10-day luxury private journey

Welcome to Cairo, Egypt’s vibrant capital and the gateway to one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by our representative and transferred to your luxury hotel, where you can relax after your journey.

A fascinating blend of ancient heritage and modern energy, Cairo is home to some of history’s most iconic landmarks, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and countless archaeological treasures that have captivated travelers for centuries. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind or begin exploring this remarkable city at your leisure.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Egypt’s extraordinary past with your private licensed Egyptologist guide. Visit the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), home to one of the largest archaeological collections in the world, featuring more than 100,000 ancient artifacts, including the complete treasures of King Tutankhamun, many of which are displayed together for the first time.

As you journey through thousands of years of Egyptian history, discover masterpieces of art, royal treasures, colossal statues, and fascinating insights into one of humanity’s greatest civilizations. In the evening, enjoy a memorable welcome dinner, celebrating the beginning of your unforgettable journey through Egypt.

After breakfast, journey to the legendary Giza Plateau, home to Egypt’s most iconic monuments and the last surviving wonder of the Ancient World. Explore the magnificent Great Pyramid of Khufu, alongside the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, marveling at the extraordinary engineering achievements of the ancient Egyptians.

Enjoy the rare opportunity to step inside one of these ancient pyramids and discover the mysterious burial chambers that once served as eternal resting places for Egypt’s pharaohs. Continue to the majestic Great Sphinx, the timeless guardian of the plateau, whose enigmatic presence has watched over the desert for more than 4,500 years. Throughout the day, your private Egyptologist will bring these legendary monuments to life with captivating stories of ancient Egyptian history, architecture, and mythology.

Following breakfast, take a short domestic flight to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes and one of the world’s greatest open-air museums. Begin your exploration at the magnificent Luxor Temple, renowned for its colossal statues of Ramesses II, impressive colonnades, and remarkable architecture that reflects centuries of pharaonic history.

Later, embark on the legendary Steam Ship Misr, one of the Nile’s most prestigious and historic luxury vessels. Originally launched in 1918 for Egypt’s royal family and distinguished guests, the beautifully restored steamship preserves the elegance of the golden age of Nile cruising. With its limited number of luxurious suites, timeless Art Deco-inspired interiors, and impeccable white-glove service, Steam Ship Misr offers an intimate and truly exclusive cruising experience unlike any other on the Nile.

In the afternoon, visit the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious sanctuary ever built in ancient Egypt. Constructed and expanded over nearly two thousand years by successive pharaohs, Karnak is a masterpiece of monumental architecture, featuring towering columns, sacred avenues, colossal statues, and intricately carved hieroglyphs that reveal the grandeur of one of history’s greatest civilizations.

After breakfast, discover the legendary West Bank of Luxor, home to the ancient Theban Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often regarded as the world’s greatest open-air museum. This remarkable landscape served as the royal burial ground of Egypt’s New Kingdom pharaohs for nearly five centuries.

Explore the celebrated Valley of the Kings, where generations of rulers, including the famous Tutankhamun, were laid to rest in elaborately decorated tombs designed to ensure their journey into the afterlife. Continue to the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural masterpiece dramatically built into the limestone cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, before stopping at the towering Colossi of Memnon, the last surviving statues of Amenhotep III’s grand mortuary temple.

Your journey also includes visits to some of the necropolis’ most extraordinary tombs, including the beautifully preserved tomb of Queen Nefertari, renowned for its vibrant wall paintings, the tomb of Tutankhamun, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922, and the spectacular tomb of Seti I, considered one of the finest masterpieces of ancient Egyptian funerary art.

Continue your unforgettable Nile voyage with a visit to the magnificent Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god of kingship and protection, this remarkable sanctuary offers an exceptional glimpse into the religious beliefs and architectural brilliance of the Ptolemaic period.

Back on board, immerse yourself in Egyptian culture during an interactive cooking demonstration led by the ship’s talented chefs, where you’ll discover the flavors and traditions of authentic local cuisine. As the ship sails south along the tranquil waters of the Nile, relax on deck and admire the ever-changing riverside scenery.

Later, arrive at the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, dramatically situated on the riverbank. Unlike any other temple in Egypt, Kom Ombo is dedicated to two deities—Haroeris (Horus the Elder) and Sobek, the crocodile god associated with fertility and the Nile. Explore its remarkable twin design, intricate reliefs, and the fascinating Crocodile Museum, home to a collection of remarkably preserved crocodile mummies discovered in the surrounding area.

Day 7 | Aswan | Philae Temple & Felucca Experience

Arrive in the enchanting city of Aswan, renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, picturesque islands, and rich Nubian heritage. Begin the day by visiting the historic granite quarries, where ancient Egyptians extracted the massive stones used to construct many of the country’s greatest monuments. Here, you’ll see the remarkable Unfinished Obelisk, an enormous monolith that offers valuable insight into the engineering techniques of ancient craftsmen.

Next, travel by motorboat to the beautiful island of Agilkia to explore the magnificent Philae Temple, one of Egypt’s most captivating temples. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this UNESCO-listed sanctuary was carefully relocated stone by stone to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser following the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Its elegant colonnades, detailed carvings, and idyllic island setting make it one of the highlights of Upper Egypt.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful cruise aboard a traditional felucca, the iconic wooden sailing boat that has navigated the Nile for centuries. Glide around Aswan’s scenic islands while taking in breathtaking views of the river, golden sand dunes, lush palm groves, and traditional Nubian villages—an unforgettable and timeless Nile experience.

Early this morning, journey to one of Egypt’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures—Abu Simbel, the magnificent twin temples commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC. Carved directly into the sandstone cliffs overlooking Lake Nasser, these monumental temples stand as enduring symbols of ancient Egypt’s architectural brilliance and royal power.

Marvel at the colossal 20-meter (66-foot) statues of Ramses II that dominate the temple façade, while the neighboring temple, dedicated to his beloved wife Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor, remains one of the few ancient Egyptian temples built in honor of a queen. Learn the remarkable story of UNESCO’s international rescue project during the 1960s, when both temples were meticulously dismantled and relocated to higher ground to protect them from the rising waters created by the construction of the Aswan High Dam—one of the greatest archaeological preservation achievements in history.

Following your visit, return to Aswan and board your domestic flight back to Cairo, where the remainder of the evening is yours to relax at your luxury hotel.

After breakfast, visit the remarkable Saqqara Necropolis, one of Egypt’s most significant archaeological sites and the birthplace of pyramid construction. Explore the iconic Step Pyramid of King Djoser, designed by the renowned architect Imhotep around 2630 BC, making it the world’s oldest monumental stone building and the earliest prototype of the later pyramids at Giza. Wander through this vast ancient burial ground, home to numerous pyramids, beautifully decorated tombs, and fascinating monuments spanning thousands of years of Egyptian history.

Following lunch, personalize your experience by choosing one of three carefully curated excursions:

• Coptic Cairo – Discover the spiritual heart of Christian Egypt, including the historic Hanging Church, the Church of St. Barbara, and the sacred site traditionally believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their journey through Egypt.
• Islamic Cairo – Stroll along the historic Al-Muizz Street, one of the oldest streets in Cairo, before exploring the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar, famous for its traditional crafts, spices, jewelry, and centuries-old atmosphere.
• National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) – Visit one of Egypt’s finest museums and admire the world-famous Royal Mummies Hall, where some of the country’s greatest pharaohs rest in an extraordinary modern exhibition.

This evening, gather for a memorable farewell dinner as you celebrate the unforgettable experiences and lasting memories created throughout your journey across Egypt.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time before your private transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departing flight.

As your luxury journey comes to an end, depart with unforgettable memories of Egypt’s timeless monuments, extraordinary history, and warm hospitality—a remarkable experience that will stay with you for years to come.