PREMIUM PRIVATE TOUR: Take in the highlights of Egypt on this 13 day private tour, combining ancient wonders with a blissful 5 star Nile cruise and a Red Sea beach break. Marvel at the legendary Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, explore the incredible Valley of the Kings in Luxor and Aswan's Philae Temple. Cruise the River Nile and relax on the beach in Hurghada. This is Egypt at its best!
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Cairo
Friday. Upon arrival at Cairo airport you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax at your hotel or independently explore. Alternatively, additional sightseeing can be arranged upon request - consider a Backstreets of Cairo tour or a day trip to Alexandria.
Overnight: Cairo
Pyramids of Giza
Enjoy a guided tour of the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Sphinx at the Giza Plateau today. Gaze in awe at these sole surviving Ancient Wonders of the World and learn all about the three pyramids, known as Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus. Then visit a government supervised papyrus emporium, before travelling on to the necropolis of Saqqara to see Zoser’s step pyramid - constructed in 2700 BC!
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
The Grand Egyptian Museum
Cairo - Aswan. Visit the vast new Grand Egyptian Museum this morning, where you'll discover an incredible array of relics and antiquities, including the famous treasures of King Tutankhamun and his solid gold funerary mask. Then head over to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to see the remarkably well preserved mummies of ancient pharaohs, now on display in the Royal Mummies' Hall. After today's touring there's time to relax back at the hotel before you board the overnight train to Aswan this evening.
Please Note: the Grand Egyptian Museum is set to open late 2023. An official date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.
Overnight: Sleeper Train | Breakfast
Aswan & the Philae Temple
Arrive into Aswan this morning, where you will take a short boat trip to Agilika Island for a tour of the wonderful Philae Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Isis. Then visit a perfume oil emporium before check-in on board the Nile Cruiser where you will spend the next three nights. This evening consider taking a stroll around Aswan's colourful souqs or relax and watch an amazing sunset in Egypt's southern most town straddling the River Nile.
Please note: private groups of 4 or more travellers have the option to substitute the Nile Cruise for a two night felucca sailing excursion. Please contact us for details.
Overnight: Aswan - Nile Cruiser | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Abu Simbel & Nile Cruise
Aswan - Nile cruise. Very early this morning there's an optional excursion to Abu Simbel, the spectacular rock-cut temple of King Ramses II. The Nile Cruiser departs Aswan this afternoon and cruises the River Nile to Kom Ombo. Disembark to visit the temple which is dedicated to the crocodile headed god - Sobek before returning to the cruiser.
Overnight: Nile Cruiser | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nile Cruise to Luxor
Nile Cruise - Luxor. Spend a relaxing morning onboard the Nile cruiser. Watch life along the riverbanks, soak up the sunshine and enjoy a swim in the pool, as you cruise the River Nile to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its best. Arriving into Luxor this afternoon the rest of the day is free to explore the city before spending your final night aboard the cruiser.
Overnight: Luxor - Nile Cruiser | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Luxor
This morning disembark and check into a 5 star Luxor hotel. The day is free to enjoy the hotel facilities, relax and independently explore Luxor. Tonight, there's the opportunity to visit Luxor Temple with dinner afterwards. Built by Amenophis III, Luxor Temple looks stunning at night when it's illuminated by hundreds of lights. Book/pay locally.
Overnight: Luxor | Breakfast
Valley of the Kings
Enjoy a guided tour of Luxor's West Bank this morning. Setting out early to avoid the midday sun, the first monuments you'll see are the towering Colossi of Memnon, an 18m high pair of statues which are all that remains of the temple of Amenophis III. Then explore the incredible Valley of the Kings, which is studded with intricately decorated pharaohs' tombs. Some of the tombs are so well preserved; the colours of the incredible pharaonic friezes are still as vibrant as when they were first painted. The best known tombs are those of Ramses II, Seti I, Amenhotep II and of course, the tomb of King Tutankhamun. After the Valley of the Kings visit the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
Return to the hotel where you relax and have lunch before a guided tour of the colossal Temple of Karnak this afternoon, with its stone-columned Hypostle Hall.
Overnight: Luxor | Breakfast
Red Sea Riviera
Luxor - Hurghada. Departing Luxor this morning and drive east to Hurghada (approx 4hrs) on Egypt's beautiful Red Sea Riviera. Spend the next three nights by the beach!
Overnight: Hurghada | Breakfast
Hurghada sun, sea & sand
The next two days are free to relax on the beach or by the pool in Hurghada. There is an optional day trip to Giftun Island for swimming and snorkelling, which can be booked locally.
Hurghada is one of the Red Sea's most popular resorts and it is easy to see why. For those who enjoy water sports there are plenty on offer, including sail boarding, yachting, deep-sea fishing, SCUBA diving and snorkeling. Hurghada has prime offshore reefs, which are some of the finest in the world. There are also plenty of restaurants and late night bars for evening entertainment. Just outside Hurghada is an ancient Roman quarry called Mons Porphyritis and Port Safarga – a famously windy place which is ideal for windsurfing.
Breakfast x 3
Cairo
Hurghada - Cairo. Drive back to Cairo this morning (approx 6hrs). The remains of the day are free for you to relax by the pool or explore Egypt’s capital at leisure. Consider visiting the bustling Khan el Khalili bazaar, which is the ideal place for some last minute souvenir shopping.
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
Cairo
Cairo. After breakfast, hotel check-out and onward transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
Nile Cruise or Felucca Sailing
If you'd prefer to sail the Nile aboard a traditional felucca instead of a deluxe Nile Cruiser, this can be arranged. For private groups of four or more we can offer a two night sailing trip aboard a felucca. Contact our reservations team for further information. Please note: to book this option children need to be 12 or over and everyone must be able to swim.
Prices & Dates
'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. Best of Egypt & Red Sea requires a minimum of 2 people to operate. For private groups of 10 or more, there will be a reduction in the tour price. Please contact us for rates.
Read MoreHotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Holiday Inn Cairo Maadi, Cairo
Overlooking the Nile and offering distant views of the Great Pyramids of Giza, this Holiday Inn provides the perfect location for your stay in Cairo. Each guestroom features a balcony (not Nile View as standard) and is well-equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi. Evenings can be spent enjoying international or Egyptian cuisine and unwinding with a cocktail at one of the hotel’s bars. Thanks to the friendly hotel staff, you’ll soon feel at home. And with panoramic views of the city from the rooftop lounge and pool, there’s no better place to base yourself for exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders.
Sleeper Train, Cairo
When travelling on an overnight train in Egypt, sleeper carriages offer the highest level of comfort. Cabins are equipped with two beds (one above the other), a basin, electric points and air conditioning. Freshly laundered bedding is provided and in the early evening an attendant will come round and make up your bed for you. The carriages have toilets at each end and there is a club car which serves snacks and beverages. In the morning a very basic breakfast is provided.
Le Meridien Heliopolis, Cairo
Just a short drive from Cairo’s Old Town and international airport, the 5-star Le Meridien Heliopolis combines comfort with convenience. The guest rooms are spacious and equipped with air-conditioning, satellite television and a minibar, plus there’s complimentary WiFi throughout the property. Dining options include a choice of four on-site restaurants, serving Egyptian and international cuisine. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment and cocktails at The 51 Bar. During the warmer months hotel guests can take a dip in the outdoor pool or relax on a sun lounger on the terrace. There’s also a fitness centre and tennis courts for those who like to stay active whilst on holiday.
Sonesta Hotel Cairo, Cairo
The Sonesta Hotel & Casino is a sophisticated and luxurious hotel offering spacious, en-suit rooms with opulent furnishings. Enjoy a cocktail at the poolside bar or indulge in a relaxing massage or Turkish steam bath at the full-service spa. With 5 restaurants located within the hotel you'll be spoilt for choice over dining options.
M/S Medea, Nile Cruising
The M/S Medea is elegantly furnished with rich fabrics, wood panelling and classic style furniture, offering a refined setting for your Nile cruise. The restaurant offers 120 covers with a combination of waiter service and buffet meals which allows to sample both Egyptian and international cuisine. The spacious lounge bar is tastefully furnished with Chesterfield sofas and offers panoramic views of the Nile River.
M/S La Traviata, Nile Cruising
M/S La Traviata has proved be a long term favourite with many regular Nile cruise guests. The cosy restaurant on the lower deck serves 88 guests and serves both - international and Egyptian cuisine. Lounge bar with dance floor and music system for evening entertainment. The sundeck offers a pool as well as sun loungers and a shaded area. The reception offers full services including an international phone. The gift shop on board has a wide range of gifts and souvenirs from Egypt.
Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor
An elegant and luxurious classical hotel, the Sonesta's sophistication will ensure you a comfortable stay. The hotel has a sweeping terrace with fantastic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail and a beautiful health spa. All its rooms offer views of the city or the river, complemented by a wide range of restaurants and cafes. Just minutes away you will find the temples at Luxor and Karnak, home to two of ancient Egypt's most famed sanctuaries.
Steigenberger Nile Palace, Luxor
The Steigenburger Nile Palace is a grand hotel and stylishly furnished, with many rooms overlooking the Nile River. The hotel has a health club with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and fitness room, and a tennis court on the roof, not to mention a riverside pool. Its four restaurants offer a choice between Nubian, Lebanese, Italian, and Thai cuisine.
Swiss Inn Resort Hurghada, Hurghada
Set in tropical gardens, the Swiss Inn Resort makes for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The property is equipped with large swimming pools and a private beach. All rooms have a balcony or terrace with views of the garden, pools or sea. Guests can work out in the onsite fitness centre, get active at the watersports centre, enjoy a game of tennis or simply relax with a drink in one of the many bars or lounges.
Continental Hotel, Hurghada
Tucked into Hurghada Bay, right on its scenic promenade, the Continental is a delightful beachfront resort boasting fantastic terraced rooms (many with seaviews) and excellent facilities. Watersports are in abundance here with swimming pools, scuba diving and snorkelling all readily available. A leisure club offers a sauna and spa treatments to relax after the day's activities. You can also wine and dine at one of the many great restaurants and bars.
At a Glance
Tour Add-ons
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