Schedule: Daily
Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
Tour Highlights
On your arrival day in Cairo, you will be met by your private tour manager and escorted to a historic luxury hotel with direct, breathtaking views of the Great Pyramids. In the evening, attend the Sound and Light Show at the Giza Plateau.
On day two, explore the Giza Plateau to enter inside the Great Pyramid, admire the Great Sphinx, enjoy an authentic camel ride, and savor lunch at a fine dining restaurant.
Day three features a visit to the Egyptian Museum (or Grand Egyptian Museum upon official opening), followed by a scenic felucca sailing on the Nile and an evening walk through the historic Khan El Khalili bazaar.
On day four, fly south to Aswan to embark on an 8-night luxury Nile River cruise aboard the elite Sanctuary Sun Boat III, exploring serene Nile islands and lush botanic gardens. Over the following days, cruise along the river visiting Philae Temple, the Kom Ombo Temple, the Temple of Horus in Edfu, the classical Temple of Khnum in Esna, and the monuments of Luxor—including an early morning hot air balloon ride and entry inside King Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings.
Conclude your Upper Egypt journey with an excursion to the colossal temples of Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari at Abu Simbel before returning to Cairo.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo, Egypt
Arrive in Cairo, Egypt's timeless metropolis. At this historic crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe, you will be warmly greeted inside the terminal by your dedicated Ramasside Tours manager (entry visa included) and transferred in an executive vehicle to your historic luxury hotel offering spectacular views of the Pyramids. In the evening, attend the Sound and Light Show across the illuminated Giza Plateau.
Accommodations: Marriott Mena House / Four Seasons Hotel Cairo
Day 2: Cairo | Inside the Great Pyramid & Great Sphinx of Giza
Head to the Giza Plateau for a comprehensive full-day exploration. Marvel at the Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Step inside the burial chamber of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the sole surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, and step back more than 4,500 years in time. Experience an authentic camel ride across the desert sands, taking in panoramic viewpoints. Stand before the Great Sphinx, the ancient world’s largest freestanding stone sculpture, carved from a single ridge of limestone. Following lunch, return to the hotel to enjoy free time in the afternoon, followed by a festive welcome dinner in the evening.
Accommodations: Marriott Mena House / Four Seasons Hotel Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Cairo | Journey into Pharaonic Treasures & Khan El Khalili
Explore the Egyptian Museum (or Grand Egyptian Museum upon official opening), home to over 120,000 antiquities spanning ancient history from prehistoric times through Greco-Roman eras. Next, transfer to the Nile to board a private traditional Egyptian wooden felucca. Enjoy lunch on board, followed by leisure time in the afternoon. In the evening, take a guided walk through the 14th-century Khan El Khalili bazaar, an active marketplace featuring handmade copperware, gold, silver, perfumes, leather goods, and antiques. Return to the hotel after dinner.
Accommodations: Marriott Mena House / Four Seasons Hotel Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Luxury Nile Cruise | Flight to Aswan | Island Felucca Sail
Transfer to Cairo Airport for your included domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, embark aboard the boutique luxury Sanctuary Sun Boat III, your floating sanctuary for the next eight nights, greeted by traditional Nubian drum and flute musicians. Lunch is served on board.
In the afternoon, board a private felucca to sail around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Island, and view the Mausoleum of the Aga Khan. Enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge accompanied by the gentle melodies of an oud trio. In the evening, enjoy the captain's welcome reception followed by an exquisite gourmet dinner paired with complimentary Egyptian wine and beer.
Cruise: Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Luxury Nile Cruise | Philae Temple & Unfinished Obelisk
Savor an international breakfast buffet on board before taking a private motorboat to Agilkia Island to explore the romantic island Temple of Isis at Philae. Afterward, visit the ancient granite quarries to see the colossal Unfinished Obelisk, illustrating ancient Egyptian stonemasonry techniques.
Following lunch on board, sail toward Kom Ombo and take advantage of the ship’s luxury amenities, including the plunge pool, game room, and gym. In the evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner followed by a movie night in the lounge.
Cruise: Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Luxury Nile Cruise | Temple of Horus & Galabeya Night
Following breakfast, take a horse-drawn carriage to visit the monumental Temple of Horus at Edfu, Egypt's most intact ancient cult complex. Return to the vessel as it sails toward Esna.
Participate in an interactive Egyptian culinary masterclass hosted by the executive chef. Afternoon tea is served on the sun deck as you sail toward Luxor.
In the evening, participate in an authentic "Egyptian Night" costume celebration where guests are invited to wear traditional Egyptian galabeyas, accompanied by an authentic oriental buffet, folkloric music, and dancing.
Cruise: Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Luxury Nile Cruise | Luxor East Bank & Luxor Temple
Enjoy breakfast on board before touring the East Bank of Luxor with your private Egyptologist. Explore Luxor Temple, dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, to view the towering pylons and granite colossi of Ramesses the Great.
Return to the ship for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing on deck or using the onboard wellness facilities. Following afternoon tea in the lounge, enjoy a freshly prepared gourmet dinner with complimentary local wines and beers.
Cruise: Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Luxury Nile Cruise | Hot Air Balloon Ride & Valley of the Kings
Begin early with a hot air balloon flight drifting gently over the West Bank’s ancient temples and tombs at dawn.
After breakfast on board, explore the rock-cut tombs of the Valley of the Kings, including entry inside the burial chamber of King Tutankhamun. Discover fascinating insights into the young pharaoh's life and the 1922 discovery by Howard Carter. Continue to the colonnaded Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and make a photo stop before the towering Colossi of Memnon.
Lunch is served on board, followed by leisure time on the sun deck. In the evening, enjoy a white-glove gala dinner accompanied by an authentic Tanoura whirling dervish and belly dancing performance.
Cruise: Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Luxury Nile Cruise | Karnak Temple & Temple of Khnum in Esna
Enjoy breakfast on board before exploring the monumental Karnak Temple complex, walking through the Great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 sandstone columns.
Sail toward Esna while enjoying lunch on board. In the afternoon, your Egyptologist leads a guided visit to the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum in Esna, situated 9 meters below modern street level and featuring beautifully preserved celestial ceiling reliefs dating to Emperor Claudius.
Afternoon tea is served on board as the cruise continues toward Edfu. Conclude the day with a gourmet dinner and an evening screening in the lounge.
Cruise: Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Luxury Nile Cruise | Kom Ombo Temple & Cooking Demonstration
Breakfast is served on board with a morning at leisure to enjoy the onboard pool, sun loungers, and fitness facilities.
Lunch is served while sailing to Kom Ombo. In the afternoon, explore the unique symmetrical Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god and Haroeris the winged falcon god, set on an ancient river bend where sacred crocodiles once basked.
Return to the ship for afternoon tea and a second regional cooking demonstration while cruising to Aswan. Enjoy an Egyptian-themed evening dinner buffet featuring regional specialties.
Cruise: Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Luxury Nile Cruise | Aswan at Leisure & Farewell Gala
Enjoy breakfast on board. Spend a relaxing day exploring Aswan’s scenic riverside or enjoying the upscale amenities of the cruise.
Afternoon tea is served in the lounge to the accompaniment of live oud music. In the evening, attend a white-glove farewell gala dinner followed by a traditional dervish show and oriental dance performance.
Cruise: Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Abu Simbel Temples | Flight to Cairo
Disembark from your luxury cruise and take an excursion to Abu Simbel. Explore the monumental rock-hewn temples of Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari, rescued by UNESCO from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
Board your domestic flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer privately to your luxury hotel and enjoy an evening at your leisure.
Accommodations: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence / Marriott Mena House / Kempinski Nile Deluxe / Fairmont Nile City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: Final Departure from Cairo
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Your Ramasside Tours representative will provide private transfer to Cairo International Airport and assist you through departure procedures for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Bespoke private travel itinerary
- Included domestic flights: Cairo / Aswan / Cairo (including Abu Simbel connection)
- Complimentary local Egypt SIM card
- Entry visa on arrival assistance included
- Authentic camel ride on the Giza Plateau
- Luxury 5-star hotel accommodations as specified
- Exclusive private access opportunities at archaeological sites
- Professional licensed English-speaking Egyptologist guides
- Private sightseeing tours in Cairo
- Private airport meet-and-greet with executive door-to-door transfers
- Daily breakfast buffet, plus all lunches and dinners as detailed in the itinerary
- All entrance tickets and monument fees
- 24/7 dedicated guest concierge support
- Shared shore excursions during the cruise with boutique boat guests
Exclusions
- International flight tickets
Accommodation Plans & Luxury Fleets
Luxury Cairo Hotels:
- Marriott Mena House (Pyramid View)
- Four Seasons Hotel Cairo (at The First Residence / at Nile Plaza)
- Kempinski Nile Hotel Deluxe
- Fairmont Nile City Premium
Luxury Nile Cruise Fleet:
- Sanctuary Sun Boat III / Sanctuary Sun Boat IV
- The Oberoi Zahra / The Oberoi Philae
- Mövenpick Royal Lily / Mövenpick Royal Lotus
- Sonesta Sun Goddess / Sonesta Moon Goddess
- Le Fayan / MS Farah / MS Acamar
Tour Add-ons & Travel Notes
Executive Luxury Minivan Upgrade
Travel in total comfort on all road transfers aboard an executive luxury minivan featuring expanded legroom, dual-zone climate control, chilled bottled refreshments, and generous luggage capacity.
Professional Studio Photographer
Hire a professional photographer to accompany your tour of the Pyramids and ancient temples, capturing high-resolution portraits and candid travel memories for $50 per day.
Hotel Standards in Egypt
Egyptian hotel classifications differ from European and American rating systems. We exclusively feature verified 5-Star Luxury and Ultra Luxury properties to ensure the highest international standards throughout your stay.
Visa Assistance
Save time and bypass terminal 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, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Luxor 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)
Comprehensive travel insurance through AIG Travel Guard is available at $25 per person for one week or $50 per person for tours exceeding seven days.
Child Policy
- 0 – 1.99 years: Free of charge (except domestic airfare fees 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 inquiries, contact us at: [email protected]
