Discover the Highlights of Egypt

Embark on an exhilarating exploration of Egypt with a visit to the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza, located on the outskirts of Cairo. These three pyramids, built by the Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure around 2500 years BC, are perhaps the most recognizable ancient structures in the world. Our expert Egyptologist guide will provide an introduction to Egyptian history, explaining how and why these pyramids were built and how they fit into the greater Pharaonic narrative. For the adventurous, there is even an opportunity to descend inside one of these pyramids (provided you are not claustrophobic). Our next stop is the magnificent Sphinx, located nearby and fully uncovered only in the 1920s. In the afternoon, we embark on a scenic drive south, passing through charming towns and villages along the banks of the Nile River, until we reach Luxor, where we check into our hotel. Overnight: Luxor 4-star hotel Meals: Breakfast

After a busy day of sightseeing, take some time to relax in your hotel or consider joining an optional tour to the Luxor Museum. This museum boasts a beautiful collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including some incredibly important and impressive specimens. You'll also find items from the period following the end of Pharaonic times in Egypt. The following day, we continue our journey south, following the Nile River to Aswan, where we spend the night in a charming Nubian village, staying in a local guesthouse. The Nubian people inhabited an area along the Nile River in parts of modern-day southern Egypt and northern Sudan. While many have since relocated, the descendants of the Nubian people still live around Aswan. During our stay in the village, we'll have the opportunity to admire their colorful houses and enjoy a delicious, typical meal. Overnight: Aswan - Nubian guesthouse Meals: Breakfast

Early this morning, there is an optional tour to visit the incredible UNESCO World Heritage site at Abu Simbel, which sits on the banks of Lake Nasser and is approximately three hours away from Aswan. The temples here, built by Ramses II, are among Egypt's most impressive and fascinating sites. They are carved into the hillside, rather than built independently, and were completely dismantled and moved to their current location when Lake Nasser was flooded. If you choose not to visit Abu Simbel, you can explore Aswan's markets and Corniche this morning or visit the Nubian Museum, which has an excellent collection covering the history of the Nubian people in the region. Later in the day, we'll embark on a boat trip to visit one of Egypt's most beautifully situated temples, the Temple of Philae, which was dedicated to Isis and was also reclaimed from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Later on, we'll board a traditional Nile felucca and sail a short distance out of Aswan before mooring for the night. Our separate facilities boat will join us from time to time during the day and moor up with us at night, providing proper toilet and shower facilities, as well as a hygienic kitchen, to help protect the environment of the Nile's banks. You'll sleep on the deck of the felucca, with mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets provided. This is a basic but enjoyable experience, and if you prefer,you can upgrade to an additional night in a hotel in Aswan instead of sleeping on the felucca. In this case, you'll spend two nights in Aswan and then drive to Luxor to rejoin the group after their overnight on the boat. All other touring remains the same. Overnight: On board felucca Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we'll spend some more time sailing on the Nile. After enjoying lunch with the felucca crew, we'll reluctantly bid them farewell and begin our journey north to Luxor. Often referred to as the jewel in Egypt's crown, Luxor boasts the largest concentrations of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, and perhaps even the world. These sites are divided between both banks of the Nile, with the City of the Dead on the West Bank, featuring many mortuary temples and tombs cut into the rocky mountains, and the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, along with their connecting Avenue of Sphinxes, on the East Bank. Later this evening, an optional tour is available to visit Luxor Temple, which is beautifully lit up at night and located right in the heart of town. Alternatively, you can venture into town to explore some of Luxor's popular outdoor cafes, perhaps enjoying a few games of backgammon and trying a shisha pipe with the friendly locals. We'll spend the night at a comfortable 4-star hotel, complete with a pool, situated on the banks of the Nile. Overnight: Luxor 4-star hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we'll embark on a tour of the West Bank of the Nile. We'll visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, explore several tombs in the Valley of the Kings, learn about the workers who made all of this possible in Deir El-Medina (the Valley of the Artisans), and stop to see the colossal statues of Memnon. The afternoon is free for you to relax in the hotel or consider taking an optional tour to explore the vast temple complex at Karnak. (Optional experience) For those seeking a truly unforgettable experience, a spectacular hot air balloon flight over the West Bank of the Nile is also available today. Expect an early start to catch the sunrise as the balloon rises, providing a breathtaking view of the ancient sites from above. Overnight: Luxor 4-star hotel Meals: Breakfast

This morning, we bid farewell to Luxor and begin our journey back to Cairo. En route, we'll make stops at the remarkable temples of Dendara and Abydos. These temples are often overlooked by tourists in favor of the more popular sites in Luxor, but they are truly awe-inspiring. Dedicated to the goddess Hathor, Dendara, in particular, is exceptionally well-preserved and often becomes a favorite among visitors. Nearby Abydos is another fascinating site, serving as the cult center of the god of the dead, Osiris. The necropolis here was a pilgrimage and burial site, and at least ten temples were initially constructed at this location. We'll arrive back in Cairo this evening and check into our hotel in the city center for a final evening together. Overnight: Cairo 3-star hotel Meals: Breakfast

Today, you have some free time for any last-minute sightseeing or shopping before we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. We suggest booking an afternoon or evening flight, allowing you to take a tour to visit the incredible Egyptian Museum and explore more of the city in the morning. Meals: Breakfast