13 Days Tour to Cairo and Alexandria and Nile Cruise and Bahariya Oasis

Welcome to Egypt

Your journey begins as you land in Cairo, the bustling capital of Egypt—a city where ancient history meets modern life. Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, our friendly representative will warmly greet you and assist you through airport procedures. You will then be escorted to your hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. During the transfer, take in the lively streets, colorful markets, and the first glimpses of the Nile that has nurtured Egypt for millennia.

Once at your hotel, check in and take some time to relax, refresh, and settle into your surroundings. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a gentle walk nearby to feel the pulse of Cairo or simply unwind at your hotel. Tonight, rest well to prepare for the adventures ahead.

Overnight in Cairo

Meals: No Meals

After a nourishing breakfast, get ready to embark on your first full day of exploration. Today, you will visit some of the most iconic symbols of ancient Egypt that have fascinated travelers for centuries.

Giza Pyramids:

Your journey begins at the legendary Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Standing tall for over 4,500 years, these awe-inspiring structures showcase the remarkable engineering prowess of ancient Egyptians. Walk around these majestic pyramids and imagine the lives of the pharaohs buried within them, their tombs filled with treasures and artifacts meant for the afterlife.

The Great Sphinx:

Next, encounter the enigmatic Sphinx, a colossal limestone statue with a lion’s body and human head, guarding the pyramids for millennia. Learn fascinating stories about its construction, its symbolism, and the mysteries that still surround it today.

Lunch:

Pause for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Egyptian flavors.

Saqqara:

After lunch, travel to Saqqara, the vast necropolis where Egypt’s earliest monumental architecture can be found. Marvel at the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s first stone pyramid, and wander through ancient tombs and chapels adorned with remarkable carvings depicting early Egyptian life and rituals.

Memphis:

Conclude the day in Memphis, the once-glorious capital of the Old Kingdom. Explore its open-air museum, featuring colossal statues, sphinxes, and ancient artifacts that paint a vivid picture of the city’s significance in Egypt’s early history.

Return to your hotel in Cairo for an evening of rest.

Overnight: Cairo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After your delicious breakfast at your hotel, our representative will meet you and accompany you in a private air-conditioned vehicle to visit:

National Museum of Egyptian Civilization:

After breakfast, your guide will take you to this world-class museum. Here, you’ll explore Egypt’s history from prehistoric times to modern days, with artifacts ranging from delicate jewelry to ceremonial tools. Don’t miss the Royal Mummies Hall, where the preserved remains of ancient pharaohs tell stories of power, tradition, and spirituality.

Lunch:

Enjoy a meal at a nearby restaurant featuring local specialties.

Cairo Citadel & Mohamed Ali Mosque:

Step back into medieval Cairo at the Saladin Citadel, once the seat of power for Egyptian rulers. Stroll through massive courtyards and admire panoramic views of the city. Within the Citadel, visit the majestic Mohamed Ali Mosque, known as the Alabaster Mosque for its grand design and elegant interiors. Marvel at the Ottoman-style domes, sparkling chandeliers, and the serenity of the prayer hall.

Khan El Khalili Bazaar:

End the day at Cairo’s most famous market. Wander through labyrinthine alleyways filled with colorful spices, handmade crafts, jewelry, and traditional cafés. The bustling energy offers a true taste of local life and culture.

Return to your hotel to rest.

Overnight: Cairo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Alexandria, the legendary Mediterranean port city. Known for its blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman heritage, Alexandria offers a fascinating journey through history.

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa:

Descend into the catacombs, a remarkable underground necropolis blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman styles. Explore intricately decorated chambers and see how ancient cultures converged in their burial practices.

Pompey’s Pillar:

Marvel at this massive Roman column made of red Aswan granite, rising over 25 meters. Learn its history, and why it commemorates Emperor Diocletian, not the Roman general Pompey as the name suggests.

Lunch:

Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean.

Qaitbay Citadel:

Visit the fortress built on the site of the famous Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Its strategic position offers panoramic sea views and a glimpse into Alexandria’s maritime history.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina:

Conclude your day at this modern architectural marvel, honoring the legendary Library of Alexandria. With millions of books and fascinating exhibitions, it is a symbol of knowledge and history.

Return to Cairo in the evening.

Overnight: Cairo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport for a domestic flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, start exploring the East Bank.

Karnak Temple:

Step into one of the largest temple complexes ever built, dedicated to Amun-Ra. Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall, with 134 colossal columns adorned with intricate hieroglyphs, and learn about the complex’s centuries-long construction.

Luxor Temple:

Visit the temple dedicated to Amun, with its impressive pylons, statues, and the famous Avenue of Sphinxes that links it to Karnak. Explore its sacred halls and imagine the grand festivals that once took place here.

Return to your Nile cruise for lunch, relaxation, and a delightful dinner onboard.

Overnight: Luxor Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast on board, your guide will take you to the West Bank of Luxor, rich with ancient monuments.

Valley of the Kings:

Explore the burial grounds of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. Admire the vivid tomb paintings and hieroglyphs that depict their journey to the afterlife.

Hatshepsut Temple:

Discover the mortuary temple of Egypt’s most famous female pharaoh. Its terraced architecture and detailed reliefs highlight Hatshepsut’s reign and legacy.

Colossi of Memnon:

See these imposing statues of Amenhotep III, standing as silent guardians of the Nile for millennia.

Return to the cruise for lunch, relax, and enjoy the evening Galabia party with dinner.

Overnight: Luxor Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, continue your exploration of the Nile Valley’s ancient temples.

Temple of Edfu:

Dedicated to Horus, this well-preserved temple features grand columns, exquisite reliefs, and a towering entrance. Learn about its religious significance and daily rituals in ancient times.

Kom Ombo Temple:

A unique double temple honoring Horus and Sobek, the crocodile god. Admire the twin sanctuaries, symmetrical halls, and intricate carvings, which provide insight into dual religious worship in ancient Egypt.

Return to the cruise for lunch, sail to Aswan, and enjoy an evening Galabia show with dinner.

Overnight: Luxor Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast on board, begin your exploration of Aswan, a picturesque city on the Nile, known for its serene beauty and ancient treasures. Today combines engineering marvels, majestic temples, and fascinating ancient history.

Aswan High Dam:

Start with the Aswan High Dam, one of the largest dams in the world. Constructed in the 1960s, it controls the Nile’s flooding, provides hydroelectric power, and transformed the surrounding region. Learn about its engineering feat and its vital role in modern Egypt.

Philae Temple:

Visit the stunning Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Located on Agilkia Island, this temple is renowned for its beautifully preserved reliefs, towering columns, and serene setting surrounded by the Nile’s blue waters.

Unfinished Obelisk:

See the massive Unfinished Obelisk, intended to be the largest of its kind. Left in its quarry due to a crack, it offers an extraordinary glimpse into ancient Egyptian stone-carving techniques.

Return to the cruise for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon as the boat sails towards your next destination. In the evening, a Galabia show with dinner provides entertainment under the starry Egyptian sky.

Overnight: Nile Cruise, Aswan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a highlight of your Egyptian adventure—an excursion to the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel temples.

Abu Simbel Temples:

Early in the morning, you will depart for Abu Simbel by private air-conditioned vehicle or optional flight. The twin temples, constructed by Ramses II, honor himself and his queen, Nefertari. Admire the colossal statues, intricate carvings, and the temples’ relocation to higher ground during the 1960s to avoid flooding from the Aswan High Dam. Your guide will share stories of the pharaohs, their devotion to the gods, and the architectural genius involved.

Lunch:

Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant nearby.

After lunch, transfer to Abu Simbel Airport or Aswan Airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your hotel to rest or enjoy a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Cairo

Meals: Breakfast (Box), Lunch

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a completely free day in Cairo. This is your chance to relax, explore at your own pace, or revisit favorite spots in the city. Optional activities include:

• A relaxing Nile dinner cruise
• Visiting Coptic Cairo for ancient churches
• Exploring local markets and cafes

Spend your evening at leisure in Cairo, enjoying the city’s vibrant culture.

Overnight: Cairo

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, prepare for an extraordinary journey to Egypt’s Western Desert.

Bahariya Oasis:

Travel to the Bahariya Oasis, a lush and tranquil retreat surrounded by golden sands. Explore its green palm groves, hot springs, and natural beauty—a perfect introduction to the desert’s contrast with life along the Nile.

Black Desert:

Marvel at the Black Desert, with its dramatic black volcanic rock formations contrasting sharply against golden dunes. Walk among these natural sculptures and imagine the forces of nature that created them over millions of years.

Lunch:

Enjoy lunch at a local oasis restaurant.

White Desert:

Conclude the day in the ethereal White Desert, famous for its surreal chalk rock formations sculpted by wind and sand. The dazzling white landscape against the clear blue sky creates a dream-like setting perfect for photography and reflection.

Spend the night at a desert camp, enjoying dinner under a star-filled sky and the peaceful desert silence.

Overnight: White Desert Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast at the camp, continue your exploration of the Bahariya region.

Golden Mummies Museum:

Visit the museum housing well-preserved mummies from the Greco-Roman era. Explore intricately decorated sarcophagi and artifacts, providing insights into ancient funerary traditions and cultural life.

Crystal Mountains:

Discover the sparkling Crystal Mountains, geological formations adorned with crystal rocks that glitter in sunlight. Hike or photograph this unique natural wonder, surrounded by desert landscapes.

Lunch:

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

English Mountain:

Visit the English Mountain, a remote desert peak offering breathtaking panoramic views. Its serene setting and golden sands create a perfect spot for reflection and adventure before departing.

Return to Cairo in a private air-conditioned vehicle. Evening at leisure to relax or explore the city one last time.

Overnight: Cairo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After a final breakfast at your hotel, our representative will escort you to Cairo International Airport in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Depart with unforgettable memories of your 13-day Egyptian adventure, from the Pyramids of Giza to the stunning Nile, desert landscapes, and ancient temples.

Meals: Breakfast