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 – Free time in Cairo
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. If you’d like to see a different side of Cairo, wander through the winding streets of Islamic Cairo, stopping for a mint tea or strong Egyptian coffee in one of the city’s historic cafés. Browse the colourful stalls of Khan el-Khalili Bazaar for spices, handmade crafts and souvenirs, or escape the bustle with a peaceful walk through the leafy gardens of Al-Azhar Park, where you’ll be rewarded with views across the city’s skyline. If you’d like to dive deeper into Cairo’s food scene then can arrange a food tour where you’ll discover a variety of traditional Egyptian dishes and learn about all the local traditions that come with them. Later, you’ll return to your hotel to relax ahead of tomorrow’s flight to Aswan. Whether you choose to explore or simply unwind by the pool, today offers the perfect balance before the next part of your Egyptian adventure.
Day 4 – 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 5 – Explore Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk and Aswan High Dam
This morning you will be discovering some of Aswan’s highlights, starting with the beautiful Philae Temple. Set on an island in the Nile, this temple can only be reached by boat, so getting there already feels part of the adventure. You’ll hop aboard a traditional wooden motorboat and glide across the water before arriving at this unique scenic temple complex, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Alongside your English-speaking guide, you’ll uncover the stories behind the temple and hear about the extraordinary rescue project that carefully relocated it stone by stone to protect it from rising waters. Next, you’ll visit the Unfinished Obelisk, where ancient tool marks still reveal how these huge monuments were carved from solid granite. Your final stop is the Aswan High Dam, an impressive feat of engineering that transformed modern Egypt. Stretching across the Nile, it plays a vital role in controlling the river’s flow and providing water and electricity to much of the country. From here, you’ll also have scenic views over Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes.
Day 6 – Board your Nile Cruise to Luxor
Today, you’ll board your traditional dahabiya in Aswan and settle into life on the Nile. Unlike larger cruise boats, these traditional sailing boats carry only a small number of guests, creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere on board. Your comfortable cabin has air conditioning and a private bathroom, while the spacious sun deck is the perfect place to watch the river drift by.
After meeting the crew and enjoying lunch on board, you’ll begin sailing north through one of the Nile’s most scenic stretches. Along the way, you’ll pass colourful Nubian villages, palm-fringed islands and farmers tending their fields beside the river.
Later, you’ll visit Kom Ombo Temple, dramatically positioned on the Nile’s edge. Dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus, this unusual double temple is one of the highlights of the journey. Back on board, enjoy dinner beneath the stars and spend your first night on the Nile.
Day 7 – Nile Cruise: Temples, villages and life along the Nile
Wake up to the gentle sounds of the river as your dahabiya continues its journey north. This morning, you’ll stop at Gebel El Silsila, an ancient sandstone quarry that supplied stone for many of Egypt’s most famous temples. Here, you can explore the archaeological site and the rock-cut temple of Pharaoh Horemheb, tucked away beside the river.
Back on board, spend the afternoon relaxing on deck as the landscapes of Upper Egypt slowly unfold around you. Watch fishermen casting their nets, children playing on the riverbanks and traditional feluccas sailing past.
Later, you’ll moor near a small riverside village, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy a short walk through the countryside. As the sun sets, return to the dahabiya for dinner and another peaceful night on the Nile.
Day 8 – Nile Cruise: Edfu Temple and sailing towards Luxor
This morning, you’ll arrive in Edfu, home to one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, the temple’s towering gateways, intricate carvings and enormous columns offer a fascinating glimpse into Ancient Egypt.
After exploring with your Egyptologist guide, return to the dahabiya and continue sailing towards Luxor. This final afternoon on the river is all about slowing down and enjoying the journey. Find a spot on deck, watch everyday life unfold along the Nile and soak up the atmosphere that makes this such a special way to travel through Egypt.
In the evening, enjoy a final dinner on board as you reflect on the temples, landscapes and experiences of the past few days.
Day 9 – Arrive in Luxor
Today, you’ll enjoy your final stretch of sailing before arriving 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 10 – 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 11 – 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.
Day 12 – 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 13 & 14 – 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 15 – 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
