The Timeless Journey
Depth • Legacy • Discovery
For travelers drawn to Egypt’s ancient heart and its monumental history
A journey built around Egypt’s ancient heart — its pharaonic sites, museums, temples, tombs, and pyramids. This is a curated path through Egypt’s major centers of history, designed for travelers who want to understand the country as a continuum: the dynasties that rose and fell, the symbols that repeat across centuries, the architectural masterpieces that defined power, faith, and identity.
Moving through Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Luxor, Abydos, Dendera, Aswan, and Abu Simbel, the route follows the historical spine of the country. Each site is approached not as an isolated monument, but as part of an evolving system of belief, power, and identity. Dynasties rise and fall, artistic conventions shift, religious ideas deepen — and the journey allows these patterns to become visible.
The Timeless Journey is measured, grounded, and intellectually generous. It leaves room for questions, discussion, and reflection, while maintaining a clear narrative thread from the earliest pyramids to the monumental temples of Nubia. Egypt is encountered not as a collection of ruins, but as a living historical continuum.
Pharaonic sites, museums, temples, tombs, pyramids, and the profound stories behind them
THE GEOGRAPHY
CAIRO
• Pyramids of the Giza Plateau
• Great Sphinx
• Valley Temple
• Saqqara Necropolis
• Step Pyramid of Djoser
• Grand Egyptian Museum
• Saladin Citadel
• Muhammad Ali Mosque
• Hanging Church
• Church of St. Sergius
• Ben Ezra Synagogue
• Khan el-Khalili and Islamic Cairo atmosphere
LUXOR – WEST BANK
• Valley of the Kings
• Temple of Hatshepsut
• Colossi of Memnon
LUXOR – EAST BANK
• Karnak Temple
• Luxor Temple
ABYDOS & DENDERA
• Temple of Seti I at Abydos
• Dendera Temple Complex
ASWAN
• Philae Temple
• High Dam
• Unfinished Obelisk
ABU SIMBEL
• Great Temple of Ramesses II
• Temple of Queen Nefertari
DETAILED ITINERARY
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Welcome to Egypt 🇪🇬 ☀️
Overview
Your journey begins in Cairo — the political, intellectual, and symbolic heart of Egypt for more than a thousand years. This arrival day is intentionally unhurried, allowing space to settle into the country while receiving a clear historical orientation that frames everything to come.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
A full-day journey through Egypt’s earliest and most significant pyramid landscapes, tracing the evolution of royal funerary architecture from its first monumental stone expressions to its most refined and enduring form. The day unfolds chronologically and geographically, allowing a clear understanding of how pyramid design developed over generations before reaching its apex at Giza.Itinerary
Morning Pickup – Cairo or Giza Hotel
Begin the day with pickup from your hotel, where your guide and driver meet you for departure toward Egypt’s oldest pyramid fields.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
Proceed south to Dahshur, the royal necropolis of King Sneferu, where the early evolution of pyramid building took shape.The Bent Pyramid
Arrive at 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 and illustrating a pivotal stage in the transition from stepped forms to true pyramids.The Red Pyramid
Continue to 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.The Giza Plateau
Later in the day, arrive at the Giza Plateau — Egypt’s most iconic archaeological site and the culmination of Old Kingdom pyramid design. The plateau represents the height of royal architecture and remains one of the best-preserved monumental landscapes of the ancient world.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.Return Transfer – Cairo or Giza Hotel
After completing the visits, return to your hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle, concluding a day that traces the full architectural journey — from Saqqara’s earliest experiments to the perfected grandeur of Giza.Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: CairoVisits:
• Saqqara Necropolis
• Step Pyramid of Djoser
• Dahshur
• Bent Pyramid
• Red Pyramid
• Giza Plateau
• Great Pyramid of Cheops
• Pyramids of Chephren and Mykerinus
• Great Sphinx
• Valley Temple -
Overview
Immerse yourself in Cairo’s cultural and architectural heritage through three of its most defining landmarks: the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Citadel of Saladin, and the historic quarters surrounding Khan el-Khalili. The day balances depth and atmosphere — from viewing Egypt’s most significant archaeological collections, to standing within the city’s great medieval fortress, to walking through the narrow lanes of Islamic Cairo where centuries of craftsmanship, trade, and daily life are still visible.Itinerary
Morning Pickup – Cairo or Giza Hotel
Begin the day with pickup from your hotel, where your guide and driver meet you for departure toward Cairo’s cultural and historic core.Grand Egyptian Museum
Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to an unparalleled collection of artifacts, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun, monumental statues, and masterpieces spanning pharaonic history.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.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:
• Grand Egyptian Museum
• Saladin Citadel
• Muhammad Ali Mosque
• Mosque of al-Nasir Muhammad
• Khan el-Khalili -
Overview
A day that moves through Cairo’s layered religious history and concludes along the Nile. The morning is devoted to Coptic Cairo, one of the city’s oldest inhabited quarters, where early Christian, Jewish, and Roman histories intersect within a compact urban enclave. In the evening, the rhythm shifts to the river, offering a calm and atmospheric perspective on Cairo by night.Itinerary
Morning Pickup – Cairo or Giza Hotel
Begin the day with pickup from your hotel, where your guide and driver meet you for departure toward Old Cairo.Coptic Cairo
Arrive in Coptic Cairo, also known as Old Cairo, Egypt’s earliest Christian district, centered around the ancient Roman fortress of Babylon. Walk through narrow lanes and enclosed courtyards where churches and sanctuaries preserve the memory of Egypt’s first Christian communities. The surrounding architecture still carries traces of Jewish heritage and the city’s Roman foundation, forming one of Cairo’s most densely layered historic enclaves, where religious traditions, early urban life, and centuries of craftsmanship remain closely intertwined.The Hanging Church – El Muallaqa
Visit the Hanging Church, a landmark suspended above the remains of a Roman gatehouse. Its carved wooden screens, icons, and traditional basilica layout offer a clear example of early Coptic architectural and liturgical design.The Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus – Abu Serga
Continue to the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, built above a crypt long associated with the resting place of the Holy Family. Simple stone floors, vaulted aisles, and its restrained layout reflect the character of Egypt’s earliest Christian communities.The Ben Ezra Synagogue
Visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, a beautifully restored monument representing Cairo’s historical Jewish presence. The building is known for its refined wooden interiors and its association with the Cairo Geniza manuscript discoveries, which offer rare insight into medieval Jewish life in the region.Return to Hotel & Short Rest
Return to your hotel in the afternoon, with time to rest before the evening experience.Evening Transfer – Nile Dinner Cruise
In the evening, depart your hotel for a transfer to the Nile.Nile Dinner Cruise
Board a Nile dinner cruise boat and glide along the river as Cairo’s skyline lights up. Enjoy a buffet or set-menu dinner accompanied by live music and traditional performances, including Tanoura and belly dance, while experiencing the city from the calm perspective of the water.Return Transfer – Hotel
After the cruise, return to your hotel by private vehicle.Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: CairoVisits:
• Coptic Cairo
• Hanging Church
• Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus
• Ben Ezra Synagogue
• Nile Dinner Cruise -
Overview
A transition day that carries you from the pace of Cairo to the calmer rhythm of Upper Egypt. The journey south by air marks a shift in landscape and atmosphere — from urban expanse to the Nile Valley’s open light, cultivated fields, and quieter horizon. Luxor becomes your new base, offering space to settle, rest, and prepare for the ancient sites that follow. In the late afternoon, the rhythm softens further with a sunset felucca sail on the Nile — a traditional wooden boat gliding by wind alone, offering a quiet, atmospheric introduction to Luxor as its riverbanks move past in warm fading light.Transfer to Cairo Airport
Begin the morning with a private transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. The departure from Cairo sets the shift toward Upper Egypt — a change in landscape, light, and rhythm.Flight to Luxor
A short domestic flight carries you south into Upper Egypt, with the desert and the Nile alternating beneath the wings.Airport Pickup in Luxor
Upon landing, you are met by your private driver. The shift in atmosphere is immediate — warmer tones, the slow curve of the river, and the distinct openness that defines this region. Check in to your hotel and settle into a setting shaped by temples, river views, and the slower rhythm of Upper Egypt.Afternoon at Leisure
A relaxed afternoon offering space to recharge and take in Luxor’s gentle atmosphere.Hotel Pickup
Your private driver meets you at your hotel and transfers you to the Nile embankment to board the felucca.Felucca Sunset Sail
In the late afternoon, board a traditional felucca for a quiet, wind-driven sail on the Nile. These broad, low wooden boats are fitted with cushioned seating and glide without engines, creating a gentle, uninterrupted motion. As you move along the river, palm groves, mud-brick villages, and Luxor’s skyline appear in warm sunset tones, offering a calm and atmospheric introduction to the city.Return to Hotel
After disembarking, your driver meets you at the riverbank and brings you back to your hotel for a restful evening — a quiet close to the day and a comfortable transition toward the sites awaiting you tomorrow.Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Luxor
Visits:
• Felucca sunset sail on the Nile -
Overview
Begin your exploration of Luxor’s East Bank — the ancient “land of the living,” where temples were raised to honor the gods, celebrate kingship, and mark the rhythms of both earthly and cosmic life. The day introduces the full scale of Thebes: the ceremonial city of Karnak, shaped across more than a thousand years, and the refined elegance of Luxor Temple, illuminated by royal patronage and religious processions.Itinerary
Morning Pickup – Luxor Hotel
Begin the day with pickup from your hotel, where your guide and driver meet you for departure toward Luxor’s East Bank.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 functions not as a single temple but as an immense ceremonial city — courtyards, obelisks, sanctuaries, sphinx-lined avenues, and monumental gateways. The Great Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 massive columns carved with hymns, royal names, and ritual scenes, remains one of the most powerful 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.Return to Hotel
After your visits, return to your Luxor hotel for an evening at leisure. A calm transition at the end of the day, with time to rest, enjoy dinner independently, and prepare for the discoveries that await on the West Bank.Optional Experience: Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Flight
A pre-dawn departure (between 3:00 and 4:00 AM) takes you to the West Bank launch site, where the balloons rise just before sunrise. As you lift above the valley, the landscape unfolds quietly — fields, villages, desert cliffs, and the great monuments appearing in soft, early light. The experience offers a wide, unhurried perspective on Luxor and a rare sense of calm before the day’s visits begin.Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Luxor hotelVisits:
• Karnak Temple
• Luxor Temple -
Overview
This 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, offering a concentrated immersion in the ceremonial and funerary world of ancient Thebes. The sequence unfolds at a measured pace, allowing the sites to be experienced in context and their significance to emerge naturally through scale, setting, and continuity.Itinerary
Morning Pickup – Luxor Hotel
Begin the day with pickup from your hotel, where your guide and driver meet you for departure to Luxor’s West Bank.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 Hotel
After your visits, return to your Luxor hotel for an evening at leisure.Optional Experience: Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Flight
A pre-dawn departure (between 3:00 and 4:00 AM) takes you to the West Bank launch site, where the balloons rise just before sunrise. As you lift above the valley, the landscape unfolds quietly — fields, villages, desert cliffs, and the great monuments appearing in soft, early light. The experience offers a wide, unhurried perspective on Luxor and a rare sense of calm before the day’s visits begin.Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Luxor
Visits:
• Valley of the Kings
• Temple of Hatshepsut
• Colossi of Memnon -
Overview
A full-day journey through two of Egypt’s most sacred and artistically refined temple complexes. Traveling north through the Nile Valley, the day moves between Abydos — a place of deep religious memory associated with Osiris and kingship — and Dendera, home to one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, dedicated to Hathor. The route unfolds through rural landscapes that frame these sites within the living rhythm of the Nile.Itinerary
Morning Pickup – Luxor Hotel
Begin the day with pickup from your hotel, where your guide and driver meet you for a scenic journey north through the Nile Valley. The drive passes villages, palm groves, and cultivated fields, offering a view into Egypt’s enduring rural life as you travel approximately three hours toward Abydos.Temple of Seti I at Abydos
Arrive at the Temple of Seti I, one of Egypt’s most sacred sites and traditionally associated with the cult of Osiris, god of the afterlife. Begun by Seti I and completed by Ramesses II, the temple is renowned for its finely carved and exceptionally preserved wall reliefs. Inside, explore scenes of ritual, divine procession, and kingship, including the famous Abydos King List — a chronological record of pharaohs carved into stone that anchors Egypt’s royal history.Scenic Drive to Dendera
After the visit to Abydos, continue south toward Dendera. The route follows the curve of the Nile through quiet countryside and riverside villages, with views of palm groves, farmland, and everyday rural life unfolding along the way.Temple of Hathor at Dendera
Arrive at the Temple of Hathor, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Dedicated to the goddess of love, music, and joy, the temple was built during the Ptolemaic period, beginning under Ptolemy XII and completed in the time of Cleopatra VII. Explore its grand hypostyle hall and richly decorated chambers, where carved ceilings, celestial motifs, and refined reliefs reflect the harmony and artistry of late Pharaonic Egypt. The site offers a striking contrast to Abydos, emphasizing beauty, cosmology, and ritual celebration.Return Transfer – Luxor Hotel
After completing the visits, return to Luxor by private air-conditioned vehicle, arriving at your hotel in the evening.Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: LuxorVisits:
• Temple of Seti I at Abydos
• Temple of Hathor at Dendera -
Overview
A day devoted to the quieter but deeply resonant monuments of Luxor’s West Bank, where royal women, priesthood, and the later Ramesside kings shaped a funerary and administrative landscape distinct from the Valley of the Kings. The route moves through burial grounds, fortified temple complexes, and memorial architecture, revealing how power, devotion, and legacy were expressed beyond the royal tombs.Itinerary
Morning Pickup – Luxor Hotel
Begin the day with pickup from your hotel, where your guide and driver meet you for departure to Luxor’s West Bank.Valley of the Queens
Arrive at the Valley of the Queens, the burial ground dedicated primarily to the royal wives, children, and princes of Egypt’s New Kingdom. Your standard entry ticket allows access to three beautifully preserved tombs, each revealing refined wall art and carefully composed scenes centered on protection, rebirth, and the afterlife. These chambers offer a more intimate perspective on royal funerary beliefs and highlight the artistic sensitivity applied to royal women and children.— Notable tombs often open to visitors include those of
Prince Amenherkhepshef
Queen Titi
Prince Khaemwaset— Additional optional tomb available for visit
Queen Nefertari
One of the most celebrated tombs in Egypt. Its vividly preserved wall paintings, delicate color palette, and poetic religious texts present the queen’s journey through the afterlife with exceptional clarity and grace, making it a benchmark of New Kingdom funerary art.Medinet Habu
Continue to Medinet Habu, one of the most impressive and best-preserved temple complexes on Luxor’s West Bank. Originally founded by King Seti I and completed by Ramses III, it functioned as both a mortuary temple and an administrative center. Walk through towering pylons carved with vivid battle scenes, observe the rich colors still visible today, and gain a sense of the authority and presence of one of Egypt’s last great warrior kings.The Ramesseum
Proceed to the Ramesseum, the mortuary temple of Ramses II. Though partially in ruins, the complex remains one of Egypt’s most atmospheric monuments, with colossal statues and reliefs depicting military triumphs and divine associations. The massive fallen colossus, once over 17 meters high, famously inspired Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem Ozymandias, adding a reflective layer to the site’s enduring legacy.Return Transfer – Luxor Hotel
After completing the visits, return to your hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle, passing through the quiet landscapes of the West Bank — a calm close to a day shaped by memory, power, and architectural endurance.Optional Experience: Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Flight
A pre-dawn departure (between 3:00 and 4:00 AM) takes you to the West Bank launch site, where the balloons rise just before sunrise. As you lift above the valley, the landscape unfolds quietly — fields, villages, desert cliffs, and the great monuments appearing in soft, early light. The experience offers a wide, unhurried perspective on Luxor and a rare sense of calm before the day’s visits begin.Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: LuxorVisits:
• Valley of the Queens
• Medinet Habu
• The Ramesseum -
Overview
The journey continues south by road, following the Nile toward Aswan — Egypt’s southern gateway, where warm light, granite formations, and the steady presence of the river create a distinct sense of place. The day unfolds at a measured pace, introducing the dialogue between ancient craftsmanship and modern intervention that has shaped this region for centuries. From monumental engineering to sacred island temples, Aswan offers a composed and quietly powerful transition into the rhythm of Upper Egypt.Itinerary
Morning Departure – Luxor Hotel
Begin the day with pickup from your hotel in Luxor, where your driver meets you for the overland journey south to Aswan. The drive follows the Nile corridor, passing cultivated fields, villages, and stretches of open desert, offering a gradual shift in landscape and atmosphere as Upper Egypt unfolds.Arrival in Aswan
Upon arrival in Aswan, you are met by your guide, who accompanies you for the remainder of the day’s visits. From the first moments, the change in rhythm is clear — warmer tones, granite landscapes, and a slower, river-shaped pace that defines this southern region.High Dam
Begin your Aswan visits at 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 stone, with visible tool marks and a natural crack explaining why this monument was abandoned. The site offers a tangible insight into ancient engineering and the sheer physical demands of monumental construction.Philae Temple
Conclude the day’s visits with a 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.Return Transfer – Aswan Hotel
After completing the visits, depart the sites by private air-conditioned vehicle and return to central Aswan, passing through the city’s granite landscapes and riverfront areas.Hotel Check-in – Aswan
Arrive at your hotel and complete check-in. The remainder of the evening is at leisure, allowing time to rest and settle into Aswan’s calmer rhythm.Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: AswanVisits:
• High Dam
• Unfinished Obelisk
• Philae Temple -
Overview
An early departure from Aswan leads south through open desert toward Egypt’s ancient Nubian frontier. The drive unfolds through wide desert landscapes, allowing the surroundings to open gradually before the temples of Abu Simbel emerge from the sandstone cliffs. Conceived as monumental statements of divine kingship and power, the temples stand in direct dialogue with their surroundings — architecture, geography, and ideology fused into one of ancient Egypt’s most commanding sites.Itinerary
Early Morning Pickup – Aswan Hotel
Begin the day with early morning pickup from your hotel in Aswan. Accompanied by your guide and driver, travel south by private air-conditioned vehicle on a scenic drive of approximately 3.5 hours through quiet desert landscapes toward Abu Simbel, near Egypt’s southern border.Great Temple of Ramesses II
Arrive at one of Egypt’s grandest temples, carved directly into the sandstone cliffs. Four colossal seated statues of Ramesses II dominate the façade, greeting the rising sun and asserting the king’s divine authority. Inside, intricately carved reliefs depict ritual scenes and military triumphs, including the Battle of Kadesh, alongside representations of the gods Ra-Horakhty, Amun-Ra, and Ptah. The scale, alignment, and precision of the temple reveal both architectural mastery and symbolic intent.Temple of Queen Nefertari
Continue to the nearby temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari, beloved wife of Ramesses II and closely associated with the goddess Hathor. Unusually, the queen is depicted at equal height to the pharaoh — a rare distinction in ancient Egypt. The temple’s refined reliefs and balanced proportions present a more intimate expression of devotion, complementing the monumental power of the Great Temple.Return Transfer – Aswan Hotel
After completing the visits, begin the return drive to Aswan. The 3.5-hour journey retraces the desert route north, with open horizons and the shifting light of the afternoon sun accompanying the transition back to the Nile.Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: AswanVisits:
• Great Temple of Ramesses II
• Temple of Queen Nefertari -
Overview
The final day brings the journey to a calm and composed close. After the monumental landscapes of Luxor, the southern horizons of Nubia, and the measured rhythm of the Nile, departure from Aswan marks the natural conclusion of an experience shaped by depth, continuity, and place. The pace slows, allowing the impressions of temples, desert light, and river scenes to settle, before onward travel is arranged with the same care and coherence that defined the journey throughout.Itinerary
Hotel Checkout
After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Aswan and prepare for departure.Departure from Aswan
If your onward flight departs from Aswan International Airport, a private air-conditioned vehicle will transfer you directly from your hotel to the airport.Alternative Departure via Cairo
If your international flight departs from Cairo, a domestic flight from Aswan to Cairo can be arranged in advance, followed by onward international connections. All transfers and flight timings are coordinated to ensure a smooth and unhurried transition.Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: —Visits: —
THE ROUTE ON THE MAP
INCLUSIONS
Pickup and return in a private vehicle on arrival in Cairo and departure from Aswan
All transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
Nile Dinner Cruise in Cairo
Domestic flight: Cairo → Luxor
Private boat transfer to Philae Temple
Nights of accommodation
– 4 nights in Cairo (bed & breakfast)
– 5 nights in Luxor (bed & breakfast)
– 2 nights in Aswan (bed & breakfast)
Cairo Hotels List
⎏ Hilton Ramses
⎏ Hilton Pyramids Hotel
⎏ Fairmont Nile City
⎏ Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo Hotel
⎏ Steigenberger Tahrir CairoLuxor Hotels List
⎏ Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
⎏ Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor
⎏ Steigenberger Nile Palace Aswan Hotels List
⎏ Pyramisa Isis Island Aswan
⎏ Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan
⎏ Mövenpick Resort AswanPlease note: This is a hotel list, and one property will be confirmed for your stay. The final selection is made by the tour company based on availability, ensuring you enjoy a comfortable and high-standard experience throughout your journey.
All meals as described (11 breakfasts, 1 dinner)
– Breakfasts during all Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan stays
– Dinner during the Nile Dinner Cruise in Cairo
Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
Bottled water during tours
All taxes and service charges
EXCLUSIONS
Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary
International airfare
Egypt entry visa
Optional activities
Travel insurance
OPTIONAL ADD-ON
Luxor Hot Air Balloon Experience on Day 6
Enhance your stay in Luxor with the unforgettable experience of a sunrise hot air balloon flight. Lifting off in the early hours of the morning, you will drift silently above the Nile and the West Bank’s timeless monuments as the first light of day spreads across the horizon. The rising sun bathes the desert cliffs and temples in golden and rose-colored hues, offering a perspective that is both serene and awe-inspiring.
