Please note that travel advisories have previously been issued for the Black and White Deserts. Please check your government's latest recommendations. Your local specialist will be happy to advise and potentially work with you on an alternative plan.
Highlights
- See the treasures of the ancients at the Egyptian Museum and GEM
- Hop between riverside temples as you cruise from Luxor and Aswan
- Take day trips to Alexandria and Jordan's "Rose City" of Petra
- Pitch a tent deep in the wilds of the White Desert
- Dive into the turquoise waters and coral reefs of the Red Sea
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cairo, Sunset at Cairo Tower | Cairo |
| Day 2 | Camel Ride at the Pyramids, Tour the Egyptian Museum & Coptic Cairo | Cairo |
| Day 3 | Fly to Luxor, Tour Karnak & Luxor Temples, Board Nile Cruise | Luxor |
| Day 4 | Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride in Luxor, Visit Valley of the Kings, Cruise to Edfu | Edfu |
| Day 5 | Cruise to Aswan via the Temples of Edfu & Kom Ombo | Aswan |
| Day 6 | Disembark Nile Cruise, Tour the Sights of Aswan, Fly to Cairo | Cairo |
| Day 7 | Day Trip to Alexandria | Cairo |
| Day 8 | Day Trip to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) | Cairo |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Bahariya Oasis, Explore & Camp in the Black & White Deserts | Bahariya |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Cairo, Walking Food Tour | Cairo |
| Day 11 | Fly to Dahab & the Red Sea, Free Afternoon | Dahab |
| Day 12 | Day Trip to Petra (Jordan) via Ferry | Dahab |
| Day 13 | Snorkeling Tour to the Blue Hole, Ras Abu Gallum & Blue Lagoon | Dahab |
| Day 14 | Fly to Cairo, Nile Dinner Cruise | Cairo |
| Day 15 | Tour Al-Muizz Street & Khan el-Khalili, Depart Cairo |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cairo, Sunset at Cairo Tower
Welcome to Egypt! Few countries have captured the world's imagination like this North African nation bordering the Middle East. Luckily, much of its ancient history is preserved through landmarks, archaeological sites, and antiquities, all accessible to the public. Once you arrive in Cairo, the country's largest city and capital, you'll be picked up at Cairo International Airport and transferred to your hotel to relax and settle in.
In the early evening, head to the Cairo Tower (El-Gezira Tower or Burj el-Qahari), the highest point in the city, to see the sunset over the panorama of Cairo and the Nile River. One of the most prominent features of the Egyptian capital, the tower's partially open latticework design is intended to evoke a lotus plant. Eat dinner at the top of the 613-foot-tall (187 m) tower in the revolving restaurant so that you can catch every piece of the view, including, on a clear day, the iconic Pyramids of Giza in the distance.
Day 2: Camel Ride at the Pyramids, Tour the Egyptian Museum & Coptic Cairo
Most visitors have one thing on their mind for a trip to Egypt—the pyramids of Giza. Grab breakfast and meet your guide, then set off for an adventurous look at the Giza Plateau, including the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. You'll experience their imposing presence from the back of a camel, giving you a unique vantage point from which to explore these ancient wonders. The Great Sphinx, watching over the pyramids, is also on the docket.
You'll be able to put everything you saw earlier in greater context this afternoon at the Egyptian Museum. Over 5,000 years of art and relics are housed here, including over 100,000 artifacts and the mummy of King Tut and his spectacular treasure, buried with him over 3,000 years ago. Continue to the remains of the Fortress of Babylon, Cairo's oldest original structure. First built by the Persians around the sixth century BCE, you'll find the Hanging Church on-site. Finish at the oldest synagogue in Egypt, Ben Ezra, where the famous "Geniza Documents" were found.
Day 3: Fly to Luxor, Tour Karnak & Luxor Temples, Board Nile Cruise
This morning, your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Cairo and transfer you to the airport to catch your flight to Luxor, a small city in the Nile Valley. Once the capital of ancient Thebes, today, Luxor is considered an open-air museum due to its many landmarks. Once you land, another driver will be waiting to transfer to the dock, where you'll check in for your three-night cruise.
After lunch on board, join your Egyptologist guide to explore the East Bank of Luxor. Start at the Karnak Temple complex, the second-largest ancient religious site in the world and once the most significant religious complex in Ancient Egypt. Founded in the Middle Kingdom, it's now one of Egypt's largest surviving temples. From its massive decorated pillars to the obelisks, statues, and kiosks, the complex, which took around 2,000 years to finish, will astound you.
Then, continue to the famed Luxor Temple complex, built during the New Kingdom around 1400 BCE and dedicated to Amun Ra, the God of the Kings and the King of the Gods. Walk down the Avenue of the Sphinxes, which once connected Luxor with Karnak and is guarded by the giant statues of Ramesses II.
Day 4: Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride in Luxor, Visit Valley of the Kings, Cruise to Edfu
This morning, wake up before dawn to catch the sunrise over the ancient city of Luxor from aboard a hot-air balloon. A driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the western shores of the Nile River for refreshments and a safety briefing. Then, you'll board your balloon for a one-hour flight, just in time to watch the sunrise.
Once you're back on land, your guide will take you to the famed Valley of the Kings, known for its rock-cut tombs for kings and pharaohs, buried between the 16th and 11th centuries BCE. Discover the exteriors of the Tomb of Tutankhamun and the beautiful Temple of Deir el-Bahari, a complex of mortuary temples and tombs, including the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Stop at the Colossi of Memnon to see the imposing statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that guard the entrance of his memorial temple. Return to the ship later in the afternoon and cast off for your first night of cruising toward Edfu.
Day 5: Cruise to Aswan via the Temples of Edfu & Kom Ombo
After a leisurely breakfast on deck, continue your Nile journey toward Edfu, where you can take a horse-drawn carriage to reach the Temple of Horus, considered one of the best-preserved shrines in Egypt. Constructed between 237 BCE and 57 BCE, you can still make out many intricate inscriptions.
Then, continue downstream to reach the Temple of Kom Ombo. Built during the Ptolemaic era, Kom Ombo was dedicated to the crocodile god (Sobek) and falcon god (Horus). Admire its many intact courts, halls, wall carvings, and statues. Return to the cruise for dinner and a spectacular desert sunset as you cruise toward Aswan tonight.
Day 6: Disembark Nile Cruise, Tour the Sights of Aswan, Fly to Cairo
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Enjoy one last meal on the boat before disembarking and joining your guide for a daylong tour of the amazing Aswan. Start with a visit to Egypt's remarkable engineering achievement of the modern era, the Aswan High Dam. Besides offering insight into Egypt's modern infrastructure, the dam also features panoramic views of the surrounding area. Continue to see the Unfinished Obelisk, the largest known ancient obelisk, located in the ancient stone quarries near Aswan.
Embark on a tour of the beautiful Temple of Philae from the fourth century BCE, dedicated to Isis, the goddess of love. Later in the afternoon, head to the shores of the Nile for a sail on a felucca (traditional river sailboat) for panoramic views of Elephantine Island, where you can spot the Botanical Gardens and Agha Khan Mausoleum. After a relaxing sail, you'll be picked up and transferred to Aswan International Airport to catch your flight to Cairo.
Day 7: Day Trip to Alexandria
Meet your driver at your hotel before embarking on the 3.5-hour transfer to Alexandria. Sitting on the Mediterranean coast, this ancient city is just as famous for its historical landmarks as its beautiful beaches, resorts, and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Once you arrive, head to Pompey's Pillar, an impressive Roman monument constructed in honor of the Roman emperor Diocletian at the end of the fourth century. Continue to the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, one of Egypt's largest Roman burial sites, which consists of three levels cut into the rock. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit another of Alexandria's most prominent landmarks, the Citadel of Qaitbay, a defensive fortress from the 15th century overlooking the Mediterranean.
End the day at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Library of Alexandria), a scholarly institution and major hub for scholars worldwide. This modern structure is a tribute to the original library and Wonder of the Ancient World, which was built in the third century BCE and served as one of the ancient world's premier centers of knowledge and learning. Today's library houses over one million books, manuscripts, and digital resources. Later in the day, you'll return to Cairo in time for dinner.
Day 8: Day Trip to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Today, meet your guide for a return trip to Giza to see the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). When it's completed, it will be the largest archaeological museum in the world. Visitors can currently tour the Grand Hall, the exterior gardens, the Grand Atrium, and the Grand Staircase, which features over 60 historically significant pieces from the museum's collection, including the 10 statues of King Senusert.
Other artifacts include royal regalia, the victory column of King Merenptah, the Hanging Obelisk, and the Ramesses II statue. After you stop at the gift shop, then your driver will take you back to your hotel in Cairo.
Day 9: Transfer to Bahariya Oasis, Explore & Camp in the Black & White Deserts
Wake up early for your four-hour transfer across the desert from Cairo to the Bahariya Oasis, the best place to see both the White and Black Deserts, known for their living history, from ancient cities to well-preserved mummies. Once you arrive, meet a local guide to visit a family-owned date plantation, see the migratory birds on the salty Lake Marun, and then explore the dark volcanic formations of the Black Desert. Climb the famous Gebel al-Ingleez (English Mountain), a former World War I lookout post with incredible panoramic views.
After a desert lunch, resume your tour of the Black Desert, starting at the distinctive Al-Marsous Mountain, the famous crater covered in volcanic jasper. Visit the small Bedouin village of El-Hez to swim in the nearby cold spring before heading to explore the otherworldly dunes and limestone rock formations of the White Desert in the Agabat Valley.
See the sparkly Gebel al-Izzaz (Crystal Mountain), known for its cover of reflective quartz fragments, and Al-Ghurabi, one of the world's longest wandering dunes. Stop in the picturesque El-Ghorab, an ideal spot for swimming and unwinding in the desert landscape. At the end of the day, assist your guide in setting up a cozy desert encampment where you'll spend the night under the stars.
Day 10: Transfer to Cairo, Walking Food Tour
After breakfast at your camp in the desert, hop aboard your four-hour transfer back to Cairo, enjoying the desolate beauty of the dunes as you go. Once you arrive in the capital, check into your hotel to rest and recharge.
Later in the day, head out for a food tour on the streets of Cairo, where you'll eat like an Egyptian. Spend four hours sampling Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush (eggplant dip), and baklava, as well as more local specialties including duqqa (nut and herb dip) or kushari, the national dish of Egypt made from lentils, chickpeas, macaroni, and tomato sauce. As you explore the streets and delight in the flavors, you'll also discover the history, daily life, customs, and traditions of the locals.
Day 11: Fly to Dahab & the Red Sea, Free Afternoon
It's time for a change of scene this morning as you check out of your hotel in Cairo and meet your driver, who will take you to the airport for your flight to Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport. Once you arrive, you'll be transferred to the coastal hamlet of Dahab. Located an hour down the coast from the sprawling resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, this quiet beach town has a more authentic, laid-back feel than its neighbor and is the perfect spot for a few days of relaxation and watersports on the Red Sea.
After settling in, try some fresh seafood at one of the numerous cafés and restaurants along the beach, walk around the small streets, or wander the picturesque boardwalk. If you're looking to stretch your legs, explore one of the many canyons outside of town, such as the Colored Canyon, or jump in the Red Sea for swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving. At the end of the day, catch a vibrant sunset from the beautiful Laguna Beach.
Day 12: Day Trip to Petra (Jordan) via Ferry
Wake up early for a coastal sunrise, then meet your driver for a ride to the ferry for Aqaba, a city on the Red Sea in Jordan. Once you arrive, meet your guide and head directly to Jordan's most famous archaeological treasure: the lost city of Petra, about an hour north. Known as the "Rose City" for its distinctive red sandstone, it's easy to see why Petra was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enter through the Siq, a narrow gorge, and after a two-hour guided tour, you'll have free time to explore. Wander through Petra's seemingly endless temples, including the grand Qasr al-Bint, numerous tombs, and winding, skinny streets. Navigate this historic Nabataean city, with intricate architecture still well-preserved after hundreds of years.
To see Petra's largest and lesser-visited monument, climb the 800 steps to the Monastery. For the most incredible view of the city, overlooking the famous Treasury and jagged mountains beyond, hike the stone-carved staircase to the top of Jabal al-Khubtha. After your Petra tour, head back to Aqaba for a short city tour and free time for shopping. Then it's time to catch the ferry back to Taba, where you'll be met and transferred to your Dahab hotel.
Day 13: Snorkeling Tour to the Blue Hole, Ras Abu Gallum & Blue Lagoon
Grab your sunscreen and swimsuit—today, you're off on a snorkeling tour around some of the best sites in the Red Sea. Hop aboard a speedboat and head to the famous but challenging Blue Hole, a submarine sinkhole popular with divers. Jump back on your boat for a short trip to the Ras Abu Galum Reserve. Eat lunch on the beach, snorkel right off shore, and enjoy the tranquility of this idyllic spot, only reachable via foot or boat.
Your last stop on the tour is the breathtaking Blue Lagoon, another part of the reserve that's often considered one of the most beautiful spots on the Sinai coast. This sheltered cove surrounded by mountain peaks, with calm, turquoise waters, is ideal for swimming. Return to your hotel in Dahab at the end of the evening for another spectacular sunset and seafood feast.
Day 14: Fly to Cairo, Nile Dinner Cruise
Take in a final sunrise over the Red Sea before meeting your driver for a transfer to Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport. Hop aboard a short flight to Cairo, where another driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Use the afternoon to explore more of Cairo or rest up from your coastal adventures.
As night falls, you'll be taken to the Nile River for a traditional dinner cruise. Hop aboard the boat, designed to resemble a Pharaonic barge, and take in panoramic views of the Cairo skyline from the deck. As you cruise along the riverbanks, you'll sit down to a buffet dinner of local and international dishes, accompanied by performances of Egyptian music, belly dancing, whirling dervish shows, or meditations led by an expert. After dinner, you can again climb to the deck to enjoy the river breezes as you cruise back to Cairo, where a driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
Day 15: Tour Al-Muizz Street & Khan el-Khalili, Depart Cairo
For your final morning in Cairo, meet your guide to discover one of the oldest streets in Egypt, Al-Muizz li-Din Allah al-Fatimi Street (Al-Muizz Street). This historic pedestrian street is lined with famous monuments, including two of the three remaining gates in the old city wall, Bab al-Futuh (Gate of Conquests) and Bab al-Nasr (Gate of Victory).
Follow the street to the historic, recently restored alleyway, Al-Darb al-Asfar, and visit some of the most beautiful mosques in the city, such as Aqsunqur Mosque (Blue Mosque), famous for its blue-tiled interior, and Al-Aqmar Mosque, with its detailed stonework facade. End your tour in Khan el-Khalili, Cairo's old bazaar. Hunt for treasures at this historical souk (market), including lamps, rugs, jewelry, and more, and learn the art of bargaining as you pick up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Afterward, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to Cairo International Airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels wherever life takes you next!
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