egypt
pyramids, nile cruising + history (8 Days)
Follow the footsteps of the Pharaohs and unlock the stories of Egypt’s ancient history. This small group trip to Egypt will show you mesmerizing Ancient wonders, treasures of the Nile, delicious traditional food and hidden gems along the way.
Customize this itinerary to you and your groups' interests, dates of travel and budget or join a group departure in 2025.
Cairo, Aswan + Luxor
Cairo
Aswan
Luxor
Cairo
This is where it all began. Known as the land of the Pharaohs, Egypt is by far the oldest civilization on Earth. Experience mesmerizing ancient history, alluring culture and the incredible architecture of Egypt.
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Unlock the secrets and mysteries of Ancient Egypt with guided tours of the most mesmerizing pyramids and temple complexes. Hear the stories that bring to life what you're seeing right in front of you.
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Learn how Nubian sailors live along the Nile river - sail around the local islands of Aswan while the sun sets, enjoy a traditional dinner at our Nubian boat captain's family home
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Embark on a Nile odyssey in a traditional felucca. Stop for a dip in the river, relax while we sail the river and watch the golden sand dunes tumble by before docking for dinner under the stars
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Take a guided tour in the mysterious Valley of Kings and the mindblowing Karnak temple
the plan
Day 1 | Arrive in Cairo any time to a warm welcome at the airport and transport to the hotel. Settle in and enjoy your free evening. Head out to explore the nearby area of Cairo and our selected hotel has an amazing terrace overlooking the pyramids - an ideal choice for dinner to kick off the trip.
Arrival airport: CAIRO (CAI)
Hotel: Mamlouk Hotel Cairo or similar
Day 2 | GIZA + Overnight train | Meet your group and local leader for breakfast and fuel up for a packed day. Start your Egypt adventure with a bucketlist visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza to explore these structures that have stood tall for 4500 years. Opt to take a camel ride along the Pyramids towards the Sphinx, learn about the Guardian of the Pyramids, and visit the Temple of the Valley below the Sphinx arms. Wander the treasure-filled halls of the Egyptian museum for the kind of history lesson you didn’t get in school. In the evening, we head to the train station and board our first class sleeper train to Aswan.
Overnight sleeper train (bunk beds, 2 people per cabin)
DAY 3 | ASWAN | We arrive in the land of the Nubians – Egypt’s southernmost city with an
easy-going charm. Explore the temple of Isis on Philae Island, dedicated to the goddess of love and containing countless myths and legends surrounding its history. Stop in at the High Dam before heading to the boat to meet our Nubian friends. In the afternoon, we will take a boat to a small Nubian island on the Nile where we will have dinner at Omar's family home. Savour local dishes while overlooking the island from the rooftop dining space and ask him anything about Nubian history, current culture, family and life.
Hotel: Obelisk Hotel Aswan or similar
DAY 4 | ASWAN - LUXOR | Our Nile odyssey begins! After a free morning, board our Traditional Feluccas and sail north. Watch the sand dunes and homes roll by along the river's edge and watch an amazing sunset on the banks of the Nile before we dock for the night. Dinner and stargazing with your new friends before getting a good night’s sleep.
Overnight on the felucca - sleepover style. Extra blankets provided. The boat will be docked. Support boat with washroom available.
DAY 5 | LUXOR | Wake up for sunrise and enjoy breakfast on the Feluuca. Visit Kom Ombo temple, the only temple dedicated to two gods in Egyptian history before we head to Luxor. Start our time in Luxor with a guided visit to the Karnak temple, “The Book of History” and the biggest temple in the world. Enjoy a traditional dinner in a famous local restaurant.
Hotel: Aracan Eatabe Luxor or similar
DAY 6 | LUXOR | Cross to the west bank, the land of the dead for a guided tour of the mysterious Valley of Kings and Funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Have lunch at a locally loved restaurant and enjoy free time the rest of the day. Hang out at the hotel pool, get a massage or walk around the bazaars and the back streets of this vibrant city.
Option: Add on a magical hot air balloon ride over the west bank in Luxor. The early morning activity includes transport to and from the balloon site, tea and coffee and the flight!
DAY 7 | LUXOR - CAIRO | Morning flight back to Cairo and a free day to enjoy this cosmopolitan city. Our guide will be there to provide suggestions for how to spend your time! Enjoy a farewell dinner on a cruise boat with belly dancing and whirling dervish show.
Day 8 | CAIRO | Breakfast and sad goodbyes!
Departure airport: CAIRO (CAI)
Not ready to leave yet? Scroll down to learn about our 4-day extension add-on to enjoy Egypt's red sea.
Included
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OT Know Before You Go Egypt Travel Guide
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7 breakfasts | 2 lunches | 5 dinners
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Arrival airport transfer from CAI to start hotel and departure transfer back to CAI
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All transfers in van/bus, domestic flights and first class sleeper train
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A licensed and experienced Egyptologist guide
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All entrance fees and guided visits as per itinerary
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Overnight Felucca experience
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Dinner and show on a Nile cruise
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International flights
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Travel insurance
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Gratuities
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Meals and activities not mentioned
Not included
Cost: $2273 USD
Add-on
Luxor Hot Air Balloon Ride (+$180)
Add on a magical hot air balloon ride over the west bank in Luxor. The activity includes transport to and from the balloon site, tea and coffee and the flight!
Add-on
4-day extension: Hurghada (+$620)
A 4-day extension from Cairo to explore Egypt's paradise on the Red Sea. This extension includes a transfer from Cairo to Hurghada and a snorkelling boat trip and is ALL-INCLUSIVE food and drinks.
Culture lovers can enjoy an Arabian nights show with folklore stories and nightlife lovers will not be disappointed by the bars and clubs.
This extension includes a full free day to take a quad bike desert safari, hike the Red Sea mountain trail, go horseback riding or relax on the beach or by the pool
your stay
Each hotel has been selected to showcase traditional decor styles, comfort, cleanliness, and location. Overnight accommodations also include one overnight sleeper train, and on a traditional wooden sailing boat (felucca!).
your guide
Meet Adel! Born and raised in Giza, Adel is a tried, true and talented Egyptologist guide. Adel has been treating his travellers to incredible trips across Egypt for 20 years, and can't wait to help you live the history you've only read about in school!
