Cairo - Arrival

Cairo - Arrive in Cairo, the vibrant center of modern Egyptian culture and the gateway to the country’s ancient marvels.

Giza Pyramids - Sakkara

Pyramids of Giza - Explore the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu), a monumental masterpiece of ancient Egyptian architecture. Marvel at its massive blocks, towering height, and its age of over 4600 years. Your guide will provide a comprehensive history of the area, including the pyramids of Chephren and Mycerinus, answer your questions, and offer photo opportunities. Spend over two hours here, with options to enter a pyramid chamber, visit the Sun Boat Museum, or enjoy a camel ride. Then, visit the Sphinx, a symbol of pharaonic power and wisdom, and the nearby Valley Temple to learn about ancient Egyptian mummification.

Egyptian Museum - Sakkara - Memphis

The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities - Take a 4-hour guided tour of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, one of the world’s largest museums. Discover its vast collection of artifacts, with a focus on highlights and masterpieces. Visit the Tutankhamun Wing to see his golden treasures, statues, furniture, and sculptures. After the guided tour, enjoy free time to explore the museum, including the option to visit the royal mummy room.

Saqqara (Sakkara) Pyramids - Visit Saqqara, home to Egypt’s oldest pyramid, built in 2800 B.C. Your guide will share the history of the famous Step Pyramid, and you’ll have free time to explore and visit the painted tombs of the nobles.

Mit Rahina Museum - Explore Memphis, Egypt’s oldest capital after its unification in 3100 B.C. Visit the open-air museum to see the second-largest Sphinx in Egypt, the colossal statue of Ramses II, and other significant monuments.

Luxor - West Bank

Valley of the Kings - Cross the Nile to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs hid their mummies and treasures. Explore three tombs with beautifully colored murals and carvings. Optional visits to other royal tombs, such as Tutankhamun’s, are available.

Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari - Continue to the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the first female pharaoh who ruled for 20 years. This limestone temple, partly carved into the rock, features three terraces and tells the story of the Queen’s divine birth.

Luxor Museum - In the afternoon, tour the Luxor Museum to see a priceless collection of artifacts, including a hall with 26 well-preserved statues discovered in a cache at the Luxor Temple.

Luxor - East Bank

Temple of Karnak - Visit the Karnak Temple complex, dedicated to Amun Ra. Admire the Great Hypostyle Hall, tall obelisks, statues of pharaohs, and hieroglyph-covered columns.

Luxor Temple - Take a short drive to Luxor Temple, once connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes. The temple showcases Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Coptic influences, with statues and obelisks of Ramses II. One obelisk now stands in Paris.

Edfu

Temple of Horus - Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu, the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus.

Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel Temple Complex - See the iconic temples of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari, relocated to higher ground to protect them from flooding caused by the Aswan High Dam.

Aswan - Main Attractions

Temple of Philae - Enjoy a tour of the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Relocated to Agilika Island to save it from flooding, the temple features reliefs, courts, and pylons from various historical periods.

Unfinished Obelisk - View the massive Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan’s granite quarry. Commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut, it would have stood 137 feet tall and weighed 1164 tons if completed.

Aswan High Dam - Visit the Aswan High Dam, a 20th-century engineering marvel that provides hydroelectric power and flood protection for Egypt.

Nubian Village - Explore the Nubian Museum to learn about the rich culture and history of the Nubian people.

Kom Ombo

Temple of Kom Ombo - Discover the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the gods Horus and Sobek. The temple features two entrances, one for each deity, and is beautifully situated on a high mound.

Dendera - Abydos Temple

Dendera Temple Complex - Visit the Dendera Temple, dedicated to the goddess Hathor. Known for its well-preserved wall paintings, carvings, and grand entrance, the temple dates back to the Greek and Roman periods.

Temple of Rameses II - Explore Abydos, a site of worship for Osiris and Isis, featuring temples and tombs. Key attractions include the temples of Osiris, Seti I, and Ramses II.

Back to Cairo - Coptic Cairo

Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary) - Visit the Hanging Church, a beautiful 5th-century church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, built above a Roman fortress tower. It features 110 icons and was once the seat of the Coptic Patriarch.

Synagogue Ben Ezra - Experience Egypt’s religious tolerance at the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the oldest Jewish temple in Cairo. Learn about its history and the Jewish community in Egypt.

Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan - Khan Al Khalili

Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan - Explore the 14th-century Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrasa, known for its tall arches, multicolored marble floors, and unique architecture.

Khan Al-Khalili - Spend free time at Khan Al-Khalili, Cairo’s largest market. Wander through its maze of streets, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy a drink at the historic El Fishawy coffee shop.

Final Departure

Cairo - Depart from Cairo on your international flight.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Accommodation
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Qualified Egyptologist guide

• Gratuities
• Entrance fees to the chambers of the pyramids or the tomb of Tut Ankh Amun