- 4.9/5 438 Latest reviews
- Destination: Egypt
- Duration: 16 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: In-Depth
About This Trip
Embark on a comprehensive 16-day journey through Egypt for a truly immersive adventure. In addition to the country’s most famous attractions, you’ll uncover lesser-known pyramids and travel to the distinctive oases of Fayoum and Minya, where diverse scenery and local traditions await. Sail along the Nile River from Abu Simbel to Aswan, admiring the grand temples and ancient tombs of Luxor along the way. Your remarkable journey ends on the Red Sea coast, where the crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches of Sharm El Sheikh offer the perfect setting to relax and unwind.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 4
Cairo
Pyramids, Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum, Imhotep Museum
5
Minya
Beni Hassan, Museum of Akhenaten, Tell El Amarna
6
Faiyum
Wadi EL Rayan, Wadi EL Hitan
7 - 9
Lake Nasser Cruise
Abu Simbel: Temple of Nefertari
Kasr Ibrim: Nubian Monuments
Wadi el Sebou: Wadi el Sebou Temple
10 - 13
Luxor
Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temples, Dendera Temple
14 - 15
Sharm El Sheikh
Beach Holiday by the Red Sea
16
Cairo
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Cairo
Upon landing at Cairo International Airport, you will be met by a friendly airport representative who will assist you with visa formalities and immigration procedures. You will then be escorted to your driver for a comfortable one-hour transfer to your hotel. After check-in, spend the rest of the time relaxing and settling in at the hotel.
- Cairo
- Day 2: Cairo – Grand Egyptian Museum Visit
Looking forward to exploring the Grand Egyptian Museum? This modern architectural landmark features an impressive blend of glass and stone that allows abundant natural light to flood the interior. Inside, the museum houses over 100,000 artifacts that chronicle Egypt’s history from its ancient origins through the Greek and Roman periods. The displays are carefully curated with detailed explanations and interactive elements, bringing the brilliance of past civilizations vividly to life.
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- Cairo
- Day 3: Cairo – Pyramids Exploration
Spend a full day discovering Egypt’s iconic pyramids, including a visit to Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid and the Imhotep Museum. Continue on to the Giza Plateau to explore the famous Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. You will, of course, admire the Great Pyramid of King Khufu, along with one or two of the smaller pyramids believed to have been built for the pharaoh’s queens.
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- Cairo
- Day 4: Cairo – Memphis & Dahshur Monuments
Begin today’s exploration in the ancient city of Memphis, once the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom. Walk among the remains of temples, courtyards, and colossal statues while your guide shares engaging tales about this historic center of power.
Later, continue your journey into the early development of pyramid construction with a visit to Dahshur. Here, you will see the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid—recognized as Egypt’s first true smooth-sided pyramid—as well as view the Black Pyramid from afar.
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- Cairo
- Day 5: Cairo – Minya Excursion – Return to Cairo
Set out early for a scenic three-hour drive to El Minya, a historic yet lesser-known city often referred to as the “Bride of Upper Egypt.” Upon arrival, explore the Beni Hassan necropolis, an ancient burial site dating from the 21st to the 17th centuries BC. You will also visit the recently constructed Akhenaten Museum, the third-largest museum in Egypt after the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Al-Fustat Museum, before continuing to Tell El Amarna, the short-lived capital founded by Pharaoh Akhenaten.
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- Cairo
- Day 6: Fayoum Adventure – Wadi El Rayan & Wadi El Hitan
Your guide will collect you from your Cairo hotel and set off on a journey of approximately 90 km toward the natural attractions of El Fayoum. Begin the excursion at Wadi El Rayan, located about 80 km south of Fayoum, before continuing to Wadi El Hitan. Here, you will switch to a 4×4 jeep for a roughly 60 km desert drive, exploring a remarkable landscape scattered with hundreds of fossilized whale remains that illustrate the evolutionary transition of whales from land-dwelling mammals to marine creatures.
- B
- Cairo
- Day 7: Cairo to Abu Simbel – Embark on Lake Nasser Cruise
Depart early from your Cairo hotel and transfer privately to the airport for your flight to Abu Simbel, connecting through Aswan. Upon arrival, a representative will welcome you and escort you to board your Lake Nasser cruise ship. After settling in, enjoy a guided visit to the iconic Abu Simbel Temples, including the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Nefertari.
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- Nile River Cruise
- Day 8: Exploring Lake Nasser on Cruise
Today, embark on a scenic cruise along Lake Nasser, following a less-traveled route that reveals hidden Nubian treasures. Your first stop is Kasr Ibrim, a remarkable site that remains in its original location and survived the flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
After enjoying lunch on board, continue your journey to visit the Temple of Amada, recognized as the oldest Egyptian temple in Nubia. Later, sail onward to Wadi el Sebou, soaking in the serene beauty and historic significance of the area.
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- Nile River Cruise
- Day 9: Lake Nasser Cruise – Arrival in Aswan
Start your morning with breakfast on board, followed by a visit to Wadi el Sebou Temple, famously called the Valley of the Lions due to the rows of sphinxes leading up to the temple’s forecourts.
Afterward, continue sailing toward Aswan. Enjoy dinner on board while being entertained by a lively Nubian cultural show, celebrating the music and traditions of the region.
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- Nile River Cruise
- Day 10: Aswan to Luxor
After breakfast, disembark from the cruise and enjoy a private transfer to Luxor, where you will check in to your hotel.
On the way, you may request a stop to visit Esna Temple. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to rest, unwind, or explore Luxor at your own pace.
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- Luxor
- Day 11: Luxor – Abydos & Dendera Excursion
Continue your immersive journey through Egypt with a full-day excursion. Drive approximately three hours to reach Abydos, a sacred city where the ancient Egyptians venerated Osiris, the god of the afterlife. Explore the Temple of Osiris and marvel at its stunning and intricately preserved frescoes, considered some of the finest in Egypt.
Afterward, drive about two hours back toward Luxor to visit Dendera Temple, one of the best-preserved temple complexes in the country. Dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love, joy, and beauty, the temple showcases elaborate reliefs and vibrant decorations that highlight the grandeur of ancient Egyptian religious artistry.
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- Luxor
- Day 12: Luxor – West Bank Exploration
Today, join your guide for an in-depth tour of Luxor’s West Bank. Begin at Deir El-Medina, the ancient village where artisans who built and decorated the tombs in the Valley of the Kings once lived. Continue to the Ramesseum, the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramses II, showcasing his monumental legacy.
Next, visit the Howard Carter House, dedicated to the archaeologist who famously discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb. Explore Medinet Habu, renowned for its detailed reliefs illustrating Ramses III’s victories over the Libyans. Conclude the day at the Valley of the Kings, where Egypt’s greatest pharaohs were laid to rest in elaborately decorated tombs.
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- Luxor
- Day 13: Luxor – Flight to Sharm El Sheikh
Start the day with a visit to the magnificent Karnak Temple. Built and expanded over a span of more than 1,000 years, Karnak is regarded as one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring temple complexes and the second most visited historical site in the country.
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Sharm El Sheikh, connecting through Cairo. Upon arrival, a driver will meet you and take you to your hotel for check-in and an evening of relaxation.
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- Sharm El Sheikh
- Day 14: Sharm El Sheikh – Relaxation and Beach Day
Nestled along the stunning Red Sea coastline, Sharm El Sheikh welcomes visitors with its golden sunshine and crystal-clear waters, drawing tourists from around the world. The vibrant coral reefs here are especially famous, making it a favorite destination for snorkelers and marine enthusiasts.
Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying the sun, lounging on the beach, or exploring the underwater world through snorkeling at your own pace.
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- Sharm El Sheikh
- Day 15: Sharm El Sheikh – Leisure by the Sea
Spend another relaxing day in Sharm El Sheikh, soaking up the sun and enjoying the serene beaches. Take your time to unwind, swim in the clear waters, or simply relax and savor the tranquil coastal atmosphere.
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- Sharm El Sheikh
- Day 16: Sharm El Sheikh – Departure to Cairo
Enjoy some final moments of leisure in Sharm El Sheikh before meeting your tour representative. You will then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cairo, where you will connect with your international flight home.
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Accommodation Options
The hotels listed below have been carefully selected based on customer feedback. You can either choose the ones you'd like to stay in or allow our travel experts to recommend options tailored to your specific requirements.
Cairo 6 Nights
- 4.0
Top Choice
Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir
Address: 2 Kasr Al Nile Bridge, Ismailia, Qasr an Nile, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
- 5.0
Top Choice
Hyatt Regency Cairo West
Address: KM 22 Cairo-Alexandria Desert RD Pyramids Heights Business Park, Giza 8655 Egypt
- 4.0
Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences
Address: 21 Mohamed Mazhar Street, Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt
- 5.0
Intercontinental Cairo Semiramis
Address: Nile Corniche, Qasr Ad Dobarah, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate 11511, Egypt
Nile River Cruise 3 Nights
- 4.0
Top Choice
MS Blue Shadow I
A stay on the M/S Blue Shadow Nile Cruise offers a welcoming and comfortable experience. Guests can relax under the sun, explore the ancient temples of the Pharaohs, and savor freshly prepared traditional cuisine.
- 4.0
MS Amwaj Livingstone
Experience the Nile River and its rich historical surroundings with the comfort and luxury of the Amwaj Nile Cruise service.
- 5.0
MS Concerto II
MS Concerto II Nile Cruise Ship is a 5-star vessel designed to provide a comfortable and high-quality cruising experience
Luxor 3 Nights
- 4.0
Top Choice
Steigenberger Nile Palace
Address: Khaled Ben El-Walid St., Luxor 85111 Egypt
- 5.0
Top Choice
Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor
Address: 17 Cornish El Nile Street, Luxor 11432 Egypt
Sharm El Sheikh 3 Nights
- 5.0
Top Choice
Savoy Sharm El Sheikh
Address: SOHO Square, El-Shaikh Zayed St, Sharm Al Shiekh, South Sinai Governorate 8765302, Egypt
- 4.0
Movenpick Resort Sharm El Sheikh
Address: Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh 6019, Egypt
- 5.0
Park Regency Sharm El Sheikh Resort
Address: 58, Gardens Bay, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt
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