Encompassing Egypt’s greatest highlights and a three-day Nile cruise, this adventure enhances a wide variety of included activities with the expertise of our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs), through whom you’ll gain a greater appreciation of the region’s history and archaeological finds. Discover the secrets of the Great Pyramids and explore the Valley of the Kings, then meet local people and share a traditional meal. A combination of air-conditioned transport and domestic flights will get you to the sights (and your comfortable accommodations) quickly and conveniently. From ancient history to bustling modern Cairo, embark on an incredible journey to the very heart of Egypt.
Day 1: CairoArrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Day 2: Cairo/AswānCatch an early morning flight to Aswan. Opt to explore the busy Aswan market or visit the beautiful Philae Temple. Later, board a boat to visit a Nubian village. Walk around the small community and enjoy a traditional dinner in a local home.
Day 3: AswānEarly in the morning, drive to the famed temples of Abu Simbel for a guided tour. Later, board our river cruise ship for the night.
Day 4: Aswān/Kom OmboSpend your day floating down the Nile on a spacious river boat with a guided tour of Kom Ombo Temple en route. Relax on the outside decks with a drink, watching the passing desert sands and enjoying the scenery
Day 5: Kom Ombo/LuxorContinuing cruising the Nile, relaxing and taking in the desert scenery while observing daily life along the river. Arrive to Luxor in the evening.
Day 6: LuxorToday your journey takes you to the West Bank to enjoy a guided visit to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Later, you will meet your student-guide at the Funtasia Project Center where together you will bike through the village to visit the community. The group will then return to the centre to learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with your guide before having lunch with a local family on the West Bank of the Nile. On the way back to the hotel, stop at an Alabaster factory and watch as the manufacturer's own hands mold, shape, and reshape the rocks until they end up with stunning sculptures, statues, candle holders, etc. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Day 7: LuxorEnjoy an excursion to the magnificent temples of Karnak and Luxor. In the afternoon, use free time to explore the bazaar, museums or opt to take a guided tour of the temples of Habu, Ramsseum and Deir El Medina.
Day 8: Luxor/AlexandriaCatch a flight back to Cairo in the morning. Stop for a tour inside the monasteries of Wadi Natrun en route to the historic Mediterranean city of Alexandria. Enjoy a free afternoon at your leisure to explore.
Day 9: AlexandriaSpend the day exploring this ancient seaside city, including Pompey's Pillar, the catacombs, and the new Alexandria Library. In the afternoon opt to explore the city further on a guided tour, or see the sights at your own pace. It's up to you!
Day 10: Alexandria/CairoHead back to Cairo and explore the treasures of the Egyptian Museum. Enjoy lunch at your leisure in one of the many local restaurants in the area. Afterwards, pay a visit to Khan el-Khalili, a famous bazaar and souk in the historic center of Cairo. The remainder of the evening will be at your leisure.
Day 11: CairoEmbark on a guided tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Enjoy a visit to the Papyrus institute—home to the world’s largest collection of papyrus documents. In the afternoon take advantage of free time to explore more of Cairo on your own.
Day 12: CairoDepart at any time.
