10-Day Egypt History & Red Sea Escape

After a delightful breakfast, embark on a profound journey to the Giza Plateau, home to the last standing wonder of the ancient world. Stand in awe of the Great Pyramids of Giza – Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure – monumental testaments to ancient engineering and belief. Gaze upon the mysterious Sphinx, a mythical guardian carved from living rock. Next, we visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, a state-of-the-art facility housing an astonishing collection of artifacts, including the complete funerary treasures of Tutankhamun. Following a traditional Egyptian lunch, our exploration continues to Saqqara, where you'll witness the revolutionary Step Pyramid of Djoser, considered the world's first large-scale stone building. This groundbreaking structure laid the foundation for all subsequent pyramid construction. Your day concludes with a transfer back to your Cairo hotel.

• Pyramids of Giza — The iconic pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, enduring symbols of ancient Egypt's power and ingenuity.
• The Sphinx — The legendary guardian statue, a colossal limestone figure with the body of a lion and the head of a human, often associated with Pharaoh Khafre.
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — A world-class museum showcasing over 5,000 years of Egyptian history, with a special focus on the treasures of Tutankhamun.
• Saqqara Complex — Home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, an architectural innovation by Imhotep and the pioneering structure in pyramid design.

Enjoy breakfast at your Cairo hotel before checking out for your domestic flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, your Travel Joy Egypt guide will meet you to begin exploring the East Bank of the Nile. Our first stop is the colossal Karnak Temple Complex, a sprawling open-air museum and the largest ancient religious site in the world. Spend time wandering through its vast halls, towering pylons, and sacred lakes. After a delicious local lunch, you'll check into your Luxor hotel to refresh. In the late afternoon, we'll visit Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated as dusk settles, revealing its intricate carvings and grand proportions under the moonlight. The evening concludes with your return to your hotel.

• Karnak Temple Complex — An immense ancient Egyptian temple city, dedicated primarily to the god Amun-Ra, featuring colossal statues, obelisks, and a vast Hypostyle Hall.
• Luxor Temple — A beautiful temple located on the east bank of the Nile, consecrated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, especially enchanting when lit at night.

After breakfast, prepare for an immersive exploration of Luxor's West Bank, the ancient 'City of the Dead.' We begin with the legendary Valley of the Kings, the burial ground of pharaohs and powerful nobles from the New Kingdom. Here, you'll descend into several meticulously decorated tombs, marveling at their vibrant hieroglyphs and funerary art. Next, we visit the unique Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning three-tiered structure carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Our final stop on the West Bank is the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, standing majestically since antiquity. A tasty lunch will be provided during our explorations before returning to your Luxor hotel for the evening.

• Valley of the Kings — The famed burial site for pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom, featuring intricate underground tombs adorned with funerary texts and art.
• Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut — A magnificent terraced temple dedicated to the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, harmoniously built into the cliffside.
• Colossi of Memnon — Two massive stone statues of Amenhotep III that once guarded the entrance to his mortuary temple.

Following breakfast and check-out from your Luxor hotel, we embark on a scenic drive to the stunning resort city of Hurghada, nestled on the Red Sea coast. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel, ready to enjoy the serene beauty of this aquatic paradise.

Today is yours to revel in the delights of Hurghada at your own pace. Whether you choose to relax by the pool, stroll along the beach, or explore the local area, the day is free for personal enjoyment and relaxation.

Prepare for an exciting day exploring the vibrant underwater world of the Red Sea. Embark on a snorkeling trip to discover colorful coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. Swim amidst schools of fish and admire the breathtaking aquatic ecosystem before returning to your hotel.

After breakfast, venture into the captivating Hurghada desert. Experience an exhilarating desert safari, either by powerful quad bike or with a traditional camel ride, exploring the vast landscapes. Immerse yourself in authentic Bedouin culture, savoring delicious local cuisine and drinks under a spectacular starry sky. You'll then return to your Hurghada hotel for the night.

Enjoy breakfast and check out from your Hurghada hotel. You'll be transferred to Hurghada Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a captivating tour of Old Cairo. Discover the treasures of the old Egyptian Museum (subject to change with GEM opening schedules) featuring a vast collection spanning thousands of years. Explore the spiritual heart of Coptic Cairo with a visit to the 'Hanging Church' (Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church) and the Ben Ezra Synagogue. We'll also see the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque, the first mosque built in Egypt and Africa. After a hearty lunch, you'll have the opportunity to wander through the bustling alleys of Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, where you can find unique souvenirs and experience local life. Finally, check into your Cairo hotel for your last night in Egypt.

• Egyptian Museum (alternative to GEM) — A world-renowned collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, including the golden funerary mask of Tutankhamun.
• The Hanging Church — One of the oldest churches in Egypt, built partially over the gatehouse of the Roman fortress of Babylon, famous for its suspended nave.
• Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque — The oldest mosque in Egypt and Africa, originally built in 641 AD, showcasing centuries of Islamic architectural development.
• Ben Ezra Synagogue — A historic synagogue located in Old Cairo, significant for its Geniza, which contained a trove of medieval Jewish manuscripts.
• Khan el-Khalili Bazaar — A vibrant and historic souk in Cairo, offering a sensory feast of spices, crafts, jewelry, and traditional goods.

Savor your final Egyptian breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time, a representative will escort you by private vehicle to Cairo International Airport for your departure, filled with incredible memories of your journey through the land of pharaohs.