Nile Dreams: A Luxury Journey Through Ancient Egypt”

Welcome to Egypt! Your adventure starts in vibrant Cairo. Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you can relax by the pool or visit the bar. You have free time until the welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local guide and fellow travelers. Afterwards, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, tasting classic Egyptian dishes like fatta and kushari.

After breakfast this morning, set out to visit some of the world’s most iconic landmarks — the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the enigmatic Sphinx. Your expert Egyptologist guide will bring these ancient marvels to life with fascinating stories and insights. For those interested, there’s an optional opportunity (at an additional cost) to enter the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

Next, continue to the Egyptian Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of ancient treasures. Stroll through galleries filled with artefacts from Egypt’s greatest pharaohs and queens. Highlights include the dazzling jewelry and the famous golden death mask of Tutankhamun, as well as his ornate sarcophagi — a testament to his preparation for the afterlife. Enjoy a guided tour for deeper understanding, followed by some free time to explore on your own.

This evening, consider taking a taxi into Cairo’s bustling city center or treat yourself to a scenic dinner cruise along the Nile River.

This morning, embark on a scenic journey to Alexandria, with a stop at Wadi El Natron along the way. Your guide will share the story of how this remote valley became a Christian refuge after Saint Macarius the Great sought solitude here in AD 360. Once home to around 60 monasteries, only four remain today. Among them is the serene Anba Bishoy Monastery, named after Saint Bishoi, who lived here in seclusion. Explore the peaceful gardens, observe the monks in their daily routines, and visit the church, which offers sweeping views over the surrounding desert. Afterward, continue onward to Alexandria — the historic city founded by Alexander the Great and famously known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean.

Spend a full day exploring the hidden gems of Alexandria with your expert guide. Begin with a visit to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, an extraordinary Roman-era burial site from the 2nd century, rediscovered only in 1900. These unique tombs blend Greek, Egyptian, and Roman styles, reflecting Alexandria’s rich cultural heritage. Next, head to the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, built near the location of the ancient Great Library of Alexandria that once stood over 1,700 years ago. Conclude your day at Fort Qaitbay, a 14th-century fortress erected to protect the city from Ottoman invasion, situated on the historic grounds of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the seaside corniche or unwind back at your hotel.

Today, head south from Alexandria to visit the historic battlefields of El Alamein. This site marks a pivotal moment in World War II, where British and Commonwealth forces secured a crucial victory over the German Afrika Korps, shaping the outcome of the North African campaign. The memorial here honors nearly 12,000 Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives during the fierce desert battles. Enjoy a late lunch featuring feteer meshaltet, a traditional Egyptian layered pastry filled with your choice of sweet or savory ingredients. In the afternoon, return to Cairo and spend the evening at your leisure.

Today, journey south of Alexandria to the historic battlefields of El Alamein, the site of a decisive World War II clash where British and Commonwealth troops halted the advance of the German Afrika Korps. This victory was a turning point in the North African campaign. The memorial here pays tribute to nearly 12,000 Commonwealth soldiers who gave their lives in these fierce desert battles. For lunch, savor feteer meshaltet, a classic Egyptian layered pastry that can be enjoyed with a variety of sweet or savory fillings. Later, return to Cairo and enjoy a free evening to relax or explore at your own pace.

Start your day early with a visit to the legendary Valley of the Kings, home to over 60 royal tombs carved beneath the hills. Many of these tombs feature intricate decorations, and your guide will reveal the secrets behind the ancient funerary rituals, paintings, and hieroglyphics. Explore the famous tomb of Tutankhamun — one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries ever made — where you can step inside the beautifully painted chambers and see his iconic sarcophagus. Continue to visit three additional royal tombs before heading to the stunning Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, nestled in a dramatic natural amphitheater. Your last stop is the towering Colossi of Memnon, remnants of an ancient grand colonnade. Afterward, return to your boat for a relaxing lunch, then unwind on deck or in your cabin as you sail upstream to Edfu, arriving in the evening.

This morning, your boat will be docked near Edfu, giving you the chance to explore the town independently and visit the nearby temple if you wish. As you continue your journey along the Nile, relax on deck and enjoy the stunning contrast of desert hills against the lush riverbanks. Next, arrive at the impressive Kom Ombo Temple, perched dramatically on the river’s edge. Your guide will share how this unique temple, built around 181 BC, is dedicated to two gods: Horus, the protector, and Sobek, the fertility god associated with the Nile. The temple features separate northern and southern sections for each deity, and recent excavations have uncovered mummified crocodiles linked to Sobek’s worship. Later, reboard your boat and sail on to Aswan, arriving late in the evening.

Spend your morning exploring the beautiful Philae temple complex, home to the exquisite Temple of Isis on Agilkia Island. Carefully relocated to protect it from flooding, this architectural masterpiece boasts some of Egypt’s most remarkable carvings. Many Egyptologists consider Philae the final stronghold of ancient Egyptian religion and the site where the last hieroglyph was inscribed. Afterwards, take a walking tour through Aswan’s vibrant streets with your guide. Wander through Sharia el Souk, a lively market filled with colorful stalls offering everything from fresh baked goods to unique Nubian handicrafts. Return to your boat in the evening and unwind as the gentle flow of the Nile rocks you to sleep.

This morning, travel by road to Abu Simbel, where you’ll stay at a comfortable hotel overlooking Lake Nasser. The hotel’s lush gardens and two swimming pools provide a relaxing retreat with stunning lake views. Staying overnight here gives you the opportunity to explore the Abu Simbel temples at a relaxed pace, rather than rushing through a short day trip. These colossal temples, commissioned by Ramesses II and carved into the rock, took two decades to complete. Admire the towering statues of the pharaoh and his queen, some reaching 20 meters high, as your guide shares the fascinating history behind these ancient monuments. In the evening, return to the temples to experience a captivating sound and light show that brings their story to life.

Return to Aswan in time for lunch, then enjoy some free time to unwind at your hotel or continue exploring the city at your own pace. In the afternoon, regroup for a special visit to the iconic Old Cataract Hotel for traditional afternoon tea. Established in 1899 by Thomas Cook, this historic hotel has welcomed legendary figures like Princess Diana, Winston Churchill, and Agatha Christie, who famously wrote Death on the Nile during her stay. Relax in the elegant setting, surrounded by manicured gardens and stunning views of the Nile, while enjoying a classic spread of finger sandwiches, pastries, and fine tea. In the evening, take advantage of your free time to discover a local spot for dinner — your leader will be happy to suggest some great options.

Start your morning with a visit to the impressive Aswan High Dam, a symbol of modern Egyptian engineering. Located just 13 km south of the city, the dam’s construction—though controversial—led to the preservation of several ancient temples and has ultimately benefited the region. Next, explore the Unfinished Obelisk, an enormous monument left incomplete in its quarry. Had it been finished, it would have been the largest obelisk ever erected in ancient Egypt.

Return to Aswan for some free time to relax. In the late afternoon, meet your guide and board a traditional felucca to sail the Nile toward Elephantine Island, once believed to be the home of Khnum, the god of the Nile’s source. Enjoy a peaceful sail at sunset, taking in the golden hues over the water. Disembark at a local village, where you’ll be welcomed by a Nubian family for a home-cooked dinner. Savor authentic dishes, experience a warm slice of local life, and enjoy meaningful conversations with your gracious hosts.

This morning, take a flight back to Cairo and settle into your centrally located hotel. Later, dive into the rich heritage of Islamic Cairo. Begin with a visit to the vibrant Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, a maze of narrow alleys teeming with shops, cafés, and centuries-old traditions. Wander through the gold market, spice stalls, and perfume lanes, soaking up the atmosphere of this iconic marketplace.

Pause for a traditional Arabic coffee or mint tea at El Fishawy, Cairo’s oldest café. A beloved local spot for generations, it’s the perfect place to watch daily life unfold. Enjoy a casual lunch at a koshary eatery, where you’ll try Egypt’s beloved street food made of rice, lentils, pasta, and crispy onions.

In the afternoon, continue to the historic Mosque of Ibn Tulun, one of Cairo’s oldest and most architecturally significant mosques. Then explore the neighboring Gayer-Anderson Museum, filled with fascinating collections of Islamic art, antiques, and period furnishings.

Wrap up your day with a warm and memorable home-cooked dinner with a local family. Step into their home, share stories, and experience genuine Egyptian hospitality over a spread of traditional dishes.

Start your day early with a drive to Fayoum, where you’ll visit Wadi El Rayan, a protected natural reserve known for its two connected lakes and Egypt’s only waterfall — a perfect spot for photos. Then, switch to a 4WD vehicle and venture deep into the desert to explore Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley), a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its fossil remains of ancient whales — offering a rare glimpse into the evolution of life on Earth.

Spend time uncovering the secrets of this prehistoric landscape, then visit the Fossil and Climate Change Museum, home to rare and significant fossils, including the world’s most complete Basilosaurus isis skeleton. After your visit, enjoy a scenic jeep tour through the desert followed by a traditional lunch amid the dunes with your group. Later in the afternoon, return to Cairo for your final evening in Egypt.

After breakfast, your journey concludes. If you’re planning to extend your stay in Cairo, feel free to speak with your booking agent to arrange additional accommodation or activities.