The Golden Nile and Red Sea Story

Heed the call of antiquity, where the golden sands of time whisper secrets of pharaohs and gods. This immersive odyssey carries you along the life-giving Nile, from the monumental shadows of the pyramids to the sacred artistry of forgotten temples. After tracing the legacy of dynasties etched in stone, surrender to the turquoise tranquility of Red Sea, where vibrant coral kingdoms offer a brilliant contrast to the desert's timeless majesty. This is not just a vacation; it is a pilgrimage through the heart of civilization itself.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

• Arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI).
• Meet and greet with a tour representative holding a "Valley of Kings Travel" sign.
• Private, air-conditioned transfer to your hotel.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 2: The Great Pyramids & Egyptian Museum

• Morning:
  • Explore the world-renowned Egyptian Museum, home to the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts. Marvel at treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun, including his golden mask and jewelry.
• Afternoon:
  • Journey to the Giza Plateau to stand in awe of the Great Pyramids of Giza (Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
  • Admire the enigmatic Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple.
  • Enjoy panoramic photo opportunities of the pyramids.
• Accommodation: Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 3: Sakkara & Memphis – Ancient Capitals

• Morning: Visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Sakkara, the world's oldest major stone structure, dating back to the 3rd Dynasty.
• Afternoon: Travel to Memphis, the ancient capital of Old Egypt. See the monumental statue of Ramses II and learn about the city's 3,000-year history as a center of rule and culture.
• Accommodation: Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 4: Citadel, Mosques & Old Cairo

• Morning: Discover the Saladin Citadel, a medieval Islamic fortress offering panoramic views of Cairo. Within the citadel walls, explore the magnificent Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque.
• Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the history of Old Cairo. Visit significant religious sites, including the Hanging Church, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Church of St. Barbara, and the Church of Abu Serga.
• Conclude the day with a visit to the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar for a unique shopping experience.
• Accommodation: Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 5: Aswan - The Gateway to Nubia

• Enjoy breakfast before a private transfer to the domestic airport.
• Fly to Aswan. Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel.
• Afternoon: Begin your Aswan exploration with a visit to the impressive High Dam and the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Aswan.

Day 6: Aswan Cruise & Optional Abu Simbel

• Optional Tour: Early morning trip to the colossal Temples of Abu Simbel, carved out of a sandstone cliff by Ramses II. This site was miraculously moved to save it from the rising Nile waters.
• Afternoon: Transfer to your Nile cruise ship.
• Enjoy lunch on board.
• Sail to Kom Ombo and visit the unique temple dedicated to two gods: the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris.
• Sail to Edfu. Enjoy dinner and a disco party on board.
• Accommodation: Overnight on the cruise ship in Edfu.

Day 7: Edfu Temple & Luxor Bound

• Morning: Visit the exceptionally well-preserved Temple of Horus in Edfu, a spectacular example of a Ptolemaic-era temple.
• Sail through the Esna lock en route to Luxor.
• Enjoy afternoon tea and dinner on board, followed by a lively Galabeya party.
• Accommodation: Overnight on the cruise ship in Luxor.

Day 8: West Bank of Luxor - Valley of the Kings

• Morning: Cross to the West Bank of the Nile.
• Explore the Valley of the Kings, the ancient burial site of pharaohs, and enter the tombs of various dynasties.
• Visit the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning example of New Kingdom architecture.
• Stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
• Accommodation: Overnight on the cruise ship in Luxor.

Day 9: Disembarkation & Ancient Abydos & Dendera

• Enjoy breakfast before disembarking from the cruise.
• Journey to Abydos to visit the Temple of Seti I, renowned for its exquisitely preserved bas-relief carvings.
• Continue to Dendera to explore the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess of love, beauty, and joy.
• Transfer to your hotel in Luxor for an overnight stay.

Day 10: Luxor to Sharm El-Sheikh - Red Sea Escape

• Optional Tour: Experience a breathtaking Hot Air Balloon ride at sunrise over the Valley of the Kings and the ancient temples of Luxor.
• Transfer to Luxor airport for a flight to Sharm El-Sheikh.
• Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your resort.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Sharm El-Sheikh.

Day 11-13: Sharm El-Sheikh - Leisure & Relaxation

• Enjoy three full days at your leisure in Sharm El-Sheikh. Relax on the beautiful beaches, swim in the Red Sea, or explore the area independently.
• Accommodation: Overnight stays in Sharm El-Sheikh.

Day 14: Return to Cairo

• Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel.
• Transfer to Sharm El-Sheikh airport for a flight back to Cairo.
• Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel for your final overnight stay.

Day 15: Final Departure

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
• A representative will provide a private transfer to Cairo International Airport, assisting you with final departure formalities.

Package Inclusions

• Accommodation:
  • 5 nights in Cairo on a bed & breakfast basis.
  • 1 night in Aswan on a bed & breakfast basis.
  • 1 night in Luxor on a bed & breakfast basis.
  • 3 nights on a Nile cruise on a full-board basis, including all sightseeing.
  • 4 nights in Sharm El-Sheikh on a bed & breakfast basis.
• Transportation:
  • All transfers in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Sharm El-Sheikh in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Domestic flights: Cairo/Aswan, Luxor/Sharm, and Sharm/Cairo.
• Tours & Activities:
  • All sightseeing tours as per the itinerary, including a professional, expert tour guide.
  • Entrance fees for all mentioned sites.
• Services:
  • All applicable taxes and service charges.

Package Exclusions

• International flights.
• Egypt entry visa (can be provided upon arrival for an additional fee).
• Optional tours (e.g., Abu Simbel, Hot Air Balloon).
• Personal expenses and items.
• Tipping for guides and drivers.
• Drinks during meals on the cruise.

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.