KMT821 | Egyptian Splendor

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo – Welcome to Egypt

1. Arrival in Cairo: Airport Pickup and Hotel Transfer
Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative, who will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel in Cairo. After check-in, take some time to relax and unwind after your journey. Enjoy your evening at leisure or explore the vibrant city on your own. Overnight in Cairo.

Day 2: The Giza Plateau, Egyptian Museum & Islamic Cairo

1. Morning Pickup: Begin Your Day of Exploration
Start your day with a pickup from your hotel. Your private driver and Egyptologist guide will take you to the Giza Plateau, where your adventure begins.

2. Visit the Giza Plateau: The Great Pyramids and Sphinx
Explore the Giza Plateau, home to the iconic Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Marvel at these ancient wonders and the enigmatic Great Sphinx. Your guide will share the rich history and significance of these monumental structures.

3. Optional Activities (Additional Fees Apply):

• Entry to Any of the Giza Plateau Pyramids: Enhance your experience by entering one of the pyramids to explore its inner chambers.
• Camel/Horse Ride Around the Pyramids: Enjoy a traditional camel or horse ride with breathtaking views of the pyramids.

4. Visit to Authorized Local Workshops – Included:
Your cultural journey continues with visits to several authorized traditional workshops, ensuring that you experience only the highest quality and most authentic aspects of Egypt’s artisanal heritage.

• Authorized Papyrus Workshop: Discover the ancient art of papyrus-making in this government-authorized workshop. Watch skilled craftsmen demonstrate how the papyrus plant is transformed into paper, just as it was in ancient times. You’ll have the chance to purchase genuine papyrus artwork, knowing it meets official standards of authenticity.
• Authorized Essence Factory: Step into an authorized perfume factory where you’ll learn about the traditional techniques used to extract and blend natural oils. These methods have been passed down through generations since the time of the pharaohs. Sample a variety of scents and purchase your favorite essences, confident in their authenticity and quality.
• Authorized Cotton Workshop: Explore the world-renowned Egyptian cotton at an authorized workshop. Here, you’ll see the entire process from cotton picking to weaving luxurious fabrics. The garments and textiles available for purchase are guaranteed to be of the highest quality, made with care and expertise.
• Bazaar Visit: Conclude this segment with a visit to a local bazaar, where you can browse a wide array of traditional crafts, jewelry, and other Egyptian treasures. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase souvenirs that are both unique and authentic.

5. Explore the Egyptian Museum: Discover Ancient Treasures
Next, visit the Egyptian Museum, where you’ll find the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Marvel at the Treasures of Tutankhamun, including the golden mask, and explore the galleries filled with statues, mummies, and relics. An optional visit to the Royal Mummies Room is available for an additional fee.

6. Discover Islamic Cairo: A Journey Through Egypt’s Religious Heritage
Conclude your day with a visit to Islamic Cairo. Explore the Citadel of Salah El-Din, where you’ll visit the magnificent Mohamed Ali Mosque (Alabaster Mosque). Wander through the historic streets and visit the bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where you can shop for unique souvenirs.

7. Evening Sleeper Train to Luxor:
After your day of exploration, you’ll be transferred to the Cairo train station to board the overnight sleeper train to Aswan. Enjoy dinner on board and rest in your private cabin as you travel south. Overnight on the train.

Day 3: Arrival in Aswan – Embark on Your Nile Cruise

1. Arrival in Aswan: Transfer and Nile Cruise Embarkation
Arrive in Aswan in the morning, where you’ll be met by our representative and transferred to your Nile Cruise ship. After check-in, enjoy breakfast on board and prepare for your first day of sightseeing.

2. Explore Aswan’s Highlights: High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk & Philae Temple
Begin your exploration of Aswan with a visit to the Aswan High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering that controls the Nile’s floodwaters. Next, visit the Unfinished Obelisk, an enormous obelisk left incomplete in the ancient quarries of Aswan. Finally, explore the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This stunning temple complex was relocated to Agilkia Island to save it from the rising waters of the Nile.

3. Return to Your Nile Cruise:
After your visits, return to your cruise ship to relax and enjoy the amenities on board. Overnight on the Nile Cruise in Aswan.

Day 4: Sailing to Kom Ombo & Edfu

1. Morning Sailing to Kom Ombo:
After breakfast, set sail for Kom Ombo, a picturesque town along the Nile.

2. Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo:
Upon arrival in Kom Ombo, visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique double temple dedicated to the falcon god Horus and the crocodile god Sobek. Explore the well-preserved reliefs and sanctuaries, and learn about the significance of this dual temple.

3. Continue Sailing to Edfu:
After your visit, return to the cruise ship and continue sailing to Edfu. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail along the scenic Nile.

4. Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu:
In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this temple offers a fascinating glimpse into the religious practices of ancient Egypt. Explore the temple’s inner sanctuaries, halls, and courtyards as your guide explains its significance.

5. Evening Sailing to Esna:
Return to your cruise ship and continue sailing toward Esna. Enjoy dinner on board and relax as you cruise along the Nile. Overnight on the Nile Cruise.

Day 5: Sail to Luxor & West Bank Exploration

1. Morning Sailing to Luxor:
Enjoy breakfast on board as your cruise ship sails toward Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes.

2. Explore Luxor’s West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple & Colossi of Memnon
After arriving in Luxor, disembark to explore the West Bank. Visit the Valley of the Kings, where you’ll explore several royal tombs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun (optional, with additional fees). Next, visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural masterpiece dedicated to Egypt’s most successful female pharaoh. Finally, see the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues that once guarded the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.

3. Return to the Nile Cruise:
After your West Bank exploration, return to your cruise ship. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure on board, taking in the views of the Nile. Overnight on the Nile Cruise in Luxor.

Day 6: Luxor East Bank Exploration & Train Back to Cairo

1. Disembarkation in Luxor: East Bank Exploration
After breakfast, disembark from your Nile Cruise to explore Luxor’s East Bank.

2. Visit Karnak Temple: The Grandest Temple Complex
Begin your exploration with a visit to the Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest and most impressive temple sites in Egypt. Explore the vast Hypostyle Hall with its towering columns, visit the Sacred Lake, and discover the many chapels and sanctuaries dedicated to the gods of ancient Egypt.

3. Explore Luxor Temple: The Jewel of Thebes
Next, visit Luxor Temple, located on the east bank of the Nile. This beautifully preserved temple was a central hub of religious activity during the New Kingdom. Admire the grand entrance flanked by massive statues of Ramses II and walk along the Avenue of Sphinxes.

4. Afternoon Transfer to Luxor Train Station:
After lunch, you’ll be transferred to Luxor train station to board the overnight sleeper train back to Cairo. Enjoy dinner on board and relax in your private cabin as you travel north. Overnight on the train.

Day 7: Arrival in Cairo & Optional Tours

1. Arrival in Cairo: Transfer to Hotel
Arrive in Cairo in the morning, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy the morning at leisure or explore the city on your own.

2. Afternoon Optional Tours – Additional Fees Apply:

• Step Pyramid of King Zoser in Sakkara: Visit the oldest major stone construction in the world.
• Memphis: Explore the ancient city of Memphis, the first capital of Egypt, and its open-air museum.

3. Overnight in Cairo:
After a day of optional activities or relaxation, enjoy your final night in Cairo. Overnight in Cairo.

Day 8: Departure from Cairo – Farewell to Egypt

1. Breakfast and Hotel Check-out:
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, you will check out and prepare for your departure.

2. Airport Transfer: Final Departure
Our representative will transfer you to Cairo International Airport for your final departure. Reflect on the unforgettable memories and experiences you’ve gathered during your 8 Days Cairo and Nile Cruise Adventure.

All our private guided tours and packages are adjustable regarding time and itinerary to meet your requirements.

Note: Egyptian trains are designed and maintained according to standards of quality determined by the Egyptian Railway Authority. The sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan takes about 14 hours, and the journey from Luxor to Cairo takes about 11 hours. To reduce time spent traveling, you can upgrade your trip package for about $165 per person to travel by domestic flight instead (about 1.5 hours).

Additional Requirements?
If you have any special requests or additional requirements, please feel free to contact us at any time. We’re here to ensure your experience is tailored to your needs and preferences. please contact us 

Price indicated per person.