Pyramids & the White Desert

Discover the best of both worlds on this 11-day Egyptian adventure. You'll journey from the bustling streets of Cairo to the grand temples of Luxor, and then sleep under the stars in the surreal White Desert. This comprehensive tour blends ancient history with breathtaking natural beauty for a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

• Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be greeted by our professional representative.
• Enjoy a comfortable, private transfer in an air-conditioned (A/C) vehicle to your hotel.
• Overnight: Cairo

Day 2: The Grandeur of Giza & Ancient Treasures

• Begin your day at the world-renowned Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to an unparalleled collection spanning 5,000 years of art.
• Marvel at the treasures of Tutankhamun, including his iconic golden mask and jewelry, preserved for over 3,500 years.
• Journey to the Giza Plateau to stand in awe before the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerion.
• Get an up-close look at the legendary Sphinx, the enigmatic guardian of the Giza necropolis.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Cairo

Day 3: Ancient Capitals: Saqqara, Memphis & Journey to Luxor

• Explore the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, the world's oldest major stone structure and a crucial milestone in pyramid construction.
• Visit Memphis, the first capital of ancient Egypt, and witness the colossal statue of Ramesses II.
• Discover the unique Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid at the royal necropolis of Dahshur.
• In the evening, transfer to the train station for your overnight sleeper train journey to Luxor.
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Overnight: Sleeper Train

Important Travel Recommendation

• While the sleeper train offers a classic 12-14 hour journey, we strongly suggest upgrading to a domestic flight for a superior travel experience. This allows you to make the most of your precious time in Egypt.
• The benefits of upgrading include:
  • Time-Saving: Swap a long overnight journey for a quick, comfortable flight.
  • Greater Comfort: Arrive rested and relaxed, ready for a full day of sightseeing.
  • Added Luxury: Enjoy an additional night of 5-star hotel accommodation at no extra cost.

Day 4: Luxor's East Bank: Temples of Gods & Kings

• After breakfast on the train, arrive in Luxor and transfer to your hotel to check in.
• Accompanied by your Egyptologist guide, explore the Karnak Temple Complex, a vast open-air museum and the largest ancient religious site in the world, dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu.
• Visit the magnificent Luxor Temple, an architectural masterpiece primarily built by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Luxor

Day 5: Luxor's West Bank: The Valley of the Kings

• (Optional) Hot Air Balloon Ride: Begin your day with a breathtaking sunrise flight over Luxor's West Bank, drifting peacefully above the Valley of the Kings and the temples below for an unforgettable perspective.
• Cross the Nile to the Theban Necropolis.
• Descend into the tombs of the Pharaohs in the famed Valley of the Kings.
• Visit the stunning, terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El Bahari.
• On your return, stop to behold the two gigantic statues of the Colossi of Memnon.
• Transfer to the train station for your overnight sleeper train journey back to Cairo.
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Overnight: Sleeper Train

Day 6: Return to Cairo

• Enjoy breakfast on the train before arriving in Cairo.
• You will be transferred to your hotel for a day of rest or personal exploration.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Cairo

Day 7: Journey to the Bahariya Oasis

• Travel overland in a private A/C vehicle on a scenic 4-hour drive to the Bahariya Oasis.
• After checking into your campsite, enjoy a local tour, witness a stunning desert sunset, and relax in a natural hot spring.
• Meals: Dinner
• Overnight: Camping in Bahariya

Day 8: Adventure in the White & Black Deserts

• Board a 4x4 Land Cruiser and embark on an off-road adventure deep into the desert.
• Traverse the unique volcanic landscapes of the Black Desert.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the dramatic scenery.
• Arrive in the White Desert and witness the sunset transform the surreal, chalk-rock formations into a magical landscape.
• Enjoy dinner under the stars.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Overnight: Camping in the White Desert

Day 9: Oasis Antiquities & Return to Cairo

• After breakfast, explore the historical sites of the Bahariya Oasis, including the famous Greco-Roman "Golden Mummies," the Temple of Alexander the Great, and ancient Pharaonic tombs.
• Begin your return journey to Cairo.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Cairo

Day 10: Leisure Day in Cairo or Optional Alexandria Excursion

• Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Cairo for shopping, further exploration, or relaxation.
• (Optional) Full-Day Tour to Alexandria: See the highlights of the "Pearl of the Mediterranean," including the modern Library of Alexandria (Bibliotheca Alexandrina), the site of the ancient Lighthouse, the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Montaza Palace Gardens, and more on a comprehensive private day trip.
• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: Cairo

Day 11: Final Departure

• After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your final departure.
• Meals: Breakfast

Package Inclusions & Exclusions

• What's Included:
  • Accommodation:
    • 5 nights in a Cairo hotel (Bed & Breakfast).
    • 1 night in a Luxor hotel (Bed & Breakfast).
    • 2 nights on a sleeper train (Half Board: Dinner & Breakfast).
    • 2 nights of desert camping (Full Board).
  • Tours & Sightseeing:
    • Private guided tours of Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, and Memphis.
    • Private guided tours of Luxor's East and West Banks.
    • Fully guided 4x4 desert safari to the Black and White Deserts.
    • All entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Transportation:
    • All transfers to/from airports and hotels in a private, A/C vehicle.
  • Guides:
    • Services of an expert, licensed Egyptologist guide for all tours.
  • Taxes:
    • All applicable taxes and service charges.
• What's Not Included:
  • International airfare to and from Egypt.
  • Entry Visa for Egypt (available upon arrival upon request).
  • All beverages and personal expenses.
  • Optional activities (e.g., Hot Air Balloon, Alexandria Tour).
  • Tipping.

Accommodation Options:

Option (A)

• Cairo: Le Méridien - Steigenberger Pyramids- Ramses Hilton- Helnan - Barcelo Pyramids- Pyramisa.
• Luxor: Steigenberger Nile.
• Nile cruises: MS Emilio, MS Radamis, MS Princess, MS Sara.

Option (B)

• Cairo: Kempinski - Fairmont Cairo - Hilton Curnrad -Marriott Sheraton- Hilton Golf pyramids
• Luxor: Hilton - Sonesta St. George.
• Nile Cruises: MS Amwaj Nile Cruise, MS Nile Premium, MS Bule shadow, MS Jaz Jubilee, Crown Emperor, Steigenberger.

Option (C)

• Cairo: Four Seasons -Marriott Mena House - Kempinski Nile Deluxe - Fairmont Nile Premium - Hyatt Regency
• Luxor: Sofitel Winter Palace.
• Nile cruises: Sanctuary Sun Boat – Oberoi Cruises – Movenpick Royal Cruises - Sonesta Cruises - Le Fayan - Ms Farah -MS Acamar.