Overview
12-day Egypt journey with Cairo, pyramids, Nile cruise, Luxor, Aswan, and timeless ancient wonders.
Itinerary
The adventure begins! As soon as you land in the vibrant capital, you will be welcomed and transferred privately to your hotel. Enjoy this first drive as you watch the unique energy of Cairo pass by through the window.
- Check-in: Set down your luggage and soak in the local atmosphere.
- Rest: First night in Cairo to recharge before your historical immersion.
A day filled with wonder, between golden sands and age-old stones.
The Giza Plateau: Departure to visit the iconic Pyramids of Giza. Standing before these stone colossi, witnesses to the genius of ancient Egypt, time seems to stand still.
The Guardian of the Desert: Nearby, the Sphinx awaits you. With its lion’s body and human head, it majestically watches over the necropolis, symbolizing eternal strength and wisdom.
Local Flavors: A typical lunch break during the visit to discover Egyptian gastronomy.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): The journey continues in one of the largest archaeological museums in the world. This modern jewel, located at the foot of the pyramids, houses priceless treasures, including the complete fabulous treasure of Tutankhamun.
Return to the hotel for a second night in Cairo, your mind filled with grand images.
Lunch during the visit.
Overnight in a hotel.
This day takes you back to the roots of history, where the very first pyramid structures were born.
Saqqara and the Step Pyramid: Departure to the necropolis of Saqqara to discover the pyramid of King Djoser, the oldest in Egypt and the first monumental stone construction in history. It marks a major step in the evolution of ancient architecture.
Memphis, Legendary City: Visit Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, and immerse yourself in one of the most influential political and religious centers of antiquity.
The Mysteries of Dahshur: Exploration of the Bent Pyramid, built during the reign of Sneferu, illustrating a transitional stage toward the smooth-sided pyramid form, and discovery of the famous Red Pyramid, named after the distinctive color of its limestone.
Lunch during the day.
Overnight in a hotel to conclude this historical immersion.
Onward to Upper Egypt! A new chapter opens along the Nile.
Flight to Luxor: Transfer to Cairo train station for an overnight sleeper train to Luxor. Upon arrival, welcome and transfer to your cruise boat for check-in on board.
Life Along the Water: First lunch on board, lulled by the peaceful atmosphere of the river.
The Temple of Karnak: The afternoon is devoted to discovering the largest religious complex ever built: the Temple of Karnak. Built by the pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty, this monumental site reveals a forest of columns, obelisks, and sanctuaries dedicated to the Theban gods.
Magical Evening: Dinner and overnight on board, with the Nile as your witness.
Overnight on board.
Hot Air Balloon (Optional): At dawn, take off for a timeless experience. Flying over the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Nobles, and the majestic Temple of Hatshepsut, you will admire the sunrise over one of the most beautiful panoramas in Egypt. A contemplative journey between the softness of green fields and the mystical aridity of the desert.
Immersion on the West Bank: The morning is devoted to Luxor’s western bank, a true sanctuary of eternity:
The Valley of the Kings: Dive into the heart of the royal necropolis of the New Kingdom. It is here, in this rocky valley, that the pharaohs rest in tombs adorned with still-vivid frescoes.
The Temple of Medinet Habu: Less well known but spectacular, this funerary temple built by Ramses III impresses with its deep reliefs and monumental walls that have stood the test of time.
The Colossi of Memnon: A photo stop is essential in front of these two giant stone sentinels, once guarding the entrance of the temple of Amenhotep III.
After these emotionally rich discoveries, return on board to settle back into your cabin. The ship sets sail toward Edfu. Enjoy the cruise while observing the peaceful life along the Nile’s banks.
Sailing to Edfu.
Overnight on board.
The Temple of Edfu – The Home of Horus: The day begins with the discovery of the spectacular Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus, the falcon god. Built from 237 BC under the reign of Ptolemy III, this masterpiece entirely constructed of sandstone is one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt. You will be struck by the perfect harmony of its architecture and the finesse of the reliefs decorating its imposing walls.
Sailing to Kom Ombo
The journey continues along the water. Enjoy the upper deck as you contemplate the changing landscapes of the Nile banks while sailing toward Kom Ombo. It is a privileged moment to relax to the rhythm of the river.
The Temple of Kom Ombo – A Unique Duality: In the afternoon, stop for an unusual visit: the double temple of Kom Ombo. Its uniqueness lies in its symmetrical design, dedicated to two opposite deities:
Sobek, the crocodile god, symbol of fertility and the power of the Nile.
Horus, the falcon god, representing celestial order.
This fascinating site overlooking the river offers a unique testimony to Egyptian spirituality.
Evening
The ship gently resumes its route as the sun sets.
Overnight on board.
The Temple of Philae – A Sanctuary on the Water: Departure to visit the superb Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Located on an island in the heart of the Nile, this sanctuary is the ultimate symbol of love, motherhood, and magic. Dating mainly from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, it offers an atmosphere of absolute serenity, between majestic colonnades and shimmering reflections on the water.
Afternoon – Optional Escapes: The afternoon is free for you to absorb the unique energy of the Aswan region through optional activities:
Nubian Village: A colorful immersion in the heart of a traditional Nubian village. Let yourself be charmed by the hospitality of the locals and the facades decorated with bright geometric patterns. (Optional)
Overnight on board.
The Odyssey to Abu Simbel (Optional): For early risers, an exceptional adventure begins at dawn. A 270 km journey through the desert to the south will lead you to one of humanity’s greatest masterpieces: the temples of Abu Simbel.
The Great Temple: Carved directly into the rock by Pharaoh Ramses II, it impresses with its colossal statues guarding the entrance for millennia.
The Small Temple: A finely crafted sanctuary dedicated to Queen Nefertari, the beloved wife of the pharaoh.
This site, rescued from the rising waters and rebuilt stone by stone, remains the most dazzling testimony to the power of ancient Egypt.
Gentleness on the Nile – Felucca Ride: In the afternoon, serenity awaits with a traditional felucca ride. Let the wind carry you around the islands of Aswan. Between granite rocks and the lush vegetation of the gardens, it is a moment of absolute relaxation to admire the landscapes of Upper Egypt.
A suspended moment
The journey continues with a gentle day of sailing. This is the perfect moment to let time stand still. Enjoy the sun on the upper deck, let yourself be lulled by the movement of the ship, and contemplate the wild nature lining the Nile’s shores. A pure moment of relaxation before returning to the excitement of the great historical sites.
Overnight on board.
The Majestic Temple of Luxor: Today marks our return to Luxor. Located in the heart of the modern city, Luxor Temple offers a striking contrast between yesterday and today.
Built in honor of the Theban Triad—Amun, Mut, and Khonsu—this sanctuary is an architectural marvel. Let yourself be impressed by:
its monumental columns stretching toward the sky,
its colossal statues of pharaohs guarding the entrance,
its magnificent obelisks, symbols of solar power.
At nightfall, the temple is illuminated, revealing the full delicacy of its reliefs and creating an unforgettable mystical atmosphere.
Overnight on board.
Toward the capital
The day begins with a domestic flight from Luxor to Cairo. Upon arrival, you will be plunged into the energy and thousand-year history of Egypt’s capital.
The Citadel of Saladin – A Balcony Over the City: Discovery of the impressive Citadel of Saladin, a medieval fortress built in the 12th century to protect the city from invasions.
Defensive Architecture: Admire its massive walls and impressive bastions dominating the city.
Sacred Heritage: The site houses magnificent mosques, masterpieces of Islamic art.
Unique Panorama: Enjoy a spectacular 360° view over all of Cairo, offering a striking contrast between modernity and ancient remains.
Stroll Through Old Cairo
After a lunch with local flavors, the afternoon continues in one of the city’s most iconic places:
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar: A true labyrinth of colors and scents, this historic market is the ideal place to soak up the Egyptian atmosphere. Between stalls of spices, handicrafts, and jewelry, let yourself be carried away by the energy of this timeless place.
Evening
Check-in and well-deserved rest after a day rich in contrasts.
Overnight at the hotel.
All good things come to an end. After a final look at the Egyptian landscapes, you will enjoy a private transfer to Cairo Airport for your return flight, taking home unforgettable memories.
Included & Excluded
Included
- Private airport transfer on arrival in Cairo
- Hotel accommodation in Cairo
- Sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor
- Nile cruise accommodation on board
- Domestic flight from Luxor to Cairo
- Private transfers during the trip
- All meals during the program
- Lunch during Cairo visits
- Lunch on board the cruise
- French-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the program
Excluded
- Drinks during meals
- Entry inside certain pyramids
- Entry to Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings
- Visa fees
- Airport service fees
- Tips for hotels, drivers, and cruise crew
- Tips for the guide during visits
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