Egypt | THE SECRET OF THE PHARAOHS

Today is dedicated to welcoming travellers to the majestic city of Cairo, the largest city in Africa and the starting point of our unforgettable adventure.

Your flight is expected to arrive in the early afternoon, where our tour leader will be waiting at the airport to greet all participants and assist with entry formalities. From there, we’ll transfer to our hotel for check-in. Once settled, we’ll take the opportunity to get to know one another and go over the details of our journey ahead.

No activities are planned for today, so you’re free to use this time to ease into the city’s rhythm, adjust to the country’s climate, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the African continent.

Accommodation: Hotel Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo 4★ or similar

In the morning, after a leisurely wake-up, we’ll enjoy breakfast at our accommodation. To begin our journey in the best possible way, we will visit the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Egypt.

Our exploration of Cairo starts at the iconic Pyramids of Giza. We’ll begin with the Great Pyramid of Khufu, a marvel built from 2.3 million stone blocks. From there, we’ll walk through the Sahara Desert with the pyramids as our breathtaking backdrop, until we reach the Great Sphinx—the largest statue ever carved from a single piece of stone—and visit the tomb of Pharaoh Khafre.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue to the Egyptian Museum, the largest archaeological museum in the world. Its grand façade is only the beginning: the inside houses an extraordinary collection of antiquities that capture Egypt’s rich and ancient history.

We’ll then venture into Islamic Cairo, a historic district home to some of the city’s most emblematic sites, including the Citadel, where we’ll wander through narrow alleyways alive with the sounds and colours of local trade, such as jewellery, clothing, carpets, spices, and more.

We’ll also visit Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the most important in the Islamic world, celebrated not only for its religious significance but also for its educational heritage as the second-oldest university in the world.

As the day draws to a close, we’ll head to Cairo’s train station to board our overnight sleeper train to our next destination: Aswan. Don’t be late, the adventure continues!

Accommodation: Night train
Meals: Breakfast

Gently rocked by the sway of the train carriages, we wake to watch the sunrise through the window. Upon arriving in Aswan, after an authentic Egyptian train experience, we will immediately begin exploring this remarkable city, brimming with history and charm.

Our first stop is the Temple of Philae, built in 300 BCE in honour of Isis, the goddess of magic and beauty, and located on a small island in the heart of the Nile.

Next, we’ll check into our luxury cruise ship, which will be our home for the next three nights. Lunch will be served on board.

In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a serene felucca ride, a traditional Egyptian sailing boat, gliding along the gentle waters of the Nile. On our return, we’ll have time to explore Aswan’s bustling market, where we can mingle with locals and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

As the day comes to a close, we’ll head back to the cruise for dinner.

Suggestion: For those interested, there’s an optional visit to Elephantine Island, home to the Nubian people (originally from northern Sudan and southern Egypt), renowned as some of the most hospitable and genuine communities in the world. A traditional dinner can be enjoyed in the village itself. Please speak with the tour leader for more details about this optional activity.

Accommodation: Luxury Cruise
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
 

This morning is yours to enjoy at your own pace and preference, a time to discover Aswan in your own style. The tour leader will be fully available to assist and guide you in making the best choices for your day.

Aswan offers a variety of attractions, including the Monastery of St. Simeon and the Aga Khan Mausoleum, both located on the opposite bank of the Nile; Kitchener Island; Elephantine Island; and more.

For the adventurous, there’s the option to visit Abu Simbel, a city about three hours from Aswan. Abu Simbel is home to two temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II: the Great Temple, dedicated to himself, and the Small Temple, honouring his wife. These magnificent structures were carved into the mountainside to celebrate Ramses’ victory at the Battle of Kadesh. Along the way, you’ll also catch a glimpse of the vast Lake Nasser. We highly recommend this visit. This optional excursion begins around 4:00 a.m., so please contact the tour leader if you wish to participate.

Around lunchtime, we’ll return to Aswan and enjoy a meal served on board the cruise as we sail along the stunning Nile, offering breathtaking views of rural Egypt.

After approximately 3 hours of sailing, we’ll arrive at Kom Ombo to visit its remarkable temple. Built over 2000 years ago, the Temple of Kom Ombo is unique: it’s a double temple dedicated to two Gods, Sobek and Horus. This dual dedication is reflected in its architecture, featuring two entrances, two courtyards, two colonnades, two halls, and two sanctuaries, one for each deity.

At the end of our visit to Kom Ombo, we’ll return to the cruise ship and sail toward Edfu, where we’ll wake up the next morning. Dinner will be served on board.

Accommodation: Luxury Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

In the morning, with the cruise ship docked in the city of Edfu, we’ll enjoy breakfast on board.

We’ll then visit the famous Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples from Ancient Egypt. Built to honour Horus, one of the most important Gods, the temple showcases a fascinating blend of Egyptian and Greek architectural styles.

After the visit, we’ll return to the cruise ship and spend the rest of the day sailing leisurely along the Nile. Take this time to relax, soak in the scenery, and savour the moment.

As the day draws to a close, we’ll arrive in the magnificent city of Luxor, where we’ll have the unique opportunity to visit the Luxor Temple after nightfall. The temple’s dramatic lighting highlights its grandeur. It was constructed in honour of Amun, the King of the Gods and God of fertility.

Back on the cruise, dinner will be served on board.

Accommodation: Luxury Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Suggestion: Before we begin today’s scheduled visits, you will have the opportunity to take an early morning hot air balloon ride, a unique and unforgettable experience. If you’re interested in this optional activity, please contact the tour leader for more information.

Today promises to be a full and exciting day, so we recommend a hearty breakfast to ensure you have plenty of energy for the incredible moments ahead.

We will start on the West Bank, home to some of Egypt’s most iconic sites. We’ll visit the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground of the New Kingdom pharaohs, featuring 63 tombs with a variety of fascinating designs. We’ll then go to the Colossi of Memnon, two colossal statues standing 18 meters (59 feet) tall and weighing around 700 tons each, representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III, designed to guard his mortuary temple. Finally, we’ll see the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, built for the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, who ruled for an extended period and is considered one of the most powerful women in history.

In the afternoon, we’ll cross the Nile River to visit the Karnak Temple, Egypt’s largest temple complex. It comprises numerous temples, chapels, and a vast sacred lake. The highlight is the Temple of Amun, which houses Egypt’s tallest obelisk.

At the end of the day, we will embark on an approximately 4-hour journey to the city of Hurghada, located on the Red Sea, where we will spend the next 3 days.

Accommodation: Hotel Stella Beach Resort & Spa 5★ or similar
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Egypt is a land of history and culture, bustling activity and vibrant energy, but also a place of relaxation, where peace and tranquillity prevail. After several intense days filled with cultural, historical, archaeological, and even emotional experiences, it’s time to unwind.

Enjoy the next three days, completely free and dedicated to rest. Recharge your energy while soaking in the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea and bask in the mild climate of Egypt’s coastline.

The tour leader will be available to offer personalised recommendations for how best to spend your time, whether snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking, cycling, or simply indulging in the art of doing nothing.

Accommodation: Hotel Stella Beach Resort & Spa 5★ or similar
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
  

Today is entirely at your leisure. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the area. Take the opportunity to rest, explore nearby attractions, or simply let time drift by while you unwind by the hotel pool or on the beach. The tour leader will be available to offer a variety of activity suggestions to help you make the most of your day.

Accommodation: Hotel Stella Beach Resort & Spa 5★ or similar
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
  

Today will be our final morning waking up in the magnificent land of Egypt. Depending on your flight time, there may still be a chance for some last-minute shopping.

As our adventure comes to an end, we must say our goodbyes. Let us cherish every moment shared, each experience embraced, and every smile exchanged along the way.

Thank you for trusting us to take you on this unforgettable journey. See you soon!

Meals: Breakfast