Egypt: Ancient Wonders & Temples of the Nile
7 days, Cairo to Luxor
Itinerary
Day 1Cairo: Welcome to Egypt
Egypt, a land synonymous with ancient pyramids, awe-inspiring temples, and the legendary pharaohs, offers an experience far richer than its monumental history. While its historical sites are undeniably captivating, it's the vibrant, deep-rooted culture that truly transforms a visit into an unforgettable journey. From the bustling, vibrant energy of Cairo, a city that never sleeps, to the serene, picturesque charm of villages nestled along the life-giving Nile riverbanks, every corner of Egypt pulses with life and tradition.
Upon arrival in Cairo enjoy an included transfer to your hotel. In the evening, meet your fellow group members at a welcome meeting to learn important details about your upcoming adventure. Afterward, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with views of the Pyramids.
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
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.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo (or similar)
Meals included:
DinnerDay 2Giza: The Great Pyramid, Sphinx, & Community Farming
Consider the sheer, staggering scale of the undertaking required to construct these pyramids and contemplate the ancient ingenuity while you marvel at their impressive structures. Ponder the mysteries still held within their immense stone blocks – secrets of their construction, the lives of those who built them, and the pharaohs they eternally entombed – mysteries that continue to captivate and challenge archaeologists, historians, and scientists to this very day. While none of this was new to the locals, seeing them for the first time can take your breath away.
Start the day in Giza, exploring the Great Pyramid site and the Sphinx. Follow this with lunch at Nawaya to experience a G Adventures-supported community farming initiative. Then transfer to the Egyptian Museum to discover more of Egypt’s impressive history.
Great Pyramid of King Khufu
Visit the great pyramid of King Khufu, which dates back to around 2600 BC. Cap off your time there with a visit to the great Sphinx of Giza, fondly known as the guardian of the Giza Plateau.
Your G for Good Moment: Nawaya Project Visit
Nawaya is a community project dedicated to empowering females and preserving the deep heritage of small-scale farming families across Egypt, while fostering sustainable development, cultivation, and cooking practices. The project works with women, providing a safe space to gain independence while working to sustain the community. The project also works closely with local farmers and village youths, teaching them how to encourage the exchange of knowledge between those who visit Cairo and those who have always called this place home. Upon arrival, the group will meet with the local women who run and manage the kitchen, and enjoy a hands-on demonstration of how to prepare Egyptian bread and Mahshi. Afterwards, sit down for a true farm-to-table meal amid the friendly hospitality of these local women as you swap stories and share laughter together.
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.
Accommodation
Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Aswan: Your OMG day
There’s nothing quite like the freedom of choice while travelling. After flying from Cairo to Aswan you will choose to explore one of two incredible Egyptian temples. Aswan sits near the dam that formed Lake Nassar. The world united around the mission to save the Abu Simbel and Philae temples from being submerged forever in the rising waters of the lake. A global effort was put in place to dismantle and rebuild the temples at a site above the high water mark. That feat of humanity meant that these temples were saved for travellers to continue to enjoy today.
Board a flight to Aswan in the morning and then have the choice between two activity options to discover Abu Simbel Temple or Philae Temple. You can’t go wrong with either experience as they both allow an authentic taste of history and life along the Nile.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Your OMG Day: Abu Simbel Temple Visit or Aswan City Cultural & Historic Experience
Option 1: 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. Enjoy a guided tour here and lunch at a local restaurant afterwards.
Option 2: 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. Afterwards, visit a Nubian Village where you will learn about Nubian people, their culture, and their own distinct language. A language that actually can not be learned as it does not have an alphabet. Visit a local family for mint tea and a chat about their lives and history.
Accommodation
Basma Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Aswan to Kom Ombo: Sailing the Nile
Our journey north begins today along the Nile aboard a traditional dahabiya. Sail past farmlands and small islands that have forever been bathed by rich nutrients, creating fertile land in a narrow green ribbon along the river's banks, surrounded by desert on both sides. Our day ends as we dock near Gebal El Silseila, the perfect vantage point for a sunset on the Nile.
This morning you can choose to pre-book a visit to Philae Temple if you chose Abu Simbel yesterday. Otherwise you will have a free, leisurely morning before the group boards the dahabiya, your OMG Stay. Sail north on the Nile to Kom Ombo and visit the temple here before docking for the evening nearby.
Free Time
Enjoy a morning at leisure to do as you please. Choose to pre-book a visit to Philae Temple.
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.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerYour OMG StayDahabiya Nile Sailing Cruise
Day 5Kom Ombo to Luxor: People along the Nile
The sails are up and your first full day of sailing on the Nile. Get ready to discover incredible sites and enjoy an experience only possible on your dahabiya.
Sail further north along the Nile today towards Luxor. Along the way visit Gebal Silsila and Esna Temple. Then, go for a walk in Esna Village before sailing to Luxor and having dinner on board.
Gebal Silsila Visit
Sail for a visit to Gebal El Silseila, the quarry of sand stone that was used for the construction of many of Egypt's ancient temples. There are remains of some shrines dating back as early as 2050 BC.
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.
Esna Village Walk
The town of Esna has a unique blend of historical significance and modern-day culture. Known for its bustling markets, traditional crafts, and of course the Temple of Esna. Enjoy a walk through the village and see the atmosphere for yourself.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerYour OMG StayDahabiya Nile Sailing Cruise
Day 6Luxor: Egypt's Great Temples & Local Hospitality
Embark on an early morning excursion to delve into the tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the temples of the West Bank. While tales of ancient curses persist, the genuine challenge lies in the limited time available to thoroughly explore each tomb. The amazement you feel is profound when your eyes first see the great temples of Egypt. You immediately understand why for centuries people have been coming here to explore and observe these incredible monuments.
Visit the iconic Valley of the Kings in the morning before a local family-hosted lunch on the West Bank. Then, tour Karnak Temple before checking in at the hotel to get settled and have some free time. After dark the group will visit Luxor by night to enjoy the monument all lit up. Choose to join the group for an optional farewell dinner afterwards.
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.
Your Local Living Moment: Local Family Home Hosted Lunch
Enjoy a fabulous community connection moment during a delicious home-cooked lunch hosted by a local family outside of the Valley of the Kings. In a village where most of the tourist buses speed by heading to the sites Egypt is known for, we will stop and visit a family's home and witness true hospitality from locals. Learn about the family who live here, hear about the importance of their garden, and about how they cook the food the group is about to eat. For 15 years this family has been hosting groups of G Adventures travellers and the support they have received has helped four generations (close to 50 people) thrive, as well as provided education opportunities for the family's children, nieces, and nephews. Sit down, smell the delicious flavours of the special dishes prepared, and relax in the home and hospitality of a truly local Egyptian family.
Karnak Temple Visit
Enjoy 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.
Luxor Temple After Dark
Take 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. Your visit will take place after dark to allow you to witness the temple lit up in all of its glory.
Accommodation
Steigenberger Resort Achti Luxor (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 7Luxor: Departure Day
Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today. You may be leaving Egypt behind, but the experiences you have will last forever.
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Meals included:
BreakfastYour OMG Stay
Exterior Deck for Dahabiya Nile Sailing Cruise 
Dahabiya Interior Room Photo 
Traditional Dahabiya boat on the Nile River
Dahabiya Nile Sailing Cruise
Cairo, Egypt
2 nights (Day 4 - 5)
This is a traditional dahabiya sail boat, featuring 10 comfortable en suite cabins on the main deck with windows and air conditioning in every cabin. There is a Covered deck for outdoor dining and lounging. Ideal for observing life along the Nile when we sail.
Why we love this stay
- There's no engine, so you get to enjoy the sounds of the river as you sail. It's like going back in time.
- We dock away from the big river cruises, generally next to a monument or a small village
- The size of the vessel allows us to visit sites you can't on a standard motorized cruise boat