What to Expect on Your 11-Day Egypt Tour with Alexandria and Dendera
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo & Welcome to Egypt
Your extraordinary journey into antiquity begins the moment you arrive at Cairo International Airport. A representative from Egypt Fun Tours will be waiting to assist you through passport control and baggage claim. Relax in a private, air-conditioned vehicle as you are transferred to your premium 5-star Cairo hotel. After checking in, you have the remainder of the evening at your leisure to rest after your flight or enjoy a welcoming dinner, preparing for the incredible historical deep dive that starts tomorrow.
Day 2: Giza Pyramids, Dahshur & The Grand Egyptian Museum
After a hearty breakfast, meet your private Egyptologist to begin your exploration of Egypt’s greatest monumental achievements. Your first stop is the ancient necropolis of Dahshur, where you will witness the architectural evolution of the pyramids by visiting the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. Next, marvel at the legendary Giza Plateau, standing before the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the enigmatic Great Sphinx. Conclude your day at the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), exploring the largest archaeological museum in the world before returning to your hotel.
Day 3: Coastal Excursion to Alexandria
Following an early breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive north to the Mediterranean coast to explore Alexandria, a city steeped in Greco-Roman history. Descend into the fascinating Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs, an architectural marvel blending Roman, Hellenistic, and Pharaonic designs. Stand beneath the towering 28-meter Pompey’s Pillar, and explore the formidable Citadel of Qaitbay, constructed on the exact ruins of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. After enjoying a fresh seafood lunch by the Mediterranean, visit the striking modern Alexandria Library before driving back to Cairo for the night.
Day 4: Flight to Luxor & Discovering the East Bank
Check out of your Cairo hotel and transfer to the airport for a quick domestic flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, you will check into your luxury 5-star Nile cruise ship in time for lunch. In the afternoon, step off the ship to explore Luxor’s East Bank. Wander through the colossal columns of the Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious structure ever built, dedicated to the god Amun-Ra. As evening falls, visit the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple, an awe-inspiring sanctuary right in the heart of the city. Return to your cruise for dinner.
Day 5: The Hidden Jewels of Middle Egypt: Dendera & Abydos
Today features a specialized excursion that defines your 11-Day Egypt Tour with Alexandria and Dendera, designed exclusively for true history enthusiasts. Leave Luxor early in a private vehicle and drive to Abydos, one of the most sacred ancient cities, to explore the stunning Temple of Seti I, known for its incredibly well-preserved reliefs and the famous Abydos King List. Next, journey to Dendera to visit the Temple of Hathor. Marvel at the vibrant, perfectly intact astronomical ceiling—one of the most breathtaking sights in all of Egypt. Return to your cruise ship in Luxor for dinner and a restful evening.
Day 6: Luxor West Bank & Sailing to Edfu
After breakfast on board, cross the Nile to uncover the secrets of the Theban West Bank. Descend into the vibrantly painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of New Kingdom pharaohs. Next, admire the striking, terraced architecture of the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. Before leaving the West Bank, stop to photograph the massive Colossi of Memnon. Return to your cruise ship for lunch as you set sail down the tranquil waters of the Nile toward Edfu, enjoying dinner and onboard entertainment.
Day 7: The Temples of Edfu & Kom Ombo
Wake up in Edfu and take a charming horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus. As the most remarkably preserved temple in Egypt, walking through its towering sandstone pylons feels like stepping directly into the ancient world. Return to the ship and sail toward Kom Ombo. Disembark to explore the unique double Temple of Kom Ombo, symmetrically dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris. Enjoy dinner on the sun deck as the ship sails onward to the beautiful city of Aswan.
Day 8: Aswan’s Engineering Marvels & Nubian Heritage
Enjoy breakfast before exploring the scenic city of Aswan. Your first stop is the monumental Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering triumph that tames the Nile’s floods. Next, visit the ancient stone quarries to see the Unfinished Obelisk, offering a fascinating look at ancient masonry techniques. Finally, take a motorboat ride to the majestic Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and beautifully relocated to an island in the Nile. Return to the cruise ship for your final night on the water.
Day 9: The Colossal Temples of Abu Simbel & Return to Cairo
Pack a breakfast box and set out early for the grand finale of your Upper Egypt adventure: Abu Simbel. Carved directly into a mountainside by Ramses II in the 13th century BCE, the Great Temple and the neighboring Temple of Queen Nefertari are absolute masterpieces of ancient design. After exploring the site, drive back to Aswan and head directly to the airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to your Cairo hotel to relax and enjoy the evening.
Day 10: Exploring the Historic Heart of Old Cairo
Spend your final full day diving into the rich Islamic and Coptic history of the capital. After breakfast, visit the historic Hanging Church and the Synagogue of Ben Ezra in Old Cairo. Explore the imposing Citadel of Saladin and the beautiful alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali, offering sweeping views over the city. In the afternoon, lose yourself in the vibrant, labyrinthine alleys of the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the perfect place to shop for spices, authentic crafts, and souvenirs. Return to your hotel for a farewell dinner.
Day 11: Final Departure & Conclusions of The 11-Day Egypt Tour with Alexandria and Dendera
Enjoy your final Egyptian breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, your Egypt Fun Tours representative will meet you in the lobby and transfer you to Cairo International Airport in a private vehicle. We will assist you with luggage and final departure procedures, ensuring a seamless and joyful end to your 11-Day Egypt Tour with Alexandria and Dendera.
