This 12-day Egypt itinerary combines Cairo’s heritage, a luxury Nile cruise, and the coastal charm of Sharm El Sheikh. American guests will enjoy excellent accommodations, smooth transport, fine dining, and expert Egyptologist guides. From pyramids and temples to Red Sea shores, this journey blends culture and relaxation. Book this memorable holiday today.
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Tour Highlights |
Giza Attractions
Cairo Attractions
Luxor Attractions
Aswan Attractions
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Discover Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, and the Nile in one tour.
Enjoy excellent services including accommodations, cruises, and transport.
Uncover Egypt’s history and culture on a Nile Cruise.
Relax in Sharm El Sheikh’s peaceful resort town.
Experience the ultimate travel adventure.
Upon your arrival in Cairo, your guide representative will welcome you, assist with passport visas, luggage identification, and transportation, and then escort you to your 5-star hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle for relaxation.
In the evening, experience a captivating dinner cruise along the magnificent Nile River, where you can indulge in exquisite Egyptian cuisine accompanied by traditional music and dance performances, all while marveling at the breathtaking landmarks of this enchanting city as they illuminate the night and share their most remarkable stories.
After this enchanting evening concludes, you will return to your hotel to unwind.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Cairo Hotel
After enjoying your breakfast, you will begin an extraordinary journey to the majestic Giza Pyramids Complex, a wondrous site that symbolizes the Pharaohs of the 4th dynasty reaching for the stars and securing their legacy throughout history.
The renowned Great Pyramid of Giza is a timeless testament to ingenuity and magnificence, completed around 2570 BC as the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu (2609 BC - 2584 BC). This pyramid stands as an extraordinary marvel, measuring 146 meters (481 feet) in height, originally clad in smooth limestone casing stones that have been removed over time. It is built from approximately 2.3 million stone blocks weighing a total of 6 million tons and is celebrated for its precise alignment with the four cardinal directions, as well as its sophisticated internal passages, including the King’s Chamber, the Grand Gallery, the Queen’s Chamber, and several other concealed rooms.
The Celestial Sphinx is a legendary being crafted by angelic entities to guard the celestial Giza Complex. It is renowned for its lion's body and the head of Pharaoh Khafre. As the largest monolithic statue in the world, it measures approximately 19 meters (62 ft) in width, 73 meters (240 ft) in length, and 20 meters (66 ft) in height. Carved from a single limestone block, it is famous for its mysterious expression that has captivated visitors from around the globe throughout history.
The Valley Temple is an impressive structure built to grant the elixir of immortality to the esteemed members of the 4th dynasty. It stands as one of the most well-preserved examples of ancient Egyptian temple architecture. This sacred mortuary temple served as the site for the Opening of the Mouth ceremony, which is associated with the mummification process. Constructed from large limestone blocks, the temple showcases elaborate architectural elements, including massive granite pillars and numerous statues.
You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before departing with your tour guide to:
The Grand Egyptian Museum is a prestigious institution inaugurated in 2022, dedicated to showcasing the epic history, significant art, and rich culture developed over approximately 7,000 years. This remarkable museum houses around 100,000 artifacts presented in an outstanding manner, making it the largest archaeological museum focused on a single civilization.
In the evening, you will board a flight to Sharm El-Sheikh, where you will stay overnight at a 5-star hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Flight: From Cairo to Sharm
Overnight: Sharm El Sheikh Hotel
Enjoy your breakfast before spending a leisurely day in the stunning coastal resort of Sharm El-Sheikh. Take advantage of the pristine beaches and the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea by engaging in water activities like snorkeling or diving, or simply relax by the pool. Delicious meals and refreshing soft drinks will be provided to keep you energized and hydrated.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Soft Drinks
Overnight: Sharm El Sheikh Hotel
You will continue to savor your enchanting leisure time in the stunning Sharm El-Sheikh. During this remarkable journey, you will have the opportunity to explore the lively, golden local markets, visit the Old Market to immerse yourself in the genuine atmosphere of this iconic city resort, or embark on a boat trip across the Red Sea island for numerous water activities. Delicious meals, including soft drinks, will be provided throughout the day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Soft Drinks
Overnight: Sharm El Sheikh Hotel
Your last day in Sharm El Sheikh will be dedicated to relaxation and discovery, highlighting the stunning wonders of the Red Sea. Each moment promises to be enchanting, surrounded by natural and tropical beauty. You can participate in a range of water sports, indulge in a refreshing spa treatment, or venture into the remarkable Egyptian Sahara. All your meals and soft drinks will be included for your pleasure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Soft Drinks
Overnight: Sharm El Sheikh Hotel
You will take a flight from Sharm El-Sheikh to the historic city of Thebes, known as the golden capital, where your tour guide will accompany you to:
The Karnak Temple Complex is a magnificent masterpiece of ancient Egyptian art, dedicated to the worship of the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu from the 18th dynasty. It is the largest open-air museum in the world and one of the biggest religious complexes ever built, with construction spanning from 1970 BC to 30 BC. The complex includes an extensive collection of temples, chapels, pylons, a grand hypostyle hall, and other structures spread over 100 hectares (274 acres), all dedicated to various deities. Its more than 2,000 years of development are adorned with detailed reliefs and well-preserved hieroglyphs that provide valuable insight into ancient Egyptian religious beliefs, artistic excellence, mythical heritage, and architectural skill.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding with your tour guide to:
The Luxor Temple is a legendary royal monument that exemplifies the power and devotion of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (1550 - 1070 BC) and highlights the importance of religious practices in ancient Egyptian culture. The temple was fully completed around 1400 BC and was expanded by several prominent rulers, including Amenhotep III, Tutankhamun, Ramesses II, and Alexander the Great. It served as the primary site for the renewal of kingship, the coronation of pharaohs, and the celebration of the religious Opet festival along the extraordinary Avenue of the Sphinxes.
Subsequently, embark on your Nile River cruise ship and spend the night onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Flight: From Sharm to Cairo and from Cairo to Luxor
Overnight: Onboard the Cruise
After breakfast, you will join your tour guide to explore the extraordinary treasures of Thebes, which include:
The stunning Valley of the Kings is an underground complex of royal tombs that highlights the history of some of the most renowned rulers of ancient Egyptian civilization. The 63 tombs belong to kings from the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties of the New Kingdom period (1550 - 1070 BC). The Valley is accessed through a mystical gateway leading into the heart of a concealed hill shaped like a ben-ben. The elaborately decorated tombs feature intricate designs and vibrant wall paintings illustrating religious ceremonies, scenes from the afterlife, and the pharaoh’s journey to eternal life.
The Hatshepsut Temple is an extraordinary example of divine beauty and remarkable artistic architecture that highlights the rich heritage of Queen Hatshepsut (1507–1458 BC). This temple, built in the 15th century BCE, stands as one of the most stunning archaeological sites in Egypt, renowned for its distinctive architectural style. Carved into the cliffs of the Theban mountains, it seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings of Thebes. The structure features three terraces connected by ramps and is decorated with colonnades, statues of Amun, and intricate reliefs and scenes illustrating the birth, life, coronation, and accomplishments of Hatshepsut.
The Colossi of Memnon are two enormous stone statues situated near the present-day city of Luxor. These statues represent Pharaoh Amenhotep III (1386 - 1349 BC) and were created around 1350 BC, depicting him seated on his throne. Each statue stands approximately 18 meters (60 feet) tall and weighs around 720 tons, crafted from quartzite sandstone. They gained fame during the Hellenistic period for emitting a mysterious sound at dawn, a phenomenon referred to as the vocal effect, which was associated with the statue of Memnon "singing" to honor the rising sun.
You will return to the cruise ship for lunch, dinner, and to spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard the Cruise
Enjoy your breakfast on board the Nile River Cruise before departing with our tour guide to:
The revered Edfu Temple is an extraordinary masterpiece symbolizing victory and divine protection. It is entirely dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed sky god associated with protection and triumph. Regarded as one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, it is the second largest after Karnak, built on the site where Horus defeated his malevolent uncle Set. Construction of the Edfu Temple commenced during the Ptolemaic period around 237 BCE and was completed in the Roman period around 57 BCE. The temple boasts intricate reliefs, extensive inscriptions, and statues that illustrate significant scenes from ancient Egyptian religious ceremonies, mythical tales, and historical events.
The remarkable Kom Ombo Temple stands majestically on the banks of the Nile River. Constructed between 180 BC and 47 BC, it was dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god associated with the Nile, and Haroeris, also known as Horus the Elder. The temple is distinguished by its symmetrical architecture, featuring two identical structures with duplicate rooms and chambers. The expansive reliefs, scenes, and carvings on the walls illustrate surgical instruments, medical procedures, and numerous astronomical knowledge from that era.
Savor your meals on the cruise ship while taking in the breathtaking views of the Nile; afterwards, you will spend the night onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard the Cruise
Pick up your breakfast box and begin your magical tour with our guide:
The renowned UNESCO World Heritage site Abu Simbel, completed in 1264 BC, stands as a magnificent symbol of glory and grandeur, celebrating the legacy of Ramses the Great (1303–1213 BC), also known as Ozymandias. The temple walls are adorned with depictions of his triumph at the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BC. The temple’s facade showcases four massive seated statues of Ramses II, each approximately 20 meters (65 feet) tall. The entrance leads to a series of expansive halls and chambers decorated with intricate reliefs illustrating military campaigns, religious scenes, and Ramses II’s connections with the deities Ra-Horakhty, Amun, and Ptah. The second temple is entirely devoted to his beloved queen, Nefertari, who was honored as the favorite of Hathor.
Following this enchanting excursion, return to the cruise ship for your dinner and continue your journey along the Nile.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard the Cruise
Enjoy breakfast on the Nile Cruise before departing with your tour guide to discover the remarkable:
The remarkable Aswan High Dam, constructed in the 1960s, is a monumental feat of modern engineering that regulates the Nile River's flow, stores water in the artificial Lake Nasser, and generates hydroelectric power.
The Unfinished Obelisk is a massive, dormant marvel that resembles a large obelisk still partly attached to its bedrock in a quarry in Aswan. It is thought to have been commissioned during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut (1479-1458 BCE) and was intended to be the largest obelisk ever constructed, measuring approximately 42 meters (137 feet) in height and weighing around 1,200 tons. This unfinished obelisk offers important insights into the techniques and detailed craftsmanship employed in obelisk creation.
You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding with your tour guide to:
Philae Temple is the centerpiece of an enduring story that has captivated every visitor who has experienced its grandeur. Constructed during the Ptolemaic period around 280 BC, it served as a major place of worship dedicated to the goddess Isis, the protector of motherhood, healing, and sacrifice. The temple exhibits a blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural influences. It comprises multiple structures, including the main temple, shrines, courtyards, and colonnades. The temple walls are decorated with detailed reliefs illustrating mythological narratives, religious ceremonies, and historical events.
You will catch a flight back to Cairo, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Flight: From Aswan to Cairo
Overnight: Cairo Hotel
After breakfast, you will join your tour guide for a cultural tour of Cairo, beginning with a visit to:
The Primal Egyptian Museum is among the world’s most prestigious institutions dedicated to ancient Egyptian artifacts. It features an extensive collection of items representing more than 5,000 years of Egyptian history. The museum displays a remarkable selection of pharaonic relics that highlight the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization.
Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church is an architectural masterpiece with deep spiritual importance linked to the holy family. As one of Cairo's oldest and most renowned churches, dating back to the 3rd century, it is situated in the Coptic Cairo district. The Hanging Church is celebrated for its exquisite carvings, ornate decorations, beautiful wooden screens, religious icons, and detailed artwork.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding with your tour guide to:
Al-Muizz Street, also known as Al-Muizz li-Din Allah al-Fatimi, is a magnificent one-kilometer stretch filled with architectural gems dating back to 970 AD during the Fatimid era. It features well-preserved medieval structures such as mosques, cafes, madrasas, mausoleums, and caravanserais.
The bustling Khan El-Khalili Bazaar offers an excellent shopping experience and showcases some of the finest examples of Islamic Mamluk art. As one of the largest and most renowned markets in the Middle East, it dates back to between 1382 and 1389 AD. The market is a lively center of activity, featuring narrow, winding alleys lined with shops and stalls offering a diverse selection of items such as spices, textiles, souvenirs, jewelry, and traditional handicrafts.
You will return to your hotel to stay overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Cairo Hotel
Enjoy your final breakfast in Cairo before checking out of the hotel and beginning your journey home, concluding your unforgettable 12-day itinerary through Cairo, Sharm El-Sheikh, and the Nile Cruise.
Meals: Breakfast
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