy mornings relaxing by the pool, or on the beach, cool off with a dip in the sea and settle in for the sunset with a drink in hand. The Red Sea is know for it’s incredible underwater world, and snorkelling or diving trips can be arranged locally. Beneath the surface you’ll find vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish in every colour imaginable and, if you’re lucky, even turtles or dolphins. If you prefer to stay above the water, then boat trips, windsurfing and kitesurfing is all possible thanks to calm waters and a sea breeze.
Day 12 – Departure from Egypt
After breakfast today, your time at the Red Sea comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay by one or more nights then we can arrange this for you. From here, you’ll usually be flying home from Hurghada, so we will arrange your transfer to the airport.
Accommodation
