Explore Egypt: Ancient Cairo, Nile Cruise & Red Sea Beaches - 14 Days

Day 1: Welcome to Cairo!

Welcome to Egypt! Upon your arrival at Cairo's airport, you'll be met by your guide who will assist you through customs and arrange a transfer to your hotel. Get settled in and rest up for a full day of sightseeing tomorrow.

Day 2: Pyramids Tour: Dahshour, Giza & Saqqara

This morning you'll hit the ground running, meeting your Egyptologist guide and setting off for a tour of some of Egypt's most iconic sites. Begin at the ancient pyramids of Dahshour, then continue to the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza to visit the pyramid of Cheops, the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built as a tomb, its shape was intended to help the spirit of the dead pharaoh rise to heaven. Nearby you'll find Chephren, the best-preserved of the main Giza pyramids, and Mykerinos, the smallest of the three.

After seeing the magnificent Sphinx up close, it's time to head to the ancient ruins of Memphis, the first unified capital of the ancient world. Here you can visit the necropolis of Saqqara, explore its stepped pyramid and 4,350-year-old tombs, and see the ancient hieroglyphics engraved on its walls.

 In the afternoon you'll be driven back to the city, where you can enjoy the rest of the evening in Cairo at your leisure.

Day 3: Fly to Aswan, Board Nile River Cruise

This morning you will catch a quick flight south to Aswan, an archaeologically rich city on the banks of the Nile. Here you'll meet your guide and embark on a tour of the beautiful Temple of Philae, dedicated to the worship of the goddess Isis. Afterward, visit Egypt's remarkable engineering achievement of the modern era, the Aswan High Dam.

From here you'll transfer to the shores of the Nile River to set sail on your scenic cruise, which serves as your accommodation for the next three nights. After lunch on board, take a ride on a felucca (a traditional river sailboat) for panoramic views of the Botanical Gardens, Elephantine Island, and Agha Khan Mausoleum. 

Day 4: Cruise to Kom Ombo & Edfu

This morning, your Nile journey starts with a visit to the Temple of Kom Ombo. Built during the Ptolemaic era, Kom Ombo was dedicated to the crocodile god (Sobek) and falcon god (Haroeris). Admire its many intact courts and halls, along with wall carvings and statues, then return to the boat and enjoy lunch as you cruise towards Edfu for the evening.

Day 5: Visit the Temple of Horus, Cruise to Luxor

Start today with a horse-drawn carriage ride through Edfu to reach the Temple of Horus, considered one of the best-preserved shrines in Egypt. After reboarding the cruise, you'll set sail for Luxor. Here you'll cross to the Nile's east bank to visit the amazing Karnak and Luxor temples. Start at the famed Luxor temple complex, built during the New Kingdom around 1400 BCE. In the afternoon, you'll tour Karnak Temple, once a key religious center and one of Egypt's largest surviving temples. Return to the cruise to enjoy your final night on board, with a celebratory dinner and a spectacular Nile sunset.

Day 6: Valley of the Kings, Transfer to Hurghada & the Red Sea

Start today with an excursion to the famed Valley of the Kings. Discover the exteriors of the Tomb of Tutankhamun, the beautiful Temple of Der el Bahari (dedicated to the funerary cult of Queen Hatshepsut), and the Statues of Memnon.

Then you'll switch gears from ancient Egyptian history to the great outdoors, transferring to Hurghada by car. This resort town on the coast of the Red Sea is known for its long sandy beach and an old town, El Dahar, where you can dine on traditional Egyptian cuisine and shop in colorful souks. The region is also a hot spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. One popular place for diving is the SS Thistlegorm Wreck, a famous shipwreck dive site with lionfish, stonefish, and sea turtles swimming alongside the ruins of the sea vessel. The afternoon is free for exploring and relaxing by the sea.

Day 7: Explore Hurghada & Desert Safari

After a leisurely breakfast, you're free to choose from a range of activities. If you want to see more of the desert, opt for a safari adventure in the afternoon, choosing between a 4x4 vehicle, ATV, or camel. Whichever option you choose, you'll enjoy getting a lift as you explore Bedouin villages and enjoy sweeping mountain and desert views. For a more laidback pace, join a scenic boat tour or visit the nearby Hurghada Aquarium.

Day 8: Hurghada Beach Day

Today is yours to spend completely at your leisure. Relax on Hurghada's white-sand beaches, swim in the warm waters of the Red Sea, or join a snorkeling or boating excursion nearby.

Day 9: Day Trip to Dahab: Snorkeling & Camel Safari

Today's itinerary features a grand safari trip to Dahab, a former Bedouin fishing spot that's now one of Egypt's top spots for diving. It's located on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula. During the day's journey, you'll visit Abu Galum, a protected zone in the mountains with excellent birdwatching, and go snorkeling in Blue Hole, a submarine sinkhole that's popular with divers. Finish the adventure with a camel ride, then return to Hurghada in time for a sunset dinner.

Day 10: Fly to Cairo

After a free morning in Hurghada, a transfer takes you to the airport to catch a flight back to Cairo. Get settled into your hotel and relax for the evening, or head back out and enjoy a night on the town.

Day 11: Day Trip to Fayoum: Quarun Lake & Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls

Today takes you two-hours southwest of Cairo to the lush and biodiverse oasis of Fayoum. Here you'll go birdwatching on the shores of Quarun Lake, visit the rushing Wadi El Rayan waterfalls within a protected national park, and discover the famous Pottery School nearby. An afternoon transfer takes you back to Cairo in time for dinner.

Day 12: Old Cairo Tour: Salah El-din Citadel & Khan El Khalili Market

Today you'll embark on a tour of Cairo's historic city streets, starting at the massive medieval Salah El-din Citadel and its enclosed Mohamed Ali alabaster mosque, once a stronghold against the Crusaders. The brilliant domed ceilings, suspended lights, and views of the city from this ancient fortress are sure to captivate. Keep going to the churches of Old Cairo and the Khan El Khalili old market to browse before you retire for the night.

Day 13: Day Trip to Alexandria: Catacombs & Citadel

Today you'll meet your knowledgeable Egyptologist guide and drive three hours to the Mediterranean port of Alexandria. 

Embark on a whirlwind tour of Alexandria's highlights, starting with the Catacombs of Kom El Shoukafa. Descend underground to discover a world of ornate carvings and paintings and a mixture of Roman and Egyptian designs. Dating from the second century CE, it is the largest Roman funerary complex in Egypt and includes a warren of tombs on three levels.

Continue to the harbor to see the Citadel of Qaitbey, a defensive fort that stands on the original site of the Pharos, Alexandria’s ancient lighthouse. Built in 279 CE, the legendary wonder of the ancient world stood guard over the harbor of Alexandria for over 1600 years and was topped with a towering statue of Poseidon. Although Pharos was restored at various times, it had finally crumbled by the time the original fort was built here in the 15th century CE. 

After lunch, there's time for more sightseeing before returning to Cairo in the afternoon.

Day 14: Depart Cairo

After breakfast this morning, it's time to say your goodbyes and transfer to the airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

More Egypt Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Egypt? Check out these other Egypt itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

Or, describe your ideal trip and we will connect you with a local specialist to make it happen.