Highlights of Ancient Egypt: Cairo & Luxor - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo & Sightsee

Welcome to Egypt! After arriving in Cairo—one of the largest cities in Africa and in the Middle East—you'll head to your hotel. You'll be free to relax and rest in time before the tour begins. You could also start exploring the city, venturing out to try some local cuisine in one of many excellent restaurants.

Day 2: Visit the Egyptian Museum & Great Pyramids Of Giza

Begin the day with a tour of the Egyptian Museum. The finest museum of Egyptian antiques in the world, it contains pharaohs' treasures dating back more than 5,000 years. The building is rectangular with a large rotunda on the ground floor containing massive exhibits, including colossal statues of Ramses II—get the best views by looking down from the upper galleries. The gold and alabaster trappings from the tomb of Tutankhamun (Tut) always draw crowds, too. Many of the Tutankhamun tomb treasures have been on display in museums around the world—including the golden mask—yet this one exhibit has always remained in Cairo. 

Later, you'll travel to Giza, located outside of Cairo, where you will see the three major pyramids at its necropolis complex. Your guide will explain the history of the construction of the Pyramids of Giza: the Great Pyramid of Giza, Cheops, and the smaller Chephren and Mykerinos. Following the tour in Giza, enjoy a meal at a local Egyptian restaurant nearby. Then head back to the city to enjoy the evening in Cairo at your leisure.

Day 3: Fly to Luxor & Tour Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple

After breakfast, board a short one-hour flight to Luxor. This small city in the Nile Valley is located 420 miles (676 km) south of Cairo. Today, you will visit Karnak Temple, one of Egypt’s largest surviving temples. Founded in the Middle Kingdom, it was once a key religious center. You'll also visit Luxor Temple, a massive temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile. It was founded during the New Kingdom around 1400 BCE. Enjoy an evening in Luxor by dining in a local restaurant and relaxing at the hotel.

Day 4: Explore Luxor's West Bank

On day four, walk through the Valley of the Kings to see rock-cut tombs for kings and powerful nobles (including Tutankhamun) for nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BCE. Then stop at the Colossi of Memnon to see the magnificent ruins of Amenhotep’s memorial temple. What remains are two imposing statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that were erected to guard the temple's entrance.

Finally, you'll head to Hatshepsut Temple. The memorial of Queen Hatshepsut is the focal point of Deir el-Bahri, a complex of mortuary temples and tombs. After your sightseeing tour, you'll hop on a quick flight back to Cairo, where you'll have the evening to enjoy at your own pace.

Day 5: Depart

After breakfast, you'll make your way to Cairo International Airport for your flight home. Safe travels!