Egypt Off the Beaten Path

📍 Cairo International Airport - Cairo City Center (22 km): 30 mins

Arrive at Cairo International Airport and meet the tour coordinator holding a sign with the designated names, positioned outside the Arrivals Hall (note: guides and drivers are not permitted inside the airport). A private, air-conditioned vehicle transfer to the hotel in Cairo follows. 

For immediate assistance, use the 24-hour Customer Care number +20 109 005 5535.

Overnight in Cairo.

Inclusions:

📍 Cairo Hotel - Giza Plateau (20 km): 30 mins Giza Plateau - GEM (5 km): 15 mins GEM - Cairo Hotel (17 km): 30 mins

Transfer to the iconic Giza Plateau, home to Egypt’s most recognisable monuments and the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. Explore the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure as well as the colossal limestone Great Sphinx, guardian of the plateau and an iconic symbol of ancient Egypt.

A simple, authentic lunch is provided at a restaurant near the Giza area. 

In the afternoon, proceed to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). While entering the Grand Hall, see the monumental statue of Ramses II before exploring the vast collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts. A key highlight is the Tutankhamun Galleries, showcasing the more than 5,000 treasures from the boy king's tomb.

Overnight in Cairo.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Start the day at the Coptic Museum, where a rich collection of Christian artefacts, including textiles, carvings and icons, illustrate Egypt’s early religious history. Continue through Old Cairo to St. Sergius Church, traditionally associated with the Holy Family’s journey, and the Hanging Church, perched above the remains of an ancient Roman fortress. Next, visit the Synagogue of Ben Ezra, which offers insight into the city’s Jewish heritage. 

Stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant offering traditional Egyptian cuisine in a comfortable setting. The afternoon continues at the Citadel of Saladin, a medieval fortress overlooking Cairo, where mosques and museums reveal centuries of architectural and cultural achievements. Nearby, the Mosque of Sultan Hassan impresses with its Mamluk-era grandeur, complemented by the neighbouring Refaie Mosque, the resting place of royals and saints.

End the day at Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, a maze of alleys filled with workshops and stalls offering traditional crafts, perfumes and souvenirs.

Overnight in Cairo.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Cairo Hotel - Fayoum (120 km): 1 hr 40 mins Fayoum - Cairo Hotel (120 km): 1 hr 40 mins

Departure from Cairo for a journey to Hawara, home to the pyramid of King Amenemhat III. Gain insight into the legendary Labyrinth and the site’s renowned Fayoum mummy portraits, which offer a rare glimpse into Greco-Roman Egypt.

Continue to El Lahun to view the pyramid of King Senusret II rising at the desert’s edge. Exploration of the remains of Kahun, one of the best-preserved ancient workers’ towns, reveals fascinating details of daily life from over 4,000 years ago.

The day unfolds into breathtaking natural scenery with a visit to Wadi El Rayan. Witness Egypt’s only waterfalls cascading between tranquil lakes before pausing at Mudawara Mountain for sweeping panoramic views across golden dunes and shimmering waters.

A refined lunch featuring local cuisine is served at a selected lakeside venue. Afterwards, return by private transfer to the hotel in Cairo.

Overnight in Cairo.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Cairo City Center - Cairo Airport (22 km): 30 mins Luxor - Dendera (67 km): 1 hr 30 mins

A morning transfer is arranged to Cairo International Airport for the flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, meet the tour coordinator and transfer to the hotel for check-in. 

In the afternoon, travel north on a scenic drive to Dendera. Enjoy views of vast sugarcane plantations and traditional agricultural villages while travelling through the lush Nile Valley.

Upon arrival, exploration of the Temple of Hathor reveals a complex built during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Unlike many ancient sites, this temple retains its magnificent roof, allowing for the study of the hypostyle hall and its stunning astronomical ceiling scenes. Witness detailed reliefs and vivid carvings that blend classical Egyptian traditions with Greco-Roman artistic influences.

Time is allocated for photography and independent discovery of the temple’s unique hieroglyphic inscriptions before the return journey to the hotel in Luxor.

Overnight in Luxor.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

The journey begins with an exploration of Luxor’s most monumental sites. Visit the Karnak Temple Complex, walking through the awe-inspiring Hypostyle Hall and its forest of giant pillars. Cross to the West Bank to marvel at the royal tombs within the Valley of the Kings, the majestic domain of the Pharaohs. 

Transfer to Esna to board the elegant Dahabiya. Enjoy the first delectable lunch on board while gently sailing south toward the peaceful mooring point of El Hegz for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight on board the Nile Cruise.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

After breakfast, the ship sails to El Kab to explore the ancient ruins and the tombs of the governors of Nekheb, decorated with well-preserved polychrome paintings. Continue sailing to Edfu to visit the colossal Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. 

Return to the vessel for a sunset navigation toward Fawaza Island. Experience a signature fireside barbecue dinner set up on the island, surrounded by palm trees and soft Nile breezes.

Overnight on board the Nile Cruise. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Sail to the peaceful fishing village of Bassaw for a glimpse into traditional Nile life and local farming practices. Continue the journey to the site of Gebel Silsila, where the Nile narrows between steep sandstone cliffs. A walk along the rocky cliffs allows for the discovery of the Speos of Horemheb and the ancient quarries that once supplied stone for Egypt's great monuments. Dinner is served on board under a starry sky near Beshir.

Overnight on board the Nile Cruise. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

The morning is spent sailing to Kom Ombo to visit the unique double temple dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris. Explore the symmetrical halls and the nearby Crocodile Museum before returning to the boat. 

Cruise toward Herdiab Island, where the afternoon is dedicated to relaxation and swimming in the clear waters of the Nile. Enjoy a festive dinner on the shore of the island.

Overnight on board the Nile Cruise.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Enjoy a final morning swim at Herdiab beach before sailing the final stretch toward Aswan. Upon arrival, visit the architectural masterpiece of Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and dramatically relocated by UNESCO. 

The afternoon offers a serene experience on a Nubian Island with traditional tea at sunset. Witness the Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple before a farewell dinner on board the Dahabiya.

Overnight on board the Nile Cruise.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Aswan City Center - Aswan Airport (22 km): 30 mins

Enjoy a final breakfast on board as the cruise comes to an end. Disembark in Aswan before the transfer to Aswan International Airport for onward flights to Cairo, with connections to the final destination.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast