Itinerary
- Day 1
Cairo Airport Welcome & Transfer
You'll land at Cairo International Airport where an English-speaking representative meets you with help through luggage and the ride to your hotel. After checking in, you'll get a welcome package containing your itinerary and some cultural tips to get oriented. If you arrive early, there's time to head over to Khan el-Khalili bazaar and catch some traditional Sufi dance performances in the evening.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Well rated 5-star hotel in Cairo.)
Included Activities
- Airport welcome and luggage assistance
- VIP airport transit
- Hotel check-in
- Complimentary local SIM card
- Welcome package and orientation session
Optional Activities
- Cairo by Night Tour - Stroll through Khan el-Khalili bazaar at twilight, sample Egyptian street food, enjoy Sufi dance performance at Wekalet El Ghoury, and view illuminated Islamic landmarks ($60 USD, available for arrivals before 5:00 PM)
Landmarks Cairo International Airport Khan el-Khalili Wekalet El Ghoury 
- Day 2
Cairo
Breakfast happens first, then at 9:00 AM you'll start exploring Cairo's history. The morning takes you through Salah El Din Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque in medieval Cairo, after which you'll head to Coptic Cairo to see the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Lunch features Koshary at a local spot, and then you're off to the Egyptian Museum where Tutankhamun's golden mask and other ancient pieces are on display. You'll be back at your hotel by 3:00-4:00 PM, leaving the rest of your day open.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Koshary at a celebrated local restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Well rated 5-star hotel in Cairo.)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Salah El Din Citadel
- Guided tour of Mohamed Ali Mosque
- Guided exploration of Coptic Cairo religious complex
- Visit to the Hanging Church
- Visit to Ben Ezra Synagogue
- Guided tour of Egyptian Museum including Tutankhamun's treasures
Optional Activities
- Dinner cruise for $35 USD per person
Landmarks Salah El Din Citadel Mohamed Ali Mosque Hanging Church Ben Ezra Synagogue Egyptian Museum 
- Day 3
Giza
After an early breakfast, you'll depart at 8:00 AM heading to Giza Plateau to see Egypt's most iconic structures. You'll stand in front of the Great Pyramids (Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinos) and the Great Sphinx with views across the desert. A local restaurant provides lunch, then you're visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum to check out the Khufu Solar Boat exhibit and other treasures. Getting back to your hotel takes until around 3:30 PM, and your evening is free.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Well rated 5-star hotel in Cairo.)
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Great Pyramids (Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinos)
- Guided tour of Great Sphinx
- Guided tour of Grand Egyptian Museum with Khufu Solar Boat exhibit and interactive displays
Optional Activities
- Giza Pyramids sound and light show for $55 USD per person
Landmarks Great Pyramid of Cheops Great Pyramid of Chephren Great Pyramid of Mykerinos Great Sphinx Grand Egyptian Museum 
- Day 4
Cairo to Aswan
You'll have breakfast and then head to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan. Once you arrive, a guide meets you and takes you to your Nile cruise vessel. Depending on your cabin, you might check in right away or start exploring by visiting Philae Temple on Agilkia Island first. A gourmet lunch happens aboard while you're looking out at the Nile, and then you'll relax on the cruise ship, which stays docked in Aswan overnight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Gourmet lunch aboard cruise with panoramic Nile views), Dinner
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (5* Full board deluxe Nile cruise)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Philae Temple
Optional Activities
- Nubian Village Tour - Immerse in vibrant local culture, visit a traditional home, and learn about Nubian heritage over hibiscus tea ($45 USD per person)
Landmarks Philae Temple 
- Day 5
Aswan to Edfu
This day gives you a choice. The Abu Simbel Adventure option means a private 3-hour drive to the temples, returning by 2:00 PM for lunch, then sailing to Kom Ombo Temple. If you prefer something easier, the Leisurely River Day keeps you on the sun deck in the morning, and you rejoin the group in the afternoon for Kom Ombo Temple, followed by sunset sailing and evening entertainment. Either way, dinner is included and you'll dock overnight in Edfu.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Gourmet lunch onboard), Dinner (Chef-prepared Egyptian specialties)
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (5* Full board deluxe Nile cruise)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Temple of Sobek and Haroeris (Kom Ombo)
- Sunset sailing
- Evening entertainment and dining
Optional Activities
- Abu Simbel Adventure - Early morning departure 4:30 AM, private air-conditioned vehicle for 3-hour scenic drive, guided exploration of Ramses II's UNESCO-listed rock-cut temples ($90 USD per person)
- Morning leisure on sun deck (Option 2 - Leisurely River Day alternative)
Landmarks Abu Simbel Temples Temple of Sobek and Haroeris - Day 6
Edfu to Luxor
You'll explore the Temple of Horus in Edfu, which is Egypt's best-preserved ancient temple with its tall pylons and detailed carvings throughout. While sailing toward Luxor, you get to watch the fascinating Esna Lock system as your ship passes through. After arriving in Luxor, an authentic horse carriage takes you through local neighborhoods where you'll interact with residents and try regional cuisine. There's also an optional sunset felucca sail if that interests you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Delicious regional cuisine during Luxor city tour)
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (5* Full board deluxe Nile cruise)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Temple of Horus
- Luxor city tour by horse carriage
Optional Activities
- Felucca sunset Nile tour for $35 USD per person
Landmarks Temple of Horus Esna Lock 
- Day 7
Luxor
Following breakfast and checkout from your Nile cruise, you'll explore Karnak Temple complex with its columns, the hypostyle hall, and sacred lake. Lunch at a local restaurant serves authentic Egyptian food. Later, you'll see Luxor Temple, and the best time is at sunset when its colossal statues and walls glow under golden light. After that, you'll check into your Luxor hotel for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Authentic Egyptian cuisine at one of Luxor's finest local restaurants)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Well rated 5-Star hotel.)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Karnak Temple complex
- Guided tour of Luxor Temple at sunset
- Hotel transfer and check-in in Luxor
Optional Activities
- Hot air balloon ride at dawn above Luxor's ancient wonders ($90 USD per person) - sunrise trip and children under 6 years old not allowed
Landmarks Karnak Temple Complex Luxor Temple 
- Day 8
Luxor West Bank to Cairo
Starting on Luxor's West Bank, you'll visit three decorated royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Next, the Temple of Hatshepsut shows off architecture built to honor Egypt's famous female pharaoh. A gourmet lunch of regional specialties happens at a riverside restaurant, then a private transfer takes you to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo and connections to your hotel or onward flight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Gourmet lunch of regional specialties at a premier riverside restaurant)
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Valley of the Kings including three royal tombs
- Guided tour of Temple of Hatshepsut
Landmarks Valley of the Kings Temple of Hatshepsut
