13 Days Cairo, Alexandria & Nile Cruise

Embark on a 13-day odyssey where the Pyramids whisper secrets to the stars and treasures of forgotten pharaohs gleam with latent magic. A mystical night train then carries you south, where you'll awaken the gods along the sacred Nile, sailing from the temples of Aswan to Luxor's Valley of the Kings. The journey culminates where Cleopatra’s memory mingles with the Mediterranean breeze in Alexandria, weaving a timeless tapestry of myth and history.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo - The Adventure Begins

• Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our representative holding a “VALLEY OF KINGS Travel” sign.
• Enjoy a private transfer in an air-conditioned (A/C) vehicle to your hotel.
• Overnight: Cairo

Day 2: Giza's Wonders & Ancient Treasures

• Morning: Delve into 5,000 years of history at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Marvel at the world's largest collection of pharaonic artifacts, including the world-renowned Tutankhamun exhibit of treasures, gold, and jewelry.
• Afternoon: Stand in awe before the Great Pyramids of Giza (Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerions). Get up close with the enigmatic Sphinx and enjoy a complimentary camel ride for iconic photos.
• Optional Evening: Attend the spectacular Sound & Light Show at the Giza Pyramids.
• Overnight: Cairo

Day 3: The Ancient Capitals of Memphis & Saqqara

• Morning: Journey to Saqqara to witness the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's oldest major stone structure, dating back to the 3rd Dynasty (c. 2630 BC).
• Afternoon: Explore Memphis, the first capital of ancient Egypt, and admire the colossal limestone statue of Ramses II.
• Continue to Dahshur to see the unique Bent Pyramid and the impressive Red Pyramid.
• Evening: Transfer to the Giza train station for your overnight sleeper train to Luxor.
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner on board.
• Overnight: Sleeper Train
• Travel Recommendation: The overnight train journey is a classic experience, though it can take 15-18 hours. For enhanced comfort and to maximize your time, we highly recommend upgrading to a domestic flight. This option provides a swifter journey and includes an additional night's accommodation in a 5-star hotel.

Day 4: Luxor - The World's Greatest Open-Air Museum

• Arrive in Luxor after breakfast on the train.
• Begin your explorations at the Karnak Temple Complex, a vast and stunning city of temples, pylons, and obelisks.
• Proceed to the magnificent Luxor Temple, connected to Karnak by the Avenue of the Sphinxes.
• Afternoon: Transfer to your Nile Cruise ship and board before lunch.
• Meals: Breakfast (train), Lunch, Dinner.
• Overnight: Nile Cruise in Luxor

Day 5: The Valley of the Kings & Royal Temples

• Optional Morning: Experience a breathtaking Hot Air Balloon ride at sunrise, drifting peacefully over the West Bank's ancient sites, including the Valley of the Kings and Queens.
• Excursion: Cross to the West Bank to explore:
  • The Valley of the Kings: The royal necropolis where generations of pharaohs were buried.
  • The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: A stunning terraced temple at Deir El-Bahari.
  • The Colossi of Memnon: Two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Overnight: Nile Cruise

Day 6: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples

• Sail to Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus, the best-preserved cult temple in Egypt.
• Continue sailing to Kom Ombo while enjoying lunch on board.
• In Kom Ombo, visit the unique dual Temple of Sobek & Haroeris, dedicated to the crocodile-god Sobek and the falcon-god Horus.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Overnight: Nile Cruise in Kom Ombo

Day 7: Aswan's Marvels

• Sail to the beautiful city of Aswan.
• Today's visits include:
  • The High Dam: An impressive modern engineering marvel.
  • The Granite Quarries: Home to the massive Unfinished Obelisk.
  • The Temple of Philae: A beautiful island temple complex rescued from the rising waters of the Nile.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Overnight: Nile Cruise in Aswan

Day 8: Aswan & Abu Simbel (Optional)

• Disembark from your cruise after breakfast.
• Highly Recommended Optional Tour: Journey to the magnificent Temples of Abu Simbel. These colossal rock-cut temples, built by Ramses II, were saved from inundation in a remarkable feat of UNESCO engineering.
• After your tour (or the optional excursion), transfer to your hotel.
• Meals: Breakfast.
• Overnight: Aswan Hotel

Day 9: Aswan at Leisure & Return to Cairo

• Enjoy a free day to explore Aswan's vibrant markets, relax by the Nile, or discover the city at your own pace.
• Evening: Transfer to the Aswan train station for your overnight sleeper train back to Cairo.
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner on board.
• Overnight: Sleeper Train
• (The recommendation to upgrade to a flight also applies to this return journey.)

Day 10: Alexandria, the Pearl of the Mediterranean

• Arrive in Cairo and immediately begin your guided journey to Alexandria in a private A/C vehicle.
• Your comprehensive city tour includes:
  • The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern architectural masterpiece.
    • Note: Closed on Fridays & public holidays.
  • The Qaitbay Citadel, built on the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse.
  • The lush Montaza Palace Gardens, former royal grounds.
  • The city's grandest mosque, the Abbo Elabbas Mosque.
  • A scenic drive along the Corniche and a stop at the modern Stanley Bridge.
  • A walk through the historic downtown, originally designed by Alexander the Great.
• Overnight: Alexandria

Day 11: Historic Cairo - The Citadel & Old Cairo

• After breakfast, travel back to Cairo.
• Explore the Citadel of Salah El Din, a medieval Islamic fortress offering panoramic views of the city.
• Within the Citadel, visit the magnificent Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque.
• Discover the rich history of Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo), visiting the Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the Church of St. Sergius (Abu Serga).
• Overnight: Cairo

Day 12: Cairo at Your Own Pace

• Enjoy a full free day in Cairo for last-minute souvenir shopping, personal exploration, or simply relaxing at your hotel.
• Overnight: Cairo

Day 13: Final Departure

• After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to Cairo International Airport for your final departure, assisting you with all airport formalities.

Package Inclusions

• Accommodation:
  • 5 nights in a Cairo hotel (B&B basis).
  • 1 night in an Alexandria hotel (B&B basis).
  • 1 night in an Aswan hotel (B&B basis).
• Nile Cruise:
  • 4 nights on a 5-star Nile cruise ship (Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
  • All sightseeing tours mentioned in the cruise itinerary.
• Transportation:
  • 2 nights on a sleeper train (Half Board: Dinner, Breakfast).
  • All airport and station transfers in a private A/C vehicle.
  • Private A/C vehicle for all tours and for the Cairo/Alexandria/Cairo transfers.
• Tours & Services:
  • Private, expert Egyptologist guide for all tours.
  • All entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary.
  • All service charges and taxes.

Package Exclusions

• International flights to and from Egypt.
• Entry visa for Egypt (can be arranged upon arrival on request).
• All optional tours (Sound & Light Show, Hot Air Balloon, Abu Simbel).
• Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc.).
• Beverages during meals.
• Tipping for guides, drivers, and cruise staff.

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.