Country(ies): Egypt
Tour type: Small Group
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 18
Accommodation: No Accommodation
Meals: Breakfasts - 8, Lunches - 2, Dinners - 3
Transport: A/C minibus/coach, sleeper train & felucca sailboat
Highlights: The Pyramids & Sphinx, antiquities of the Egyptian museum, romantic Philae Temple, Abu Simbel option, traditional felucca sailing, ancient Valley of the Kings
Set out on an unforgettable journey through the marvels of Egypt with our exclusive 9-day itinerary, carefully crafted to immerse you in the mystery and grandeur of this ancient civilisation. Your adventure begins in the lively city of Cairo, where you’ll be greeted by the iconic Great Pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx, steadfastly guarding the sands of time. Explore the secrets of these monumental creations, marvel at the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians, and wander through their hidden chambers and winding passages.
Your journey continues southward to Aswan, a peaceful city situated on the banks of the majestic Nile River. Here, you will explore the tranquil beauty of the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, a remarkable symbol of both spiritual significance and architectural brilliance. As dawn breaks, embark on a spectacular excursion to the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel temples, dedicated to Ramses II, showcasing the pharaoh’s lasting influence and the remarkable construction techniques of the ancients.
Prepare for a delightful sail on a traditional Nile felucca, floating gracefully along the peaceful waters of the river, where each bend reveals new views of lush landscapes and ageless surroundings. Accompanying you will be a dedicated boat with modern amenities such as onboard toilets, showers, and a massage deck, ensuring your comfort and relaxation as you absorb the stunning sights and sounds of the Nile Valley.
Arriving in Luxor, the ancient capital of Thebes, you’ll encounter a wealth of archaeological marvels, including the grand temples of Karnak and Luxor. Here, towering columns and detailed hieroglyphics stand as testament to an era of opulence and grandeur. You’ll also explore the sacred Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of the pharaohs rest in silent eternity, adorned with vivid frescoes and intricate burial artefacts that offer fascinating insights into the afterlife beliefs of ancient Egypt.
As your journey concludes, you’ll return to Cairo, where the echoes of ancient history blend seamlessly with the lively energy of contemporary life. Reflect on your experiences as you explore the vibrant bazaars of Khan El Khalili or sip refreshing mint tea in a traditional coffeehouse, cherishing the memories of an adventure that has revealed the captivating allure of Egypt.
With its unmatched combination of history, culture, and natural beauty, our 9-day tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Egypt’s most renowned landmarks and hidden treasures. Join us on this exceptional adventure and see why it’s continually regarded as our most popular Egypt tour, a tribute to the enduring fascination of this legendary land. For those wishing to extend their journey, we offer the chance to add a visit to the Red Sea with our Discover Egypt, Nubians, and Beaches tours, where sunlit beaches and vibrant marine life await.
Private tour option
If our scheduled departure dates don’t suit you, or if you prefer not to travel with a group, we can arrange this tour privately for you. Please contact us for further details and pricing.
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Upon your arrival, our team will greet you at the airport, assist you with securing your visa and luggage, and transfer you to your hotel to begin your journey. They will assist you in settling in, familiarise you with the local area, and provide details of tomorrow's plans. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. If you arrive earlier, you may wish to embark on an evening dinner cruise along the Nile or experience an awe-inspiring sound and light show at the pyramids (both can be booked locally upon arrival).
OVERNIGHT:
Cairo hotel
MEALS:
EXTRAS:
None
Our journey through Egypt begins with a visit to the Egyptian Museum in the heart of Cairo. Home to the remarkable Tutankhamun exhibit, the museum also houses a vast collection of other ancient Egyptian relics. A local Egyptologist will be guiding you during this and all of your other excursions, offering a wealth of knowledge and a passion for both Egyptian history and their country as a whole. After the museum, we proceed to Giza on the outskirts of Cairo to see the Sphinx and the three grand pyramids of Egypt. The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), standing at 500 feet tall and 750 feet wide at its base, is a staggering man-made wonder made of massive stone blocks with a smooth limestone exterior. Over time, much of the casing has been removed, exposing the core structure. Alongside the smaller pyramids of Khafre (Chephren) and Menkaure (Mycerinus), the awe-inspiring view of these colossal monuments emerging from the desert is truly remarkable. You will have the chance to venture inside the pyramids if you wish, although your guide cannot join you (a limited number of tickets are available for the Great Pyramid).
In the evening, we will head to the station to board the overnight sleeper train to Aswan (approximately 12 hours).
OVERNIGHT:
On board train
MEALS:
Breakfast,Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
This morning, we arrive in Aswan and head to our hotel with views of the Nile, which is at its most stunning here, featuring cascading rapids, lush green islands, and feluccas gliding back and forth. Aswan itself is a vibrant blend of African and Middle Eastern cultures, which you can best experience by wandering through the lively markets. It is also part of the ancient Nubian region, which once stretched across southern Egypt and northern Sudan along the Nile. Many of the descendants of the Nubian people still reside here, and we will visit a local Nubian village to admire their colourful homes, simple lifestyle, and enjoy a traditional lunch.
Our tour continues this afternoon with a visit to the Temple of Philae, a stunning island complex dedicated to Isis, which has been reclaimed from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. We reach it by a scenic boat ride. The evening is free for exploring Aswan’s spice and general markets, as well as strolling along the popular Corniche by the Nile. Alternatively, you can take a camel ride across the sands on the far bank of the Nile to St. Simeon’s monastery. For those who have chosen the Abu Simbel option, an early night is recommended to prepare for a very early departure tomorrow.
OVERNIGHT:
Aswan hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast,Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
This morning, we have the option to begin our journey early to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Abu Simbel. These remarkable temples, constructed by Ramses II, are among Egypt's most iconic landmarks and attractions. For those not visiting Abu Simbel, there is the option to explore Aswan's bustling markets, enjoy a walk along the Corniche by the river, or visit the Nubian Museum, which offers a captivating collection that highlights the history and culture of the Nubian people in the region.
At lunchtime, we will board our traditional Nile felucca to sail down the river. Cruising on a felucca is one of the most delightful ways to experience Egypt, as you glide along, observing rural Egyptian life on the banks of the Nile. Our Nubian crew will be at the helm, guiding the boat and providing entertainment, while also preparing meals on board. A separate facilities boat will join us intermittently throughout the day and anchor with us overnight. This boat is equipped with a toilet and showers for comfort, as well as a hygienic kitchen where the crew will prepare a tasty evening meal. Tonight, you will sleep on the felucca deck, with mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets provided. Alternatively, you may opt to extend your stay with an additional night in the Aswan hotel. In this case, you would remain in Aswan overnight and reunite with the group the following morning, when they leave the felucca at Komombo. All other scheduled activities remain unchanged.
OVERNIGHT:
On board felucca
MEALS:
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast on board, we say goodbye to our felucca crew and travel north from Aswan to Edfu, where we will explore the magnificent Temple of Horus. We will then continue our journey further north to Luxor. Luxor is built on and around the ancient city of Thebes, and it is home to the largest concentration of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, if not the world. To the west of the Nile lies the City of the Dead, with its mortuary temples and rock-carved tombs, while to the east stand the Temples of Luxor and Karnak. In the evening, we offer an optional walking tour of the smaller Luxor Temple, which is centrally located and beautifully illuminated at night.
OVERNIGHT:
Luxor hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
We cross the Nile early this morning to begin our exploration of Luxor’s West Bank. This region, home to the Valley of the Kings, houses the ancient tombs, which continue to unveil their mysteries, making it one of the most significant archaeological sites globally. Our tour covers several of these Pharaonic tombs, as well as the temples of Queen Hatshepsut and Medinat Habu, and the grand Colossi of Memnon.
A breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the west bank of the Nile is available this morning (be prepared for an early start to witness the sunrise as the balloon ascends).
In the afternoon, you have free time to unwind and enjoy the amenities of your luxurious 5-star hotel along the Nile. Alternatively, you can further explore Luxor, shop or wander through the market, visit the Mummification Museum, or take a felucca ride to the nearby Banana Island. For those seeking a deeper dive into Egyptian history, additional sightseeing options are available. Notable sites such as the Ramesseum, Workers' Village, and the Valley of the Queens on the west bank of the Nile are all worth visiting. Your guide will be delighted to arrange any additional excursions for you (additional costs will apply to cover transport, entrance fees, and the guide's services).
OVERNIGHT:
Luxor hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
You have the morning to yourself today, allowing for a well-deserved lie-in after a series of early mornings. Following lunch, we will explore the vast Karnak temple complex, which was once the religious heart of Thebes and Upper Egypt. This monumental site was connected to Luxor by a grand avenue lined with sphinxes, and the entire complex was linked to the Nile by a canal, through which the sacred boats of the god Amun would travel. As you walk through a smaller avenue flanked by sphinxes, constructed by Ramesses II, you will arrive at the grand pylon entrance. Inside the expansive Courtyard, there are three chapels dedicated to the gods Amun, Khonsu, and Mut. The stunning Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 towering columns, is adorned with intricate carvings of gods, pharaohs, and hieroglyphic inscriptions.
In the evening, we will head to the station to board the overnight sleeper train back to Cairo, a journey of approximately 9 hours.
OVERNIGHT:
On board sleeper train
MEALS:
Breakfast,Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
We arrive back in Cairo this morning and transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Cairo at your leisure, or you may choose to join an optional tour. Options include a city tour of Cairo, which visits Coptic Cairo, the Citadel, and the Mohamed Ali Mosque, or a half-day excursion to Saqqara, Dashour, and Memphis, where you can delve into the history and development of pyramid construction. Another full-day option takes you further into the desert outside Cairo to visit the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan.
In the late afternoon, we will embark on a guided walk through the back streets and bazaars of central Cairo. We’ll pass through the impressive Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore streets filled with shops selling metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewellery, and much more, before gradually entering the bustling Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. There will be time to pause for a tea and a shisha pipe, and perhaps sample an early dinner of Egypt’s unofficial national dish, Kushari, before returning to our hotel.
OVERNIGHT:
Cairo hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
You have some free time today for any last-minute sightseeing or shopping before we take you to the airport for your departure flight.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
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We operate regular small-group tours on this itinerary, typically commencing on most Saturdays throughout the year. All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 travellers and a maximum of 18. Departure dates and prices can be found on our website or on a dedicated dates & prices sheet, available upon request.
The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.
Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.
The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.
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Our new facilities boat makes the whole felucca experience more enjoyable, with a clean toilet and hot showers on board, as well as massage beds and a hygienic kitchen.