As many flights may have arrived very late the night before, this is a free day at the incredible St Regis Cairo to rest, relax, and enjoy the luxurious hotel amenities. 

In the evening, we will meet for a welcome dinner with an introduction to your guide, meet your host Christina, and get to know each other over some Middle Eastern cuisine! Welcome to Egypt!

Hotel: The St. Regis Cairo

Today, roam the Giza Plateau, site of the pyramids of Mycerinus and Chephren as well as the Great Pyramid, built in the Fourth Dynasty (approximately 2690 BC). Take a Camel ride and revel in the opportunity to enter the interior of one of these legendary structures, and marvel at the massive stones used to construct them. Enjoy time to view the Great Sphinx backdropped by the pyramids, a setting that has captured the imaginations of adventurers for centuries.

Afterwards, we will unearth more secrets of Ancient Egypt with a visit to the Egyptian Museum. This world-renowned museum is home to the largest collection of jewels, relics and statues from the golden age of the pharaohs. 

Dinner this evening is a fun night at Al-Khal in City Stars / Intercontinental Hotel for shisha & Belly Dancers!

Hotel: The St. Regis Cairo

Today we are heading off to one of the most famous sightseeing stops of Islamic and Coptic Cairo. Visit the Citadel of Salah al-Din and El Moez Street to admire the architectural beauty of Islamic tradition. Next, we'll drive toward Old Cairo's main attractions, including the Hanging Church, also referred to as Al-Muallaqa Church. 

Later we will visit the old market and Bazaar of Cairo called Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Prepare to be amazed by the local, handmade items. 

This evening we will transfer to the airport for a short flight to Aswan, situated on the Nile River and known for its great importance to the Ancient Egyptian civilization.

The day will start with a 4am departure and a 3 hour drive to Abu Simbel, the site of two temples built by the Egyptian king Ramses II. (It's worth it!!!)

We will discover the commanding twin temples of Ramses II and his wife, Queen Nefertari. The former’s façade is dominated by four 70-foot-tall statues of the pharaoh. Perhaps even more impressive, this entire site was disassembled and moved here to save it from the floodwaters caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. 

After visiting the site for a few hours, we will then drive 3 hours back to Aswan to stop for lunch and then relax at the hotel. 

This is typically enough for one day, but if the group feels rested, perhaps the Nubian Village can be done this evening. If not, we will plan on Philae Temple & the Nubian Village for the next morning. 

Hotel: Mövenpick Resort Aswan

This morning, we will board a motorized boat to picturesque Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. A sacred complex dedicated to the goddess Isis, it reflects a fusion of three great civilizations: Egyptian, Greek and Roman. 

We will also visit a colorful Nubian Village which is a treasury of some of Egypt’s oldest ancient ruins. Residents of the villages are known to be extremely friendly and hospitable. They have their own customs and traditions, and speak their own language called Nuba. 

In the afternoon after lunch we will depart for a 3 hour drive to Luxor. 

Hotel: Luxor Hilton Resort & Spa

Begin your full day with an Optional Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride. Luxor is the world’s largest open-air museum, home to iconic temples and other well-known attractions and there's nothing better than a hot air balloon ride over this beautiful city. 

This morning, we'll visit the striking Temple of Luxor. View the three large statues of Ramses II along the front of the temple pylons, the Courtyard of Ramses II and the Colonnade of Amenhotep III, with its 50-foot-high columns. Walk in their shadows, as visitors have done since antiquity, and ponder the astonishing feats of engineering it took to create them.

We will explore the Temple of Karnak, where generations of pharaohs wished to record their names. Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall, strolling among its expertly aligned columns, which soar 80 feet high.

Hotel: Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa

Journey to the west bank of the Nile river and the Necropolis of Thebes, and view the Colossi of Memnon. Continue to the architecturally stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt’s first female pharaoh and regarded today as one of its most successful. 

Carry on to the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of the pharaohs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a period of 500 years beginning in the 16th century BC, tombs were built along this valley for pharaohs and nobles, including that of “the boy king,” Tutankhamun. Enter the tomb of Tutankhamun — found in 1922 by British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter — to discover the secrets of this storied chamber. Next, descend into the beautifully decorated tomb of Seti I, the father of Ramses II, one of the best-preserved tombs in the valley. Continue to the Valley of the Queens, enjoying access to Queen Nefertari’s tomb, famous for the colorful artwork that adorns its walls. 

This evening, we will bid farewell as our last night together as a group and set sail during sunset on a Felucca (traditional sailboat) along the Nile.  

Hotel: Luxor Hilton Resort & Spa

Today, we will check out of our hotel in Luxor and have a private airport transfer to Luxor Airport with a flight to Cairo included. 

Once in Cairo, you can connect for your international departure to return home or continue your adventure to another country!

Subject to availability at the time of booking. The optional group trip extension includes the flight to Sharm, a shared group airport transfer to the Four Seasons, 3 nights at the Four Seasons in a Deluxe Sea View Room, and a final airport transfer to Sharm el Sheikh Airport for International Departure. 

The optional extension comes to +$2,299 per person. 

(The flight back to Cairo is not included, but can be added on for any guests who need it, we'll be happy to assist. The average flight fee for this is around $150 USD). 

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh