CAIRO
FAYOUM
NILE CRUISE
LUXOR–ASWAN–LUXOR ALEXANDRIA
A Journey Through Four
Horizons of Egypt
15-DAY
ITINERARY
THE HEART OF THE EXPERIENCE
A comprehensive 15-day Egypt itinerary that traverses the country’s most defining landscapes. The route sweeps from the monumental energy of Cairo and Giza to the quiet desert edges of Fayoum, follows the current south for a 7-night luxury Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, and concludes with the open horizons of Alexandria on the Mediterranean.
Designed for travelers who seek continuity and narrative depth. Monuments are approached as integral chapters in a living manuscript, allowing you to trace the story from Old Kingdom origins to the Greco-Roman coast—a complete circle of time and terrain.
It focuses on four distinct dimensions of the Egyptian experience: the architectural origins and enduring power of the Pyramids in Giza; the natural antiquity and silence of the Fayoum desert; the ceremonial richness of the Upper Nile, where temple life reached its peak; and the cosmopolitan, Greco-Roman legacy of Alexandria facing the sea.
The rhythm of the river defines the movement. A 7-night luxury cruise serves as the central pulse of the trip; between temple visits, the water itself becomes the destination, offering a calm, immersive passage through Upper Egypt’s cultivated banks, timeless villages, and drifting feluccas under an open sky.
Taken as a whole, the experience traces the full breadth of Egypt’s identity—from the desert silence to the river’s depth and the sea’s openness. It balances expansive discovery with invisible logistics, ensuring a journey that unfolds with clarity, confidence, and seamless flow from the first arrival to the final departure.
THE GEOGRAPHY
CAIRO • GIZAPyramids of the Giza Plateau
Great Sphinx
Valley Temple
Grand Egyptian Museum
Saladin Citadel
Muhammad Ali Mosque
Mosque of al-Nasir Muhammad
El Moez Street
Khan el-Khalili
Islamic Cairo atmosphere
SAQQARA • MEMPHIS • DAHSHURSaqqara Necropolis
Step Pyramid of Djoser
Memphis
Dahshur Necropolis
Bent Pyramid
Red Pyramid
FAYOUMWadi El Hitan — Valley of the Whales
Wadi El Rayan
LUXOR – EAST BANKKarnak Temple
Luxor Temple
LUXOR – WEST BANKValley of the Kings
Temple of Hatshepsut
Colossi of Memnon
EDFUTemple of Horus
ASWANPhilae Temple
Unfinished Obelisk
High Dam
Nubian Village
ABU SIMBELGreat Temple of Ramesses II
Temple of Queen Nefertari
KOM OMBODouble Temple of Sobek & Horus the Elder
Crocodile Museum
ESNATemple of Khnum
ALEXANDRIACatacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Citadel of Qaitbay
DETAILED ITINERARY
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Welcome to Egypt 🇪🇬 ☀️
Overview
Your story begins in Cairo. We have kept this day intentionally gentle, giving you space to breathe, settle in, and let the realization that you have arrived in the land of the Pharaohs slowly sink in.Itinerary
Private Transfer to Hotel
You are welcomed on arrival at Cairo International Airport and transferred privately to your 5-star hotel.Hotel Check-in & Orientation
After reaching your hotel, your tour manager assists with check-in and walks you through the itinerary, confirming pickup times and logistics for the days ahead.Meals: —
Overnight: CairoVisits: —
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Overview
Start your time in Egypt at its most iconic, foundational landscape — the desert plateau where the pyramids were conceived as statements of power and belief, the Sphinx guarding the approach, and the Grand Egyptian Museum presenting the material world that sustained these dynasties. The sequence allows you to engage with both scale and meaning: experiencing the architecture in its original setting, then examining the statues, texts, and royal objects that reveal how these monuments functioned within the broader system of ancient Egyptian thought.Itinerary
Pyramids of the Giza Plateau
Visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu together with the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, exploring the architectural precision, symbolism, and desert setting that shaped the foundations of Old Kingdom kingship.Panoramic Views and Photo Stops
Enjoy key viewpoints over the plateau where all three pyramids align against the desert horizon.Valley Temple and Great Sphinx
Visit the Valley Temple of Khafre, built from massive limestone blocks and used for royal ritual. Stand before the Great Sphinx, carved directly from the natural bedrock and guarding the entrance to the plateau.Lunch Break
Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant offering classic Egyptian flavors.Grand Egyptian Museum
Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to an unparalleled collection of artifacts, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun, monumental statues, and masterpieces spanning pharaonic history.Return to Hotel
Settle into your private transfer back to your hotel in Cairo for a relaxed evening at leisure.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: CairoVisits:
• Giza Plateau
• Great Pyramid of Khufu
• Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure
• Valley Temple
• Great Sphinx
• Grand Egyptian Museum -
Overview
A day centered on Cairo’s historic heart — moving from the hilltop fortifications of the Citadel to the medieval spine of El Moez Street and ending within the atmosphere of Khan el-Khalili. The experience combines architecture, urban history, and the lived character of Islamic Cairo: fortified walls with commanding views, restored gates of the Fatimid quarter, and streets where craftsmanship and daily life continue within centuries-old structures.Itinerary
Citadel of Saladin
Enter Cairo’s great medieval fortress, founded in the 12th century by Salah al-Din — one of the most influential military and political figures of the Middle Ages. From this commanding position atop Mokattam Hill, Saladin reshaped Cairo’s defenses, establishing a fortified seat of power whose walls, gates, and terraces still define the skyline. Within this enclosure, dynasties that followed added their own mosques, palaces, and ceremonial spaces, creating a layered architectural record that spans the Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Muhammad Ali eras.Muhammad Ali Mosque
Built between 1830 and 1848 under Muhammad Ali Pasha, this landmark adopts Ottoman-inspired design while representing Egypt’s own 19th-century ambition. Its alabaster interiors, high domes, and expansive terrace form one of the city’s most recognizable silhouettes, offering wide views across Cairo.Mosque of al-Nasir Muhammad
Completed in 1318, this Mamluk royal mosque functioned as the Citadel’s central congregational mosque, hosting the sultans for the weekly Friday prayer — the most important communal service in Islam. Its green-tiled dome, finely carved stucco, and elegant minarets offer a direct connection to Cairo’s medieval architectural core and the Citadel’s earlier period of dynastic rule.El Moez Street – Historic Axis
Begin with a guided walk along El Moez Street, a preserved medieval spine lined with restored mosques, madrasas, sabils, and caravanserais. The street offers a clear cross-section of architectural styles spanning the Fatimid, Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods.Bab al-Futuh & Bab al-Nasr
The great northern gates of the Fatimid city, marking its fortified boundary with massive stone towers and carved architectural details. Their scale and craftsmanship offer a clear, tangible entry into the urban world of 11th-century Cairo.Architectural Complexes & Restored Facades
Move past major monuments such as the Qalawun Complex and nearby restored buildings that reveal the density, craftsmanship, and vertical layering of the medieval quarter.Time for Coffee or Tea
Pause at a traditional café, to watch daily life unfold in the historic quarter.Khan el-Khalili & Islamic Cairo Atmosphere
Stroll through the vibrant bazaar and the surrounding historic lanes where artisans, cafés, and workshops sit within centuries-old architecture. This area captures the lived texture of Islamic Cairo, full of movement, color, and traditional craftsmanship.Return to Hotel
Settle into your private transfer back to your hotel in Cairo for a relaxed evening at leisure.Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: CairoVisits:
• Saladin Citadel
• Muhammad Ali Mosque
• Mosque of al-Nasir Muhammad
• Khan el-Khalili -
Overview
This day follows the development of royal architecture across Egypt’s earliest pyramid sites. Traveling south from Giza, the monuments illustrate key stages in pyramid construction — from early experimentation in stone building to the successful design of the true pyramid.Itinerary
Morning Pickup – From Your Hotel
Begin the day with pickup from your hotel, where your private guide and driver meet you for departure toward the early royal necropolises of ancient Egypt.Saqqara Necropolis
Continue to Saqqara—Egypt’s oldest royal burial ground. This vast desert plateau holds tombs, mastabas, and monuments spanning thousands of years, offering a clear view of how ancient funerary traditions evolved long before the Giza pyramids were built.The Step Pyramid of King Djoser
Enter the Egypt’s first monumental stone structure and the earliest pyramid in history. Designed by the architect Imhotep, it marks the beginning of Egypt’s pyramid age and represents one of the most influential innovations in ancient architecture.Dahshur Necropolis
The royal necropolis of King Sneferu, where the principles of pyramid construction were tested, refined, and brought to maturity. Dahshur preserves the most transparent record of Egypt’s architectural experimentation during the Old Kingdom.The Bent Pyramid
One of Egypt’s most revealing architectural experiments, marked by a dramatic shift in angle halfway up its sides — evidence of engineers adjusting their method mid-construction. Large sections of smooth outer casing remain, offering a rare glimpse of how pyramids originally appeared. The monument represents a pivotal stage in the transition from stepped forms to true pyramids.The Red Pyramid
Egypt’s first fully successful true pyramid and a milestone in architectural development. Constructed entirely of red limestone, the structure displays warm tones under the sun, with clean lines and precise geometry reflecting the mastery achieved by Sneferu’s builders. Interior chambers, when accessible, reveal the structural evolution that set the foundation for the later pyramids at Giza.Memphis
Once the administrative and religious center of early Egypt, home to temples, palaces, and workshops. A historic landscape where fragments of statues and monuments reflect the city’s former political and cultural significance. The site preserves notable statues, including the colossal limestone figure of Ramses II and the alabaster sphinx.Return to Hotel
Settle into your private transfer back to your hotel for a relaxed evening at leisure.Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: CairoVisits:
• Saqqara
• Step Pyramid of Djoser
• Dahshur
• Bent Pyramid
• Red Pyramid
• Memphis -
Overview
A shift into Egypt’s quieter natural history — lakeside farmland giving way to desert silence, where water and fossil landscapes reveal an ancient world long before the dynasties.Itinerary
Morning Pickup – From Your Hotel
Begin the day with pickup from your hotel by private air-conditioned vehicle. Travel southwest toward Fayoum, where the cultivated Nile Valley gradually shifts into open horizons, lakeside farmland, and the desert edge.Vehicle Transition – Edge of the Desert
At the desert edge, change vehicles and continue the journey by private 4×4 — a practical and symbolic transition marking the shift from paved roads to protected desert terrain and fossil landscapes.Wadi El Rayan
Arrive at Wadi El Rayan, a protected desert basin shaped by two connected lakes and a rare set of waterfalls — an unexpected ribbon of water and movement within the surrounding sand and rock. The contrast here is the experience: open desert horizons, shifting light, and the calm presence of water that draws local life to its edges. It’s a natural pause before the deeper desert landscapes ahead.Wadi Al-Hitan
Continue to Wadi Al-Hitan, the Valley of the Whales — a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for some of the world’s most important early whale fossils. Marked pathways guide you past skeletons preserved within the rock layers, offering a direct view of the natural processes that shaped this region over millions of years. The surrounding formations, shaped by wind, sedimentation, and long geological cycles, reveal a landscape where evolution and environment remain visibly connected. The experience is clear, grounded, and self-explanatory — no embellishment required.Vehicle Transition – Edge of the Desert
At the desert boundary, change vehicles and continue the journey in a private air-conditioned sedan, marking the transition from desert tracks back to paved roads and cultivated landscapes.Drive to Cairo
Continue the drive toward Cairo as the landscape gradually shifts from arid desert to the green belt of the Nile Valley, with villages, fields, and irrigation channels reappearing along the route.Arrival in Cairo
Upon reaching the capital, settle into your hotel for a relaxed evening. The time is yours — whether to rest, enjoy dinner, or simply let the experiences of Fayoum and the desert settle in.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: CairoVisits:
• Fayoum Oasis
• Wadi El Rayan
• Wadi El Hitan -
Overview
A transition day carrying you from the scale of Cairo into the calmer rhythm of Upper Egypt. The short flight south marks a clear shift in landscape and atmosphere — from dense city to open Nile Valley light. The afternoon is devoted to the ceremonial heart of ancient Thebes, where Karnak’s vast sacred city and Luxor Temple’s refined symbolism unfold in sequence. Only in the evening does the journey turn fully toward the river, as you embark on your Nile cruise and settle into the slower cadence of life on board.Itinerary
Morning Transfer – Cairo Hotel to Airport
Begin the day with pickup from your hotel by private air-conditioned vehicle and transfer to Cairo International Airport for your domestic flight.Domestic Flight Cairo → Luxor
Fly south into Upper Egypt, with desert and the Nile alternating beneath the wings.Airport Pickup in Luxor
Upon landing, you are met by your private driver and joined by your Private English-Speaking Egyptologist Guide. The shift in atmosphere is immediate — warmer tones, a slower pace, and the river’s steady presence.Karnak Temple Complex
Explore the largest religious complex of ancient Egypt, dedicated primarily to Amun-Ra but expanded over more than 1,500 years by successive pharaohs. Karnak is not a single temple but an entire ceremonial city: vast courtyards, obelisks, sanctuaries, sphinx-lined avenues, and monumental gateways. The Great Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 towering columns carved with hymns, royal names, and scenes of ritual, remains one of the most striking architectural spaces in the ancient world.Luxor Temple
Explore Luxor Temple, linked to Karnak by the ancient Avenue of the Sphinxes. Built by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, this temple beautifully reflects the harmony of religion and royalty in ancient Egypt.Evening Transfer & Nile Cruise Embarkation
In the early evening, transfer to the river and board your Nile Cruise. Check into your cabin and allow the pace to soften as you step fully into river life. Dinner is served on board as the boat remains docked in Luxor, marking a composed transition from land-based exploration to the journey ahead.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Nile CruiseVisits:
• Karnak Temple
• Luxor Temple -
Overview
The final morning in Luxor brings together the core elements of New Kingdom legacy — royal tombs, cliffs shaped into sacred landscapes, and monuments that defined Egypt’s most powerful era. The day moves through the Valley of the Kings, the monumental terraces of Hatshepsut, and the silent guardianship of the Colossi of Memnon before shifting into a smooth departure rhythm. By the time you cross back to the East Bank for your private transfer to Luxor Airport, the arc of the journey feels complete: a last immersion in ancient Egypt followed by a calm, orderly transition toward onward travel.Itinerary
Morning Pickup – From Nile Cruise
After breakfast, you are picked up by private air-conditioned vehicle and cross to the West Bank for the day’s exploration.Valley of the Kings
Enter the royal necropolis of the New Kingdom, where pharaohs were buried in elaborately decorated tombs carved deep into the desert cliffs. Inside, corridors and chambers are covered with scenes from sacred texts — celestial maps, gods, and rituals guiding the king toward rebirth and eternity. The Valley reveals both the spiritual imagination and technical mastery of ancient Egypt.— Notable tombs often open to visitors include those of
Ramses IV
Ramses III
Merenptah— Additional optional tombs available for visit
Tutankhamun
Ramesses V & VI
Seti I
AyTemple of Hatshepsut
See the terraced mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, this terraced masterpiece, dedicated to the sun god Amun, honors Egypt’s most powerful female ruler and depicts her divine birth and her famed trade expedition to the Land of Punt.Colossi of Memnon
Stop at the 18-meter statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Once guarding the entrance to his lost mortuary temple, these twin colossal figures have stood watch over the Theban plain for more than 3,400 years — silent witnesses to Egypt’s ancient grandeur.Return to Cruise – Sailing Toward Edfu
Return on board for lunch as the cruise begins sailing south toward Esna. Fields, palm groves, and riverside villages drift past from the deck, easing the day into the steady rhythm of Nile travel.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Visits:
• Valley of the Kings
• Temple of Hatshepsut
• Colossi of Memnon -
Overview
A day anchored by one of Egypt’s most complete temple complexes — Edfu’s monumental sanctuary of Horus — followed by long, unhurried stretches of Nile scenery. Between fields, villages, and palm-lined banks, the river’s everyday rhythm becomes part of the experience, balancing archaeological clarity with the calm continuity of cruising.Itinerary
Morning Transfer – To Edfu Temple
Dock at Edfu and transfer to the temple entrance by horse-drawn carriage — the traditional local approach through town.Temple of Horus at Edfu
Travel by carriage from the riverbank through the town to reach the Temple of Horus, the best-preserved major temple in Egypt. Its monumental pylons, intact chambers, and sharply carved reliefs make it an extraordinary example of Ptolemaic religious architecture. Inside, scenes depict the mythological battles between Horus and Seth, ceremonial processions, and temple rituals that once animated this sanctuary. The scale, clarity, and completeness of the reliefs offer a rare opportunity to read stories and symbolism exactly as ancient visitors would have seen them.Return to Cruise – Scenic Sailing
Return to the riverbank and reboard the cruise. As the ship continues sailing, the Nile becomes the setting — cultivated fields, date palms, fishing boats, and small riverside communities appearing in a steady, lived sequence.Onboard Galabeya Evening
Enjoy a relaxed Galabeya night on board — a warm, light-hearted tradition on the Nile, with music, easy atmosphere, and a shared sense of celebration.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Nile CruiseVisits:
• Edfu Temple -
Overview
Aswan carries a distinct southern atmosphere — warm light, granite landscapes, and temples set directly into the river’s geography. The day moves through Philae’s island sanctuary, reached by private boat, modern engineering at the High Dam, and the ancient quarries of the Unfinished Obelisk, then softens into a Nubian village visit, where local culture remains visibly present along the Nile.Itinerary
Morning Pickup – From Your Nile Cruise
Begin the day with pickup from your Nile cruise and transfer in a private air-conditioned vehicle to the river landing for your first visit.Philae Temple
Begin your Aswan day with a private boat ride to Philae, one of Egypt’s most atmospheric temple complexes. Approaching the island by water sets the tone: quiet, graceful, and anchored in centuries of devotion to Isis. Within its colonnades and inner courts, reliefs, sanctuaries, and chapels reflect a layered history that continued well into the Roman era. The setting — water, rock, and temple stone — creates a sense of clarity and stillness that makes Philae one of Upper Egypt’s most memorable sites.High Dam
Visit the High Dam, the modern project that reshaped Egypt’s water landscape in the 20th century. From the dam’s crest, take in the vast expanse of Lake Nasser and understand the role this structure plays in irrigation, electricity, and flood control — a striking contemporary counterpoint to the ancient world seen earlier in the day.Unfinished Obelisk
Continue to the granite quarries to see the Unfinished Obelisk, still embedded in the bedrock where ancient craftsmen worked. Its massive scale reveals how obelisks were carved directly from the stone, with tool marks and a natural crack showing precisely why this one was abandoned. The site offers a rare and tangible view into ancient engineering and the sheer physical demands of monumental construction.Nubian Village Experience
Travel by private boat to a Nubian riverside village for a grounded cultural visit. Bright architecture, local rhythms, and everyday life offer a direct glimpse into one of the Nile Valley’s oldest living cultures.Return to Cruise
Return to your Nile cruise in time to settle back into the evening rhythm on board.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Nile CruiseVisits:
• Philae Temple
• High Dam
• Unfinished Obelisk
• Nubian Village -
Overview
A focused day devoted to Abu Simbel — Egypt’s southern masterpiece of scale, precision, and royal self-image. Flying in and out keeps the experience direct and well-paced, allowing generous time at the temples before returning to the calm rhythm of the cruise in Aswan.Itinerary
Private Transfer to Aswan Airport
After breakfast, your driver meets you for a private transfer to Aswan Airport, aligned with the day’s flight schedule.Flight Aswan → Abu Simbel
A short domestic flight brings you south toward the Nubian frontier, where the landscape opens and the temples emerge directly from the sandstone cliffs.Airport Pickup in Abu Simbel
Upon arrival, meet your private driver and Egyptologist and proceed directly to the day’s visits.Abu Simbel – Great Temple of Ramesses II
Stand before the colossal façade of the Great Temple, guarded by four seated statues of Ramesses II carved directly into the cliff. Inside, monumental halls and reliefs celebrate royal power, divine authority, and the king’s military achievements, including the Battle of Kadesh. The alignment of the temple reflects advanced astronomical planning, reinforcing its symbolic importance.Temple of Queen Nefertari
Visit the smaller but equally refined temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. Its façade, carved with standing colossi of the queen and the king, is unique in ancient Egypt, marking one of the rare instances where a royal consort is depicted on an equal scale.Flight Abu Simbel → Aswan
Return by air to Aswan, keeping the day’s movement clean and comfortable.Return Transfer – Back to Your Nile Cruise
On arrival, your driver transfers you back to the cruise for lunch and a relaxed afternoon on board.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Nile CruiseVisits:
• Abu Simbel Temples -
Overview
Two distinct riverbank temples, approached as part of the cruise’s ongoing passage. Kom Ombo presents a rare dual sanctuary directly on the Nile, while Esna offers an interior world of dense carving and color — a quieter, richly detailed temple experience that contrasts beautifully with the open river landscape.Itinerary
Kom Ombo Temple
Arrive at Kom Ombo, uniquely built as a perfectly symmetrical double temple dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god associated with strength and fertility, and Horus the Elder, linked to protection and kingship. Twin entrances, twin halls, and twin sanctuaries reinforce this duality. Reliefs throughout the complex illustrate offerings, rituals, and — most famously —a set of carvings interpreted as ancient medical instruments, offering insight into Ptolemaic knowledge and practice. Its location directly on the riverbank adds a dramatic setting, especially in late afternoon light.Crocodile Museum
Step inside the Crocodile Museum, located directly beside the Kom Ombo Temple — a placement that reflects its close historical connection to the cult of Sobek. Inside, a carefully curated collection displays mummified crocodiles of varying sizes, votive offerings, and ritual artifacts once dedicated to the god. The museum bridges the environment, the temple, and ancient belief: the crocodiles that once inhabited this bend of the Nile, the inscriptions carved into the temple walls, and the everyday devotion of local communities all converge here in one clear, tangible narrative.Return to Cruise – Scenic Sailing
Reboard the cruise and continue along the Nile. Villages, cultivated fields, palm groves, and desert edges pass steadily by, offering a clear view into the lived rhythm of the river corridor between temple visits.Esna Temple
Visit Esna Temple, known for its richly carved hypostyle hall and layered inscriptions that preserve late-period religious language in remarkable density. The columns, capitals, and ceiling scenes create an immersive interior space — a close, architectural encounter that feels notably different from the open-air grandeur of earlier temples.Evening on Board
Return to the cruise for dinner and a calm evening on the river, with time to relax on deck and settle into the night rhythm of Upper Egypt.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Nile CruiseVisits:
• Kom Ombo Temple
• Esna Temple -
Overview
By late evening, your Nile cruise arrives into Luxor and docks for the night. This creates a full day in place — no sailing, no transitions — with Luxor’s shoreline nearby and the ship settled into its calmest rhythm. The day is designed for enjoying the cruise itself: quiet morning light on the water, unhurried deck time, and space to simply be in Upper Egypt without a schedule pulling you forward. For those drawn to an aerial perspective, a sunrise balloon over the West Bank is available before dawn. The evening concludes with a farewell dinner on board.Itinerary
Day at Leisure On Board
Wake up in Luxor with the ship at rest, allowing for a full, unhurried day to enjoy the river atmosphere and the city’s quiet presence at the waterline. With the cruise remaining docked, the time is yours to spend entirely at your own pace—whether relaxing on the sundeck, visiting the spa, or simply watching the flow of life along the shoreline from the comfort of the water.Farewell Dinner
A special farewell dinner on board — a composed close to the cruise days, held in Luxor’s evening atmosphere.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Nile CruiseVisits: —
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Overview
After breakfast, disembark in Luxor and transition from the Nile’s slow rhythm back to the capital. The day is designed to stay light and flexible — a smooth flight north, a calm hotel arrival, and the rest of the time entirely yours to enjoy Cairo at your own pace. It’s a gentle re-entry into the city: cafés, a walk, a little shopping, or simply settling in before the final days.Itinerary
Disembarkation After Breakfast
After breakfast, check out and disembark in Luxor, marking the close of the cruise portion of your journey.Private Transfer to Luxor Airport
After this refined river journey through Upper Egypt, your private driver transfers you comfortably to Luxor International Airport for your flight to Cairo.Domestic Flight Luxor → Cairo
Fly north to Cairo, shifting from Upper Egypt’s open horizons back to the capital’s layered energy.Private Transfer to Your Cairo Hotel
Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer directly to your hotel for check-in.Cairo at Leisure
The remainder of the day is yours — a relaxed window for cafés, a walk through the city, or shopping, with no scheduled visits and no time pressure.Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Cairo
Visits: — -
Overview
A Mediterranean chapter within Egypt — Greco-Roman burial architecture beneath the city, a modern cultural landmark shaped by Alexandria’s intellectual legacy, and fortress walls facing the sea. The day holds a clear rhythm: archaeology, architecture, coastline, and a long lunch by the water before returning to Cairo in the evening.Itinerary
Morning Pickup – Cairo Hotel
Begin the day with pickup from your hotel by private air-conditioned vehicle and depart toward Egypt’s northern coast.Drive to Alexandria
A comfortable road transfer of approximately 3 hours brings you into Alexandria, where the atmosphere shifts — sea air, wider boulevards, and a distinctly Mediterranean horizon.Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Descend into Alexandria’s most remarkable underground necropolis. Carved chambers and passageways reveal a fusion of Egyptian and Greco-Roman symbolism, offering a rare sense of how identities and beliefs overlapped in Roman-era Alexandria.Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Visit the modern Library of Alexandria, a contemporary institution built in homage to the ancient center of learning. Its design and exhibitions reflect the city’s enduring role in scholarship, culture, and exchange.Citadel of Qaitbay
Explore the 15th-century fortress on the harbor, built on the site traditionally associated with the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Stone ramparts, sea views, and the open coastline create one of the city’s most defining settings.Seafood Lunch by the Sea
Enjoy a relaxed seafood lunch at a distinguished local restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean.Return Drive to Cairo
In the afternoon, depart Alexandria and return to Cairo by private air-conditioned vehicle.Arrival in Cairo
Settle back into your hotel for a relaxed evening at leisure.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: CairoVisits:
• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• Citadel of Qaitbay -
Overview
Your last morning in Egypt is kept calm and unhurried. After days of exploring this country — its history, landscapes, food, people, and the rhythm that connects ancient tradition with modern life — this is the moment to simply take in what the journey has meant. The departure is structured to give you space to reflect, settle, and carry the experience with you as you leave.Itinerary
Private Transfer to Cairo International Airport
After breakfast, your driver meets you for your airport transfer. The transition is clear, organized, and smooth — a quiet close to your time in Egypt and a steady beginning to your onward travels.Meals: Breakfast
Visits: —
THE ROUTE ON THE MAP
INCLUSIONS
GUIDING & EXPERTISEPrivate English-Speaking Egyptologist Guide
Professional Private Local Desert Guide
TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICSDedicated private driver throughout the journey
All transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle, including airport arrivals and departures
4×4 vehicles for all off-road travel
Private boat transfer to Philae Temple
Private boat transfer to the Nubian Village
DOMESTIC FLIGHTSCairo → Luxor
Luxor → Cairo
Aswan → Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel → Aswan
SIGNATURE WATER EXPERIENCESNile Cruise:
5-star Nile Cruise
Luxor — Aswan — Luxor
ACCOMMODATION & STAY OVERVIEW7 nights in Cairo
5-star hotel
Bed & Breakfast7 nights aboard
Nile Cruise
Full Board
MEALS & CULINARY INCLUSIONSMeals are included as outlined in the itinerary
SELECTED HOTELS — CAIROHilton Ramses
Hilton Pyramids Golf
Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile
Fairmont Nile City
Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo
Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir
ACCESS & SERVICESEntrance fees to all archaeological sites and museums mentioned in the itinerary
Bottled water during all tours and transfers
All service charges and government taxes
A Note on Accommodation AvailabilityOne property from this curated selection will be confirmed for your journey. Final placement is subject to availability, ensuring that your experience always aligns with our rigorous standards for comfort and character.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
CAIRO: FELUCCA SUNSET SAILA late-afternoon sail on the Nile via a traditional felucca, a wooden vessel powered solely by the wind. The boat is equipped with cushioned seating and operates without a motor. The route provides a view of the Cairo skyline and the urban riverfront during the sunset hours.
GIZA: PYRAMID SOUND & LIGHT SHOWA nighttime presentation at the Giza Pyramids, combining narration, projections, and illuminated views of the monuments. A structured, accessible way to experience the plateau after dark, with seating and clear storytelling about the site’s history.
LUXOR: HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHTThe experience begins with a pre-dawn departure between 3:00 and 4:00 AM for transfer to the West Bank launch site. You lift off just before sunrise, drifting over the Nile and the monuments of the West Bank of the Luxor valley and its ancient architecture.
EXCLUSIONS
INTERNATIONAL TRANSITAll international flights to and from Egypt. This itinerary commences upon arrival at your designated Egyptian gateway and concludes with your international departure
NATIONAL ENTRY & VISA FORMALITIESThe entry visa is the responsibility of the traveler and may be obtained online in advance (where eligible) or upon arrival
Pre-arrival guidance is shared in advance. Visa and passport formalities are completed within the immigration hall, after which you will be met at the terminal exit
For a fully managed arrival, with visa issuance and passport formalities handled on your behalf inside the restricted zone by a dedicated airport concierge, please refer to our VIP Fast-Track Arrival upgrade
PERSONAL PROTECTIONComprehensive travel and medical insurance.
ELECTIVE EXPERIENCESSupplementary site visits, optional excursions, or personal expenditures not specifically detailed in the itinerary
