Day 1: Arrive Cairo, Egypt [MONDAY]
On arrival in Cairo, you will be welcomed at the airport by a local representative. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be transferred to your hotel. Once checked in, you can take some time to relax and recover from your journey, or enjoy your first glimpse of the vibrant city of Cairo.
NOTE: The included transfer is a group transfer and will be scheduled according to the arrival times of the majority of guests. If you arrive earlier and prefer not to wait, or if your flight arrives after the scheduled group transfer, you may arrange a private transfer (additional charges apply) or make your own way to the hotel.
MEALS: In flight
OVERNIGHT: Pyramid Front Hotel, Cairo
Day 2: Cairo ~ Pyramids, Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum Tour
After breakfast, meet your Egyptologist guide and begin exploring ancient Egypt with a visit to the legendary Pyramids of Giza. See the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the three main pyramids and the only surviving wonder of the ancient world. You will also see the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure, each offering a powerful glimpse into Egypt’s extraordinary past.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Entrance inside the pyramid tombs is not included and is payable locally. This includes entry to the tombs inside the Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure.
Nearby, stand before the Great Sphinx, one of Egypt’s most recognisable monuments. Carved from natural rock, this impressive figure has the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh. It remains one of the most iconic sights in Cairo and a true highlight of your journey.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum for a guided visit. Here you will see remarkable displays, including the Hanging Obelisk, the Statue of King Ramesses II, the ten statues of Senusret, the Victory Column of Merenptah, Ptolemaic royal statues and the Grand Staircase Gallery. There will also be time to browse the GEM Gift Shop before returning to your hotel.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Pyramid Front Hotel, Cairo
Day 3: Cairo ~ Free Day
After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Cairo to relax or explore at your own pace. You may choose to unwind at the hotel, revisit a favourite part of the city, or speak with your guide about local suggestions.
This is a good opportunity to slow the pace before continuing your Egypt Tour. You may also choose to discover more of Cairo independently, enjoy the hotel facilities, or simply take time to rest.
MEALS: Breakfast
OVERNIGHT: Pyramid Front Hotel, Cairo
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Full Day Alexandria Tour
Travel from Cairo to Alexandria by road, with the journey taking approximately two and a half hours. On arrival, explore Egypt’s famous Mediterranean city, known for its coastal setting, Greco-Roman history and links to the ancient Library of Alexandria.
Visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, one of Alexandria’s most fascinating ancient sites. Then continue to Pompey’s Pillar, an impressive red Aswan granite column built in honour of Emperor Diocletian.
Later, enjoy a photo stop from outside Qaitbay Fort. This 15th century fortress sits near the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
You will also enjoy a panoramic visit from outside the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. This striking modern library was created to recapture the spirit of learning and scholarship of the ancient library.
After sightseeing, return by road to Cairo for the evening.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 5 Hours return
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 450 km return
Important Information:
- This is an optional activity at an additional cost
- Pre booking is recommended
- Tour operates subject to minimum numbers and availability
- Lunch may be included depending on the final package arrangements
- Order of sightseeing may change due to local conditions
Day 4: Cairo ~ Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour
After breakfast, meet your private Egyptologist guide and begin exploring Islamic and Coptic Cairo. Today offers a different side of the city, moving beyond the ancient pyramids and into Cairo’s rich religious and cultural history.
Visit the Citadel of Salah El Din, one of Cairo’s most important medieval landmarks. Set high above the city, this impressive fortress is known for its large gateways, defensive walls and sweeping views over Cairo.
Within the Citadel area, see the famous Mosque of Mohamed Ali. With its grand domes, tall minarets and Ottoman style architecture, it remains one of the most recognisable sights in the Egyptian capital.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Coptic Cairo and visit St George Church. Dating back to around the 7th or 8th century, this unique round church was built over the foundations of an ancient Roman tower.
After sightseeing, return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Pyramid Front Hotel, Cairo
Day 5: Cairo ~ Aswan ~ Embark Nile River Cruise [FRIDAY]
After breakfast, check out of your Cairo hotel and transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight to Aswan. On arrival, you will be met and assisted before continuing your sightseeing in southern Egypt.
IMPORTANT FLIGHT NOTE: The domestic flight from Cairo to Aswan is booked by our local supplier. Flight details may not be provided in advance and are usually confirmed once you are on tour.
Begin with a visit to the Aswan High Dam, one of Egypt’s major modern engineering achievements. This important landmark helped control Nile flooding and supports irrigation and power generation across the region.
Continue to Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Set on an island, this beautiful temple complex is one of Aswan’s most scenic ancient sites and offers a memorable introduction to Upper Egypt.
After sightseeing, transfer to your Nile cruise and check in. Enjoy lunch on board and take time to settle into your cabin as your journey along the Nile begins.
Later, enjoy a traditional felucca sailing experience around Aswan. Watch the sunset from the water and take in views across the Nile, including the area around Elephantine Island.
Return to your cruise for dinner and overnight on board.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Hapi 5 Nile Cruise
Day 6: Nile River Cruise: Abu Simbel & Kom Ombo
After breakfast, depart by air-conditioned vehicle for Abu Simbel. The drive takes approximately three hours each way, travelling through the desert landscapes of southern Egypt.
On arrival, visit the incredible Abu Simbel Temples, built by King Ramesses II. The larger temple is dedicated to Ra-Horakhty, while the smaller temple honours Queen Nefertari. With their massive rock-cut statues and dramatic setting, these temples are among Egypt’s most impressive ancient sites.
After your visit, return towards Aswan and rejoin your Nile cruise. Then, sail along the Nile towards Kom Ombo, enjoying time on board as the river scenery unfolds.
Later, visit Kom Ombo Temple, beautifully positioned on a bend of the Nile. This unusual double temple was dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god, and Horus the Elder.
Afterwards, visit the Crocodile Museum, home to ancient mummified crocodiles. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the importance of Sobek worship in this region.
Return to your cruise for dinner and overnight on board.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 6 Hours return
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 560 km return
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Hapi 5 Nile Cruise
Day 7: Nile River Cruise Edfu, Karnak & Luxor Temple
After breakfast on board, meet your guide and visit Edfu Temple. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this impressive temple is one of the best preserved ancient shrines in Egypt.
The temple was built during the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BC. Its detailed wall carvings and inscriptions offer a fascinating insight into ancient Egyptian religion, mythology and temple life.
After your visit, return to the cruise and continue sailing towards Luxor. Enjoy lunch on board as you take in the changing Nile scenery and relax between sightseeing stops.
On arrival in Luxor, visit Luxor Temple, one of the city’s most atmospheric ancient sites. This striking temple complex was closely linked to kingship and may have been used during coronation ceremonies.
Continue to Karnak Temple, one of the most important temple complexes in ancient Thebes. Dedicated mainly to the god Amun, Karnak was a major religious centre and remains one of Egypt’s most remarkable archaeological sites.
Return to your cruise for dinner and overnight on board in Luxor.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Hapi 5 Nile Cruise
Day 8: Disembark Nile River Cruise: Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut Temple ~ Hurghada
After breakfast on board, disembark your Nile cruise and meet your guide for a visit to Luxor’s West Bank. This remarkable area is home to some of Egypt’s most important royal tombs and ancient monuments.
Visit the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs were laid to rest in richly decorated tombs. Your guide will explain the history of the valley and the selected tombs included in your visit. Entry to special tombs, including Tutankhamun’s Tomb, is not included and is payable locally.
Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. Built into the cliffs, this striking temple honours one of Egypt’s most successful female pharaohs and remains one of Luxor’s most impressive sites.
Afterwards, stop to see the Colossi of Memnon. These two massive stone statues once guarded a grand mortuary temple and are now one of the West Bank’s most iconic photo stops.
After your sightseeing, begin your journey from Luxor to Hurghada on the Red Sea.
Travel by road through the desert landscapes of eastern Egypt. Along the way, watch the scenery change from the ancient temples of Luxor to the relaxed coastal atmosphere of Hurghada.
On arrival in Hurghada, transfer to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day is free to relax, enjoy the resort facilities or take in your first views of the Red Sea.
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 4 Hours
APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 290 km
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Golden Beach Resort, Hurghada
Day 9: Hurghada ~ Free Day
After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Hurghada on the Red Sea.
Spend the day relaxing at your resort, swimming, or enjoying the beach. Alternatively, choose from a range of optional activities available locally.
You may like to join a sea trip, go snorkelling, visit Orange Bay, take a glass boat ride, or experience a desert safari. This is a great day to slow down and enjoy Egypt’s coastal side.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Golden Beach Resort, Hurghada
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Optional activities are subject to availability and payable locally.
Red Sea Snorkelling Trip
Enjoy a day out on the Red Sea, with time to swim, snorkel and admire the clear coastal waters. This is a great way to experience Hurghada’s marine life and relaxed seaside atmosphere.
Orange Bay Trip
Travel by boat to Orange Bay, known for its clear water, soft sand and island-style setting. Enjoy time to relax, swim and take in the Red Sea views.
Desert Safari
Head inland from Hurghada for a desert safari experience. Take in the wide desert landscapes and enjoy a different side of Egypt beyond the Nile and temples.
Glass Boat Trip
See the Red Sea from above the water on a glass boat trip. This is a relaxed option for guests wanting to view marine life without snorkelling.
Day 10: Hurghada ~ Free Day
After breakfast, enjoy another free day in Hurghada on the Red Sea.
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to relax by the pool, spend time at the beach, or make the most of the resort facilities.
Alternatively, join one of the optional local activities available from Hurghada. Options may include a Red Sea boat trip, snorkelling, Orange Bay, a glass boat experience or a desert safari.
This is a great chance to unwind after your time exploring the treasures of Egypt. Enjoy the slower pace before your journey comes to an end.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Golden Beach Resort, Hurghada
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Optional activities are subject to availability and payable locally.
Red Sea Snorkelling Trip
Enjoy a day out on the Red Sea, with time to swim, snorkel and admire the clear coastal waters. This is a great way to experience Hurghada’s marine life and relaxed seaside atmosphere.
Orange Bay Trip
Travel by boat to Orange Bay, known for its clear water, soft sand and island-style setting. Enjoy time to relax, swim and take in the Red Sea views.
Desert Safari
Head inland from Hurghada for a desert safari experience. Take in the wide desert landscapes and enjoy a different side of Egypt beyond the Nile and temples.
Glass Boat Trip
See the Red Sea from above the water on a glass boat trip. This is a relaxed option for guests wanting to view marine life without snorkelling.
Day 11: Depart Hurghada
After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Hurghada.
Depending on your flight time, enjoy some final time at leisure. You may wish to relax at the resort, take a last walk by the Red Sea, or prepare for your journey home.
At the appropriate time, transfer to Hurghada Airport for your onward flight.
NOTE: The included transfer is a group transfer and will be scheduled according to the departure times of the majority of guests. If your flight departs earlier than the scheduled group transfer, or if you prefer to leave at a different time, you may arrange a private transfer (additional charges apply) or make your own way to the airport.
MEALS: Breakfast
