Enchanting People, Enchanting Travels
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Itinerary Details

Day 1 – 4

International Arrival

You will be transferred from Cairo airport to your hotel in a private vehicle

3 Nights

Cairo

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, stands by the River Nile with centuries of history and culture behind it. The city lovingly holds within itself the glorious civilization of ancient Egypt, the medieval era of high Islamic culture as well as the bygone glamor of its 19th century colonial history. While the city’s beauty may not be immediately apparent amid its dusty lanes (thanks to the Sahara Desert next door), once you set off to discover Cairo, you will encounter priceless gems like the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx standing guard before it. Visit the Egyptian Museum, which holds the Gold Mask of King Tutankhamun, walk past Tahrir Square, the city’s Fatimid and Mamluk monuments, and streets like the Sharia Al Muizz Li Din Allah. Browse through popular marketplaces like Khan Al Khalili, climb the Cairo Tower for a panoramic view, and listen to the rising crescendo of the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer from the minarets towering over the city.

Included activities

Personalized Felucca Dinner Cruise on the Nile

Take in the lights of Cairo as you sail down the Nile on a felucca boat. In the evening, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the boarding point. Climb aboard the felucca and make yourself comfortable. This traditional boat is used on the river and its open, narrow design makes it perfect to take in the views. As you sail on the water, your guide will point out interesting landmarks and tell you about their historical and cultural significance. Then, sit down for a five-course meal of Middle Eastern delicacies with the soothing sound of a lute playing in the background. As you enjoy dinner, soak in beautiful views of the passing scenery. After the cruise winds up, head back to your hotel. (Duration: 2 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: five-course dinner, drinks on own account; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Personalized Cairo City Tour incl. Museum, Citadel & Bazaar

Personalized Tour to Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis & Sakkara

Hotel options

Sofitel Cairo Downtown Hotel – Opt 1
Room Classic Room – HB
Meals Breakfast
Style International
Marriott Mena House – Opt 2
Room Deluxe Room Partial Pyramid View – BB
Meals Breakfast
Style International
Day 4 – 5

You will be transferred from your hotel to Cairo airport in a private vehicle

Board your flight from Cairo to Abu Simbel (Duration: 2 hrs, Business)

You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle

1 Night

Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a serene little Nubian village by the Nile River near Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser, not far from the border with Sudan. Thanks to its world famous rock temples, most travelers drop by the village on their cruise trips to Luxor or Aswan. This out of the way destination holds a charm of its own, if one is willing to give it some time. The colossal Abu Simbel temples comprise the Temple of Hathor and the Great Temple of Ramses II. This ancient monument dedicated to Ramesses II was relocated to its present site to escape the flood plains when the Aswan Dam was built in the 1960s. The temple visit aside, what is more pleasantly surprising for most travelers is the beautiful cerulean blue view of Lake Nasser surrounding this ancient structure. This lovely view over the lake can often be enjoyed from aboard the cruise boats as well.

Included activities

Sound & light Show at Abu Simbel Temple

Watch the sound and light show in the Nubian village of Abu Simbel and immerse yourself in its rich history. As you take your seats at the main temple, on the banks of Lake Nasser, you will observe the façade dominated by four colossi of Ramesses II. Be mesmerized by projections that show intricate hieroglyphics and how the temples once looked. Built by Ramesses II, more than 3,000 years ago, the twin temples are splendid examples of ancient Egyptian art. While the great temple is dedicated to the gods Amon-Ra and Re-Horakhty, the small temple is dedicated to Nefertari for the worship of goddess Hathor. You will see its exterior adorned with massive statues of the king and his favorite Queen Nefertari. Here, she is depicted as Hathor, the goddess of beauty, with the horns of a cow, a solar disc and two plumes. Watch the illuminated structure and listen to interesting tales before the show winds up. (Duration: 1 hr; Time: 1800/1900/2000 hrs; Shared activity; Private transfers; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy; Operates subject to 5 ppl confirmed)

Hotel options

Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge – Opt 1
Room Lakeview Room – BB
Meals Breakfast
Style Heritage
Seti Abu Simbel Lake Resort – Opt 2
Room Standard Room
Meals Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)
Style Heritage
Day 5 – 7

You will be transferred from your hotel in Abu Simbel to your hotel in Aswan in a private vehicle.

2 Nights

Aswan

Aswan stands beside the great Nile River at perhaps its widest and most leisurely flowing stretch through Africa. The languid river seems to lend the city its laidback air. The city lends itself beautifully to leisurely as well as an energetic sightseeing travel schedule. Aswan’s bright and bustling local marketplace area stands to the north of the famous Aswan Dam on the Nile River. The Nile here is dotted with little islands of nodding palms and granite hills, cleaved by idyllic vistas of local Nubian villages on one side and a desert landscape on the other. Whether one enjoys a lazy felucca ride down the Nile and a visit to a local Nubian village or treks through the UNESCO-listed Philae temple complex admiring its ancient temples and graceful structures, there’s much to do in this part of Egypt. Enjoy the flavors of the Nile cuisine, including the region’s fresh seafood, falafel and the delicious stew-like Fattah, chased by refreshing cups of minty shai or tea.

Included activities

Group Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple

Immerse yourself in a captivating sound and light show at Philae Temple. As you enter one of Egypt’s most revered archaeological sites, you will see the temple’s magnificent architecture that serves as the backdrop for the audio-visual presentation. Be transported to the ancient world of Philae Temple via a seamless blend of sound, light and storytelling. Hear the narrator recount the interesting history and legends associated with the site. Listen to stories about Egyptian gods and goddesses, pharaohs, and ancient rituals, intricately woven together with evocative music. Admire the illuminated temple and take in its beauty as you gain a deeper understanding of its cultural and historical significance before the show ends. (Duration: 3 hrs; Time: 2000/2100 hrs; Shared activity; Private transfers; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy)

Personalized Tour of Elephantine Island & Aswan Museum

Discover the ancient Elephantine Island and the archaeological treasures housed in the Aswan Museum. Head to the Temple of Khnum, where you can explore the well-preserved reliefs and hieroglyphs that honor Khnum, the ram-headed god of Elephantine Island. Delve into its history as you walk along the Nilometer, an age-old device that is used to measure the water levels of the Nile. Your guide will tell you about how this ingenious invention played a crucial role in predicting the annual flooding of the river and its impact on the livelihoods of the people. Next, venture into a vibrant Nubian village. Stroll through the labyrinthine streets adorned with colorful houses, and learn about local traditions and culture. Conclude your tour at the Aswan Museum. View an extensive collection of artifacts, including statues, reliefs, and sarcophagi from various periods of Egyptian history. Gain insight into the island’s rich archaeological heritage before returning to Aswan. (Duration: half day, Time: 0900/1400 hrs, Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy; Please wear walking shoes)

Personalized Tour of a Nubian Village

Experience the traditional Nubian way of life with a visit to a village near Aswan. In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the village, one among a cluster of colorful Nubian settlements, on the West Bank of the Nile. Here, you can explore the streets lined with brightly colored houses and structures. Take in the handmade art adorning the buildings as you stroll through the hamlet. Along the way, your guide will share interesting insight into Nubian culture, people and language. Then, sample some authentic local dishes and enjoy a traditional cup of tea. Afterward, rejuvenate yourself with some mud and sand therapy if you like. You could also opt for a boat ride down the Nile and soak in the stunning views before heading back to the hotel. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)

Hotel options

Mövenpick Resort Aswan – Opt 1
Room Standard Classic Garden View
Meals Breakfast
Style International
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract – Opt 2
Room Nile Wing Luxury
Meals Breakfast
Style Heritage
Day 7 – 10

You will be transferred from your hotel to Aswan pier in a private vehicle

3 Nights

Nile Cruise (from Aswan to Luxor)

Set out on a cruise to discover the magnificent Nile, the world’s longest river that has given life to historic civilizations and their extraordinary monuments, over centuries. Setting out from Aswan aboard a riverboat, sail upstream to Luxor while you watch the changing colors on the river and the sight of magical landmarks on its banks and beyond. At Aswan, riverine islands and the UNESCO-listed Philae Temple make for picturesque sights. Closer to Luxor, several monuments of note dot the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens on the west bank of the Nile, facing Luxor. Along the way, watch fishermen cast their nets, and catch sight of the Egyptian and Glossy Ibis, plovers, snipes, and egrets along the river bank. These waters are also home to an ancient species – the mighty Nile crocodile!

Included activities

Nile Cruise: Highlights from Aswan to Luxor (4 Days/ 3 Nights)

Experience the history and culture of the Upper Egypt region as you sail on the Nile from Aswan to Luxor. Board the comfortable cruise ship at Aswan, settle in and then enjoy lunch at the main restaurant. Afterward, hop into a motorboat for a short ride to the awe-inspiring Philae Temple complex that sits on Agilika Island. Accessible only by boat, this temple complex was relocated block by block to prevent it from being submerged in the flood waters of the new Aswan Dam. You could then stop at the impressive new dam that supplies water for irrigation and electricity generation. Back onboard, spend the afternoon relaxing on deck while the ship sails along smoothly. Relish a gourmet dinner before you retire for the night. The next day, enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet. For lunch, there is a barbecue buffet with a live grill. In the evening, step ashore to explore Kom Ombo Temple, known for its unique double design dedicated to two deities — the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris. Wind up the day with traditional cuisine and music followed by a fun Galabia party in the lounge bar as the vessel sails to Edfu. On the third day, visit the Ptolemaic Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus and Hathor. Back onboard, head to the ship’s main restaurant for a private cooking class. At Luxor, visit the sprawling Karnak Temple complex, built in honor of the god Amon. You will also see the famous Luxor Temple. In the night, there is a gourmet dinner followed by a belly dancing show and tanoura performance in the lounge bar. On the fourth day, have an early breakfast before you checkout and disembark. (Duration: four days/three nights; Private activities; Private transfers; Meals included: yes (all onboard meals); Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Entry fees and guide included)

The Oberoi Zahra: Highlights from Aswan to Luxor (4 Days / 3 Nights)

Embark on an immersive three-night cruise on the Nile River. Journey through the land of the pharaohs and experience Egypt at a leisurely pace. Glide along as you gaze at dramatic desert landscapes and learn about Egyptian culture. The onboard Egyptologist offers informative audio-visual presentations about the sites you’ll visit. Luxury vans are arranged at each stop for sightseeing. In Aswan, take in the Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, Osiris and Horus. At Kom Ombo, tour the unique double temple, a Graeco Roman edifice dedicated to the falcon-headed Horus and Sobek, the crocodile god. See an array of inscriptions, known as the ‘Sacred Drama’ at the Temple of Edfu, the country’s most well-preserved archaeological site. In Luxor, descend into the underground mausoleums in the Valley of the Kings, a royal burial ground. View the Colossi of Memnon and visit Luxor and Karnak temples, to conclude your voyage along ancient Egypt’s lifeline.(Duration: 4 days/3 nights; Shared activity & transfers; All entry fees are included; All meals are included, please inform us of any food allergies in advance.)

Hotel options

Farah Nile Cruise – Opt 1
Room Deluxe Cabin Upper Deck
Meals Full Board
Style Cruise
The Oberoi Zahra – Opt 2
Room Luxury Cabin
Meals Full Board plus Activities
Style Cruise
Day 10 – 12

You will be transferred from Luxor pier to your hotel in a private vehicle

2 Nights

Luxor

Luxor stands by the Nile River at the ancient site of Thebes, which was the capital city of the great pharaohs of Egypt. The massive scale and grandeur of the city has to be experienced first-hand. The famous Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens with their royal tombs are spread across the Nile from Luxor. The ancient hieroglyphs and vibrant paintings decorating the royal tomb of Ramses VI, for instance, is an unbelievable sight. The city itself is home to quite a few ancient temples and monuments of historical and archeological importance, such as the Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple. Although the entire city is nothing short of an open-air museum, the Luxor Museum with its priceless displays is definitely worth a visit. The Tombs of the Nobles, with over 400 tombs of high-ranking families from the Graeco-Roman period, are renowned for their detailed depictions from the Book of the Dead and frescos of daily lives.

Included activities

Personalized Tour of the Hathor Temple in Dendera & the Osiris Temple in Abydos

Explore the ancient temples of Hathor and Osiris. In the morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Luxor and escort you to Dendera to see the Temple of Hathor, the goddess of love and joy. Note the depictions of Cleopatra VI on the temple walls, which are prime examples of Ptolemaic Egyptian art. Discover the numerous other structures within the temple complex, such as the Temple of the Birth of Isis and a Christian Basilica. Then travel to Abydos, one of the oldest cities of ancient Egypt. Here you will find the Temple of Osiris. Construction on the temple began under King Seti I and was completed by King Rameses II. Take your time to view the paintings of the gods and pharaohs on the walls. Admire the frescoes, considered to be among the most beautifully preserved in Egypt, before heading back to your hotel. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Travel time to activity: 1.5 hrs to Dendera, 1.5 hrs to Abydos and 3hrs back to Luxor; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: no; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy)

Group Hot Air Balloon Flight over Ancient Thebes & the Nile

Take in ancient Thebes and the Nile from above during this tour. Very early in the morning, you will take to the launch site for your hot air balloon flight. As you prepare for a memorable journey over ancient Thebes, watch the dawn light begin to give the sky a rich glow. You will lift off and gain altitude, while catching glimpses of the Valley of the Kings. Fly over the tomb of Queen Hatshepsut and spot the row of sphinxes that guard the stairs. Then, glide over the landscape replete with fields of sugarcane and dotted with palm trees. See the pink and orange hues of the Egyptian sunrise light up the sky and drift over the massive Colossi of Memnon. On the banks of the Nile River, you will see homes with adobe walls and flat rooftops with palm canopies. Soak in the aerial views as you float above dusty desert roads, before slowly descending and gently landing. (Duration: 2 hrs; Time: 0300 hrs (summer)/0400 hrs (winter); Shared activity; Private transfers; Fitness level: easy; Operates subject to weather conditions)

Hotel options

Steigenberger Nile Palace – Opt 1
Room Executive Front Nile View
Meals Breakfast
Style International
Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor – Opt 2
Room Luxury Room Nile View – HB
Meals Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)
Style International
Day 12 – 12

You will be transferred from your hotel to Luxor airport in a private vehicle

Board your flight from Luxor to Cairo (Duration: 1hr, Business)

Cairo

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, stands by the River Nile with centuries of history and culture behind it. The city lovingly holds within itself the glorious civilization of ancient Egypt, the medieval era of high Islamic culture as well as the bygone glamor of its 19th century colonial history. While the city’s beauty may not be immediately apparent amid its dusty lanes (thanks to the Sahara Desert next door), once you set off to discover Cairo, you will encounter priceless gems like the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx standing guard before it. Visit the Egyptian Museum, which holds the Gold Mask of King Tutankhamun, walk past Tahrir Square, the city’s Fatimid and Mamluk monuments, and streets like the Sharia Al Muizz Li Din Allah. Browse through popular marketplaces like Khan Al Khalili, climb the Cairo Tower for a panoramic view, and listen to the rising crescendo of the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer from the minarets towering over the city.

International Departure

This Egypt vacation is the perfect introduction to the country’s stunning ancient sites and monuments. Starting in the grand city of Cairo, explore gems such as the Egyptian Museum with its pharaonic displays, the Al Azhar Mosque and vibrant souks and bazaars with your very own local expert. From here, you will travel to Giza, where the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx have stood sentinel for over 4,500 years. Board a short flight to Abu Simbel next – this serene Nubian village by Lake Nasser is home to the twin temples of Hathor and Ramses II, featuring the massive statues of King Ramses II and Queen Nefertiti. Next, travel overland to the laidback town of Aswan and be greeted by nodding palm trees and idyllic Nubian villages by the riverside. Here, you will have the opportunity to watch an exciting sound and light show at the Philae temple, learning more about the local history and legends. From Aswan, you will set out on a riverboat excursion on the might Nile. As you sail upstream towards Luxor, enjoy guided shore excursions to see famous and lesser-known sites, visit islands that are otherwise inaccessible, and visit the great Aswan Dam. There will be plenty of entertainment onboard as you sail, including private cooking lessons from the chefs and evening entertainment accompanied by grand feasts. At Luxor, disembark from your ship and explore the site of ancient Thebes, the historic home of the Great Pharaohs of Egypt. Your adventure ends on a high note as you sail over the enchanting landscape in a hot air balloon on your final day, gaining an aerial perspective of the ancient sites. Would you like to add more destinations to this itinerary or tailor the route to your specific requirements. Our experts are happy to help you plan a trip that matches all your requirements, just get in touch!

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $8,290 USD / person

Option 2

From $9,590 USD / person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes
  • Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
  • Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
  • Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
  • Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
  • Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Visa and tourism fees
  • Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
  • International airfare

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