13-Day Grand Egypt Tour: Pyramids, Nile & Red Sea

Following breakfast, your private Egyptologist guide will lead you to the iconic Giza Plateau. Here, you'll stand in awe of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the last standing wonder of the ancient world, alongside its companions, the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Marvel at the enigmatic Sphinx, guarding these monumental tombs for millennia. You'll also visit the Valley Temple, once used for royal mummification rituals. The journey continues to Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, considered the world's first major stone structure. Later, immerse yourself in the unparalleled collection at The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a beacon of archaeological preservation and display. Lunch will be enjoyed at a restaurant offering magnificent views of the pyramids. Return to your hotel in Cairo for the evening.

• Giza Plateau — Explore the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley Temple.
• The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Discover Egypt's most precious artifacts, including Tutankhamun's treasures.
• Saqqara Complex — Visit the groundbreaking Step Pyramid of Djoser.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a journey through Cairo's opulent past. Your guide will take you to explore three magnificent palaces. Begin with the Mohammed Ali Palace, a stunning 19th-century residence showcasing a fusion of Islamic and European architectural styles, filled with priceless collections. Next, discover Abdeen Palace, the former royal residence, now a complex of spectacular museums. Conclude your palace tour at the distinctive Baron Empain Palace in Heliopolis, famous for its unique Hindu-inspired architecture. Lunch will be provided during your exploration. The evening is yours to relax at the hotel.

• Mohammed Ali Palace — Explore a beautifully preserved 19th-century royal abode.
• Abdeen Palace Museum — Visit the former official royal residence with its diverse museums.
• Baron Empain Palace — Admire the unique architectural masterpiece in Heliopolis.

Following breakfast and hotel checkout, you'll transfer to Cairo Airport for a domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, your Aswan guide will meet you to begin your historical exploration of this captivating city. Your tour includes the monumental Aswan High Dam, a marvel of 20th-century engineering. Discover the ancient quarry containing the Unfinished Obelisk, offering insights into ancient Egyptian stone-cutting techniques. Finally, take a serene boat ride to Agilkia Island to visit the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Afterward, board your luxurious 5-star Nile cruise ship, your floating hotel for the next few days. Enjoy lunch and dinner onboard.

• Aswan High Dam — Learn about this modern engineering feat.
• Unfinished Obelisk — Witness an ancient quarry and a massive, incomplete obelisk.
• Philae Temple — Explore the beautiful temple of the goddess Isis on Agilkia Island.

An early start with a breakfast box precedes an unforgettable excursion to the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples. These colossal rock-cut temples, carved into the mountainside by Ramses II, are a breathtaking sight and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at their grandeur and the remarkable feat of their relocation. Return to your cruise ship for a leisurely lunch as you begin sailing down the Nile. Enjoy the scenic journey, passing through tranquil landscapes, towards Kom Ombo. Dinner and overnight stay are onboard.

• Abu Simbel Temples — Discover the awe-inspiring twin temples of Ramses II and Nefertari.

After a delightful breakfast onboard, your cruise will dock at Kom Ombo. Here, you'll explore the distinctive Kom Ombo Temple, unique for its symmetrical twin design, dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Back on the ship, enjoy lunch as you continue your journey north to Edfu. Upon arrival, visit the Temple of Edfu, one of Egypt's best-preserved ancient sanctuaries, dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Its detailed carvings and grand scale offer a deep dive into Ptolemaic-era religious practices. Return to the cruise ship for dinner and your final night onboard.

• Kom Ombo Temple — Explore the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus.
• Edfu Temple — Visit the remarkably preserved temple of the falcon god Horus.

Enjoy breakfast onboard before disembarking in Luxor, the 'World's Greatest Open-Air Museum.' Your exploration begins on the East Bank, visiting the monumental Karnak Temple Complex, a sprawling sacred city built over centuries. Then, cross to the West Bank, the domain of the afterlife. Here, you'll delve into the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were laid to rest in richly decorated tombs. Explore the elegant Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, and pause at the imposing Colossi of Memnon. After a delicious lunch in Luxor, your fascinating Luxor journey concludes. You'll then be transferred by private, air-conditioned car to the stunning Red Sea resort of Marsa Alam. Check into your hotel, enjoy dinner, and settle in for the night.

• Karnak Temple Complex — Wander through the immense and awe-inspiring sanctuary of Karnak.
• Valley of the Kings — Descend into the royal tombs of ancient pharaohs.
• Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut — Admire the unique terraced temple of Egypt's female pharaoh.
• Colossi of Memnon — See the massive statues guarding Amenhotep III's forgotten temple.

Today is dedicated to the underwater wonders of the Red Sea. After breakfast, you'll meet your diving instructor, who will provide all necessary equipment and a safety briefing. Spend the day exploring Marsa Alam's renowned dive sites, home to an incredibly vibrant marine ecosystem, teeming with colorful fish and breathtaking coral reefs. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner, this experience promises unforgettable encounters with aquatic life. Lunch will be served at a local spot. Return to your hotel in the afternoon to enjoy a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.

• Red Sea Diving/Snorkeling — Discover the vibrant underwater world of Marsa Alam.

Following breakfast, prepare for an exhilarating 'Super Safari' into the vast Sahara Desert. Your adventure begins with an exciting quad bike ride across the golden dunes, leading you to an authentic Bedouin village. Here, you'll experience Bedouin hospitality, learn about their traditions, and enjoy a traditional lunch. As evening descends, savor a delicious barbecue dinner under a canopy of stars, a truly magical desert experience. Later, you'll be transferred back to your Marsa Alam hotel.

• Sahara Desert — Embark on a thrilling quad bike safari.
• Bedouin Village — Immerse yourself in Bedouin culture and enjoy a desert barbecue.

After breakfast at your Marsa Alam hotel and check-out, you'll be transferred to the local airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, your Cairo guide will meet you to commence a fascinating tour of Old Cairo. Explore the historic Hanging Church, a Coptic Christian landmark built atop a Roman fortress. Visit the tranquil Ben Ezra Synagogue, a site of profound historical significance. Discover the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque, the first mosque ever built in Egypt and Africa, an architectural testament to early Islamic history. A delicious lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Conclude your day with a stroll through the bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, where you can haggle for souvenirs and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Return to your Cairo hotel for the evening.

• Hanging Church — Explore this ancient Coptic Christian church.
• Ben Ezra Synagogue — Visit a historic synagogue in Old Cairo.
• Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque — Discover Africa's first mosque.
• Khan el-Khalili Bazaar — Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Cairo's oldest market.

Today, venture southwest of Cairo to the tranquil Fayoum Oasis, Egypt's largest oasis and a region of surprising natural beauty. Your exploration begins at Wadi El Hitan, or 'Whale Valley,' a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its extraordinary fossil remains of ancient whales, offering a glimpse into Earth's prehistoric past. Discover the serene Lake Qarun, an ancient, expansive saltwater lake, and witness the charming Fayoum Waterfalls. Lunch will be provided during your excursion. Return to your Cairo hotel in the late afternoon.

• Wadi El Hitan (Whale Valley) — Explore a UNESCO site rich with ancient whale fossils.
• Lake Qarun — Enjoy the tranquility of Egypt's oldest natural lake.
• Fayoum Waterfalls — Visit the unique waterfalls of the Fayoum Oasis.

Enjoy a well-deserved free day in Cairo. This flexible day allows you to revisit a favorite site, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, or simply relax at your hotel. Your guide is available to offer suggestions, or you can opt for an additional excursion (not included). Spend your final evening in Cairo with dinner at your leisure.

• Cairo — Free day for leisure, optional activities, or last-minute souvenir shopping.

After enjoying your final breakfast in Egypt, our representative will transfer you to Cairo International Airport, assisting with all departure formalities. We bid you farewell, hoping you leave with cherished memories of your extraordinary journey through Egypt.

• Cairo International Airport — Assistance with departure formalities.