7 Days Cairo, Flight to Aswan, Luxor & Nile Cruise

After a delightful breakfast and check-out, meet your personal Egyptologist guide for a full day of exploration. Our journey begins at the iconic Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramids, ancient wonders built by 4th Dynasty pharaohs to guide them into the afterlife. Stand in awe of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, a colossal feat of engineering from 2570 BCE. Next, encounter the enigmatic Great Sphinx, an ancient guardian carved during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre. We'll also tour the adjacent Valley Temple of Chephren, vital for royal mummification rituals. Our next stop is the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a state-of-the-art facility showcasing thousands of artifacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection, offering an unparalleled glimpse into ancient Egyptian civilization. Alternatively, we may visit the venerable Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, depending on the GEM's final opening schedule. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, transfer to your 5-star hotel for check-in and overnight.

• Giza Pyramids — Explore the ancient wonders of the Great Pyramid, Giza Plateau, and Valley Temple.
• Great Sphinx — Marvel at the oldest monumental sculpture in history.
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) or Egyptian Museum — Discover priceless artifacts and royal treasures.
• Cairo Airport — Domestic flight to Luxor.
• Luxor — Arrival and transfer to hotel.

Begin your day with breakfast at your Luxor hotel. Today, accompanied by your expert Egyptologist, we delve into the extraordinary sites of ancient Thebes. Our first stop is the legendary Valley of the Kings on the West Bank, the royal burial ground for pharaohs of the New Kingdom. Here, you'll descend into elaborately decorated tombs, witnessing ancient artistry and funerary customs. Next, we visit the stunning Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a unique terraced temple carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Before heading back, pause to admire the colossal statues of Amenhotep III, known as the Colossi of Memnon. Enjoy a relaxing lunch on an island in the Nile, which includes a scenic boat trip. Afterward, we cross to the East Bank to explore the monumental Karnak Temple Complex, a sprawling sacred city dedicated to the Theban Triad. Reflect on a day filled with history as you return to your Luxor hotel for the evening.

• Valley of the Kings — Explore the tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs.
• Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut — Visit the impressive terraced temple.
• Colossi of Memnon — See the massive statues of Amenhotep III.
• Karnak Temple Complex — Wander through the immense temple city.

After breakfast and check-out from your Luxor hotel, your private Egyptologist guide will accompany you as you begin your captivating journey south by private, air-conditioned vehicle. Our first stop is the incredibly well-preserved Edfu Temple, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. This Ptolemaic-era temple offers an exceptional insight into ancient Egyptian religious practices. Continuing our drive, we reach the unique Kom Ombo Temple, a double temple dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris (Horus the Elder). Discover the distinct halves of this temple and its fascinating reliefs, including ancient surgical instruments and calendar details. After a local lunch, we proceed to Aswan, 'Egypt's southern gateway,' where you'll check into your 5-star hotel for the night, ready for more adventures.

• Edfu Temple — Private guided tour of the well-preserved temple of Horus.
• Kom Ombo Temple — Explore the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris.
• Aswan — Arrival and hotel check-in.

An early start with a breakfast box precedes an incredible journey to Abu Simbel. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, you'll travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle to witness one of Egypt's most breathtaking sites: the colossal Temples of Abu Simbel. Carved into rock during the reign of Ramses II, these twin temples commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh and his beloved wife Nefertari. Admire the immense statues and intricate reliefs that epitomize ancient Egyptian power and devotion. After soaking in the grandeur of Abu Simbel, we return to Aswan for a leisurely lunch. The remainder of your day is at your leisure to relax at your hotel or explore Aswan’s charming atmosphere. Overnight in Aswan.

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

After breakfast and check-out from your Aswan hotel, join your Egyptologist for a final day of sightseeing in Aswan. Our first stop is the modern engineering marvel of the Aswan High Dam, built in the 1960s to control the Nile's floods and generate electricity. Next, we visit the site of the Unfinished Obelisk, a massive ancient quarry providing insight into how these colossal monuments were carved. Finally, we take a short boat ride to Agilkia Island to explore the stunning Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, relocated stone by stone to save it from flooding. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local Aswan restaurant. In the afternoon, you'll be transferred to Aswan Airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to your 5-star hotel for check-in and overnight.

• Aswan High Dam — Learn about this modern engineering feat.
• Unfinished Obelisk — Discover the techniques of ancient stonemasonry.
• Philae Temple — Visit the beautiful Philae Temple on Agilkia Island.
• Aswan Airport — Domestic flight to Cairo.
• Cairo — Arrival and transfer to hotel.

Enjoy a final breakfast at your Cairo hotel. At the appropriate time, a Travel Joy Egypt representative will assist you with your transfer to Cairo International Airport, ensuring a smooth departure and bidding you a fond farewell. We hope your journey through Egypt has filled you with unforgettable memories.

• Cairo International Airport — Transfer for final departure.