12 Days Cairo, Nile Cruise & Hurghada Holiday

After a fine, healthy breakfast in the hotel, your personal Egyptologist-Holiday Guide will take you on a full day of adventure on the legendary Giza Plateau. Herein, gaze upon the incredible engineering and timeless beauty that rank among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

the Great Pyramids:

Giza Pyramid complex is Egypt's most iconic landmark and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. More than 4,500 years ago, it was erected on the Giza Plateau in full display of Egyptian architectural genius and power: the Great Pyramid of Khufu with those of Khafre and Menkaure.

Great Sphinx:

The Great Sphinx, another grand monument, sits next to the pyramids-a limestone statue with a lion's body and the face of a pharaoh. The Sphinx had been upholding watch over the plateau for millennia, remains one of the more mysterious monuments in Egypt, and has stimulated numerous myths concerning its creation and its purpose.

The Grand Egyptian Museum:

Not far to the South of the pyramids is the GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum), the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. This ultramodern museum houses more than 100,000 artifacts, including all of King Tutankhamun's treasure, thus providing visitors with more access to the fascinating history of Egypt.

Afterward, a short transfer takes you back to your hotel, where you can relax and reminisce about the sights you saw today.

Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Visits: Great Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Valley Temple, Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). 

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, commence your full-day excursion with your expert guide to

The National Museum

The huge capacity of housing thousands of artifacts covering Egypt's span of history, from the Pharaonic through Islamic to modern times, offers visitors to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo a uniquely exceptional journey through time. The highlight of the entire visit is the Royal Mummies Hall, where the preserved remains of Egypt's most famed kings and queens stand face to face.

Salah El-Din Citadel

Perched above Cairo from the Mokattam Hills, the monumental Salah El-Din Citadel was built during the dozen and so centuries to guard the city against Crusader attacks. Mosques, palaces, and museums lie in its vast enclosure, and the most alluring among them is the Mosque of Muhammad Ali.

After sightseeing, transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan, where you will be met and assisted before transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Visits: National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Old Cairo, Salah El-Din Citadel.

Arrive in Aswan and enjoy an excursion to the impressive Abu Simbel Temples by road. Discover the masterpieces of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, then return to Aswan for your overnight stay.

Abu Simbel Temple:

Centerstage is the majestic Abu Simbel Temple, one of the greatest creations of ancient architecture. Sponsored by Pharaoh Ramses II, its massive statues and elegantly ornate halls were carved straight into the mountain itself and were later shifted to a much higher location to save them from flooding.

The temple complex lies almost 280 km south of Aswan, near Sudan's border. The towering structures were hewn from solid rock during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC. The large temple was dedicated to the three gods Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and Amun, and the smaller temple devoted to his beloved queen Nefertari-a very rare instance in Egyptian history where a queen was almost equally honored as a pharaoh. 

Besides grandeur, the temples have an impressive modern history: they were dismantled block by block in the 1960s in an incredible rescue operation organized by UNESCO to save the temples from being drowned by the rising waters of Lake Nasser, as a consequence of the construction of the High Dam. Abu Simbel thus commemorates both ancient genius and modern engineering.

Return back to Aswan by the afternoon for free time in the evening.

Overnight in Aswan. 
Meals included: Breakfast. 
Excursions included: Optional excursion to Abu Simbel Temple.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to discover on your elegant Nile River Cruise, where on board the ship, one enjoys a varied at-ease lunch, the ship resting along the banks of the Nile.

Unfinished Obelisk:

Unfinished Obelisk, located in the ancient granite quarries of Aswan. Damn it, if first the project might have been the biggest obelisk ever carved, having that given incredible insights into the stone working techniques of the ancient Egyptians.

Philae Temple:

Next, continue to Philae Temple, one of the most picturesque sites in Egypt. Located on the Island of Isis and dedicated to the goddesses Isis and Hathor, the hideaway gained renown for the elegant pylons, sharp carvings, and the calm tranquility of its island setting, which is one of Aswan's most photogenic buildings. After you explore, return to the hotel and relax within Aswan's calm atmosphere.

Return to your cruise ship in the evening for a freshly prepared dinner on board, followed by free time to relax on deck or take in the tranquil charm of the Nile on a starry night. 

Overnight aboard your cruise in Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Visits: Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk.

Have breakfast on the cruise at Kom Ombo

Kom Ombo

Set along the Nile River, the twin sanctuaries, rare in ancient Egyptian architecture, are dedicated to two gods-Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god. Commonly said to be the most perfectly symmetrical temples, Kom Ombo is also famed for its intricate reliefs and partially mummified crocodiles displayed in the adjoining museum. 

Temple of Horus

One of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Egypt, the Temple of Horus at Edfu is dedicated to the falcon god and presents stunning pylons, detailed inscriptions, and massive courtyards. These halls provide a vivid glimpse into the religious life of the Ptolemaic period.

Your guide will regale the battles on the temple walls between Horus and Seth.

Return to your cruise after the visit and have your afternoon tea on board while cruising the picturesque Nile toward Esna. Dinner awaits you onboard as you feast on it in the river's tranquility or lively entertainment.

Overnight aboard your cruise in Esna.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Visits: Kom Ombo Temple, Horus Temple in Edfu.

Breakfast will be served on board while cruising toward the magnificent city of Luxor. Upon arrival, disembark for a day of exploration on the West Bank of the Nile, some of the most celebrated sites of ancient Egypt. First will be the

The Valley of the Kings

No visit to Luxor can be considered complete without visiting its legendary sites. Proceeding from the West Bank, the Valley of the Kings attracts a host of travelers to ancient burial places of pharaohs with highly ornamented tombs telling stories of the afterlife, such as that of Tutankhamun.    

Temple of Hatshepsut

Nearby stands the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural wonder cut into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, which, with terracing and imposing reliefs, pays tribute to Egypt's first woman Pharaoh.

The Colossi of Memnon

Watching over the West Bank are the Colossi of Memnon, two 18-meter-tall statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, which have stood for over 3,000 years, safeguarding Luxor.   

 Lunch on board is followed by a pleasant afternoon tea while sailing. Dinner promises a grand affair by the riverside while taking in the tranquil beauty of the Nile under the stars.

Stay the night on board your cruise in Luxor.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Visits: Valley of the Kings, Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon. 

Enjoy your final breakfast on board and consider your disembarkation from the Nile cruise. The day opens with a guided visit to the

Luxor Temple

The Luxor Temple, built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, where the grandeur of ancient Thebes is revived through colossal statues, obelisks, and charming courtyards. 

Karnak Temple

Moving a bit north stands the majestic Karnak, the largest religious complex of the ancient world, dedicated to the god Amun; thus, even the Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 giant columns, makes everyone stand in awe, marking why Luxor is considered the greatest open-air museum in the world.

Shortly after your sightseeing excursion, have lunch at a local restaurant prior to commencing your 5-hour drive en route to the Red Sea coast in Hurghada. Alongside, witness the remarkable changes in scenery from the valleys of the desert to glistening coastlines. On arrival, check in at your resort and unwind in readiness to embrace the golden beaches that are teeming with marine life and making Hurghada a tourist favorite.

Overnight stay in Hurghada.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch.
Covering: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Hurghada.

After you dine breakfast luxuriously at the resort, the rest of the day is free to be spent on the sun-drenched beaches of Hurghada or among exciting optional activities. The brave can go for diving and snorkeling expeditions to explore the ultimate coral reefs of the Red Sea, with flourishing marine life where you may see the rare tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins.

If you want to stay dry, Hurghada gives plenty of choices, which include windsurfing, sailing, parasailing, and deep-sea fishing. For more thrills, an optional desert safari by quad bike or jeep could be the itinerary, all the way to the Bedouin dinner under the stars. Of course, simply hanging out beside the resort pool, taking the sun with that laid-back vibe, is more than rewarding. 

Overnight in Hurghada.
Meals: Breakfast.
Visits: Hurghada, optional diving, snorkeling, adventure tours.

Have your breakfast at the hotel and then enjoy your day at leisure in Hurghada, a name that shines with crystal clear seawater and unusual marine life. Optional tours may take you diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea to colorful coral reefs teaming with exotic fish and other interesting sea creatures. Or go for the many other activities above water: windsurfing, sailing, kitesurfing, or deep-sea fishing, prompting each activity to be a unique way to enjoy the sparkling waters. A sunset cruise may be yours to enjoy, or perhaps just a quiet hour along the golden beaches amidst the relaxing ambiance.

Overnight in Hurghada.
Meals: Breakfast.
Visits: Hurghada, optional diving, snorkeling, and water activities.

Breakfast at your hotel in Hurghada, and then you will be transferred to Hurghada airport. Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be met and assisted, then transferred to your hotel for free time at leisure.

Overnight in Cairo.

Meals: Breakfast.

Breakfast at the hotel in Cairo - free time before your flight - check out and then transferred to Cairo International Airport for final departure.

Meals: Breakfast.