Overview

Today, our immersive day of exploration begins. Our initial destination is the renowned Pyramids and the iconic Sphinx at the Giza Plateau and listed among the Seven Wonders of the World. Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus, the pyramids, are over 2,000 years old, predating Herodotus's visit in the 5th century BC. A highly skilled workforce, including mathematicians, masons, surveyors, and stonecutters, constructed these marvels. The largest, Cheops, required the efforts of 100,000 workers and 2.5 million locally quarried limestone blocks, weighing over 6 million tonnes.

Proceeding to the necropolis of Saqqara, we explore numerous tombs and temples, featuring Zhoser's Step Pyramid, crafted by Imhotep, the pharaoh's chief architect, in 2700 BC. The remainder of the day offers free time to relax.

Optional Excursions: The Pharaonic Village: approx $45 pp
Overnight - Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

This morning, embark on a guided tour of the expansive new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. Spanning an impressive 490,000 square meters, this complex unveils a staggering collection of artifacts and antiquities spanning nearly every era of ancient Egyptian history, including the renowned treasures of King Tutankhamun. Following this, we make our way to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

Explore the fascinating Royal Mummies' Hall at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, where the mummies of ancient Egyptian monarchs are currently exhibited. This remarkable hall houses a collection of 20 mummies, some exceptionally well-preserved, displaying thick locks of hair, visible fingernails, and smooth, darkened skin. Afterward, we'll complete the checkout process before boarding the overnight sleeper train journey to Luxor later this evening.

Overnight - Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast

Today's itinerary includes a visit to the Temple of Karnak, an exploration of a series of temples constructed during different reigns. Commence your journey by strolling along the Avenue of Sphinxes, then continue to the Unfinished Propylon and the Hypostyle Hall featuring 134 enormous columns. The experience will also include viewing the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Tutomosis III, the temple of Amon adorned with intricate lotus and papyrus designs, the Granite Scarabaeus of Amenophis III, and the Sacred Lake. Following this, you'll proceed to Luxor Temple.

At Luxor Temple, witness a blend of ancient Egyptian, Christian, and Islamic features. Marvel at the obelisk and statues that contribute to the rich historical tapestry of this remarkable site.

Optional Excursions: Mummification Museum approx $30 pp
Overnight - Luxor
Meals: Breakfast

Embark on an extraordinary hot air balloon ride over Luxor's West Bank at around 4:30 AM, immersing yourself in the early morning light and witnessing the sunrise over the open-air museum city. Enjoy a 40 to 55-minute ride, taking in breathtaking views of temples and mountains. Following this unforgettable experience, explore the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari, marveling at its integration into the desert landscape. Visit the Valley of the Kings, where Pharaohs lie in stone sarcophagi, awaiting immortality. Discover tombs of notable kings like Merneptah and Ramesses III. Capture the Colossi of Memnon, towering symbols at the entrance of Amenhotep III's mortuary temple. These 60-foot statues, named for a post-earthquake phenomenon, were crafted from sandstone quarried near Cairo and transported over 420 miles to Thebes, enduring as symbols of Egypt's ancient legacy.

Optional Excursions: Hot air balloon approx $120 pp
Overnight - Luxor
Meals: Breakfast

Concluding our tour, today marks the transfer to Luxor Airport for your onward flight. Alternatively, we can assist in booking post-tour accommodation, allowing you to delve further into Luxor's wealth of antiquities.

Meals: Breakfast