11 Days Cairo, Nile Cruise and Hurghada by Flight

Following a satisfying breakfast and hotel check-out, your private Egyptologist guide will accompany you on an incredible journey into ancient Egypt. First, marvel at the Giza Pyramids Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure—timeless symbols of monumental human achievement. Stand in awe before the Great Sphinx, the oldest monumental statue, guarding these ancient secrets. Continue to the Valley Temple, Khafre's mortuary temple, offering insights into Old Kingdom rituals. Then, experience the grandeur of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), home to an unparalleled collection, including the treasures of Tutankhamun and the colossal statue of Ramses II. After a local lunch, we'll visit the stepped pyramid at Saqqara, the world's first major stone building, designed by Imhotep. In the evening, transfer to Cairo Airport for a domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, you'll be taken to your 5-star hotel for a relaxing overnight stay.

• Giza Pyramids Complex — Explore the three major pyramids: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.
• The Great Sphinx — Admire the iconic lion-bodied, human-headed statue.
• Valley Temple — Visit the site for ancient Egyptian mummification rituals.
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Discover priceless artifacts and royal treasures, including Tutankhamun's collection.
• Saqqara (Step Pyramid) — See the world's first stone building, dating back to the Third Dynasty.

After breakfast and checking out from your Aswan hotel, your guide will lead you to discover Aswan's captivating highlights. Begin at the impressive Aswan High Dam, a monumental 20th-century engineering feat that created Lake Nasser. Next, visit the ancient granite quarries to see the Unfinished Obelisk, a colossal abandoned monument offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian stone-cutting techniques. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local eatery before proceeding to the beautiful Philae Temple. This 'Jewel of Aswan,' dedicated to the goddess Isis, was meticulously relocated to Agilkia Island to save it from flooding. Finally, transfer to your luxurious Nile cruise ship, check in, enjoy dinner, and settle in for your first night on the river.

• Aswan High Dam — Learn about this modern engineering marvel controlling the Nile's flow.
• The Unfinished Obelisk — Witness the scale of ancient Egyptian ambition at the granite quarries.
• Philae Temple — Explore the stunning temple of Isis on Agilkia Island.

This morning, after breakfast aboard your cruise, disembark to visit the unique Kom Ombo Temple. Known as 'The Hill of Gold,' this Greco-Roman temple is distinctive for its symmetrical design, featuring twin sanctuaries dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed god. Its intricate reliefs depict ancient rituals and medical practices. After this fascinating exploration, return to your cruise ship to continue sailing northwards along the timeless Nile. Enjoy lunch and dinner onboard, relaxing on deck as the Egyptian landscape glides by.

• Kom Ombo Temple — Discover the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus.

Following breakfast on your cruise, prepare for an excursion to one of Egypt's most remarkably preserved ancient sites: the Temple of Edfu. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, this Ptolemaic-era temple provides an exceptional insight into ancient Egyptian religious architecture with its complete pylons, courtyards, and hypostyle halls. It tells the epic tale of Horus's victory over Seth. After your visit, return to the ship for lunch and continue your leisurely sail along the Nile. In the late afternoon, your cruise arrives in Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes. Spend the evening relaxing on board, anticipating tomorrow's grand discoveries.

• Edfu Temple — Explore the incredibly well-preserved temple dedicated to Horus.

After breakfast and disembarking your cruise, your guided Luxor exploration begins. Today focuses on the magnificent West Bank. Venture into the Valley of the Kings, the burial ground of New Kingdom pharaohs, where you can explore several royal tombs. Next, a visit to the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning terraced temple built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Conclude your West Bank tour with a stop at the colossal statues of Memnon, guarding the entrance to Amenhotep III's forgotten mortuary temple. After a local lunch, we'll cross to the East Bank. Immerse yourself in the vast Karnak Temple Complex, an extraordinary city of temples, chapels, and pylons built over two millennia. Later, you'll check into your luxurious Luxor hotel for the night.

• Valley of the Kings — Explore a selection of royal tombs on the West Bank.
• Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut — Admire the unique terraced architecture of this female pharaoh's temple.
• Colossi of Memnon — See the massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
• Karnak Temple Complex — Wander through the largest ancient religious site in the world.

After a delightful breakfast at your Luxor hotel, your guided tour continues with one final, awe-inspiring site. Visit the beautiful Luxor Temple, an elegant temple right in the heart of the modern city, historically connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes. Explore its grand colonnades and courtyards, marveling at the artistry. After this captivating visit, transfer to Luxor Airport for a short domestic flight to Hurghada, Egypt's premier Red Sea resort town. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your selected resort to check in and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure, relaxing by the sea or pool.

• Luxor Temple — Discover the beautiful temple in the heart of Luxor city.

Enjoy a full day of relaxation and leisure in Hurghada. This vibrant coastal city offers crystal-clear waters, pristine sandy beaches, and a plethora of activities. Whether you prefer lounging by the pool, swimming and sunbathing on the beach, or exploring the underwater world through snorkeling or diving, today is yours to unwind and enjoy. Meals will be at your resort.

• Hurghada Beaches — Relax on the sandy shores or swim in the Red Sea.
• Optional Water Activities — Opportunities for snorkeling, diving, or other marine excursions (additional cost).

Another glorious day awaits you in Hurghada. Continue to soak up the sun, take refreshing dips in the Red Sea, or consider joining an optional excursion. Perhaps a boat trip to Giftun Island for exquisite snorkeling, a desert safari adventure, or simply indulging in the amenities of your resort. The choice is entirely yours to tailor this day to your desires for relaxation or adventure. Meals will be at your resort.

• Hurghada Resort — Enjoy the resort facilities or explore local offerings.
• Optional excursions — Consider a boat trip, desert safari, or other activities (additional cost).

After a final breakfast at your Hurghada resort, you will be transferred to Hurghada Airport for a domestic flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, a Travel Joy Egypt representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for you to relax, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, or perhaps revisit a favorite spot in Cairo. Enjoy a farewell dinner independently.

• Hurghada Airport (HRG) — Domestic flight to Cairo.
• Cairo hotel — Check-in and enjoy free time.

Enjoy a final breakfast at your Cairo hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time before your private transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure. Our representative will assist you with check-in procedures, ensuring a seamless end to your unforgettable journey through Egypt.

• Cairo International Airport (CAI) — Transfer for your international departure.