14-Day Egypt Group Tour: Pyramids, Nile & Red Sea

After a hearty breakfast, your Egyptologist guide will lead you on an unforgettable journey. First, an awe-inspiring visit to the Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and the mysterious Sphinx. You'll hear the stories behind these monumental structures, testaments to ancient engineering and belief. Next, we journey to Saqqara to witness the groundbreaking Step Pyramid of Djoser, considered the world's first large-scale stone building. Our day culminates with an immersive experience at the stunning Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), where you'll explore unparalleled collections, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun. A delicious lunch will be served at a restaurant offering magnificent pyramid or Nile views. In the afternoon, we'll head to Cairo Airport for a domestic flight to Hurghada. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your beach resort for dinner and relaxation.

• Giza Pyramids Complex — Explore the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and Valley Temple.
• Saqqara Complex — Discover the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Immerse yourself in Egypt's ancient history and incredible artifacts.

Today is yours to unwind and enjoy the beautiful Red Sea resort of Hurghada at your own pace. Relax by the pool, stroll along the beach, or simply soak up the sunshine. All meals will be provided at your resort.

Following breakfast, prepare for an exhilarating day exploring the vibrant underwater world of the Red Sea. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a first-timer, our certified instructors will guide you through an unforgettable experience amidst colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Lunch will be served during the activity. Return to your hotel for dinner and another relaxing evening.

• Red Sea — Guided diving or snorkeling excursion.

After breakfast, embark on an exciting 'Super Safari' into the Hurghada desert. We'll ride quad bikes across the golden sands, immersing ourselves in the vast, serene landscape. Discover hidden oases and visit a traditional Bedouin village, experiencing their unique way of life. Enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner under the starlit desert sky, complete with refreshing beverages. Later, we'll return to your hotel in Hurghada.

• Hurghada Desert — Quad biking and Bedouin village visit.

After breakfast and hotel check-out, we journey by private, air-conditioned vehicle to Luxor, the ancient capital of Thebes. Our first stop is the colossal Karnak Temple complex, a sprawling testament to centuries of pharaonic construction, with its magnificent hypostyle hall and sacred lake. Afterwards, we'll board your luxurious Nile cruise ship, check in, and enjoy lunch. In the evening, accompanied by your guide, we'll explore the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple, an architectural masterpiece dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship. Return to the cruise ship for dinner and your first night on the Nile.

• Karnak Temple Complex — Explore ancient Egypt's largest religious site.
• Luxor Temple — Discover the beautifully lit temple in the evening.

Savor breakfast on board as we prepare for a captivating day on Luxor's West Bank. We'll cross the Nile to explore the fabled Valley of the Kings, the burial ground of pharaohs, where you'll descend into elaborately decorated tombs. Next, marvel at the unique terraced Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning example of New Kingdom architecture. Our final stop for the morning is the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues guarding the entrance to a long-vanished temple. Return to your cruise ship for lunch, then enjoy an afternoon of tranquil sailing. Dinner will be served onboard.

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

Enjoy breakfast onboard before we set off to explore more of ancient Egypt. Our first stop is the unusually well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, a magnificent Ptolemaic temple dedicated to the falcon god. After our visit, we'll return to the ship and continue sailing, enjoying lunch as we cruise towards Kom Ombo. In the afternoon, we'll disembark to visit the unique Kom Ombo Temple, a 'double temple' dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Return to your cruise ship for dinner and a peaceful night.

• Temple of Horus at Edfu — Explore one of Egypt's best-preserved temples.
• Kom Ombo Temple — Visit the unique twin temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus.

After breakfast on the cruise, we dedicate our day to Aswan's fascinating sights. We begin with the impressive Aswan High Dam, a monumental engineering achievement that reshaped Egypt's landscape. Next, we visit the 'Unfinished Obelisk,' an enormous ancient quarry providing insight into Egyptian stone-cutting techniques. Our final stop is the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, which was meticulously relocated to save it from flooding. All meals will be enjoyed onboard your Nile cruise ship.

• Aswan High Dam — Learn about this modern engineering marvel.
• Unfinished Obelisk — See an ancient quarry with a colossal, abandoned obelisk.
• Philae Temple — Visit the stunning temple dedicated to Isis, accessible by motorboat.

Today, we have an early start with breakfast boxes provided, as we disembark from the cruise and head south by private, air-conditioned vehicle to the magnificent Abu Simbel temples. These colossal rock-cut temples of Ramses II and his queen Nefertari are an absolute highlight, famous for their incredible rescue from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. After exploring these wonders, we'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Later, we transfer to Aswan Airport for a flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you'll be taken to your hotel for check-in and overnight.

• Abu Simbel Temples — Marvel at the monumental rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Nefertari.

After breakfast, prepare for a deep dive into Cairo's spiritual and historical heart. We'll begin at the historic Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, home to an astounding collection of pharaonic artifacts (expect this to gradually transition to GEM as all artifacts are moved). Then, we explore the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), particularly famous for its Royal Mummies Hall, offering a unique glimpse into ancient burial practices. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Our afternoon takes us to Old Cairo, where we'll visit the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque, the oldest mosque in Africa, and the serene Hanging Church, a Coptic Christian marvel. We'll also explore the Church of Abu Serga and Ben Ezra Synagogue, showcasing Cairo's incredible religious diversity.

• Egyptian Museum (Tahrir) — Discover a vast collection of ancient artifacts.
• National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) — Visit the Royal Mummies Hall.
• Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque — Explore Africa's first mosque.
• The Hanging Church — See one of Cairo's oldest Coptic churches.
• Church of Abu Serga and Ben Ezra Synagogue — Discover more religious sites in Old Cairo.

Following breakfast, our exploration of Cairo continues, focusing on its Islamic heritage. We'll visit the magnificent Citadel of Salah El Din, home to the impressive Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque, offering panoramic views of the city. We'll also discover the grandeur of the Sultan Hassan Mosque and the refined Al-Rifai Mosque. After a local lunch, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, one of the Middle East's oldest and most famous markets, where you can haggle for souvenirs and local crafts. Return to your hotel for the evening.

• Citadel of Salah El Din — Explore the historic fortress and Mohamed Ali Mosque.
• Sultan Hassan Mosque and Al-Rifai Mosque — Visit significant Islamic architectural marvels.
• Khan el-Khalili Bazaar — Shop and experience the bustling ancient market.

After an early breakfast, we embark on a full-day excursion to Alexandria, Egypt's second-largest city and a hub of Greco-Roman history. Our journey begins with the impressive Citadel of Qaitbay, built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. We'll delve into the subterranean Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a unique blend of pharaonic and Roman artistry. Next, we visit the legendary Pompey's Pillar, a towering Roman column. Our final visit is to the modern, architectural masterpiece, the Library of Alexandria, a symbol of knowledge and culture. Enjoy lunch at a local Alexandrian restaurant. We return to Cairo in the late afternoon for a farewell dinner, celebrating the memories made on your Egyptian adventure.

• Citadel of Qaitbay — Explore the coastal fortress.
• Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa — Discover the Roman-era underground tombs.
• Pompey's Pillar — Visit the ancient Roman monument.
• Library of Alexandria — Admire the modern reincarnation of the ancient library.

After enjoying your final breakfast in Cairo, a Travel Joy Egypt representative will assist you with hotel check-out and provide a comfortable, private transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure, ensuring a smooth and pleasant end to your incredible journey through Egypt.

• Cairo International Airport — Departure assistance.