9-Day Best of Egypt Tour: Nile & Abu Simbel

Day 1 : Cairo

Welcome to Cairo!
After landing, we’ll pick you up right from the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Explore Cairo on your own or relax at your lovely hotel

Day 2: Cairo

• After enjoying your delicious, energizing breakfast, we’ll begin our trip to see the Giza Pyramids!
• The first visit of the day will be to the Pyramids of Giza, the most popular monument in the whole world, built by the pharaohs from 2590 BC to 2480 BC. You will have the chance to explore the wonders of the Great Pyramid, the largest Pyramid ever constructed in Egypt, and even have the chance to get inside one of the pyramids (optional).
• We’ll also get to see the lovely Giza Sphinx before heading to another great Egyptian structure, the Saqqara Necropolis, a step pyramid and the oldest in Egypt, located near the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis. Then we’ll explore a bit more of Memphis and discover the gigantic statue of King Ramses II.
• We’ll end the day back at our hotel in Cairo.

Day 3 : Cairo

• Today we’ll learn more about the Ancient Egyptians with a tour of the magnificent and fascinating Egyptian Museum, home to numerous treasures of King Tutankhamun. Encounter his golden death mask; have the option to stare upon the mummies of some of Egypt’s ancient pharaohs; and lose yourself in the many rooms and galleries, where thousands of artifacts await your visit.
• We’ll have lunch around mid-day and then we’ll take a tour of Cairo’s most famous churches: the Hanging Church and the Church of St. George the Martyr. These two churches are built into the walls of the Fort of Babylon, one of Cairo’s oldest structures. We’ll also get to visit the church of Abu Serga, supposedly located atop a cave where the Holy Family – Joseph, Mary, and Jesus – rested during their trip through Egypt. This whole area is a world famous destination for Pilgrims.

Day 4: Cairo – Luxor – Nile River

• After having breakfast you will check out of your hotel in Cairo and be transferred to the Cairo airport to take your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a guide and transferred to embark on your luxurious Nile Cruise ship, which will be your home away from home for the next four nights.
• Before we begin our romantic journey down the Nile, we’ll enjoy some time in Luxor. You will start your visit by exploring the Karnak Temple. This is one of the largest and oldest temples on Earth, older than 2000 years old with the largest obelisks in the world!
• Then we’ll visit the Luxor Temple. Dedicated to the Holy Theban Triad – the gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu – this is one of the finest examples of Pharaonic architecture.
• The evening we’ll be yours to discover Luxor on your own or join a trip to see the sound and light show at Karnak Temple, a wonderful illustration of Egyptian history (at your own expense).
• After this tour, you’ll reboard the cruise and depart down the Nile.

Day 5 : Valley of the Kings – Temple of Hatshepsut – Colossi of Memnon

• After a filling breakfast aboard your luxurious cruise, we’ll take a day trip to the world famous Valley of the Kings, site of the famous tomb of Tut-Ankh-Amun. Prepare to be amazing at the diverse tombs and colorful designs.
• Then we’ll visit another major temple of Egypt, the mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. This temple was constructed by Queen Hatshepsut (1473-1458 BC) of the 18th dynasty as a unique structure rising from the desert in the shape of imposing terraces that rivals many of the temples constructed for her male counterparts.
• The last stop of the day will be a visit to the gigantic Colossi of Memnon. These two 18 meters high statues are the only remaining items of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.

Day 6: Temple of Edfu – Temple Of Kom Ombo

• As we journey up the Nile, we’ll make a stop along the banks and visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu. This temple is the largest and best preserved Ptolemaic temple in Egypt. The construction of the temple started during the reign of Ptolemy III in 237 BC and the construction continued until 80 BC. The temple includes wonderfully decorated walls and stone artwork.
• From here we’ll explore another great Egyptian temple, the Temple Of Kom Ombo. Dedicated to the two gods Horus, the falcon god, and Sobek, the crocodile god, this fantastic temple hosts the Crocodile Museum, a unique museum dedicated to nearly 300 mummified crocodiles.
• Enjoy the evening as you continue cruising up the Nile to Aswan, once again sleeping aboard your floating vessel.

Day 7: Aswan – Nile & Abu Simble Temple

• This morning you will visit Abu Simbel temples, which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These iconic temples were carved out of the mountainside in the New Kingdom during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in 1900 B.C.
• As we leisurely sail, we’ll get to visit one of the most beautiful temples in the world, the Temple of the Goddess Isis, on Philae Island in the middle of the Nile. It is truly an amazing temple, and one of the best places to take photos.
• From here we’ll continue up the river to see the mighty Aswan High Dam which saved the temple from the Nile floods.
• Afterwards, we’ll return to our cruise ship for the night.

Day 8: Aswan – Cairo

• After breakfast, we’ll say farewell to our lovely vessel and transfer to the Aswan airport for our flight back to Cairo.
• Upon arrival to Cairo you will be transferred to your hotel to relax for the rest of the day.

Day 9: Cairo

Today your lovely vacation in Cairo will end after breakfast. We’ll transfer you to the airport when you are ready to fly out.