Day 1: Hurghada to Cairo — Ancient Wonders
Your journey begins with a transfer from your hotel in Hurghada to the airport. You’ll catch a flight to Cairo to start your adventure. Upon arrival at Cairo Airport, your private tour guide will greet you. Together, you will discover Cairo’s incredible tourist attractions.
Giza Pyramids Complex
First, explore the Giza Pyramids Complex. This iconic site dates back to the 4th Dynasty, around 2400 BC. It includes three main pyramids, six smaller pyramids, the majestic Great Sphinx, and the historic Valley Temple.
The Great Pyramid
Next, marvel at The Great Pyramid, belonging to King Khufu. It stands as the oldest and largest of the three Giza Plateau pyramids. Notably, it remains the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still intact. The Great Pyramid reaches a height of 147 meters. Its construction utilized 2,300,000 stones and took twenty years to complete.
The Great Sphinx
Then, encounter The Great Sphinx, the world’s largest statue. It measures 73 meters long, 19 meters wide, and 20 meters high. This monumental sculpture is the oldest known of its kind.
The Valley Temple
Finally, visit The Valley Temple, a granite mortuary temple. Ancient Egyptians used this temple for the mummification process. It stands as the only remaining mortuary temple on the Giza Plateau.
Lunch will be served at a restaurant with stunning views of either the Pyramids or the Nile. Afterward, your tour continues.
The Egyptian Museum
After lunch, explore The Egyptian Museum. This museum displays a rare collection spanning 5000 years of art. It presents over 250,000 genuine artifacts. This includes a dedicated exhibit showcasing King Tutankhamun’s collection of treasures, gold, and jewelry, which remained sealed in his tomb for over 3,500 years.
After your Cairo explorations, we will transfer you to Cairo Airport. You’ll catch your flight to Aswan, where you’ll check into your 5-star Nile cruise ship for the night. Lunch and dinner are included today.
Day 2: Aswan’s Highlights & Nile Cruise
Wake up and enjoy breakfast onboard your cruise. Your Cairo and Nile River cruise continues from Hurghada as your private tour guide joins you for an exciting day exploring Aswan.
The High Dam
First, visit The High Dam, built across the Nile River at Aswan. Constructed between 1960 and 1970, this dam significantly impacted Egypt’s economy and culture.
The Unfinished Obelisk
Next, see The Unfinished Obelisk, the largest known ancient obelisk. Queen Hatshepsut (1508-1458 BC) ordered its creation, possibly to complement the Lateran Obelisk.
Philae Temple
Finally, explore Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, the goddess of Love and beauty. UNESCO’s Nubia Campaign project dismantled and relocated this temple complex to nearby Agilkia Island. This project protected it and other complexes before the Aswan High Dam’s completion in 1970.
You will spend the night onboard the cruise. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included today.
Day 3: Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples
Enjoy a delicious breakfast onboard your cruise. In the afternoon, your cruise will sail to your next destination.
Kom Ombo Temple
First, visit Kom Ombo Temple. This unique temple overlooks the Nile and is divided into two distinct temples. It features two entrances, two hypostyle halls, and two sanctuaries.
Your tour continues as you sail to the next fascinating site.
Edfu Temple
Explore Edfu Temple, considered the most preserved Greco-Roman temple in all of Egypt. Its walls portray a dramatic “play” depicting Horus’s victory over the evil god Seth.
Your Cairo and Nile River cruise from Hurghada continues as you sail to Luxor for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Cruise Check-out & Luxor’s Grandeur
After breakfast, you’ll check out from the cruise. Your journey continues with your tour guide for a captivating sightseeing tour of Luxor.
Valley of the Kings
First, visit the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place for Egypt’s rulers from the 18th to the 20th Dynasties. This site is home to famous tombs, including those of King Ramses II and King Tutankhamun.
Hatshepsut Temple
Next, explore Hatshepsut Temple. Queen Hatshepsut, a ruler beloved by her people but often surrounded by controversy, built this impressive temple. Located on Luxor’s West Bank, it remains one of the best-preserved temples of its kind.
Colossi of Memnon
Then, behold the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of King Amenhotep III. They are the only remaining parts of a complete mortuary temple. Builders crafted the statues from quartzite sandstone blocks found in Cairo and then transported them 700 kilometers to Luxor.
Karnak Temple
Finally, discover Karnak Temple, the most impressive site in Egypt. It stands as the largest temple complex ever built by man, representing the combined achievements of many generations of ancient Egyptian pharaohs. The Temple of Karnak actually comprises three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples situated on 247 acres of land.
At the end of your tour, we will drive you back to your hotel in Hurghada by private, air-conditioned vehicle, concluding your Cairo and Nile River cruise from Hurghada.