Highlights
- Marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza & Memphis
- Board a scenic river cruise up the Nile
- Tour the ancient temples of Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo & Edfu
- Walk in the footsteps of pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings
- Discover the treasure's of Cairo's Egyptian Museum
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to Cairo! | Cairo |
| Day 2 | Great Pyramids Tour: Memphis & Giza | Cairo |
| Day 3 | Fly to Aswan, Board Nile River Cruise | Aswan |
| Day 4 | Tour Abu Simbel, Cruise to Kom Ombo & Edfu | Edfu |
| Day 5 | Tour the Temple of Horus, Cruise to Luxor | Luxor |
| Day 6 | Visit the Valley of the Kings, Fly to Cairo | Cairo |
| Day 7 | Cairo Half-Day Tour & Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Cairo!
Welcome to Egypt! Upon your arrival at Cairo's airport, you'll be met by your guide who will assist you through customs and arrange a transfer to your hotel. Get settled in and rest up for a full day of sightseeing tomorrow.
Day 2: Great Pyramids Tour: Memphis & Giza
This morning you'll hit the ground running, meeting your Egyptologist guide and setting off for a tour of some of Egypt's most iconic sites. Start in Memphis, the first unified capital of the ancient world. Here you can visit the stepped pyramid of Saqqara, explore its 4,350-year-old tombs, and see the ancient hieroglyphics engraved on its walls.
Next, it's on to the Great Pyramids of Giza, starting with the pyramid of Cheops, the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built as a tomb, its shape was intended to help the spirit of the dead pharaoh rise to heaven. Continue to the pyramid of Chephren to see the best preserved of the main Giza pyramids, and to Mykerinos, the smallest of the three. After seeing the magnificent Sphinx up close, it's time to head back to the city, where you can enjoy the rest of the evening in Cairo at your leisure.
Day 3: Fly to Aswan, Board Nile River Cruise
Today you will catch a quick flight and journey south to Aswan, an archaeologically rich city on the banks of the Nile River. Here you'll meet your guide and embark on a tour of the beautiful Temple of Philae, dedicated to the worship of the goddess Isis. Afterward, visit Egypt's remarkable engineering achievement of the modern era, the Aswan High Dam.
Afterward, you'll transfer to the shores of the Nile to set sail on your scenic river cruise, which serves as your accommodation for the next three nights.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Tour Abu Simbel, Cruise to Kom Ombo & Edfu
This morning you'll disembark and transfer to the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples. Built by the Egyptian king Ramses II who reigned 1279–1213 BCE, the massive rock-cut facades are truly incredible to see in person: despite their relatively remote location, they're one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.
After returning to Aswan, re-board the cruise and start your journey upriver to the temple of Kom Ombo. Built during the Ptolemaic era, Kom Ombo was dedicated to the crocodile god (Sobek) and falcon god (Haroeris). Admire its many intact courts and halls, along with wall carvings and statues.
Back on board the boat, you'll enjoy dinner as you cruise towards Edfu.
Day 5: Tour the Temple of Horus, Cruise to Luxor
This morning you'll take a tour through Edfu to reach the Temple of Horus, considered one of the best-preserved shrines in Egypt.
Afterward, continue cruising your way north, enjoying a leisurely lunch on board as you cross the famed Esna Lock and sail towards tonight's destination of Luxor.
Day 6: Visit the Valley of the Kings, Fly to Cairo
This morning you'll say your goodbyes to the Nile as you disembark from the cruise and transfer to the west bank of Luxor for a tour of the Valley of the Kings. Discover the exteriors of the Tomb of Tutankhamun, the beautiful Temple of Der el Bahari (dedicated to the funerary cult of Queen Hatshepsut), and the Statues of Memnon.
After lunch, you'll be transferred to the Luxor airport to catch a flight back to Cairo.
Day 7: Cairo Half-Day Tour & Departure
Celebrate your last morning in Cairo with a trip to the Egyptian Museum. Home to the finest collection of Egyptian antiquities 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.
Continue to another city landmark, the magnificent Mohamed Ali Mosque. Built between 1830 and 1848 by the architect Yousef Bushnak, the mosque's towering dome and minarets crown the Citadel of Salah el-Din. Wander the peaceful interiors and marvel at the creamy sheen of alabaster that coats its floors and walls.
In the afternoon it's time to bid Egypt farewell as you transfer to the airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!
More Egypt Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Egypt? Check out these other Egypt itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.
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