PREMIUM PRIVATE TOUR: Discover the amazing highlights of Egypt, from the Pyramids and pharaohs to ancient architecture and antiquity. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the River Nile, explore awe-inspiring Abu Simbel Temple, the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and exquisite tombs at the Valley of the Kings. There's no better way to end your Egyptian adventure than relaxing by the famous Red Sea resort town of Hurghada.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to ancient Egypt
Welcome to Egypt and the start of your holiday! Arrival Cairo and included transfer to your hotel. The remainder of today is at your leisure to relax and enjoy your hotel facilities, or explore Cairo your way. Consider heading out for dinner at one of the restaurants offering views over the Nile River and city, or head to the sound and light show at the pyramids this evening.
Overnight: Cairo
Breathtaking Pyramids & Saqqara
This morning visit the only remaining ancient wonder of the world, the impressive Pyramids at the Giza Plateau. Gaze in awe at Cheops (Khufu) - the largest of the three great pyramids. Constructed from over 2.5 million limestone blocks, it is thought to have taken more than 20 years to construct. The other two - Chephren and Mycerinus are equally breathtaking, and all three Pyramids are truly a sight that can only be fully appreciated in person. Your tour continues to Memphis to see the colossal statue of Ramses II. Afterward, tour the tomb-strewn necropolis of Saqqara, featuring King Zhoser’s step pyramid. Constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh’s chief architect in 2700 BC and the template for all future pyramid construction.
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
Egyptian Museums & Islamic Cairo
Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum this morning which houses a giant exhibition containing the treasures of King Tutankhamun. Many pieces on show are being displayed for the first time and artefacts have been brought together from across Egypt and the world to this one location. The museum also makes use of new technology including virtual reality. After your guided tour head over to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to see the mummies of mighty pharaohs on display in the Royal Mummies' Hall.
This afternoon visit the world famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar, with trinkets and delights to be found amongst the many shops and stalls located here. Then continue to The Citadel. This monumental Islamic-era fortification, in the heart of Cairo, was once the seat of government from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Here, you'll visit the beautiful Mosque of Muhammed Ali built in the 1830's, this impressive structure is made from alabaster stone and is a smaller version of the Blue Mosque found in Istanbul.
Please Note: the Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in summer 2022, though an official opening date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
Philae Temple & the High Dam
Cairo - Aswan. After breakfast, take a short flight south to Aswan and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon visit Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam. Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, was rescued in an enormous UNESCO effort in the 1970s. Due to high water levels in the reservoir created by the Old Aswan Dam and further aquatic drama due to the creation of the mighty High Dam, Philae Temple was relocated stone by stone to higher ground on nearby Agilika Island.
Overnight: Aswan | Breakfast
Awe-inspiring Abu Simbel
Aswan - Abu Simbel - Aswan. It's an early start today as you board a short flight down south to explore the temples of Abu Simbel, created to revere the mighty pharaonic ruler King Ramses II. Guarding the entrance to the temple (built between 1290 and 1224 BC) hewn into the side of a mountain are four famous colossal statues of the pharaoh himself. In a fit of architectural wisdom, Ramses II had the entire temple carefully angled and oriented in order that the sun’s rays would align twice a year on his date of ascension to the throne (in February) and on his birthday (in October) and illuminate the inner sanctum of the temple. The other rock cut temple at Abu Simbel is the Temple of Hathor, which is fronted by six massive standing statues. Four of them represent King Ramses II, the other two are of his beloved wife - Queen Nefertari. Famously, both temples were re-located in a multi-million dollar operation in 1972, further up from the shoreline of Lake Nasser.
Returning to Aswan, you have free time to perhaps do some shopping in the colourful souqs and markets or simply relax in this attractive town which straddles the River Nile. This afternoon board your luxury Nile cruiser for a three night cruise on the River Nile.
Overnight: Nile Cruising | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nile Cruising & R&R
Spend the next two days relaxing aboard your luxury Nile cruiser, taking in the riverside village views from the top deck and exploring some of the exciting historical sites located along this stretch of the Nile. On day 6 moor up at the riverside and enjoy a visit to the waterside Temple of Kom Ombo. Consisting of two temples, one dedicated to the Crocodile-headed god Sobek and the other dedicated to the falcon god Horus. On Day 7, you will reach the west bank of Luxor and explore the best of Ancient Thebes - the tomb strewn Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
Overnight: Nile Cruiser | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Karnak & Luxor Temples
After a leisurely breakfast disembark your cruiser to visit Karnak Temple. Karnak is a spectacular myriad of sanctuaries, pylons, chapels, halls and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods and to the greater glory of Egypt’s Middle and New Kingdom rulers. Later explore Luxor Temple, dedicated to Amun, construction work on the temple began during the reign of Amenhotep III in the 14th century BC. Walk along the newly refurbished Avenue of Sphinxes, which connects these two famous sites.
This afternoon travel by car to the stunning Red Sea resort of Hurghada.
Overnight: Hurghada | Breakfast
Relax & soak up some sun!
Time for R&R! Though there is plenty to do in and around Hurghada. Consider sail boarding, yachting, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling or simply soak up the sun poolside. Hurghada’s central location provides a gateway to prime offshore reefs, which are some of the finest in the world. Hurghada also has a lively nightlife scene and excellent shopping.
Overnight: Hurghada | Breakfast x 3
Return to Cairo
Hurghada - Cairo. This morning fly back to Cairo. The afternoon allows free time to relax by the pool or consider some last minute souvenir shopping at the famous Khan el Khalili Bazaar.
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
Cairo
Today marks the end of your incredible journey through Egypt. A transfer will be provided to take you to airport to meet your onward flight. Should you wish to book another night or more to further explore more of the city, please enquire.
For information about visas, top travel tips and much more, take a look through our travel guide.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply.
Read MoreHotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Sonesta Hotel Cairo, Cairo
The Sonesta Hotel & Casino is a sophisticated and luxurious hotel offering spacious, en-suit rooms with opulent furnishings. Enjoy a cocktail at the poolside bar or indulge in a relaxing massage or Turkish steam bath at the full-service spa. With 5 restaurants located within the hotel you'll be spoilt for choice over dining options.
Movenpick Hotel, Aswan, Aswan
Situated on Elephantine Island, the Movenpick is a luxurious hotel with stunning views of the Nile River. There is a range of spacious and luxurious rooms with stylish furnishings, private balconies or terraces and a great selection of amenities including WiFi, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities. The Movenpick offers three restaurants as well as the Lounge Bar and Panorama Bar. Guests can also make use of the outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts.
Deluxe Cruise, Nile Cruising
Deluxe Nile cruise boats are elegant, luxurious boats with spacious cabins and an excellent range of facilities. You'll have the opportunity to relax as your cruise boat meanders along this famous river. Enjoy delicious dining experiences coupled with incredible views of the villages and vistas that dot the river bank.
Marriott Beach Resort, Hurghada
The Marriott Beach Resort is a luxurious beachfront hotel, with every room enjoying a view of the Red Sea and Hurghada city centre just a few minutes drive away. There is a choice of 8 restaurants and bars for hungry travellers, and a health club, tennis & squash courts, and fitness centre to stay in shape. During the day, soak in the heated outdoor pool or book a watersport activity. The hotel even has its own private island if you fancy a massage among the palm trees.
In Brief
