12 Days Cairo Nile Cruise Istanbul Gobeklitepe Trip Package

After a hearty breakfast, join your private Egyptologist guide for an immersive journey into Egypt's ancient past. Your day begins at the iconic Giza Pyramids Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Sphinx guarding its eternal mysteries, and the enigmatic Valley Temple. Next, we'll visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), an architectural masterpiece showcasing an unparalleled collection of artifacts, including the exquisite treasures of Tutankhamun. Following a delightful lunch, we proceed to Saqqara to witness the groundbreaking Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's first large-scale stone building. In the late afternoon, we'll transfer you to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan, where another Travel Joy Egypt representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel for the night.

• Giza Pyramids Complex — Explore the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx, and the Valley Temple.
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Discover Egypt's vast historical collection, the Hanging Obelisk, and Tutankhamun's treasures.
• Saqqara Step Pyramid — Visit the world's earliest major stone construction, designed by Imhotep.
• Flight to Aswan — Evening flight from Cairo to Aswan.

Today, after breakfast and hotel checkout, your expert guide will lead you through Aswan's fascinating sights. Begin at the impressive Aswan High Dam, a modern marvel of engineering that reshaped Egypt's landscape. Next, visit the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarries, offering a unique glimpse into ancient stone-cutting techniques. Conclude your Aswan exploration at the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, dramatically relocated to Agilkia Island. Afterward, you'll transfer to your luxurious 5-star Nile cruise ship. Settle into your cabin, enjoy lunch, and later, savor dinner as your ship prepares to set sail.

• Aswan High Dam — Learn about this monumental engineering feat.
• Unfinished Obelisk — Witness ancient Egyptian quarrying methods.
• Philae Temple — Explore the beautiful temple of Isis on Agilkia Island.
• Nile Cruise Check-in — Board your 5-star Nile cruise ship.

Wake up to stunning Nile views and enjoy breakfast onboard. Today, your cruise docks near Kom Ombo, where you'll disembark with your guide to explore its unique temple. The Temple of Kom Ombo is distinctive for its 'double' design, symmetrically dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris (Horus the Elder). Discover its well-preserved carvings, including ancient medical instruments and a nilometer. Return to your cruise for lunch and an afternoon of leisurely sailing, soaking in the serene river scenery. Dinner will be served onboard, followed by a peaceful overnight stay.

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

After breakfast on the cruise, your guide will take you to the magnificent Temple of Edfu. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, this is one of Egypt's most impeccably preserved ancient sanctuaries. Its towering pylons and intricately carved reliefs tell the mythical tales of Horus's triumph over Seth, offering a profound insight into ancient Egyptian cosmology and rituals. After your visit, return to the ship for lunch and continue sailing towards Luxor, the 'World's Largest Open-Air Museum'. Enjoy dinner onboard as you arrive in Luxor for the night.

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

After breakfast, check out from your Nile cruise ship. Today is dedicated to exploring the legendary West Bank of Luxor. Your guide will lead you into the Valley of the Kings, the burial ground of pharaohs from the New Kingdom, where you'll marvel at the vividly decorated tombs. Next, visit the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning architectural masterpiece carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Conclude your West Bank tour with a stop at the colossal statues of Memnon. After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, cross to the East Bank to explore the immense Karnak Temple Complex, a sprawling sacred city built over two millennia. This evening, you'll fly from Luxor to Istanbul, where our Turkish representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

• Valley of the Kings — Explore royal tombs on Luxor's West Bank.
• Temple of Hatshepsut — Visit the unique mortuary temple of the female pharaoh.
• Colossi of Memnon — Admire the towering statues of Amenhotep III.
• Karnak Temple Complex — Wander through the vast complex dedicated to Amun-Re.
• Flight to Istanbul — Evening flight from Luxor, Egypt, to Istanbul, Turkey.