12-Day Egypt Discovery & Red Sea Odyssey

After a delightful breakfast, our expert Egyptologist guide will lead you on an unforgettable journey. We begin at the iconic Giza Plateau, home to the last standing wonder of the ancient world. Stand in awe of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, a colossal feat of engineering from 2600 BC, soaring to 147 meters. Nearby, contemplate the enigmatic Sphinx, guarding the plateau with the body of a lion and the face of Pharaoh Khafre. We'll also visit the Valley Temple, where ancient rituals of mummification were performed. Our adventure continues to the cutting-edge Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a treasure trove housing an astounding 5,000 years of Egyptian artistry and culture, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun's artifacts. After enjoying lunch with a panoramic view of the pyramids and Nile, we journey to Saqqara to explore the Step Pyramid of Djoser, an architectural revolution designed by Imhotep around 2670-2650 BC, marking the dawn of pyramid construction.

• Giza Pyramids Complex — Explore the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx, and the Valley Temple.
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Discover an unparalleled collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including Tutankhamun's treasures.
• Saqqara Complex — Visit the world's first stone structure, the Step Pyramid of Djoser.

Following breakfast, we delve deeper into Cairo's rich history. Our morning begins at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, a venerable institution housing a vast array of artifacts that narrate Egypt's ancient past. After a flavorful lunch at a local restaurant, we ascend to the Salah El Din Citadel, a formidable fortress built between 1176 and 1182 AD, offering panoramic city views. Within its walls, we admire the exquisite Ottoman architecture of the Muhammad Ali Mosque. Next, we visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), a contemporary museum showcasing 50,000 artifacts spanning 5,000 years, including the Royal Mummies Hall. Our day concludes with a stroll through the vibrant Al-Muizz Street, the historic heart of Fatimid Cairo, and the legendary Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a bustling marketplace bursting with local crafts and exotic aromas.

• Egyptian Museum (Tahrir) — Explore iconic collections of ancient Egyptian antiquities.
• Salah El Din Citadel — Visit this medieval fortress and the Muhammad Ali Mosque.
• National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) — Discover Egypt's heritage, including the Royal Mummies.
• Al-Muizz Street & Khan El Khalili Bazaar — Wander through historic streets and bustling markets.

After breakfast and checking out from our Cairo hotel, we transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you, and our exploration of Aswan begins. We'll marvel at the Aswan High Dam, a monumental engineering feat of the 1960s that created Lake Nasser. Next, we visit the Unfinished Obelisk, a massive ancient quarry revealing the incredible scale of pharaonic construction, and offering insight into ancient Egyptian stonework techniques. Our final stop for the day is the exquisite Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, gracefully relocated to Agilkia Island to protect it from the rising waters. Afterward, we'll transfer to your luxurious 5-star Nile Cruise ship, your floating hotel for the next few nights, where you'll enjoy lunch, dinner, and a tranquil overnight stay.

• Aswan High Dam — Learn about this modern engineering marvel.
• Unfinished Obelisk — See an enormous abandoned obelisk still attached to its bedrock.
• Philae Temple — Explore the beautiful temple of Isis on Agilkia Island.

An early start ensures we experience one of Egypt's most awe-inspiring sites. With a packed breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive to the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples. Carved directly into a mountainside by Ramses II in the 13th century BC, these colossal structures immortalize his legacy and depict his victory at the Battle of Kadesh. The main temple is dedicated to Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, Amun, and Ramses himself, famously aligned for the bi-annual 'Sun Festival.' The smaller temple honors his beloved wife Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. After soaking in the grandeur of Abu Simbel, we return to our Nile Cruise, where a delicious lunch and dinner await as we continue our serene journey along the Nile.

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

Enjoy breakfast onboard as our Nile cruise continues its gentle journey. Our first stop brings us to the unique Kom Ombo Temple, a fascinating 'double temple' dedicated to two gods simultaneously: Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of the Nile's fertility, and Horus the Elder. Built between 180 BC and 47 BC, its symmetrical design is a highlight. Later, we sail to Edfu, home to the incredibly well-preserved Temple of Horus. Constructed between 237 BC and 57 BC, this Ptolemaic masterpiece vividly depicts the mythological struggle between Horus and Set through its intricate carvings and hieroglyphs. It's one of the most complete ancient Egyptian temples, offering a remarkable glimpse into religious practices. Returning to our cruise, we unwind with lunch, dinner, and another peaceful night on the Nile.

• Kom Ombo Temple — Explore the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder.
• Edfu Temple — Discover the incredibly preserved Temple of Horus, a Ptolemaic masterpiece.

After breakfast and checking out from the cruise, we embark on a comprehensive tour of Luxor, often called the world's largest open-air museum. Our morning begins on the East Bank, exploring the colossal Karnak Temple Complex. Developed over 1700 years, Karnak is a city of temples, chapels, and pylons dedicated primarily to the Theban Triad (Amun, Mut, and Khonsu), featuring the awe-inspiring Hypostyle Hall. After a local lunch, we cross to the West Bank, the 'City of the Dead.' Here, we delve into the Valley of the Kings, the burial ground of pharaohs from the New Kingdom, housing over 60 tombs. We also visit the unique terraced Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning example of New Kingdom architecture, and finally, pause to admire the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. After these incredible discoveries, we transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to Hurghada, checking into our 5-star hotel for dinner and overnight.

• Karnak Temple Complex — Explore the vast and impressive temple city on Luxor's East Bank.
• Valley of the Kings — Discover the ancient burial site of pharaohs and nobles on the West Bank.
• Temple of Hatshepsut — Visit the striking terraced mortuary temple of the female pharaoh.
• Colossi of Memnon — See the massive statues of Amenhotep III.

Today offers a relaxing and exhilarating experience in Hurghada. Following breakfast, we'll head out for an unforgettable snorkeling excursion in the vibrant Red Sea. Our experienced instructor will guide you to pristine spots teeming with colorful fish and breathtaking coral reefs, revealing the underwater wonders of this renowned marine ecosystem. Lunch and dinner will be provided, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the day's aquatic delights. You'll return to your Hurghada hotel feeling refreshed and invigorated after a day of discovery.

• Red Sea Snorkeling Trip — Discover vibrant coral reefs and marine life with a snorkeling excursion.

After breakfast at your Hurghada hotel, prepare for an exciting desert adventure. We'll journey into the heart of the enchanting Eastern Sahara. Along the way, enjoy a scenic lunch. Our destination is a traditional Bedouin village, where you'll experience the warm hospitality of the desert's residents. As the sun sets, we'll savor a delicious barbecue dinner with refreshing drinks under a canopy of a million stars – a truly unforgettable celestial display. This immersive experience into desert culture and landscapes will be a highlight before returning to your hotel for the night.

• Desert Safari (Eastern Sahara) — Embark on an adventurous safari into the desert.
• Bedouin Village Visit — Experience Bedouin hospitality and enjoy a barbecue dinner under the stars.

Today is yours! After enjoying breakfast, you have a full day to relax and explore Hurghada at your own pace. Whether you wish to lounge by the pool, enjoy the beach, indulge in water sports, explore local shops, or simply unwind, the choice is entirely yours. Lunch and dinner will be provided at your hotel, ensuring a convenient and comfortable day. Take this opportunity to rejuvenate before the final leg of your Egyptian adventure.

• Free Day in Hurghada — Enjoy a leisurely day for relaxation or independent exploration.

After a relaxed breakfast and checking out from your Hurghada hotel, we will transfer you back to Cairo, either by a comfortable domestic flight or an air-conditioned road transfer, depending on your preference and schedule. Upon arrival in Cairo, you'll be transferred to your 5-star hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the city, perhaps revisit a favorite spot, discover something new, or simply relax. A farewell dinner will be arranged, allowing you to reflect on your incredible journey through Egypt.

• Transfer Hurghada to Cairo — Travel back to Cairo either by flight or road transfer.
• Free time in Cairo — Enjoy some personal time to relax or explore.

Enjoy a final breakfast at your Cairo hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some last-minute souvenir shopping or a moment to recap your incredible Egyptian journey. Our Travel Joy Egypt representative will then provide a seamless transfer to Cairo International Airport, assisting you with departure formalities for your homeward bound flight. We trust you'll depart with cherished memories of Egypt's enduring charm and unparalleled history.

• Cairo International Airport Departure — Transfer for your international flight home.