Grand Tour of Egypt & Nile Sailing Trip - 12 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, you'll 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 (sugar cane juice), sahlab (a milky drink from orchid root powder flavored with rosewater), or karkadeh (hibiscus tea served hot or cold). After four hours of eating and drinking, return to your hotel for the night.

Day 2: Visit Memphis, the Saqqara Necropolis & Giza Pyramid Complex

Join your guide on a full-day tour of the ancient wonders surrounding Cairo, starting at the necropolis of Memphis, the capital of Egypt's Old Kingdom. Wander through the archaeological site to see the remnants of colossal limestone statues, ancient Egyptian art, and the Sphinx of Memphis. Just 20 minutes away is the Saqqara Necropolis, a vast burial ground that's home to the Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone pyramid in the world. Admire the six-tiered structure, then discover other highlights, like the Serapeum, an underground tomb housing the colossal sarcophagi of sacred Apis bulls.

Transfer 50 minutes to the Giza Plateau, where you'll find three of the most famous pyramids in the world. Start at the Great Pyramid of Giza, the largest of the three and the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to the Pyramid of Khafre, distinguished by its still-intact original limestone casing at the apex, and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaure. Admire the pyramids from the outside or pay an additional fee to discover the sacred chambers and dimly lit passageways within. Then, end the tour at the Great Sphinx, which guards the pyramids, before returning 30 minutes to Cairo.

Day 3: Visit the Egyptian Museum, Guided Tour of Coptic & Islamic Cairo

Start your action-packed day at the Egyptian Museum, home to an extensive collection of over 120,000 artifacts, including treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb, like his famous gold mask. Then, follow your guide through the streets of Coptic Cairo to arrive at the Fortress of Babylon, dating from 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 Old Cairo for Islamic Cairo next as you head to the Cairo Citadel, perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. As you explore the citadel, you'll encounter impressive structures, 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 4: Transfer to Alexandria, Guided City Tour

Say goodbye to Cairo this morning as you set off on a 2.5-hour transfer to Alexandria, a Mediterranean port city founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE. Many ancient structures remain, including the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, dating back to the second century CE. Enter the catacombs to see elaborate frescoes, reliefs, and sculptures depicting Egyptian and Greek mythology and everyday scenes. You'll also visit another surviving structure, Qaitbay Fort, strategically located on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 

Admire the robust stone walls and towering battlements, then discover the well-preserved interior, including the original defensive structures. Climb to the top of the fort for panoramic views of the coastline and bustling harbor before ending the tour at Montaza Palace, built in the 19th century for the Egyptian royal family. Although the palace is closed to visitors, you can explore its opulent garden, featuring diverse plant species, serene water features, and far-reaching views of the Mediterranean, before checking in at your hotel.  

Day 5: Explore Wadi El Natrun's Monasteries, Transfer to Cairo, Fly to Aswan

After a restful night in Alexandria, hit the road again on a 1.5-hour transfer to Wadi El Natrun, a desert valley famous for its ancient Christian monasteries. Only four of the original 50 monasteries have survived into modern times. Your visit begins at the oldest of the four, the Monastery of Al-Baramus, built in the fourth century and named after two Roman soldiers who became monks. Continue to the Monastery of Anba Makaryus, also built in the fourth century and now home to over 100 monks. Admire the fortress-like walls, beautifully preserved chapels, and ancient frescoes.

Head to the Monastery of Anba Bishoy next, dedicated to one of Egypt's most revered saints. As you walk through its ancient walls, you'll encounter his relics and sacred artifacts that tell stories of centuries of devotion. Your last stop is the Monastery of Saint Mary Deipara, the smallest and most secluded of the four. After the monastery tour, transfer another 2.5 hours back to Cairo, where you'll catch a 1.5-hour flight to Aswan, a historic city nestled along the Nile River. Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel for the night.

Day 6: Tour 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 larger 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 7: Visit Philae Temple, Board a Dahabiya, Sail to the Temple of Kom Ombo

Before leaving Aswan, you'll visit Philae Temple, which is nestled on Agilkia Island. Enjoy a short boat ride to the island and disembark to discover the temple's halls, pylons, and sanctuaries, all dedicated to Isis, the goddess of magic, motherhood, and fertility. Be sure to see the detailed reliefs lining the walls as they depict scenes from ancient Egyptian mythology, including the famous story of Isis and her husband, Osiris, the god of the afterlife. Then, transfer to the Nile and board a dahabiya, a traditional sailboat, to start your four-day river cruise.

Your first stop on the cruise is the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility and protection, and Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky and kingship. In honor of both gods, the temple features twin entrances, hypostyle halls, and sanctuaries that mirror each other. Explore both sides of the temple, pausing to admire the intricate reliefs depicting mythological stories, medical instruments, and surgical procedures that provide valuable insights into ancient Egyptian medicine and religious practices. After the tour, return to the boat for a delicious dinner overlooking the river.

Day 8: Sail to Gebel el-Silsila & Fawaza Island

Enjoy breakfast on board while you sail to Gebel el-Silsila, a historic site renowned for its vast sandstone quarries that supplied the material for many of Egypt's great temples and monuments. It was also an important center for the cult of the Nile, as annual sacrifices were made here to ensure the fertility of the land. Explore the rock-cut tombs, temples, and inscriptions carved directly into the sandstone cliffs. Stop at highlights like the Temple of Horemheb for a close-up look at the inscriptions and reliefs depicting Pharaoh Horemheb's military victories, religious ceremonies, and offerings.

Return to the boat for lunch as you sail to Fawaza Island, known for its lush vegetation and clear waters. Anchor near the island and enjoy a leisurely evening on board. Grab a cup of tea and relax on the deck, enjoying wide-ranging views of the riverbank and distant dunes. When the sun begins to set, watch the sky transform into a vibrant palette of warm oranges, pinks, and purples. Then, as darkness falls, look up at the star-filled sky uninterrupted by city lights before sitting down for dinner and spending your second night on the Nile.

Day 9: Explore Edfu Temple & El Kab, Sail to El Hegz Island near Esna

Disembark in Edfu and switch to a horse-drawn carriage to reach Edfu Temple, a remarkably well-preserved complex dating back to 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 labyrinthine halls. After exploring, return to the ship for dinner as you cruise to El Hegz Island near Esna. 

Day 10: Visit Karnak & Luxor Temple

Leave the dahabiya behind this morning as you disembark in Luxor to discover Karnak, the second-largest religious complex in the world after Angkor Wat in Cambodia. When you arrive, wander past monumental pylons, towering obelisks, and intricately carved hieroglyphics that narrate the stories of pharaohs and deities while your guide explains why Karnak was the most important religious site in ancient Egypt. Be sure to see the great hypostyle hall, with its colossal columns and intricate ceilings standing as a testament to the architectural brilliance of ancient Egypt.

Walk along the Avenue of Sphinxes, a ceremonial path lined with sphinx statues, to arrive at Luxor Temple, built during the New Kingdom by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II. As you walk through the entrance, you'll be greeted by the great courtyard, where the massive statues of Ramesses II stand. Enter the hypostyle hall, with its 32 towering columns, and the inner sanctuary, which features a central shrine dedicated to the triad of deities worshipped here: Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. After exploring both sites, transfer to your hotel in Luxor to check in and enjoy a free evening.

Day 11: Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Explore Luxor's West Bank, Fly to Cairo

Rise and shine with an early wake-up call for a scenic hot-air balloon ride over Luxor. Transfer to the launch site and complete a safety briefing, then climb into the basket and ascend slowly into the air. Soar over the arid desert landscape dotted with landmarks like the temples you visited yesterday on the East Bank and the fertile Nile Delta. After 40 minutes in the air, touch down and transfer to the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank. Follow your guide through the royal necropolis, home to some of Egypt's most illustrious pharaohs, including Tutankhamun and Ramesses the Great.

Gain insight from your guide into the hieroglyphs, murals, and funerary goods within the tombs that are closed to visitors. Then, head up to Deir el-Bahari, an impressive mortuary temple dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut. Explore the site to see the meticulously carved bas-reliefs and vibrant frescoes depicting Hatshepsut's divine birth, her trading expeditions, and various offerings to the gods. End the tour at the Colossi of Memnon, twin statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, and the last surviving remnants of his mortuary temple before transferring to the airport for a one-hour flight back to Cairo.

Day 12: Depart Cairo

Now that you've spent 12 days exploring Egypt, it's time to head home. If you have time before your flight, make your way to Khan el-Khalili, a bustling market dating back to the 14th century CE. 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!