A 16-Day Ultimate Egyptian Journey

Your odyssey begins where desert sands guard the secrets of the gods, greeting the enigmatic Sphinx and wandering through Cairo's Grand Museum before embarking on a celestial journey down the Nile to awaken the spirits of Luxor, Edfu, and the colossal guardians of Abu Simbel. This sacred river path then guides you to the Mediterranean, where you will explore the sunken lore of Alexandria and the storied legacy of Rosetta's famed stone. Your pilgrimage concludes as a timeless echo, your story forever woven into the magical tapestry of a land where history breathes and monuments whisper to the stars.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

• Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, a “Valley of Kings Travel” representative will greet you.
• Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Cairo.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 2: Giza, Saqqara, and Dahshur

• Embark on a full-day tour of Egypt's ancient wonders.
• Giza Plateau: Discover the iconic Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus. Marvel at the enigmatic Great Sphinx and explore the Valley Temple.
• Saqqara: Visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's oldest stone structure, and the Mastaba of Ti.
• Memphis: Explore the ruins of the Old Kingdom's capital, including the colossal statue of Ramses II.
• Dahshur: Journey south to see the unique Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid.
• (Optional) Attend the captivating Pyramids Sound & Light show in the evening.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 3: The Grand Egyptian Museum & Old Coptic Cairo

• The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): Begin your day at the new, state-of-the-art museum. Explore the grand hall, the suspended Hanging Obelisk, and the majestic statue of Ramses II. Ascend the Grand Staircase, adorned with artifacts, and tour the 12 exhibition halls showcasing Egypt's dynastic history.
• Old Coptic Cairo: Immerse yourself in the Christian history of Egypt. Visit the Monastery and Church of St. George, the ancient Abu Serga Church, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the Coptic Museum, which houses over 16,000 artifacts.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 4: Citadel of Salah El Din & Cave Church

• Citadel of Salah El Din: Explore this 12th-century fortress, built to defend Cairo from Crusader armies. Inside, visit the stunning Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque.
• Cave Church (Monastery of Saint Simon): Travel to the Mokattam Mountain to visit this unique complex of churches carved into caves. Explore the Saint Simon the Tanner Hall, St. Mark’s Church, and the Cathedral of Virgin Mary.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 5: Transfer to Luxor & East Bank Tour

• Transfer to Cairo Domestic Airport for a flight to Luxor.
• Upon arrival, visit the magnificent temples on the East Bank of the Nile.
• Karnak Temple Complex: Walk through the Avenue of Sphinxes, marvel at the 134 gigantic columns in the Hypostyle Hall, and see the sacred lake and obelisks.
• Luxor Temple: Explore its courtyards and the grand statues of Ramses the Great.
• Luxor Museum: Discover a collection of artifacts, including treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb.
• Transfer to your hotel in Luxor for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Luxor West Bank Tour (Part 1)

• Valley of the Kings: Explore this royal necropolis and enter three different tombs (excluding Tutankhamun's).
• Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: Admire the unique architecture of this mortuary temple dedicated to Egypt's only female pharaoh.
• Colossi of Memnon: Stop for a photo opportunity at the two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
• Transfer back to your hotel for an overnight stay in Luxor.

Day 7: Abydos & Dendera Temples

• Journey to the ancient city of Abydos to visit the Temple of Seti I, known for its remarkably well-preserved, vibrant paintings.
• Continue to Dendera to explore the Temple of Hathor, a Greco-Roman temple dedicated to the goddess of love and joy, famous for its astronomical zodiac ceiling.
• Transfer back to your hotel for an overnight stay in Luxor.

Day 8: Luxor West Bank Tour (Part 2)

• Explore more of the West Bank's historical sites.
• Medinet Habu: Discover the great mortuary temple of Ramses III.
• Deir El-Madina: Visit the village of the tomb builders, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of ancient craftsmen.
• Valley of the Queens: Explore the tombs of queens and royal children. (Optional with extra ticket) Visit the exceptionally colorful tomb of Queen Nefertari.
• Tombs of the Nobles: See the beautifully decorated tombs of high-ranking officials.
• Transfer back to your hotel for an overnight stay in Luxor.

Day 9: Esna, Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples - Aswan

• Depart Luxor and journey south, visiting three prominent temples along the way.
• Temple of Khnum at Esna: Explore this late-period temple built during the Greco-Roman era.
• Temple of Horus at Edfu: Discover one of Egypt's best-preserved cult temples, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus.
• Temple of Kom Ombo: Witness this unique temple with a double entrance, dedicated to the deities Sobek and Haroeris.
• Continue to Aswan and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 10: Aswan Exploration

• Philae Temple: Sail by traditional Egyptian felucca to Agilkia Island to see the magnificent Temple of Isis, relocated to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
• Temple of Kalabsha: Visit this Greco-Roman temple, also relocated to a new site near the High Dam.
• Monastery of St. Simeon: Explore this ancient Coptic monastery, located on the west bank of the Nile.
• Enjoy a relaxing felucca sail around Kitchener's Island and the Agha Khan Mausoleum.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Aswan.

Day 11: Abu Simbel & Transfer to Cairo

• Travel to the remarkable temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II and saved from inundation by the Nile's waters. Admire the colossal main temple and the smaller temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari.
• Return to Aswan and transfer to Aswan Airport for a flight to Cairo.
• Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 12: Old Islamic Cairo

• Explore the rich Islamic heritage of Cairo.
• Mosques: Visit the oldest mosque in Egypt, the Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-A'as, as well as the magnificent Sultan Hassan, El-Refaie, Ibn Tulun, and Al-Azhar mosques.
• Gates and Complexes: See the ancient gates of Bab Zwayla and Bab El Futuh. Explore the complexes of Sultan Al-Mo’ayyad, Sultan Al Ghouri, and Qalawoun.
• Khan el-Khalili Bazaar: Stroll through the historic Khan el-Khalili, exploring the copper, silver, and gold shops, and relax with a drink at the famous Al Feshawy Café.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 13: Journey to Alexandria

• Travel to the coastal city of Alexandria.
• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: Explore this fascinating Roman burial site.
• Roman Amphitheater: See the ancient amphitheater and the sunken monuments from the East Harbor.
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina: Visit the new Library of Alexandria, including its museums and open courtyard.
• Historic Sites: Drive by Pompey’s Pillar, visit the Church of St. Mark, the National Museum, and El Nabi Daniel Mosque.
• Qaitbay Citadel: Explore this 15th-century fortress, built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.
• Montaza Palace Gardens: Tour the royal gardens and palaces of King Farouk.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Alexandria.

Day 14: Rosetta Tour

• Take a day trip to the historic town of Rosetta.
• Enjoy a motorboat ride on the Nile to see where it meets the Mediterranean.
• Visit the castle where the Rosetta Stone was discovered.
• Explore the town's Islamic monuments.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay in Alexandria.

Day 15: El-Alamein World War II Battlefield & Return to Cairo

• Journey to El-Alamein to visit the World War II battlefield.
• War Museum: Learn about the history of the war through exhibits of weapons and uniforms.
• Cemeteries: Visit the serene Commonwealth and German cemeteries.
• Return to Cairo for your final overnight stay.

Day 16: Departure

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
• A representative will transfer you to Cairo International Airport for your final departure.

Package Inclusions

• Accommodation: 7 nights in Cairo, 4 nights in Luxor, 2 nights in Aswan, 2 nights in Alexandria, all on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
• Transportation: All transfers by modern, air-conditioned vehicle. Domestic flights from Cairo to Luxor and from Aswan to Cairo.
• Guided Tours: Expert Egyptology English-speaking tour guide for all excursions.
• Entrance Fees: All entry fees to the mentioned sites are included.
• Support: Meet and assist services for all arrivals and departures.
• Taxes: All taxes and service charges.

Package Exclusions

• International flights.
• Egypt entry visa.
• Optional tours and extra visits.
• Personal expenses.
• 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.