The Best of Egypt with Hurghada – 12 Days Luxury Journey

After breakfast, meet your private Egyptologist guide and driver for a full-day exploration of ancient Egypt’s most recognisable monuments.
Begin at the legendary Giza Plateau, home to the three principal pyramids built for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. Stand before the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest pyramid at Giza and the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. Your guide will explain the historical setting, engineering methods and royal burial traditions associated with the pyramid complex.
Continue to the Pyramid of Khafre, which appears taller than the Great Pyramid because it was constructed on slightly higher ground. Today’s programme includes the memorable experience of entering the Pyramid of Khafre and walking through its interior passageways, offering a closer look at the scale and design of an ancient royal tomb.
Proceed to the smaller Pyramid of Menkaure and then travel to the panoramic viewpoint, where the three principal pyramids can be admired together against the desert landscape.
Continue to the iconic Great Sphinx, the monumental limestone guardian with the body of a lion and the head of a king. Learn about its possible symbolism, its relationship to the Pyramid of Khafre and the mysteries that have surrounded it for thousands of years.
Enjoy lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Giza Plateau, combining Egyptian cuisine with uninterrupted views of the pyramids.
After lunch, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, an impressive modern institution devoted to Egypt’s ancient civilisation. Explore a selection of monumental statues, royal objects, ceremonial pieces and archaeological treasures while your guide explains their historical significance.
Following the museum visit, return privately to your hotel. In the evening, dine at one of the hotel’s restaurants at your own pace.

After breakfast, check out from your Cairo hotel and meet your driver and English-speaking representative for a private transfer to Cairo International Airport.
Board your direct domestic flight to Aswan, with an approximate flying time of 1 hour and 30 minutes. Regional-flight baggage restrictions apply, so travellers should follow the confirmed airline allowance for checked and cabin luggage.
Upon arrival at Aswan International Airport, meet the local representative and continue by private vehicle to your accommodation.
Later, begin a peaceful exploration of the Nile aboard a traditional Egyptian felucca. Sail across the river toward historic Elephantine Island, enjoying views of rocky riverbanks, ancient ruins and the contrasting desert and greenery of Aswan.
Elephantine Island once formed an important natural boundary between Egypt and Nubia and served as a major trading centre, particularly for ivory and goods arriving from the south.
Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, explore the archaeological remains of the island and visit the Temple of Khnum, dedicated to the ram-headed creator god associated with the Nile and its life-giving waters.
Continue to the island’s ancient Nilometer, one of Egypt’s historically important instruments used to measure the Nile’s water level. These measurements helped officials anticipate the strength of the annual flood and estimate agricultural productivity and taxation.
Learn about Elephantine Island’s role in trade, religion and river management before returning to the felucca. Sail back across the Nile and transfer to your hotel.
Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Aswan.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and meet your private Egyptologist guide for a half-day exploration of Aswan.
Your first stop is the impressive Aswan High Dam, one of the twentieth century's most significant engineering achievements. Constructed to regulate the annual flooding of the Nile, the dam transformed Egypt's agriculture, secured water supplies, and created the vast Lake Nasser, the world's largest artificial lake. During your visit, your guide will explain the dam's construction, its impact on Egypt's economy, and the extraordinary UNESCO-led rescue mission that relocated several ancient monuments threatened by the rising waters.
Continue to Agilkia Island by motorboat to explore the magnificent Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Beautifully relocated stone by stone to save it from flooding, this elegant temple features impressive pylons, graceful colonnades, intricate hieroglyphics, and beautifully preserved sanctuaries that showcase the artistry of ancient Egyptian architecture.
Next, visit the nearby granite quarries to see the famous Unfinished Obelisk. Still attached to the bedrock, this enormous monument offers a fascinating insight into the techniques used by ancient craftsmen. Visible tool marks and cracks reveal why construction was abandoned, providing a rare opportunity to understand how these giant monuments were created.
Following your sightseeing, transfer to your luxury Nile Cruise and complete the embarkation formalities. Settle into your elegantly appointed cabin before enjoying lunch onboard as your cruise prepares to sail through one of the world's most historic waterways.
Spend the evening relaxing on deck while admiring the tranquil scenery of the Nile.

Wake up to a beautiful sunrise over the Nile and enjoy breakfast onboard as your cruise continues northward.
Your first excursion takes you to the remarkable Temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely designed as a double temple dedicated to two different gods. One side honours Sobek, the crocodile god associated with fertility and the Nile, while the other is dedicated to Haroeris (Horus the Elder), the falcon-headed god of protection. Admire the temple's symmetrical layout, beautifully carved reliefs and fascinating inscriptions while learning about the religious beliefs of ancient Egypt.
Return to your cruise and continue sailing through the peaceful Nile Valley, passing picturesque villages, fertile farmland and palm-lined riverbanks.
Later, arrive at Edfu, home to the magnificent Temple of Horus. This exceptionally well-preserved sanctuary is regarded as one of Egypt's finest surviving temples and provides an outstanding example of Ptolemaic architecture. Walk through its monumental gateway, explore its spacious courtyards and admire the beautifully decorated halls that tell the legendary story of Horus and Seth.
After completing your guided tour, return to the cruise and continue your relaxing journey toward Luxor while enjoying dinner onboard

After breakfast, begin a fascinating exploration of Luxor's remarkable archaeological treasures.
Your first visit is to the beautifully decorated Tombs of the Nobles, where colourful wall paintings reveal scenes from the daily lives of influential officials who served Egypt's pharaohs. These tombs provide a unique perspective on ancient Egyptian society beyond the royal family.
Continue to Deir El-Medina, the ancient village that once housed the highly skilled artisans responsible for constructing and decorating the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Explore the remarkably preserved settlement while learning about the lives, traditions and craftsmanship of these talented workers.
Next, visit the magnificent Medinet Habu Temple, the impressive mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramses III. Often overlooked by visitors, this vast complex is celebrated for its towering gateways, beautifully preserved reliefs and detailed inscriptions depicting military victories and religious ceremonies.
Cross to Luxor's East Bank to discover the spectacular Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious complex ever built in ancient Egypt. Walk beneath towering columns in the famous Great Hypostyle Hall, admire gigantic obelisks and explore sacred lakes, temples and sanctuaries created by generations of pharaohs over nearly two thousand years.
Complete your day at the elegant Luxor Temple, beautifully positioned along the banks of the Nile. Famous for its monumental statues, graceful colonnades and rich history, the temple served as the setting for important royal ceremonies and religious festivals.
Return to your luxury cruise and enjoy another relaxing evening onboard.

After breakfast, meet your private Egyptologist guide and driver for a half-day tour of Luxor's famous West Bank, home to some of ancient Egypt's most remarkable archaeological sites.
Begin at the Valley of the Kings, where you'll visit the legendary Tomb of Tutankhamun, discovered nearly intact in 1922, along with two other beautifully decorated royal tombs from Egypt's New Kingdom. Learn about the fascinating history of the young pharaoh and admire the remarkably preserved hieroglyphics and wall paintings.
Continue to the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, an architectural masterpiece dedicated to one of Egypt's most successful and influential female pharaohs.
Next, explore the Valley of the Queens, the royal burial ground of the wives and children of the pharaohs during the 18th to 20th Dynasties, before stopping at the iconic Colossi of Memnon, the last surviving statues of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.
As a special experience, visit the recently reopened Tomb of Seti I, the longest, deepest and most elaborately decorated tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Closed to visitors for many years, it now offers a rare opportunity to admire one of Egypt's finest archaeological treasures.
In the evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner at the historic 1886 Restaurant in the Winter Palace Hotel. Savour elegant French cuisine in a candlelit setting with live guitar music, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

Enjoy breakfast before checking out from your Luxor Hotel.
Meet your private driver and begin a comfortable overland journey through the dramatic landscapes of Egypt's Eastern Desert, where rugged mountains gradually give way to the sparkling coastline of the Red Sea.
Upon arrival in Hurghada, continue to your luxury beachfront resort and complete the check-in formalities.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax beside the infinity pool, unwind on the private sandy beach, or simply soak up the tranquil atmosphere while admiring spectacular views across the Red Sea.
Guests wishing to indulge in additional luxury may choose a relaxing spa treatment or enjoy the resort's world-class dining experiences.

Wake up to stunning views of the Red Sea and enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the coastline.
Today has been intentionally left free, allowing you to enjoy the exceptional facilities of your beachfront resort.
Spend the day relaxing on pristine sandy beaches, swimming in the warm turquoise waters, or unwinding beside the pool with uninterrupted sea views.
For guests seeking adventure, Hurghada is internationally recognised for its colourful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Optional experiences can be arranged, including:
Snorkelling excursions
Scuba diving
Private yacht cruises
Glass-bottom boat tours
Deep-sea fishing
Windsurfing
Parasailing
Desert safari adventures
Alternatively, indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of one of Egypt's most exclusive beach destinations.
As evening falls, enjoy dinner at the resort while reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of your Egyptian journey.

Enjoy breakfast at your luxury resort before checking out.
At the scheduled time, meet your private driver for a comfortable transfer to Hurghada International Airport, where you'll board your domestic flight to Cairo. The flight takes approximately one hour, offering a convenient return to Egypt's bustling capital.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your local representative and privately transferred to your luxury hotel overlooking the Nile.
Later this evening, prepare for one of the most memorable experiences of your journey. Transfer to the riverside pier and board a beautifully decorated traditional oriental felucca for an exclusive private Nile dinner cruise.
As your boat glides gently along the world's longest river, admire Cairo's illuminated skyline, elegant bridges, historic landmarks and luxurious waterfront hotels reflecting across the calm waters.
During the cruise, your personal waiter will serve a carefully prepared three-course gourmet dinner, allowing you to savour authentic flavours while enjoying the magical atmosphere of Cairo by night. Traditional entertainment and live performances further enhance this unforgettable evening.
After completing your cruise, return privately to your hotel

Following breakfast, meet your private Egyptologist guide for a fascinating day exploring Egypt's rich history and vibrant culture.
Begin at the world-famous Egyptian Museum, home to one of the largest collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts ever assembled. Wander through galleries displaying royal statues, beautifully preserved sarcophagi, jewellery, monumental sculptures and priceless treasures that span thousands of years of civilisation.
Continue to the impressive National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), beautifully located beside Ain El-Seera Lake on the historic site of El-Fustat, Egypt's first Islamic capital.
Here, explore carefully curated exhibitions tracing Egypt's remarkable development from prehistoric settlements to the modern era. One of the highlights of your visit is the extraordinary Royal Mummies Hall, where some of Egypt's most famous rulers now rest in specially designed climate-controlled galleries.
Enjoy lunch at one of Cairo's finest local restaurants before continuing into the heart of Islamic Cairo.
Later, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of the oldest and most famous marketplaces in the Middle East. Wander through its maze of narrow alleyways lined with traditional workshops, jewellery stores, spice merchants, handicraft boutiques and historic cafés.
Continue your walk along the magnificent Al Moez Street, renowned for its beautifully preserved Islamic architecture, ancient mosques, historic gates and elegant medieval buildings that showcase Cairo's rich architectural heritage.
As evening approaches, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner at one of Cairo's celebrated traditional Egyptian restaurants located within the historic bazaar, offering an authentic culinary experience in a charming heritage setting.
Following dinner, return privately to your hotel

After enjoying your final breakfast in Egypt, complete the hotel check-out formalities.
At the scheduled time, meet your private driver and English-speaking representative for a comfortable transfer to Cairo International Airport.
Receive assistance with luggage and departure procedures before checking in for your international flight.
As your journey comes to an end, depart with unforgettable memories of the legendary Pyramids of Giza, the timeless River Nile, the magnificent temples of Upper Egypt, the fascinating museums of Cairo and the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea.
We hope to welcome you back to Egypt again for another remarkable journey.