Egypt & Morocco: Pyramids to Sahara Adventure
Luxury Vessel

Egypt & Morocco: Pyramids to Sahara Adventure

11 Days
Luxor - Aswan
5.0 (TripAdvisor) · 133 Reviews
From$5,435/ person
Free Cancellation

Overview

Journey from Egypt’s ancient Giza, Luxor, & Aswan to Morocco’s Atlas Mountains & Sahara. Discover pharaohs' legacies and desert magic on this 11-day adventure.

This tour links Egypt and Morocco over eleven days, opening in Cairo and Upper Egypt before crossing to Marrakech and the Sahara dunes at Merzouga.

The Egypt portion covers the Giza Pyramids Complex with an Egyptologist guide and a Nile dinner cruise in Cairo, then a flight to Aswan for the High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk, a train to Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple before flying back to Cairo.

From there the trip continues to Marrakech and on toward the Sahara, crossing the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, stopping at the fortress of Aït Ben Haddou and the cinematic landscapes around Ouarzazate, and threading through the Todra Gorge to reach Merzouga, where a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes and a night in a desert camp under the stars close out the itinerary.

A private Egyptologist guide leads the Egypt sightseeing, with private air-conditioned transport for both countries, and the package covers hand-picked hotels, domestic Egyptian flights, the Cairo-Marrakech international flight, breakfasts and lunches in Egypt, a Nile dinner cruise, and entrance fees to all listed sites. International flights to Cairo and from Marrakech, visas for both countries, gratuities and optional activities are not included.

Trip at a Glance

Duration

11 Days

Price

From $5,435

Availability

Every day

Tour Type

Private

Route

Cairo → Giza → Aswan → Luxor → Cairo → Marrakech

Private & 100% Customizable

Tailor-Make Your Dream Egypt Holiday

Your dates, your pace, your must-see wonders — handcrafted into one private itinerary by our expert Egyptologists.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to Cairo & Nile Evening Experience

Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, our representative will warmly greet you, making your entry into Egypt smooth and effortless. After assistance with customs and baggage, a private, air-conditioned transfer will take you to your hotel for a seamless check-in. The evening offers a delightful immersion into Cairo's charm with a dinner cruise on the Nile River. Glide past the city lights while savoring a delicious meal, complemented by enchanting live entertainment including belly dancing, traditional folklore music, and the mesmerizing Tanoura whirling dervish performance. Afterwards, return comfortably to your hotel for a peaceful overnight stay.

Meals: Dinner Overnight: Cairo Hotel
Giza Pyramids

After breakfast, meet your private Egyptologist guide to begin an unforgettable day exploring Cairo's iconic monuments. Witness the awe-inspiring Giza Pyramids Complex, including the Great Pyramid of King Khufu, a last remaining wonder of the ancient world. Stand before the enigmatic Great Sphinx, an eternal guardian of the plateau. Continue to the radiant Saqqara Step Pyramid, the world's earliest large-scale stone structure, a testament to ancient architectural genius. Enjoy lunch overlooking the pyramids or the Nile, then delve into the vast collections of the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to King Tutankhamun's complete treasures and countless other artifacts spanning 5,000 years of history. As the day concludes, transfer to the airport for your flight to Aswan, where you'll check into your hotel for the night.

  • Giza Pyramids Complex — The timeless heart of ancient Egypt, featuring the iconic Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.
  • Saqqara Step Pyramid — The pioneering funerary complex of Pharaoh Djoser, a marvel of early stone architecture.
  • Grand Egyptian Museum — A monumental home for over 5,000 years of Egyptian history, including the full Tutankhamun collection.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Overnight: Aswan Hotel
Day 3: Aswan's Engineering & Sacred Heritage, Train to Luxor

Following breakfast, join your expert guide for a journey through Aswan's unique blend of ancient and modern marvels. Begin at the impressive Aswan High Dam, a monumental achievement of 20th-century engineering that transformed Egypt's landscape and economy. Next, visit the Unfinished Obelisk, still embedded in the granite quarry, offering a rare glimpse into ancient stone-cutting techniques and the ambitious vision of Queen Hatshepsut. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the powerful Philae Temple, a sanctuary to the goddess Isis, relocated to Agilkia Island to preserve its intricate beauty from the rising Nile waters. In the late afternoon, board a first-class train to Luxor, relaxing as you travel to your hotel for an overnight stay.

  • Aswan High Dam — A crucial modern marvel of engineering, controlling the Nile and generating power.
  • Unfinished Obelisk — A colossal ancient monument, still partially carved in its quarry, revealing ancient craftsmanship.
  • Philae Temple — A stunning Ptolemaic temple dedicated to Isis, gracefully relocated to Agilkia Island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Overnight: Luxor Hotel
Valley of the Kings

After enjoying breakfast, meet your specialized Egyptologist guide for a full day exploring Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes. Begin on the West Bank with the Valley of the Kings, where 63 tombs of pharaohs from the New Kingdom are hidden deep within the desert mountainsides. Continue to the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning terraced structure carved directly into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Before lunch at a local restaurant, pause at the colossal Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III standing as silent sentinels. In the afternoon, cross to the East Bank to explore the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple Complex, a sprawling sacred city that expanded over 1,500 years. As evening approaches, transfer to Luxor airport for your flight back to Cairo, where you'll check into your hotel for the night.

  • Valley of the Kings — The burial site of New Kingdom pharaohs, with richly decorated underground tombs.
  • Temple of Queen Hatshepsut — An elegant, multi-tiered mortuary temple dedicated to Egypt's powerful female pharaoh.
  • Colossi of Memnon — Two massive stone statues of Amenhotep III, guarding the entrance to his ruined mortuary temple.
  • Karnak Temple Complex — A vast open-air museum and the largest ancient religious site in the world, built over millennia.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Overnight: Cairo Hotel
Day 5: From Cairo to the Red City of Marrakech

Enjoy breakfast before checking out from your Cairo hotel. Our representative will ensure a smooth transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight to Morocco. Upon arrival at Marrakech International Airport, a local representative will meet you with a personalized sign, assisting with any arrival formalities. A comfortable private transfer will then take you to your Marrakech hotel for check-in and an overnight stay. Take advantage of an optional gentle evening city tour (upon request) to begin absorbing the magical atmosphere of the 'Red City.'

Meals: Breakfast Overnight: Marrakech Hotel

Highlights

Ancient Egyptian Marvels

  • Standing before the Great Pyramids and Sphinx in Giza
  • Exploring Saqqara's revolutionary Step Pyramid
  • Discovering millennia of artifacts at the Grand Egyptian Museum
  • Witnessing the majesty of Philae Temple on Agilkia Island
  • Admiring the engineering feat of the Aswan High Dam
  • Journeying through the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings
  • Marveling at the unique terraces of Queen Hatshepsut's Temple
  • Feeling the grandeur of Karnak Temple's colossal halls

Moroccan Desert Escapes

  • Traversing the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains
  • Stepping into the ancient fortress of Ait Ben Haddou
  • Exploring the cinematic landscapes of Ouarzazate
  • Experiencing the towering beauty of Todra Gorge
  • Camel trekking through the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
  • Spending a night under Sahara stars in a desert camp

Included

  • Expert Egyptologist guide during all sightseeing tours in Egypt
  • Private, air-conditioned transportation for all transfers and tours in Egypt and Morocco
  • Accommodation in hand-picked hotels
  • Domestic flights within Egypt (Cairo-Aswan, Luxor-Cairo)
  • International flight from Cairo to Marrakech
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary (Breakfasts and Lunches in Egypt, Dinners as specified)
  • Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
  • Nile Dinner Cruise in Cairo with entertainment
  • Assistance at airports and hotels by Travel Joy Egypt representatives

Excluded

  • International flights to Cairo and from Marrakech
  • Entry visas for Egypt and Morocco
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.)
  • Any optional activities not specified in the itinerary
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
  • Travel insurance
  • Beverages during meals unless specified

What to Pack

  • Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring archaeological sites.
  • Lightweight clothing for warm weather, especially during the day across both countries.
  • Modest attire (shoulders and knees covered) for visiting religious sites in Egypt and Morocco.
  • A hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen to protect against the sun.
  • A light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings, especially in the desert and high altitudes.
  • Swimsuit if your hotel has a pool.
  • A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
  • Any personal medications and a basic first-aid kit.
  • Power bank for electronics and a universal travel adapter.
  • Camera to capture incredible memories (respect local customs regarding photography).
  • Small backpack for day trips.

Why Choose Us

Expert Local Guides

Professional, English-speaking Egyptologists.

Licensed Experts

Fully bonded and licensed Egyptian tour operator.

No Hidden Fees

Transparent pricing and clear inclusions.

24/7 Support

Always available via WhatsApp throughout your trip.

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Expert Advice

Plan Your Journey

Everything you need to know about this experience in Egypt.

Egyptologist Insights & Local Guidance

Egyptologist Insights: Making the Most of Your Journey

Expert Tip: Navigating the Archeological Wonders

Expert Tip: Navigating the Archeological Wonders

Every trip to Egypt is a journey through history. To get the most out of your holiday, check our comprehensive Egypt travel guide for packing lists, visa updates, and local customs. If you are looking for single-day activities, browse our list of recommended Egypt day tours or contact us to customize a private trip.