Egypt's Ancient Wonders, Desert Landscapes & Coastal Bliss - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo, Walking Food Tour

Welcome to Cairo, known as "The City of a Thousand Minarets," for its intricate Islamic architecture with mosques dating back to the Fatimid period. Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and freshen up for your half-day food tour. When you're ready, follow your guide through the bustling streets and hidden alleyways, stopping at four different eateries to indulge in local delights like falafel, kebabs, baklava, or Egypt's national dish, koshary (layers of lentils, rice, chickpeas, and macaroni topped with a tangy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions). 

While you savor various dishes, learn about the origins and ingredients of each, allowing you to connect with the traditions that have shaped the city's vibrant food scene. There are plenty of Egyptian drinks you can try as well, like asab (sugarcane juice), sahlab (a milky drink flavored with orchid root powder and rosewater), or karkadeh (hibiscus tea served hot or cold). After four hours of eating and drinking, return to your hotel to rest and fight off your jet lag.

Day 2: Guided Tour of Memphis, Saqqara & the Giza Necropolis

Day 3: Transfer to Bahariya Oasis, 4WD Desert Tour

Bid farewell to the capital for now as you set off on a 4.5-hour transfer to Bahariya Oasis, a hidden gem in Egypt's Western Desert. When you arrive, meet your local Bedouin guide and switch to a 4WD car to traverse the rugged landscape and reach the Black Desert, named for its dark, volcanic terrain, which contrasts sharply with the surrounding pale sands. Navigate the ancient volcanic hills and scattered black stones, stopping at the edge of the desert to visit Crystal Mountain, renowned for its deposits of natural quartz crystals, which glisten against the stark desert backdrop. 

Continue to the Valley of Agabat to admire its vibrant rock outcrops, impressive cliffs, and fascinating natural sculptures shaped by wind and erosion. Your last stop is the White Desert, where you can watch the sunset over the striking white rock formations, which create a surreal lunar-like environment. After the action-packed tour, settle into your campsite and enjoy a delicious Bedouin dinner with tea under the starry sky, uninterrupted by city lights. Choose between sleeping under the stars or in a comfortable tent and then settle in for the night. 

Day 4: Transfer to Cairo, Fly to Aswan

After breakfast at camp, transfer 4.5 hours back to Cairo. As you leave the lush palm groves and tranquil environment of Bahariya Oasis behind, you'll traverse the vast expanse of the Western Desert, where the stark, arid terrain gradually gives way to more cultivated landscapes. Approaching Cairo, the mix of desert, agricultural areas, and occasional roadside villages transition into a bustling urban sprawl. Head straight to the airport to board a 1.5-hour flight to Aswan, situated on the banks of the Nile River. Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel to relax after the long travel day.

Day 5: Visit Abu Simbel, Visit a Nubian Village or Ride a Felucca

Wake up early for a three-hour transfer to visit Abu Simbel, two rock-cut temples built by Ramesses II around 1264 BCE. When you arrive at the bigger temple, you'll be greeted by four colossal statues of the pharaoh sitting on his throne, each over 65 feet tall (20 m), flanked by smaller statues of his queen, Nefertari, and other deities. Inside, you'll find a series of hypostyle halls adorned with detailed wall reliefs depicting the pharaoh's divine power and military victories. Then, head to the smaller temple dedicated to the queen to admire the six towering statues of the royal couple at the entrance.

Step inside to stroll past beautifully preserved paintings and carvings celebrating their divine and royal attributes. After exploring both temples, transfer back to Aswan and choose between a Nubian village tour or a sailing trip on a felucca (traditional wooden sailboat). In the Nubian village, you'll be welcomed by the friendly locals, allowing you to learn about their customs, colorful houses, and traditional crafts. On the felucca ride, you'll enjoy the river breezes as you sail around landmarks like Elephantine Island and the Aswan Botanical Garden before returning to your Aswan hotel.

Day 6: Visit Philae Temple & the Aswan High Dam, Sail to the Temple of Kom Ombo

Start your day with a short boat ride to Philae Temple, nestled atop Agilkia Island. This temple complex is dedicated to the goddess Isis, as you can see by the intricate hieroglyphic carvings detailing her life and her various roles, including as a nurturing and protective deity. Continue to the Aswan High Dam, a monumental structure built to control flooding, provide irrigation, and generate hydroelectric power. Completed in 1970 CE, the dam created Lake Nasser, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. Stand atop the dam and look over the lake on one side and the winding river on the other.

After your tour of Aswan, board a dahabiya, a luxurious sailboat used primarily on the Nile River. This will be your accommodation and transportation for the next three days, so settle in as you start the journey to Kom Ombo. When you arrive, disembark and head to the Temple of Kom Ombo, a symmetrical temple split down the middle to honor two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky and war. Explore the temple to discover its mirrored halls and sanctuaries, all adorned with intricate carvings and reliefs, before returning to the boat for dinner.

Day 7: Sail to Gebel el-Silsila & Fawaza Island

Enjoy breakfast on board while you sail to Gebel el-Silsila, one of Egypt's most captivating archaeological and geological sites, as its ancient quarries provided the sandstone used in constructing many of the country's iconic temples and monuments. Disembark and follow your guide through the labyrinth of ancient quarrying pits, small temples, tombs, and shrines carved directly into the rock. Get a close-up look at the impressive carvings etched into the stone depicting scenes of pharaohs, deities, and workers, offering valuable insights into the quarrying techniques of the ancient Egyptians.

As you walk, you'll also learn about the site's history as a significant religious location, as offerings and rituals were performed here to ensure the fertility of the land. Return to the boat for lunch as you sail to Fawaza Island. Anchor near its shores and enjoy a leisurely evening on board. Grab a cup of tea, sit back, and wait until the sun sets, transforming the sky into a vibrant palette of warm oranges, pinks, and purples. As darkness falls, indulge in a delicious dinner overlooking the water.

Day 8: Explore Edfu Temple & El Kab, Sail to El Hegz Island near Esna

Sail to Edfu today, where you can hop in a horsedrawn carriage to visit Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples from the Ptolemaic period. Also dedicated to Horus, this massive temple features an impressive facade with towering pylons and colossal statues of the falcon-headed god. Inside, you'll be struck by the well-preserved reliefs and hieroglyphs that adorn the walls, depicting scenes of mythological events and religious rituals associated with Horus. The inner halls and sanctuaries are equally awe-inspiring, showcasing detailed carvings and inscriptions.

Back on board, enjoy a delicious lunch while you sail to El Kab, a small village close to a vast archaeological site—the ancient city of Nekheb. Walk past prehistoric and ancient Egyptian settlements, rock-cut tombs, Early Dynastic temples, and a Coptic monastery. The site's highlight is the Temple of Nekhbet, dedicated to the vulture goddess of Upper Egypt. Look up at the towering pylons and intricately carved columns flanking the entrance, then step inside to wander the inner sanctums and labyrinth halls. After exploring, return to the ship for dinner as you cruise to El Hegz Island near Esna. 

Day 9: Sail to Esna, Visit the Temple of Khnum, Transfer to Luxor

Say goodbye to the cruise ship this morning as you dock in Esna and head to the Temple of Khnum, dedicated to the ram-headed god of creation who was believed to have fashioned humankind on his potter's wheel. Unlike other temples you've visited, this one is partially buried beneath the streets of the town, adding to its mystique. Head inside to explore the hypostyle hall with its 23 intricately decorated columns featuring hieroglyphs and reliefs that offer insights into the religious practices and beliefs of the time. 

Then, meet your driver for a one-hour transfer north along the Nile to Luxor. Spend the rest of the day exploring the west bank, where landmarks like the Valley of the Kings await. This sacred valley served as the final resting place for the pharaohs of the New Kingdom, including the legendary Tutankhamun. Get a glimpse of the different tombs, each with distinctive carvings and artifacts that have survived the passage of time. Then, head up to Deir el-Bahari, a three-terraced mortuary temple and architectural marvel set against desert cliffs and dedicated to Egypt's first female pharaoh, Hatshepsut.

Day 10: Explore Karnak & Luxor Temple, Transfer to Hurghada

Today, you'll explore Luxor's east bank, starting at Luxor Temple, dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Step through the grand entrance, where you'll be greeted by an impressive pylon adorned with colossal statues of Ramesses II and the vast courtyard where the pharaohs held grand ceremonies and processions. Then, wander the inner sanctuary, with its opulent hypostyle hall, showcasing intricately carved columns and reliefs depicting royal rituals and divine offerings.

Continue to Karnak, the largest temple complex ever built until Angkor Wat was established in Cambodia more than 3,000 years later. Enter the hypostyle hall with its forest of 134 colossal columns featuring detailed carvings and hieroglyphs telling stories of gods, pharaohs, and ancient rituals. The Sacred Lake, massive obelisks, and the Avenue of Sphinxes further add to the sense of walking through a divine city. Visit a nearby souk to shop for souvenirs or local delights before meeting your driver for a four-hour transfer to the coastal city of Hurghada on the shores of the Red Sea.

Day 11: Snorkeling Tour to Mahmya Beach

Change into your bathing suit and get ready for a day in the sun as you transfer to the marina for a snorkeling tour to the Giftun Islands. Board the boat and cruise for one hour to Mahmya Beach on Giftun Kebir, the largest of the two islands. To protect the coral reef and its sea inhabitants, you'll switch to a smaller boat to reach the beach. Don your snorkeling gear and jump into the water to look for marine life among the coral. The reef is rich with biodiversity, so you'll likely see playful schools of butterflyfish, shimmering parrotfish, and the occasional graceful sea turtle.

Drift with the gentle currents and explore the underwater gardens. If you get tired, you can relax on the white sand beach, play beach volleyball, swing above the crystal-clear azure waters on a beach swing, and enjoy free WiFi. Then, when hunger hits, visit the beachfront restaurant and choose from the array of seafood and Italian specialties. Later in the day, grab a refreshing drink at the bar before cruising back to the mainland and transferring to your hotel. 

Day 12: Fly to Cairo, Explore the Capital at Leisure

Leave the coast behind this morning as you transfer to the airport for a one-hour flight back to Cairo. Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish, so you can explore more of the capital at your own pace. A good place to start is Cairo Tower on Gezira Island for panoramic views of the city. Ride the high-speed elevator to the observation deck perched 469 feet (143 m) above ground and look through the floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy unobstructed views of Cairo and its surroundings. 

When you're done in the tower, wander through the upscale Zamalek district below, known for its tree-lined streets, elegant villas, and vibrant art scene. Visit landmarks like the Cairo Opera House, where you can catch captivating performances ranging from opera to ballet. The neighborhood is known for its eclectic dining scene, offering everything from traditional Egyptian cuisine to international fare. If you choose a local restaurant for dinner, try beloved dishes like sayadeya (fish cooked with rice, onions, spices, and a tomato-based sauce).

Day 13: Visit the Egyptian Museum, Guided Tour of Coptic & Islamic Cairo

Immerse yourself in Egypt's rich history on a full-day city tour, starting at the Egyptian Museum, home to over 120,000 artifacts, including Tutankhamun's famous gold mask. Then, follow your guide through the streets of Coptic Cairo to reach the Fortress of Babylon, dating back to the Roman period. Stop at the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus within the fortress, believed to have provided refuge to the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt. Continue to Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, suspended above the fortress, earning it the nickname the "Hanging Church."

Your next stops are the Saint Barbara Church Complex, one of the largest churches in Egypt, and Synagogue Ben Ezra, believed to be built on the site where the pharaoh's daughter discovered the baby Moses. Trade Coptic Cairo for Islamic Cairo as you head to the Cairo Citadel, perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. You'll encounter impressive structures as you explore the citadel, such as the elaborate Mosque of Muhammad Ali, with its striking Ottoman-style domes and minarets. End the tour at the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, a grand mosque from the Mamluk period.

Day 14: Depart Cairo

After spending two weeks exploring Egypt, your trip is unfortunately coming to an end today. If you have time before your flight, head to Khan el-Khalili, a bustling market dating back to the 14th century. Wander past stalls selling everything from intricate brassware and colorful textiles to traditional spices and handcrafted jewelry. Shop for souvenirs or indulge in local delights before taking a much-deserved break in a maqha (traditional coffee house) like El Fishawi, a social hub for locals and visitors alike since 1773 CE. When it's time, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!