Majestic Egypt Pyramids, Temples, and Red Sea

Welcome to your Egyptian adventure! Upon your arrival in Cairo, we will be ready to greet you at the airport and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel. We aim to offer you a smooth and welcoming start to your journey in this vibrant city. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On the second day of our journey in Cairo, we embark on an extensive exploration of the city's iconic landmarks. Our day begins with a visit to the renowned Pyramids of Cheops, Kefren, and Micerinos, where you can marvel at these ancient wonders (entry to the pyramids' interiors is not included). We then admire the majestic Sphinx, impressively carved from rock. Our discovery continues at the Egyptian Museum, offering an extraordinary collection of ancient artefacts, including the prized treasures from Tutankhamen's Lost Tomb. After a included lunch, we proceed to the Citadel of Saladin and the stunning Alabaster Mosque. Our journey then takes us to the historic Coptic neighbourhood for a visit to the Hanging Church, uniquely constructed above a Roman fortress.

Early in the morning, we'll transfer you to the Cairo airport for your included flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, we'll escort you to your ship for embarkation and accommodation. Our first stop is the historic Red Granite Quarry, home to the intriguing Unfinished Obelisk. Here, we’ll witness the ancient Egyptians’ remarkable technique for extracting granite blocks. Next, we'll visit the impressive High Aswan Dam, a massive engineering feat controlling the mighty Nile River. A highlight of our day is the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Located on a picturesque island, the temple is accessible only by boat, adding to its charm. We’ll conclude our adventures with a relaxing felucca ride—a traditional wooden sailing boat—on the Nile. Enjoy full board and comfortable accommodation on board for the night.

On our fourth day, we will immerse ourselves fully in the vibrant city of Aswan. Our day begins with a visit to the Red Granite Quarry, home to the renowned Unfinished Obelisk. It's fascinating to witness the ancient Egyptian techniques for extracting giant granite blocks. Next, we journey by boat to the enchanting Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, beautifully situated on a small island accessible only by water.Following our temple exploration, we enjoy a serene felucca ride on the Nile—traditional fishing boats that provide a unique perspective of the river. Our felucca trip takes us to a lively Nubian village, known for its vividly painted houses and bustling local life, where we will break for lunch.In the afternoon, we continue our exploration with a special felucca arrival at the Monastery of Saint Simeon, complemented by a brief 15-minute camel ride. This intriguing monastery, once a significant site during Roman times, later became a caravanserai. We will also pass the modern Coptic Church and the mausoleum of the Aga Khan, though these are viewed only from the outside.Finally, the day concludes with some leisure time at our superb hotel. You may choose to relax, take a dip in the large swimming pool, or simply make use of the excellent on-site facilities.

After a hearty breakfast, we embark on a scenic journey through the picturesque Nile Valley. The lush landscapes, abundant in palm groves and vibrant local communities, accompany us on our route. Our first stop is the remarkable Kom Ombo Temple, perched beside the Nile River. This unique structure, dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus, is divided symmetrically into two identical sections. Its intricate reliefs and hieroglyphs depict a fascinating blend of daily life, mythological stories, and medical practices from ancient Egypt. We also explore the Crocodile Museum, home to several mummified specimens, before continuing to Edfu.In Edfu, we visit one of Egypt’s most impressive and well-preserved temples: the Temple of Horus. Constructed some 2,300 years ago, this monumental shrine is a testament to the god of the sky. Our journey then takes us onward to Esna, where we admire a highly unusual temple, one of the few Egyptian temples to still retain its original roof. Thanks to centuries of protective sediment and mud from the Nile, its vivid colours and architectural details remain strikingly intact. The temple resurfaced in the 19th century, revealing its ancient grandeur.Esna also offers a glimpse into restored caravanserai life, and from the outside, we can marvel at the Nile floodgates. We conclude our day with a drive to Luxor, arriving in the late afternoon for a restful night at the hotel. Lunch is included, enriching this day of exploration and discovery.

Today, we explore Luxor, one of the most remarkable ancient cities. Our day begins with a private boat trip across the peaceful Nile at dawn to the west bank. Our first destination is Deir el-Medina, often referred to as the "Valley of the Artisans." This lesser-known site was home to the skilled builders and craftsmen responsible for the royal tombs. We'll explore three tombs showcasing vivid paintings of daily life from that era. Following this, we visit Medinet Habu, the splendidly preserved temple of Ramses II, with its awe-inspiring war scenes. We pause at the Colossi of Memnon—two grand statues of Amenhotep III—before continuing to the renowned Valley of the Queens, where the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari stands. As the first female pharaoh, her legacy is truly noteworthy. Our journey also takes us to the famous Valley of the Kings, the resting place of Egypt's most illustrious pharaohs, including access to the impressive tomb of Ramses. Returning to the east bank, you have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, we head to Karnak, home to Egypt's most significant religious complex, highlighted by the majestic temple of Amun-Ra. Our guide will also introduce us to the less-frequented temple of Khonsu. Finally, we explore the Luxor Museum, housing a stunning array of artefacts and mummies unearthed locally. As night falls, we'll visit the Luxor Temple—its enchanting illumination adds a magical dimension. Enjoy some leisure time in the bustling souk area nearby. Note that the sequence of visits may change to avoid crowds and take weather conditions into account.

In the morning, you have some free time in Luxor to explore, shop, or simply take in the sights at your leisure. Later, we will depart for Dendera, home to one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temple complexes. This impressive site spans 40,000 square metres and is encircled by a robust brick wall, towering between eight and ten metres high. Discover the grandeur of its walls and imposing gates as we visit the Temple of Hathor, the goddess of love and fertility. After our tour, we'll enjoy lunch before continuing on a scenic journey through the desert mountain ranges to the Red Sea. We will arrive in Hurghada in the late afternoon, where you’ll find yourself in Egypt’s most popular resort destination, renowned for its 50-kilometre stretch of hotels. Here, you will settle into your accommodation on an all-inclusive basis.

Spend a delightful day in Hurghada enjoying the amenities and charm of this renowned resort town. In the morning, feel free to unwind at the hotel or venture out to explore the Hurghada Grand Aquarium or the local museum. After a leisurely lunch, which is included, we'll embark on an excursion to discover more of the surrounding area. Our first stop is El Gouna, a luxurious holiday retreat close to Hurghada, known for its intricate network of canals and lagoons that allow most residences to be accessed by yacht. Take some time to wander in this exclusive setting. Later, we'll visit the heart of Hurghada, where we’ll take a moment to admire the local mosque and stroll to the bustling marina, a lively area filled with shops and restaurants. After enjoying some free time, we head back to our comfortable hotel, where our stay is on an all-inclusive basis.

Today, we journey along the stunning coastline of the Red Sea to visit the awe-inspiring Monastery of St. Anthony, renowned as the oldest Christian monastery in the world. Established in the fourth century, it offers a glimpse into the life of early Coptic monks who sought solitude in the caves and cliffs at the base of the Red Sea Mountain. This holy site holds a special place in the hearts of the Coptic community. While exploring the walled monastery, you'll find an array of structures and adobe houses. The church of St. Anthony, built over the saint's tomb, is adorned with magnificent thirteenth-century Coptic murals. Following our exploration, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local service area.We continue our journey to Al Galala, where you'll witness the ambitious development projects taking shape in Egypt’s desert landscape. Our visit includes a luxury resort on the Red Sea, boasting a marina and waterpark. From here, we embark on a thrilling cable car ride, notable for being the highest in Africa, ascending to the newly constructed city of El Galala. Initiated in 2015, this city is a marvel of modern design and hosts a major university. Following our time here, we make our way back to Cairo, concluding the day with an arrival in the evening.

Following breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport, marking the conclusion of our services. We hope you've thoroughly enjoyed your journey through the captivating sights and rich history of Egypt. Safe travels as you continue to your next destination!