Day 1 – Arrival in Cairo
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.
Day 2 – Discover the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, Dahshur and Saqqara
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.
Depending on your interest, you can decide with your guide how long to spend at the pyramids and the Sphinx before continuing to 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
Day 3 – Free time to explore Cairo
Today is a free day to explore Cairo at your own pace. Cairo has far more to offer beyond the pyramids, so you might visit the Citadel or explore the lively Khan el-Khalili bazaar, where you will find plenty of opportunities to pick up souvenirs and enjoy the atmosphere. If you’d prefer a more relaxed day, take a stroll along the Nile Corniche, then soak up the atmosphere with a coffee in a local café.
If you’re a foodie, we can arrange a guided walking tour that explores the city through its food. You’ll stop at small restaurants, cafés and local shops you’d probably miss on your own. Along the way, your guide shares stories about the city’s history, traditions and the people behind the places you visit. Your Travel Specialist can provide more information.
You may have read about the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). It isn’t 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. We can arrange a full day at GEM, accompanied by a local guide. Ask your Travel Specialist to include this excursion in your Travel Plan.
Day 3 – Free time in Cairo and overnight train to Lxuor
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.
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 Luxor, we can arrange this for you. Speak to your travel specialist for more information.
Day 5 – Arrival in Luxor
In the morning, a simple breakfast is served before you arrive into Luxor, ready for the next part of your Egypt adventure. Our local representative will be waiting for you on the platform and will escort you to your driver, who will transfer you to your accommodation. We have chosen a characterful guesthouse in a peaceful location just outside the centre. With its palm filled garden, swimming pool, friendly staff and traditionally furnished Arabic style bungalows, it’s a true oasis. Dinner is served at the guesthouse and is well worth staying in for, with much of the produce coming from its own garden, including fresh fruit and vegetables. If you prefer to dine in the centre of Luxor, the guesthouse can easily arrange a taxi for you.
Day 6 – Explore the Valley of the Kings
Early this morning, you’ll be collected from your hotel and head into the desert mountains surrounding Luxor for a visit to the legendary Valley of the Kings. Hidden among these rocky hills lie the tombs of Egypt’s pharaohs, with more than 60 discovered so far. While many were looted centuries ago, this is also where Howard Carter uncovered the remarkably well-preserved tomb of Tutankhamun. Around ten tombs are open to visitors each day on a rotating basis, giving you the chance to step inside and wander through colourful corridors covered in intricate hieroglyphics, deep within the mountainside.
Day 7 – 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.
Other highlights in Luxor include the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III at Medinat Habu, the vast Temple of Karnak, and Deir el Medina, the village where the builders of the temples and tombs once lived. With so much to see, an extra night in Luxor is well worth considering. If you would like to extend your stay, please let us know and we will be happy to arrange it for you.
Day 8 – Departure from Luxor
Your day is free until your transfer from your hotel to Luxor Airport in time for your international departure. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach to complete your journey, you could extend your trip with a few nights on the Red Sea. Scroll down for more details …
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Extension to the Red Sea
Four night extension at a Red Sea resort, giving you extra time to fully relax after your journey. Enjoy long days on the beach, swim in warm, clear waters and discover vibrant coral reefs while snorkelling. The stay offers a calm and comfortable setting, perfect for unwinding in the sun and reflecting on your time in Egypt.
Highlights of Egypt in 7 nights - In Style accommodation
If you’d like a bit more comfort during your Egypt trip, you can choose our In Style accommodation option. You’ll sleep in hotels that feel a little more special, with extra comfort and personalised service, while still keeping that local character and an authentic feel. There’s no option to upgrade on the night train, but we can offer In Style hotels in Cairo and Luxor. If you would like to upgrade your accommodation for this itinerary, select our In Style option below.