Grand 15-Day Egypt Tour: Pharaohs to Red Sea

After a sumptuous 5-star breakfast, join your expert Egyptologist guide for a full day exploring ancient marvels. Begin at the iconic Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramids, including Khufu's magnificent structure – the sole remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. Marvel at the enigmatic Great Sphinx, guardian of these timeless monuments. Next, visit the groundbreaking Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a state-of-the-art facility showcasing over 5,000 years of Egyptian heritage, including the complete Tutankhamun collection. Following a delicious lunch, journey to Saqqara to witness the Step Pyramid of Djoser, ancient Egypt's first stone building, designed by the brilliant Imhotep. Return to your Cairo hotel in the evening.

• Giza Pyramids Complex — Explore the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and the Great Sphinx.
• The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Discover priceless artifacts and the treasures of Tutankhamun.
• Saqqara Step Pyramid — Visit the world's oldest stone building.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Cairo Airport for a short domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, your private guide will lead you to uncover Aswan's fascinating sites. Start with the colossal Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel, then visit the site of the Unfinished Obelisk, offering insights into ancient quarrying techniques. Conclude your day's exploration at the stunning Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, beautifully relocated to Agilkia Island. Check into your Aswan hotel for the night.

• Aswan High Dam — Learn about this monumental 20th-century construction.
• The Unfinished Obelisk — See how ancient Egyptians carved colossal monuments.
• Philae Temple — Explore the picturesque temple of Isis on Agilkia Island.

An early start today with your breakfast boxes prepared, as you embark on a memorable journey by private, air-conditioned vehicle to the legendary Abu Simbel Temples. Accompanied by your expert guide, marvel at the two massive rock-cut temples built by Ramses II, dedicated to himself and his beloved Queen Nefertari. These UNESCO World Heritage sites are renowned for their grandeur and the remarkable feat of their relocation. After exploring these magnificent monuments, return to Aswan, enjoy lunch with a Nile view, and settle back into your hotel for the evening.

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

After breakfast in Aswan, board a comfortable first-class train to Luxor, often called the 'World's Largest Open-Air Museum.' Your expert guide will meet you upon arrival to explore the magnificent East Bank of the Nile. First, delve into the sprawling Karnak Temple Complex, a vast testament to centuries of pharaonic worship. Following a delightful lunch and hotel check-in, as dusk approaches, experience the enchanting Luxor Temple, dramatically illuminated, showcasing its grandeur under the stars.

• Karnak Temple Complex — Discover ancient sanctuaries, pylons, and the Hypostyle Hall.
• Luxor Temple — Explore this elegant temple, especially captivating at sunset.

Today's adventure takes you to Luxor's fabled West Bank, a realm of royal burials and mortuary temples. Begin at the world-renowned Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs like Tutankhamun and Ramses II found their eternal rest. Then, visit the graceful Temple of Hatshepsut, a unique terraced structure dedicated to Egypt's powerful female pharaoh. After a scenic lunch on an island, including a brief Nile boat ride, behold the colossal Memnon statues, guarding the entrance to a bygone mortuary complex. Return to your Luxor hotel for the night.

• Valley of the Kings — Descend into the elaborate tombs of the New Kingdom pharaohs.
• Temple of Hatshepsut — Admire the unique architecture of this distinctive mortuary temple.
• Colossi of Memnon — See the massive statues of Amenhotep III.

Continue your exploration of Luxor's West Bank after breakfast. Journey to the beautiful Valley of the Queens, the burial site for royal consorts and children, including the magnificent tomb of Queen Nefertari (if open and accessible). Next, visit the impressive Medinet Habu Temple, the mortuary temple of Ramses III, known for its well-preserved reliefs depicting battle scenes. After lunch, gain intimate insights into ancient Egyptian life at Deir el-Medina, the village of the artisans who built the royal tombs. Your day concludes with a return to your Luxor hotel.

• Valley of the Queens — Explore the tombs of royal women and children (Nefertari's tomb subject to availability/extra ticket).
• Medinet Habu Temple — Discover the grand mortuary temple of Ramses III.
• Deir el-Medina (Workmen's Village) — See the daily life of ancient tomb builders.

Following breakfast, embark on a captivating journey north by private, air-conditioned vehicle to two truly exceptional temples. First, visit the magnificent Dendera Temple Complex, dedicated to the goddess Hathor, renowned for its astronomical ceilings and unique architecture. Continue to the ancient site of Abydos, home to the superb Temple of Seti I, famous for its 'King List' and exquisite reliefs. After soaking in these profound sites, enjoy lunch before beginning your transfer to the Red Sea resort town of Hurghada for a well-deserved coastal retreat.

• Dendera Temple Complex — Explore the best-preserved temple in Egypt, dedicated to Hathor.
• Abydos Temple of Seti I — Witness the exceptional reliefs and the 'King List' at this ancient site.
• Transfer to Hurghada — Scenic drive to the Red Sea coast.

Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Hurghada. Relax on the beautiful sandy beaches, take a refreshing dip in the Red Sea's crystal-clear waters, or simply unwind by the pool. Hurghada offers excellent opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the serene coastal atmosphere.

• Hurghada — Free day to relax on the beach or by the pool.

Another day to indulge in Hurghada's charms. Consider an optional activity such as snorkeling or diving to discover the vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life that the Red Sea is famous for. Alternatively, explore the local souks, enjoy water sports, or simply soak up the sun. The choice is yours to make the most of this coastal paradise.

• Hurghada — Optional water activities (snorkeling, diving) or leisure.

After a final breakfast by the Red Sea, depart Hurghada for a domestic flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, immerse yourself in Cairo's rich cultural tapestry starting with the iconic Egyptian Museum located in Tahrir Square, home to an unparalleled collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Afterward, ascend to the historic Saladin Citadel, offering panoramic views of the city and housing the stunning Mohamed Ali Mosque. Explore the vibrant Al-Muizz Street and the bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar for a taste of traditional Egyptian life. Enjoy dinner in the evening.

• Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square) — Discover ancient artifacts and royal treasures.
• Saladin Citadel & Mohamed Ali Mosque — Explore medieval fortifications and an Ottoman-style mosque.
• Al-Muizz Street & Khan el-Khalili Bazaar — Wander through historic Islamic Cairo and a vibrant marketplace.

Today, embark on a full-day excursion to Alexandria, the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean.' Discover the magnificent Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern architectural marvel commemorating the ancient library. Explore the intriguing Roman Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqqafa, a unique blend of Egyptian and Greco-Roman art. Visit Pompey's Pillar, a grand Roman column, and finally, enjoy the refreshing sea breeze at the Citadel of Qaitbay, built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Return to Cairo in the evening.

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina — See the modern great library of Alexandria.
• Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqqafa — Descend into these fascinating Roman burial chambers.
• Pompey's Pillar — Marvel at this significant Roman monument.
• Citadel of Qaitbay — Visit the 15th-century fortress on the Mediterranean coast.

Enjoy a well-deserved day at leisure in Cairo. This is a perfect opportunity to revisit a favorite site, explore areas not yet covered, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, or simply relax at your hotel. Your guide can offer suggestions for additional activities or experiences based on your interests.

• Cairo — Free day for leisure, exploration, or personal interests.

Another day to personalize your Cairo experience. Opt for an exciting optional excursion, such as exploring the vibrant local markets in depth, enjoying a traditional cooking class, or visiting specialized museums. Alternatively, use the time for any last-minute souvenir hunting or to simply savor the atmosphere of this bustling metropolis. A farewell dinner might be arranged to celebrate your incredible journey.

• Cairo — Optional activities, shopping, or relaxation.

After enjoying your final breakfast in Egypt, your Travel Joy Egypt representative will assist you with hotel check-out and ensure a smooth transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your exceptional Egyptian adventure.

• Cairo International Airport — Transfer for final departure.