A perfect option for those in search of culture and leisure. Start in Cairo with a visit of the Great Pyramids, head south by train to board a Nile Cruise hopping from temple to temple between Aswan and Luxor, then end your trip with a few leisure days in the resort town of Sharm on the Red Sea. Wonders of Egypt tour package includes accommodation in hotels, cruise along the river Nile, sightseeing tours, as well as an expert guide, meals, domestic flight tickets and train/land/airport transport.
Day 1: Ahlan wa Sahlan! Welcome to Egypt.
Day 2: The Great Pyramids and Sphinx
Day 3: Egyptian Museum & Old Cairo
Day 4: Flight to Aswan, Board Nile Cruise
Day 5: Cruise Aswan to Edfu: the Temples of Abu Simbel & Kom Ombo
Day 6: Cruise Edfu to Luxor: Tour the Temples of Horus, Karnak & Luxor
Day 7: Valley of the Kings, Travel to Hurghada & the Red Sea
Day 8: Explore Hurghada & Desert Safari
Day 9: Hurghada Beach Day
Day 10: Depart Egypt
It’s free! No credit card required.
Upon your arrival at the Cairo airport, you will be greeted in the tunnel and escorted through customs and immigration for the visa process. After collecting your luggage, you will walk out of the airport, where your personal driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
After settling in, you’ll be free to relax and rest before your exciting week begins. You could also start exploring the city, venturing out to try some local cuisine in one of many excellent restaurants.
Step back in time to the days of ancient Egypt on a tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, and the necropolis of Sakkara. With your Egyptologist guide leading the way on this tour, you can determine the amount of time you’d like to spend at each of the sites you’ll visit.
The Giza Plateau is only around 30 minutes from Cairo, where your qualified Egyptologist guide will provide a fascinating introduction to each of the three pyramids: Cheops, Khafre, and Menakaure. You will have free time to enter one of the pyramids, though your guide is not permitted to enter with you.
Following your visit to the pyramids, you’ll continue across the plateau for a photo of the three pyramids rising from the sand with the Cairo tour skyline in the background. A short drive to the city side of the plateau places you at the feet of the Sphinx, Egypt’s enigmatic symbol for thousands of years.
Your next stop is Sakkara, home of Egypt’s oldest pyramid, built in 2800 B.C. Your guide will provide a brief history of the famous Step Pyramid, and you’ll have free time to walk around. You will also have the chance to visit the Papyrus Institute to see how the famous artwork is made.
Begin the day touring the Egyptian Museum. The finest museum of Egyptian antiques in the world, it contains pharaohs’ treasures dating back more than 5,000 years. The building is rectangular, with a large rotunda on the ground floor containing massive exhibits, including colossal statues of Ramses II. Get the best views by looking down from the upper galleries. The gold and alabaster trappings from the tomb of Tutankhamun (Tut) always draw crowds, too. Many of the Tutankhamun tomb treasures have been on display in museums around the world—including the golden mask—yet this one exhibit has always remained in Cairo.
In the afternoon sections of the tour, you’ll learn about Islamic Cairo at the Citadel of Saladin See, an important example of military architecture from the Middle Ages, and the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, a monumental mosque that was built during the Mamluk period of the 1300s. You’ll have the chance to hunt for treasures in Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a souk in the historical center of Islamic Cairo, where you can shop for lamps, rugs, jewelry, and more.
Next, enjoy a drink at El Fishawy Café. Then, visit Wekalet El Ghori for a tanowra show and a folklore show. Stop for dinner at Naguib Mahfouz’s restaurant before heading back to the hotel in Cairo to relax and unwind.
Welcome to Aswan, a city situated on the magnificent Nile River in southern Egypt. Today, you will embark on a fascinating journey through history as you explore the captivating sights this ancient city has to offer.
First, we’ll visit the Aswan High Dam. This huge dam was built in the 1960s and finished in 1970. It was a fantastic engineering achievement! It helped Egypt a lot by increasing the land that can be used for farming by 30% and doubling its electricity supply. As you stand by the dam, you’ll be amazed by its size and learn about its important impact on the country.
From here you’ll transfer to the shores of the Nile River to embark on the luxurious Nile Cruise, which serves as your accommodation for the next three nights.
After lunch on board, visit Philae Temple. There were once temples at Philae — construction began in 690 BCE — dedicated to the goddess Isis. The complex was moved from its original location on Philae Island to Agilkia Island due to the construction of Aswan High Dam. You’ll board a small boat to learn more about the temple here. Finally, tour the Botanical Garden. Located on Kitchener’s Island in the Aswan archipelago, it’s a picturesque place to finish the day’s itinerary.
In the evening, you’ll have free time to browse the Aswan Old Market for souvenirs before returning to the hotel for dinner.
After breakfast, we’ll head to the airport for a domestic flight to Abu Simbel. From above, enjoy the stunning views of Egypt’s landscapes, adding to the excitement of our journey. When we land, we’ll be greeted by the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel Temples. These temples were discovered buried in sand in 1813 but were relocated in 1960 to protect them from the rising Nile waters, thanks to the efforts of the Egyptian government and UNESCO. Despite their remote location, the Abu Simbel Temples have become a must-visit for travelers worldwide.
Guided by our knowledgeable tour guide, we’ll explore these ancient wonders. The Great Sun Temple of Ramses II, dedicated to the pharaoh himself, showcases a mural depicting his victorious Battle of Kadesh. It’s a remarkable piece of history brought to life through art. Next to it stands the equally impressive Temple of Queen Nefertari, a testament to Ramses II’s love for his beloved wife. Intricate carvings and exquisite details adorn its walls.
After returning to Aswan, you’ll re-board the cruise. After lunch, you’ll continue your journey upriver to the temple of Kom Ombo. Built during the Ptolemaic era, Kom Ombo was dedicated to the crocodile god (Sobek) and falcon god (Haroeris). Admire its many intact courts and halls, along with wall carvings and statues.
Back onboard the boat, you’ll enjoy dinner as you cruise towards Edfu.
Let’s start the day with a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride through Edfu, leading us to the remarkable Temple of Horus. This temple is renowned as one of Egypt’s most well-preserved shrines, offering a glimpse into ancient history. Once we’ve explored its captivating wonders, we’ll rejoin the cruise to continue our journey towards Luxor.
As we sail towards Luxor, we’ll cross to the east bank of the Nile to discover the awe-inspiring Karnak and Luxor temples. Our first stop will be the renowned Luxor temple complex, which dates back to around 1400 BCE during the New Kingdom. Prepare to be mesmerized by its grandeur and the stories it holds within its walls.
In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a fascinating tour of Karnak Temple, a magnificent religious center and one of the largest surviving temples in Egypt. Explore its vast halls and colossal structures that stand as testaments to the ancient civilization’s devotion.
As the day draws to a close, we’ll return to the cruise, where you can savor your final night on board. Indulge in a celebratory dinner, accompanied by the breathtaking backdrop of a radiant Nile sunset. Reflect on the incredible experiences and unforgettable sights that have shaped our journey along this iconic river.
For those who rise early, a thrilling optional activity awaits: a sunrise hot air balloon excursion to the Valley of the Kings.
After breakfast and disembarkation, you’ll be transferred to the west bank of Luxor by car for an exciting adventure. Lace up your walking shoes as we explore the captivating Valley of the Kings. Discover the exteriors of significant sites, including the renowned Tomb of Tutankhamun, where you can marvel at the mysteries held within. Continue your journey to the beautiful Temple of Der el Bahari, dedicated to the funerary cult of Queen Hatshepsut. Admire the temple’s grandeur and the stories it tells through its architecture. Lastly, encounter the statues of Memnon, towering remnants that have captivated visitors for ages.
As we conclude our exploration of ancient Egyptian history, it’s time for a change of scenery. We’ll hop back into the car and embark on a transfer to Hurghada. This coastal resort town along the Red Sea is famous for its long sandy beaches and charming old town, El Dahar. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in traditional Egyptian cuisine, savoring the flavors of the region, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the colorful souks.
As the afternoon unfolds, the choice is yours to explore and relax by the sea. Whether you prefer to soak up the sun on the sandy beaches, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, or simply unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings, Hurghada offers the perfect setting for leisure and relaxation.
After a leisurely breakfast, you’re free to choose from a range of activities. If you want to see more of the desert, opt for a safari adventure in the afternoon, choosing between a 4×4 vehicle, ATV, or camel. Whichever option you choose, you’ll enjoy getting a lift as you explore Bedouin villages and enjoy sweeping mountain and desert views. For a more laidback pace, join a scenic boat tour or visit the nearby Hurghada Aquarium.
Today is yours to spend completely at your leisure. Relax on Hurghada’s white-sand beaches, swim in the warm waters of the Red Sea, and savor your final day in Egypt.
After breakfast, you’ll bid Egypt farewell and transfer to the Hurghada Airport for final departure. Safe travels!
