Iconic highlights of Egypt | 10 days

Cairo Airport - Downtown Cairo - Fairmont Nile City Hotel

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

Arrival at Cairo international airport. Be met and provided with assistance if required. Hotel transfer for overnight stay in Cairo.

Giza Pyramids - Sphinx - National Egyptian Museum

Day 2: Iconic Pyramids and National Egyptian Museum

Begin with a visit to the iconic Giza pyramids. Visit the site of the pyramids to marvel at the three sisters, Kheops, the biggest of the three, Khephren, and Mykerinos, the smallest. Be awed by the impressive sphinx with the head of a man (57 m long) who stand at each side, whose role was to defend the entrance of the tomb against the looters.

After lunch in a local restaurant, visit the National Museum. Founded in 1857 by the French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette Pasha, it moved to the current site in 1902. The museum houses the largest collection of egyptian artefacts; admire the rich and extensive displays including new interactive technology to reveal the secrets of the mummies.

The day draws to a close with a trip to Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Explore the winding alleys and enjoy browsing the variety of goods and wares available.

Aswan - Philae Temple Aswan - High Dam Aswan

Day 3: Fly to Aswan and visit the astonishing High Dams

Transfer to Cairo international airport to take the fight to Aswan (1h and 30min flight).

once in Aswan, join the tour of the astonishing High Dam of Aswan, an eye-opening visit to the ancient quarries of granite and see the unfinished obelisk. Then visit the temple of Philae, an island complex downstream of the dam that is quite breathtaking and really captures the imagination.

After the visit, return to Aswan for lunch and an afternoon to explore at leisure.

Optional: Sound and light show in Philae temple.

Abu Simbel Aswan - Nubian Village Aswan - Acamar Nile Cruise Aswan

Day 4: Embark on a luxury river cruise

Today spend the morning at leisure, or choose an optional activity. After lunch, transfer to the port ready to check in and board the cruise boat. With all the luxuries on board, relax and settle in for this classic Nile experience. Dinner is on board, as your first night of the cruise begins.

Optional excursions:

 - Pay an early morning visit to the Abu Simbel temples by private minibus. Get up close to the temple built by Ramses II, before visiting the second temple, called Hathour, dedicated to his wife Queen Nefertari (Available Mon, Wed, Fri)

 - Take a motor boat for 35 minutes each way to a Nubian village. Discover village lifestyle and customs

Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor

Day 5: Visit the awesome black granite guardians at Edfu

Breakfast is taken on the ship, before setting out for Kom Ombo. This temple of the Ptolemaic dynasty, is dedicated to the gods Haroeris and Sobek. Admire the incredible feat of architecture here, before returning to the ship and  continuing the voyage to Aswan.

Enjoy lunch on-board before arriving in Edfu. Visit the Edfu temple dedicated to god Horus - recognisable as the god with falcon head” - and be awed by the two magnificent statues in black granite that guard this incredibly well-preserved temple.

Return to the ship and sail on towards Luxor overnight.

Karnak Temple - Luxor Temple - Luxor

Day 6: Incredible visit to the Karnak complex

Arriving in Luxor, head out to the Karnak complex, considered the largest temple complex in the world, with the temple of Amun Ra, king of the gods, at it heart. Wander among the vast array of obelisks, collossi, numerous smaller temples, and a sacred lake to be amazed at the extent and magnificence of the site.

Lunch is taken back on board, and the afternoon includes a visit to the Luxor temple; known as the world's largest open-air museum, this is a must-see destination in Egypt.

Optional: Excursion to the sound and light show in Luxor or Karnak temple.

Valley Of The Kings - Valley Of The Queens - Hurghada

Day 7: Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens

Begin the day with an optional excursion, an incredible early morning balloon ride over the west bank of the Nile.

After breakfast, it's time to disembark the cruise and journey to the Valley of the Kings. A place of rest for 62 Pharaohs, the tour includes visits to 3 of the tombs. Move on to the nearby valley of the Queens where 75 Queens were laid to rest, and visit 2 of the tombs. Both sites are World Heritage Sites, unsurprising since they are truly astounding; take time to stand back and wonder at their staggering scale before admiring the fascinating artistry and craft contained within each area.

Afterwards, head into Luxor for lunch, then set out for Hurghada (around 290 km) by private car.

Hurghada - Gouna - Red Sea

Day 8: Relax and unwind in Gouna

All inclusive stay at the Movenpick El Gouna Resort.  Enjoy this extensive mediterranean resort and spa, offering spacious accommodation and a wide variety of facilities. Relax and unwind by the pool, in the gardens or on the beach. Luxuriate at the spa, or enjoy the recreational activities and excursions available here.

Optional:

-  Excursion to Paradise Island or Orange Bay: Includes 2 snorkeling stops, soft drinks, open buffet lunch on the boat, 2 hours on Orange Island and water activities (banana and quatraboat). Equipment and transfer included. 35USD per person

- Diving trip, with 2 dives 10USD per person

Hurghada - Gouna - Red Sea

Day 9: Leisure time in Gouna

Continue to relax and unwind at the Movenpick El Gouna resort. 

Optional:

 - Dolphin House excursion. 2 snorkeling stops, plus snorkeling around Dolphin Reef. Soft drinks, open buffet lunch on the boat, water activities (banana & Quatraboat) Equipment & transfer including. 35USD per person

Gouna - Hurghada - Hurghada Airport

Day 10: Departure from Hurghada

After breakfast, check out of the hotel, ready for the transfer to Hurghada airport and your onward flight.