Highlights of Egypt: Cairo, Nile Cruise and the Red Sea

Drive to the Giza Plateau and witness the sound and light show at the pyramids. Step back in time to when the pharaohs walked the earth and built the mysterious pyramids. The Sphinx, which has guarded the city of the dead for centuries, narrates the pharaonic history and unravels age-old secrets. Learn about great sovereigns such as Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, and about their reign and achievements. Through visual projections, gain insight into those involved in developing the form of the pyramid. Immerse yourself in tales of prominent Egyptian rulers including Thutmose IV, Akhenaton, Nefertiti and Tutankhamun. As the show draws to an end, soak in the site’s extravagant illumination. (Duration: 2 hrs; Time: 1830 hrs (winter)/1930 hrs (summer); Shared activity; Private transfers; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy; Operates subject to 5 ppl confirmed.)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Explore the collection at the Luxor Museum, and learn about the art of mummification at the Mummification Museum, on this half day tour. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the two-story Luxor Museum. Here, you can see the treasures found at the Luxor Temple. View some of the grave goods that were discovered at Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of Kings in 1922. Head to the upper floor to see the reconstructed wall from a temple dedicated to Amenhotep IV. Then, visit the Mummification Museum to get a comprehensive explanation of the process and its religious significance. Finally, proceed to the hall of artifacts, where you will see embalming materials, elaborately decorated coffins and mummified remains among the objects on display. (Duration: half day; Time: 0900/1400 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: no; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy)

The sound and light show at Karnak Temple highlights the fascinating history of ancient Thebes. As you walk through the illuminated complex, the sovereigns narrate their life stories accompanied by haunting music. Learn about the city that was the capital of Egypt during the period of the Middle and New Kingdoms, and how it was a religious and intellectual hub. Listen to poetic recitations about the birth of the Karnak Temple and the achievements of some of the pharaohs. Known as Ipet-Sut, ‘The Most Esteemed of Palaces’, Karnak’s magnificence was enhanced over more than 13 centuries by successive pharaohs. You will also gain insight into the royal family of the 18th Dynasty, who made Amun-Ra the state god. Hear legends about prominent Egyptian rulers including Thutmose I, II and III, and Queen Hatshepsut. Finally, take your seat at the Great Sacred Lake and watch the last act which wraps up the spectacle. (Duration: 2 hrs; Time: 1900/2015/2130/2245 hrs; Shared activity; Private transfers; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy; Operates subject to 5 ppl confirmed)