Schedule:
Daily
Tour Highlights:
On Day 1, arrive in Cairo where your tour manager will meet you and transfer you to a historic luxury hotel boasting direct views of the pyramids. In the evening, attend the Pyramids Sound and Light Show. On Day 2, explore the Giza Plateau to visit the Great Pyramid and Sphinx, complete with a camel ride and fine dining. Day 3 features the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, a traditional Nile felucca sail, and the vibrant lanes of Khan El Khalili Bazaar. On Day 4, fly south to Aswan to embark on an exclusive 8-night luxury Nile voyage aboard the prestigious Sanctuary Sun Boat III, visiting botanical islands and gardens. Over the following days, cruise along the Nile visiting the temples of Philae, Kom Ombo, and Edfu, exploring the monumental treasures of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. On Day 12, fly to Abu Simbel to marvel at the rock-cut temples of Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari before returning to Cairo.
Hotel & Nile Cruise Accommodations Note
Please note that hotel star classifications in Egypt differ from US and European systems. For an authentic five-star luxury experience, we always recommend selecting Luxury or Ultra-Luxury accommodation plans.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo, Egypt
Arrive in Cairo, the historic crossroads of civilizations. Meet your Ramasside tour manager at Cairo International Airport for VIP meet-and-assist services through customs (entry visa assistance included). Transfer via private luxury vehicle to your historic hotel with views of the pyramids. In the evening, attend the Sound and Light Show on the Giza Plateau.
Accommodation: Marriott Mena House / Four Seasons Hotel Cairo
Day 2: Giza Plateau – Great Pyramid Interior, Sphinx & Camel Trek
Head to the Giza Plateau for an in-depth full-day private exploration. Marvel at the Great Pyramids of Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren), and Menkaure (Mykerinos). Enjoy exclusive interior access inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, journeying back over 4,500 years. Experience a panoramic camel ride across the desert sands, followed by an up-close visit to the Great Sphinx, carved from a single limestone ridge. Following lunch, return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. In the evening, gather for a private welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Marriott Mena House / Four Seasons Hotel Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Egyptian Museum, Nile Felucca & Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Explore the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities (or the Grand Egyptian Museum upon official opening), home to over 120,000 pharaonic antiquities and dynastic treasures. Transfer to the banks of the Nile for a private sail aboard a traditional Egyptian felucca, enjoying lunch on board. Spend the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, explore the historic Khan El Khalili Bazaar, established in the 14th century, browsing brassware, silver, gold jewelry, perfumes, leather goods, and artisan crafts. Return to your hotel after dinner.
Accommodation: Marriott Mena House / Four Seasons Hotel Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Flight to Aswan – Embarkation on Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Transfer to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed aboard the ultra-luxury yacht Sanctuary Sun Boat III—your boutique floating home for the next 8 nights—with a traditional musical reception of drums and Egyptian flutes. Lunch is served on board. In the afternoon, set out on a private felucca sail around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Island, and the Agha Khan Mausoleum (weather permitting). Return to the ship for afternoon tea accompanied by an authentic oud trio performance. In the evening, join the Captain's welcome reception and enjoy a gourmet dinner paired with complimentary local wine and beer.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Philae Island Temple & The Unfinished Obelisk
Breakfast on board. Board a private motor launch to the sacred Island of Agilkia to explore the romantic Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Afterward, visit the ancient granite quarries to inspect the monumental Unfinished Obelisk, illustrating how ancient masons quarried monolithic stone. Return to the yacht for lunch and sail toward Kom Ombo. Enjoy afternoon leisure taking advantage of onboard amenities (swimming pool, games lounge, gym). Dinner on board followed by an evening movie screening.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Temple of Horus at Edfu & Egyptian Galabeya Night
Breakfast on board followed by a guided tour of the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the best-preserved cult temple from Greco-Roman Egypt. Sail toward Esna while enjoying lunch on board. In the afternoon, participate in an interactive Egyptian cooking demonstration led by the ship’s executive chef. Enjoy afternoon tea on the sun deck as you cruise toward Luxor. In the evening, dress in traditional Egyptian galabeyas for an authentic Egyptian Night buffet dinner, followed by live oriental music and folkloric dancing.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: East Bank of Luxor – Luxor Temple
Breakfast on board. Accompanied by your Egyptologist guide, explore the majestic East Bank of Thebes. Tour the grand Luxor Temple, dedicated to Amun-Ra, King of the Gods. Return to the yacht for lunch, followed by leisure time to relax by the pool or enjoy the spa amenities. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge. In the evening, enjoy a fine dining experience on board featuring selected local wines and craft beers.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: West Bank Necropolis – Valley of the Kings & King Tut Tomb
Breakfast on board. Cross to the West Bank of Luxor to explore the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, including entry inside the burial chamber of King Tutankhamun. Discover the lesser-known historical truths behind the boy king's reign and Howard Carter’s 1922 discovery. Visit the terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El-Bahari, then stop for photos at the towering Colossi of Memnon. Return to the yacht for lunch and afternoon tea. In the evening, enjoy a formal white-glove dinner followed by a whirling dervish and belly dance performance.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Karnak Temple Complex & Temple of Khnum
Breakfast on board. Begin your East Bank morning excursion exploring the sprawling Karnak Temple Complex, marveling at the towering columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall. Return for lunch on board as the vessel sails toward Esna. Visit the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum in Esna, featuring a magnificent hypostyle hall excavated 9 meters below modern street level. Afternoon tea is served while cruising south toward Edfu. Dinner and an evening movie screening on board.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Temple of Kom Ombo & Egyptian Gastronomy
Breakfast on board. Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising along the Nile. Lunch is served on board as you approach Kom Ombo. Tour the unique symmetrical double Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god and Haroeris the falcon god. Return to the ship for afternoon tea and an authentic culinary masterclass highlighting local ingredients while sailing toward Aswan. In the evening, enjoy an Egyptian folkloric theme dinner and festive party.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Aswan at Leisure & Farewell Gala Dinner
Buffet breakfast on board. Enjoy a full day at leisure in Aswan to relax on the sun deck, browse local spice souks, or take advantage of the yacht's luxury amenities. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge accompanied by live oud melodies. In the evening, attend a formal farewell gala dinner served by white-gloved staff, followed by an authentic Sufi whirling dervish and folkloric performance.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Sun Boat III
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Abu Simbel Excursion – Flight to Cairo
Disembark from Sanctuary Sun Boat III and fly to Abu Simbel. Explore the monumental rock-cut Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Sun Temple of Queen Nefertari, saved from Lake Nasser by UNESCO's international rescue effort. Fly to Cairo (domestic flight included) and transfer to your luxury hotel. Enjoy your final evening in Cairo at leisure.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence / Mena House / Kempinski Nile Deluxe / Fairmont Nile Premium
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: Final Departure from Cairo
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer via private luxury vehicle to Cairo International Airport for your international departure flight with full check-in assistance.
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included:
- Individually tailored private luxury itinerary
- All domestic flights (Cairo / Aswan & Abu Simbel / Cairo)
- Egyptian local SIM card with data
- Entry visa upon arrival support
- Complimentary private camel ride at the Giza Pyramids
- Ultra-luxury hotel accommodations in Cairo as listed
- 8 Nights ultra-luxury full-board cruise aboard Sanctuary Sun Boat III
- VIP exclusive access opportunities
- Professional licensed English-speaking Egyptologist guides
- Private ground transfers in executive air-conditioned vehicles
- Daily gourmet breakfast, lunches, and dinners as specified
- All site entrance tickets and taxes
- 24/7 dedicated guest concierge support
- Private tours in Cairo; boutique small-group shore excursions during the cruise
Excludes:
- International flights
- Personal expenses and optional spa treatments
- Gratuities (tipping)
Tour Accommodation Categories & Rates
- Cairo Luxury Hotels: Marriott Mena House / Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at First Residence or Nile Plaza / Kempinski Nile Deluxe / Fairmont Nile Premium / Hyatt Regency
- Ultra-Luxury Nile Cruise: Sanctuary Sun Boat III (or The Oberoi Zahra / Philae / Mövenpick Royal Lily / Sonesta Nile Goddess / Le Fayan / MS Farah / MS Acamar)
Travel Notes: 13-Day Ultimate Luxury Tour
Upgrade to a Luxury Vehicle for Extra Comfort:
Upgrade to an executive vehicle for maximum comfort during all city transfers. Our luxury vehicles feature generous legroom, climate control, refreshments, and ample luggage space.
Professional Photographer Service:
Request a professional studio photographer to accompany your private visits to the Pyramids, Luxor, or Abu Simbel to capture high-resolution portraits and memories for an additional $50 USD per day.
Booking & Operational Policies
- Hotel Standards in Egypt:
- Hotel star ratings in Egypt differ from Western criteria. Standard 5-star properties may reflect 3 or 4-star European standards. For discerning travelers, we exclusively recommend our Luxury and Ultra-Luxury accommodation plans.
- Visa Support on Arrival:
- Skip arrival lines. Send us your passport copy in advance, and our representative will arrange your entry visa on arrival. (Eligible travelers holding valid US, UK, or Schengen visas can obtain visa-on-arrival support regardless of nationality).
- Night Sleeper Trains (Not Recommended):
- We advise against overnight sleeper trains due to extended travel times (15–18 hours), noise levels, and compact sleeping berths. We strongly recommend domestic flights instead. A one-way domestic flight upgrade with an additional 5-star hotel night starts from $150 USD per person.
- Travel Insurance (AIG Travel Guard):
- Protect your holiday with optional coverage through AIG: $25 USD per person per week, or $50 USD per person for itineraries exceeding one week.
- Domestic Flight Upgrades to Business Class:
- Special Offer: Upgrade domestic flight sectors to Business Class for $50 USD per person per flight sector to enjoy wider seating, priority handling, and extra legroom.
- Domestic Flights Policy:
- Itinerary rates factor in average seasonal domestic airfares. Peak holiday periods, late bookings, or specific schedule requests may result in fare adjustments.
- Payment Policy:
- Secure payments are accepted via Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, and direct bank wire transfers.
- Pricing & Currency:
- Tour packages are priced in USD, with payments accepted in EUR or GBP based on current exchange rates. Semi-private small group departures and fully private VIP itineraries are arranged upon request.
- Private VIP Tour with Dr. Zahi Hawass:
- Ramasside Tours offers exclusive private visits to the Great Pyramid and Giza Plateau accompanied by world-renowned archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, featuring private after-hours access between the paws of the Sphinx and inside restricted chambers. Contact us for private scheduling.
- Child Policy:
- 0 – 1.99 years: Free of charge (airfare supplements apply if flights are included)
- 2 – 5.99 years: 25% of adult tour price (50% if flights are included)
- 6 – 11.99 years: 50% of adult tour price
- 12+ years: Standard adult rate
- Special Archaeological Site Tickets:
- Standard entrance passes exclude restricted special chambers, such as the burial chamber inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu or the Tomb of King Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings. Entry to these specific chambers can be added upon request for an additional fee.
- Essential Packing:
- Comfortable, closed walking shoes are recommended for stone ruins and archaeological grounds. Pack comfortable slip-on shoes or sandals for felucca and cruise decks.
- Peak Travel Seasons:
- Christmas & New Year: December 15 – January 7
- Easter: March 20 – April 20
- Mid-Term Holidays: October 20 – October 31
- Standard Hotel Times: Check-in at 14:00 | Check-out at 12:00
Customer Support:
For reservations and inquiries, contact: [email protected]
