Egypt Highlights & Hidden Gems - 11 days

Itinerary

Day 1 - Cairo

Welcome to Egypt. Upon arrival at Cairo Airport you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or if arriving early, you can opt to pre book our optional private Backstreets of Cairo tour, which introduces you to the highlights of Egypt's bustling capital.

Overnight: Cairo

Day 2 - Pyramids of Giza

Today see the incredible pyramids and the iconic Sphinx at The Giza Plateau. Perhaps opt to ride a camel. Later, travel to Saqqara, to explore the myriad of tombs and temples at the site and see Zhoser's step pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh's chief architect in 2700 BC.

Overnight: Cairo  |  Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Grand Egyptian Museum

Cairo - Luxor. Take a guided tour of the vast new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza this morning. In this incredible 490,000 sq.m complex you'll discover a mind-boggling array of relics and antiquities from almost every period of ancient Egyptian history. Get up close and personal with ancient mummies Thuya and Yuya, King Tutankhamun's great grandparents. Marvel at the most famous exhibit, the spectacular funerary mask of King Tutankhamun. Made of solid gold and weighing 11kg, the mask was found covering the head of the mummy, where it lay inside a series of 3 sarcophagi.

Then there's time to relax back at the hotel before your guide assists you in boarding the overnight sleeper train to Luxor this evening. Your new guide will welcome you on your arrival to Luxor tomorrow morning.

Please Note: the Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in late 2024, though an official opening date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility, you'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.-

Overnight: Sleeper Train  |  Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Luxor & Dendera

You'll arrive nto Luxor this morning, where your new guide will welcome you. From there, drive to Dendera which is one of Egypt's best preserved temple complexes, located 60km north of Luxor. This vast complex covers 40,000 square meters and its temples, chapels and shrines were gradually built over thousands of years. Dendera's crowning glory is the 2000 year old Temple of Hathor with its exquisitely decorated ceiling. After your guided tour of this incredible site, you'll return to Luxor where the afternoon is free to spend at leisure. Take a stroll around town or enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool and soak up the sunshine.

This evening there is an optional visit to view the beautiful Temple of Luxor at night. Book and pay locally.

Overnight: Luxor  |  Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Valley of the Kings & Karnak Temples

4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its very best and this morning you'll visit Luxor’s famous West Bank. The first stop is the famous Valley of the Kings, which is studded with beautifully decorated pharaoh's tombs, some of which you can enter. After exploring this incredible site you will travel on to visit the striking limestone, colonnaded Temple of Hatshepsut, who was one of only three Egyptian ruling queens. On the West Bank you'll also see the imposing 18m-high Colossi of Memnon, which are all that remains of the temple of the hedonistic Amenophis III.

Returning to the East Bank, you will check-in on board a 5 star Nile cruiser which will be your home for the next four nights. Enjoy lunch and some rest and relaxation on board before visiting the colossal Temple of Karnak later this afternoon. More than a temple, Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons, chapels, halls and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods and to the greater glory of Egypt’s Middle and New Kingdom rulers.

Overnight: Nile cruiser  |  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Nile Cruising

Nile cruising. Today you'll set sail downstream. Relax on deck and go for a swim, soak up the sunshine and enjoy the views as you cruise the River Nile.

Overnight: Nile cruiser  |  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Kom Ombo Temple

Nile cruising. Enjoy another day relaxing on board the cruiser as you sail the Nile to the Temple of Kom Ombo today, which is dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, and Horus the falcon-headed god. This temple is unusual because everything is architecturally is doubled and perfectly symmetrical along the main axis of the temple including twin halls, courts, colonnades, sanctuaries and entrances. After a guided tour of the temple, continue your journey, arriving into Aswan this evening.

Overnight: Nile cruiser  |  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Aswan, Abu Simbel & the Philae Temple

Nile Cruising - Aswan. Today there is an optional early morning flight excursion to Abu Simbel offered. Abu Simbel is home to the famous the rock-cut temple of King Ramses II. Alternatively you can spend the morning at leisure.

This afternoon you will take a short motorboat trip to Philae Temple - dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple dates from 4th century BC but the Ptolomies and the Romans up to 3rd century AD built most of the existing structures. In danger of being completely submerged by the rising water of Lake Nasser, in 1972 UNESCO stepped in and an 8-year rescue effort was undertaken to relocate the entire temple 20m higher on nearby Agilika Island.

Overnight: Nile Cruising - Aswan  |  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Aswan at leisure

Aswan. Today offers free time for you to discover Aswan - your way. Consider a visit to the Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie wrote the novel Death on the Nile or opt for a visit to the well-curated Nubian Museum.

Overnight: Aswan  | Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Cairo - Old City tour or relax

Aswan - Cairo. Today you will be transferred to Aswan Airport, where you catch a fkight onwards to Cairo. Arriving into Cairo, transfer to the hotel and check in. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the hotel facilities or you can join an optional tour visiting Old Cairo, Coptic Cairo and the Citadel of Saladin (book locally).

Overnight: Cairo  |  Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Cairo

The tour comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

 

Your Tour Details

RangePrivate
Trip Type
Private Tours
Starts Cairo
Ends Cairo
Departs Thursday and Sunday
Hotel Rating 4 - 5 star
Tour Guide
Yes, for all included sightseeing
Meals
Breakfast: 10, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 4
Minimum Age
10 yrs, accompanied by an adult
Arr. Transfer
Yes
Dep. Transfer
Yes


 

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Holiday Inn Cairo Maadi
Our Category: DeluxeDeluxe accommodation equates to a Western 5-star standard, usually featuring spacious, en-suite rooms, a restaurant, swimming pool and fitness centre and an array of amenities, excellent service and customer care.
Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel
Overlooking the Nile and offering distant views of the Great Pyramids of Giza, this Holiday Inn provides the perfect location for your stay in Cairo. Each guestroom features a balcony (not Nile View as standard) and is well-equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi. Evenings can be spent enjoying international or Egyptian cuisine and unwinding with a cocktail at one of the hotel’s bars. Thanks to the friendly hotel staff, you’ll soon feel at home. And with panoramic views of the city from the rooftop lounge and pool, there’s no better place to base yourself for exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders.

Sleeper Train

Our Category: Simple
Regional Category: Train
When travelling on an overnight train in Egypt, sleeper carriages offer the highest level of comfort. Cabins are equipped with two beds (one above the other), a basin, electric points and air conditioning. Freshly laundered bedding is provided and in the early evening an attendant will come round and make up your bed for you. The carriages have toilets at each end and there is a club car which serves snacks and beverages. In the morning a very basic breakfast is provided.

Sonesta Hotel Cairo
Our Category: Superior
Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel
The Sonesta Hotel & Casino is a sophisticated and luxurious hotel offering spacious, en-suit rooms with opulent furnishings. Enjoy a cocktail at the poolside bar or indulge in a relaxing massage or Turkish steam bath at the full-service spa. With 5 restaurants located within the hotel you'll be spoilt for choice over dining options.

Sonesta St. George Hotel

Our Category: Deluxe
Regional Category: 5 Star Deluxe Hotel
An elegant and luxurious classical hotel, the Sonesta's sophistication will ensure you a comfortable stay. The hotel has a sweeping terrace with fantastic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail and a beautiful health spa. All its rooms offer views of the city or the river, complemented by a wide range of restaurants and cafes. Just minutes away you will find the temples at Luxor and Karnak, home to two of ancient Egypt's most famed sanctuaries.

Steigenberger Nile Palace

Our Category: Deluxe
Regional Category: 5 Star Deluxe Hotel
The Steigenburger Nile Palace is a grand hotel and stylishly furnished, with many rooms overlooking the Nile River. The hotel has a health club with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and fitness room, and a tennis court on the roof, not to mention a riverside pool. Its four restaurants offer a choice between Nubian, Lebanese, Italian, and Thai cuisine.

M/S Medea

Our Category: Deluxe
Regional Category: 5 star cruise boat
The M/S Medea is elegantly furnished with rich fabrics, wood panelling and classic style furniture, offering a refined setting for your Nile cruise. The restaurant offers 120 covers with a combination of waiter service and buffet meals which allows to sample both Egyptian and international cuisine. The spacious lounge bar is tastefully furnished with Chesterfield sofas and offers panoramic views of the Nile River.

M/S La Traviata

Our Category: Deluxe
Regional Category: 5 star cruise boat
M/S La Traviata has proved be a long term favourite with many regular Nile cruise guests. The cosy restaurant on the lower deck serves 88 guests and serves both - international and Egyptian cuisine. Lounge bar with dance floor and music system for evening entertainment. The sundeck offers a pool as well as sun loungers and a shaded area. The reception offers full services including an international phone. The gift shop on board has a wide range of gifts and souvenirs from Egypt.

M/S Miriam

Our Category: Deluxe
Regional Category: 5 star cruise boat
M/S Miriam is a beautiful Nile cruise boat offering 59 spacious cabins. Onboard you'll find a fantastic restaurant serving both international and Egyptian cuisine. As your cruiser makes it's way along the mighty Nile river, take the opportunity to relax on deck and watch the changing scenery or perhaps indulge in a book




 

Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Price reductions are available when there are 4 or more persons travelling in your tour party, since fixed costs like transportation and guiding are shared across the group.

2024
Twin
Single
15 Feb - 25 Feb
Sold Out
Sold Out
18 Feb - 28 Feb
$2,375
$3,055

22 Feb - 3 Mar
$2,375
$3,055

25 Feb - 6 Mar
G
$2,375
$3,055

29 Feb - 10 Mar
$2,375
$3,055

3 Mar - 13 Mar
$2,375
$3,055

7 Mar - 17 Mar
$2,375
$3,055


10 Mar - 20 Mar
$2,375
$3,055

14 Mar - 24 Mar
$2,375
$3,055


17 Mar - 27 Mar
$2,375
$3,055

21 Mar - 31 Mar
$2,375
$3,055

24 Mar - 3 Apr
$2,545
$3,055


28 Mar - 7 Apr
$2,545
$3,055


31 Mar - 10 Apr
$2,545
$3,055


4 Apr - 14 Apr
$2,375
$3,055


7 Apr - 17 Apr
$2,375
$3,055


11 Apr - 21 Apr
$2,375
$3,055


14 Apr - 24 Apr
$2,375
$3,055


18 Apr - 28 Apr
$2,375
$3,055


21 Apr - 1 May
$2,375
$3,055


25 Apr - 5 May
$2,375
$3,055



28 Apr - 8 May
$2,375
$3,055


2 May - 12 May
$2,425
$3,265



5 May - 15 May
$2,425
$3,265

9 May - 19 May
$2,425
$3,265


12 May - 22 May
$2,425
$3,265


16 May - 26 May
$2,425
$3,265


19 May - 29 May
$2,425
$3,265


23 May - 2 Jun
$2,425
$3,265



26 May - 5 Jun
$2,425
$3,265


30 May - 9 Jun
$2,425
$3,265


2 Jun - 12 Jun
$2,425
$3,265


6 Jun - 16 Jun
$2,425
$3,265


9 Jun - 19 Jun
$2,425
$3,265


13 Jun - 23 Jun
$2,425
$3,265



16 Jun - 26 Jun
$2,425
$3,265


20 Jun - 30 Jun
$2,425
$3,265


23 Jun - 3 Jul
$2,425
$3,265


27 Jun - 7 Jul
$2,425
$3,265


30 Jun - 10 Jul
$2,425
$3,265


4 Jul - 14 Jul
$2,425
$3,265


7 Jul - 17 Jul
$2,425
$3,265


11 Jul - 21 Jul
$2,425
$3,265


14 Jul - 24 Jul
$2,425
$3,265



18 Jul - 28 Jul
$2,425
$3,265



21 Jul - 31 Jul
$2,425
$3,265



25 Jul - 4 Aug
$2,425
$3,265


28 Jul - 7 Aug
$2,425
$3,265


1 Aug - 11 Aug
$2,425
$3,265



4 Aug - 14 Aug
$2,425
$3,265


8 Aug - 18 Aug
$2,425
$3,265


11 Aug - 21 Aug
$2,425
$3,265


15 Aug - 25 Aug
$2,425
$3,265


18 Aug - 28 Aug
$2,425
$3,265
22 Aug - 1 Sep
$2,425
$3,265
25 Aug - 4 Sep
$2,425
$3,265
29 Aug - 8 Sep
$2,425
$3,265
1 Sep - 11 Sep
$2,775
$3,855
5 Sep - 15 Sep
$2,775
$3,855
8 Sep - 18 Sep
$2,775
$3,855
12 Sep - 22 Sep
$2,775
$3,855
15 Sep - 25 Sep
$2,775
$3,855
19 Sep - 29 Sep
$2,775
$3,855
22 Sep - 2 Oct
$2,775
$3,855
26 Sep - 6 Oct
$2,775
$3,855
29 Sep - 9 Oct
$2,775
$3,855
3 Oct - 13 Oct
$2,775
$3,855
6 Oct - 16 Oct
$2,775
$3,855
10 Oct - 20 Oct
$2,775
$3,855
13 Oct - 23 Oct
$2,775
$3,855
17 Oct - 27 Oct
$2,775
$3,855
20 Oct - 30 Oct
$2,775
$3,855
24 Oct - 3 Nov
$2,775
$3,855
27 Oct - 6 Nov
$2,775
$3,855
31 Oct - 10 Nov
$2,775
$3,855
3 Nov - 13 Nov
$2,775
$3,855
7 Nov - 17 Nov
$2,775
$3,855
10 Nov - 20 Nov
$2,775
$3,855
14 Nov - 24 Nov
$2,775
$3,855
17 Nov - 27 Nov
$2,775
$3,855
21 Nov - 1 Dec
$2,775
$3,855
24 Nov - 4 Dec
$2,775
$3,855
28 Nov - 8 Dec
$2,775
$3,855
1 Dec - 11 Dec
$2,775
$3,855
5 Dec - 15 Dec
$2,775
$3,855
8 Dec - 18 Dec
$2,775
$3,855
12 Dec - 22 Dec
$2,775
$3,855
15 Dec - 25 Dec
$2,775
$3,855
19 Dec - 29 Dec
$2,845
$3,985
22 Dec - 1 Jan
$2,845
$3,985
26 Dec - 5 Jan
$2,845
$3,985


29 Dec - 8 Jan
$2,845
$3,985

2025
Twin
Single
2 Jan - 12 Jan
$2,775
$3,855


5 Jan - 15 Jan
$2,775
$3,855
9 Jan - 19 Jan
$2,775
$3,855
12 Jan - 22 Jan
$2,775
$3,855
16 Jan - 26 Jan
$2,775
$3,855
19 Jan - 29 Jan
$2,775
$3,855
23 Jan - 2 Feb
$2,775
$3,855
26 Jan - 5 Feb
$2,775
$3,855
30 Jan - 9 Feb
$2,775
$3,855
2 Feb - 12 Feb
$2,775
$3,855
6 Feb - 16 Feb
$2,775
$3,855
9 Feb - 19 Feb
$2,775
$3,855
13 Feb - 23 Feb
$2,775
$3,855
16 Feb - 26 Feb
$2,775
$3,855
20 Feb - 2 Mar
$2,775
$3,855
23 Feb - 5 Mar
$2,775
$3,855
27 Feb - 9 Mar
$2,775
$3,855
2 Mar - 12 Mar
$2,775
$3,855
6 Mar - 16 Mar
$2,775
$3,855
9 Mar - 19 Mar
$2,775
$3,855
13 Mar - 23 Mar
$2,775
$3,855
16 Mar - 26 Mar
$2,775
$3,855
20 Mar - 30 Mar
$2,775
$3,855
23 Mar - 2 Apr
$2,775
$3,855
27 Mar - 6 Apr
$2,775
$3,855
30 Mar - 9 Apr
$2,775
$3,855
3 Apr - 13 Apr
$2,775
$3,855
6 Apr - 16 Apr
$2,775
$3,855
10 Apr - 20 Apr
$2,775
$3,855
13 Apr - 23 Apr
$2,845
$3,985
17 Apr - 27 Apr
$2,845
$3,985
20 Apr - 30 Apr
$2,845
$3,985
24 Apr - 4 May
$2,775
$3,855
27 Apr - 7 May
$2,775
$3,855