Experience Egypt's premier ancient landmarks on this comprehensive 15-day all-inclusive expedition. Discover the Giza Pyramids and Great Sphinx, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), Memphis, and Saqqara. Explore Saladin's Citadel and historic Old Cairo, then journey south to Upper Egypt to visit the magnificent temples of Dendera and Abydos.
Continue to Luxor to tour the Luxor Museum, Luxor Temple, and Karnak Temple on the East Bank. On the West Bank, visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and step inside the royal burial chamber of King Tutankhamun. In Aswan, explore the island Temple of Philae and visit an authentic Nubian village.
Return north to discover the Mediterranean heritage of Alexandria and explore rural riverside life in Rosetta (Rashid). Conclude your expedition in Cairo uncovering hidden culinary spots, vibrant local markets, and historic streets before your final departure.
Hotel & Nile Cruise Accommodations Note
Please note that hotel star ratings in Egypt differ from North American and European classification standards. For the highest levels of comfort and service quality, we always recommend selecting Luxury or Ultra-Luxury accommodation plans.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo
Arrival at Cairo International Airport. You will be warmly greeted by our airport representative holding a "Ramasside Tours" sign and transferred in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel.
Overnight in Cairo.
Day 2: NMEC Mummies Hall, Giza Pyramids & Camel Trek
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day visiting the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), the first museum dedicated to the entirety of Egyptian civilization across 50,000 artifacts from prehistory to modern times.
Visit the Royal Mummies Hall, a climate-controlled underground gallery housing the preserved remains of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs and queens, including Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, and Ramesses II.
Next, head to the Giza Plateau to visit the Great Pyramids—Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure—alongside the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple of Khafre. Enjoy an included panoramic camel trek across the desert sands for iconic photo opportunities while your guide shares fascinating historical insights into pharaonic life.
Overnight in Cairo.
Day 3: Saqqara Necropolis & Ancient Memphis
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive south to Saqqara to tour the Step Pyramid of Djoser, engineered by Imhotep during the Third Dynasty (c. 2630 BC) as the world's earliest monumental stone structure.
Continue to Memphis, Egypt's first unified capital founded by King Narmer (Menes). Tour the open-air museum housing the colossal fallen limestone statue of Ramesses II and the monumental Alabaster Sphinx.
(Optional: 2-hour evening Nile dinner cruise featuring traditional Egyptian folkloric entertainment).
Overnight in Cairo.
Day 4: Flight to Luxor
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, meet our local representative and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Luxor.
Day 5: Abydos & Dendera Temples Excursion
Breakfast at the hotel. Travel to Abydos, the mythological burial place of Osiris, god of the underworld. Explore the magnificent Temple of Seti I, completed by Ramesses II, renowned for its exceptionally preserved carved relief murals and the famous Abydos King List.
Proceed to Dendera to tour the Temple of Hathor, goddess of love, joy, and music. Admire its well-preserved hypostyle hall, colorful astronomical ceilings, and crypts. Return to Luxor.
Overnight in Luxor.
Day 6: Luxor Museum, East Bank & Nile Cruise Embarkation
Visit the Luxor Museum, showcasing an expertly curated collection of statues, reliefs, and royal artifacts unearthed from ancient Theban temples and tombs.
Tour the grand Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious precinct of the ancient world, featuring the Great Hypostyle Hall and monumental obelisks. Next, visit Luxor Temple located on the East Bank waterfront. Embarkation aboard your luxury Nile cruise ship before lunch. Lunch served on board.
Overnight on board in Luxor.
Day 7: Valley of the Kings, King Tut Tomb & West Bank
Breakfast on board. Explore the royal West Bank necropolis in the Valley of the Kings, including an exclusive interior visit to the burial chamber of King Tutankhamun, discovered intact by Howard Carter in 1922.
Visit the Valley of the Queens, the burial site of royal consorts and princes, with an optional visit to the brilliantly painted tomb of Queen Nefertari. Continue to the terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El-Bahari, then stop for photos at the towering Colossi of Memnon. Lunch on board, followed by afternoon tea.
Overnight on board in Luxor.
Day 8: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples
Breakfast on board while sailing. Tour the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the most complete and best-preserved Greco-Roman temple in Egypt. Continue sailing toward Kom Ombo.
Enjoy lunch on board. Tour the unique double Temple of Kom Ombo, symmetrically dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god and Haroeris (Horus the Elder). Afternoon tea served on the sun deck as you sail toward Aswan.
Overnight on board in Kom Ombo.
Day 9: Philae Temple & Nubian Village Excursion
Breakfast on board while sailing into Aswan. Take a boat transfer to the island Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and saved from rising Nile waters by UNESCO.
In the afternoon, board a private motorboat for a scenic journey along the Nile's First Cataract to an authentic Nubian Village on the West Bank. Pass Sohail Island and the Old Aswan Dam, take in scenic granite landscape views, and visit a traditional Nubian household to learn about local culture, hospitality, and daily life. Lunch on board.
Overnight on board in Aswan.
Day 10: Disembarkation – Optional Abu Simbel – Flight to Cairo
Breakfast on board followed by disembarkation.
(Optional Excursion: Travel to Abu Simbel to marvel at the rock-cut Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Sun Temple of Queen Nefertari, saved from Lake Nasser by UNESCO).
Transfer to Aswan Airport for your return domestic flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Cairo.
Day 11: Day Trip to Alexandria
Meet your guide for a full-day tour of coastal Alexandria. Visit the world-class Bibliotheca Alexandrina (entry to the reading area requires on-site admission; closed Fridays and public holidays).
Tour the Roman Amphitheatre and its outdoor sunken antiquity exhibit recovered from Alexandria's harbor. Visit Saint Mark’s Church, the oldest church in Africa, and the historic El Nabi Daniel Mosque. Enjoy lunch at an authentic Mediterranean seafood restaurant or at the iconic "Mohamed Ahmed’s".
Walk through the traditional alleys of Mansheya and Zan'et El Setat bazaar. Photo stops at the exterior of the Citadel of Qaitbay (erected on the foundation of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse) and Abbo Elabbas Mosque. Drive through the royal grounds of Montaza Palace and Gardens, crossing Montaza Bridge with coastline views, followed by a photo stop at Stanley Bridge.
Overnight in Alexandria.
Day 12: Rosetta (Rashid) River & Heritage Excursion
Breakfast at the hotel. Journey approximately 60 km east to the historic port town of Rosetta (Rashid).
Board a boat to see the confluence where the freshwater Nile River flows into the Mediterranean Sea. Visit the historic fortress where the famed Rosetta Stone was unearthed in 1799, paving the way for deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Stroll past historic Ottoman merchant mansions and Islamic monuments before a comfortable return drive to Cairo.
Overnight in Cairo.
Day 13: Secrets of Cairo & Historic Food Walk
Breakfast at the hotel. Experience authentic Egyptian gastronomy on a curated culinary walking tour away from typical tourist tracks. Sample beloved national dishes, street foods, and traditional delicacies.
Continue into historic Islamic Cairo, taking a walking tour down pedestrian El Moez Street—home to one of the highest concentrations of medieval Islamic architecture in the world. Explore ancient alleys, historic city gates, traditional workshops, and heritage trading quarters. Return comfortably to your hotel.
Overnight in Cairo.
Day 14: Leisure Day in Cairo
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax, shop in modern districts, or explore local galleries on your own.
Overnight in Cairo.
Day 15: Final Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer with our representative to Cairo International Airport for your international departure flight with full check-in assistance.
What's Included:
- 7 Nights hotel accommodation in Cairo (with daily breakfast)
- 1 Night hotel accommodation in Alexandria (with daily breakfast)
- 2 Nights hotel accommodation in Luxor (with daily breakfast)
- 4 Nights full-board accommodation on a 5-star Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan (all meals & scheduled shore excursions included)
- Full-day Cairo tour (NMEC, Royal Mummies Hall, Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Camel Trek)
- Full-day Cairo tour (Saqqara Step Pyramid & Ancient Memphis)
- Full-day guided excursion to Alexandria
- Full-day guided excursion to Rosetta (Rashid)
- Day tour to Dendera and Abydos temples
- All ground transfers in private, air-conditioned vehicles across Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria
- Professional licensed Egyptologist tour guides
- All entrance tickets to mentioned archaeological sites, temples, and museums
- Domestic flights: Cairo / Luxor and Aswan / Cairo
- All service charges and government taxes
Excludes:
- Entry visa to Egypt (available on arrival upon request)
- International flights
- Personal expenses and optional tours
- Gratuities (tipping)
- Beverages during meals
Tour Accommodation Categories & Rates
Plan (A) 5-Star Standard
- Cairo: Le Méridien Pyramids / Steigenberger Pyramids / Ramses Hilton / Helnan / Barceló Cairo Pyramids / Pyramisa
- Nile Cruise: MS Emilio / MS Radamis / MS Princess Sarah
Plan (B) Luxury
- Cairo: Kempinski Nile Hotel / Fairmont Nile City / Conrad Cairo / Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino / Hilton Pyramids Golf
- Nile Cruise: MS Amwaj Living Stone / MS Nile Premium / MS Blue Shadow / MS Jaz Jubilee / Steigenberger Minerva
Plan (C) Ultra-Luxury
- Cairo: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza or First Residence / Marriott Mena House / Kempinski Nile Deluxe / Fairmont Nile Premium / Hyatt Regency
- Nile Cruise: Sanctuary Sun Boat / The Oberoi Zahra or Philae / Mövenpick Royal Lily / Sonesta Nile Goddess / Le Fayan / MS Farah / MS Acamar
Travel Notes: 15-Day All-Inclusive Tour
Upgrade to a Luxury Vehicle for Extra Comfort:
Upgrade to a premium luxury vehicle for a smoother travel experience. Our executive vehicles offer extra legroom, high-performance climate control, complimentary refreshments, and generous luggage capacity.
Professional Photographer Service:
Hire a professional photographer to accompany your excursion to the Pyramids or West Bank monuments. Studio photographers capture portrait-grade photos and candid memories at top scenic locations for an additional $50 USD per day.
Booking & Operational Policies
- Hotel Standards in Egypt:
- Hotel classifications in Egypt differ from US and European systems. Standard 5-star hotels may feel closer to 3 or 4-star properties abroad. We strongly suggest selecting Luxury or Ultra-Luxury accommodation plans for travelers expecting international 5-star luxury standards.
- Visa Support on Arrival:
- Avoid airport queues. 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 journey 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 Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens. 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]
