12 Days Egypt Vacation Package

Overview

A private 12-day trip through Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Dendera with your own Egyptologist guide, a Nile cruise and every transfer arranged.

• The Giza Pyramids & The Sphinx: Marvel at the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World.
• Luxor’s West Bank: Explore the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon.
• Aswan Highlights: Visit the majestic Philae Temple and the engineering marvel of the High Dam.
• Abu Simbel Temples: Witness the breathtaking rock-cut temples of Ramses II (Optional/Included).
• Nile River Cruise: Sail in style aboard a 5-star cruise between Luxor and Aswan.
• Islamic & Coptic Cairo: Wander through the historic alleys of Khan el-Khalili Bazaar and Old Cairo.

1. Day 1

   Arrival in CairoCairo

   Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met by our representative, who will assist you with the arrival procedures and luggage. You will then be transferred by private air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Cairo. After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax after your journey or explore the surrounding area independently.

   • Overnight: Cairo.

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2. Day 2

   Saqqara, Dahshur & MemphisGiza

   After breakfast at your hotel, meet your private Egyptologist guide and travel to Saqqara, one of Egypt’s most important archaeological sites. * Saqqara Necropolis: Explore the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, designed by the architect Imhotep and considered a pioneering development in ancient Egyptian pyramid construction. Discover the surrounding funerary complex and its historical significance. * Dahshur: Continue to the Dahshur pyramid field to see the Bent Pyramid, famous for its unusual change in angle, and the Red Pyramid, one of the earliest successful smooth-sided pyramids. * Memphis: Visit the remains of Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt. Discover the open-air museum, including the colossal statue of Ramesses II and the Alabaster Sphinx. After the tour, return to your hotel in Cairo.

   • Overnight: Cairo.

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3. Day 3

   Giza Pyramids & Grand Egyptian MuseumGiza

   Enjoy breakfast before departing for the Giza Plateau, home to some of the world's most iconic ancient monuments. * The Great Pyramid of Khufu: Discover the largest pyramid at Giza and learn about its construction, the Fourth Dynasty, and the extraordinary engineering achievements of ancient Egypt. Entry inside the pyramid is optional and requires a separate ticket. * The Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure: Admire the other two principal pyramids and learn about their royal owners and their place within the Giza funerary complex. * The Great Sphinx: See the monumental limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a king, traditionally identified with Pharaoh Khafre. * Panoramic viewpoint: Stop at a suitable viewpoint to enjoy the famous panorama of the three pyramids and take photographs. * Grand Egyptian Museum: Continue to the museum near the Giza Plateau to explore its galleries, monumental statues, and collections illustrating ancient Egyptian civilization, religion, royal life, and funerary traditions. After completing the visits, return to your hotel.

   • Overnight: Cairo.

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4. Day 4

   Alexandria Day TripAlexandria

   After an early breakfast, depart Cairo by private vehicle for Alexandria, the historic Mediterranean city founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. * Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: Explore an underground burial complex combining Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic traditions. * Pompey's Pillar: Visit the impressive Roman-era column, one of Alexandria's best-known ancient monuments, and learn about the city's history during the Roman period. * Bibliotheca Alexandrina: Visit the exterior and surrounding plaza of the modern Library of Alexandria, a landmark inspired by the legacy of the ancient library. Interior access depends on opening hours and ticket arrangements. * Citadel of Qaitbay: Discover the historic fortress overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, built in the 15th century on the site traditionally associated with the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Enjoy time for lunch at a local restaurant, at your own expense unless otherwise specified. In the afternoon, drive back to Cairo.

   • Overnight: Cairo.

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5. Day 5

   Fly to Luxor & Karnak TempleLuxor

   After breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, meet your local Egyptologist guide and begin exploring the ancient capital of Thebes. * Karnak Temple Complex: Visit one of the largest religious complexes ever constructed. Walk through the monumental entrance and explore the Great Hypostyle Hall, with its towering columns decorated with inscriptions and reliefs. Learn about the sacred lake, obelisks, and successive building projects undertaken by generations of pharaohs. * Nile cruise check-in: Transfer to your cruise ship, complete the check-in procedures, and settle into your cabin. * Onboard experience: Depending on the cruise schedule, enjoy lunch, relax on the sun deck, and admire the Nile scenery. Dinner will be served on board according to the cruise package.

   • Overnight: Nile cruise.

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6. Day 6

   Edfu Temple & Nile CruiseAswan

   Enjoy breakfast on board as the cruise continues along the Nile, passing agricultural landscapes, traditional villages, and palm-lined riverbanks. * Edfu Temple: Visit the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples. Explore its monumental pylons, courtyards, columned halls, and inscriptions describing religious ceremonies and the mythical conflict between Horus and Seth. * Return to the cruise: Rejoin the ship and continue sailing according to the scheduled itinerary. * Relaxation on board: Spend time on the sun deck, enjoy the river views, and experience the atmosphere of a traditional Nile journey. Meals and overnight accommodation are provided on board according to the cruise arrangements.

   • Overnight: Nile cruise.

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7. Day 7

   Kom Ombo Temple & Sailing to AswanAswan

   After breakfast, continue your journey along the Nile toward Kom Ombo. * Kom Ombo Temple: Visit the distinctive double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Explore its symmetrical layout, carved columns, reliefs, and inscriptions illustrating ancient medical instruments and religious practices. * Crocodile Museum: If included in the entrance arrangements and opening schedule, visit the nearby museum displaying mummified crocodiles associated with the worship of Sobek. * Nile sailing: Return to the cruise and continue toward Aswan, enjoying the changing scenery along the river. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing on board and enjoying the cruise facilities.

   • Overnight: Nile cruise.

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8. Day 8

   Abu Simbel TemplesAbu Simbel

   Depart early for Abu Simbel, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in southern Egypt. The journey is usually made by road from Aswan, unless alternative transport has been arranged. * Great Temple of Ramesses II: Admire the four colossal seated statues carved into the mountainside. Inside, explore the decorated halls and sanctuary, featuring scenes of royal ceremonies, religious offerings, and military victories. * Temple of Queen Nefertari: Visit the smaller temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. Its façade is especially notable for the statues of the king and queen, which are unusually similar in scale. * Historical significance: Learn how the temples were relocated in an international UNESCO-led operation to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. After the visit, return to Aswan. The remainder of the day depends on the onward transportation arrangements.

   • Overnight: Nile cruise

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9. Day 9

   Aswan & Philae Temple & Unfinished ObeliskAswan

   After breakfast, explore the highlights of Aswan, a beautiful southern Egyptian city known for its Nile scenery and Nubian heritage. * Aswan High Dam: Visit this major engineering project completed in the 20th century to control the Nile's flooding, support irrigation, and generate hydroelectric power. * Unfinished Obelisk: Discover the ancient granite quarry and the enormous unfinished obelisk that provides insight into the stone-cutting techniques used by ancient Egyptian craftsmen. * Philae Temple: Take a motorboat to Agilkia Island to visit the Temple of Isis. Admire the temple's reliefs, columns, courtyards, and sanctuaries, and learn about the international campaign that relocated the monuments to protect them from rising waters after the construction of the High Dam. Return to the cruise or your designated accommodation according to the confirmed itinerary.

   • Overnight: Nile cruise.

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10. Day 10

    Dendera & Abydos TemplesLuxor

    After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to two of Upper Egypt's most important temple complexes. * Dendera Temple Complex: Visit the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess associated with love, music, joy, and motherhood. Explore the richly decorated columns, astronomical ceiling imagery, ceremonial halls, and the famous zodiac representation. * Abydos Temple: Continue to the Temple of Seti I, one of the finest examples of New Kingdom temple architecture. Discover its beautifully preserved reliefs, religious scenes, and the famous King List, which records a sequence of Egypt's rulers. * Historical interpretation: Your guide will explain the religious importance of Abydos as a major cult center of Osiris and the significance of Dendera as a center of worship dedicated to Hathor. After the visits, return to Luxor. Because this is a long road excursion, the final departure and return times depend on traffic and site access. Enjoy the evening aboard cruise.

    • Overnight: Nile cruise.

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11. Day 11

    Luxor West BankLuxor

    After breakfast, cross to Luxor's West Bank to explore the royal burial grounds and monumental temples of ancient Thebes. * Optional hot-air balloon ride: Start before sunrise for a balloon flight over Luxor, offering panoramic views of the Nile, green fields, temples, and surrounding desert. This activity is subject to weather conditions and is usually booked separately. * Valley of the Kings: Explore the royal necropolis where many New Kingdom pharaohs were buried. Visit the tombs permitted by the standard entrance ticket and admire their decorated walls depicting religious texts and the pharaoh's journey into the afterlife. Special tombs may require additional tickets. * Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: Visit the impressive terraced mortuary temple built against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Learn about the reign of one of ancient Egypt's most prominent female rulers. * Colossi of Memnon: Stop to see the two monumental statues of Amenhotep III, which once guarded the entrance to his now largely ruined mortuary temple. Return to your cruise and enjoy your final evening in Luxor.

    • Overnight: Nile cruise.

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12. Day 12

    Departure from EgyptCairo

    After breakfast, transfer to Luxor Airport for your domestic flight to Cairo, subject to the flight schedule and international departure time. Upon arrival in Cairo, connect with your international flight. If the domestic flight and international departure are on separate tickets, sufficient connection time or an overnight stay may be necessary.

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