13 Days Egypt Tour: Cairo, Nile Cruise, Hurghada, White Desert & Alexandria

The Grand Egyptian Museum and Saqqara Pyramid Complex Day Tour 

Start your day with a delicious breakfast meal. At around 08:30 am to 09:00 am, meet your Egyptologist at the hotel lobby to start your day tour.

The Grand Egyptian Museum (takes around 2 hours)

• The giant Ramses II statue welcomes you at the entrance.
• In 11 halls, wander amid rare treasures from the heart of ancient Egypt and present the daily life, afterworld beliefs, gods, royal items, kings, and queens from the prehistoric, pharaonic, Roman, and Greek eras.
• This museum includes the full collection of Tutankhamun.

Lunchtime

Experience one of the tastiest dishes from Egyptian cuisine.

The Saqqara Pyramid Complex

• Embark on the Unas Pyramid, where you can see the first pyramidal text in history—two-thirds of the texts.
• Meet the first limestone structure ever built in history and the prime step of building a pyramid, the Saqqara Pyramid of Djoser.
• Explore how daily life was in ancient Egypt inside the Idot tomb.

At the end of the tour, we will drive you back to Cairo hotel for overnight stay.

Meals:

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day Tour to Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam 

An early departure from your Cairo hotel for a domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, you can dive straight into Aswan's incredible attractions. Start your morning with a visit to Aswan High Dam, offering panoramic views of Lake Nasser.

Afterward, explore the magnificent Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and accessed by a short boat ride. Keep your camera on as the Philae Temple, which is the pearl of ancient Egypt's temples, appears while you sail on the Nile in a dazzling scene.

Philae Temple Visit

• Reach Agilkia Island, where you visit the Philae temple dedicated to Isis.
• This temple houses the last hieroglyphic text from 394 BC and the demotic text from 452 BC.
• Meet the only place in ancient Egypt that had a wooden roof in Trajan's Kiosk.
• Explore Mammisi, which features columns and boasts the finest capitals, including those dedicated to Hathor!
• Wander amid the Coptic Church, Hathor Temple, and Hadrian Gate.

Transfer to the Nile Cruise for check-in. 

Have a relaxing time amid the outstanding atmosphere and views of the Nile, and enjoy savoring the most delicious lunch and dinner meals.

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Visit Abu Simbel Temples (against charge) and Kom Ombo Temple. 

Free time until the afternoon on the cruise deck. Also, you have an opportunity to explore the Abu Simbel Temples (out of the tour cost), arriving by a modern air-conditioned vehicle.

Abu Simbel Temples (Lasts from 1 to 2 Hours);

• Leave the Nile cruise at around 4.30 am with the boxed breakfast. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle to the site, arriving in 3.5 hours with one break along the way. 
• Four colossal statues representing King Ramses II confront you; each stands at a height of 70 feet.
• The gateway to the larger temple lies between the feet of the colossal statues of Ramses.
• Wader amid vibrant inscriptions of the Battle of Kadesh and the gigantic statues
• Explore the sun's perpendicular phenomenon that illuminates Ramses' face and Ra-Horakhty, besides Amun, while not illuminating the face of Ptah, the god of shadow! It seems as if Ramses II controlled a particular path to the sun into his temple, and the sun walks on the same way until now; explore what was behind this pharaonic marvel!
• Move to the Temple of Nefertari, where you see for the first time in ancient Egypt a queen statue taking the same measures as the king statue.

Return back to the Nile Cruise for a sailing to Kom Ombo;

• Enjoy the scenery of the lush banks of the Nile while you are on your bed, seeing through your cabin's window, or on the Nile board.
• In the relaxing sailing, savor a fresh-cooked local Egyptian dish rich with dazzling flavors.

Kom Ombo Temple Visit (from 45 minutes to 1 hour)

• You arrive at the first and only double-faced temple in ancient Egypt dedicated to the god Sobek and the god Horus—both considered by some ancient Egyptians to be the creators of the world. 
• So, you visit two temples with two hypostyles and two shrines, holy of the holies, etc., divided by Maat.
• Meet this pharaonic nilometer that was used in ancient Egypt to measure the Nile’s water levels, plus ancient Egyptian surgical instruments and a calendar.

Enjoy a restful night on the Nile Cruise, accompanied by a delicious dinner meal.

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Edfu Temple Day Tour 

The tour begins with a relaxing morning spent sailing. 

Edfu Temple Visit (Lasts from 1 to 1.30 hours);

• A unique experience awaits you, riding a horse carriage in 15 minutes to the Edfu Temple, the second largest temple in Ancient Egypt after the Karnak and the most well-preserved one. It was dedicated to Horus.
• Wander amid the Massive Pylon (entrance gate), First Courtyard (court of offerings), Hypostyle Hall, Sanctuary of Horus, Holy Barque Shrine, Inner Chambers, Battle Reliefs, and the Mammisi (birth house). All are in well-preserved condition, giving you the chance to see the temples once the ancient Egyptians had raised their hands out of them.
• Uncover the pharaonic Edfu WiFi.

Return back to the Nile Cruise for sailing to Luxor.

Savor a delicious lunch meal on the cruise deck amid the dazzling Nile views.

Meals:

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

A Tour to the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, and Karnak Temple

After breakfast on the cruise deck, start your Luxor day tour.

The Valley of the Kings (A visit extends to 2 hours); 

• It is the home of the royal tombs where the mummies of kings were located.
• Explore this exclusive site in ancient Egypt from its discovery by the pharaonic engineer Inini up to the creation of the dazzling tombs with inscriptions that are still vivid until now, representing the Book of the Dead, the Book of Amduat, the Opening of the Mouth, and the Book of the Holy Cow. Wander amid these details of ancient Egyptians’ afterlife beliefs. 
• Your Egyptologist accompanies you to the best royal tombs on the site.

Hatshepsut Temple (From 1 to 1.30 hours) 

• Meet this pharaonic facade carved in the Deir El Bahari mountain, taking a half-moon look, with giant columns, as if the mountain hugs this temple.
• This temple, which is an architectural masterpiece, was built by Hatshepsut. Wander amid the era of this lady that ruled ancient Egypt for 21 years successfully.
• Embark on scenes from the daily life of this era, representing harvest, agriculture, fishing, and trading. 

Colossi of Memnon (Stop lasts 15 to 20 minutes.) 

• Those two giant statues, 59 feet tall, dedicated to Pharaoh Amenhotep III, have breathtaking shots with them, and get to know all the mysteries that surround them!

Lunchtime (It takes a maximum of 60 minutes.) 

• The Egyptian food experience is calling for you again to have a dish whose delicacy you cannot forget.

Karnak Temple (2-hour visit);

• Welcome to the largest temple in ancient Egypt that was built by more than 100 kings and queens dating back to 1500 BC, while its latest artifacts date back to 30 BC. 
• Stroll through the world’s largest hypostyle hall with 134 columns; it was built for 66 years by Amenemhat III, Seti I, and Ramesses II.
• See the largest obelisk in the globe dedicated to Hatshepsut.
• Cross through the Holy of Holies, the Holy Lake, the Temple of Ptah, and the Open-Air Museum, where you can see the Red Chapel of Hatshepsut, the White Chapel of Senusret I, and the pharaonic Karnak botanical garden.
• Meet the largest scarab found in Egypt for luck, as per the ancient Egyptians beliefs. 
• Other monuments, including pylons, shrines, obelisks, sanctuaries, sacred lakes, and more, wait for you. See the vivid inscriptions of ancient Egypt in this complete pharaonic world. 

At the end of your Luxor tours, we will drive you to Hurghada to check-in at your hotel where you can enjoy dinner and overnight stay.

Meals;  breakfast, lunch, dinner

Enjoy your delicious breakfast at the hotel then get ready for today adventure. Begin an unforgettable full-day snorkeling adventure to Hula Hula Island, the "Egyptian Caribbean"! Departing after breakfast, your comfortable boat sets sail from the marina, typically around 9:00 AM. Actually, the trip includes two snorkeling stops at vibrant coral reefs. Dive into the Red Sea's crystal-clear waters, discovering a Red Sea marine life and intricate coral formations at two different locations. Expert snorkel guides ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

After an exhilarating underwater exploration, a delicious onboard lunch awaits. Then, enjoy a generous 90 minutes on Hula Hula Island itself. Relax on its pristine white sands, swim in the tranquil shallows, or enjoy optional water sports. The scenic return journey concludes around 4:00 PM, leaving you with cherished memories of this sun-drenched, underwater paradise.

Meals; Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Enjoy breakfast at your Hurghada hotel. The morning is yours for free time to relax, or simply soak in the Red Sea views before check-out. Following lunch, you'll be transferred to Hurghada International Airport (HRG) for your domestic flight to Cairo International Airport (CAI). Upon arrival in Cairo, a representative will meet you for your transfer to your Cairo hotel. Check in and enjoy a relaxing evening. Overnight in Cairo.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast at your Cairo hotel, you'll begin a comfortable overland transfer to Bahariya Oasis (approximately 4-5 hours' drive). Upon arrival in Bahariya, you'll switch to a 4x4 safari jeep after lunch ready for an unforgettable desert adventure.

Your exploration of the Bahariya and White Desert region begins! You'll discover the unique volcanic formations of the Black Desert, where mountains are capped with dark, iron-rich rock. Continue to the refreshing El Heiz Spring, a natural hot spring perfect for a relaxing dip. Marvel at the sparkling geological wonders of Crystal Mountain, adorned with quartz crystals. Enjoy the thrill of sandboarding down towering dunes.

Later in the afternoon, you'll reach the iconic Old White Desert, a surreal landscape of wind-carved chalk rock formations resembling giant mushrooms, icebergs, and abstract sculptures. Here, your Bedouin team will set up your desert camp. Enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars followed by an evening of stargazing in the peaceful desert. Overnight camping in the White Desert.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks

Wake up and enjoy breakfast at your campsite in the heart of the White Desert. After packing up, your safari adventure continues as you tour the New White Desert. This area boasts even more fantastical chalk formations, shaped by centuries of wind erosion.

Your guide will lead you to iconic natural sculptures, including the Rabbit Stone, resembling a large rabbit poised in the desert, the impressive Chicken and Mushroom formations, and the distinctive Foot Rock, along with many other unique and fascinating geological wonders. Take your time to capture stunning photographs and immerse yourself in this otherworldly landscape.

After a final exploration of the White Desert, you'll head back to Bahariya Oasis for lunch at a local restaurant. Following your meal, you'll begin your comfortable transfer back to Cairo (approximately 4-5 hours' drive). Upon arrival in Cairo, you'll be dropped off at your hotel for overnight rest.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast at your Cairo hotel, start a full-day tour exploring some of Cairo's most iconic landmarks. Your first stop is the magnificent Citadel of Salah El Din, a medieval Islamic fortification offering panoramic views of the city.

Within the Citadel walls, you'll visit the stunning Mosque of Muhammad Ali, famously known as the Alabaster Mosque due to its extensive use of pure white alabaster. Marvel at its Ottoman-style architecture, grand domes, and minarets.

Following your visit to the Citadel, you'll delve into the bustling atmosphere of Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of the oldest and most famous souks in the Middle East. Spend time wandering through its labyrinthine alleys, Browse for unique souvenirs, spices, jewelry, and local handicrafts. You can also enjoy a traditional Egyptian tea or coffee at one of the historic cafes.

After a vibrant day of sightseeing and shopping, you'll be transferred back to your hotel for overnight in Cairo.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast at your Cairo hotel, you will begin a fascinating full-day tour to Alexandria, Egypt's second-largest city and its historical window to the Mediterranean. The journey from Cairo to Alexandria typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by private vehicle.

Upon arrival, you will start by visiting the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a unique Roman burial site dating back to the 2nd century A.D., known for its blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art and architecture across three levels carved into the rock.

Next, you'll see Pompey's Pillar, a massive Roman triumphal column, and the remains of the Serapeum temple complex. Later, you'll visit the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a stunning architectural marvel that pays tribute to the ancient Great Library of Alexandria. Explore its vast reading areas and perhaps some of its museums or exhibitions.

A delicious lunch at a local restaurant, often featuring fresh seafood, will be arranged and then continue to the impressive Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century defensive fortress built on the exact site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea from its ramparts.

Finally, you'll begin your transfer back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you'll be dropped off at your hotel for overnight in Cairo.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Enjoy your final breakfast and depending on your flight schedule, you will have a private transfer to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your final departure, concluding your memorable Egyptian journey.

Meals: breakfast