This is a comprehensive itinerary that takes in the country’s most iconic sites, but gives you plenty of time to relax and enjoy Egypt’s quiet beauty.
Upon arrival in Cairo you will be met by a Lightfoot Travel representative who will assist you by private vehicle to your hotel.
Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your guide who will accompany you to the Old Kingdom’s first capital at Memphis and Egypt’s first pyramid ever built at the Sakkara Complex.
Have lunch at the beautiful Marriott Mena House before heading out again to explore the Giza Plateau. Visit the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren and Mykerinus as well as the famous Sphinx. Ride camels in front of the pyramids and crawl deep into the tomb located within the Great Pyramid if you dare!
This morning you’ll meet your guide to visit the iconic Egyptian Museum housing the treasures room for the child king Tutankhamen, alongside many other fascinating artifacts. Adults and kids alike may particularly enjoy the mummies room at the museum.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Saladin Citadel including the Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque inside. Continue to Coptic Cairo to visit the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Finally, head to Islamic Cairo where you will explore the famous Khan El Khalili, Cairo’s old bazaar.
Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight to Abu Simbel (via Aswan).
Upon arrival you’ll be met and taken for a visit to one of Egypt’s most incredible sites – the great sun temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Queen Nefertari.
After your visit, fly back to Aswan where you’ll be taken to the river to board your Nile Cruise. Enjoy lunch on board before heading out for an afternoon sail aboard a felucca – a traditional wooden sailing boat.
A welcome dinner will be served this evening.
This morning, take a short motorboat ride to Philae Temple on the Island of Agilika. This will be followed by a visit to the Granite Quarries where you can discover where the hard stone used in the pyramids and temples was mined.
Head back to your boat for lunch and enjoy an Egyptian cooking demonstration while you cruise to Kom Ombo. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Temple of Kom Ombo dedicated to the crocodile God Sobek.
In the evening, enjoy a lavish buffet of Egyptian specialties and take part in an “Egyptian Night” party.
This morning you’ll board a horse and carriage and head out to explore the extraordinary Temple of Horus. Return to the boat and cruise to Esna while you enjoy lunch on board.
This afternoon, your Egyptologist will guide you round the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum at Esna. This small and beautifully preserved Great Hypostyle Hall was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius. Look out for glimpses of a quiet town and more rural life along the river.
This morning, your Egyptologist will guide you around the temple of Luxor and then onwards to the Temple of Karnak. These two sites are some of the most impressive in all of Egypt and will be a highlight of the journey.
In the afternoon, visit the Valley of the Kings. You’ll have the chance to visit at least one tomb in the Valley of the Queens before heading to your final destination, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
This evening, enjoy a farewell gala dinner with white-gloved waiters serving gourmet cuisine.
This morning, rise early for your balloon ride in the sky over Luxor, one of the biggest open-air museums in the world. Enjoy the incredible views before returning to your boat for breakfast.
Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to the airport to fly back to Cairo. Enjoy your last day in the capital, shopping for souvenirs and taking in the sites one final time.
This morning you’ll be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.
AUTHENTICITYWe won't take you to the usual tourist traps, instead we'll introduce you to people that show you the true side of a country. With our contacts in each destination, we can arrange for you to meet locals away from the crowds and ensure an authentic experience.
EXPERTISEYou can rely on our extensive first-hand knowledge and years of experience in the country you’re visiting. We use only the best expert guides, and provide insider tips on the local customs, and everything from vibrant festivals to hidden Himalayan monasteries
PERSONAL SERVICEYour holiday will be as unique as you are. By getting to know you and what makes you tick, we fuse our wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of our destinations to create unique day by day itineraries that are built around you.
