10-day Egypt Nile Cruise and Desert Safari Tour

On the second day, following a delightful breakfast, your tour guide will accompany you to explore the epitomes of ancient Egyptian culture, showcasing some of Egypt's most renowned tourist attractions, including:

The Egyptian Pyramids of Giza
Dating back over 4,000 years, the Giza pyramid complex stands as a testament to ancient Egypt's grandeur. This complex encompasses the iconic Great Sphinx, the timeless Valley of Temple, and six smaller pyramids alongside the three main ones.

The Great Pyramid of Giza
This Pyramid is a marvel of ancient engineering, which stands as the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Great Pyramid was constructed around 2580 BC using 2.3 million limestone blocks, each weighing 2.5 tonnes, it reigned as the world's tallest structure for an astounding 3,800 years. Its intricate interior design and enigmatic origins continue to intrigue visitors to this day.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is also known as Abu al-Hawl, meaning "The Father of Terror" in Arabic. The Great Sphinx symbolizes strength and intelligence and is believed to represent King Khafre. This statue was carved from a single massive limestone block, and it stands 73 meters (240 feet) tall and 19 meters (60 feet) wide.

The Valley Temple
This valley is located within the pyramid complex and served as a site for the mummification process during the Old Kingdom of Egypt (2686-2134 BC). Its remarkably preserved structure offers valuable insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices and mummification techniques.

Following a delightful lunch at a café overlooking the pyramids, your guide will lead you on an enchanting exploration, including:

A visit to the Egyptian Museum, where you'll delve deeper into the country's rich history.
Exploration of Cairo's Old City, particularly Khan El Khalili, a bustling bazaar teeming with souvenir shops, cafes, and traditional shisha bars.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel to explore some of the most captivating sites in ancient Cairo, including:

The Hanging Church
Also known as the Virgin Mary's Holy Church, the Hanging Church stands as a testament to Egypt's rich Coptic heritage. Dating back to the fifth century AD, this architectural marvel was constructed atop the southern wall of the Roman fortress of Babylon and served as a sanctuary for the Holy Family. With its blend of architectural styles spanning from the seventh to twelfth centuries, the church stands 30 feet tall, boasting awe-inspiring beauty both inside and out.

The Mosque of Amr Ibn Al Aas
This Mosque was built in 641 AD, the Mosque of Amr Ibn Al Aas holds significant historical importance as one of Egypt's earliest Islamic landmarks. This Mosque is a symbol of Egypt's Islamic heritage, which has undergone several renovations throughout its existence, showcasing the evolution of Islamic architecture over the centuries.

The Ben Ezra Synagogue
Dating back to the 19th century, the Ben Ezra Synagogue is a remarkable testament to Egypt's diverse religious history. Originally a church until its conversion in 882 AD, the synagogue boasts stunning architectural features and intricate Jewish decorations that have stood the test of time.

Exploration of Khan El Khalili Market
This Market was established around 970 AD, Khan El Khalili Bazaar remains a vibrant hub of commerce and culture to this day. This Market was known as the "Golden Brick Road" of the Middle East, this historic market offers a glimpse into a bygone era with its array of shops, cafes, and traditional Islamic architecture. Take a stroll through the maze-like alleys adorned with magnificent ornamentation before pausing for a delightful lunch at a nearby eatery.

Afterward, you'll be transported to a luxurious five-star hotel in Cairo for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, your Cairo hotel will be the starting point for your journey, where our tour guide will pick you up. You'll then be driven to the airport for a direct flight to Luxor, where you'll begin your Nile cruise adventure. First, we'll visit:

The Karnak Temple
Known as "Ipet-isu" (The Most Selected of Places) and later as "Pr-Imn" (House of Amon), the Karnak temple holds significance as the epicenter of ancient Egyptian religion. For over 1,500 years, it served as a principal place of worship for various gods, including Osiris, Ptah, and Isis, with the Theban triad—comprising God Amun, Goddess of Justice Mut, and their son taking center stage.

After lunch, you'll return to the Nile Cruise, followed by an afternoon and evening of exploration, including:

Luxor Temple, Every night, Luxor Temple witnesses a breathtaking lunar phenomenon as the moon casts its glow upon the structure, revealing its timeless allure and mystique. Erected in 1400 BCE during the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, the temple, known as "Ipetresyet" (southern sanctuary), showcases exquisite pillar designs and intricate ornamentation, especially enchanting under the night sky. Dedicated to Amun, a pivotal figure in the Theban Triad symbolizing regal authority's return.

Afterwards, you'll return to your ship to spend the night.

After breakfast on the boat, join your tour guide for a journey to Luxor's most remarkable attractions, including:

The Valley of the Kings
Serving as the final resting place for Egypt's most illustrious kings and queens from the New Kingdom period (1570-1070 BC), the Valley of the Kings boasts 63 tombs, including those of Pharaohs Rameses (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X), Amenhotep I, Hatshepsut, and Tutankhamun. Tutankhamun's tomb, in particular, receives a high influx of visitors, second only to Ramses the Great. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the valley stands as a testament to Egypt's ancient glory.

The Temple of Hatshepsut
Honoring one of ancient Egypt's most renowned rulers, Queen Hatshepsut, The Temple of Hatshepsu, also known as Djeser-Djeseru ("Holy of Holies"), stands as a remarkable architectural marvel. Constructed over 15 years beginning in 1479 BC, the temple pays homage to Hatshepsut's legacy and the deity Amun. Its stunning Classical Architecture houses an impressive collection of artifacts and sculptures, showcasing the grandeur of the New Kingdom era.

The Colossi of memnon, These imposing statues, each weighing 720 tonnes and crafted from quartzite sandstone, depict Pharaoh Amenhotep III (1386-1350 BC). Initially damaged by a significant earthquake in 27 BC, the colossi were later reconstructed in 199 AD. Renowned throughout the Greco-Roman Empire, the statues garnered fame for the "Vocal Memnon" phenomenon, a natural occurrence where the wind produces sounds as it passes through the monument at dawn. Afterward, you'll return to your cruise for lunch and spend the remainder of the day onboard.

After breakfast, your journey will begin as you get set to visit one of Egypt's most spectacular temples, which is:: The Kom Ombo Temple , which means "Golden Hill," was built between 205 and 180 BC, under the reign of Ptolemy V. Sobek, the crocodile god and patron of fertility, and Horus, the falcon sky god and defender of kings and queens, are each shown in two distinct but remarkably similar areas of the temple.
One of the final temples constructed during the Ptolemaic period, which lasted from 237 BC to 57 BC, to serve as the recognised temple of the sky god Horus, was the Edfu Temple. From 237 BC to 57 BC, it was one of the last temples ever built for the sky god Horus to act as his official house of worship. According to the Osiris Myth, it was constructed on the same site where Horus and the wicked deity Set engaged in combat. The Edfu Temple's interior and exterior

The following are a some of Aswan's most magnificent tourist sites that we'll examine:

high Dam

The High Dam is a testimony to Egypt's persistent drive and ingenuity. It was built in cooperation with the Hydro Project Institute in Moscow between 1960 and 1970 to better manage Nile floods, generate hydroelectricity, and increase water storage for agriculture.

Obelisk Completed
At the entrance to the Karnak temple, Queen Hatshepsut erected the incomplete obelisk known as "Tekhenu," which means "to pierce the sky" (1508-1458 BC). It demonstrates how obelisks were created because they would have weighed 1200 tonnes and stood 42 metres tall if they hadn't been destroyed during construction. Unfortunately, the obelisk was harmed during building and is still there.

Temple of Philae
In the well-known "Myth of Isis & Osiris," Set, the brother of the desert deity Osiris, brutally murders Isis' husband "Osiris" in retribution. After Hours the falcon sky God, the son of Isis & Osiris, overcomes Set to inaugurate in a new period of prosperity and justice, which is remembered at Philea Temple, Osiris is then revived from the dead to govern the underworld. In the 1960s, the temple was moved to the island of Agilkia as part of a rescue operation coordinated by UNESCO.

After lunch, you'll head back to the Nile Cruise before moving on to Aswan, the city of the eternal light.

After collecting your breakfast boxes, you'll rendezvous with your tour guide and embark on an early journey southwest to Aswan, where you'll discover:

The temples of Abu Simbel, Constructed by Ramses the Great during his reign (1279-1213 BCE), the Abu Simbel temple, also known as the "Temple of Ramesses, Beloved by Amun," stands proudly on the southern frontier, guarding the gates of heaven. This architectural marvel has captivated visitors for centuries.

Each year, between February 22 and October 22, the sun festival illuminates the seated statues of Ramses II, Ptah (the God of Creation), Amun (the Creator God), and Ra (the Solar God). Additionally, a smaller temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari, Ramses II's beloved wife, can be found nearby. The temple complex underwent a remarkable rescue operation led by UNESCO in the 1960s.

Afterward, you'll return to Aswan, where you can opt for a relaxing Nile cruise for the night.

In the morning, after enjoying breakfast, please ensure you've checked out before we pick you up for your return trip to Cairo. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your tour guide who will escort you to your hotel.

Our representative will pick you up from your Cairo hotel and transport you comfortably in a private van for the 105-kilometer journey southwest to Fayoum. Upon arrival at the arid Fayoum Oasis, you'll visit Quaroun Lake to observe the diverse birdlife. Explore the fascinating collection of sculptures and Roman portraits at the Fayoum Museum, offering insights into the ancient city of Karanis.

Next, venture to the Wadi Al Rayan Waterfalls in the western desert. This natural depression, situated 42 meters below sea level, boasts two lakes that form the only waterfalls in Egypt. Established in 1970 due to the overflow of drainage water from the Fayoum farmlands, Wadi Rayan offers opportunities for sandboarding. Enjoy a late lunch at a prestigious dining establishment before concluding your excursion with a transfer back to Cairo.

One of our representatives will pick you up from your hotel in Cairo. On the last day of your 10-day cultural tour, enjoy a farewell breakfast before heading to Cairo airport for your flight back home. We welcome any suggestions you may have regarding the itinerary order to better accommodate your preferences.