Glory of Egypt

7-Day Private Guided Tour: From Cairo to Luxor & Aswan

Embark on a truly unforgettable 7-day, 6-night journey through the heart of ancient Egypt. This private guided tour takes you from the bustling capital of Cairo to the historic cities of Luxor and Aswan, culminating in the magnificent Abu Simbel. Experience the grandeur of the Great Pyramids of Giza, the colossal temples of Karnak and Luxor, the unbelievably well-preserved tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and the stunning Temple of Abu Simbel. This journey is a perfect mix of immersive historical discovery and relaxing hours cruising along the timeless Nile River on a 5-star cruise ship.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, our representative will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name. They will assist you with all airport procedures, including visa and luggage collection. You will then be transferred to your hotel for the night.

Day 2: Cairo – Pyramids, Museum & Citadel

Meals: Breakfast. Your private licensed guide will pick you up from your hotel. Your first stop is the Giza Plateau for a detailed explanation of the history and construction of the magnificent pyramids of Cheops, Khafre, and Menkaure. You will have free time in the panoramic area to take photos and enjoy an optional camel ride. The tour continues to the Great Sphinx, a timeless witness to ancient Egyptian glory.

Next, you will visit the Egyptian Museum, which houses over 23,000 artifacts. Your guide will provide insights into ancient history and art, with a special focus on the treasures of King Tutankhamun, including his famous golden mask. Finally, you will explore the Citadel of Saladin, a medieval Islamic fortress that contains a number of historic buildings, most notably the Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Afterward, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Aswan.

Day 3: Cairo to Aswan – Philae Temple

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your 5-star Nile cruise ship. After enjoying lunch on board, you will begin your tour of Aswan with a visit to the beautiful Philae Temple. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this temple was relocated in its entirety to Agilkia Island to save it from flooding. The temple’s new location offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. Return to your cruise ship for dinner and your first night on board. Optional Excursion: In case of free time, you will have the chance to visit a Nubian village for a glimpse into Nubian language, customs, and traditions.

Day 4: Aswan to Kom Ombo & Edfu – Abu Simbel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. You will have the opportunity to visit the impressive Temple of Abu Simbel. This unique complex was carved directly into a sandstone mountain to glorify King Ramses II and his beloved wife Nefertari. Remarkably well-preserved, these temples were relocated by a massive UNESCO campaign and still retain their detailed paintings, colors, and hieroglyphic inscriptions. Afterward, enjoy lunch on board as you sail along the Nile. Upon reaching Kom Ombo, you will visit a unique temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek. After visiting the temple and its mummification museum, you will return to the ship for a delicious Oriental dinner and the traditional Galabeya party.

Day 5: Edfu to Luxor – Karnak & Luxor Temples

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. After breakfast, you will visit the remarkable Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the god Horus. This is the most well-preserved temple in all of Egypt, with huge walls, columns, and shrines that have stood the test of time. Return to the ship and sail to Luxor. After lunch, you will visit the two famous temples on the East Bank. The first is the Karnak Temple Complex, a massive site that serves as a historical encyclopedia of over 2,000 years of pharaonic history. The next stop is Luxor Temple, a beautiful example of ancient art and architecture that was dedicated to the god Amun. Return to your ship for dinner and your final night on board.

Day 6: Luxor to Cairo – Valley of the Kings

Meals: Breakfast. Early in the morning, you will visit the top sites on the West Bank. Your first stop is the famous Valley of the Kings, which served as the burial site for the most powerful pharaohs of the New Kingdom. Here you can admire incredibly well-preserved paintings and reliefs that tell us about ancient beliefs in the afterlife. You will then admire the unique architecture of Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple. Your last stop will be in front of the two massive statues of Amenhotep III, known as the Colossi of Memnon, the only surviving elements of his magnificent mortuary temple. Afterward, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Cairo.

Day 7: Final Departure

Meals: Breakfast. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your final departure.

Inclusions

• 3 nights’ hotel accommodation in Cairo.
• 3 nights accommodation on board a 5-star Nile cruise ship with full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
• All airport and cruise transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
• All transportation during tours.
• Full-day guided tour in Cairo with a licensed Egyptologist.
• All mentioned sightseeing tours during your Nile cruise with a licensed Egyptologist.
• All entrance fees for the mentioned historical sites.
• Domestic flight tickets from Cairo to Aswan and from Luxor to Cairo.
• Bottled water during tours.

Exclusions

• International flights.
• Visa fees.
• Personal expenses, shopping, and beverages are not included in the meals.
• Optional excursions (Nubian village, hot air balloon ride).
• Tipping for guides, drivers, and cruise staff (recommended).