10-Day Egypt Classical Tour with Expert Guide

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, your expert guide will lead you on an extraordinary exploration of ancient Egypt's most iconic monuments. Begin at the Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. Marvel at the sheer scale of Khufu's Great Pyramid, the only remaining Ancient Wonder of the World. Stand before the enigmatic Great Sphinx, a mythical guardian carved from a single ridge of limestone, contemplating its timeless secrets. Conclude your Giza visit at the Valley Temple, integral to the pharaoh's mummification rituals. Next, immerse yourself in the future of Egyptian history at the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a state-of-the-art facility showcasing thousands of artifacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection. Following a delicious lunch, we'll journey to Saqqara to witness the groundbreaking Step Pyramid of Djoser, considered the world's first stone building and a testament to the genius of the architect Imhotep. In the late afternoon, you'll return to your Cairo hotel for the evening.

• Giza Pyramids Complex — Explore the three iconic pyramids and the Sphinx.
• The Great Sphinx — Admire the ancient guardian of the Giza Plateau.
• Valley Temple — Discover the site of royal mummification rituals.
• The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Visit the world's largest archaeological museum, housing over 100,000 artifacts including Tutankhamun's treasures.
• Saqqara Step Pyramid — See the world's oldest stone building.

Today begins with breakfast at your Cairo hotel before we embark on a scenic drive to the captivating city of Alexandria, Egypt's 'Pearl of the Mediterranean.' Our journey into its rich history starts with the Citadel of Qaitbay, a magnificent 15th-century fortress built on the very site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Next, we visit the modern architectural marvel, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a grand tribute to the legendary ancient Library of Alexandria. After a delightful lunch, our exploration continues at Pompey's Pillar, a towering Roman triumphal column dedicated to Emperor Diocletian. Our day culminates with a fascinating descent into the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a unique blend of ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman funerary art. As dusk falls, we'll return to your Cairo hotel for the night.

• Qaitbay Citadel — Explore the historic fortress overlooking the Mediterranean.
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina — Visit the contemporary library inspired by ancient scholarship.
• Pompey's Pillar — See the impressive Roman column in Alexandria.
• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa — Descend into the fascinating Roman burial site.

Savor breakfast at your Cairo hotel, then check out and transfer to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Aswan, 'Egypt's southern pearl.' Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your private guide and begin a captivating tour of the city's key attractions. Our first stop is the colossal Aswan High Dam, a monumental engineering feat that transformed Egypt's landscape and economy. Next, we visit the Unfinished Obelisk, still lying in its ancient quarry, offering a rare glimpse into the stonemasonry techniques of the pharaohs and demonstrating the incredible scale of their ambitions. Following a leisurely lunch, we'll take a short boat ride to Agilkia Island to explore the breathtaking Philae Temple. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this temple was meticulously relocated to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, preserving its exquisite beauty. Later, you'll check into your hotel in Aswan for the night.

• Aswan High Dam — Witness this modern feat of engineering.
• The Unfinished Obelisk — Observe an ancient quarry with a colossal, abandoned obelisk.
• Philae Temple — Explore the beautiful temple dedicated to Isis, relocated to Agilkia Island.

Begin your day with early breakfast boxes from your hotel before checking out. Today's highlight is an unforgettable excursion to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, located deep in southern Egypt. You'll travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle to witness these colossal rock-cut temples, carved into the mountainside by Ramses II. Marvel at the Great Temple of Ramses II and the smaller, yet equally stunning, Temple of Hathor and Nefertari, both relocated in a monumental UNESCO effort to save them from flooding. After this awe-inspiring experience, we'll return to Aswan for lunch. In the afternoon, you'll board a comfortable, first-class train for a scenic journey north to Luxor, the 'World's Largest Open-Air Museum.' Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your opulent hotel for check-in and overnight.

• Abu Simbel Temples — Visit the monumental rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Nefertari.
• Aswan to Luxor Train — Enjoy a comfortable train journey through the Nile Valley.

Following breakfast at your Luxor hotel, we dedicate our day to exploring the legendary East Bank of Thebes. Our first stop is the immense Karnak Temple Complex, an unparalleled testament to ancient Egyptian piety and grandeur. Wander through its vast courtyards, towering hypostyle halls, and sacred lakes, feeling the echoes of millennia past. This monumental site, continuously built upon by generations of pharaohs, truly embodies the spirituality of ancient Egypt. After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, we proceed to Luxor Temple, often described as an 'Open-Air Museum.' This beautiful temple, dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship, is particularly stunning as dusk approaches, with its illuminated columns and statues creating a magical atmosphere. As the day concludes, you'll return to your hotel for an evening of relaxation in Luxor.

• Karnak Temple Complex — Explore the largest religious complex in the world.
• Luxor Temple — Discover the beautiful temple on the East Bank, particularly captivating at sunset.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, get ready for a profound journey to Luxor's West Bank, the ancient 'City of the Dead.' Our first essential stop is the Valley of the Kings, the royal necropolis where pharaohs of the New Kingdom, including Tutankhamun, were laid to rest in elaborate, rock-cut tombs adorned with intricate hieroglyphs and vibrant paintings. Next, we visit the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning architectural masterpiece dedicated to Egypt's powerful female pharaoh, carved dramatically into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari. Our West Bank exploration concludes with a photo opportunity at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, silent guardians standing guard over the ancient plains. After a satisfying lunch, the remainder of your afternoon is free for personal exploration or relaxation. You'll spend another night at your Luxor hotel.

• Valley of the Kings — Explore the burial site of New Kingdom pharaohs.
• Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut — Visit the unique terraced temple of the female pharaoh.
• Colossi of Memnon — See the massive statues of Amenhotep III.

Following breakfast and check-out from your Luxor hotel, you will be transferred to Luxor Airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, your private guide will meet you to embark on a fascinating cultural journey. Our first destination is the magnificent Citadel of Salah el-Din, a medieval Islamic fortification boasting stunning panoramic views of Cairo. Within its walls, we'll explore the impressive Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali, a prominent landmark of the city. After a delicious lunch, we delve into the heart of Islamic Cairo, visiting the majestic Sultan Hassan Mosque and the elegant El-Rifa'i Mosque, both architectural gems. We conclude our day with a visit to the historic Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace where you can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of traditional Egyptian commerce, perhaps finding unique souvenirs. Finally, you'll check into your Cairo hotel for your penultimate night.

• Citadel of Salah el-Din — Explore the medieval fortress and its impressive mosques.
• Mosque of Muhammad Ali — Visit the iconic Alabaster Mosque within the Citadel.
• Sultan Hassan Mosque & El-Rifa'i Mosque — Discover these architectural marvels of Islamic Cairo.
• Khan el-Khalili Bazaar — Stroll and shop in Cairo's historic market.

After a delightful breakfast at your Cairo hotel, today is dedicated to uncovering more of Cairo's rich tapestry of history and faith. Our journey begins at the Egyptian Museum, home to an unparalleled collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the golden treasures of Tutankhamun. Next, we journey into Coptic Cairo, visiting the serene Hanging Church, one of Egypt's oldest churches, suspended above the Roman Babylon Fortress. Nearby, we'll explore the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, believed to be a resting place for the Holy Family. Our cultural exploration continues with a visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), where you can witness the awe-inspiring Royal Mummies Hall, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of ancient pharaohs. A delectable lunch will be served amidst our explorations. The afternoon is reserved for a visit to the Ibn Tulun Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture dating back to the 9th century, known for its distinctive spiral minaret. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, enjoying your final evening in Cairo.

• The Egyptian Museum — Explore the vast collection of ancient artifacts.
• The Hanging Church — Visit one of Coptic Cairo's most famous churches.
• Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus — See the revered cave where the Holy Family is said to have rested.
• National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) — Discover ancient Egyptian heritage, including the Royal Mummies.
• Ibn Tulun Mosque — Admire the beauty of one of Cairo's oldest and grandest mosques.

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or relaxation. At the appropriate time, your private Travel Joy Egypt representative will transfer you in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your final departure, carrying with you incredible memories of Egypt's timeless wonders.

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