Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you’ll be met by our friendly local team who will assist you with visa formalities and luggage collection before transferring you to your hotel. After check-in, your guide will help you get settled, offer an orientation to the area, and go over the plan for the following day.

The rest of the day is yours to relax or start exploring at your own pace. If you arrive early, consider booking an optional Nile dinner cruise with live music and traditional dancing, or attend the Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza—both of which can be arranged locally upon arrival.

• OVERNIGHT: Cairo hotel
• MEALS: None

located in Cairo’s iconic Tahrir Square. Home to thousands of ancient artifacts, the museum offers a deep dive into Egypt’s extraordinary history. Highlights include the dazzling Tutankhamun exhibit, along with statues, mummies, and treasures from across the dynasties. Your expert Egyptologist guide will bring each piece to life with fascinating stories and insights.

Next, travel to the Giza Plateau, where the legendary Pyramids of Giza await. Stand in awe before the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops)—the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. This engineering marvel rises nearly 500 feet and stretches 750 feet across its base. You'll also view the neighboring pyramids of Khafre (Chephren) and Menkaure (Mycerinus), and admire the iconic Sphinx, guarding these ancient monuments. For those seeking a deeper experience, limited tickets are available for entry into the pyramids (subject to availability).

Between site visits, enjoy a traditional Koshary lunch, one of Egypt’s most beloved dishes. This hearty mix of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and crispy fried onions topped with tangy tomato sauce is a delicious introduction to local cuisine.

In the evening, transfer to Cairo railway station to board your overnight sleeper train to Aswan. The 12-hour journey includes comfortable twin-berth cabins with airline-style dinner and breakfast served on board.

• OVERNIGHT: Sleeper Train Cabin
• MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a restful night aboard the sleeper train, arrive in Aswan, a city rich in history and deeply connected to Nubian heritage. This enchanting region is home to a proud culture that has flourished along the Nile for thousands of years.

Begin your day with a scenic boat trip to Philae Temple, one of Egypt’s most beautifully preserved monuments. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple once faced submersion due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam but was carefully relocated to Agilkia Island, where it continues to awe visitors with its graceful columns and intricate reliefs.

Following your visit, the journey continues into the heart of Nubian life. Travel south of Aswan to a traditional Nubian village, where vibrant, colorfully painted houses decorated with symbolic motifs reflect the warmth and spirit of the people. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the village, browse local markets filled with handcrafted goods and spices, and connect with the community.

In the evening, enjoy an authentic home-cooked dinner with a Nubian family, sampling flavorful traditional dishes and experiencing true hospitality. You'll spend the night in a Nubian-style guesthouse, surrounded by the quiet rhythm and charm of village life—an unforgettable cultural highlight of your trip.

• OVERNIGHT: 4* hotel – Aswan
• MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin the day with an optional early morning excursion to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring sites. This UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece features two colossal temples carved directly into the rock face by Ramses II. Adorned with towering statues and intricate reliefs, the temples are a breathtaking tribute to ancient Egyptian grandeur and a highlight for many travelers.

By midday, you’ll embark on a classic Egyptian adventure—a felucca sailing trip down the Nile. These traditional wooden sailboats offer a peaceful and intimate way to experience the river’s timeless beauty. As you glide along the water, take in views of rural life, palm groves, and golden desert landscapes. Our friendly Nubian crew will handle the sailing and prepare freshly cooked meals onboard, sharing stories and cultural insights along the way.

To ensure comfort during the journey, a support boat accompanies the felucca, equipped with clean toilets, showers, and a hygienic kitchen. In the evening, we’ll anchor along the Nile’s edge and enjoy a hearty dinner prepared by the crew. Spend the night sleeping under the stars on deck, with mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets provided for your comfort.

If you prefer more conventional lodging, you may choose to upgrade to a hotel in Aswan for the night and rejoin the group the next day when the felucca reaches Kom Ombo. This upgrade will not affect your overall itinerary.

• OVERNIGHT: Felucca Sailboat
• MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After enjoying breakfast aboard the felucca, we say goodbye to our Nubian crew and begin our journey north by road. Our first stop is Edfu, home to one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples—the Temple of Horus. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god, this grand structure features towering pylons, intricate hieroglyphics, and a vast hypostyle hall. As you explore its remarkably intact chambers, you’ll step into the mythology and religious traditions of ancient Egypt.

From Edfu, we continue on to the legendary city of Luxor, built upon the ruins of ancient Thebes. Often referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum, Luxor is divided by the Nile into two distinct realms: the lively East Bank, home to vibrant city life and monumental temples, and the more tranquil West Bank, where pharaohs rest in tombs carved deep into desert cliffs.

This evening, enjoy a truly special experience: a guided nighttime visit to Luxor Temple. Beautifully illuminated under the stars, the temple takes on an ethereal glow. Your guide will lead you through its majestic colonnades and sacred chambers, revealing its fascinating history and its role in the religious life of ancient Thebes.

• OVERNIGHT: Luxor hotel
• MEALS: Breakfast

This morning, we journey to Luxor’s West Bank, a land of royal tombs, sacred temples, and timeless mystery. Our first stop is the legendary Valley of the Kings, the burial ground of Egypt’s New Kingdom pharaohs. Descend into several of these elaborately decorated tombs, where vivid hieroglyphs and colorful wall paintings have survived thousands of years. It’s a humbling glimpse into the afterlife beliefs of ancient Egypt and one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites.

Next, we visit Deir el-Medina, the ancient Workers’ Village that housed the skilled artisans who built and painted the royal tombs. Wander through the remarkably preserved ruins and discover what daily life was like for these craftsmen and their families—ordinary people with an extraordinary purpose.

We then continue to the striking Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural marvel nestled beneath towering cliffs. With its terraced façade and elegant colonnades, this mortuary temple honors one of Egypt’s most powerful female rulers.

On our way back, we stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues that once guarded a long-vanished temple and now stand as silent sentinels of ancient Thebes.

In the afternoon, we return to the East Bank to explore the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex. Dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, Karnak is one of the largest religious sites in the world. Stroll through its immense hypostyle hall, gaze up at towering columns, and admire the intricate carvings that span dynasties. Your guide will unravel its long and layered history, revealing how this sacred site evolved over more than two millennia.

For an unforgettable start to your day, consider joining an optional hot air balloon ride over the West Bank. Soar above the tombs, temples, and Nile Valley at sunrise—a breathtaking experience that casts Luxor’s ancient landscape in a golden glow (early morning departure required).

• OVERNIGHT: Luxor hotel
• MEALS: Breakfast

This morning, we bid farewell to the Nile Valley and set out on a scenic drive eastward to the sparkling shores of the Red Sea. Our destination is Hurghada, a vibrant coastal resort town renowned for its golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world.

Upon arrival, we check-in to a luxurious 5-star resort, your home for the next few days of rest and rejuvenation. Enjoy top-tier comfort with a soft all-inclusive package—meaning all meals, snacks, and soft drinks are included throughout your stay. (Please note: alcoholic beverages are not part of the soft all-inclusive plan.)

Relax by the swimming pool, sip cool drinks by the beach, or treat yourself to a soothing massage at the resort spa. Whether you choose to unwind in the sun, take part in beach volleyball or water sports, or simply enjoy the stunning Red Sea views, this is your time to recharge.

With its perfect blend of indulgence and natural beauty, Hurghada offers the ideal escape after your adventure through Egypt’s ancient wonders.

• OVERNIGHT: Hurghada Resort
• MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is yours to fully embrace the beauty and tranquility of Hurghada. Spend the day unwinding on the pristine beach, basking in the sun, and swimming in the turquoise waters of the Red Sea. This coastal paradise is world-famous for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it a dream destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

For those seeking a little more adventure, a wide range of optional activities is available. Glide over the water with windsurfing or kitesurfing, explore beneath the surface on a glass-bottom boat or submarine tour, or venture into the desert on a thrilling quad bike safari. You can also enjoy a camel ride along the shoreline or try your hand at sea fishing. Our local representative will be happy to assist you with booking these memorable experiences.

Prefer a slower pace? Take time to wander Hurghada’s atmospheric old town, explore its lively marina, or browse for local crafts and souvenirs in the bustling shops and bazaars.

For those enchanted by Hurghada's laid-back charm, additional nights at the resort can be arranged. You may choose to conclude your journey here or organize a flight back to Cairo at your convenience. (Please note extending your stay means you will separate from the main group. Contact us for personalized options and pricing.)

• OVERNIGHT: Hurghada Resort
• MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we depart Hurghada and begin our drive back to Cairo (approximately 5 hours). For added convenience and to save time, an optional flight upgrade is available upon request.

Upon arrival in Cairo, we check back into our hotel. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to join an optional guided walking tour through the bustling heart of Old Cairo. Starting at the imposing Bab al-Futuh gateway, you’ll meander through lively alleyways filled with artisans crafting everything from metalwork and spices to pottery, textiles, and jewelry. Your walk culminates in the vibrant Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, one of the oldest and most iconic markets in the Middle East.

Along the way, take a break to sip traditional Egyptian tea, try a shisha pipe, or sample a local favorite—Koshary, a delicious and hearty street dish of rice, lentils, pasta, and crispy onions. Afterwards, return to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

• OVERNIGHT: Cairo hotel
• MEALS: Breakfast

Enjoy your final morning in Cairo at your leisure. Depending on your flight time, you may wish to relax at the hotel, explore the city’s vibrant streets, or do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and gifts.

For those with an afternoon or evening departure, optional half-day tours are available to enhance your final hours in Egypt. Choose to explore Coptic Cairo and the Citadel of Saladin, a journey through early Christian and Islamic history, or dive deeper into Egypt’s ancient past with a tour to Saqqara, Dahshur, and Memphis, where you’ll discover the early evolution of pyramid architecture.

Alternatively, you can extend your stay in Cairo with extra nights—giving you time for additional day trips. Consider a visit to Alexandria, the atmospheric Mediterranean city rich in Greco-Roman history, or venture into the desert to explore the surreal landscapes and fossils of the Valley of the Whales (Wadi Al-Hitan), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Wadi El Rayan protectorate.

At the appropriate time, you’ll be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight.

• OVERNIGHT: None (Tour ends)
• MEALS: Breakfast