Mysteries of the Pyramids & Temples

About This Trip

Embark on a 10-day journey through ancient Egypt with a dedicated private driver and an expert Egyptologist guide to help you uncover the fascinating history of the Land of the Pharaohs. In Cairo, explore world-famous landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum, along with a visit to Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid, Egypt’s oldest pyramid. Continue by flying to Aswan, where a scenic road trip begins. Traveling along the Nile River toward Luxor, you’ll encounter some of Egypt’s most remarkable historical treasures, including the Temple of Philae, the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples, the Temple of Kom Ombo, the Valley of the Kings, and many more iconic sites.

Summary

DAY

PLACE

HIGHLIGHTS

1 - 3

Cairo

Pyramids (Giza, Saqqara, Dahshur), Grand Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar

4

Aswan

Philae Temple, Egyptian Felucca Ride

5

Abu Simbel

Temples of Abu Simbel

6

Kom Ombo, Edfu

Kom Ombo: Temple of Kom Ombo
Edfu: Temple of Edfu

7 - 9

Luxor

Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temples, Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Karnak Temple Complex, Valley of Nobles

10

Cairo

Departure

Itinerary

With one of the world’s richest and longest histories, Egypt greets you with its extraordinary heritage shaped by the timeless Nile River.

Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by our friendly representative, who will assist you with visa formalities and immigration procedures before escorting you to your private driver for a comfortable transfer to your hotel.

  • Cairo
Giza Pyramids
Pyramids of Giza

Today is dedicated entirely to Egypt’s remarkable pyramids. Begin at the famous Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, along with the legendary Great Sphinx. For an additional cost, you may choose to enter one of the major pyramids to discover its fascinating internal passages and chambers.

Continue south to Saqqara, where you will visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser, recognized as the earliest pyramid ever built. Conclude the day at the Dahshur necropolis, viewing the distinctive Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, widely considered the first successful true pyramid with smooth sides.

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  • Cairo
Grand Egyptian Museum
Grand Egyptian Museum

Deepen your understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization with an in-depth visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum. Accompanied by your private guide, spend much of the day discovering its extraordinary collections, featuring highlights such as Tutankhamun’s golden mask and the Solar Boat of Khufu.

In the afternoon, continue to Old Cairo to explore the city’s rich past. Visit the Citadel of Salah El-Din, home to the impressive Mohammed Ali Mosque, then wander through the bustling lanes of Khan El Khalili, a historic marketplace that dates back to the 14th century.

Optional evening experience: Attend the colorful Al Tannoura Egyptian Heritage Dance Show (available on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays only).

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  • Cairo
Egyptian Felucca Sailing

This morning, take a flight to Aswan and begin discovering this charming riverside city upon arrival. Board a motorboat to reach the island sanctuary of Philae Temple, one of Egypt’s best-preserved monuments. Stroll through the temple complex and admire the finely carved reliefs illustrating scenes from Egyptian mythology, including depictions of Ptolemy XII offering the crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt to Horus and Isis. Continue to the Granite Quarries to see the famous Unfinished Obelisk, then round off the day with a peaceful felucca sail on the Nile. Glide past Elephantine Island before disembarking at Kitchener Island to enjoy a leisurely walk through its lush Botanical Gardens.

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  • Aswan
Temples of Abu Simbell
Abu Simbel Temples

Set out on a full-day trip from Aswan to Abu Simbel, located roughly three hours away by road.

These remarkable twin temples, carved directly into the rock, are recognized by UNESCO as part of Nubia’s world heritage. Upon arrival, you’ll be struck by the sight of four colossal statues of Ramesses II, each rising about 20 meters high, seated majestically at the entrance. Step inside the temples to admire the impressive wall reliefs that vividly portray ancient Egyptian mythology and celebrate the military triumphs of Ramesses II.

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  • Aswan
Temple of Horus

Travel northward along the scenic banks of the Nile on your way to Luxor. En route, stop at the Temple of Kom Ombo, an unusual twin sanctuary divided between the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. Continue on to visit the Temple of Edfu, also called the Temple of Horus, which is widely regarded as the most well-preserved ancient temple in Egypt.

Upon arrival in Luxor, check into your hotel and enjoy some well-earned time to relax and recharge.

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  • Luxor
Valley of the Kings
Valley of the Kings

The historic city of Luxor is divided by the Nile into the East Bank and the West Bank. Today’s sightseeing focuses on the West Bank, traditionally regarded by the ancient Egyptians as the land of the afterlife and burial grounds.

Begin at the Valley of the Kings, where your guide will explain ancient Egyptian burial traditions and royal tomb rituals. Continue to the Valley of the Nobles, followed by a visit to Deir el-Medina, the former village of the skilled artisans who constructed and decorated the royal tombs.

Next, explore the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and learn about the remarkable reign of this powerful female pharaoh, whose leadership brought great prosperity to Egypt. Conclude the day with a photo stop at the imposing Colossi of Memnon, standing as silent guardians of the West Bank.

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  • Luxor
Luxor Museum
Luxor Museum

Today is yours to enjoy Luxor at your own pace. After a relaxed breakfast, you may choose to visit the Luxor Museum, which showcases a fine collection of artifacts discovered in and around ancient Thebes, including items from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Clear English descriptions make it easy to explore the exhibits comfortably. Later, take a stroll along the Nile Corniche or opt for a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride to experience everyday local life. In the evening, consider attending the enchanting sound and light show at Karnak Temple.

Alternatively, you may opt for a full-day excursion to Abydos and Dendera for a deeper insight into Egypt’s ancient history. Located roughly three hours from Luxor, Abydos is the burial place of Egypt’s earliest rulers and later became a major religious center devoted to the god Osiris. On the return journey, visit the Temple of Hathor in Dendera, celebrated for its vivid colors, richly decorated ceiling, and impressive hypostyle halls.

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  • Luxor
Karnak Temple
Karnak Temple

Spend today discovering Luxor’s remarkable East Bank monuments. Begin at the vast Karnak Temple Complex, which originated in the Middle Kingdom and was continuously enlarged and enhanced by around thirty pharaohs over centuries. Wander through its immense grounds and be sure to admire the awe-inspiring Hypostyle Hall, featuring 134 towering columns covered in finely carved hieroglyphs. Continue on to Luxor Temple, another essential landmark once connected to Karnak by a 2.5-kilometer ceremonial avenue lined with sphinx statues.

Following your sightseeing, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo, where you will spend the night.

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  • Cairo

Today marks the end of your journey in Egypt. Before meeting our representative for your transfer to the airport, enjoy a bit of free time to explore Cairo at your own pace or relax before your flight home.

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