13 Days Egypt: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Sahara Adventure

Following a delightful breakfast, your expert Egyptologist will lead you to the legendary Giza Plateau. Marvel at the Great Pyramids, the mysterious Sphinx, and the Valley Temple, key sites from the Old Kingdom. We'll then visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), an architectural and archaeological marvel showcasing thousands of artifacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection. Enjoy lunch with a scenic view before venturing to Saqqara to explore Djoser's Step Pyramid, the world's oldest stone structure. Your day concludes back at your Cairo hotel.

• Giza Pyramids Plateau — Explore the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, the iconic Sphinx, and the Valley Temple.
• The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Discover an unparalleled collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including Tutankhamun's treasures (specific exhibition access subject to museum opening phases).
• Saqqara Necropolis — Visit the seminal Step Pyramid of Djoser, marking a pivotal moment in ancient architecture.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the Mediterranean city of Alexandria. Your exploration begins at the intriguing Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a unique blend of pharaonic and Greco-Roman funeral art. Next, admire Pompey's Pillar, a striking Roman triumphal column. Enjoy a delicious lunch in Alexandria. We continue to the impressive Citadel of Qaitbay, built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, and finally, the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a beacon of knowledge and culture. Return to Cairo for the evening.

• Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa — Descend into this fascinating Roman burial site, featuring a fusion of artistic styles.
• Pompey's Pillar — Stand before this impressive freestanding Roman column.
• Citadel of Qaitbay — Explore this ancient fortress, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina — Discover the modern library and cultural complex, a tribute to Alexandria's intellectual heritage.

Enjoy breakfast before checking out and transferring to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and begin your Luxor journey on the East Bank. Explore the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex, an expansive ancient religious site, and the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple, particularly stunning in the late afternoon. Afterward, transfer to your luxurious Nile cruise ship, check in, and enjoy dinner onboard as you prepare for an enchanting journey along the Nile.

• Cairo International Airport — Domestic flight transfer to Luxor.
• Karnak Temple Complex — Wander through the world's largest ancient religious site, a testament to centuries of pharaonic construction.
• Luxor Temple — Experience the grandeur of this key temple, often linked to Luxor via an ancient avenue of sphinxes.

Awaken to breakfast onboard your cruise. Today, delve into Luxor's West Bank, the ancient 'City of the Dead.' Explore the captivating Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were laid to rest in richly decorated tombs. Continue to the unique Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, carved dramatically into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Conclude your morning with a stop at the colossal statues of Memnon. Return to your cruise ship for lunch, then enjoy a leisurely afternoon sailing towards Edfu, with dinner served onboard.

• Valley of the Kings — Explore the burial sites of New Kingdom pharaohs (admission to select tombs included).
• Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut — Admire this terraced temple dedicated to Egypt's powerful female pharaoh.
• Colossi of Memnon — Pause at these immense stone statues of Amenhotep III.

After breakfast onboard, visit the remarkably preserved Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus. This PTOLEMAIC-era temple offers an exceptional insight into ancient religious practices and hieroglyphic art. Return to the cruise as it continues sailing to Kom Ombo. Following lunch, step ashore to explore the unique double temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Enjoy dinner and another peaceful night sailing the Nile.

• Temple of Edfu — Discover one of Egypt's best-preserved temples, dedicated to Horus.
• Kom Ombo Temple — Visit the distinctive 'double temple' dedicated to two deities, Sobek and Horus.

Before sunrise, enjoy a packed breakfast as you disembark for a private overland trip to the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel temples. These colossal rock-cut temples, moved to their current location to save them from rising waters, are a monumental tribute to Ramesses II and his queen Nefertari. Spend ample time exploring these magnificent structures. Return to your cruise ship for lunch and relaxation, with dinner served onboard as you overnight in Aswan.

• Abu Simbel Temples — Witness the grand temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an engineering marvel.

Savor your final breakfast onboard before disembarking and exploring Aswan's key sites. Visit the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering feat. See the Unfinished Obelisk, providing insight into ancient stone quarrying techniques, and finally, take a boat to the beautiful Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, dedicated to the goddess Isis. After lunch in Aswan, you'll transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your Cairo hotel for the evening.

• Aswan High Dam — Learn about this significant modern construction project.
• Unfinished Obelisk — Observe this massive ancient obelisk still partially attached to its bedrock.
• Philae Temple — Explore the stunning temple complex dedicated to Isis, spectacularly relocated.
• Aswan Airport — Domestic flight transfer to Cairo.

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a journey into Islamic Cairo with your expert guide. Visit the Citadel of Salah al-Din, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views, and explore the exquisite Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali within its walls. After lunch, delve deeper into Islamic architecture with visits to the magnificent Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan and the elegant Al-Rifa'i Mosque, an architectural masterpiece also serving as a royal mausoleum. Return to your hotel for the evening.

• Citadel of Salah al-Din — Explore this historic fortress and former seat of power, offering sweeping city views.
• Muhammad Ali Mosque — Marvel at the Ottoman-style Alabaster Mosque within the Citadel.
• Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan — Discover this grand example of Mamluk architecture.
• Al-Rifa'i Mosque — Visit this impressive early 20th-century mosque and royal burial ground.

Today, leave the urban bustle behind as you journey by private vehicle to the Bahariya Oasis, the gateway to Egypt's Western Desert. After an authentic lunch at the oasis, switch to 4x4 vehicles for a thrilling drive through the Black Desert, studded with volcanic rock formations, and past the shimmering Crystal Mountain. Your adventure culminates in the stunning White Desert National Park, where you'll set up camp amidst the ethereal white chalk formations. Enjoy a Bedouin-style dinner under a canopy of stars.

• Bahariya Oasis — Journey to this desert oasis community. Local lunch.
• Black Desert — Explore the unique landscape of volcanic hills.
• Crystal Mountain — See the sparkling quartz formations.
• White Desert National Park — Experience overnight camping amidst incredible natural chalk formations.

Wake to a breathtaking desert sunrise over the White Desert formations. After breakfast at your camp, we'll continue exploring more intriguing desert landscapes, including a visit to the Museum of Golden Mummies in Bahariya Oasis, showcasing mummies from the Greco-Roman period. Enjoy lunch at the oasis before beginning your comfortable drive back to Cairo. Check into your hotel for a relaxing evening after your desert adventure.

• White Desert — Witness a spectacular desert sunrise.
• Museum of Golden Mummies (Bahariya Oasis) — Discover remarkably preserved mummies and artifacts from the oasis.
• Bahariya Oasis — Final lunch in the oasis before returning to Cairo.

Following breakfast, immerse yourself in Egypt's continuum of history at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), home to the Royal Mummies Hall. This modern museum provides a comprehensive look at Egypt's heritage from prehistoric times to the present. Enjoy a final Egyptian lunch before delving into the labyrinthine alleys of the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, one of the Middle East's oldest and most renowned markets. Spend the afternoon browsing for unique souvenirs and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a farewell dinner.

• National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) — Visit this comprehensive museum, including the Royal Mummies Hall.
• Khan el-Khalili Bazaar — Explore Cairo's historic market for souvenirs and local crafts.

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or relaxation. A private vehicle will transfer you to Cairo International Airport for your departure, ensuring a smooth and comfortable end to your remarkable Egyptian journey.

• Cairo International Airport — Private transfer for your international departure.