8 day Classical 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.

Overnight Cairo hotel: Standard, Premium, Premium plus or Ultra Luxury options

Meals: Dinner own arrangement

Activities

• Pyramids of Giza& Great Sphinx

• Grand Egyptian Museum

• Khan El Khalili Market

pyramids picmuseum

We start the day with a visit one of the Seven Wonders of the world, the Great Pyramids of Giza.

The Great Pyramids of Giza are undoubtedly the most famous ancient wonder in the world. Built over 4,500 years ago during the Fourth Dynasty, these colossal structures were designed as eternal resting places for Egypt’s mighty pharaohs. 

The largest, the Pyramid of Khufu — also known as the Great Pyramid — was originally covered in gleaming white limestone casing stones and stood at 146 metres tall, making it the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.

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 at a local restaurant you’ll start your afternoon visit to the ultra impressive Grand Egyptian Museum. (GEM)

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located just outside Cairo near the Giza Pyramids, is the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization. 

The GEM is already making waves for its striking modern design and the scale of its collection—over 100,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts, many of which have never been displayed before.

Its crown jewel is the complete collection of treasures from King Tutankhamun’s tomb, displayed together for the first time in one place.

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.

Overnight Cairo hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Activities

• Karnak Temple

• Luxor Temple

• Nile Cruise

Karnakuxor

This morning, you will be transferred to Cairo airport for your flight to Luxor.

Check in to your cruise ship for the next 4 nights.

You cruise includes all meals plus nightly entertainment. Expect Nile views from your private cabin, a lounge, bar and sundeck with pool.

We offer Standard, Premuim and Luxury cruise options.

After lunch you will start your guided tours.

Karnak Temple wasbuilt over more than a thousand years by generations of Pharaohs. The great “Hypostyle Hall” is an incredible forest of giant pillars and 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.

Next is Luxor Temple. Located on the east bank of the Nile River, Luxor Temple reigns supreme as one of Egypt's most extraordinary archaeological gems built over 3,000 years ago. Marvel at the soaring columns and colossal statues, adorned with intricate hieroglyphics and reliefs depicting scenes from ancient Egyptian mythology and history. The Avenue of Sphinxes, stretching over a mile in length, connects Luxor Temple to its sister temple,

Overnight Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Attractions:

• Valley of the Kings

• Hatshepsut Temple

• Esna Lock

Hatshepsut picvalley

This morning you will be escorted 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 Hatshepsut Temple. This magnificent ancient structure is in honour of the powerful female pharaoh, Queen Hatshepsut.

As you continue sailing down to Aswan, be sure to be up on deck to view the boat 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.

Overnight Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner

Activities

• Edfu Temple

• Kom Ombo Temple

kom Ombo pic

Continue toward Aswan, 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.

Edfu Temple 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.

Kom Ombo Temple is a unique ancient Egyptian 'double temple' . It features a symmetrical design, with two parallel sanctuaries and halls dedicated to two distinct deities: the falcon-headed god Horus the Elder and the crocodile god Sobek. The temple's architecture includes detailed reliefs depicting daily life, religious rituals, and a notable ancient medical calendar. 

Adjacent to the temple is the Crocodile Museum, which exhibits a collection of mummified crocodiles discovered in the area. These artifacts offer direct insight into ancient Egyptian beliefs and practices concerning the veneration of crocodiles.

Overnight Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Activities

• Philae Temple

• Unfinished Obelisk

• Felucca sailing

Philea Templeobelisk

Start your day aboard a motor boat for the short journey to Philae Temple on the island of Agilkia. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple is a testament to Egypt's rich cultural heritage. You’ll hear stories from your Egyptologist guide amidst stunning columns and intricate hieroglyphics that adorn the walls throughout. Rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, the temple was moved to its present location, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Next, The Unfinished Obelisk is an enormous, partially carved granite obelisk dating back to the reign of Queen Hatshepsut. Had it been completed, it would have stood at about 42 meters and weighed nearly 1,200 tons.

Finish the day sailing on a felucca. There is no better way to embrace the beauty of the Nile River than on a traditional wooden sailing boat known as a felucca. Sit back and take the tranquil surroundings as you gentle glide through the water.

Overnight Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Cairo. The rest of the day is yours at leisure.

ABU SIMBEL OPTIONAL TOUR - FULLY PRIVATE VIA ROAD

Abu Simbel is a famous UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its colossal rock-cut temples. It is considered the second most famous attraction in Egypt after the Pyramids of Giza. 

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. 

Please note days 4 and 5 of your cruise activities may be switched to cater for Abu Simbel and the return flight to Cairo.

Overnight Cairo

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast you will be met by a representative and escorted to the Cairo International Airport for your outward journey.