Luxury 13-Day Egypt & Nile Cruise

After a delightful breakfast, meet your expert Egyptologist guide for a deep dive into ancient Egypt's architectural marvels. Begin at the Giza Pyramids Complex, home to the last standing wonder of the ancient world. Delve into the engineering genius behind the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the enigmatic Great Sphinx, and the Valley Temple. Enjoy a gourmet lunch with stunning Nile or pyramid views. Continue to the pioneering Step Pyramid of Saqqara, the world's first large-scale stone building. Afterwards, transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Hurghada, where you'll be met and escorted to your premium Red Sea resort for an evening of relaxation.

• Giza Pyramids Complex — Explore the Great Pyramids, including Khufu's pyramid, and the enduring Great Sphinx.
• Valley Temple of Khafre — Discover this ancient embalming temple, crucial for pharaonic afterlife rituals.
• Saqqara Step Pyramid — Witness the revolutionary design of King Djoser's pyramid, Egypt's oldest stone structure.
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Immerse yourself in 5,000 years of history at this monumental museum, featuring Tutankhamun's treasures and Ramses II's colossal statue.

Following breakfast, embark on an exhilarating full-day boat excursion into the Red Sea's pristine waters. Discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with exotic marine life as you enjoy snorkeling in this aquatic paradise. Return to your Hurghada hotel for a relaxing evening.

• Red Sea Snorkeling Trip — Spend a full day exploring underwater wonders and diverse marine ecosystems.

Savor breakfast at your hotel and enjoy a full day at your leisure. Whether you prefer unwinding by the pool, strolling along the beach, or exploring Hurghada's local shops and cafes, this day offers the perfect blend of beachside tranquility and local charm.

• Hurghada Resort — Enjoy a free day to relax and utilize your resort's amenities or explore the surrounding area.

Another delightful breakfast awaits. Continue to soak up the Red Sea sun and make the most of your resort's facilities. For those seeking more adventure, optional desert safaris or rejuvenating spa treatments can be arranged.

• Hurghada Resort — Another day for relaxation, optional activities, or enjoying the resort services.

After breakfast, a private, air-conditioned vehicle will transport you to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you through the colossal Karnak Temple Complex, an awe-inspiring testament to over two millennia of construction and devotion. Following a delicious lunch in Luxor, check into your luxurious 5-star hotel. As dusk settles, prepare to be enchanted by Luxor Temple, which transforms into a breathtaking spectacle under golden lights in the evening. Afterwards, embark on your luxurious Nile cruise ship.

• Karnak Temple Complex — Explore the largest religious complex ever built, dedicated to the Theban Triad.
• Luxor Temple — Visit this beautiful temple, stunningly lit after dark, symbolizing royal rejuvenation.

Enjoy breakfast onboard as your cruise docks. Today, your expert guide will lead you to Luxor's fabled West Bank. Venture into the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of New Kingdom pharaohs, with its intricately decorated underground tombs. Continue to the elegant Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, behold the towering Colossi of Memnon, ancient guardians of Amenhotep III's mortuary temple. Return to your Nile cruise for a relaxing evening and dinner.

• Valley of the Kings — Descend into the necropolis of pharaohs, discovering their elaborate funerary chambers.
• Temple of Hatshepsut — Admire the unique terraced design of Egypt's most powerful female pharaoh's temple.
• Colossi of Memnon — Marvel at these immense statues of Amenhotep III, silent sentinels of ancient Thebes.

As your cruise elegantly sails, enjoy breakfast with serene river views. Today, explore two remarkable temples along the Nile. First, visit the exceptionally well-preserved Edfu Temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, a masterpiece of Ptolemaic architecture and religious narrative. Later, discover the distinctive Kom Ombo Temple, a 'double temple' honoring both Sobek and Horus the Elder, revealing unique medical carvings and an intriguing symmetrical design. Return to your cruise for lunch, dinner, and a tranquil overnight stay.

• Edfu Temple — Explore one of Egypt's best-preserved temples, dedicated to the god Horus.
• Kom Ombo Temple — Visit this unique double temple, with symmetrical dedications to two different deities.

Rise early with a packed breakfast for an unforgettable excursion. Journey to the monumental Abu Simbel Temples, carved into the mountainside by Ramses II. These architectural wonders, renowned for their scale and precise solar alignment, project divine authority and commemorate military triumphs. Witness the grandeur of the Great Temple of Ramses II and the smaller Temple of Hathor and Nefertari. Return to your cruise for a late lunch, dinner, and a peaceful night onboard.

• Abu Simbel Temples — Behold the magnificent rock-cut temples, a testament to Ramses II's power and legacy, moved stone by stone in a UNESCO rescue.

After breakfast, check out from your Nile cruise. Your day begins with a visit to the impressive Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel that reshaped the Nile Valley and created Lake Nasser. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a superb local restaurant. Next, journey to Agilkia Island to explore the enchanting Philae Temple complex, dedicated to the goddess Isis, gracefully relocated to preserve its beauty. Afterwards, transfer and check into your luxurious Aswan hotel for the night.

• Aswan High Dam — Discover this monumental modern structure crucial for Egypt's water management and power.
• Philae Temple — Visit the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, rescued and relocated to Agilkia Island.

Following breakfast, check out from your Aswan hotel and transfer to Aswan airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, delve into more of Cairo's golden wonders. Begin at the historic Egyptian Museum (pre-Grand Egyptian Museum opening), home to an unparalleled collection of artifacts showcasing Egypt's glorious heritage, including Tutankhamun's priceless treasures. Enjoy a delectable lunch. Continue your exploration to Coptic Cairo, visiting the revered Hanging Church, one of Egypt's oldest Christian sites, suspended above Roman fortress ruins. Conclude your day with a captivating wander through the Khan El-Khalili bazaar, a vibrant labyrinth of souks where you can experience traditional Cairo and perhaps find unique handcrafted souvenirs.

• The Egyptian Museum — Explore iconic artifacts and royal treasures from Egyptian history (or the Grand Egyptian Museum if opened).
• The Hanging Church — Step into one of Egypt's most ancient and revered Coptic Christian churches.
• Khan El-Khalili Bazaar — Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of this historic market, a treasure trove of goods.

After breakfast, continue your exploration of Cairo's rich heritage. Today, focus on Islamic Cairo, beginning with a stroll down Al-Muizz Street, an open-air museum flanked by stunning mosques, madrasas, and monumental gates. Visit the historic Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, a masterpiece of Mamluk architecture, and the adjacent Al-Rifa'i Mosque. Enjoy a final gourmet lunch in Cairo, perhaps overlooking the city. The afternoon is at your leisure for last-minute souvenir shopping or relaxation before your grand farewell dinner.

• Al-Muizz Street — Walk through one of Cairo's oldest streets, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Islamic architectural gems.
• Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan — Marvel at this colossal Mamluk-era mosque and Islamic school, an architectural triumph.
• Al-Rifa'i Mosque — Visit this ornate mosque, the royal mausoleum of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty.

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel. At the appropriate time, a private, air-conditioned transfer will take you to Cairo International Airport for your departure, carrying cherished memories of your luxurious Egyptian adventure.

• Cairo International Airport — Depart from Egypt with lasting memories of an extraordinary journey.