20-Day Grand Egypt Adventure & Red Sea Retreat

After a delightful breakfast at your hotel, embark on a profound journey to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giza Pyramids Complex. Marvel at the engineering brilliance of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, a monument that held the record for the tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years. Stand before the enigmatic Sphinx, guardian of these ancient tombs, its leonine body and pharaonic head exuding a timeless power. Explore the Valley Temple, integral to the mummification rituals. We'll then enjoy lunch at a local eatery before heading to Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, considered the world's first large-scale stone building. Designed by the legendary architect Imhotep around 2670-2650 BC, this revolutionary structure ushered in a new era of monumental architecture. Conclude your day with an enriching visit to the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), housing an unparalleled collection of artifacts, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun. Return to your Cairo hotel for the evening.

• Giza Pyramids Complex — Explore the iconic Great Pyramid of Khufu, Chephren, and Menkaure, enduring symbols of ancient Egyptian ingenuity.
• The Sphinx — Contemplate the mysteries of this colossal sculpture, combining the head of a pharaoh with the body of a lion.
• Valley Temple — Understand the ancient rituals of mummification within this historically significant structure.
• Step Pyramid of Djoser (Saqqara) — Witness the groundbreaking design of the world's first pyramid, a stepped mastaba complex.
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Immerse yourself in Egypt's vast archaeological heritage, including Tutankhamun's complete funerary collection.

Following breakfast, delve into the rich tapestry of Islamic Cairo. Our day begins with a visit to the Sultan Hassan Mosque, a colossal Mamluk-era masterpiece known for its grandeur and intricate details, often described as an architectural encyclopedia of the Mamluk period. Adjacent to it, we'll explore the Al-Rifai Mosque, a more modern but equally impressive structure serving as the royal mausoleum for Egypt's royal family. After a delightful lunch showcasing local flavors, we ascend to the historic Salah El Din Citadel. This mighty fortress, constructed to defend Cairo from invaders, offers panoramic views of the city. Within its walls, we encounter the stunning Mosque of Muhammad Ali, an Ottoman-style alabaster masterpiece that dominates the Cairo skyline. Its towering minarets and expansive dome are truly a sight to behold. Return to your hotel in Cairo for the evening.

• Sultan Hassan Mosque — Admire the sheer scale and exquisite craftsmanship of this 14th-century Mamluk mosque and madrasa.
• Al Rifai Mosque — Discover this early 20th-century mosque, home to the tombs of Egyptian royalty.
• Salah El Din Citadel — Explore the medieval Islamic fortification offering stunning views of Cairo and housing several significant structures.
• Mosque of Muhammad Ali — Behold the iconic Ottoman-style mosque, a prominent feature of Cairo's skyline, with its impressive dome and minarets.

After breakfast and checking out from your Cairo hotel, you'll transfer to Cairo Airport for a domestic flight to Aswan, the serene gateway to Upper Egypt. Upon arrival, your exploration begins with the monumental Aswan High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering that reshaped Egypt's landscape and economy. Next, we journey to the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This Ptolemaic gem, saved from inundation by a UNESCO relocation project, stands gracefully on Agilkia Island, offering breathtaking views and intricate carvings. Following a delicious lunch, we'll visit the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarries, providing fascinating insights into ancient Egyptian quarrying and carving techniques. In the afternoon, you'll board your luxurious Nile cruise ship, your floating sanctuary for the next few days. Settle into your cabin, enjoy a delectable dinner onboard, and anticipate the magic of sailing the legendary Nile River. Overnight onboard in Aswan.

• Aswan High Dam — Discover the incredible modern engineering feat that tamed the Nile and provided electricity to Egypt.
• Philae Temple — Visit the beautiful Temple of Isis, relocated to Agilikia Island to preserve it from flooding, an architectural masterpiece.
• Unfinished Obelisk — Witness an immense ancient obelisk still partially embedded in its quarry, offering clues to ancient stone-cutting techniques.

An early morning start takes us on an unforgettable excursion to the magnificent Abu Simbel temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an unparalleled testament to ancient Egyptian architectural genius. Carved into the mountainside by Ramses II, these colossal temples were miraculously relocated in the 1960s to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Marvel at the Great Temple, dedicated to Ramses II himself, with its four colossal statues guarding the entrance, and the smaller, yet equally splendid, Temple of Hathor and Nefertari. These temples commemorate the pharaoh's victory at the Battle of Kadesh and display intricate reliefs depicting divine scenes and royal power. We return to your Nile cruise ship in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing onboard as your ship slowly navigates the timeless waters of the Nile. Enjoy dinner and another peaceful night onboard.

• Abu Simbel Temples — Experience the grandeur of Ramses II's colossal rock-cut temples, an awe-inspiring symbol of ancient power and engineering.

Awake to breakfast onboard as your cruise continues its journey northward. This morning, we disembark to explore the unique Kom Ombo Temple. Distinctively designed as a 'double temple,' it is symmetrically dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of fertility, and Horus the Elder. Observe twin sanctuaries, halls, and reliefs, reflecting the duality of its worship. After our visit, we return to the ship for lunch as it sails towards Edfu. In Edfu, we take a short horse-drawn carriage ride to the magnificent Temple of Horus. This Ptolemaic temple is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Egypt, offering an exceptional glimpse into temple architecture, rituals, and mythology with its intact walls and roof. Its towering pylons and intricately carved inner chambers are truly captivating. After exploring this grand sanctuary, we return to the cruise ship. Enjoy dinner and another evening on the tranquil Nile.

• Kom Ombo Temple — Explore this distinctive double temple, dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder.
• Edfu Temple (Temple of Horus) — Discover one of Egypt's most complete and well-preserved ancient temples, dedicated to the falcon god Horus.