Overview
Experience the soul of Egypt on a 9-day journey from Cairo's Pyramids to a luxurious Dahabyia sail between Aswan & Luxor. Explore ancient temples, vibrant culture, and the timeless Nile in pure, unhurried style.Highlights
- Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara
- Grand Egyptian Museum and Citadel of Saladin
- Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk and the Nubian Culture
- Nile Dahabiya
- Komombo and Edfu Temple
- El Selsela Mountain
- Karnak and Luxor Temple
- Valley Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Memnon Statues
Itinerary
From the moment you arrive at Cairo International Airport, the magic begins! An Egyptoria ambassador will be waiting to guide you seamlessly through the airport and transport you in 5 star comfort (and yes-air-conditioning!) to your Luxury 5-star accommodation.
Egyptoria is here to make sure that you have the best experience possible.
Overnight at Cairo Hotel
Kick off your first morning in Egypt with a delicious authentic breakfast in preparation for a day of adventure exploring the iconic Giza Pyramids followed by the Saqqara Step Pyramids.
You will be greeted at the hotel by one of our highly knowledgeable Egyptologists who will serve as your cultural and historic tour guide. Our hand-chosen Egyptologists will bring the wonders of both modern and ancient Egypt to life before your very eyes. Your Egyptologist guide is well-versed in the history and culture of their homeland and will help you gain deeper cultural and archaeological insights throughout your journey.
Together, you and your guide will set out to visit one of the original seven Wonders of the World, the monumental Pyramids of Giza. As you marvel at their colossal presence under the sun, you can almost feel the energy of the ancient builders permeating every stone. You will have time to take pictures, explore the pyramid complex, and dive into the Pyramids’ history with your guide.
After exploring the Pyramids, your journey continues with a memorable and authentic culinary experience (Not included in your package) at a locally renowned restaurant.
After lunch, your Egyptologist will accompany you to the Step Pyramids of Saqqara, which features the first pyramid ever built, the Step Pyramid of Djoser. As you explore the site, you’ll come across intricate hieroglyphics and relief carvings that depict scenes of daily life, religious rituals, and offerings to the gods, giving you a vivid glimpse into the beliefs and customs of the time.
After visiting Saqqara, you will have the remaining afternoon and evening to explore the local area. Feel free to explore the garden district, eat at one the many local hotels’ acclaimed restaurants or explore modern Cairo. Your Egyptologist guide will be more than happy to accompany you upon request or provide recommendations for you. Replenish your energy for the next day by relaxing at the pool, taking in the view, or getting an early night’s rest. Be sure to hydrate in preparation for more exploration and adventures!
Includes: Breakfast
Overnight at Cairo Hotel
You will hop on a quick 90-minute flight to Aswan where an Egyptologist will meet you and take you on your tour of the city.
The first stop is Philae Temple, an ancient complex central to the ancient religious world and a favorite topic and location for ancient writers. For the second stop, you will visit the Aswan High Dam, a massive dam across the Nile River that was pivotal in the industrialization of Egypt.
Overnight at Aswan Hotel
Meal: Breakfast
Optional to do Abu Simbel Temple
Embark on a 3-night journey of elegance and serenity aboard our luxurious Dahabiya, sailing from the Vibrant city of Aswan to the ancient city of Luxor. This intimate cruise along the legendary Nile River offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
After Embarkation, sail in the early afternoon towards Kom Ombo. Enjoy the scenic views of the Nile River as you glide along its tranquil waters.
The temple is conveniently located near the riverbank, making for an easy and pleasant walk to the site.
Visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed god. This symmetrical temple features twin entrances, halls, and sanctuaries for each deity.
After your exploration, return to your Dahabiya for a well-deserved rest. Reflect on the day's discoveries as you relax on board and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the onboard chef.
Dahabiya Overnight
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Sail to El Selsela
Arrive at Gebel El Selsela, an ancient quarry site that provided much of the stone used for Egypt's temples and monuments. Your guided tour will take you through the vast quarries and caves, where you can see the marks left by ancient workers. Gebel El Selsela was not only a quarry but also a place of religious significance, with shrines and chapels cut into the rock. The cliffside tombs of New Kingdom officials are another highlight of the site. You’ll have the chance to walk among the ancient carvings and take in stunning views of the Nile below.
Visit to Edfu Temple
Continue your day on board your Dahabiya as you sail towards Edfu, enjoying the tranquil scenery of the Nile River. Relax and take in the picturesque views as you make your way to one of Egypt's best-preserved temples.
Upon arrival in Edfu, disembark from your Dahabiya. Here, you will experience a unique and charming mode of transportation — a traditional horse-drawn carriage, known locally as a "caleche."
Enjoy a scenic and delightful carriage ride through the town of Edfu, soaking up the local atmosphere. The carriage will take you directly to the Temple of Horus, one of the most significant and well-preserved temples from ancient Egypt.
Relax on deck or in the lounge as the Dahabiya glides smoothly along the Nile, passing small villages and palm groves. You may see fishermen in traditional feluccas or farmers tending their fields along the fertile Nile banks.
Dahabiya Overnight
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast on board your Dahabiya as you set sail towards Luxor. Enjoy a leisurely morning on the Nile, taking in the serene views and the picturesque landscapes along the riverbanks.
Arrive in Luxor in the early afternoon. Prepare for an exciting afternoon exploring two of Luxor’s most iconic temples.
Tour the Temple of Karnak & Temple of Luxor
The Luxor and Karnak Temples are two of the most impressive ancient sites in Egypt. Located on the east bank of the Nile, they were once part of the ancient city of Thebes, the vast city known to the ancient Egyptians as Waset and to the Greeks as Thebes.
Luxor Temple, unlike other temples, was not dedicated to a god or a deified version of the king in death. Instead, Luxor temple is dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship; it may have been where many of the pharaohs of Egypt were crowned.
Karnak Temple Complex is a vast open-air museum and the largest ancient religious site in the world. It is believed to be the second most visited historical site in Egypt, second only to the Giza Pyramids near Cairo. The key difference between Karnak and most of the other temples and sites in Egypt is the length of time over which it was developed and used. Construction work began in the 16th century BC. Approximately 30 pharaohs contributed to the buildings, enabling it to reach a size, complexity, and diversity not seen elsewhere.
Dahabiya Overnight
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Visit the Rich West Bank of Luxor
Your first stop is the legendary Valley of the Kings, the ancient burial ground of Egypt’s pharaohs. Marvel at the grandeur of the tombs, each an elaborate resting place filled with stunning wall paintings and intricate hieroglyphs that narrate the journey to the afterlife.
Next, explore the majestic Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. This magnificent mortuary temple, built for Egypt's first female pharaoh, is a masterpiece of ancient architecture. Its terraces rise seamlessly against the limestone cliffs, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop. Wander through its grand colonnades and learn about the remarkable reign of Queen Hatshepsut, whose legacy is immortalized in the temple’s exquisite carvings and statues.
Continue your adventure with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon, two colossal statues that have stood guard for over three millennia. These impressive statues, depicting Pharaoh Amenhotep III, are a testament to the grandeur of the ancient world. As you stand in their shadow, your guide will share the captivating stories and significance of these monumental figures, which have fascinated travelers for centuries.
Fly to Cairo and overnight at Cairo hotel
Meal: Breakfast
Now that we are back in Cairo, we will spend the last day visiting some local ancient attractions. The first stop on our agenda is the Egyptian Museum. With over 120,000 ancient artifacts you can explore, this museum is a must see and it is one of the great stops on the trip.
For our next stop we will travel from ancient to medieval times when we visit the Citadel of Saladin (also known as the Cairo Citadel). This was an Islamic fortification and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit to the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. You will have passed this stunning structure that acts as the cornerstone of Cairo, visible when you enter from almost any side. A historic religious monument as well as a tourist stop, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali is rich with history and culture.
Ready to go shopping? We are making a stop by the Khan el-Khalili Market. This used to be the heart of trade with foreign merchants and shopkeepers. Now, you will find Egyptian merchants and local stores. Hope you have some room left in your suitcase!
overnight at the hotel
Meal: Breakfast
After eight awesome days exploring Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and much more, it is time to head home. You will depart for the airport in an air conditioned van, giving you the highest level of comfort as you say goodbye to your amazing time exploring Egypt.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Meet and Assist at the Airports
- Private Transportation
- Escorting by Egyptologist Guide
- Accommodations
- Internal Flight
- Sightseeing Entrance Fees
Exclusions
- Tipping
- Any Extras
- Entry Visa
