19-day Egypt tour | The Nile to the Red Sea

Cairo International Airport - Cairo International Airport - Cairo International Airport

Day 1: Welcome to Egypt

Arrive at Cairo international airport, where you will be met and assisted as required. 

Transfer to your hotel in Cairo for the night.

Pyramids - Sphinx - National Egyptian Museum

Day 2: Visit the iconic Pyramids of Giza

The day begins with a visit to the iconic Giza pyramids. Discover the three sisters: Kheops, the biggest of the three, Khephren, and Mykerinos, the smallest. Be awed by the towering sphinx with the head of a man, defending the entrance of the tomb against raiders.

Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before visiting the National Museum. Founded in 1857 by the French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette Pasha, it relocated to the present site in 1902. Marvel at the vast range of artefacts and new interactive displays revealing the secrets of the mummies.

Coptic Cairo - Luxor - Luxor

Day 3: Explore the rich history of Cairo

This morning, explore Old Cairo, including the Coptic Museum which houses the largest collection of Coptic artifacts. Then move on to the 4th century Hanging Church, the Abu Serga Church and the Amr Mosque, the oldest surviving mosque in Egypt and Africa and named for General ʿAmr ibn al-ʿAs, one of the first companions of the Prophet Muhammad.

Stop for lunch, then transfer to Cairo airport for the short internal flight to Luxor.

Transfer from the airport to the embarkation point, ready to begin your classic Nile cruise.

Embarkation on Mon/Thu/Sat.

Optional excursion: Sound and light show at Luxor temple. (35USD per person)

Valley Of The Kings - Valley Of The Queens - Hatehspsut Temple

Day 4: Tour the impressive Valleys of the Kings and Queens

Today brings a visit the Valley of the Kings. With over sixty tombs - of which the visit explores 3 - the site is as impressive as it is atmospheric. Move on to the valley of the Queens, which is smaller but no less poignant; it is home to the tombs of nearly 90 female members of the royal family, of which you can visit 2. Complete the day with a visit to Hatshepsut temple. Carved into the cliffs and dedicated to the sun god Amun, built in the 15th century BC, it commemorates Hatshepsut herself, one of the few female Pharoahs.

Return to the cruise ship for lunch and to continue up the Nile to Esna, passing through the Esna lock.

Optional excursion: Early morning hot air balloon flight (100USD per person)

Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan

Day 5: Magnificent black granite statues at Edfu

Sail on to Edfu, to the monolithic Edfu temple. Dedicated to the god Horus “god with falcon head”, the building is incredibly well preserved, marvel at the two magnificent statues in black granite which guard the entrance.

Return on board and sail to Kom Ombo. Continue the cruise through the afternoon, take afternoon tea on the sundeck and admire the Nile views, then enjoy a dip in the pool before dinner.

Philae Temple - Unfinished Obelisk - High Dam

Day 6: Majestic Philae Temple and High Dam

Continue the journey to Aswan, visit the majestic Philae Temple dating back to the Ptolemaic Period, explore the impressive Aswan High Dam, and marvel at the unfinished obelisk. Enjoy delicious meals on board throughout the day.

Abu Simbel - Nubian Village - Aswan

Day 7: Leisure day

Enjoy a day at leisure on the boat, enjoying the facilities on board and the serene beauty of the river.

Optional excursions:

-  Depart early by private minibus to reach the Abu Simbel temples and visit the temple built by Ramses II. Then visit the second temple "Hathour" which he dedicated to his wife, Queen Nefertari

-  Join a boat trip to a Nubian village and discover the local village lifestyle and customs

Kom Ombo - Edfu - Aswan

Day 8: Dramatic Kom Ombo temple

Sail onwards to Kom Ombo, dedicated to two gods, Sobek and Horus, showcasing fascinating double design and exquisite reliefs. Rejoin the ship for lunch and spend the rest of the day looking out over the blue waters and admiring the view from while enjoying the facilities on board.

Karnak Temple - Luxor Temple - Luxor

Day 9: Hallowed Egyptian temples

Continue the voyage to Luxor, and step into a realm of ancient wonder as you explore the hallowed halls of Luxor temple, with intricate carvings and statues that transport you back in time. Then prepare to be awed by the expanse and grandeur of the Karnak Temple Complex, dedicated to Amon Ra and built by generations of craftspeople over 1500 years. After lunch, an optional excursion into the desert awaits, or simply relax on board and let the enchantment of the Nile take hold.

Optional excursion:

Safari or ATV into the desert.(35USD per person) 

Luxor - Hurghada - Gouna

Day 10: Transfer to El Gouna resort

Disembarking after breakfast, transfer to Hurghada by private car. The journey is worthwhile, from the moment you check in to the wonderful coastal resort of El Gouna, feel any last stresses melt away. Laze by the pool, walk barefoot on the private beach and exquisite dining in this secluded haven. 

Optional excursion:

- Enjoy a voyage on the Sea Scope Submarine. Marvel at the coral wonderland and the amazing variety of colorful fish. The trip lasts approx 2hrs and includes a Snorkeling Stop. (Price 20USD per person)

Hurghada - Hurghada - Hurghada

Day 11: El Gouna resort stay

Your all-inclusive stay in the fabulous El Gouna resort continues.

Optional Excursions:

Paradise Island or Orange Bay, with 2 snorkelling stops, and 2 hours on Orange Island to enjoy water activities (banana and quatraboat). Includes soft drinks, buffet lunch on the boat, equipment and transfer. (35USD per person)

Diving, 2 dives can be arranged with extra fees (10USD per person)

Hurghada - Hurghada - Hurghada

Day 12: El Gouna resort stay

Your stay in El Gouna continues.

Optional Excursions:

- Dolphin House, with 2 snorkeling stops, and a further stop to snorkel around Dolphin Reef. Includes soft drinks, buffet lunch on the boat, water activities (banana & quatraboat), equipment & transfer (35USD per person)

Hurghada - Hurghada - Hurghada

Day 13: El Gouna resort stay

Enjoy your final day in El Gouna be sure to make the most of the scenic lagoons and tropical gardens.

Optional excursion:

- Supper Safari: this is an action-packed cultural excursion.  Take a Jeep 25 Km to a Bedouin Village, enjoy a traditional tea stop, climb Sand Mountain, then return with the jeep before heading out  on a Quad for a 45 minute thrilling ride. Next comes the chance to experience a 20 minute trip in a Spider Car. Afterwards, enjoy a wonderful local dinner and a spectacular Oriental Show (Price 25USD per person, children from 6 yrs, 50%)

Cairo - Museum Of Egyptian Civilization - Cairo Tower

Day 14: Wonders at the Museum of Egyptian Civilisation

Check out after breakfast ready to transfer to Hurghada airport for the flight to Cairo.

Visit the Museum of Egyptian civilization, the first of its kind in Egypt and the Arab world. Wonder at the range of richness and diversity of Egyptian civilization throughout the ages, from prehistoric times to the present day. Uncover the secrets of the mummies with the new interactive display, which sheds new light on the rituals and religious beliefs of mummification in ancient Egypt.

Enjoy a delicious lunch, before visiting the Cairo tower, designed by egyptian architect Naoum Shebib and built between 1956-61, it was inspired by the Ancient Egyptian architecture and provides an evocative link between past and present.

Museum Of Islamic Art - The House Of Al Suhaymi - Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Day 15: Vibrant culture of Cairo

Embark on a cultural odyssey through Cairo's cultural tapestry,beginning at the Museum of Islamic Art, then stroll along the historic El Moez Street, which starts at the northern “Bab El Fotouh” one of the original gates to the old walled city.

Stop to savour local delights for lunch, before heading to Khan El Khalili. Discover the enchanting House of Al Suhaymi, then step into history as you wander through the narrow alley of Darb Al Asfar, to the home of Sheikh Ahmed as-Suhaymi. Originally built in 1648 by it was expanded in 1796, blending architectural styles across the centuries.

The day draws to a close in Khan El Khalili Bazaar; soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and lose yourself in the maze of alluring shops offering an array of treasures, from intricate crafts to colorful spices.

Alexandria - Alexandria - Cairo

Day 16: Astonishing ancient Library of Alexandria

Indulge in a hotel breakfast before setting out on a private car journey to Alexandria (200km/1.5 hrs). En route, visit the serene Coptic Monastery in Wadi El Natroun. Upon arrival in Alexandria, a delicious seafood lunch awaits.

Begin by exploring the majestic Fort Quait Bay, marvel at its formidable architecture and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Next, discover the captivating Catacombs, the largest Roman funerary site in Egypt and a treasure trove of archaeological wonders. Visit the renowned Library of Alexandria. Admire its modern architectural brilliance, and pay homage to the ancient Library of Alexandria, one of the most significant libraries in the ancient world.

Return to Cairo for the evening.

Citadel Of Saladin - Sultan Hassan Mosque - Al Rifai Mosque

Day 17: Cairo's historical treasures

Spend today exploring Cairo's historical treasures. Discover the imposing Citadel of Saladin, a fortress built by Saladin in the 12th century, offering breathtaking views of the city.

Enjoy a local meal before visiting the monumental Sultan Hassan Mosque, an architectural masterpiece from the Mamluk era. Admire its impressive size and innovative design elements that still leave visitors in awe.

Continue to the adjacent Al Rifai Mosque, serving as a royal mausoleum for Muhammad Ali's family. Marvel at its stunning architecture and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Dahshur Pyramids - Ancient Egyptian Empire - Sakkara

Day 18: Incredible Pyramids and Ancient wonders

Discover the pyramids of Dahshur, where the Egyptians gained invaluable knowledge, transitioning from step-sided to smooth-sided pyramids.

Savour authentic flavours and aromas with lunch at a local restaurant, before continuing the journey with a visit to Memphis, the capital of the Ancient Egyptian Empire. Founded by King Menes around 3000 BC and placed under the protection of the god Ptah, patron of Artisans, its historical significance is palpable.

Finally, uncover the awe-inspiring Pyramid of Sakkara,an architectural marvel built for the Pharoah Djoser by the architect Imhotep in -2700 BC.

Cairo - Cairo - Cairo International Airport

Day 19: Departure day

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