Highlights
- Explore the Great Pyramids of Giza
- Marvel at treasures in the Egyptian Museum
- Wander through Karnak Temple
- Walk through the Valley of the Kings
- Learn about the temples at Edfu and Kom Ombo
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cairo | Cairo |
| Day 2 | Visit the Pyramids of Giza & See Memphis | Cairo |
| Day 3 | Tour the Egyptian Museum & Learn About Islamic Cairo | Cairo |
| Day 4 | Cruise Down the Nile to Luxor | Luxor |
| Day 5 | Continue Nile Cruise to the Valley of the Kings | Esna |
| Day 6 | Discover Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples | Kom Ombo |
| Day 7 | Travel to Aswan & Philae Temple by Boat | Aswan |
| Day 8 | Circle Back to Cairo for a Night | Cairo |
| Day 9 | Catch Your Flight Home |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cairo
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 Pyramids of Giza & See Memphis
After breakfast, you will meet your guide and 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. Next, you'll head to Memphis, an ancient Egyptian capital, to see the Pyramid of Saqqara and the Pyramid of Djoser.
Day 3: Tour the Egyptian Museum & Learn About Islamic Cairo
Meet your guide, who will accompany you on your day exploring the city and its sites. Today's activities include the Egyptian Museum, which has a substantial collection of ancient treasures, including the tomb of King Tut. Then learn about Islamic Cairo at the Citadel of Saladin See, an important example of military architecture from the Middle Ages, and the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, a monumental mosque that was built during the Mamluk period of the 1300s. Finally, hunt for treasures in Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, a souk in the historical center of Islamic Cairo, where you can shop for lamps, rugs, jewelry, and more.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Cruise Down the Nile to Luxor
After breakfast, you'll take a short flight to Luxor. This small city in the Nile Valley is located 420 miles (676 km) south of Cairo. Once you arrive in Luxor, you will board your cruise ship and start the journey down the Nile.
Today's stops include the 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.
Day 5: Continue Nile Cruise to the Valley of the Kings
Today, you'll continue your Nile cruise, which includes sightseeing on the river's west bank. You'll visit the Valley of the Kings to see rock-cut tombs for kings and powerful nobles (including Tutankhamun) dating from the 16th to 11th century BCE. Stop at the Colossi of Memnon to see the 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. Then 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 tour, you will make your way back to your cruise ship, where you can relax onboard as you sail to Esna.
Day 6: Discover Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples
The next stop on your Nile cruise will be to see the temples at Edfu and Kom Ombo with a guide who will explain the significance of these temples in further detail. The Temple of Horus at Edfu was constructed between 237 BCE and 57 BCE. It is one of the best-preserved shrines in Egypt, and inside you can still make out many of its inscriptions. The Temple of Sobek and Haroeris at Kom Ombo was dedicated to the crocodile god (Sobek) and falcon god (Haroeris). Many of the walls of its courts, halls, sanctuaries, and rooms are still intact, along with wall carvings and statues.
Day 7: Travel to Aswan & Philae Temple by Boat
Your adventure continues as you set sail for Aswan. There, you will have a chance to get off the ship and explore more sights, one of which is the Aswan High Dam, built in the 1960s and completed in 1970. It was an engineering marvel at the time, as it increased Egypt's cultivable land by 30 percent and doubled its electricity supply.
Next, visit Philae Temple. There were once temples at Philae — construction began in 690 BCE — dedicated to the goddess Isis. The complex was moved from its original location on Philae Island to Agilkia Island due to the construction of Aswan High Dam. You'll board a small boat to learn more about the temple here. Finally, tour the Botanical Garden. Located on Kitchener's Island in the Aswan archipelago, it's a picturesque place to finish the day's itinerary.
Day 8: Circle Back to Cairo for a Night
It's time to say farewell to the boat and take a connecting flight to Cairo. The afternoon is free to explore or relax: sit in an outdoor café, try some Egyptian cuisine, go shopping for souvenirs, or do any sightseeing you didn't have time for earlier in the trip.
Day 9: Catch Your Flight Home
After breakfast, you'll make your way to Cairo International Airport for your flight home. Safe travels!