Overview

This meticulously crafted Egypt travel itinerary is designed for discerning travelers seeking an authentic, intimate, and luxurious Egyptian adventure far removed from the crowded mainstream tourist experience.
Your journey begins in Cairo, Egypt’s legendary capital, where you’ll explore the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids of Giza, the enigmatic Great Sphinx, and the world-class Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the complete Tutankhamun collection displayed for the very first time. Discover the ancient Christian heritage of Coptic Cairo and the layered history of the Saqqara Necropolis before flying south to Luxor, the world’s greatest open-air museum.
From Luxor, step aboard your elegant private Dahabiya and sail the timeless Nile River through Upper Egypt, visiting some of ancient Egypt’s most spectacular yet intimate archaeological sites — including the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, the mystical Gebel Silsila quarries, and the breathtaking island sanctuary of Philae Temple in Aswan.
A traditional Dahabiya offers an exclusive, slow-travel experience with gourmet onboard meals, personalized service, and direct access to smaller, less-visited sites along the riverbank.

Tour Itinerary

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    Egypt
    Welcome to Egypt, one of the world's most captivating travel destinations, where ancient civilizations, legendary monuments, and timeless mysteries await. Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, your dedicated tour manager will greet you warmly and handle all entry formalities, including your visa assistance, making your arrival completely stress-free.Once through immigration, you'll be transferred in a private, air-conditioned vehicle through the vibrant, bustling streets of Cairo, a city where ancient history meets modern life. Your hotel nestled in the heart of historic Islamic Cairo, one of the most atmospheric and culturally rich neighborhoods in all of Egypt. Overnight: Cairo Hotel
    After enjoying a wholesome traditional Egyptian breakfast at your hotel, your expert Egyptologist guide will escort you to the legendary Giza Plateau, just outside central Cairo.Explore the monumental complex at your own pace, marveling at the sheer scale of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Pose for iconic photographs, and don't miss the enigmatic Great Sphinx , a colossal limestone statue guarding these ancient royal tombs for over 4,500 years. Your guide will also take you inside the atmospheric Valley Temple, one of the best-preserved mortuary temples from the Old Kingdom period.After a delicious lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant, your journey continues to the Saqqara Necropolis, a vast ancient burial ground located just south of Cairo. Here you'll discover the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's oldest freestanding stone structure, built around 2,700 BCE by the legendary architect Imhotep. Walking through Saqqara is like stepping back through millennia of Egyptian history. Midday, enjoy one of two iconic Egyptian dishes. Koshary is Egypt's beloved street-food classic, a hearty, satisfying combination of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and tangy tomato sauce crowned with crispy fried onions. Alternatively, indulge in traditional Fatta, a rich, festive Egyptian dish layered with slow-cooked tender lamb or beef, fragrant saffron rice, toasted flatbread, and a deeply flavored garlic-vinegar tomato broth poured generously over the top. Fatta is comfort food at its finest, deeply rooted in Egyptian culinary tradition and utterly unforgettable. Overnight: Cairo Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    Begin your morning with breakfast before heading to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the most anticipated museum openings in the world. Situated just two kilometers from the Giza Pyramids, this monumental institution houses over 100,000 artifacts spanning more than 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian civilization. The undisputed highlight of the Grand Egyptian Museum is the complete collection of Tutankhamun, displayed together for the very first time in history. Marvel at the famous golden burial mask, intricate royal jewelry, chariots, thrones, and thousands of treasures from the boy pharaoh's tomb. The GEM represents the pinnacle of Egyptological scholarship and is a must-visit attraction for any serious traveler to Egypt. After a satisfying lunch at an authentic Egyptian restaurant, the afternoon takes you to Coptic Cairo, the historic Christian quarter of the city dating back to the earliest centuries of Christianity. Explore the ancient Hanging Church, the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus (where the Holy Family is believed to have sheltered), and the fascinating Coptic Museum, home to Egypt's most significant early Christian artifacts. Coptic Cairo offers a profoundly moving and rarely-explored dimension of Egyptian heritage. Overnight: Cairo Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    Today marks the beginning of a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, an authentic Nile River cruise aboard a traditional wooden Dahabiya sailing boat through the heart of Upper Egypt. After an early morning transfer to Cairo Airport, you'll fly south to Luxor, widely regarded as the world's greatest open-air museum and the ancient capital of the New Kingdom pharaohs. Your morning in Luxor begins at the colossal Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest religious buildings ever constructed. Wander through its legendary hypostyle hall with 134 towering sandstone columns, obelisks, and sacred sanctuaries dedicated to the god Amun-Ra. Next, cross to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, where over 60 elaborately decorated royal tombs were carved into the limestone cliffs of the Theban necropolis. Descend into tombs adorned with vivid hieroglyphs, celestial maps, and breathtaking ancient Egyptian artwork. Continue to Medinet Habu — the magnificent mortuary temple of Ramesses III — before boarding your intimate Dahabiya before noon. As your elegant wooden vessel glides gently southward toward Esna. Watch a glorious Nile sunset paint the sky in shades of gold and crimson as you cross the historic Esna Lock. Dinner is served aboard with the serene river as your backdrop. Overnight: On board Dahabiya Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Wake up to the gentle sounds of the Nile and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast on deck as your Dahabiya sails through the lush landscapes of Upper Egypt. This morning, you'll visit El Kab, one of ancient Egypt's most historically significant yet lesser-known archaeological sites. Explore the dramatic desert terrain, uncover beautifully preserved rock-cut tombs dating to the New Kingdom period, and admire the ruins of ancient mud-brick temples and defensive walls that once protected this important city. Continuing your Nile voyage south toward Edfu, enjoy a leisurely lunch on board surrounded by the timeless scenery of palm-lined riverbanks, golden fields of sugar cane, and traditional felucca sailing boats. Upon arrival in Edfu, take a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride through the town to reach the magnificent Temple of Horus at Edfu, the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temple in existence. Built during the Ptolemaic period, this awe-inspiring monument dedicated to the falcon god Horus stands as a masterclass in ancient Egyptian religious architecture. Two imposing black granite statues of Horus flank the towering entrance pylon, creating one of the most dramatic entrances in all of Egypt. Explore the richly carved hypostyle halls and inner sanctuaries before returning to your Dahabiya. Overnight: On board Dahabiya Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast as your Dahabiya glides peacefully along the Nile toward one of ancient Egypt's most atmospheric and rarely visited archaeological destinations, Gebel Silsila (also spelled Gabal El Silsela). This dramatic sandstone gorge, where the cliffs close in dramatically on both sides of the river, served for centuries as Egypt's most important stone quarry, supplying the raw material for countless temples and monuments across the ancient world. The slow, meditative pace of your traditional Dahabiya perfectly suits this stretch of the Nile, allowing you to observe rural Upper Egyptian life, local fishermen casting their nets, water buffalo wading in the shallows, and children playing on the riverside. Enjoy your onboard lunch in peaceful seclusion as the spectacular scenery drifts by. Upon arrival at Gebel Silsila, step ashore to explore the mystical rock-cut Speos of Horemheb, an extraordinary temple carved directly into the sandstone cliff face during the 18th Dynasty. Climb to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views over the Nile Valley below. The site is remarkably well-preserved and largely uncrowded, offering an intimate encounter with ancient Egypt that few travelers experience. Overnight: On board Dahabiya Crusie Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Today is your invitation to simply exhale. With no scheduled site visits, this full day aboard your elegant Dahabiya is entirely dedicated to the art of slow travel, the experience that makes a Nile cruise in Upper Egypt one of the most profoundly restorative journeys in the world. Wake at your leisure and enjoy a beautifully prepared breakfast as the morning light plays across the rippling surface of the Nile. Stretch out on the sun deck with a book, sip freshly brewed Egyptian coffee, or simply watch the extraordinary river landscape unfold at a pace that feels almost dreamlike. Your experienced crew is on hand to ensure your every comfort. Lunch is served on board, another handcrafted spread of mezze, grilled dishes, and seasonal produce, as your Dahabiya makes steady progress toward Aswan, Egypt's southern gateway city. Afternoons are yours to enjoy however you wish: swimming, journaling, photography, or conversation with fellow travelers. The Nile's West Bank reveals an ever-changing tapestry of date palm groves, ancient temples glimpsed from the water, and traditional Nubian villages. As night falls, enjoy dinner under the stars to the soothing sounds of the river. This unhurried day captures the very essence of what a traditional Dahabiya experience on the Nile is meant to be. Overnight: On board Dahabiya Crusie Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Today, your Dahabiya arrives in Aswan, one of the most enchanting cities in all of Egypt, and the gateway to ancient Nubia. After a leisurely breakfast on deck, your guide will take you to visit the magnificent Philae Temple, one of Egypt's most beautifully situated ancient monuments. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the divine mother of ancient Egyptian mythology, the Temple of Philae sits on a small island in the midst of the Nile, accessible only by traditional motorboat. The site was painstakingly relocated by UNESCO during the 1970s after the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge it permanently beneath the rising waters of Lake Nasser, one of the greatest archaeological rescue operations in history. Wander through soaring pylons adorned with vivid relief carvings, colonnaded halls aligned to capture the first light of sunrise, and intimate inner sanctuaries still carrying the spiritual atmosphere of ancient worship. The setting, surrounded by the glittering waters of the Nile and framed by golden desert hills, is simply breathtaking at every hour of the day. Return to your Dahabiya for a relaxed lunch as you continue your gentle Nile journey. As twilight descends over the river, enjoy another exquisite dinner under a canopy of stars while moored near Herdiab Island. Overnight: On board Dahabiya Crusie Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    After a restful night moored along the gentle Nile, wake to a fresh morning and a beautifully prepared onboard breakfast as your journey continues northward toward Kom Ombo. Spend a leisurely morning on deck watching the scenery drift by, sugarcane fields, Nubian villages painted in vivid colors, and the timeless river landscape that has changed little in thousands of years. In the afternoon, your Dahabiya docks at the ancient town of Kom Ombo, dramatically perched on a bend in the Nile River. Here you'll discover one of Egypt's most architecturally unique ancient temples, the Temple of Kom Ombo, a remarkably unusual double temple dedicated simultaneously to two gods: the crocodile god Sobek (associated with fertility and the power of the Nile) and the falcon god Haroeris (a form of Horus the Elder). Unlike any other ancient Egyptian temple, Kom Ombo is perfectly symmetrical, with twin entrances, twin hypostyle halls, twin sanctuaries, and duplicate carvings mirrored throughout the complex. The temple also houses a fascinating small museum dedicated to the sacred crocodiles once kept in temple pools. Look for the ancient medical instruments carved in relief on the walls, providing a remarkable glimpse into ancient Egyptian medicine and healing practices. Return to your Dahabiya for a wonderful dinner as you moor near Edfu for the night. Overnight: On board Dahabiya Crusie Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Rise early this morning for one of the most magical moments of your entire Egypt journey, watching the sunrise over the River Nile from the deck of your traditional Dahabiya. Today is another blissful day of unhurried sailing as your Dahabiya makes its way northward back toward Luxor, crossing the historic Esna Lock once more. There is no better way to truly experience the heart and soul of Upper Egypt than from the quiet vantage point of a slow-moving river boat. Watch the landscape evolve, fertile green fields giving way to honey-colored desert, traditional villages clustered at the water's edge, and felucca sailboats gliding silently past. Treat yourself to a soak in the onboard Jacuzzi, indulge in afternoon tea, lose yourself in a book as the warm Egyptian sun bathes the deck, or chat with your crew and learn about life along the Nile. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served on board, each meal a celebration of fresh, seasonal Egyptian flavors. Overnight: On board Dahabiya Crusie Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    All great adventures must eventually come to a close, but the memories of your private Nile Dahabiya journey through Upper Egypt will stay with you for a lifetime. Wake for one final morning on the Nile, savoring every last moment aboard your intimate wooden vessel. After breakfast, disembark from your Dahabiya and bid farewell to your exceptional crew, the dedicated team of captains, chefs, and guides who made your journey so truly remarkable. Transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to Luxor International Airport for your connecting flight back to Cairo International Airport. At Cairo, we will assist you with your onward international departure, ensuring a smooth and seamless end to your journey. Meals: Breakfast

Package Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Exclusions

Package Destination Map

Trip Information & Guidelines

While our group tours are a great way to travel, most can also be booked privately for a more exclusive experience. Private tours offer greater flexibility, allowing you to customise the itinerary, accommodation, and pace to suit your preferences. They can run on the same dates as group tours or on alternative dates, though some activities may be limited to specific days.

Pricing depends on group size and any customisation. For a fully personalised experience, our team can design a tailor-made tour based on your interests and requirements.

Most sightseeing on a Nile cruise is included and is a highlight of the trip, with tours conducted by air-conditioned minibuses or coaches from the boat. Itineraries may change based on local conditions, and some sailing can occur at night. Special Gala Dinners are typically held on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and their cost is usually compulsory and included in group tour prices, or added to private and tailor-made tours.

This cruise runs on limited dates and is subject to availability and vessel operation. Please confirm availability with us before booking international flights.
Shorter itineraries are available on request on alternate dates (12-day Cairo–Luxor, 13-day Aswan–Cairo, 10-day Luxor–Cairo)

Our small group tours typically use high-quality 5-star hotels in Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and Hurghada, with pools and dining options. Budget tours may use comfortable 3–4 star hotels, all with air-conditioned en-suite rooms. Some itineraries also feature charming Nubian-style hotels in Aswan.

Private and tailor-made tours offer a wider range, from mid-range 3–4 star hotels to luxury 5-star properties. Nile cruises usually operate on Egyptian 5-star boats (comparable to international 4-star standards), with deluxe, all-suite boats and Dahabiyas available for private tours.

Accommodation is in air-conditioned twin, double, or triple en-suite rooms or cabins.

Gala Dinners: Many hotels and cruise boats host special dinners on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. These may be optional or compulsory (especially on New Year’s Eve), with prices ranging from USD 50–150+. These are not included in tour prices and may be added if required.

Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure—please avoid travelling with a nearly full or expiring passport. Visa requirements are the traveller’s responsibility and may change, so check with your local Egyptian embassy or consulate before.

Although official advice recommends obtaining a visa in advance (via the official e-visa site), many nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Cairo Airport. This is a quick process, costs USD 30, and must be paid in cash (USD, GBP, or EUR). No forms or photos are required, and our representative will assist you on arrival.

Important Notes:

  • Canadian citizens must obtain a visa in advance.
  • African, Indian, and some other nationalities also need to arrange visas before travel.

For the latest requirements, please contact us or your nearest Egyptian embassy.

Bring any standard luggage (suitcase, backpack, or holdall), plus a small day bag. Your main luggage is usually left at the hotel during sightseeing, with porters available to assist. While there’s no tour luggage limit, airlines typically allow 20–25kg for checked bags and 5–10kg for hand luggage—please confirm with your airline.

Clothing: Egypt is generally hot, but evenings—especially in the desert—can be cool, so pack layers. Casual wear is fine; formal clothing is not required. Modest, loose-fitting clothes are recommended, particularly for women. In central Cairo and at mosques, arms and legs should be covered. Long sleeves are also useful for mosquito protection, especially on felucca trips.

Other Essentials: Consider bringing a light sleeping sheet (or a sleeping bag in winter for felucca trips), along with a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, basic first aid kit, toiletries, small towel, money belt, torch, camera, and charger.

TOUR SUMMARY

11 Days
Cairo to Luxor

Schedule: Every Tuesday
From $3900 (p/p)

Country(ies): Egypt
Group Size: Min: 2 | Max: 12
Accommodation: 5-star Hotels & Dahabiya Cruises
Meals: Breakfasts – 10, Lunches – 9, Dinners – 7
Transport: A/C minibus/coach, Flights & Dahabiya Cruise
Highlights: The Pyramids & Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Traditional Lunch, Step Pyramid of Djoser, Coptic Cairo, Karnak Temple Complex, Valley of the Kings, El Kab Village & Philae Temple

Starting From
1.950,00 EGP /per person
  • Mony Back Guarentee.
Bonus Activity Included – Limited Time!