10-Day Egypt Discovery: Pyramids, Nile & Red Sea

After breakfast, meet your expert Egyptologist guide and embark on a timeless journey to the Giza Plateau. Witness the enduring mystery of the Great Pyramids, marvel at the colossal Sphinx standing guard by the Valley Temple of King Khafre, and explore the groundbreaking Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), housing an unparalleled collection of artifacts spanning millennia, including the complete Tutankhamun treasures. Enjoy a delicious lunch with inspiring views before transferring to Cairo Airport for your flight south to Aswan. Upon arrival, you'll be taken to your Aswan hotel for the evening.

• Giza Pyramids Complex — Stand in awe before Khufu's magnificent Great Pyramid, a testament to ancient engineering and dedication built around 2570 BC, rising to 138.5 meters.
• The Great Sphinx — Encounter the enigmatic Sphinx, dating back to King Khafre's reign (2558–2532 BC), a powerful lion's body with a pharaoh's head, gazing across the sands.
• Valley Temple — Explore this well-preserved mortuary temple, intrinsically linked to the mummification rituals of the Old Kingdom pharaohs.
• The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Immerse yourself in the world's largest archaeological museum, home to over 100,000 artifacts, including the spectacular collection of Tutankhamun.

After breakfast and checking out, your Aswan exploration begins. Discover the monumental Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel that reshaped the region. Visit the ancient stone quarries where the massive Unfinished Obelisk lies, offering insight into ancient carving techniques. Conclude your morning at the serene Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, beautifully relocated to Agilkia Island. Afterward, enjoy lunch before boarding your luxurious 5-star Nile cruise ship. Settle in and enjoy dinner onboard.

• Aswan High Dam — Witness the scale of the High Dam, a 20th-century triumph connecting Egypt's past with its modern needs for water and electricity.
• The Unfinished Obelisk — See this colossal, partially carved obelisk, still connected to the bedrock, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian stoneworking.
• Philae Temple — Sail to Agilkia Island to explore the exquisite Philae Temple, a Ptolemaic masterpiece devoted primarily to the goddess Isis, rescued from the rising Nile waters.

Enjoy breakfast onboard as your cruise gently sails. This morning, disembark to visit the unique Kom Ombo Temple, remarkable for its twin design. It's dually dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Marvel at the detailed carvings, including intriguing depictions of ancient medical instruments. Return to your cruise for lunch and dinner, enjoying the serene Nile scenery.

• Kom Ombo Temple — Explore this distinctive 'double' temple, with symmetrical halves for two different deities: Sobek (the crocodile god) and Haroeris (a form of Horus).

After breakfast on the cruise, join your guide for a visit to the magnificent Edfu Temple. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this Ptolmaic-era temple is among Egypt's best-preserved, providing a fantastic insight into ancient worship. After your visit, return to the ship for lunch and continue sailing north towards Luxor. Enjoy dinner onboard as you approach the fabled city of Thebes.

• Edfu Temple — Journey via horse-drawn carriage to the majestic Edfu Temple, an exceptionally preserved example of Ptolemaic architecture, dedicated to the victorious falcon god Horus.

Following breakfast and check-out from your cruise, prepare for an immersive day exploring Luxor's West Bank, an ancient necropolis. Descend into the Valley of the Kings, the burial site of pharaohs from the New Kingdom, including Tutankhamun. Continue to the exquisite Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning example of terraced architecture. Finally, marvel at the colossal statues of the Colossi of Memnon. After a local lunch, cross to the East Bank to explore the immense Karnak Temple Complex, a sprawling sacred city. In the late afternoon, you'll be transferred by private road to the vibrant Red Sea resort town of Hurghada for dinner and overnight stay.

• Valley of the Kings — Delve into the famous necropolis where pharaohs like Tutankhamun were laid to rest in richly decorated tombs, offering a window into ancient Egyptian funerary beliefs.
• Hatshepsut's Temple — Admire the unique terraced Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a groundbreaking female pharaoh, built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
• Colossi of Memnon — Pause at the towering twin statues of Amenhotep III, silent sentinels guarding the entrance to what was once his magnificent mortuary temple.
• Karnak Temple Complex — Wander through the colossal Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex ever built, dedicated primarily to Amun-Ra, with its awe-inspiring Hypostyle Hall.

Awake to the Red Sea breeze. Today is dedicated to relaxation and aquatic adventure. After breakfast, you'll embark on a snorkeling excursion, delving into the vibrant underwater world of colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life that makes the Red Sea famous. Enjoy lunch onboard your snorkeling boat or at a local eatery. Return to your hotel in the afternoon to relax.

Enjoy a leisurely day in Hurghada. After breakfast, the day is yours to spend as you wish. Relax by the pool, soak up the sun on the beach, or explore the local area at your own pace. Hurghada offers excellent opportunities for additional water sports, local markets, or simply unwinding by the sea. All meals will be at your hotel.

After breakfast and hotel check-out, transfer to Hurghada Airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you'll dive into the rich tapestry of Old Cairo. Begin at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), renowned for its Royal Mummies Hall. Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to the Salah El Din Citadel, a medieval Islamic fortress offering panoramic city views, and explore the exquisite Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali within its walls. Conclude your day with a stroll through the historic Al-Muizz Street, a living open-air museum, and experience the lively atmosphere of the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, perfect for souvenir hunting. Transfer to your Cairo hotel for the last night of your journey.

• National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) — Explore this modern museum, a cornerstone for understanding Egypt's rich heritage, featuring the impressive Royal Mummies Hall.
• Salah El Din Citadel — Ascend to the historic Salah El Din Citadel, a formidable medieval fort offering commanding views of Cairo and housing several important mosques and museums.
• Mohamed Ali Mosque — Within the Citadel, visit the magnificent Ottoman-style Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali, with its distinctive minarets and grand interior.
• Al-Muizz Street — Stroll down this UNESCO World Heritage site, an outdoor museum of medieval Islamic architecture, complete with stunning mosques, schools, and traditional houses.
• Khan El Khalili Bazaar — Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Cairo's historic souk, a labyrinth of shops offering everything from spices and jewelry to handicrafts and souvenirs.

Enjoy your final Egyptian breakfast at the hotel. Our representative will assist you with your transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure, ensuring a smooth transition for your onward journey, filled with incredible memories from your Egypt discovery.