Day 1 – Welcome to Egypt
Upon arrival at Cairo Airport, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel in Zamalek (a journey time of around one hour). We have chosen this quiet area for its excellent selection of restaurants, lovely views over the Nile, and its convenient location within walking distance of the Egyptian Museum and Tahrir Square. Perfect for a convenient and comfortable introduction to Cairo. If you would like tips on where to eat or which neighbourhoods offer the best sense of local life, our representative will be happy to help. We also offer an alternative stay near the Pyramids of Giza, which is described in the Cairo Giza Pyramids section, so please let us know if you would prefer this option.
Day 2 – Explore the Giza Pyramids …
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.
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.
… and the Grand Egyptian Museum
Together with your guide, you can decide how long to spend here before heading on to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the largest archaeological museum in the world. Set at the foot of the pyramids, this striking modern building is not just another museum in Cairo – it’s where ancient Egypt really comes to life. It goes far beyond artefacts, with its vast spaces, clear storytelling and dramatic setting right next to the pyramids. Your guide will take you through the highlights, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun, monumental statues and beautifully crafted objects from everyday life in ancient Egypt. You will also hear about recent discoveries and enjoy views of the pyramids from the terrace. At the end of the day, you will be driven back to your hotel.
Day 3 – Fly to Aswan
Today’s plans depend on the departure time of your domestic flight. In the morning, you may wish to explore more of Cairo, leaving your luggage at the hotel if needed, or arranging a day room for added comfort. Beyond the pyramids, the city has much to offer, from the Citadel to the lively Khan el Khalili bazaar, a great place to pick up souvenirs. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is also well worth a visit, with the impressive Royal Mummies Hall as a highlight. Your driver will collect you and take you to the airport in time for your domestic flight to Aswan, a journey of around 1.5 hours, where a very different side of Egypt awaits.
After arriving in Aswan, you’ll be met and transferred to your comfortable hotel, that’s located directly on the Nile. The hotel has a swimming pool and from the terrace you can enjoy river views. The rest of your day is free to relax.
Day 4 – Explore Aswan’s Islands
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and set off on a relaxed boat trip with a local guide around the islands of Aswan. Along the way, you will learn about Nubian culture and traditions, which are still very much part of daily life in this region. 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. You then continue to Kitchener Island, a lush botanical garden filled with exotic plants and trees. During a short walk, you can enjoy views of Aswan on one side and the desert on the other, before cruising on to Elephantine Island.
On arrival at Elephantine Island, you will immediately notice a change in atmosphere from the rest of Egypt, with colourful Nubian houses creating a warm and welcoming setting. The homes are often decorated in bright colours and patterns that reflect the stories of the families who live there, including pilgrimages and even how they travelled. Before returning to your hotel, you will enjoy a relaxed lunch prepared for you, with time to unwind and savour freshly grilled fish and other local specialities.
Day 5 – Board your Nile Cruise to Luxor
It’s time to head out onto the River Nile and today you will be transferred to the comfortable cruise ship on which you will spend the next three nights. While it may feel less intimate than a felucca sailboat or traditional dahabiya, it offers the standards of a four star hotel on the water. After settling into your cabin, you will enjoy your first lunch on board (all of your meals are included during the cruise). The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish, until dinner is served. You can disembark and explore Aswan – if you would like to arrange a visit to Abu Simbel, please let us know – or simply relax by the pool on deck.
Day 6 – Nile Cruise: Aswan to Esna via the Kom Ombo temples
It’s a leisurely morning on board before your journey along the Nile begins at around 1pm. Sit back, relax and watch life unfold on the river, and along the banks. Later today the ship will stop at Kom Ombo, where you can step ashore to visit the impressive temple dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris. A private guide will meet you and accompany you through the site, helping you to understand its history and significance. The temple stands in its original position along the Nile, which adds to its unique setting and atmosphere. After your visit you will return to the ship and continue your journey towards Esna.
Day 7 – Nile Cruise: Esna to Luxor via the Temple of Horus
Continue your journey along the Nile. Today you will disembark to visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best preserved temples in Egypt. A private guide will meet you at the boat and take you to the site. This impressive temple, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Egyptian architecture and rivals even Karnak in its sense of scale and atmosphere. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Luxor, where you can enjoy dinner on board, relax on deck under the stars, or unwind in the comfort of your cabin.
Day 8 – Disembark in Luxor
After breakfast, you will disembark and say farewell to the crew as your journey along the Nile comes to an end. You will be met and transferred to a comfortable hotel on the banks of the Nile, complete with a swimming pool. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 9 – Visit the iconic Valley of the Kings
Early this morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel 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 10 – Free time to explore Luxor
Today is a free day in Luxor for you to explore at your own pace. You may wish to visit Luxor Temple in the heart of the city, wander through the nearby streets filled with souvenir shops, or simply relax at your guesthouse by the pool. You could explore the Tombs of the Nobles, where the burial sites of high ranking priests can be found. These tombs feature beautifully preserved murals depicting everyday life in ancient Egypt and are often quieter than other sites, allowing you to take your time and explore at a relaxed pace.
If you’d like to see Luxor from above we can arrange a sunrise hot air balloon flight. You will drift above temples, tombs and green farmland, with the vast landscapes of Luxor stretching out in every direction. It’s a unique and memorable experience. Ask your Travel Specialist for more details.
Day 11 – On to the Red Sea (Safaga)
After breakfast, you’ll be collected from your hotel for the three hour drive to the Red Sea. You’ll journey through rugged mountains and wide-open scenery, as you cross the dramatic desert landscapes of the Eastern Desert. 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.
Days 12 & 13 – Time to relax
We have not planned anything during your stay. 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
