Overview

This morning, embark on a guided tour of the remarkable new Grand Egyptian Museum. This expansive 490,000 sq.m complex houses a staggering collection of relics and antiquities spanning nearly every period of ancient Egyptian history. Among its renowned exhibits is the solid gold funerary mask of King Tutankhamun, weighing 11kg. This exquisite gold mask was discovered covering the head of the mummy within a series of three sarcophagi.

Following our exploration, we proceed to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to explore the captivating Royal Mummies' Hall. Here, the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens are on prominent display. Some of these mummies are exceptionally well-preserved, showcasing thick locks of hair and visible fingernailsskin. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps by relaxing beside the hotel pool.
Overnight - Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Today, we venture to Egypt's most iconic attraction - The Great Pyramids of Giza. Our exploration encompasses the Giza plateau, the awe-inspiring pyramids, and the colossal Sphinx. Following this, we delve into the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, renowned for its numerous half-buried tombs and the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser.

Later in the day, we embark on a journey to Luxor via an overnight train. Rest assured, you will be accommodated in comfortable sleeper cabins, and a light dinner will be served. For those who prefer an alternative to overnight train travel, replaces overnight trains with convenient flights (available on request)
Overnight - Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, upon our arrival in Luxor, we kick off our exploration with a visit to the West Bank. The colossal pair of statues known as the Colossi of Memnon greets us as the initial monuments during our morning tour of the West Bank, renowned for housing the legendary Valley of the Kings. Additionally, we marvel at the colonnaded Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Afterward, we return to Luxor for check-in aboard our 5-star Nile cruiser, where lunch is served at your leisure, allowing for free time to unwind until our early evening visit to the illuminated Temple of Luxor. The temple looks particularly enchanting at dusk and is beautifully lit up at night. Please note that depending on the scheduling of the Nile Cruiser, it may be necessary to also include our excursion to Karnak Temple this afternoon. If so, day 5 will be a leisure day.
Overnight - Nile Cruising
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, our journey takes us to explore the ancient city of Thebes on the East Bank, where we are captivated by the grandeur of the Temple of Karnak. Beyond being a mere temple, Karnak stands as an enormous and breathtaking complex of sanctuaries and pylons devoted to the Theban gods. Later this afternoon, we set sail downstream, embarking on the next leg of our adventure.
Overnight - Nile Cruising
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embark on a leisurely Nile cruise, allowing yourself to unwind and absorb the scenic beauty along the river. Later in the day, we explore Edfu Temple and Temple of Kom Ombo, a distinctive riverside temple with a remarkable feature: everything architecturally is duplicated and perfectly symmetrical along the main axis of the temple, including twin halls, courts, colonnades, sanctuaries, and entrances.
Overnight - Nile Cruising
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we embark on a brief boat journey to Agilika Island to explore Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. While the temple's origins trace back to the 4th century BC, the majority of its existing structures were constructed by the Ptolemies and the Romans up to the 3rd century AD. Facing the threat of submersion by the rising waters of Lake Nasser, UNESCO intervened in 1972, leading to an eight-year rescue effort to relocate the entire temple 20 meters higher on nearby Agilika Island.

Following our exploration, we make a stop at a perfume oil emporium, where perfumed oils, a tradition dating back to 2700 BC, were historically used by women, pharaohs, and temple priests. After a delightful lunch, we visit the High Dam and embark on a traditional felucca sailing trip to Elephantine and Kitchener Island. As the sun sets, you'll have free time to peruse the vibrant souqs and markets, or simply relax and witness a breathtaking sunset in Egypt's southernmost town, straddling the majestic River Nile.
Overnight - Nile Cruising
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Consider joining our optional early morning excursion to the Temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel, an experience that promises to be one of the most awe-inspiring encounters with ancient Egypt. The magnificent Abu Simbel boasts a gargantuan rock-cut facade, and guarding its entrance are four colossal seated statues of the pharaoh, surveying the expanse of Lake Nasser. This excursion is truly unmissable!

Alternatively, if you prefer a more leisurely morning, you can spend your time at your own pace. Aswan offers plenty of attractions, from exploring its beautiful shoreline and corniche to indulging in a bit of shopping. Later in the afternoon, we board the overnight train, where sleeper cabins are provided for our journey back to Cairo. A light dinner is served on board for your convenience.
Optional Excursions: Abu Simbel Temple approx $90 pp by bus
Overnight - Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Start your day with breakfast in your train cabin. Upon arriving in Cairo, we'll transfer to our hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to relish the hotel facilities, or if you prefer, you have the option to join our tour of Old Cairo, Coptic Cairo, and the Citadel of Saladin (booking/payment to be done locally).

Overnight - Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

Our incredible holiday concludes, and it's time to say farewell to our guide and fellow travelers. An airport departure transfer is included.
Meals: Breakfast