Itinerary #1: Luxury Egypt Sailing Adventure: Cairo, Luxor & Aswan
Indulge in two weeks of luxury on this two-week highlights tour showcasing the best of Cairo and the Nile's storied banks. Perfect for first-time visitors to Egypt, private tours led by an Egyptologist ensure each excursion is catered to your liking and all your questions are answered. Throughout, you'll sail from Luxor to Aswan onboard a high-end yacht, visit villages unchanged by time, delight in a fly-in-and-out tour of Abu Simbel, and be privileged to in-depth tours of Cairo's famed museums.
![Sail around the highlights of the Nile River on your own private vessel](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/e5671150-833b-4091-a8bf-3bd521557793/original-180efb4c04fc23c0bf7d3f7508f8b43a.jpg)
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Cairo, Sunset at Cairo Tower | Cairo |
Day 2 | Day Trip to Giza Pyramids, Memphis & Saqqara, Dinner at Abou El Sid | Cairo |
Day 3 | Tour the Egyptian Museum & Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Dinner at Felfela | Cairo |
Day 4 | Fly to Luxor, Tour the West Bank | Luxor |
Day 5 | Luxor East Bank Tour, Board Luxury Sailboat | Luxor |
Day 6 | Sail to El Hegz, Village Tour | Esna |
Day 7 | Sail to El Kab & Edfu, Egyptian Cooking Lesson | Edfu |
Day 8 | Sail to Kom Ombo via Gebel el-Silsila, Kem Ombo Temple Tour | Kom Ombo |
Day 9 | Sail to Aswan, Disembark Sailboat, Aswan Highlights Tour | Aswan |
Day 10 | Return Flight to Abu Simbel, Full-Day Temple & Ruins Tour | Aswan |
Day 11 | Fly to Cairo, Al-Tannoura Dance Show | Cairo |
Day 12 | National Museum & Coptic Cairo Tour, Riverboat Lunch | Cairo |
Day 13 | Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum | Cairo |
Day 14 | Depart Cairo |
Welcome to Egypt! Your luxury getaway begins with a three-day stay in Cairo, the first of which promises a spectacular sunset from Cairo Tower. Next, team up with an Egyptologist for fantastic tours of the famed Giza Plateau and Cairo's oldest bazaar before boarding a flight bound for Luxor. This ancient city serves as the starting point for your five-day cruise, but first, dedicate a day and a half to exploring the Valley of the Kings and the Karnak Temple complex. Then, once onboard and settled into your elegant stateroom, kick off the cruise with sailing excursions to El Hegz, El Kab, and Edfu.
When you're not hopping off the luxury yacht for tours of ancient temples, you'll find plenty of time to relax on the sundeck and partake in a chef-led cooking class. Yet, all too soon, you'll be waving farewell to your crew and checking in for a rejuvenating stay at the 5-star Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan. While based here, pop over to Abu Simbel for a day of discovery within two UNESCO-listed rock-cut temples. Afterward, return to Cairo for a three-day stay featuring a captivating folk dance performance and guided tours of Old Cairo and the Grand Egyptian Museum before catching your onward flight. Learn more
Itinerary #2: Ultimate Luxury in Egypt: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Sharm el-Sheikh
Perfectly combining ancient history with generous touches of luxury, this grand tour covers Egypt's highlights including Sharm el-Sheikh. Cairo takes center stage at the start and end of the adventure, where you'll enjoy privileged access to the Great Sphinx and private tours of monumental museums. In between, cruise the Nile onboard the Sonesta Sun Goddess, pausing to explore iconic temples, and spend three days playing between the Red Sea and desert dunes while staying at a 5-star resort in Sharm el-Sheikh.
![Among the tours and ancient temples, there'll be plenty of time for 5-star relaxation on your trip (photo courtesy of Sunrise Arabian Sharm el-Sheikh)](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/0a612e8f-3a80-4f95-94d0-d9d09725aa7c/original-b115746e8317a4f4fc8248c6abda6b64.jpg)
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Cairo, Afternoon at Leisure | Cairo |
Day 2 | Giza Pyramids & Insider's Sphinx Tour | Cairo |
Day 3 | Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, Dinner at Abou El Sid | Cairo |
Day 4 | Fly to Abu Simbel, Transfer to Aswan | Aswan |
Day 5 | Aswan Temples Tour, Board Cruise Ship | Aswan |
Day 6 | Cruise to Esna, Visit Kom Ombo & Temple of Horus | Edfu |
Day 7 | Cruise to Luxor, West Bank & Valley of the Kings Tour | Luxor |
Day 8 | Disembark Cruise, Luxor Highlights Tour: Habu Temple & Tomb of Nobles | Luxor |
Day 9 | Sunrise Balloon Ride, Luxor East Bank Tour, Fly to Sharm el-Sheikh | Sharm el-Sheikh |
Days 10-11 | Sharm el-Sheikh Activities: Snorkeling, Bedouin Villages & Mount Sinai | Sharm el-Sheikh |
Day 12 | Sharm el-Sheikh Semi-Submarine Tour, Fly to Cairo | Cairo |
Day 13 | Egyptian Museum Tour, Islamic Cairo & Khan el-Khalili Bazaar | Cairo |
Day 14 | Depart Cairo |
Upon arriving in Cairo, spend the evening rejuvenating at a prestigious 5-star hotel overlooking the Nile, which promises to energize you for two epic days of sightseeing. First up is the Great Pyramid of Khufu, followed by special insider access to the Great Sphinx and a private tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Then, jet to Abu Simbel for a meander around 13th-century BCE rock-cut temples before backtracking to Aswan. Here, the intimate Sonesta Sun Goddess awaits to welcome you on board for a four-day luxury cruise north along the Nile, complete with stops at the Temple of Kom Ombob and the Temple of Horus.
Your final cruise destination is Luxor, home to the famed Valley of the Kings, Habu Temple, and the Tombs of the Nobles, which you'll explore alongside private guides. Additionally, take to the skies at sunrise in a hot-air balloon before flying to the beautiful Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh. Your home here is the opulent Sunrise Arabian Beach Resort, and when you're not taking advantage of its swimming pools and on-site restaurants, snorkel amid tropical fish and zip through dunes in an ATV. Afterward, jet back to Cairo, where another day of sightseeing wraps up your journey in style. Learn more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Itinerary #3: Luxury Cultural Tour of Egypt: Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria & Siwa
This luxury escape is ideal for discerning travelers seeking a land-based trip, featuring a captivating introduction to Egypt's ancient wonders and lesser-trodden landscapes. In between stays in the great Nile city of Cairo, fly to Luxor to roam the Valley of the Kings, spend two days in Alexandria uncovering history's finest secrets, and transfer across the Sahara Desert for a stay at a palm-fringed ecolodge in Siwa. Throughout, dinners at exclusive restaurants, nights tucked in 5-star accommodations, and exclusive tours ensure your creature comforts are looked after at every step.
![Karnak Temple is just one of the astonishing sites you'll explore on this grand tour](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/b013092f-cce1-4aa8-a041-1cd81f23456e/original-1653ec13a3f921ff63c03d30901c1641.jpg)
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Cairo, Dinner at Abou El Sid Restaurant | Cairo |
Day 2 | Visit the Egyptian Museum & Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Nile Dinner Cruise | Cairo |
Day 3 | Fly to Luxor, East Bank Highlights Tour | Luxor |
Day 4 | Luxor West Bank Highlights & Valley of the Kings Tour | Luxor |
Day 5 | Fly to Cairo, Sunset & Dinner at Cairo Tower | Cairo |
Day 6 | Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, Dinner at Felfela Restaurant | Cairo |
Day 7 | Giza Pyramids & Insider's Sphinx Tour | Cairo |
Day 8 | Transfer to Alexandria, Tour the Amphitheatre, Catacombs & Museum | Alexandria |
Day 9 | Visit the Library of Alexandria, Citadel of Qaitbay & Montaza Gardens | Alexandria |
Day 10 | Transfer to Siwa via El-Alamein, Lunch in Marsa Matruh | Siwa |
Day 11 | Siwa Grand Tour: Tombs, Springs, Temples, Museums & Islands | Siwa |
Day 12 | Siwa Oasis & Old Shali Tour, Desert Safari & Bedouin Dinner Under the Stars | Siwa |
Day 13 | Scenic Transfer to Cairo via the Western Desert | Cairo |
Day 14 | Depart Cairo |
Your journey starts with a delightful two-day stay in Cairo, and between private tours and upscale dinners, you'll see firsthand how the city amplifies unique experiences with touches of luxury. Plenty more immersive excursions await in Luxor, your next destination, including guided explorations of Karnak Temple and the fascinating Valley of the Kings. Then, return to Cairo. This time, delving even deeper into the region's major attractions. Catch the sunset from atop Cairo Tower, ponder ancient civilization at the Grand Egyptian Museum, and walk right up to the paws of the Great Sphinx.
Week two of your Egyptian expedition takes you north to the ancient city of Alexandria, where a local Egyptologist awaits to reveal the stories hidden within the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa and the opulent Montaza Palace. Next, settle in for a scenic westerly transfer across the Sahara Desert to Siwa. Spend your first evening lazing at the Ghaliet ecolodge, which promises to refresh you for insightful tours of the area's most significant sites, including Cleopatra Bath and the mud-brick Shali Fortress. Afterward, head back to Cairo and cap off your journey with a stylish stay at the luxurious Le Méridien. Learn more
Itinerary #4: Luxury Highlights of Jordan & Egypt
Discover vast desert landscapes, ancient cities, and spectacular temples on this elevated multicountry expedition through Jordan and Egypt. Perfect for those seeking a fast-paced trip overflowing with private tours and sophisticated accommodations, you'll experience the wonders of 10 different cities while also treating yourself to a plethora of creature comforts. Highlights include an off-the-beaten-path hike in Petra, an overnight stay at a desert retreat in Wadi Rum, a four-day luxury cruise on the Nile, and a rejuvenating stay at a Dead Sea resort.
![See Egypt's most spectacular sights, including an insider's look at the Great Sphinx](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/bfe18acd-883b-4114-97b6-83255f8b4973/original-fa2472a633751c0dca3b024e9f4888ce.jpg)
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Amman (Jordan) | Amman |
Day 2 | Transfer to Petra, Guided Archaeological Highlights Tour | Petra |
Day 3 | Secret Petra Hike, Transfer to Wadi Rum | Wadi Rum |
Day 4 | Hot-Air Balloon Over Wadi Rum, Transfer to the Dead Sea | The Dead Sea |
Day 5 | Fly to Cairo (Egypt), Nile Dinner Cruise | Cairo |
Day 6 | Giza Pyramids & Insider's Sphinx Tour | Cairo |
Day 7 | Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, Dinner at Felfela | Cairo |
Day 8 | Fly to Luxor, Board Nile Cruise, East Bank Tour | Luxor |
Day 9 | Luxor West Bank Tour, Cruise to Esna | Esna |
Day 10 | Cruise to Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples | Kom Ombo |
Day 11 | Cruise to Aswan, Tour Aswan's Highlights | Aswan |
Day 12 | Fly to Cairo, Optional Abdeen Palace Tour | Cairo |
Day 13 | Tour the Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo & Khan el-Khalili Bazaar | Cairo |
Day 14 | Depart Cairo |
Your journey begins with an epic four-day exploration of Jordan's archaeological sites and otherworldly landscapes. First, settle in over a lavish evening at the 5-star Grand Hyatt Amman and take in the sandstone palaces and temples of Petra before continuing to Wadi Rum. Here, the tranquil Sun City Camp offers a warm welcome while a thrilling 4WD adventure and a breathtaking hot-air balloon ride reveal the expanse of the desert landscape. Afterward, overnight at Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea Resort, then fly to Cairo, where a roundup of privately guided tours reveal the city's ancient wonders.
Continue your journey with a four-day cruise down the Nile, traveling south from Luxor to Aswan onboard a luxurious sailing vessel. Throughout, enjoy a handful of side excursions, including private tours of Karnak Temple and the Temple of Kom Ombo, and find plenty of time to relax in your well-acquainted stateroom. Once in Aswan, join up with an expert guide for an insider's look at the Temple of Philae and the massive Unfinished Obelisk before jetting back to Cairo. Here, a two-day stay at the sophisticated Kempinski Nile and another highlights tour concludes your dip into the Middle East's storied past. Learn more
More Great 2-Week Egypt Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Egypt? Check out these other two-week Egypt itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.