Best of Egypt
8 days, Cairo to Cairo
Itinerary Notes
Please note that during Ramadan, the museum, and Egyptian pyramids will close at 3PM this year, and so we will follow the below order, and schedule on Day 2.
Visit the Pyramids from 9 - 11
Visit the museums from 11:30 - 14:30
Lunch from 15:00 - 16:00 before heading to the train station
Itinerary
Day 1Cairo
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
If this is your first visit to Cairo, we highly recommend that you book an airport transfer.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Cairo/Aswān
Tour the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx before a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum. Catch an overnight train to Aswan.
Visit the pyramids and soak in the history of these majestic structures before a visit to the Egyptian Museum.
In the evening, board an overnight train to Aswan. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.
Please note that during Ramadan, the museum, and Egyptian pyramids will close at 3PM this year, and so we will follow the below order, and schedule on Day 2.
Visit the museum from 9 - 11
Visit Pyramids from 11:30 - 14:30
Lunch from 15:00 - 16:00 before heading to the train station
Great Pyramid of Giza and Sphinx Tour
Enjoy a tour of the magnificent great pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, the first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, your CEO has all the facts about these massive structures.
Egyptian Museum
With over 10,000 pieces from every period of Egyptian history, including the treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun, this massive museum is a fantastic place to learn about the country. There is plenty of free time for you to explore on your own. Please note, there is an additional 50 EGP fee to take photos in the museum.
Overnight Train (beds)
Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 3Aswān
Opt to explore the busy Aswan market or visit the beautiful Philae Temple, before visiting a Nubian village and enjoying a home-cooked dinner with a local family.
Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but, trains can often be delayed. Enjoy some free time in the morning to browse the souk or walk along the Nile.
Later, board a boat to reach one of the many Nile islands and visit a Nubian village. Walk around the small community, then enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home.
Free Time
Head out and explore this sleepy town.
Your Local Living Moment: Boat ride to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal
Board a local boat, to take a trip along the magnificent Nile, with views of the Aga Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island. Stop on one of the inhabited Nile islands in this area, to tour a local Nubian village. Walk through the village and fields and learn more about the life of the Nubian people before enjoying a delicious traditional dinner at a local home.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Visit the Souk
FreeExplore the Souk at your leisure, soaking in the scent and colour of spices and perfumes, and rummaging through beautiful scarves and baskets.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 4Aswān
Spend the day exploring Aswan.
One of the most fascinating sights in the area is the Temple of Abu Simbel. Later, opt for a half-day tour of the Unfinished Obelisk, High Dam, and Philae Temple. Visit the modern Nubian Museum to learn more about Aswan's local people.
Opt to pre-book the "Temple of Abu Simbel" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Aswan, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like bartering with a merchant at a local souk, riding a camel at the West Bank, or sitting back to enjoy a sound and light Show at the Philae Temple. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Camel Ride at the West Bank
300EGP per personCross to the West Bank by motor boat, and enjoy a camel ride in the sand dunes of Aswan.
Temple of Abu Simbel Visit
Part historic monument and part modern marvel, Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s grandest temples. Built during the rule of Ramses the II this structure was almost swallowed by the Nile, but now stands safe and sound thanks to some crafty archaeologists and UNESCO. Travel through Egypt’s rugged landscapes and the towering figures of Ramses himself, Ra-Horakhty, Amun, and Ptah will all be waiting to welcome you.
Philae Temple Visit
Sail across the Nile to the beautiful island of Agilkia and explore the Greco Roman history of the Temple of Philae, built as a dedication to the Goddess Isis. This temple complex was moved from its original location on the Island of Philae after the flooding of Lake Nasser, the word "philae" meaning "the end" in reference to this island's placement on what was once the southernmost border of Egypt.
Nubian Museum Visit
140EGP per personEnjoy a the modern Nubian Museum to learn more about the culture and customs of Aswan's local people.
Philae Temple Sound and Light Show
70USD per personAs the sun sets, sail across the Nile to Philae island. Watch the Philae Temple turn into a time machine through a magnificent sound and light display.
Tour of Aswan
1300EGP per personEnjoy a guided tour of this wonderful city that was the source of marble for many of ancient Egypt's grand buildings. Close to town, in one of these ancient quarries, lies a gigantic unfinished obelisk cut out of local stone.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Aswān/Kom Ombo
Sail the Nile on a traditional felucca. Sleep onboard under the stars.
Board the felucca and spend the rest of the day out on the river and a night under the stars.
Feluccas are a basic, traditional Nile sailboat and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river. You sleep, open-air on the deck of the boat (mattresses and blankets are provided, but if you prefer something between you and the blankets, you will need to bring a sleep sheet/sleeping bag liner of your own). The Felucca itself does not have toilets or showers, however we will have access to a private support boat, travelling in close proximity to our Felucca. This support boat is equipped with toilets and a shower (please bring a towel) and and an area to eat your meals, leaving you stress free to enjoy this tranquil and traditional experience on the Nile.
Felucca Sailing Excursion
Enjoy a relaxing ride on a felucca (traditional Nile sailboat) and travel down the river, watching the scenery glide by. At night, sleep on the deck under the stars (mattresses and blankets are provided). Enjoy delicious meals on board. The felucca itself does not have toilets or showers, but a private support boat travelling in close proximity has both (please bring a towel).
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 6Kom Ombo/Luxor
Enjoy a guided visit Kom Ombo Temple before driving to Luxor. En route, visit the Temple of Edfu.
Kom Ombo Temple Visit
Enjoy a visit to this temple located in a scenic spot, right on the banks of the Nile. It was dedicated to the crocodile god, and you can still see the remains of an ancient mummified crocodile that was worshipped here thousands of years ago.
Private Vehicle
Stop en route to visit the Edfu Temple.
Edfu Temple Visit
Enjoy a visit to the Edfu Temple, which is located in the middle of a bustling village. It is the most completely preserved temple in Egypt.
Free Time
Start exploring Luxor.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Horse and Carriage Ride
50-150EGP per personEnjoy a horse and carriage (calèche) ride and get oriented in the city.
DUPE - Valley of the Kings Hot Air Balloon Ride
1700EGP per personWhat an incredible way to enjoy unparalleled views of the tombs and monuments of ancient Egypt. Fly over the West Bank aboard a hot air balloon on a 1-hour flight. The wind dictates where you go and what you see, so there isn't a flight that is ever the same. Round-trip transfer included.
Bazaar Visit in Luxor
FreeExplore the bustling local bazaar at your leisure, checking out the sights, sounds and wares for sale. Pick up a few if you like! Please note that this visit is self-guided.
Camel Ride at the West Bank
300EGP per personCross to the West Bank by motor boat, and enjoy a camel ride in the sand dunes of Aswan.
Karnak Temple Visit
950EGP per personEnjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Built and extended by successive generations of rulers, admire the amazing architecture, massive columns, and painted hieroglyphs.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Luxor
Travel by donkey and visit the Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Opt to visit the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Museum. Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West Bank of the Nile.
Cross to the West Bank and travel by donkey. Visit the massive 18m (59ft)-high Colossi of Memnon, which is all that remains of an ancient temple. Descend down the narrow corridors and check out the tombs of the pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings. The Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut literally seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops.
Enjoy free time to explore Luxor; Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple are both well worth a visit. Learn about the ancient art of embalming at world's only Mummification Museum and the small, but beautifully presented, Luxor Museum.
If you have pre-booked the Valley of the Kings Hot Air Balloon Ride you will be flying today.
Donkey
Glamorous? Nope. Authentic and dependable? You bet.
Colossi of Memnon Visit
Enjoy a visit to the two mammoth statues of Amenophis II at the Colossi of Memnon; they used to stand at the front of a temple that no longer exists. Check out ancient graffiti discussing the statues!
Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon Visit
Rise early to cross the Nile to the west bank, passing through farmers fields on your way to the Valley of the Kings.
Descend the narrow, rock-hewn corridors and take in the magnificent decoration and designs of the tombs of the pharaohs. While the treasure has now all gone, the tombs contain the incredible paintings of the life of their incumbent and stories from the Book of the Dead.
Continue on to visit to the impressive Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops - a reminder of the power women held in the Ancient Kingdom. End the day with a stop at the two mammoth statues of Amenophis II at the Colossi of Memnon. Please note, there is an additional 300 EGP fee to take photos in the Valley Of Kings.
Free Time
Enjoy time in Luxor exploring ruins or relaxing.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
DUPE - Valley of the Kings Hot Air Balloon Ride
1700EGP per personWhat an incredible way to enjoy unparalleled views of the tombs and monuments of ancient Egypt. Fly over the West Bank aboard a hot air balloon on a 1-hour flight. The wind dictates where you go and what you see, so there isn't a flight that is ever the same. Round-trip transfer included.
Karnak Temple Visit
950EGP per personEnjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Built and extended by successive generations of rulers, admire the amazing architecture, massive columns, and painted hieroglyphs.
Mummification Museum Visit
100EGP per personLearn all there is to know about the ancient art of embalming with a self-guided exploration of the world's only Mummification Museum.
Luxor Temple Visit
160EGP per personTake in the beauty of the Luxor temple, an architectural splendour located near the Nile and right in the centre of downtown Luxor. One of Egypt's most impressive temples, Luxor has been used as a place of worship all the way from it's conception in 1390 BC to present day. Evidence of ancient worship, Coptic Christianity and Islamic architecture are found throughout the temple, illustrating how the regional culture has evolved over several thousand years.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 8Luxor/Cairo
Fly back to Cairo where the tour ends on arrival in the morning.
We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully explore this vibrant city.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.