Schedule: Daily
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Tour Highlights
This 11-day Egyptian adventure begins upon your arrival in Cairo with a private airport welcome and check-in. Day 2 features an exclusive tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), followed by the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and an authentic desert camel ride. Day 3 explores the ancient necropolis of Saqqara and Memphis.
On Day 4, fly south to Luxor to explore the Luxor Museum, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple before embarking on a luxury 5-star Nile River cruise. Over the following days, explore the West Bank of Luxor, the Temple of Horus in Edfu, the double Temple of Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and an authentic Nubian village in Aswan.
Returning to Cairo on Day 8, travel north on Day 9 to discover the coastal beauty of Alexandria, followed by an authentic culinary and walking tour through the hidden secrets of Islamic Cairo on Day 10. Your historic journey concludes with your final airport departure on Day 11.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met by our Ramasside Tours representative holding a personalized sign. Enjoy a private transfer in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle directly to your hotel. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 2: Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) & Giza Pyramids – Camel Ride
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your day with a morning visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Stroll through the exterior landscaped gardens admiring the architecture, with time to browse the commercial retail boulevard or enjoy coffee at the museum cafes before entering the grand entrance atrium.
Marvel at the colossal Hanging Obelisk and the 11-meter-tall granite colossus of King Ramesses II. Ascend the Grand Staircase flanked by monumental statues of pharaohs, including the ten colossal seated statues of Senusret I and Ptolemaic royal statuary, taking in panoramic views of the Giza Plateau through the museum's glass facade.
Key highlights included in the GEM access:
- The Hanging Obelisk
- Colossal Statue of King Ramesses II
- 10 Statues of King Senusret I
- The Grand Staircase
- Statues of Ptolemaic Kings and Queens
- The Victory Column
- Pharaonic Royal Regalia displays
- Grand Atrium & Retail Commercial Boulevard
In the afternoon, travel to the Giza Plateau to behold the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Stand before the Great Sphinx, the colossal limestone guardian featuring the face of King Khafre. Enjoy an authentic camel ride across the desert sands with sweeping panoramic views of the pyramids.
(Optional: Evening Sound and Light Show across the illuminated Giza Plateau).
Overnight in Cairo.
Day 3: Saqqara Necropolis & Ancient Memphis
Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your private Egyptologist guide in the lobby.
Travel south to the Saqqara Necropolis to explore the Step Pyramid of Djoser, humanity's oldest monumental stone structure, engineered by the royal architect Imhotep during the Third Dynasty (c. 2630 BC). Continue to Memphis, the ancient capital founded by King Menes that served as Egypt’s seat of power and culture throughout the Old Kingdom. Tour the open-air museum featuring the monumental limestone colossus of Ramesses II and the Alabaster Sphinx. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Cairo.
(Optional: 2-hour evening dinner cruise along the Nile with live oriental and folkloric shows).
Day 4: Flight to Luxor – Luxor Museum & East Bank Temples
Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Luxor.
Upon landing, begin with a visit to the Luxor Museum, showcasing an exceptional collection of artifacts discovered primarily in Theban temples and tombs, spanning from the Old Kingdom through the Mamluk era.
Next, tour the East Bank monuments, starting with Luxor Temple to admire its monumental courtyards, obelisks, and granite colossi of Ramesses the Great. Proceed to Karnak Temple, the largest religious sanctuary in human history, featuring the monumental Great Hypostyle Hall. Transfer to embark on your 5-star luxury Nile cruise ship. Enjoy lunch served on board. Overnight in Luxor.
Day 5: West Bank – King Tutankhamun Tomb & Valley of the Queens
Breakfast on board. Cross to Luxor’s West Bank to explore the royal rock-cut burial chambers in the Valley of the Kings. Enter inside the burial chamber of King Tutankhamun, discovered nearly intact by Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon in November 1922. Learn fascinating insights into the young pharaoh's life and reign.
Continue to the Valley of the Queens, known in antiquity as "The Place of Beauty," housing around 90 royal tombs from the New Kingdom (1550–1070 BC). You will have the opportunity to enter the vibrantly preserved tomb of Queen Nefertari (requires an extra admission ticket).
Visit the terraced Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and make a photo stop before the towering Colossi of Memnon representing Amenhotep III. Enjoy lunch served on board. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sun deck with afternoon tea. Overnight on board in Luxor.
Day 6: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples
Breakfast on board. Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the best-preserved cult temple from the ancient world. Return to the ship and sail toward Kom Ombo while enjoying lunch on board.
Upon arrival, tour the unique symmetrical double Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated jointly to Sobek the crocodile god and Haroeris the falcon god. Afternoon tea served on the sun deck. Overnight in Kom Ombo.
Day 7: Aswan – Philae Temple & Authentic Nubian Village
Breakfast on board. Sail into Aswan and take a scenic motorboat transfer to Agilkia Island to explore the picturesque island Temple of Isis at Philae, rescued from the waters of Lake Nasser.
Afterward, board a motorized boat across the Nile to explore an authentic Nubian village situated along the West Bank. Enjoy scenic river views passing Sehel Island and the Aswan High Dam. Visit a traditional Nubian family home, learn about their unique language, customs, and heritage, and discover Nubian lifestyle firsthand. Lunch on board. Overnight in Aswan.
Day 8: Disembarkation – Optional Abu Simbel Excursion – Flight to Cairo
Breakfast on board followed by disembarkation.
(Optional Excursion to Abu Simbel): Depart early by road or short flight to visit the monumental rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramesses II (19th Dynasty) to glorify the gods and immortalize his victory, alongside the neighboring temple honoring Queen Nefertari.
Transfer to Aswan Airport for your domestic flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, private transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 9: Day Tour to Mediterranean Alexandria
Meet your Ramasside Tours guide at the hotel and travel north along the desert highway to Alexandria. Tour the world-renowned Bibliotheca Alexandrina, home to 8 million books, and admire its exterior architecture and courtyard statues of Alexander the Great and Ptolemy I. (Note: Access to the main reading room requires a specialized admission ticket).
Visit the Roman Amphitheatre and the sunken antiquities exhibition recovered from the Eastern Harbor. Explore the Church of Saint Mark, the oldest church foundation in Africa. Wander through Alexandria's historic downtown, admiring French and Italian baroque-era facades and sampling traditional local desserts.
Visit the Mosque of Nabi Daniel, historically associated with local lore surrounding the tomb of Alexander the Great. Enjoy an optional seafood lunch or dine at Alexandria’s famous traditional eatery, "Mohamed Ahmed."
Drive through the historic Mansheya market district, exploring the traditional women’s market (Zanqet El Settat) and the Gold Souk. Visit the landmark Mosque of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi, view the historic harbor with traditional wooden fishing boats, and take photos outside the 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay, built on the historic foundations of the Pharos Lighthouse.
Continue along the coastline to Montaza Palace and Gardens, stopping optionally at "King of Mango" for fresh juices. Explore the royal gardens of King Farouk, the Haramlek and Salamlek palaces, Montaza Bridge, and the royal beaches. Overnight in Alexandria.
Day 10: Secrets of Cairo & Authentic Food Walk
Breakfast at the hotel. Travel back to Cairo in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
Experience authentic Egyptian culinary culture, sampling street food staples and traditional dishes at off-the-beaten-path neighborhood spots favored exclusively by locals.
Explore historic Old Cairo and Islamic Cairo by private vehicle and on foot. Stroll along the pedestrianized Al-Muizz Street, exploring medieval gates, ornate minarets, antique souks, and hidden artisan courtyards across the old quarter. Return to your hotel in Cairo. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 11: Final Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. Your Ramasside Tours representative will provide private transfer to Cairo International Airport and assist you through departure procedures for your onward flight.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 5 Nights accommodation at a 5-Star hotel in Cairo (Bed & Breakfast)
- 1 Night accommodation at a 5-Star hotel in Alexandria (Bed & Breakfast)
- 4 Nights aboard a 5-Star Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan (Full Board with guided excursions)
- Full-day Cairo Tour (Grand Egyptian Museum, Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Camel Ride)
- Full-day Cairo Tour (Saqqara Step Pyramid & Memphis)
- Full-day Alexandria Tour
- Secrets of Cairo walking and food tour
- Domestic flight tickets: Cairo / Luxor & Aswan / Cairo
- Overland private transfers: Cairo / Alexandria / Cairo
- All transfers in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria in modern air-conditioned vehicles
- Professional licensed English-speaking Egyptologist tour guide
- Entrance tickets to all mentioned archaeological monuments
- All service charges and local taxes
Exclusions
- Entry Visa to Egypt (visa-on-arrival assistance available upon request)
- International flight tickets
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities / Tipping
- Optional excursions (Abu Simbel, Nile Dinner Cruise, Nefertari Tomb)
- Beverages during meals
Accommodation Plans & Pricing
Plan A: 5-Star Standard
- Cairo: Le Méridien Pyramids / Steigenberger Pyramids / Ramses Hilton / Barceló Cairo Pyramids / Pyramisa Suites
- Nile Cruise: MS Emilio / MS Radamis / MS Princess Sarah
Plan B: 5-Star Luxury
- Cairo: Kempinski Nile Hotel / Fairmont Nile City / Conrad Cairo / Cairo Marriott Hotel / Sheraton Cairo
- Nile Cruise: MS Amwaj Living Stone / MS Nile Premium / MS Blue Shadow / Jaz Jubilee / Crown Emperor
Ultra Luxury Tier
- Cairo: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo / Marriott Mena House / Hyatt Regency
- Nile Cruise: Sanctuary Sun Boat / The Oberoi Zahra / Mövenpick Royal Lotus / Le Fayan / MS Acamar
Tour Add-ons & Travel Notes
Executive Luxury Minivan Upgrade
Upgrade to an executive luxury minivan for superior travel comfort across all road transfers. Enjoy extended legroom, dual-zone climate control, complimentary bottled refreshments, and generous luggage capacity.
Professional Studio Photographer
Hire a professional photographer to accompany your excursion. Capture high-resolution portraits and candid travel memories across the Pyramids and ancient temples for $50 per day.
Hotel Standards in Egypt
Hotel classifications in Egypt differ from North American and European standards. For true international 5-star quality, we advise selecting Plan B (Luxury) or the Ultra Luxury tier.
Visa Assistance
Bypass terminal immigration lines upon arrival. Our airport team arranges pre-processed entry visas for eligible passport holders or travelers carrying valid US, UK, or Schengen visas. Simply send a passport copy prior to arrival.
Domestic Flights Included
All long-distance travel between Cairo and Upper Egypt is arranged via scheduled domestic flights, eliminating tedious 15-to-18-hour train rides. Upgrades to Business Class on domestic sectors are available for $50 per person.
VIP Tour with Dr. Zahi Hawass
Request an exclusive private tour inside the Great Pyramid and stand between the paws of the Great Sphinx accompanied by world-renowned archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass. Contact us for private VIP availability.
Travel Insurance (AIG Travel Guard)
Secure peace of mind with AIG Travel Guard insurance coverage: $25 per person for one week, or $50 per person for multi-week packages.
Child Policy
- 0 – 1.99 years: Free of charge (excluding airline ticket charges where applicable)
- 2 – 5.99 years: 25% of adult tour rate (50% if domestic flights are included)
- 6 – 11.99 years: 50% of adult tour rate
- 12+ years: Full adult rate
For reservations and custom itineraries, contact us at: [email protected]
