Day 1: Arrival Cairo

Today, you take your first steps towards a new adventure… Board your flight to Cairo International Airport where we will be waiting for you just before customs for any assistance needed before we transfer you to your chosen hotel to settle in and relax.

Overnight : Cairo Hotel

No Meals

Day 2: Discover the Pyramids, Sphinx and Sakkara – Sleeper Train to Aswan

Rise and Shine to your first day of exploring Cairo’s Highlights. This morning you will be met at your hotel by your private guide for a full-day tour of the pyramids at Giza, Sphinx and Sakkara. Take in the fascinating great Pyramids from a different perspective as you ride a camel (Optional) through the Sahara desert at Giza, we will show you the best spots for a perfect photo shot ! get creative standing super close to the Sphinx while you take pictures at this breathtaking sight. We then take a short drive to the Saqqara where the first pyramid was ever built by the ancient Egyptians. Can you believe that The Step Pyramid of Djoser was constructed in 2648 BC ?! …
In the early evening, you will experience a different side to traveling in Egypt, grab your belonging before we head to the train station to board the sleeper train to Aswan.

OVERNIGHT : on board sleeper train.
MEALS: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 3: Arrive in Aswan. Philae Temple & Nubian village

After our night onboard the overnight train, we arrive in Aswan where we spend the night in a Nubian village staying in a local guesthouse. The ancient region of Nubia comprised an area around the Nile in parts of present day southern Egypt and northern Sudan. Many descendants of the Nubian people still live around Aswan and during our stay we’ll see their colourful houses.

This morning we’ll take a boat trip to visit one of Egypt’s most beautifully situated temples which was also reclaimed from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. This is the Temple of Philae, which was dedicated to Isis.

After visiting Philae Temple, we’ll head south of Aswan to visit one of the Nubian Villages where we’ll have the opportunity to experience the local way of life and visit the local homes of the Nubian people and even spend the night in a local guesthouse.

OVERNIGHT: Aswan – Nubian guesthouse

MEALS: None

EXTRAS: None

Day 4: Abu Simbel option. Nile Felucca Cruise

This morning, you have the option to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Abu Simbel, home to the temples built by Ramses II. We depart early to witness the sunrise over these remarkable temples. If you choose not to visit Abu Simbel, your morning is free.

At lunchtime, we embark on our traditional Nile felucca for an afternoon sail down the Nile. Sailing on a felucca is a delightful way to experience Egypt, offering a glimpse of local rural life along the riverbanks. Our skilled Nubian crew will handle the boat, provide entertainment, and prepare meals for you. Throughout the day, our separate facilities boat will join us, equipped with clean toilets, showers, and a hygienic kitchen. Tonight, you’ll sleep on the deck of the felucca, with mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets provided. While this is a fun and basic experience, we offer an optional upgrade for those seeking more comfort to spend the night back at the Aswan hotel, rejoining the group the following morning.

OVERNIGHT: On board felucca

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

EXTRAS: Abu Simbel overland / Upgrade from felucca to hotel in Aswan

Day 5: To Luxor via Edfu. Optional Luxor temple at night

After a satisfying breakfast on-board, we say goodbye to our felucca crew and proceed to visit the nearby Edfu Temple before continuing north towards Luxor. Luxor, built upon the ancient site of Thebes, is renowned for housing the largest concentration of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, if not the world. On the west bank of the Nile, you’ll find the City of the Dead, featuring mortuary temples and rock-hewn tombs, while on the east bank lie the captivating Temples of Luxor and Karnak.

Upon our arrival in Luxor, we check into a luxurious 5-star hotel on the Nile’s banks, allowing you the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the afternoon by the pool. Later in the evening, we embark on a guided walking tour of the enchanting Luxor Temple, nestled right in the heart of the city and beautifully illuminated at night.

OVERNIGHT: Luxor 4-star hotel

MEALS: Breakfast

EXTRAS: Hot air balloon in Luxor

Day 6: Luxor, West Bank tour. Optional Karnak temple tour. Train to Cairo

This morning we take a tour to the West Bank of the Nile, where we’ll visit the Temple of Queen Hatchepsut, explore several tombs in the Valley of the Kings, learn about the workers who made all this happen in Deir El-Medina (the Valley of the Artisans) and stop to see the huge Colossi of Memnon. Your afternoon is then free to relax in the hotel, or take an optional tour to explore the huge temple complex at Karnak. A spectacular hot air balloon flight over the west bank of the Nile is also available today (expect another early start to catch sunrise as the balloon rises).

This evening we re-join the overnight VIP seater train back to Cairo (there is another opportunity to upgrade to the sleeper train for those looking for more comfort).

OVERNIGHT: Overnight seater train

MEALS: Breakfast

EXTRAS: Hot air balloon in Luxor
Two way sleeper train upgrade
Karnak Temple tour

Day 7: Arrive in Cairo. Optional day trips available

We arrive back into Cairo this morning and transfer to our hotel. The day is then free to explore Cairo as you choose or you may take an optional tour. These include a city tour in Cairo which visits Coptic Cairo, the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, or a half day tour to Saqqara, Dashour and Memphis to learn more about the history and evolution of pyramid building. Another full day option further afield includes a trip into the desert outside Cairo to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan.

If you haven’t chosen to join one of our full day optional tours, in the afternoon there is the option to take a guided walk through the back streets and bazaars in central Cairo. We’ll walk through the huge Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore streets dedicated to metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewelery and anything else you can imagine as we gradually enter the more touristy Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We’ll have time for a break to try some tea and a shisha pipe and perhaps enjoy an early dinner of Egypt’s unofficial national dish, Kushari before returning to our hotel.

OVERNIGHT: Cairo 3-star hotel

MEALS: None

EXTRAS: Alexandria day trip
Cairo city tour
Wadi Rayan day trip (Valley of the Whales)
Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis

Day 8: Cairo, Optional Museum & City tour. Departure airport transfer

Your time is free today for some last minute sightseeing or shopping until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. We recommend an afternoon or evening flight so that you can take a tour to visit the incredible Egyptian Museum and more of the city this morning. Extra nights in Cairo are also available if you would like to extend your stay.

OVERNIGHT: N/A

MEALS: Breakfast
EXTRAS: Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis
Extra day in Cairo post-tour (3-star)

Price Includes

• 3 nights accommodation in 3 to 4-star hotels
• 1 night in a Nubian guesthouse in Aswan
• 1 night on a felucca sailboat cruise with accompanying support boat with toilet & shower
• 2 nights aboard a sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo (flight & hotel upgrade available)
• All transport and transfers in private AC vehicles
• A 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service
• The expertise of local Egyptologist guides for all sightseeing excursions
• Meal plan as mentioned in the itinerary

Price Excludes

• International flights (available upon inquiry)
• Egypt visa fees (available upon arrival for most nationalities, US$25)
• Travel insurance.
• Meals not mentioned in the inclusions.
• Tipping/Gratuity
• Entrance fees to sites visited (allow approx. US$85)
• Personal expenses such as telephone calls, laundry, drinks, extra meals, etc
• Christmas and New Year Gala Dinners (to be advised at time of booking)
• Additional activities or unmentioned items.