Day 2: Cairo

Explore Egypt’s ancient Saqqara step Pyramids, learning about their construction, their function, and the mysteries we are still uncovering. 

After breakfast, your Egyptian adventure begins most fittingly, with a trip to the Step Pyramids at Saqqara. These were the very first Pyramids to be built in Egypt, and acted as an ancient burial ground for the Memphis which was once the capital of ancient Egypt. You will notice that the Step Pyramids are different from the more iconic looking Giza Pyramids. They are made up of gigantic mastabas -or benches – which diminish in size, resulting in a pyramid shape. Here you will see Djoser’s Step Pyramid, which is the oldest stone building in recorded history! It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.  After exploring the Step Pyramids , drive to the ancient Egyptian capital of MEMPHIS. The location at  a local village called Mit Rahina. The Excavation of the site of Memphis, has continued for the last 200 years. The Open Air Museum at Memphis is one of the “must see” sites in Egypt. , where you can admire the 40-foot statue of RAMSES II and the ALABASTER SPHINX. After, learning about the history of Egypt’s earliest pyramids your tour guide will suggest a restaurant for lunch.

In the afternoon you will continue on your way to the Giza Plateau, where the world famous Great Pyramids are located.

The three pyramids that are located here were built during the 4th Dynasty. Each pyramid tells a story about the ancient civilization responsible for its construction. An Egyptologist will guide you through the Cheops, Kephren, and Mykernes Pyramids which were built exclusively for Kings and Queens. The pyramid of Cheops was built using 1,300,000 blocks of limestone ranging in weight from 2.5 to 15 tons each! Should you choose all or one of the options at the Pyramids sight.  You may access one of the pyramids, or visit the SolarBoat Museum. Your tour guide will assist you with the entrance tickets.

Continue to the Great Sphinx.

This is likely one of the most recognizable structures in history! This giant sculpture possesses the body of a lion and head of human and measures 60 metres long and 20 metres high! It was made using soft sandstone, and was in fact left hiding under layers of buried sand for centuries!

You may enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

After Pyramids tour you will head back to your hotel. You might opt to enjoy the optional excursion of a sound & light shows held at the pyramids, or enjoy a gourmet meal at one of Cairo’s many world famous restaurants or participating in the city’s nightlife!

Meals: Breakfast 

Hotel: Le Meriden Pyramids or similar 

Day 3: Cairo 

Immerse yourself in ancient Egypt while exploring the world famous Egyptian Museum 

Following breakfast and check out from the hotel, your tour guide will escort you through the world renowned Egyptian Museum. This museum brings ancient Egypt to life through compelling exhibits and interactive programming designed to make you feel like a local in ancient Egypt! Here you will find thousands of rare Egyptian artefacts. The most notable collection are the treasures of King Tutankhamun. Your Egyptologist will lead you through the artefacts of ancient pharaohs, queens, and of course the collection of King Ramses II. Mummies rooms is optional to visit with extra cost.

After lunch, visit Alabaster Mosque, Sultan Hassan Mosque and the famous Khan El-Khalil Bazaar in Islamic Cairo.

The Alabaster Mosque, also known as Mohamed Ali Mosque is one of the most famous Islamic sites in all of Cairo. This impressive mosque is perched high upon Citadel summit. Not only will you get to visit one of the world’s most beautiful mosques but you will also be treated to breathtaking views of the city of Cairo. The name is derived from the extensive use of alabaster on the walls and surfaces. Then, visit Sultan Hassan Mosque one of the largest mosques in Egypt. It was used as Islamic school.

After Sultan Hassan Mosque you will be driven to the Khan El-Khalil Bazaar where you will see what it feels like to haggle and barter your way through an Arabic market! The Khan El-Khalil Bazaar is full of cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops ideal for purchasing mementos from your adventure. The small alleys, crowded sidewalks, and assertive shopkeepers are guaranteed to provide you with the authentic bazaar experience, which has remained untouched by time for centuries!

Free evening at your leisure

After the bazaar you will head back to the hotel, where the rest of the evening is free to spend at your leisure or get ready for another excited new day.

Meals: Breakfast 

Hotel: Le Meriden Pyramids or similar 

Day 4: Luxor

Morning flight to Luxor and check in at 5 star Nile cruise. 

This morning and after check out, will transfer you to the Cairo Airport for your hour long flight to destined for the wonderful city of Luxor.

Upon arriving in Luxor, you will be escorted to your 5 Star Deluxe Nile Cruise, where you will check in for the next 4 nights on board. You will set out to see why Luxor is considered the capital of antiquities! Luxor is home to one third of all Egypt’s ancient monuments. Today, ancient and contemporary structures coexist side by side resulting in one of the world’s most compelling destinations for travellers from all over the world!

Travel in style aboard a horse drawn carriage tour of the famous Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple

Luxor is all about enjoyment and history. You will experience the famous Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple from the comfort of a horse drawn carriage! At one point in time, horse drawn carriages were the only mode of transportation fit for royalty. Since then, smaller towns and cities have adopted the tradition. The Karnak Temple is not only the most famous, but it also the largest temple in Egypt! You tour guide will escorted you through the highlight of this breathtaking complex , which was once the ancient capital of Thebes, contains temples dedicated to a variety of gods. On your way towards the entrance you will find a ram-headed avenue of Sphinxes, which was built to protect the Temple. Karnak Temple is famous for 134 papyrus columns; each column is about 22m in height and 3.5m in diameter. Amenhotep III built it and Ramses I, Seti I, and Ramses II decorated it, while King Seti I erected the other 122 columns in 14 rows.

After the Karnak Temple, continue onto the Luxor Temple.

This sandstone temple was once the home of the Roman government that presided in the area. Enormous sculptures flank the entrances of the Luxor temple reiterating the historical and political significance of the area. The Temple runs parallel to the river Nile from north to south. During the Christian era, the inner section was converted to a church. The Muslims built a Mosque in the 10th century, which is known as the Mosque of Abou El-Hagag. There were 2 obelisks infront of the great Pylon of Ramses II .Only one of them remains standing! The other was transported in 1819, to La Place de le Concorde in Paris. Mohamed Ali Pasha gave it to King Philip Louis of France after he was given a French clock, which has never worked properly – even to this day!

Following your tours of the Karnak and Luxor Temples you will enjoy a lunch aboard your deluxe Nile Cruise.

You may spend the rest of the day exploring the east side of Luxor at your leisure. A popular Luxor destination is the Luxor Market. Here you can immerse yourself in the Luxor lifestyle. Browse the market for silver jewelry, or alabaster statues, and then relax at a cafe and watch the city in action. You may ask your tour guide for a recommendation.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Nile Cruise : 5 star deluxe 

Day 5: Luxor – Esna

Today you will leave behind the horse drawn carriages, and hop on a donkey for a tour of the historic Valley of the Kings

An early start and early breakfast to beat the heat of the West Bank. Catch a ferry to the west side of the Nile Valley where you will climb aboard a donkey for an authentic one way ride to the Valley of the Kings. Luxor’s West Bank is referred to as “the City of the Dead” due to the incredible number of ancient Egyptian Pharaohs, Queens and subjects that are buried in West Bank. Your tour guide will escorted you through The Valley of the King where you will see the secret underground burial sites carved into the Rocky Mountains. Colourful, vibrant carvings and paintings can be found on tomb walls, each telling the story of the Pharaoh buried within. The Valley of the Kings was the royal cemetery for 62 Pharaohs. Most of the tombs were found already plundered! A few, like the tomb of Tutankhamen or that of Yuya and Thuyu , contained thousands of precious artifacts.

Your ticket allows you to visit three tombs, but you may visit more for an additional fee. King Tutankhamun’s Tomb is one of the most famous tombs in the Valley of the Kings. If you are interested to visit King Tutankhamun’s Tomb, Your tour guide will assist you in purchasing a ticket.

After an introduction to the Valley of the Kings, you will continue on to the Hatshepsut Temple, The Worker Village Tombs, and the Colossi of Memnon

Drive in to where Worker Village was found! carved out of a mountain surrounded by ruins and the remains of an ancient city. There are two small tombs located here each with colourful paintings depicting the beliefs of those buried within. The workers buried here were the artisans responsible for building the luxurious tombs found nearby in The Valley of the Kings.

While in the area, you will also visit the amazing Hatshepsut Temple, which is the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut carved directly into the mountain. This temple is the counterpart to the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of the Nile. Construction of this temple took fifteen years, and its location was chosen based on strategic and significant calculations which all correlate to the nearby Valley of the Kings on the other side of the mountain. After visiting this awe inspiring temple you will see the Colossi of Memnon! These awe inspiring structures are over 18 metre high, and sit facing the Nile. They are made of quartzite sandstone, in the likeness of Amenhotep III. Originally these imposing sculptures were intended to stand guard at the entrance of Amenhotep’s memorial temple.

After visiting these amazing historic sites, you will board your Nile Cruise en route to Esna.

Sit back and relax as the magnificent scenery and small villages pass you by. Watch as the levels of the Nile demarcate the borders of Luxor, and Aswan at Esna. It is a small city, but contains a busy river lock which is used to help the many cruise ships navigate the busy area. You will spend the rest of the day on board your Nile cruise. Take the opportunity to relax! Enjoy the onboard entertainment and meals while immersing yourself in the passing landscape!

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Nile Cruise : 5 star deluxe 

Day 6: Edfu – Kom Ombo – Aswan

This morning you will visit the Edfu Temple, one of Egypt’s best preserved temples and dedicated to the falcon god, Horus. 

In the morning you will be led to the Edfu Temple, located on the west bank of the Nile. This amazingly preserved temple is dedicated to the falcon god, Horus. As a result it is often referred to as The Temple of Horus. It is the second largest and best preserved temple in all of Egypt! Horus was in fact the son of Osiris, an Egyptian god most often identified with the afterlife, the underworld, and the dead. The temple displays the legendary story of Osiris, Seth, and the creation of the world itself! After a tour of the Edfu Temple you will return to your Nile cruise and start sailing towards Kom Ombo.

Visit and Explore the unique Temple of  Kom Ombo on the River Nile before sailing to Aswan where you will spend the night!

The Kom Ombo Temple is one of the most unique structures in Egypt! It is also one of the rarest temples we will visit on this tour. The Kom Ombo Temple is divided into two symmetrical sections, containing an inner and outer temple. Each of which are dedicated to a different god. The southern half of the temple is dedicated to Sobek, a crocodile god associated with fertility and the creator of the world with Hathor and Khonsu. Meanwhile, the northern part of the temple is dedicated to Horus the falcon god. The perfectly symmetrical layout of this temple makes it one of Egypt’s most rare temples! While in Kom Ombo you may wish to visit the amazing Mummified Crocodile Museum. Once you are finished exploring these compelling sites you will head back to the Nile cruise where you will continue on towards Aswan!

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Nile Cruise : 5 star deluxe 

Day 7: Aswan

Upon waking up in the scenic town of Aswan, the first item on your agenda today will be a tour of the infamous Philae Temple!

Aswan is a beautiful area. It is located in Upper Egypt, and is unique in that it is home to both Nubian and Egyptian cultures. The area is known for it’s rich, fertile greenery and rocky landscape backed by magnificent golden sand dunes. You can’t help but fall in love with this quaint city! The unique location of Aswan has helped it become a fantastic winter resort with the most sun in all of Egypt.

This morning you will be led on a guided tour of the Philae Temple. This world famous temple is dedicated to Isis, the famous goddess and Mother to the god, Horus. Due to the proximity of the nearby Aswan Dam, the temple was at risk of being destroyed. This temple was moved to a beautiful island ( Agilika Island) nearby that mimics its original, and it was completely reshaped to imitate Philae Island as closely as possible. After exploring the ancient Philae temples, you will go on a tour of the Aswan High Dam. The dam was built between 1960 and the spring of 1971. This gigantic building is 111m tall, 3.5Km in length and about 1Km wide! It has a Hydro-electric plant, with 6 turbines, capable of producing 2.1 million kilowatts. . During the tour you will learn how the High Dam acts as a symbol of Egypt’s industrialization.  In fact it was one of the most important achievements of the last century in Egypt. It provides Egypt with water and electricity, and secures the country from the risk of the destructive inundation of the River Nile.

This afternoon you are invited to enjoy a relaxing felucca ride around the scenic Aswan Islands, of Elephantine Island and Botanical Gardens.

A felucca is a traditional sailing boat used all around Aswan. You can enjoy the authentic Aswan experience aboard these majestic crafts. It is sure to be a highlight of your trip! As you relax, you will be treated to some of the most gorgeous views of the River Nile and beautiful Aswan Islands. Elephantine Island houses the remains of the old Temple of Khnum which is in fact a Nilo meter. This is an ancient device used to measure the water levels, an important element in determining the taxes for the entire country! The island received its name due to the rocky landscape which resembles the backs of elephants.

After your felucca ride, try your hand at bartering in the bustling Aswan Markets! Purchase souvenirs, or sit in a cafe and watch life in Aswan unfold before your eyes.

This evening will spend at your leisure. You may want getting lost in the Aswan Markets. The evening is the best time to explore the markets, when the crowds are at their largest! Locals and tourists alike barter and haggle for the best deals on jewelry, textiles, and spices. Immerse yourself in the local economy, or simply enjoy watching the spectacle!

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Nile Cruise : 5 star deluxe 

Day 8: Aswan – Abu Simbel – Cairo

After an early breakfast you will disembark for the last time from your luxurious Nile Cruise before boarding a flight to Abu Simble.

Early morning start to catch your flight to Abu Simble. Once you have arrived in Abu Simble you will be led on a guided tour of the Temple Abu Simbel, located on the picturesque Lake Nasser. This temple was in fact carved out of a mountain. Expertly, the rocky surface was transformed into one of the most powerful and breathtaking temples in all of Egypt! Temple Abu Simbel was constructed under the reign of King Ramses II, and were dedicated to himself and his beautiful wife, Nefertari. The way the temple has been designed to harness the angle of the sun rise passing through the main corridor has made the temple itself incredibly famous. On the day of King Ramses II birthday, which was also his coronation day, the sun illuminates his face at the end of this corridor. In 1968 the temple was moved to accommodate for the change in water patterns caused by the Aswan High Dam.

A board flight back to Cairo and get excited for Egyptian Meal Experience!

Arrive Cairo, check in at your hotel and be prepared for a culture experience.Tonight, you will be treated to a night of local culture. You will be invited into the home of an urban Egyptian family living in Cairo. Here, as a group you will prepare and enjoy a traditional Egyptian meal together. The family will teach you about the customs and traditions associated with Egyptian cuisine. You will enjoy not only a delicious meal, but also an authentic Egyptian experience. This authentic, Egyptian meal experience is promised to be one of the highlights of your adventures in Egypt! After dinner, you are free to enjoy the Cairo nightlife at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast – Dinner

Hotel  : Fairmont Nile City  or similar 

Day 9: Cairo – Alexandria – Cairo

 Explore the intellectual city of Alexandria and visit The Great Library of Alexandria!

Today you will drive following the ‘desert road’ to the Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria. It is about four hours outside of Cairo. Alexandria is one of Egypt’s most well known cities both for its historical importance and its contemporary vitality! Today, Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and a major economic centre. From it’s location on the Mediterranean Sea, Alexandria boasts not only cultural and commercial amenities but also an incredibly beautiful setting. Alexandria was founded in 331 B.C. by Alexander the Great. It quickly became the centre of Hellenistic civilization and remained so for the next thousand years!

The city is quite possibly best known for The Great Library of Alexandria, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This enormous library, was housed the world’s most extensive collection of literature. It was a major center for scholarship and intellectual activity. It was destroyed by an unfortunate series of fires, wreaking havoc on intellectual development around the world. The magnificent new library was opened in 2002 very close to the site of the ancient one.

After a visit to the world famous Great Library, you will visit Fort Qaitbay and the Catacombs.

Alexandria is incredibly rich in ancient history, for intellectual development, military activity, and Egypt’s government and economy. After lunch, you will visit the Fort of Qaitbay, also known as Citadel of Qaitbay. Established in 1477 A.D., this landmark was an important defensive fortress for the entire Mediterranean Sea coast.

Afterwards, head underground and delve into the mysteries of the Kom ash-Shuqqafa catacombs. Through the visit, you will descend the spiral staircase into Alexandria’s intricate maze of highly adorned Catacombs. These human made subterranean passageways were created for religious practice, and as a burial place.

Lastly, make sure to investigate the highlights of modern day Alexandria. The contemporary city is divided into six districts, each offering a different attraction. There is something for everyone in Alexandria!

Return Back to Cairo

 After exploring the beautiful city of Alexandria you will drive back along the Mediterranean to Cairo, where the rest of the evening is free to spend at your leisure and get ready for another excited new day.

Meals: Breakfast 

Hotel  : Fairmont Nile City  or similar 

Day 10: Cairo

After breakfast, join your tour guide for an escorted tour to the amazing area of Coptic Cairo, Moeaz St in Islamic Cairo and Cairo Tower in Modern Cairo.

Today’s tour is a real time travelling experience. It is a mix of different eras of Egyptian history, it is journey from old Cairo to modern Cairo. Through iconic religious sights, you will learn about Christianity and Jewish in Egypt. Next strolling the famous Islamic street in Cairo.

Your tour will start with visit to Coptic Cairo where the center of Christianity is located. Hanging Church is one of the icons in Coptic Cairo. It was built on the southern gate of the Roman Fortress. Layers of palm trees logs and stones were constructed above the ruins of the Roman fortress to be used as a foundation.

As we stroll along through modest alleyways, you can admire the recently restored Synagogue of Ben Ezra, the oldest Jewish synagogue in Egypt. The Synagogue once had an old copy of the Old Testament, and it was said to be written by the Prophet Ezra (Al-Azir). It is believed that the site of the Synagogue is where the box of Baby Moses was found.

Enjoy a walking tour at the famous Moez ST. in Islamic Cairo

After an exciting visit to Coptic Cairo, you will continue your tour to the Islamic side of Cairo. It is walking tour through famous Moez St. The iconic Open air museum displays the old gates of Cairo along with 212 unique Islamic sites, cafes and shops located in there. Your tour guide will walk you through the highlights of this famous street.

Enjoy a panoramic view from the top of Cairo tower.

Our last stop before heading backing to the hotel is Cairo tower. It is a well Known modern monument and distinctive landmark of modern Cairo. Completed in 1961. It reaches187 m in height. Cairo tower offers a beautiful panoramic view of central Cairo.

Free evening at your leisure

Return to your hotel and the remainder of the day can be spent at your leisure. You may explore one of Cairo’s big malls for some last minute shopping or join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast – Dinner

Hotel  : Fairmont Nile City  or similar 

Day 11: Cairo

Tour ends after breakfast and transfer to Airport. 

Thank you for joining us on our Egypt  Tour! We sincerely hope that you have enjoyed your immersion into the cultures and traditions of contemporary and historic Egyptian life. Following breakfast, a Citadel Tour Representative will arrange your transfer to the Cairo International Airport.

Meals: Breakfast