Day 2: Cairo

Today you will visit the Giza plateau, site of Great Pyramids, the last of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World. 

After breakfast, your Egyptian journey begins, with a trip to the last of the ancient seven wonders of the world. The Great Pyramids are an extraordinary highlight, enticing tourists from around the world to visit Egypt every year. Built during the 4th Dynasty, the site is comprised of three pyramids with three unique stories about ancient civilization. Your Egyptologist will guide you around the Cheops, Kephren and Mykernes pyramids, built as exclusive tombs for Kings and Queens. Although there are more than 93 pyramids throughout Egypt, the most famous are the ones found at Giza. The pyramid of Cheops, built of limestone rock, is comprised of 1,300,000 blocks ranging in weight from 2.5 to 15 tons each. You may have an opportunity to access one of the pyramids or want to visit the Solar Boat Museum located close to the largest pyramid, at an additional cost.

Next, we visit the Great Sphinx, one of the most recognized and interesting structures in history. With the body of a lion and a human head, the impressive structure measures 60m long and 20m high. Created from soft sandstone, the sphinx was buried under the sand for centuries. After, learning about the history of  Great Pyramids, the last of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World  your tour guide will suggest a restaurant for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will visit the very first pyramid in Egypt (Step Pyramid)

After amazing visit to Great Pyramids, you will visit the Step Pyramid at Saqqara. Although it does not take on the traditional pyramid shape, its five Mastabas rise to the top in five giant steps, each one getting smaller as the top nears. This is actually how the whole idea for a pyramid came about in the first place. Djoser’s Step Pyramid, is the oldest stone building in recorded history and acted as an ancient burial ground for the Memphis which was once the capital of ancient Egypt. 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. Afterwards, drive back to your hotel and the rest of the day at you leisure.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

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  : Fairmont Nile City  or similar 

Day 3: Cairo – Aswan

Morning flight to Aswan and check in at your hotel. 

Aswan, located in Upper Egypt, is a unique city, home to two both Nubian and Egyptian cultures. Located along the beautiful Nile River, Aswan is surrounded by fertile greenery and a rocky landscape backed by magnificent golden sand dunes. You cannot 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.

Guided tour to Philae Temple, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk.

You will be led on a guided tour of the Philae Temple.The 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. Philae Temple was moved to a beautiful island ( Agilika Island) similar to its original location and it was completely reshaped to imitate Philae Island as closely as possible.

Visit Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk.

After exploring the ancient Philae temples, you will go on a tour of the Aswan High Dam. It is one of the most important achievements of the in the last century in Egypt. It provided Egypt with water and electricity and secured the country of the risk of the destructive inundation of the river Nile. As a result of its construction, a great lake was formed, Lake Nasser, which is about 10 km wide in some places, and 500km long. extending between Egypt and The Sudan – the world’s largest man-made lake.

Continue your  tour to The Unfinished Obelisk  which provides immense insight into the stone working methods employed by the ancient Egyptians.It is located in the original location in a granite quarry in Aswan. It was commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut and if the obelisk had been completed, it would have been the heaviest obelisk ever cut in Ancient Egypt.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure. 

After a beautiful day among the treasures of Aswan, you will  will return back to your hotel and the remainder of the day is free. In the evening, you may consider the optional Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple. You will experience the temple in a different atmosphere with lights illuminating unique spots of the temple accompanied by a narrated story.

Meals: Breakfast – Dinner

Hotel  : Helnan Aswan  or similar 

Day 4: Aswan

Check in at 5 star Deluxe Nile Cruse and  free morning to explore Aswan. 

This morning you will be escorted to your 5 star Deluxe Nile Cruise, where you will check in for the next 3 nights on board. Through your free time in Aswan, you may  have a chance to participate in one of the excursions of Aswan. We highly recommend visiting the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel.

Optional tour of Abu Simbel Temple.

Located on Lake Nasser, Abu Simbel was carved out of a mountain and created from the rocky surface to become one of the most powerful and breathtaking temples in all of Egypt. Created during the reign of King Ramses II, the temples are for himself and his beloved wife Nefertari. The temple is famous for its magical design when the sun rises and passes through the corridor, illuminating the face of King Ramses II on his birthday and day of coronation. The remarkable complex was relocated in 1968 to avoid being submerged and damaged by Lake Nassar when the Aswan Dam was created.

How to get to Abu Simbel Temples.

Abu Simbel is located 280 kilometres southwest of Aswan. There are two ways that allow you visit the temples. First, Abu Simbel by bus is approximately 6.5 hours round trip. Departure is in the early morning around 3:00 am, and returns around 1:00 pm. Second, Abu Simbel by flight is approximately 40 minute one way flying. There are two flights that leave in the early morning. Both options allow the same amount of time visiting the temples.

This afternoon you are invited to enjoy a relaxing Felucca ride around the scenic Aswan Islands.

A felucca is the traditional sailing boat used around Aswan and will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip! As you relax on your felucca ride, you will enjoy the very best section of the River Nile and the beautiful Aswan islands. Sail around Elephantine Island the houses of the remains of the old temple of Khnum. Inside the temple is a Nilo meter, an ancient device used to measure the level of water which would set the taxes for the country. The island is also famous because of its rocky landscape that resembles the backs of elephants.  You may have the optional to visit the Botanical Gardens, located between the east and west bank of Aswan, which  includes various types of flowers and plants brought in from five continents.

Explore the Aswan markets and overnight in Aswan.

The best time to visit the massive outdoor Aswan markets is during the evening when the crowds are bustling! You can watch the locals or engage in some bargaining and haggling yourselves with the friendly vendors’ as they show off their merchandise. Aswan market is known for its spices, textiles, and jewelry.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Nile Cruise : 5 star deluxe 

Day 5: Aswan – Kom Ombo – Edfu

Free morning to Explore Aswan.

You may enjoy your free morning and relax on the Nile cruise or you may choose the optional visit to  Nubian Village. It is the right place to learn and interact with the Nubian culture. Although the culture has merged with Egyptians, they continue to maintain their unique traditions that have been passed down through spoken language only. Wandering through the village, you will be impressed by their nature inspired architecture, simple art and hand crafts. The Nubian Museum displays the history of the people and their unique culture.

Sail to Kom Ombo and explore the temple on the River Nile. Overnight in Edfu.

As your sailing journey begins in the afternoon, sit back and relax as the magnificent scenery and small villages pass you by. Upon arrival in Kom Ombo, you will visit the temple as it is a short walk from your Nile cruise boat. Kom Ombo Temple is a unique structure and one of the very rarest temples that you will visit. Divided into two sections, this temple is symmetrical and contains an outer and an inner temple, both dedicated to two different gods. There is also an opportunity to visit the amazing Mummified Crocodile Museum. After visiting Kom Ombo Temple, you will head back to the Nile cruise boat and sail to Edfu.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Nile Cruise : 5 star deluxe 

Day 6: Edfu – Esna – Luxor

Visit Edfu Temple. 

In the morning you will be led to the Temple in Edfu, located on the west bank of the Nile. The Temple of Horus  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 Esna.

Sailing the River Nile to Esna.

As your sailing journey begins, sit back and relax as the magnificent scenery and small villages pass you by. The water levels of the Nile differentiate between Luxor and Aswan at Esna. Although it is a very small city, Esna contains the river lock, which was built to navigate the waters and help the cruise ships cross without any issues. As the cruise boats enter the lock, the level of water either rises to cross towards Aswan or lowers to cross towards Luxor. It is always interesting to watch and be part of while you are on the cruise ship.

Arrive in Luxor. 

Luxor is called the capital of antiquities because it is home to 1/3 of the ancient Egyptian monuments. As you drive along the Cornish, you will witness a mixture of ancient and modern monuments in this historic city.

Free evening to enjoy the Luxor nightlife.

The Luxor market is a wonderful place to mingle with the locals, explore the culture and discover great souvenirs. The market is famous for silver jewellery and alabaster stone statues. There are also wonderful coffee shops located within the market where you can enjoy the night life or enjoy an optional horse-drawn carriage ride around the city to experience a more authentic Egyptian culture.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Nile Cruise : 5 star deluxe 

Day 7: Luxor

Enjoy a horse drawn carriage to the famous Karnak Temple.

This morning we will disembark our Nile Cruise and check in at the hotel before your guided tour to Karnak Temple, beginning with relaxing horse carriage ride. The horse drawn carriage was the old royal mode of transportation and has been adopted as a form of public transportation in the smaller cites. The Karnak Temple is the most famous and largest temple in Egypt. The complex contains a group of temples that has been dedicated to different gods. As you’re guided around this massive complex, you will learn more about the ancient capital of Thebes.

The remain of the day is at your leisure.

There are a few additional sights you may want to consider before leaving Luxor. Temple of Luxor has two statues of King Ramses II and the famous Sphinx Avenue that used to stretch all the way from Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple. An obelisk from the temple is now located in Paris. Luxor Museum, although limited in the number, contains a beautiful and well preserved collection of Egyptian artifacts.

Meals: Breakfast 

Hotel   : Sonesta St. George Luxor or similar 

Day 8: Luxor

After an early start, enjoy a guided tour of the Valley of the Kings and Worker Village. 

We will disembark our Nile Cruise after our early breakfast and cross the Nile Valley. The west bank of Luxor is called “The City of the Dead” because of the huge number of ancient Egyptian Pharaohs and subjects buried there. When you arrive at the Valley of the Kings, you will see several entrances that lead to numerous secret underground burial sites beneath a rocky mountain. The colourful vibrant carvings and paintings on the tomb walls each tell a story of a different pharaoh, their life and their expectations of the afterlife. Your entrance ticket allows you to visit three different tombs. A visit to King Tut Ankh Amon’s tomb will require an extra ticket at an additional cost. The Worker Village is also carved out of a mountain with ruins and remains of the old city. Two small tombs are located here with colourful paintings and art representing their beliefs that has also been well preserved. After our tour is complete, we will cross back to the east bank of Luxor and check into our hotel.

On our way back, we visit the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues that represent the Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Approximately 18m high, the statues are made of quartzite sandstone and face the Nile.

Free afternoon to enjoy Luxor.

Feel free to wander through the City of Pharaohs while enjoying the sun-bleached mountains and lush green landscape that line the banks of the Nile River. In the evening, enjoy an optional horse-drawn carriage ride around the city to experience a more authentic Egyptian culture.

Meals: Breakfast 

Hotel   : Sonesta St. George Luxor or similar 

Day 9 :Luxor ­­­ – Hurghada

Morning drive to Hurghada Red Sea.

This morning, our representative will meet and transfer you to Hurghada. The trip would take 4 hours drive. Hurghada is known as an international center for snorkeling and scuba diving and many other aquatic sports. Enjoy the warm waters and explore the offshore reefs full of colorful exotic fish and corals. The coral reefs are notably some of the finest in the world. Check in at your hotel and the remain of the day at your leisure.

Discover the Hurghada nightlife.

Known as a party town, Hurghada has an undeniable flavor for excitement. The main street is lined with wonderful restaurants, fantastic bars, lively cafes and excellent souvenir shopping.

Meals: Breakfast 

Hotel  : Schtigenberger resort  or similar 

Day 10: Hurghada

Enjoy an optional snorkeling tript or take an introductory dive lesson in the Red Sea.

With your flippers and snorkel on, immerse yourself into the underwater life and swim among rare fish while witnessing the magnificent colorful corals and beautiful exotic underwater plants.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast 

Hotel  : Schtigenberger resort  or similar 

Day 11: Hurghada – Cairo

Morning flight to Cairo and visit the world famous Egyptian Museum.

After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to Hurghada airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival to Cairo airport, you will meet your tour guide  and visit the treasure of the Egyptian museum.

The Egyptian Museum is home to amazing and rare collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the treasures of King Tut Ankh Amon. In the Mummy Room, you will have the opportunity to experience the mummies of ancient pharaohs and queens including the most spectacular and famous, King Ramses II. Your Egyptologist will guide you through this massive building pointing out the greatest masterpieces of Egyptian history. Your tour guide will suggest a restaurant for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will visit Alabaster Mosque and the famous Khan El-Khalil bazaar in Islamic Cairo.

Mohamed Ali Mosque, or Alabaster Mosque, is among the most famous Islamic sites in Cairo. The mosque is perched on top of the Citadel summit and offers amazing views of Cairo. It is called Alabaster Mosque due to the extensive use of the alabaster on the walls and surfaces.

After visiting the mosque, you will drive to the Khan El-Khalil bazaar where you will experience the atmosphere of an old Arabic market. At the bazaar, your haggling techniques will truly be put to the test! Coffee shops, restaurants and souvenir shops are located in the small alleys, giving you an authentic sense of what it would have been like to shop there in the past. No visit to Egypt is complete without a visit to Khan El-Khalil bazaar.

Free evening to enjoy to last minute shopping in Cairo.

Return to your hotel and Check in at your hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent at your leisure and you may explore one of Cairo’s big malls for some last minute shopping.

Meals: Breakfast 

Hotel  : Fairmont Nile City  or similar 

Day 12: 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