13-Day Grand Egypt Tour: Cairo, Nile & Red Sea

After a hearty breakfast, your expert Egyptologist guide will lead you on an unforgettable journey to Egypt's most iconic sites. Begin at the Giza Plateau, home to the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus, and stand in wonder before the enigmatic Sphinx. Next, immerse yourself in the grandeur of the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a state-of-the-art facility showcasing millennia of Egyptian artistry, including the complete Tutankhamun collection. Enjoy a delicious lunch with pyramid views, then journey to Saqqara to witness the groundbreaking Step Pyramid of Djoser, considered the world's first stone structure. The evening concludes with your return to the hotel.

• Giza Pyramid Complex — Explore the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Discover Egypt's vast archaeological treasures.
• Saqqara — Visit the innovative Step Pyramid of Djoser.

Following breakfast, embark on a day trip by private, air-conditioned car to the coastal city of Alexandria. Your specialized guide will reveal the city's rich history, starting with the fascinations of the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a unique blend of Egyptian and Greco-Roman funeral art. Marvel at Pompey's Pillar, a colossal Roman monument, and explore the strategic Qaitbay Citadel, built on the historic site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria. A fresh seafood lunch awaits, followed by a visit to the modern Library of Alexandria, a magnificent revival of its ancient predecessor. As your day concludes, you'll be comfortably transferred back to your Cairo hotel.

• Alexandria — Day trip to Egypt's second-largest city.
• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa — Explore ancient underground burial chambers.
• Pompey's Pillar — Admire the Roman triumphal column.
• Qaitbay Citadel — Visit the historic fortress overlooking the Mediterranean.
• Library of Alexandria — Experience the modern center of knowledge and culture.

After breakfast and hotel check-out, you'll be transferred to Cairo Airport for a domestic flight to Aswan, the serene gateway to Upper Egypt. Upon arrival, your Aswan exploration begins. Visit the monumental High Dam, a marvel of 20th-century engineering, then proceed to the Unfinished Obelisk, offering insights into ancient stone-cutting techniques. Your day culminates with a visit to the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, gracefully relocated to Agilkia Island. Afterward, board your luxurious 5-star Nile cruise ship, where you'll enjoy lunch, dinner, and spend your first night gliding on the Nile.

• Aswan High Dam — View the significant modern engineering feat.
• Unfinished Obelisk — Examine a massive ancient quarry site.
• Philae Temple — Discover the beautiful temple of Isis on Agilkia Island.
• Nile Cruise Check-in — Board your 5-star deluxe Nile cruise ship.

An early start is rewarded with an incredible journey to the magnificent Temples of Abu Simbel, either by road or optional flight. These colossal rock-cut temples, carved into the mountainside by Ramesses II, remain one of Egypt's most awe-inspiring sights, a testament to ancient Egyptian engineering and devotion. Your private guide will share the history and significance of these remarkable structures, including the smaller temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari. After this immersive visit, return to your Nile cruise ship to relax, enjoy lunch and dinner, and spend the night navigating the tranquil waters.

• Abu Simbel Temples — Tour the grand temples of Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari.

Enjoy breakfast onboard as your cruise continues its journey. This morning, explore the unique Kom Ombo Temple, a 'double temple' dedicated to both Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the elder. Gain fascinating insights into ancient Egyptian medicine and astronomical knowledge depicted on its walls. Later, visit the extraordinarily preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of Egypt's finest examples of Ptolemaic architecture. Throughout the day, you'll dine and relax on the cruise, sailing towards Luxor, where you'll dock for the night.

• Kom Ombo Temple — Explore the dual temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris.
• Edfu Temple — Visit the well-preserved temple honoring the falcon god Horus.

After breakfast and check-out from your cruise, your Luxor adventure begins. Your private guide and comfortable vehicle will take you to the East Bank's monumental sites. Start with the colossal Karnak Temple Complex, considered the largest ancient religious site in the world, with its grand hypostyle hall and sacred lake. After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, check into your hotel in Luxor. As evening approaches, visit the elegant Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated at dusk, revealing its profound history and connection to the Opet Festival. Return to your hotel for your overnight stay.

• Karnak Temple Complex — Discover the vast temple city.
• Luxor Temple — Explore the beautiful temple dedicated to the Theban Triad.

Following breakfast and hotel check-out, prepare for an immersive morning on Luxor's West Bank, the ancient 'City of the Dead.' Venture into the mystical Valley of the Kings, exploring the tombs of pharaohs from the New Kingdom. Continue to the stunning Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a masterpiece of ancient architecture nestled against the cliffs. Conclude your West Bank exploration with a stop at the colossal statues of Memnon, silent sentinels of a forgotten temple. Enjoy lunch in Luxor before embarking on a picturesque journey by private, air-conditioned vehicle to the vibrant Red Sea resort town of Hurghada. Check into your resort and unwind.

• Valley of the Kings — Explore royal tombs on the West Bank.
• Temple of Hatshepsut — Visit the impressive mortuary temple of the female pharaoh.
• Colossi of Memnon — See the massive statues of Amenhotep III.
• Transfer to Hurghada — Scenic drive to the Red Sea resort.

Wake up to the refreshing sea breeze of Hurghada. Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, savoring the amenities of your resort and the natural beauty of the Red Sea. Whether you choose to relax by the pool, stroll along the beach, or simply soak up the sun, this free day offers a perfect balance to your historical explorations. All meals, including soft drinks, are included at your resort.

• Hurghada — Enjoy a free day for relaxation at the Red Sea.

After breakfast, prepare for an exciting Red Sea adventure. Board a comfortable boat for a snorkeling excursion to some of the area's most beautiful coral reefs. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and discover a vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful fish and spectacular coral gardens. This immersive experience allows you to connect with nature's beauty from a unique perspective. Enjoy onboard lunch during your trip. Upon returning to shore, the rest of your day is free to relax and enjoy your resort's facilities.

• Red Sea Snorkeling Excursion — Enjoy a boat trip and snorkel among coral reefs.

Another delightful day in Hurghada awaits after your breakfast. You have the option to further indulge in beach relaxation, perhaps trying watersports or simply lounging by the sea. Alternatively, consider an optional excursion to immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes of the Sahara Desert. Experience a thrilling jeep safari, visit a Bedouin village, and enjoy a captivating cultural performance under the desert stars. Lunch and dinner will be provided at your resort, offering flexibility for your chosen activities.

• Hurghada — Leisure time or optional desert safari.

After a final Hurghada breakfast, check out from your resort and transfer to Hurghada Airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your Cairo hotel. In the afternoon, embark on a cultural journey through Old Cairo. Explore the historic Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, a bustling marketplace dating back to the 14th century, perfect for unique souvenirs. Visit the sacred Hanging Church and the Church of Abu Serga (Saint Sergius and Bacchus), where the Holy Family is said to have rested. Your guide will illuminate the rich tapestry of Islamic and Coptic history throughout your excursion. Enjoy dinner (on your own) and your final night in Cairo.

• Flight Hurghada to Cairo — Domestic flight back to Egypt's capital.
• Khan el-Khalili Bazaar — Wander through Cairo's historic marketplace.
• Coptic Cairo — Visit key Christian sites like the Hanging Church.

Savor your last Egyptian breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time, a Travel Joy Egypt representative will transfer you to Cairo International Airport for your final departure, carrying with you incredible memories of Egypt's ancient wonders and Red Sea charm.

• Cairo International Airport — Transfer to the airport for your departure.