Day 1 – Arrival in Cairo
On arrival at Cairo airport you will be welcomed by our local representative holding a sign with your name. They will also help arrange your visa on arrival and guide you through the busy airport, so you can relax after your journey knowing everything is being taken care of. From there, you will head to your transfer and be driven to your hotel nearby. 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.
Entrance fees are arranged locally and are not included in the price.
Onto the Sphinx, Saqqara and Memphis
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 Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt. Explore the open-air museum with your private guide, who will bring the city’s rich history to life as you discover the colossal statue of Ramses II and the striking alabaster sphinx. Even though only fragments of the once-great city remain, it’s a fascinating glimpse into Egypt’s ancient past. 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 – Travel to El Minya
You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven south along the Nile to El Minya, following the river into a quieter, less-visited part of Egypt. Along the way, you’ll stop at the rock-cut tombs of Beni Hassan, set high above the valley, where you can explore a handful of beautifully decorated interiors.
Continuing via Tell el-Amarna, you’ll arrive in El Minya, an area known for some of Egypt’s best-preserved archaeological sites, including the temples of Nefertiti, which you’ll visit tomorrow. The town itself has a relaxed charm, with elegant architecture reflecting its prosperous past, and you’ll stay overnight in a centrally located hotel.
Day 4 – Visit the city of Nefertiti
Today you’ll head out with your guide to explore one of Egypt’s most fascinating historic sites, the ancient city of Tell el-Amarna, once known as the Sun City. Built by Pharaoh Akhenaten and Queen Nefertiti in honour of Aten, the sun god, it was once filled with temples, palaces and tombs spread across the desert, and even now, more than 3,000 years on, it’s a pretty special place to wander and take it all in. Later, you’ll continue on to the pilgrimage town of Abydos, one of Egypt’s most important religious centres, where you’ll settle in for the night in a comfortable hotel.
Day 5 – Visit Abydos & Dendera, then onto Luxor
After breakfast, you’ll head out to explore the ancient city of Abydos, once a key centre for the worship of Osiris, god of the afterlife. It became an important pilgrimage site, and as you wander through the impressive complex, you’ll see some beautifully preserved carved reliefs that have stood the test of time.
Later, continue to Dendera to visit the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess of love and joy. The temple is known for its striking columns and rare intact roof, which you can walk on for views across the surrounding countryside. From here, it’s around a two-hour drive to Luxor, where you can sit back and enjoy the changing scenery.
You will be staying at a beautiful boutique hotel 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 6 – 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.
Day 7 – Free time in Luxor
Today is free to spend as you wish, but if you’d like to dive deeper into Luxor’s ancient past, we can arrange for you to visit Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple. Karnak is often called the ‘temple of temples’ and with good reason. Built over more than 1,300 years, generations of pharaohs added to this vast complex, creating one of the most incredible religious sites of the ancient world. Enter through the famoys Avenue of Sphinxes and wander through towering gateways before reaching the highlight, the Great Hypostle Hall, where 130 giant columns rise above you, covered in detailed hieroglyphics. Look closely and you’ll still spot traces of the original colours on parts of the columns and ceilings. Next, you can head to Luxor Temple, beautifully located on the banks of the Nile. Once used for religious ceremonies and grand festivals, its walls are lined with intricate carvings telling stories of ancient rituals. Exploring these extraordinary sites with a guide brings Egypt’s fascinating history vividly to life.
Day 8 – Boarding the dahabiya in Esna
This morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Luxor and driven to Esna, where your traditional dahabiya will be waiting. These traditional Nile sailing boats have no engine and rely completely on the wind and current, offering a slower and more authentic way to experience life along the river. If the wind drops, a support boat is on hand to keep your journey moving.
With space for just a small number of guests, life on board feels relaxed and personal. Your cabin is comfortable and air-conditioned, with a private bathroom, and the spacious sun deck is the perfect place to watch the changing scenery drift by. All meals are included during your cruise, so you can simply settle in and enjoy the experience.
As you sail south, you’ll stop at the ancient site of El-Kab, where you can stretch your legs and explore the remains of one of Egypt’s oldest settlements. Back on board, you’ll continue past palm groves, riverside villages and fertile farmland before mooring beside a small island for the evening. As the sun sets over the Nile, enjoy dinner on board and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. Spending the night on the river is a memorable experience, with the sounds of rural Egypt drifting across the water and a sky full of stars overhead.
Day 9 – Dahabiya Cruise: Luxor – Edfu
Wake up to the gentle sounds of the Nile and watch the early morning light reflect on the water as your dahabiya quietly sets sail once again. As the scenery drifts by, you’ll pass palm-lined riverbanks, small villages and farmers tending their fields, offering a glimpse into everyday life along the Nile.
This morning, you’ll stop near Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, its towering walls, huge gateways and intricate carvings make it easy to imagine what this sacred site looked like thousands of years ago. It’s often considered one of the highlights of a Nile journey and rivals even the famous temples of Luxor and Karnak.
Back on board, you’ll continue your journey south towards the peaceful village of Wadi El Shat. If you like, you can stretch your legs with a walk through the surrounding gardens and countryside before returning to the river. Later, you’ll rejoin your dahabiya at its overnight mooring spot and enjoy another relaxed evening on the Nile.
Day 10 – Dahabiya Cruise: Continue to Kom Ombo
After breakfast, your journey along the Nile continues. This morning, you’ll stop at Gebel El Silsila, an ancient sandstone quarry that supplied most of the stone used to build Egypt’s temples and monuments. Here, you can explore the archaeological site and visit the rock-cut temple of Pharaoh Horemheb, tucked away on the riverbank and far less visited than Egypt’s more famous sites.
Back on board, enjoy lunch as the dahabiya sails through one of the most scenic stretches of the Nile. From the deck, watch daily life unfold along the fertile riverbanks, with palm trees, small villages and farmers working the land almost the same as they have for centuries.
Later, you’ll arrive at Kom Ombo, home to one of Egypt’s most unusual temples. Dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris, from the temple you can enjoy scenic views over the Nile. As the late afternoon light bathes the sandstone walls in golden tones, it’s easy to see why this is considered one of the highlights of a Nile journey. This evening, enjoy a barbecue dinner on deck as the river drifts quietly past and the stars begin to appear overhead.
Day 11 – Dahabiya Cruise: Visit Daraw and El Koubania
This morning, you’ll experience everyday life along the Nile with a visit to the local market in Daraw. Wander through the bustling streets, browse colourful stalls and soak up the atmosphere as locals go about their daily routines.
Back on board, your dahabiya continues its journey towards Aswan, a region known for its distinctive Nubian culture. Along the way, you’ll notice colourful villages lining the riverbanks and a landscape that feels noticeably different from northern Egypt. Near the village of El Koubania, you’ll have the opportunity to step ashore and learn more about Nubian traditions and daily life.
As the sun begins to set, return to your dahabiya for one final evening on the Nile. Enjoy dinner on board, reflect on the journey so far and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of life on the river before your cruise comes to an end.
Day 12 – End of dahabiya cruise and arrival in Aswan
This morning, you’ll enjoy your final stretch of sailing on the Nile before arriving in Aswan. After stepping ashore, it’s time to say goodbye to the crew who have looked after you throughout your journey, from the captain and crew to the talented cook who has prepared your meals on board.
On arrival in Aswan, you’ll be met by our local representative and transferred to your next hotel, located right in the heart of Aswan, with the waterfront and colourful bazaar just outside. Set beside the river, the hotel has a swimming pool overlooking the Nile, perfect for cooling off after a day’s exploring. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, many with private balconies and views across the water. Spend your time strolling along the lively waterfront, browsing the nearby souk, or settle in with a drink overlooking the Nile.
Day 13 – Visit the iconic Abu Simbel
This morning, it’s a very early start (around 4am) as you’ll be travelling south from Aswan to one of Egypt’s most spectacular sights: the legendary temples of Abu Simbel. The drive takes around 3.5 hours through desert landscapes towards the shores of Lake Nasser, with the option to stop along the way whenever you’d like. Nothing quite prepares you for your first glimpse of Abu Simbel. Carved directly into the rock, the entrance is guarded by four huge statues of Pharaoh Ramses II, built to impress visitors and showcase his power more than 3,000 years ago – and they still do exactly that today. Similar to Philae Temple, Abu Simbel was part of an extraordinary UNESCO rescue project and careful relocated stone by stone to save it from the rising waters caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Later that afternoon, you will travel back to Aswan, where you can cool off in the pool after a long, but rewarding day.
If you’d prefer to stay in Abu Simbel overnight, we can arrange this for you. It’s a great way to experience the temples once the day-trippers have left, giving you more time to explore in a calmer setting. Speak to your travel specialist for more information.
Day 14 – Departure from Egypt
Today, it’s time to say goodbye to Egypt and fly home. It’s a short drive from your hotel to Aswan Airport, and you’ll travel back via Cairo for your onward international flight. By now, you’ll have explored vast temple complexes, followed the story of the pharaohs through centuries of history, and experienced life along the river on a relaxing Nile cruise.
If you’re not ready for the journey to end, we can arrange a few relaxing days on the Red Sea, where you can unwind by the beach and discover the incredibly vibrant underwater world before heading home.
Accommodation
