Journey Through Egypt: Cairo, Luxor, Edfu, Aswan & Alexandria - 13 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo, Explore the Capital at Leisure

Welcome to "The City of a Thousand Minarets" and Egypt's capital, Cairo! Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and relax. If you want to explore the city on your own, a good place to start is Cairo Tower, situated on Gezira Island in the Nile River. This iconic landmark, built between 1954 and 1961 CE, stands 614 feet high (187 m), offering 360-degree views of the sprawling urban landscape. Ascend to the observation deck and look out at Cairo's skyline, the winding river below, and even the Giza Pyramid Complex on a clear day.

If you're hungry, stop at the café on the observation deck or the revolving restaurant offering ever-changing views of the capital. After enjoying the view, head down to the upscale Zamalek district, known for its vibrant art scene, charming cafés, and colonial-era architecture. Stroll down the tree-lined streets, passing landmarks like the Cairo Opera House. As darkness falls, make your way to one of the international or local restaurants in the area. If you opt for a local restaurant, try Egypt's national dish, koshari, a hearty meal of rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas topped with a spicy tomato sauce.

Day 2: Visit Memphis, the Saqqara Necropolis & Giza Pyramid Complex

Leave the city behind as you set off on a full-day tour today. Transfer one hour to Memphis, one of the world's earliest and most influential civilizations. Wander through ancient Egypt's capital to see the remnants of colossal limestone statues, ancient Egyptian art, and the Sphinx of Memphis. Just 20 minutes away is the Saqqara Necropolis, a vast burial ground that's home to the Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone pyramid in the world. Admire the six-tiered structure, then discover other highlights, like the Mastaba of Ti and the Serapeum, a series of underground galleries that housed the sacred Apis bulls.

Transfer 50 minutes to the Giza Plateau, where you'll find three of the most famous pyramids in the country. Start at the Great Pyramid of Giza, the largest of the three and the only present-day survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to the Pyramid of Khafre, distinguished by its still-intact original limestone casing at the apex, and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaure. Admire the pyramids from the outside or pay an additional fee to discover the sacred chambers and dimly lit passageways within. Then, end the tour at the Great Sphinx, which guards the pyramids, before returning to Cairo.

Day 3: Fly to Luxor, Visit the Dendera Temple of Hathor

Say goodbye to the capital this morning as you head to the airport to catch a one-hour flight to Luxor, nestled on the east bank of the Nile River. Upon arrival, meet your driver at the airport and transfer to the port to check in for your five-day cruise along the Nile. Leave your luggage in your cabin and venture out on a 1.5-2-hour transfer to the Dendera Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess of love, music, and healing. On arrival, admire the impressive facade adorned with massive columns topped with Hathor-headed capitals. 

Then, step inside to discover the intricate carvings and vibrant reliefs that cover the walls and ceilings. Get a close-up look at the scenes of pharaonic rituals and celestial imagery, including the Dendera Zodiac, one of the best-preserved ancient depictions of the observable stars. The temple's hypostyle hall, sacred lake, and subterranean crypts also add to its mystique and grandeur. Around 2:00 pm, transfer back to your Nile cruise ship to relax and enjoy dinner overlooking the water as you stay docked in Luxor.  

Day 4: Visit Karnak & Luxor Temple

Enjoy a delicious breakfast on board, then disembark to discover Karnak, the second-largest religious complex in the world after Angkor Wat in Cambodia. When you arrive, wander past monumental pylons, towering obelisks, and intricately carved hieroglyphics that narrate the stories of pharaohs and deities while your guide explains why Karnak was the most important religious site in ancient Egypt. Be sure to see the great hypostyle hall, with its colossal columns and intricate ceilings standing as a testament to the architectural brilliance of ancient Egypt.

Walk along the Avenue of Sphinxes, a ceremonial path lined with sphinx statues, to arrive at Luxor Temple, built during the New Kingdom by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II. As you walk through the entrance, you'll be greeted by the great courtyard, where the massive statues of Ramesses II stand. Enter the hypostyle hall, with its 32 towering columns, and the inner sanctuary, which features a central shrine dedicated to the triad of deities worshipped here: Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. After exploring both sites, return to the ship for lunch and dinner on board.

Day 5: Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Visit Valley of the Kings, Cruise to Edfu

This morning's activity is sure to be a memorable one as you set off on a hot-air balloon ride over Luxor. Transfer to the launch site and complete a quick safety briefing before climbing into the basket and ascending gently into the early morning sky. Marvel at the temples you visited yesterday and the winding Nile, contrasting with its arid surroundings. After 40 minutes in the air, touch down and transfer to the Valley of the Kings on the west bank. This rock-cut necropolis is the final resting place of many of Egypt's most illustrious pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Ramesses the Great, and Hatshepsut.

Above the necropolis, you'll find Deir el-Bahari, a complex of mortuary temples built for Hatshepsut. The temple's terraced design, with its three majestic levels rising against the desert cliffs, is an architectural marvel, showcasing colonnades, statues, and intricate reliefs that celebrate the pharaoh's achievements and divine status. Your last stop is the Colossi of Memnon, twin statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III and the last surviving remnants of his mortuary temple. Return to the ship for lunch, dinner, and a lively party as you cruise toward Edfu.

Day 6: Visit Edfu Temple, Cruise to Kom Ombo Temple

Wake up in Edfu and disembark after breakfast to explore Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god of kingship, healing, protection, the sun, and the sky, and completed in 57 BCE. Look up at the massive entrance pylons adorned with imposing statues of the deity before stepping into the grand hypostyle hall with its towering columns and detailed carvings. Get a close-up look at the walls adorned with vivid scenes depicting the mythology of Horus, the triumphs of the pharaohs, and ceremonial processions. Then, return to the ship for lunch as you cruise north to Kom Ombo Temple.

Follow your guide through the religious site dedicated to Horus and Sobek, the crocodile deity associated with fertility and protection. As you enter the temple, admire the impressive pylon gate adorned with large reliefs depicting the gods and scenes of royal offerings and religious events. The temple's symmetrical layout has mirrored halls and sanctuaries dedicated to the two deities. Discover the hypostyle hall with its ornate columns and inner sanctuaries adorned with well-preserved reliefs before returning to the ship for an Egyptian dinner as you cruise to Aswan.

Day 7: Visit Philae Temple & the Aswan High Dam, Felucca Ride

Overnight, the ship will have docked in Aswan, where, in the morning, you'll switch to a smaller boat to cruise to Philae Temple on Agilkia Island. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Isis, one of the most revered deities in ancient Egypt. As you approach the island, you'll be struck by the temple's picturesque setting against the backdrop of serene waters and rocky islands. Explore the complex with your guide to see the grand entrance pylons, intricate hieroglyphs, and tranquil inner sanctuaries. Then, head to the Aswan High Dam to see one of Egypt's most significant engineering feats.

Completed in 1970 CE, the dam controls the river's annual flooding and generates hydroelectric power for the entire country. After marveling at the towering concrete walls and expansive reservoir, return to the water. But, instead of reboarding the cruise ship, you'll navigate the river on a traditional wooden sailboat—a felucca. Sail along the river past traditional villages, lush vegetation, and historical sites, like the Nilometer of Khnum on Elephantine Island, built to measure and manage the Nile's water level. After your leisurely felucca ride, return to the ship for dinner.

Day 8: Visit the Abu Simbel Temples, Enjoy a Free Afternoon

Bid farewell to the cruise ship as you check out and transfer 3.5-4 hours to the Abu Simbel Temples with a breakfast box to enjoy on the road. Located in southern Egypt near the Sudan border, the temples were originally carved into the sandstone cliffs on the Nile's west bank. They were relocated to higher ground in the 1960s to save them from rising waters due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Follow your guide through the UNESCO site, starting at the bigger temple dedicated to Ramesses II, built around 1264 BCE and easily recognizable by the colossal statues of the pharaoh adorning the exterior.

Inside, you'll find enormous columns, vibrant hieroglyphics, and rock-cut sculptures of the deities. Then, visit the smaller temple dedicated to Nefertari to learn more about the queen. After exploring both temples, return to Aswan, check into your hotel, and enjoy a free afternoon. Opt for another felucca ride or book a tour to a Nubian village known for its vividly painted houses adorned with traditional motifs and symbols. Meet some residents and learn about their day-to-day lives as you stroll through the village. In the evening, return to your hotel. 

Day 9: Fly to Cairo, Transfer to Alexandria, Evening City Tour 

Start your day with a 1.5-hour flight back to Cairo, where you'll meet your driver for a 2.5-hour transfer to the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria. When you arrive, check into your hotel and get ready for an evening city tour, starting at the Alexandria Naval Unknown Soldier Memorial on the waterfront. This solemn monument honors the unidentified soldiers who lost their lives in naval conflicts, particularly during World War II. Continue to the Equestrian Statue of Alexander the Great, which pays homage to the city's founder and his impact on the region. 

Then, enjoy a scenic drive along the Corniche, the city's iconic waterfront road that stretches 18 miles (30 km) along the coast. Look out at the azure waters, bustling markets, and landmarks like the Qaitbay Citadel. Cross the elegant Stanley Bridge, then return to the city center along the same route to get to Zanket el-Setat Market. Navigate through the narrow, lively aisles and peruse the stalls full of fresh produce, aromatic spices, and traditional Egyptian crafts. Shop for souvenirs or grab dinner, then return to your Alexandria hotel for the night. 

Day 10: Full-Day Tour of Alexandria

Join your guide on a full-day tour of Alexandria, starting at the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, an impressive necropolis discovered accidentally in the late 19th century. Descend the spiral staircase into the catacombs and explore the labyrinth of chambers and passageways adorned with elaborate frescoes, reliefs, and sculptures. Then, head to Qaitbay Fort, strategically located on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Look up at the robust stone walls and towering battlements, then discover the well-preserved interior, including the original defensive structures.

Climb to the top of the fort for panoramic views of the coastline and bustling harbor before visiting Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque, dedicated to the venerated Andalusian saint of the same name. Admire the grand facade's intricate geometric patterns and elegant minarets, then step inside the spacious prayer hall with its decorated arches, serene courtyards, and delicate chandeliers. End the tour at the modern Library of Alexandria, built in 2002 CE as a tribute to its ancient namesake. Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of books, manuscripts, digital resources, and specialized museums.

Day 11: Transfer to Cairo, Visit the Egyptian Museum & Islamic Cairo's Mosques

Say goodbye to Alexandria this morning as you return to Cairo for the last time. When you arrive, check into your hotel and head to the Egyptian Museum in the heart of the city to discover one of the most comprehensive collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Wander through the grand halls and peruse the exhibits from the early dynastic period to the Greco-Roman era. Your guide will point out highlights like the mummies of royal figures, including Tutankhamun, Ramesses II, and Seti I. You'll also see Tutankhamun's burial artifacts, including his golden mask and throne.

After two hours in the museum, transfer to Islamic Cairo to explore the district's mosques, starting at Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, a grand example of Mamluk architecture and medieval Islamic Egypt. Your last stop is Al-Azhar Mosque, founded in 970 CE and home to Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world. When you enter the mosque, you'll be greeted by its elegant courtyard surrounded by grand arcades and columns. Try to spot the different architectural styles and influences, as the mosque has been renovated over the centuries. 

Day 12: Visit the Cairo Citadel, Egyptian Civilization Museum & Khan el-Khalili

Spend your penultimate day in Egypt exploring more of the capital's landmarks, starting at the Cairo Citadel, a medieval fortress complex perched on a hill overlooking the city. Follow your guide through the complex to see its imposing walls, fortified gates, and grand courtyards. Stop at landmarks within, like the National Military Museum or the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, known for its elegant Ottoman architecture and distinctive domes and minarets. Continue to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, which opened in 2021 CE, to showcase Egypt's history from prehistoric times to the present.

Peruse the array of artifacts, including well-preserved mummies, intricately crafted jewelry, and monumental statues spanning the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic periods. Then, spend four hours exploring Khan el-Khalili, a bustling market dating back to the 14th century. Wander the labyrinthine alleys lined with stalls selling everything from intricately crafted jewelry and colorful textiles to aromatic spices and traditional perfumes. Take a break from shopping at one of the market's maqhas (traditional coffeehouses), like El Fishawy, before returning to your hotel.

Day 13: Depart Cairo

Although your 13-day tour of Egypt is coming to an end today, you may have some time to explore more of the capital on your own. Consider heading to Al-Azhar Park for a leisurely walk among the meticulously designed gardens, tranquil water features, and shaded walkways. Enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and its iconic landmarks, then stop at one of the on-site cafés for a refreshing drink. When it's time, return to the hotel, meet your driver, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!