7 day Best of Egypt

Cairo city pic

Welcome to the land of pharoahs & the world’s most historic destination, Egypt.

You’ll be met by our airport representative who will help you through airport procedures, and be transferred to your hotel for the evening. Free time for the remainder of the day.

HOTEL: Steigenberger El Tahrir or similar (5 star)

Meals: Dinner

Activities

• Pyramids of Giza& Great Sphinx

• Egyptian Museum

• Khan El Khalili Market

pyramids pic

An early breakfast before starting your guided tour to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the world, the Great Pyramids of Giza. A single pyramid is built with 2,300,000 blocks, each weighing an average of two and a half tones. One cannot help but feel the wonder and awe.

Next, visit the Great Sphinx. Carved over 4,500 years ago, this mythical creature has the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, and stands tall guarding the Giza Plateau in Egypt. A quick visit to the papyrus institute or a perfume shop can be arranged after the visit.

After lunch you’ll start your afternoon visit to the Egyptian Museum.

The present museum was built in 1900 in the new classical style by the French architect Marcel Dourgnon. The museum’s collection now exceeds 120,000 objects ranging from the pre-historic era to the Greco Roman period. The upper floor includes the treasures of Tutankhamen and is not to be missed.

The last visit of the day is Khan El Khalili Market. Nestled within the vibrant streets of the historic Islamic Cairo, this enchanting world of colors, scents, and cultural treasures offers a place to shop for unique pieces and souvenirs through its whimsical laneways.

HOTEL: Steigenberger El Tahrir or similar (5 star)

Meals: Breakfast

Activities

• Full day tour to Alexandria city

Alexandria

Today make your way north to the city of Alexandria, on the Mediterranean Sea. Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest city and boasts a thriving port along its 32 kilometres of coastline. Founded by Alexandria the Great, and once ruled by the Greek and Romans, the city has many incredible sights.

The catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa is a historical archaeological site and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. It is regarded as a huge necropolis and royal cemetery that dates back to the second century AD.

Next, see Pompey's Pillar, a Roman triumphal column that was set up in honour of the Roman emperor Diocletian between 298–302 AD.

Next, visit the Montazah Gardens, a 150-hectare park surrounding the palace of Khedive Abbas.

After lunch, visit the New Library of Alexandria and Qaitbay Fort. This historic fortress situated on the Mediterranean coast was built in the 15th century, it offers panoramic views of the city and houses a naval museum inside. A testament to Egypt's rich history, it is a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts.

From here, you’ll make your way back to Cairo.

HOTEL: Steigenberger El Tahrir or similar (5 star)

Meals: Breakfast

Activities

• Philae Temple

• Felucca sailing

• Nile Cruise

Aswan pic

It’s an early wakeup & check out of the hotel

Tea & coffee will be served & breakfast box to take with you as you head to the airport for your 70 minute flight to Aswan – the jewel of the Nile.

Be met & assisted upon arrival at Aswan airport before starting a guided tour (passing over the High Dam) to Philae Temple. A short motor boat ride takes you to Isis Island. Listen to incredible stories and wander the grounds before transferring to your Nile Cruise for the next few nights.

Lunch will be served onboard the cruise followed by a relaxing afternoon sail on a felucc around Elephantine & Botanical Islands.

HOTEL: Radamis II or similar (5 star)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities

• Abu Simbel (optional cost)

• Kom Ombo Temple

Abu Simbel pic

For those who choose to include this optional tour, it will be an extra early start today before sunrise. Make your way to one of Egypt’s most sought out attractions, Abu Simbel. This famous UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its colossal rock-cut temples. Built by Ramses II, these iconic structures stand as a testament to ancient Egyptian civilization, attracting visitors worldwide with their impressive architecture and rich historical significance. The two colossal temples greeting visitors are dedicated to Pharaoh himself and his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari.

On return to our cruise ship, we will sail to Kom Ombo Temple. The Temple is dedicated to both Sobek the crocodile god, and Haroeris the hawk. Kom Ombo temple stands on a promontory at a bend in the Nile, where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the river bank.

CRUISE SHIP: Radamis II or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities

• Edfu Temple

• Karnak Temple

Karnak pic

The Edfu Temple, located in southern Egypt, is a stunning example of the well-preserved ancient Egyptian architecture. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this temple boasts intricate carvings and towering columns.

Continue north towards Luxor, passing through the engineering marvel of Esna Lock. As the boat enters the lock, the gates will be closed, allowing the water level in the lock to adjust to match the level of the river downstream. Once the water level is equalized, the boat can pass through and continue its journey down the river. Be sure to make your way up on the roof deck to capture the moment.

On arrival into Luxor, you will be transferred to Karnak Temple. Built over more than a thousand years by generations of Pharaohs. the great “Hypostyle Hall” is an incredible forest of giant pillars, covering an area larger than the whole of Notre Dame Cathedral. One of Egypt’s more prized attractions, Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons and obelisks. Simply put, everything here is on a gigantic scale.

CRUISE SHIP: Radamis II or similar

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Attractions:

• Valley of the Kings

• Hatshepsut Temple

• Colossi of Memnon

Hatshepsut pic

Valley of the kings

This morning you will disembark your cruise ship and make your way to one of Egypt’s most prized attractions, Valley of the Kings. Located on the west bank of the Nile River in Egypt, this ancient burial ground served as the final resting place for pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom era. Spanning over 500 years, from the 16th to the 11th century BCE, it contains around 63 tombs, including Tutankhamun's famous tomb. These tombs were carved into the rock and adorned with intricate paintings and hieroglyphics. Discovered in the 18th century, the Valley of the Kings remains a significant archaeological site, giving us valuable insights into the ancient Egyptian burial customs and beliefs.

Next, it is onto Hatshepsut Temple. This magnificent ancient structure is in honour of the powerful female pharaoh, Hatshepsut.

Finish your tour at Colossi of Memnon where the two massive statues stand tall, guarding the ancient city of Thebes in Egypt.

Your tour ends with a transfer to the airport for your ongoing flight.

Ask us about extending your time in Luxor or a stay on the Red Sea, Hurghada.

Meals: Breakfast